SEC Football: Playoff Contenders Face High-Stakes Showdowns
Six teams with 6-2 records clash in a packed conference race where a single loss could end a season.
By Ibrahim Howard ·
Six Southeastern Conference teams enter the weekend with a 6-2 record, creating a gridlock at the top of the standings where a single defeat could eliminate a playoff bid. The conference's top-ranked teams are forced into direct confrontations that will define their postseason trajectories.
The marquee matchup features No. 2 Georgia at No. 12 Ole Miss on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Bulldogs hold a 7-1 record and sit as the No. 2 team in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Rebels, also 6-2, rank No. 12 in the AP poll and No. 10 in the CFP. This is the third meeting between the two schools in 13 months. Ole Miss defeated Georgia 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl, a loss that ended the Bulldogs' season.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton of Georgia threw three interceptions in a loss to Auburn before throwing for 101 yards in a 27-8 victory over Florida. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss also threw three interceptions in a loss to Texas. He will likely play without running back Kewan Lacy, forcing a reliance on Makhi Frazier and Shekai Mills-Knight. Georgia is a 3.5-point favorite for the game.
No. 8 Kentucky hosts No. 16 Tennessee at 6:15 p.m. ET. Kentucky, with a 7-1 record, has not lost since the start of the season. The Wildcats are the No. 6 team in the CFP rankings. Tennessee, at 6-2, sits at No. 13 in the CFP. George MacIntyre has started the last three games for the Volunteers, though coach Josh Heupel had not named a starter by midweek. Tennessee is a 6.5-point favorite.
No. 9 Alabama visits No. 15 LSU on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Both teams are 6-2. Alabama ranks No. 5 in the CFP, while LSU is No. 14. The Crimson Tide hope to regain early-season form with the return of injured players Ryan Coleman-Williams, Zabien Brown, Racin Delgatty, and Terrance Green. LSU tight end Trey'Dez Green is expected back from a knee injury. Quarterback Sam Leavitt stated he is running around 100 percent after a hamstring issue. LSU is a 5.5-point favorite.
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers was named AP Player of the Week after producing 397 total yards and five touchdowns against Oklahoma. He ran for two scores, and two of his three passing touchdowns were for 79 yards or longer. Georgia linebacker Chris Cole recorded nine tackles, a sack, and a 66-yard scoring run in a win over Florida. His second defensive touchdown of the season strengthens his case for a high first-round draft pick.
Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles recorded eight tackles, four for a loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in a 31-3 win over Mississippi State. Ten SEC teams currently hold a spot in the AP Top 25. These include Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, LSU, Tennessee, Missouri, South Carolina, and Florida. The same ten teams appear in the initial CFP rankings, though their order differs from the AP poll.
