SEC+3: Rivalry Week Picks

 

As I write this post, I can't help but how bittersweet my feelings are going into "rivalry week." One one hand, I'm excited, as this weekend showcases great rivalries across the country. On the other hand, it also represents the last "full slate" weekend of college games until bowl season kicks off.

Last week, I went 10-3 with my picks. This brings me to 90-34 on the season!

I was on a trip for most of the week, so I missed out on the Egg Bowl (Ole Miss defeated Mississippi State) and Arkansas/Missouri. Sorry about that!

Let's see if I can add some more wins with this week's picks:

#1 Georgia (-35) @ Georgia Tech

I don't see the Bulldogs having much trouble in this one. The Georgia defense will be up to the task.

The Pick: Georgia 42 Georgia Tech 10

Florida State @ Florida (-3)

This game will be an exciting one to watch Saturday, as both of these teams are seeking win number six to qualify the victor for a bowl game. I'm going to go with the team that has more stability with coaching at the moment, which is the Seminoles. If Florida State drops this rivalry game, I think we might see a coaching change in Tallahassee. Perhaps, Deion Sanders might be called upon as the next Florida State coach?

The Pick: Florida State 21 Florida 20

#3 Alabama (-20.5) @ Auburn

Saturday writes another chapter in the storied "Iron Bowl." There aren't too many rivalries that stack up against this game, and this year should be another exciting edition.

The Pick: Alabama 34 Auburn 23

Vanderbilt @ Tennessee (-31.5)

Tennessee wins big in a rivalry that's oddly had a 5-5 record for each team over the last 10 seasons.

The Pick: Tennessee 45 Vanderbilt 13

#15 Texas A&M (-6.5) @ LSU

A sad farewell for Ed Oregeron, as the Aggies defense will be just too much for LSU. I do expect the Tigers to keep it close for a while, though.

The Pick: Texas A&M 31 LSU 20

#23 Clemson (-11.5) @ South Carolina

Shane Beamer's team has won some games that the Gamecocks weren't supposed to win. My "crazy Gamecock pick" carries over, as last week, South Carolina was able to take a huge step forward in a win against Auburn. The Gamecocks have played like a different team at home this season.

The Pick: South Carolina 24 Clemson 23

Kentucky @ Louisville (-3)

Kentucky started off strong, and the Wildcats defense will carry Kentucky to a big win against a bitter rival.

The Pick: Kentucky 27 Louisville 23

Plus 3 Games:

#14 Wisconsin 21 Minnesota 17

#7 Oklahoma State 34 #10 Oklahoma 31

#11 Oregon 31 Oregon State 21

As always, thanks for reading! Enjoy rivalry week! We'll see you come bowl season!

SEC+3: Week Six Picks

 

Week six is here! Here's how last week went, followed by this year's overall record:

Week Five Record: 9-2

2021 Record: 41-14

Let's get into this week's picks!

#13 Arkansas @ #17 Ole Miss (-5.5)

This is one of several big conference games this week. In fact, each SEC team playing this week, outside of Missouri (hosting North Texas) and Mississippi State (Bye), will play a conference game. I've always been one to pick a good defense over a good offense. Arkansas is coming off a disappointing showing at Georgia last week, and Sam Pittman's team is looking for a nice rebound win to get the 2021 season back on track. Ole Miss will have to really step up on defense, and prevent the Razorbacks ground game from getting into gear. Ultimately, the running game and defense is what gets Arkansas back on track, and the big win puts last week's shutout in Athens in the rearview mirror.

The pick: Arkansas 35 Ole Miss 24

Vanderbilt @ #20 Florida (-39)

Brace for impact, Vanderbilt fans. The bottom is coming.

The pick: Florida 52 Vanderbilt 6

South Carolina @ Tennessee (-10.5)

The Vols 62-24 win against Missouri last week was a great boost of confidence for Tennessee. South Carolina will really need to clean up penalties and find creative ways to run the football. If the Gamecocks can find a way to give young quarterback Luke Doty some time to throw the football, then South Carolina might have a chance. Tennessee will be breaking out the classing Halloween uniforms this weekend, which bring bad memories of 2009 back into the minds of many South Carolina fans. While I don't think things will get that bad, Tennessee still has a chance to win this game big.

The pick: Tennessee 31 South Carolina 21

#2 Georgia (-15.5) @ #18 Auburn

"Good ol' Fashion Hate" is back for this rivalry's 2021 installment. This year's edition will be at Jordan-Hare Stadium. In my mind, Georgia and Alabama are in a different tier than the rest of the college football's contenders. Auburn found a way to get a big win in Baton Rouge last weekend, and Bo Nix was able to make some phenomenal plays with his feet to create time to throw to his receivers down field. He won't be able to do that against Georgia, as the Bulldogs defense runs on a different gear. I see Georgia stopping everything that Auburn tries on offense, but maybe the Tigers can be a little more creative than the rest of the offensive game plans against Georgia that we've seen so far this year.

The pick: Georgia 38 Auburn 13

North Texas @ Missouri (-19)

Missouri will try to bounce back after the thumping handed to the Tigers by Tennessee last weekend. North Texas will make this game a little closer than people think, and there's a chance for a lot of points to be scored in this game. 

The pick: Missouri 41 North Texas 28

LSU @ #16 Kentucky (-3)

Mark Stoops continues to make a case to win Coach of the Year in the SEC, as his Wildcats are currently sitting at 5-0. LSU comes into Lexington hungry for a conference victory, but Kentucky has proven to be one of the more solid defensive units in the SEC East. Yes, you read that correctly. I believe the Wildcats win a physical conference game that will come down to the wire in the fourth quarter. 

The pick: Kentucky 27 LSU 23

#1 Alabama (-18) @ Texas A&M

Texas A&M is struggling through a lot of injuries in 2021. Not time to panic yet in College Station, but this season is looking like a wash. The Aggies will have a chance to use this season as a "proving year" to see who will lead Texas A&M to a successful 2022 season. The Alabama 38-run rule is in effect in this one.

The pick: Alabama 38 Texas A&M 17

"Plus Three" Games for Week Six

#6 Oklahoma (-3) vs. #21 Texas - Cotton Bowl - Dallas, TX

One of two College Football Playoff "shake up" games in my "plus three" games this week. 

The pick: Texas 35 Oklahoma 31

#4 Penn State @ #3 Iowa (-1.5)

"Shake up" game number two on our list, this game impacts how the Big 10 standings will end up finishing for 2021. 

The pick: Iowa 20 Penn State 17

#19 Wake Forest @ Syracuse

I put this game on the "plus three" this week so I could give a shoutout to Wake Forest. I think Wake Forest and Pittsburgh are the two best teams in the ACC at the moment.

The pick: Wake Forest 35 Syracuse 21

As always, thanks for reading this week! I hope everybody has an awesome, safe weekend and enjoys all of the week six action!

SEC+3: Week Seven Podcast

Click the play button below to listen to week seven's episode of the SEC+3 Podcast.







Follow us on Twitter using @justinBhall and @griffaldo. You can also follow the blog @GSL_SECPlus3 and find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/GriffinsStartingLineup

SEC+3: Week Six Picks

This week provides us with a lot of interesting games that will shape the race to Atlanta and the SEC Championship. Hurricane Matthew affected some of the games and even led to the cancellation of the matchup between LSU and (18) Florida. Officials at the University of South Carolina moved the Saturday night contest between the Gamecocks and Georgia Bulldogs to Sunday afternoon.

Keister went 11-0 last weekend and created a tie for the first place spot. Here's our standings going into week six:

Griff: (52-14)
Keister: (52-14)
Godsey: (51-15)

Here's our picks for week six:

Auburn vs. Mississippi State

Keister: Auburn has been playing well the last couple games, but the Tigers stagnant offense will get the best of them Saturday at Davis-Wade stadium. Auburn will feel the bite of the athletic play-making ability of Nick Dylan Fitzgerald and the Bulldogs offense.

The Pick: Mississippi State 24 Auburn 20

Godsey: Auburn has gotten better each week, and the Tigers have figured their identity. My concern is if the Tigers can score touchdowns in the red zone. Auburn has one of the best, if not the best, kicker in the nation, but field goals won’t win every game, especially this Saturday.

The Pick: Auburn 31 Mississippi State 27

Griff: Auburn comes into Starkville riding the momentum of a two-game win streak. The Tigers will use a combination of stingy defense and a powerful ground game to pull out a close, low-scoring game against the Bulldogs.

The Pick: Auburn 17 Mississippi State 13

(9) Tennessee vs. (8) Texas A&M

 Keister: Tennessee has come off two big wins, and takes that momentum into College Station for a top 10 showdown. Both Joshua Dobbs and Trevor Knight will put up big numbers at the quarterback position. Tennessee will use the running game to control the time possession and get a huge win against the Aggies.

The Pick: Tennessee 27 Texas A&M 21

Godsey: Although this isn’t a divisional contest, this game is huge for both team and has playoff implications. This game will start off slow but take off in the second half. Tennessee will get behind and won’t be able to recover. The 12th man and A&M defense takes the Aggies one step closer to controlling the West.

The Pick: Texas A&M 41 Tennessee 31

Griff: The Vols pulled of a miracle in Athens last weekend against Georgia with Josh Dobbs 43-yard last-second toss that gave Tennessee the victory. Tennessee will run out of luck this weekend. Texas A&M brings back a lot of players from injury that didn’t play last weekend against South Carolina. The winner of this game will be the clear-cut number two team behind Alabama.

The Pick: Texas A&M 35 Tennessee 24

Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky

Keister: Vandy's offense, or lack thereof, won't help them at Commonwealth Stadium, and "Boom" Williams will have a big day for the Wildcats.

The Pick: Kentucky 27 Vanderbilt 10

Godsey: Even though Kentucky is much better at home, Vanderbilt will pull this one out in a close one.

The Pick: Vanderbilt 33 Kentucky 31

Griff: Both teams are desperate for a win in this game. Wildcats quarterback Stephen Johnson will use his legs to hand the Commodores another disappointing loss.

The Pick: Kentucky 28 Vanderbilt 24

(1) Alabama vs. (16) Arkansas

Keister: The Razorbacks will come out fast and strong in Saturday's game likely taking a 10 to 14 point lead. Both depth and strong defensive play as time carries on the contest will propel the Crimson Tide into an easy Saturday victory and ruin John Gault's upset special of the week. 

The Pick: Alabama 45 Arkansas 23

Godsey: The Tide are playing really good football right now and I can’t pick against them and it be truthful. I don’t think they are invincible either. There might be two or three other teams that can take Alabama down, but that team isn't Arkansas.

The Pick: Alabama 28 Arkansas 14

Griff: Alabama starts a vicious three-game stretch of the 2016 schedule. A lot of folks are saying that this could be a trap game for the Crimson Tide. Nick Saban’s squad won’t overlook the Razorbacks and win easily in Arkansas after the game stays close in the first half.

The Pick: Alabama 38 Arkansas 17

Georgia vs. South Carolina

Keister: The Gamecocks come off an improved look performance after an 11-point loss last week, while Georgia is nursing the wounds of a last second loss at home. As long as Nick Chubb returns to carrying the bulk of the workload for the Bulldogs, Georgia will grind out a ground-and-pound victory in Columbia.

The Pick: Georgia 31 South Carolina 20

Godsey: Georgia has been throttled the last two weeks and if they don’t play a solid game, they will drop this week as well. I know last week the score was close, but they were throttled. I don’t think they are as healthy as they would like to be but I think they are just good enough to edge South Carolina.

The Pick: Georgia 38 South Carolina 35

Griff: Hurricane Matthew made officials at South Carolina move the start time of this game to Sunday afternoon. Georgia gets Nick Chubb back in full force this weekend, and he will be the difference maker in a game that’s going to be close down to the final whistle.

The Pick: Georgia 23 South Carolina 20

(20) Oklahoma vs. Texas

Keister: This "back against the wall" game is a must needed win after  losses to Cal and Oklahoma State. This makes for a perfect scenario for Charlie Strong, and the power running game of Texas will launch the Longhorns into a big win Saturday.

The Pick: Texas 33 Oklahoma 24

Godsey: The Longhorns started the season about as hot as possible but have really slipped the last two weeks, losing two games in a row. The Sooners had a lot of control in the Big 12 race until last week, but a win over Texas would improve Oklahoma's situation. As for Oklahoma, they are on the upswing and catch Texas at a good time. The Sooners will take Texas by at least 10.

The Pick: Oklahoma 38 Texas 24

Griff: Charlie Strong needs to lead the Longhorns to a big victory against the Sooners. The Longhorns have found ways to beat Oklahoma when the Sooners were favored, and that will be the case again this week.

The Pick: Texas 31 Oklahoma 30

(25) Virginia Tech vs. (17) North Carolina

Keister: Virginia Tech has quietly played sound football all season long, and Saturday will be their first big win in the Justin Fuente era. The Hokies will get solid Quarterback and skill player performances in Saturday's contest.

The Pick: Virginia Tech 27 North Carolina 24

Godsey: There’s not much I can say about Virginia Tech. I don’t think the resume fits the ranking. North Carolina will win this game with a better defense

The Pick: North Carolina 34 Virginia Tech 21

Griff: Justin Fuente's Hokies have played solid defense for most of the season. This will disrupt the quick North Carolina offense attack and give Virginia Tech a big conference win.

The Pick: Virginia Tech 24 North Carolina 17

(23) Florida State vs. (10) Miami

Keister: Mark Richt's Hurricanes will be amped up for the big in-state rivalry with the visiting Semioles, and much like Mitch Trubisky last week, Brad Kaaya will find success early and often through the air against a struggling Florida State pass defense. Florida State will keep it close but won't be able to overcome an early first half deficit.

The Pick: Miami 31 Florida State 23

Godsey: I’m not sold on Miami, even though I thought the Hurricanes had a chance of winning the ACC. Florida State hasn’t shown me much either, other than a close game with North Carolina and a really good second half against Ole Miss. I am going to take Miami because of Hurricanes home field advantage and better defense.

The Pick: Miami 37 Florida State 17

Griff: It's been fun to watch Mark Richt work his magic at his alma mater. The Hurricanes have proven to the rest of the ACC that they deserve respect. Florida State is in a "must win" situation, and the Seminoles win a close game where Miami misses a field goal late. Perhaps another wide right scenario?

The Pick: Florida State 23 Miami 21

As always, thanks for reading! Be sure to follow the blog on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and on Facebook (Facebook.com/GriffinsStartingLineup). You can also follow Griff on Twitter @griffaldo.

  

  

SEC+3: Week Six Podcast with Justin Hall

Click the play button on the link below to check out the week six edition of the SEC+3 Podcast:

SEC+3: Week Two Podcast with Justin Hall

It's almost time for week two of college football! Be sure to listen to the podcast below and follow Justin Hall on Twitter @justinBhall and myself @griffaldo. You can also follow the SEC+3 on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and by clicking the "follow" button in the upper right corner of your screen.

As always, we had a lot of fun making the podcast. Be sure to check back tomorrow for Keister, Godsey and Griff's score prediction. Thanks for listening!



You can also check out last week's episode by clicking here.

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #2

We are now just TWO days from South Carolina playing Vanderbilt on Thursday. Yes. Two days. Let's check out who made our countdown for No. 2:

Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Manziel was a tremendous talent while at Texas A&M, winning numerous awards in his freshman season. One of those awards was the Heisman Trophy, and Manziel was the first freshman to ever win the award. In 2012, he was a Consensus All-American and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Check out this video of Manziel's insane touchdown pass against Alabama in 2012, which ended up being his signature moment of his 2012 Heisman Trophy campaign:

Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo. You can follow the blog by pressing the "follow" button in the upper right corner of your screen. Also be sure to like our Facebook page. If you missed any of the countdown posts you can find them on the right side of the screen. Also, stay tuned for the first week's picks that will be posted tonight along with our predictions for each power five conference.

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #4 and #3

 

 

SEC Football starts this week with South Carolina playing Vanderbilt in Nashville to kickoff the SEC schedule Thursday Sept. 1. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo for updates. You can also follow the blog by liking our Facebook page and clicking the "follow" button in the upper right corner of your screen.

 

 

Our countdown today includes a couple running backs from Alabama:

 

 

#4 TJ Yeldon, RB, Alabama

 

 

Yeldon was part of a recent lineage of dominant Alabama running backs. His 37 rushing touchdowns ranks him No. 16 all-time in SEC history. Check out this incredible 68-yard touchdown run by Yeldon against Ole Miss in 2013:

 

 



#3 Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson was another one of Nick Saban's running back monsters. Richardson was the 2011 SEC Offensive Player of the Year and won the Doak Walker award that year as well. He also finished third in the Heisman voting for his tremendous season and was a Consensus All-American. His 43 career touchdowns are the No. 14-best in SEC history. In another run against Ole Miss, check out Richardson's incredible juke move that helped him score on a 76-yard touchdown run:



As always, thanks for reading! Be sure to check back for tomorrow's countdown and our first week's picks and predictions! Be sure to check out our first week's guest picker, Justin Hall, and I's podcast talking about an incredible slate of week one games. If you missed any of the countdown, you can find it in the links to the right of the page.

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #5

Just five days until South Carolina takes on Vanderbilt in Nashville next Thursday. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo for updates. You can also check out our new page on Facebook and follow the blog by clicking the "follow" button on the upper right of your screen.

Our countdown today features one of the best running backs to ever play in the SEC:

Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Simply put: McFadden was a stud his entire career at Arkansas from 2005 to 2007. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in both 2006 and 2007. He was, however, named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year for both the 2006 and 2007 seasons. In the 2006 and 2007 seasons, he won two consecutive Doak Walker Awards and took home the Walter Camp Award in 2007. His 4,590 rushing yards are the second-best all-time in SEC history, which is pretty amazing considering how many carries he split with Felix Jones in the Razorback offense. Check out this amazing 80-yard run McFadden made against bitter rival LSU in 2006:




Be sure to follow the blog as we make our week one SEC picks next Tuesday. If you missed any of the countdown posts, you can find each post on the right side of the page. As always, thanks for reading!

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #6

We are now less than one week away from the kickoff of the SEC Schedule! Just six days separate from South Carolina and Vanderbilt playing in Nashville next Thursday. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo for updates. You can also follow the blog by clicking the "follow" button in the upper right corner of your screen. Our countdown for #6 today features a player from the two teams that will meet in the first SEC matchup of the season:

Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt

Jay Cutler is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play at Vandy. Cutler was the 2005 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. That season Cutler led the SEC in completions and passing yardage. His 21 passing touchdowns were second in the conference that season, where he led the Commodores to just a 5-6 season despite his numbers. Cutler was the No. 11 pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Here are some of Cutler's highlights from his 2005 season with the Commodores:




Melvin Ingram, LB/DL, South Carolina

Ingram was a special player for the Gamecocks. He started in at least 11 games in all four of his seasons with South Carolina from 2007 until 2011. He was a Consensus All-American in 2011. Ingram's 22 career sacks put him ninth on the all-time in the SEC. He racked up 15 tackles for loss in 2011, which was the third-best total in the conference. Ingram was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, where he still plays today. Check out his lone touchdown of his South Carolina career, where he displayed his tremendous athleticism by taking a fake punt 68 yards to the end zone against Georgia in Athens to help give the Gamecocks a big win:



Be sure to check out our week one SEC picks this coming Tuesday (8/29). If you missed any part of our countdown you can find the links to each post on the right side of your screen. You can follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo. As always, thanks for reading and feel free to share!

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #7

We are just one week away from South Carolina versus Vanderbilt next Thursday night in Nashville! Our countdown continues with two players that dominated the SEC East while playing for their respective schools.


Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Believe it or not, Clowney actually finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting after the 2012 season. His 47 tackles for loss are third all-time in SEC history, and his 24 sacks are the sixth-best in SEC history. Always recognized for his freakish talent, Clowney was the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and was a consensus All-American in 2012. Many people remember Clowney's tremendous hit against Michigan that helped South Carolina to an Outback Bowl victory:




Danny Wuerffel, QB, Florida

Another Steve Spurrier product, Wuerffel won the Ole Ball Coach a National Title in 1996. He also won plenty of recognition during his career at Florida. He was the Heisman Trophy winner in 1996, along with winning the SEC Player of the Year in 1995 and 1996. He was also the 1996 Maxwell Award winner. Check out Wuerffel's touchdown pass to Chris Doering that gave the Gators a big victory against Kentucky in 1993 with 17 seconds left on the clock:




Just seven days left until kickoff, folks! Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo. You can also follow the blog by clicking the "follow" button in the upper righthand corner of your screen. If you missed any of the countdown, you find each post by clicking the links on the right side of the page. As always, thanks for reading!

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #8

We are now just EIGHT days away from the kickoff of the SEC schedule. A couple of legendary SEC receivers make up our countdown:

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

Jones was the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He's currently one of the most elite wide receivers in the NFL. Jones racked up over 1,100 yards in his final season at Alabama, despite the Crimson Tide's tendency to run the ball. Here's a big TD catch by Jones in 2009 against LSU:

A.J. Green, WR, Georgia Bulldogs

Like Jones, Green is another big time receiver in the pros. Green was the fourth overall pick (two picks ahead of Jones) in the 2011 NFL Draft. Green led the SEC in touchdown catches in 2008 and 2010 and had 23 throughout his career in Athens. Green also led the SEC in receiving yards in 2008.
Here's Green's first touchdown as a Bulldog against Georgia Southern in 2008:



Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo for updates. You can also follow the blog by clicking the "follow" button in the upper righthand corner of your screen. If you missed any of the countdown, you can find it by clicking the links on the right side of the page.

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #9

We are now into single digits. Nine days, just over ONE week, separate us from the kickoff of the SEC schedule! Let's see who turned up on our countdown today:


Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Cooper was the 2014 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. He also was the winner of the 2014 Biletnikoff Award and was selected as a consensus All-American. In his three seasons from 2012 to 2014, he reeled in 31 touchdowns, which are the most in SEC history. His 228 receptions are the third-most in SEC history, and his 3,463 receiving yards are the second-most all-time in the SEC. He finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2014. Here's Cooper catching a touchdown that clinched Alabama the SEC Championship in 2012:






Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo for updates! You can also follow the blog by clicking the "follow" button in the upper righthand corner of your screen. If you missed any of the countdown, you can find each post by clicking the links below:

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #19
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #18
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #17
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #16
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #15
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #14
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #13
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #12
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #11
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #10

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #11

We continue our countdown today at 11 days until South Carolina and Vanderbilt kick off the SEC schedule in Nashville on Thursday Sept. 1. Here's the players that made our countdown that wore #11:


Chris Davis, DB, Auburn

Davis was the spark for undoubtedly the craziest play in Iron Bowl history. The Iron Bowl is always one of college football's most heated, passionate and intense rivalries. Add this play that decided the 2013 version, and what ensued was sheer mayhem at Jordan-Hare Stadium that left Alabama fans disgusted and Auburn fans believers in miracles. Enjoy the infamous "Kick Six" play that sent Auburn to the SEC Championship by watching the video below from Auburn's YouTube channel:




Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

Murray's career numbers at Georgia were completely ridiculous, and he holds many of the SEC's career passing record. In his career as a Bulldog, Murray holds the all-time SEC records for: completions (921), passing yards (13,166), passing touchdowns (121) and total yards (13,562). He's second all-time in the SEC in total touchdowns with 137. His 121 passing touchdowns are the seventh-most in NCAA history.

Here's a video of some of Murray's best highlights from his career at Georgia:





Just 11 more days, folks! Be sure follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo for updates and links. You can also follow the blog by clicking the "follow" button in the upper righthand corner of your screen. If you missed any of the countdown, you can find the posts for each number by clicking the links below. As always, thanks for reading!

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #19
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #18
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #17
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #16
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #15
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #14
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #13
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #12

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #12

Just 12 days remain until South Carolina and Vanderbilt square off in Nashville on Sept. 1. Here's our countdown for #12:

Derek Abney, WR, Kentucky

Abney is one of the best kick returners to ever play in the SEC. In his career, he returned six punts for touchdowns and two kickoffs for touchdowns. Abney was an electric player and was a 2002 Consensus All-American. Here's a video of Abney returning a kickoff against Florida for a 101-yard touchdown in 2002:

Chris Leak, QB, Florida

Chris Leak put up tremendous numbers at Florida from 2003 to 2006. He's third all-time in career passing yardage in the SEC and led the Gators to a 2006 National Championship over Ohio State. Leak's 88 touchdown passes are the fourth-most in the SEC. Here are some of Leak's best highlights from his career as a Gator:



Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo by clicking the user names and pressing the "follow" button. You can also follow the blog by pressing the "follow" button in upper righthand corner of your screen. If you missed any of our countdown, you can find it by clicking on the links below:

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #19
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #18
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #17
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #16
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #15
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #14
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #13

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #13

We are now under two weeks until South Carolina travels to Nashville to open their season against Vanderbilt Sept. 1. Just 13 days remain...

Today's countdown features a very talented receiver, who had tremendous size and ability.

Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Evans was an absolute monster for the Aggies in 2012 and 2013. His size and talent made him the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Evans was a 2013 Consensus All-American that would've probably broken several SEC records had he played more than two seasons in College Station. Still, his two years featured many plays that made the "12th Man" go crazy from the great catches he made.

Evans racked up more the 1,100 yards in 2012, and he topped that number by totaling six yards shy of 1,400 in 2013. He was second in the SEC in average yards per reception in 2013 with 20.2 yards per catch, and his 12 touchdown receptions was the most of any player in the conference.

Here's Evans burning an Alabama defender for a 95-yard touchdown catch in 2013. The Tide managed to hold on and won 49-42, but the Aggies certainly gave Nick Saban's squad a scare.




Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo by clicking the user names and pressing the "follow" button. You can also follow the blog and receive notifications by clicking the "follow" button in the upper right hand corner of your screen. If you missed any of the previous countdown posts, you can find them by clicking on the links below. As always, thanks for reading!

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #19
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #18
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #17
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #16
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #15
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #14

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #14

Just 14 days...

That's all that separates us from the Sept. 1 SEC opener between South Carolina and Vanderbilt in Nashville. Here's a couple of great SEC players to wear #14:

Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee

Berry was feared by SEC receivers from 2007 to 2009. He was the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs and was a consensus All-American in 2008 and 2009. Berry was also the 2008 SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He has the most interception return yards of any player in SEC history and intercepted 14 passes while playing for the Vols.

Here's a video of Berry intercepting SEC great Tim Tebow and taking it 96 yards for a touchdown in 2007:

Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina

Shaw wasn't the biggest or most talented quarterback to ever play in the SEC. He was, however, very good at winning football games. As a starter, Shaw was 27-5 and was undefeated at home. That's right, he went 17-0 as a starter in Columbia and is the most winningest quarterback in South Carolina history. He was known for his efficiency as a passer. In his senior season in 2013, Shaw threw 24 touchdowns with just one interception.

Here's a video of Shaw connecting with Alshon Jeffery on a hallmark to close out the first half of South Carolina's win over Nebraska in the 2012 Capitol One Bowl:




Be sure to follow us on Twitter for continued updates @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo by clicking the user names and hitting the "follow" button. During the season, we'll be picking each SEC game along with three other games across the FBS.

If you missed a day of the countdown, you can find each post by clicking the links below. As always, thanks for reading!

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #19
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #18
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #17
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #16
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #15

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #15

15 days separate us from the SEC opener between South Carolina and Vanderbilt in Nashville. Today's countdown pays homage to two of the conferences most popular quarterbacks:

Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State

Prescott terrorized SEC defenses from 2012 to 2015. In his four years in Starkville, Prescott scored 111 total touchdowns, which is the fourth-most total in SEC history. His 316 completions in 2015 were the most of any SEC quarterback. Check out some Prescott's best highlights in this video made by YouTube user Lucas Productions:





Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Perhaps one the most loved or most hated quarterbacks in SEC history, Tebow showed football fans a shade of competitiveness that's rarely, if at all, matched. Tebow was the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, a two-time Maxwell Award recipient and the 2007 Associated Press Player of the Year.

Tebow's career passing efficiency rating of 170.8 still stands as the best in SEC history. His 145 touchdowns in his career as a Gator also are the most in SEC history. Despite receiving the most first place votes for the 2008 Heisman Trophy, Tebow fell short of both Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy for the award, which would have made him only the second player to ever win the award twice.

Check out some of Tebow's best highlights in a video made by Stevenson Bone below:




Be sure to follow us on Twitter @GSL_SECPlus3 and @griffaldo by clicking the user name and pressing the "follow" button for continued updates and links. If you missed a day of our countdown, you can find it by clicking the links below:

SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #19
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #18
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #17
SEC+3's Countdown to Kickoff: #16