My SEC/Big 12 Challenge predictions are up, so be sure to give those a read.
But not every SEC team is playing in the challenge, and that leaves us with two games in conference play.
Let’s run through thoughts on Saturday’s two league games.
Mississippi State (13-6, 4-3) at Alabama (12-7, 5-2) – 6 PM ET, SEC Network
This is the first SEC rematch of the season with Alabama coming out scoring a 68-58 win in Starkville to open conference play.
The biggest difference in that game should come as no surprise: the Crimson Tide dominated on the glass. Alabama had 17 more rebounds than Mississippi State, including 12 offensive boards.
That’ll once again be the key to success for Avery Johnson’s team. Alabama leads the SEC in rebounding margin (+6.1), while the Bulldogs are second to last at -1.7.
Even with the win over Missouri on Tuesday, Mississippi State still seems a little deflated after the close home loss to Kentucky.
Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide are coming off of one of their most impressive wins of the season in Athens.
Alabama wins and sets itself up nicely for two big weeks ahead (at Arkansas, vs. Auburn, at South Carolina and vs. Kentucky.
Prediction: Alabama 71, Mississippi State 65
South Carolina (16-4, 6-1) at Missouri (5-14, 0-7) – 8:30 PM ET, SEC Network
The Gamecocks entered Columbia last season with a 21-4 record. Missouri was 9-16.
And just like we all thought, the Tigers won the game. Wait, what?
Yes, last season’s upset was certainly unexpected. But something tells me Frank Martin’s squad will be a bit more prepared this time around.
South Carolina’s defense continues to create chaos on almost every possession, and Missouri is 13th in the SEC in scoring (70.2 PPG).
There’s no way that Sindarius Thornwell and company are overlooking this one.
The positive for Missouri fans is that the Tigers haven’t quit, but winning this game seems highly unlikely.
Prediction: South Carolina 70, Missouri 59
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Blake Lovell has worked in sports media for over 10 years. He currently covers SEC football and basketball for various publications.