SEC college football picks, odds in Week 14: Alabama, Texas fighting for playoff hopes in rivalry games

As we enter rivalry week, six SEC teams are still alive for a spot in the College Football Playoff, though the conference appears destined to land only three in the field. (Note: I’ll always refer to this as “rivalry week” because I’m not emotionally prepared for the end of the regular season.) 

There are the favorites in the playoff race — Georgia, Texas and Tennessee — and the longshot hopefuls of Alabama, South Carolina and Texas A&M. Two of those teams can improve their stock (South Carolina and Texas A&M), while two more could outright eliminate themselves from contention (Texas and Tennessee).

All eyes will be on College Station, Texas, for the long-awaited return of the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry. Not only are bragging rights on the line for the first time in 13 years, but a spot in the conference championship game is up for grabs. It’s arguably the biggest Lonestar Showdown in the series’ history, and it’s fascinating to ponder what a win could do for the Aggies and how it might impact the Longhorns, who have yet to pick up a signature win in the playoff committee’s eyes. Then again, it might not matter if the ‘Horns do the expected and win — but is Texas our pick this week?

Just a SECond

A few notes from the CBS Sports Research team to chew on between bites of Thanksgiving turkey and casserole: 

The Iron Bowl features an Alabama team outside the AP top 10 for the first time since 2007.Alabama will try to avoid back-to-back losses in the regular season for the firs time since 2007.Texas leads the nation in yards allowed per play (4).Texas has forced two or more turnovers in six straight games.Mississippi State has lost seven straight against ranked teams.A win Friday would give Ole Miss its fifth SEC win in back-to-back…


Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/sec-college-football-picks-odds-in-week-14-alabama-texas-fighting-for-playoff-hopes-in-rivalry-games/

Author : Brandon Marcello

Publish date : 2024-11-27 15:29:00

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