John Clay’s Sidelines

Last week: 4-3

For season: 46-20

Against spread: 24-20

Florida at Vanderbilt (Florida by 24): Florida is the hottest team in the country. Just ask Arkansas. And Kentucky. And now Georgia. Vandy will be singing the Gators’ praises after Saturday night in Nashville. An extra week to prepare won’t help the Commodore cause. Florida rolls, again. Florida 45, Vanderbilt 7.

Arkansas at South Carolina (South Carolina by 11.5): If Steve Spurrier plays his cards right, South Carolina should end up in at least the Outback Bowl. To do that, the Gamecocks can’t slip up here against Bobby Petrino’s improving Gamecocks. Carolina has a tendency to play to the level of its opposition. So USC will win, but won’t cover. South Carolina 28, Arkansas 21.

Wyoming at Tennessee (Tennessee by 26.5): Phil Fulmer begins his official farewell tour. It’s homecoming for the Vols, as they start the process of wishing their head coach farewell. You might think this would spur UT on to a big victory. The opportunity is there. But Tennessee’s problem all year has been a lack of playmakers. Vols win, but not big. Tennessee 27, Wyoming 10.

Alabama at LSU (Alabama by 3): Nick Saban’s return to Baton Rouge. The hype. The excitement. The emotion. The grudge. The focus has been on undefeated Alabama, ranked No. 1 in the country. But LSU has been an underachiever. This is the Tigers’ last chance to make a significant statement. Hunch says the Bayou Bengals will come through. LSU 20, Alabama 17.

Tennessee-Martin at Auburn (off board): This is probably Tommy Tuberville’s farewell tour, as well. Some in Alabama believe the Auburn head coach wants to get fired. Pay him his money. Send him on to Clemson. It could happen. Tubs would still like to finish on an upbeat note. Auburn 30, Tennessee-Martin 7.

Georgia at Kentucky (Georgia by 10.5): This is all about Georgia. Will Mark Richt’s team rebound emotionally from being slapped down by Florida last week? The Bulldogs don’t have much left for which to play. No SEC title in their future. No national title in their future. Right now, just Kentucky is in their future. The Dogs did lose in Lexington two years ago. And they are the more talented team. That should win out. Georgia 21, Kentucky 13.