SEC Predictions Week 2: Picking Games Against the Spread
Sep 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs with the ball for a third quarter touchdown against Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Joe Schobert (58) and cornerback Darius Hillary (5) as Alabama Crimson Tide receiver O.J. Howard (88) celebrates at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday September 12, 2014
- Time: 4PM Eastern
- Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Spread: Alabama -35.5
- Over/Under Total: 57
Alabama looked like the same old Alabama team Saturday night in Dallas in a 35-17 victory over Wisconsin. Running back Derrick Henry proved he will be a force to be reckoned with in the Heisman Trophy race as he ran for 147 yards and three touchdowns on only 13 carries against what is generally a very stingy Badgers’ defense. At quarterback, Jake Coker was very solid – perhaps even better than expected – with 213 passing yards and a touchdown on 15-for-21 passing. Overall, the Crimson Tide rolled up more than 500 yards of offense, moved the sticks 27 times, and didn’t turn the football over.
Defensively, the Tide was just as dominant. Wisconsin managed just 268 yards of offense and gained a minuscule 40 rushing yards on 21 carries (1.9 yards per attempt) and that includes a 25-yard run by wide receiver Alex Erickson.
Middle Tennessee was 6-6 last season and returns eight starters on both sides of the football. The Blue Raiders have hopes of contending for the Eastern Division title in Conference USA, and they defeated Jackson State 70-14 last week.
Simply, Middle Tennessee is a quality football team. However, they are no match for Alabama, and the only question in this matchup is whether or not the Tide will cover the five touchdown spread. Expect them to fall just short of that number because head coach Nick Saban will melt the clock in the fourth quarter.
Next: Toledo at Arkansas