Auburn has 63% chance to beat Mississippi State on Saturday
For the first time in several weeks, ESPN analytics is predicting a victory for the Auburn Tigers.
According to the latest data from ESPN’s matchup predictor, Auburn has been given a 62.8% chance to beat Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon. The margin is not a wide one, but it provides confidence that the Tigers can end its four-game SEC losing streak.
One of the advantages that Auburn has over Mississippi State is its ability to disrupt the passing game. Auburn allows its opposition to pass for just 214 yards per game and has a coverage grade of 86.8 according to Pro Football Focus. An injury to Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers could aid Auburn more on Saturday if he is not available to play.
Due to many teams taking their midseason bye week this week, there are only four games outside of Auburn-Mississippi State taking place within the SEC this weekend. Here is a look at how ESPN’s matchup predictor forecasts each game to play out.
South Carolina at Texas A&M
Kickoff: 11 a.m. CT (ESPN)
ESPN prediction: Texas A&M (84.6%)
The Aggies are on a two-game losing streak after facing two SEC Championship contenders in Alabama and Tennessee. However, South Carolina has lost four of their last five games. Expect Texas A&M’s passing game to blow past the South Carolina defense, which allows 305 yards through the air per game.
For more Texas A&M-South Carolina coverage, visit Aggies Wire.
Georgia vs. Florida (Jacksonville)
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. CT (CBS)
ESPN prediction: Georgia (85.2%)
Florida has shown signs of improvement this season, but do not expect them to slow down the high-octane Georgia offense that posts 509 yards per game. Both teams will be fresh following a bye week, but Georgia should have the edge in what could be an entertaining game.
For more Cocktail Party coverage, visit UGA Wire and Gators Wire
Tennessee at Kentucky
Kickoff: 6 p.m. CT (ESPN)
ESPN prediction: Tennessee (70.9%)
After a second-half collapse at Alabama last Saturday, Tennessee is looking to get back into the win column on Saturday against Kentucky. The Wildcats are vulnerable after suffering two tough losses in a row after starting the season at 5-0. Ray Davis may be able to have a big day rushing, but Tennessee should be able to ultimately pull out a convincing win.
For more Tennessee-Kentucky coverage, visit Vols Wire
Vanderbilt at Ole Miss
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. CT (SEC Network)
ESPN prediction: Ole Miss (95.9%)
Ole Miss is one of the hottest teams in the SEC right now, and their victory forecast is warranted. The Rebels should have a fun day passing the football, as well as stopping the Vanderbilt run game en route to a massive win.
