Ranking SEC Opening Weekend Games

With SEC play kicking off last night, I wanted to rank the seven series' we have going on this weekend, in order of excitement and hype. Let's jump into it!

1. LSU vs. Texas A&M

The defending SEC West champion against the SEC West favorite, what more could you ask for? Yes, A&M has been down, but this is LSU’s first real test and a chance to see them against a good team. We will see what the Tigers can do in College Station.

Prediction: LSU 2 of 3

2. Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt

Vandy run-ruled Ole Miss on Thursday, but Vandy has been an up and down team. After dropping a Friday game, Ole Miss took the next 3 against Maryland, so they have shown battle and resilience before. Remember, Vandy’s bullpen has been shaky and Ole Miss loves to swing. I like Ole Miss to win the next 2.

Prediction: Ole Miss 2 of 3

3. Auburn vs. Arkansas

The team everyone loves to hate, Auburn, against the team everyone loves to ride, Arkansas. Arkansas has had the injury bug with pitchers early, but Dave van Horn still has a talented lineup to boot. Auburn may have a bad taste in its mouth after ending its season in Omaha, but I expect Arkansas to take the weekend in Fayetteville.

Prediction: Hogs sweep

4. Alabama vs. Florida

These are two of the most surprising teams in the SEC this year. We knew Florida would be good, but they are playing like a true number 2 in the SEC and the favorite in the East. Alabama, on the other hand, was the last SEC team to lose. I do think Alabama is 14 of 14 but it will be interesting to see how their season plays out.

Prediction: Florida sweeps

5. Tennessee vs. Missouri

Tennessee and Missouri are two teams who started the first weekend in completely different ways. Tennessee lost 2 of 3 to open, while Missouri won 2 of 3, including a win over TCU. Missouri is the team in the SEC that no one respects and they are still flying under the radar. Tennessee is back to being the most hated team in the SEC and I think they embrace it.

Prediction: Tennessee sweeps

6. Georgia vs. South Carolina

Honestly, I’m not excited about this one at all. This is a good South Carolina team with great pitching against a Georgia team I feel is overrated. I think these are two teams that will win in boring fashion, and for that it is on the lower end of the list.

Prediction: USC 2 of 3

7. Mississippi State vs. Kentucky

Somebody had to be last and these are two teams who missed the tournament and two teams picked near the bottom of the SEC. State has a freshman throwing in the Friday role and seems to be more like the 2022 State team and less like the 2021 State team. This will be Kentucky’s first game against a team from a power conference as well as the first team from south of Kentucky. Two of the hotter teams who have benefitted from Charmin soft schedules. Do not be shocked if both these teams miss the SEC Tournament and finish under .500.

Prediction: Miss. St. 2 of 3