SEC Predictions: Picks against the spread for Week 7
Oct 3, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Peyton Barber (25) gets past San Jose State Spartans safety Jeremy Kelly (39) and scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Spartans 35-21. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Thursday October 15, 2015
- Time: 7PM Eastern
- Location: Lexington, KY
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Spread: Auburn -2
- Over/Under Total: 51.5
When this game showed up on the schedule, it looked like a trap game for Auburn, even when we thought the Tigers would be competing for the SEC Championship. A Thursday night road game against a conference opponent is always difficult, and now that Auburn is off to a disappointing 3-2 start, including an 0-2 mark in conference play (and 0-5 against the spread), and Kentucky is 4-1 with two wins against SEC opponents and the only loss a 14-9 decision to an undefeated highly ranked Florida squad, it’s actually kind of surprising that the Tigers are favored.
Both teams were off last Saturday to prepare for the weeknight kickoff, and both played non-conference opponents in the week prior. Kentucky narrowly survived in overtime against FCS Eastern Kentucky ad Auburn was less than dominant in a 35-21 victory over San Jose State.
It’s unclear who Auburn will start at quarterback Thursday in Lexington. Redshirt freshman Sean White has started each of the last two games for the Tigers and has completed 26 of 38 passes for 296 yards and an interception, but there have been rumblings that Jeremy Johnson, who started the first three games before being benched after tossing six picks, could make his way back into the starting lineup.
Either quarterback will have the benefit of running back Peyton Barber, who has emerged as the team’s most consistent player on offense. Barber has run for 558 yards and six touchdowns on 109 carries, and set career highs with 147 yards and five touchdowns on 28 carries against SJSU. Expect Auburn to rely heavily on Barber to grind out tough yardage and pick up a close victory.
Next: Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State