Saturday Selections: Week 12 SEC Football Picks Against the Spread

Nov 1, 2014; College Station, TX, USA; The “SEC” logo on the chains and west stands at Kyle field during the fourth quarter of a game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks. Texas A&M Aggies won 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

There were some outstanding SEC football games last week, and a few non-conference snoozers, but it was a great week for our picks against the spread. Florida’s cover over Vanderbilt, Georgia’s rout over Kentucky, Alabama’s OT win by a touchdown, and Texas A&M’s upset over Auburn were the wins, earning us a 4-1 mark and pushing our season record to 48-29-2 (60.8%). The only misstep came from our extra pick that encouraged reader to take the Under in the Auburn-A&M clash.

Last Week ATS: 4-1

This Season ATS: 48-29-2 (60.8%)

This week offers a slate of pure SEC football, with 12 teams in action in only six games. But how will they fare against the spread?

Line spreads are provided by Bovada and the rankings listed come from the College Football Playoff committee, and be sure to check back Saturday morning for our Auburn-Georgia pick.

South Carolina at Florida (-7), 11AM CT, SEC Network

It is interesting how much things can change not only over the course of an SEC football season, but in just the matter of a few weeks.

Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier directs his team against the Tennessee Volunteers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

As we’ve often reminded readers, South Carolina began the season ranked in the nation’s top ten before they were drubbed at home by Texas A&M. The Gamecocks responded by beating a good East Carolina team and SEC East favorite Georgia, but everything since has been a struggle.

Steve Spurrier’s crew is 4-5 overall and 2-5 in the SEC this season and will need two wins in three games against Florida, South Alabama and Clemson just to make a bowl game. As underdogs this week, that appears unlikely.

Florida, on the other hand, used an upset victory over Georgia to boost their position in the SEC East landscape. The Gators – and head coach Will Muschamp – appeared dead in the water until the annual clash in Jacksonville. Florida dominated the Bulldogs, then picked up an impressive win over Vanderbilt the following week and are still alive in the race for the division title with a 4-3 league record and a 5-3 overall mark.

With two teams heading in opposite directions, and the hotter team hosting the game, it might look like a lock for Florida to cover seven points against the reeling Gamecocks. However, the Ole Ball Coach still has a few tricks up his sleeve, and a roster talented enough to not only cover but to win.

South Carolina 28, Florida 27

Next: Mississippi State at Alabama