College Football Odds: SEC Week 11 picks against the spread
Nov 7, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Ricardo Louis (5) rushes against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday November 14, 2015
- Time: 12PM Eastern
- Location: Athens, GA
- TV Channel: CBS
- Spread: Auburn -2
- Over/Under Total: 52.5
Following a 27-3 victory over Kentucky last week in Athens, the Georgia Bulldogs coaching staff has weathered the storm surrounding the program – for now. Of course, should the Bulldogs falter this week against Auburn on the road, those calling for big changes – including the possibility of firing head coach Mark Richt – will be louder than ever.
Georgia’s defense was dominant against the Wildcats and surrendered just 180 yards and forced three turnovers. The defensive unit has played well most of the season and has allowed an average of 18.4 points and 305.3 total yards of offense this season, both of which rank among the top 20 in the nation statistically speaking.
It’s the offense that has struggled this season after the loss of leading rusher and Heisman candidate Nick Chubb. Sony Michel ran for 165 yards and a touchdown last week against UK, and will need to be every bit as good this week for the Dawgs to pull off an upset on the road. Michel should have success against an Auburn rush defense that has allowed 200.7 rushing yards per game, which ranks No. 13 in the SEC.
However, the Tigers are coming off their best overall performance of the season in last week’s 26-10 victory over Texas A&M, which included a modest 166 rushing yards for the Aggies. Auburn’s own rushing offense was at its best with 311 yards, and quarterback Jeremy Johnson played his best game of the season (13-for-17 passing, 132 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) in his first start since Week 3.
This is an evenly matched game between two rivals that are desperate to build some momentum towards the end of the regular season, into a bowl game, and heading into 2016. Because Auburn has the home field advantage and has shown the most improvement in recent weeks, we’ll go with the Tigers.
Next: Alabama at Mississippi State