College Football Odds: SEC Week 13 picks against the spread
Nov 21, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jalen Hurd (1) runs the ball as Missouri Tigers linebacker Donavin Newsom (25) attempts the tackle during the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
- Date: Saturday December 28, 2015
- Time: 4PM Eastern
- Location: Knoxville, TN
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Spread: Tennessee -18
- Over/Under Total: 40
The Tennessee Vols are currently on a four-game winning streak and have won five of six with the only loss coming 19-4 to Alabama in Tuscaloosa. On the surface, that’s very impressive and the Tennessee defense has led the way by limiting opponents to an average of 17.2 points and 327.3 total yards of offense over the last six games.
However, over the last three weeks, Tennessee has struggled to put away South Carolina, North Texas and Missouri. In those three November games, the Vols have scored just 23.7 points and gained 384.7 total yards per contest – both far below the teams’ season averages of 32.6 points and 413.4 total yards. Add to the fact that North Texas and South Carolina have allowed 525.0 and 422.1 total yards per game, respectively, and Tennessee should have feasted in recent weeks.
On the other hand, Vanderbilt has fought and clawed to keep games close all season (and has surprisingly won four, including two against SEC opponents) thanks to a tough defense that ranks fifth in the SEC in scoring (18.1 points allowed) and total defense (334.8 yards allowed). The Commodores have struggled mightily on offense, but running back Ralph Webb has gained 1,003 rushing yards for a methodical unit that burns plenty of clock to limit the opposition’s scoring chances.
Tennessee is a good football team, and three of the Vols’ four losses have come against opponents (Oklahoma, Florida, and Alabama) currently ranked among the nation’s top 12 with a combined record of 30-3. Two of those three are currently ranked in the top four. Still, because Tennessee has struggled to put opponents away all season – even weak teams like South Carolina, Missouri and North Texas – expect Vanderbilt to stay close enough to cover.
Next: Ole Miss at Mississippi State