Saturday Selections: Week 8 SEC Gambling Picks Against the Spread

Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Alex McCalister (14) reacts after he sacks LSU Tigers quarterback Anthony Jennings (10) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri at Florida (-5.5), 6PM CT, ESPN2

It’s hard to believe because of the way both teams have played in recent weeks, but this game has implications on the SEC Eastern Division championship. If Florida wins, as they are expected to, the Gators will have a great shot to win the division. Despite two losses, a win over Georgia in Jacksonville (and a Kentucky loss to LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Goergia or Tennessee) could send Florida to Atlanta.

More from Auburn Football

• Ex-star Auburn DL confronts ‘slant man’ in MNF post-game video
• Ex-Auburn star laments not getting to face fellow Heisman candidate
• Analyst expects third-year RB to take AU rushing lead from surprising transfer
• Hugh Freeze was the right hire to truly embrace Auburn
• Auburn football Jack LB: ‘We’ve got to earn our respect back’

Additionally, a Missouri win would put the Tigers in a similarly advantageous spot. Mizzou is on the wrong end of a tiebreaker with Georgia, but the Bulldogs still have four opportunities to lose a conference game (including a November 15 date with Auburn in Athens).

All that said, this game doesn’t have the exciting feel of such an important matchup. Instead, two struggling teams will square off and both have more questions at this point than they do answers. Florida coach Will Muschamp is fighting what appears to be a losing battle for his job, and Missouri has felt the effects of a roster decimated following last season.

The line opened at three, and money has rolled in on the Gators to add as much as a field goal at some casinos. But, I’m just not buying that Florida can win by more than that.

Florida 24, Missouri 21