SEC Predictions Week 2: Picking Games Against the Spread
Sep 5, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Aaron Davis (35) reacts with linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) after intercepting a pass against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday September 12, 2014
- Time: 3:30PM Eastern
- Location: Nashville, TN
- TV Channel: CBS
- Spread: Georgia -21
- Over/Under Total: 56
Playing on Thursday night, Vanderbilt was one of the first teams to kick off the 2015 college football season. Vandy looked good on offense and outgained WKU 393-247, held a 20-11 edge in first downs, and even posted more passing yards than the Hilltoppers (217-204), but the Commodores weren’t quite ready to seize the opportunity to seal a victory. Vanderbilt lost the turnover battle 3-0, including two Johnny McCrary interceptions in the end zone, and fell to WKU 14-12 in Nashville.
On the plus side, Vandy looked much improved on both offense and defense, and looking ahead to Saturday’s SEC opener against Georgia, the ‘Dores have had two extra days to prepare for the SEC East favorites. Of course, Vandy is still a big underdog, especially for a team playing at home in an early season conference game.
When the first line was released Sunday, Georgia was just a 17-point favorite, but based on the strength of both the Bulldogs’ offensive and defensive performance in Saturday’s 51-14 weather-shortened victory over ULM, it’s easy to see that Georgia is the better team. But how much better?
The Dawgs will win, but they’ve struggled in Nashville in recent years. Georgia lost the last time they played in Vanderbilt Stadium (31-27 in 2013), and failed o cover in 2011 (33-28 as an 11-point favorite). Sure, they’ve got Heisman candidate Nick Chubb, a defense stocked with high-end talent, and new starting quarterback Greyson Lambert looked good in Week 1, but don’t be shocked if UGA is a little sloppy Saturday.
Next: Fresno State at Ole Miss