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SEC Football Predictions Week 1: Picking Games Against the Spread

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Ricardo Louis (5) runs the ball against Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Vince Biegel (47) in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Auburn Tigers in overtime 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday September 5, 2014
  • Time: 3:30PM Eastern
  • Location: Atlanta, GA
  • TV Channel: CBS
  • Spread: Auburn -11
  • Over/Under Total: 56

One of the most intriguing Week 1 match-ups in all of college football is the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game between the Auburn Tigers and Louisville Cardinals in the Georgia Dome.

Auburn enters the 2015 season as one of the most hyped teams in the nation. Despite losing four consecutive games against FBS opponents at the end of the 2014 season, and despite returning one of the least experienced rosters in the SEC in terms of starters, the Tigers were selected as the favorite to capture the SEC Championship at SEC Media Days and are currently ranked No. 6 in the AP Top 25.

The biggest reason for such optimism is the offensive genius of head coach Gus Malzahn, who will have talented new quarterback Jeremy Johnson ready to light up the scoreboard with the help of receiver Duke Williams and running backs Roc Thomas and Jovon Robinson.

The second reason there is so much excitement surrounding the Tigers is the return of Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator. The former Florida head coach replaces Ellis Johnson as DC and is expected to lead a dramatic turnaround of a unit that was one of the SEC’s worst defenses last season. With defensive end Carl Lawson fully healthy and newcomers Tray Matthews, Blake Countess and Byron Cowart available to him, there is reason to believe Coach Boom can do it.

On the other sideline, the Louisville Cardinals enter the matchup poised for an upset. Love him or hate him (and odds are you hate him), head coach Bobby Petrino is a terrific coach and program builder. He led the Cards to a 9-4 record last year, and despite returning only nine starters this season and having a ton of uncertainty at the quarterback position, Louisville will contend in the ACC’s Atlantic Division.

Auburn is a big favorite, and that is to be expected given the buzz surrounding the Tigers in the preseason. However, season openers are always tricky, and Petrino is sure to have a few tricks up his sleeve. Plus, the first game for a new defensive coordinator – particularly when playing a quality opponent – can prove challenging as the team adapts to a new style of play-calling and communication.

Also, keep in mind that Auburn was just 3-6 against the spread as a favorite last season. Expect this one to be close, and slightly lower scoring than expected. Pick the Cards to cover, but Auburn to win.

Next: Bowling Green vs. Tennessee

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