SEC+3: Week Nine

The SEC race continues to take shape, and week nine will provide us with even more answers to which teams will make the trip to Atlanta. Here's our picks for this week's action:

(19) Ole Miss vs. Auburn

Godsey: The Rebels have been up and down the last few weeks. Fresh off a win over Texas A&M, they go on the road to face an Auburn team that has been much-improved over the last few games. Auburn's secondary, however, will be exploited again, and they'll have a difficult time containing Laquon Treadwell. I see Auburn getting better each week, and I think they'll give Ole Miss a good game, but they give up too many big plays and allow themselves to get burned several times. I hope for the best, but plan for the worst. 

The Pick: Ole Miss 42 Auburn 31

Griff: Call me crazy, but I fully believe Auburn comes into this game with a chip on their shoulder. Gus Malzahn needs to feed Peyton Barber the rock to soften up a solid Rebels' defensive line. I'm going with the Tigers pulling off a big top 25 win at home.

The Pick: Auburn 28 Ole Miss 27

South Carolina vs. Texas A&M

Godsey: South Carolina will try to catch A&M on a two-game skid, but Kyle Field is no easy place to play. The Gamecocks had a good game against Vanderbilt, but they'll face a much faster Aggie offense. I don't see South Carolina coming out of this one with a win. 

The Pick: Texas A&M 37 South Carolina 24

Griff: The Gamecocks will need to be creative on both sides of the ball to make this one interesting. Texas A&M has had a rough couple weeks against some very good teams, and the Aggies talented receivers and defensive line are what makes the difference against South Carolina.

The Pick: Texas A&M 34 South Carolina 17

Georgia vs. (11) Florida

Godsey: Both teams are coming off bye weeks, and one could also say that both teams are coming off of losses. Georgia did win the field goal kicking contest after their loss to Tennessee, but I don't know if you could give the Bulldogs an A-plus performance against Missouri. I say that because I think the Georgia offense is struggling without Nick Chubb and will have to find someone to lean on. The defense hasn't performed that great either and will likely have a hard time against the Gator offense. Florida is coming off a loss against a very good LSU team and was arguably a play or two away from winning. 

The Pick: Florida 27 Georgia 17

Griff: This game could serve as the de facto SEC East Championship Game, and as Godsey said, both teams should be fresh coming off of bye weeks. Both offenses have suffered losses of key players but for completely different reasons. Florida's defense will prove to be difference in this pivotal SEC East matchup.

The Pick: Florida 25 Georgia 20

UT-Martin vs. Arkansas

Godsey: Arkansas had a big win over Auburn last week and have steadily improved over the last few games. They'll have a big win at home and even up their record.

The Pick: Arkansas 34 UT-Martin 13

Griff: The Razorbacks' running game will be the highlight of this game, and for another week, it will appear as though Bret Bielema has his team on the right track.

The Pick: Arkansas 45 UT-Martin 10

Vanderbilt vs. (18) Houston

Godsey: We have arguably the American Conference's best against arguably the SEC's worst. I'm just going to throw it out there: Houston wins this game, but I think they'll have their hands full with Vanderbilt.

The Pick: Houston 31 Vanderbilt 27

Griff: Vandy heads out west to face a Tom Herman team that's been playing at a high-level this season. I'd love to see the Commodores pull of the upset, but it's just not going to happen against this potent offense.

The Pick: Houston 28 Vanderbilt 14

Tennessee vs. Kentucky

Godsey: This is going to another good game. To me, the Vols are a hit-and-miss team. They have the talent but can't seem to put it all together. Kentucky is a resilient team and can be difficult to handle. I can see this game going either way, but I'll give the Vols the edge. 

The Pick: Tennessee 34 Kentucky 28

Griff: This is a big game for both teams. I see the difference being Josh Dobbs' ability to create big plays, and the Tennessee defense putting pressure on Patrick Towles to convert long third downs. Vols get the best of the Wildcats this Saturday.

The Pick: Tennessee 31 Kentucky 16

(3) Clemson vs. North Carolina State

Godsey: Don't let that 5-2 record that N.C. State has fool you, the best team they've beat is Wake Forest (sorry Demon Deacon fans). Clemson is on the road, and even if they don't play the best that they've played all year, theystill have enough to get the win.

The Pick: Clemson 48 North Carolina State 10

Griff: If the Wolfpack wants to pull off the upset, Jacoby Brissett will have to play the game of his life. North Carolina State has given the Tigers trouble before, but Clemson isn't going to ruin a chance for a playoff run the week before a huge showdown against Florida State.

The Pick: Clemson 42 North Carolina State 20

Miami vs. (22) Duke

Godsey: I have good news for our Hurricane fans. The only place Miami can go is up! Maybe the Canes will have a spark to them with the departure of Al Golden. I really think this will be closer than most people think. Miami had a bad game against Clemson, but they'll play with a purpose this week. Duke had an exhausting game last week but prevailed after four overtimes. I like Duke at home. 

The Pick: Duke 31 Miami 30

Griff: The Hurricanes suffered their worst loss in school history last week in a 58-0 drumming from Clemson. There's not much passion left on the Hurricanes' sidelines, and this team will have to find a second wind to get their program back on track. Give me the Blue Devils in this one.

The Pick: Duke 27 Miami 13

(9) Notre Dame vs. (21) Temple

Godsey: Has Temple ever played football on a major television network before? I'm not trying to take anything away from the Owls because they have had a great season thus far and knocked off Penn State to start this run. But after only seven days in the top 25, they are going to be knocked out.

The Pick: Notre Dame 41 Temple 24

Griff: The Owls have a tough defensive front, and the matchup between Notre Dame's offensive line against the Owls' defensive line will be a fun battle to watch. I wouldn't be surprised with an upset from the Owls, but I'm certainly not ready to predict it.

The Pick: Notre Dame 33 Temple 18

As always, thanks for reading! Be sure to follow Griff on Twitter @griffaldo!