College Football Odds: SEC Week 13 picks against the spread
Nov 21, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs safety Quincy Mauger (20) and linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) tackle Georgia Southern Eagles running back Matt Breida (36) during the first quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday December 28, 2015
- Time: 12PM Eastern
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- Spread: Georgia -5
- Over/Under Total: 47.5
When it was originally scheduled, last week’s game against Georgia Southern was expected to be a tune-up in preparation for a more difficult Georgia Tech squad. However, because the Eagles are 7-3 and in contention for the Sun Belt championship and lead the nation with an average of 363.4 rushing yards per game – which is a full 102.5 yards more than the Yellow Jackets – perhaps the Bulldogs have already beaten the tougher foe.
After all, despite playing in the Orange Bowl this season and entering the 2015 campaign as a candidate to win the ACC, Georgia Tech is just 3-8 and has lost eight of its last nine games. Still, the Jackets are dangerous, as shown by their 22-16 victory over Florida State and close games with Notre Dame (30-22) and North Carolina (38-31). Plus, Tech beat Georgia 30-24 in overtime in Athens last season, so head coach Paul Johnson has proven his team can compete with its in-state rivals.
It’s also worth mentioning the strife Georgia head coach Mark Richt has faced this season. There has been overwhelming speculation that Richt has been coaching for his job since the Bulldogs lost 27-3 to Florida Oct. 31 – their third loss in four games. Since, Georgia has responded with three straight victories, but none have been overly impressive, particularly on offense.
However, Georgia is supremely talented and the Bulldogs are playing great defense. Opponents have averaged an even 300 total yards per game against the Bulldogs this season, and each of UGA’s last three opponents has failed to gain more than 277 yards. Expect the Dawgs to contain the Yellow Jackets’ rushing attack, and for Sony Michel (927 rushing yards, 6 TD) and company to provide just enough offense for Georgia to cover.
Next: Louisville at Kentucky