College Football Picks: SEC predictions against the spread for Week 5
Sep 26, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) runs the ball against Kentucky Wildcats Josh Forrest (45)
in the first half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday October 3, 2015
- Time: 12 PM Eastern
- Location: Columbia, MO
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Spread: Missouri -2.5
- Over/Under Total: 42
South Carolina helped last week’s picks get off to a perfect start by beating UCF 31-14. The Gamecocks struggled early under first-time starting quarterback Lorenzo Nunez, but the true freshman threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns and added 123 rushing yards in one of the best offensive performances of the season for South Carolina.
Overall, the Gamecocks racked up 400 yards of offense, held UCF to just 230, and most importantly, got back into the win column after two conference losses to Kentucky and Georgia. With an eye toward bowl eligibility, this week’s battle against Missouri is a game the Gamecocks can’t afford to lose.
Mizzou is also expected to start a true freshman quarterback,Drew Lock, who would be making his first career start in place of suspended starter Maty Mauk. Lock has seen playing time this season, and has completed 15 of 25 passes for 225 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Because of his inconsistent play, Mauk’s starting job was in jeopardy, and Lock saw action in the second half of close games against UConn and Kentucky in recent weeks, and Mauk’s suspension could mark the official transition of the quarterback position for the Tigers.
Though they are 3-1 overall, Missouri has yet to cover in four attempts this season. But, with the SEC’s best defense (253 yards per game), which ranks No. 6 nationally, plus a shot of optimism in the form of a highly recruited freshman quarterback, this is the week.
Next: Alabama at Georgia