Saturday Blitz
Fansided

SEC Football Predictions Week 1: Picking Games Against the Spread

By Nicholas Ian Allen

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 12
Next

Dec 29, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen (10) carries the ball against West Virginia Mountaineers linebacker Shaq Petteway (36) during the game in the 2014 Liberty Bowl at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Texas A&M Aggies beat West Virginia Mountaineers 45 – 37. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday September 5, 2014
  • Time: 7PM Eastern
  • Location: Houston, TX
  • TV Channel: ESPN
  • Spread: Texas A&M -3.5
  • Over/Under Total: 67

After beginning the 2014 season with a bang – an unexpected 52-28 victory over No. 9 South Carolina in Columbia – Texas A&M has a chance to make a Week 1 statement for the second year in a row.

With the strong start, the Aggies rose as high as No. 6 in the nation in the national polls last season, but stumbled through the middle of their schedule and finished 8-5. However, the team picked up some much-needed momentum with a 41-38 upset victory over No. 3 Auburn on the road and also beat West Virginia 45-37 in the Liberty Bowl. Looking ahead to Saturday’s matchup with Arizona State, the Aggies have another opportunity to make a splash in the season opener.

With a high-octane that led the SEC in passing last season – led by sophomore quarterback Kyle Allen and a deep and talented group of receivers – they certainly have the firepower to do it. A&M should also improve defensively thanks to the hiring of former LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis as the DC on head coach Kevin Sumlin’s staff.

Chavis’ first task will be a difficult one, however. The Sun Devils were 10-3 last season and averaged 36.9 points per game. Many see them as a contender in the Pac-12’s South Division, and some think Arizona State can win the conference and make it to the College Football Playoff (including ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who made his pick on the season opening edition of College GameDay).

This is one of the closest season opening games to call, and even though the game will be in the Lone Star State, it’s a bit surprising that A&M is favored to win. The Aggies just might pull it off, but it would be wise to bet on Arizona State.

Next: New Mexico State at Florida

Home/Alabama Crimson Tide