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SEC Predictions: Picking every game against the spread for Week 4

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Apr 18, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) looks for a receiver during the A-Day game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday September 26, 2015
  • Time: 7:30PM Eastern
  • Location: Auburn, AL
  • TV Channel: ESPN2
  • Spread: Auburn -1.5
  • Over/Under Total: 59

Wow, how things can change over the course of three weeks. That’s the amount of time it took for Auburn quarterback Jeremy Johnson to go from Heisman Trophy contender to underperformer to second string. After the Tigers were embarrassed on offense and defense in an SEC-opening 45-21 loss to LSU in Baton Rouge, head coach Gus Malzahn has decided to shake things up and start redshirt freshman Sean White this week against Mississippi State.

Also Read: 30 Greatest College QB’s of All-Time

Johnson has struggled – particularly with his decision-making and his confidence, which has led to six interceptions – but the timing of the move still seems odd, especially since White has yet to appear in a collegiate game and is being called upon to save the season in Week 4. But perhaps the move will serve as a wake-up call to Johnson and his teammates, and the Tigers will respond with a big SEC win and avoid last place in the division.

The Bulldogs, like Auburn, enters the contest with a record of 2-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play. Like the Tigers, Mississippi State lost to LSU. However, State looked better in a 21-19 loss that featured a strong second half comeback. The Bulldogs have also looked better in non-conference play, including last week’s 62-13 victory over Northwestern State.

Quarterback Dak Prescott and an explosive State offense (489 total yards per game, 314.7 passing yards per game) will be a big challenge for an Auburn defense that has surrendered 442.7 total yards on average and allowed more than 400 rushing yards last week to LSU. But, with Auburn backed into a corner, expect the Tigers to come out fighting and to pick up a victory in a must-win situation.

Next: Missouri at Kentucky

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