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DAVE AMMENHEUSER

SEC Week 2: Viewer's guide, predictions

David Ammenheuser
USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

As expected, the SEC stormed through its opening week, winning 12 of 13 games against non-conference opponents.
The only blemish was Vanderbilt's 14-12 loss to Western Kentucky.

A Missouri Tigers cheerleader entertains the fans during the opening weekend of college football.

There were only 13 games played because LSU's opener against McNeese State was canceled after a few plays because of inclement weather.

SEC teams outscored their opponents 536-210 in the 13 games.

This week, the SEC schedule includes three SEC games: Georgia-Vanderbilt; Kentucky-South Carolina and LSU-Mississippi State.

One of the more interesting non-conference matchups pits Tennessee at home against Oklahoma.

Columnist Dave Ammenheuser posted a 12-1 record in his SEC predictions the first week. His lone miss was Texas A&M's win over Arizona State. Let's get on to this week's viewer's guide.

JACKSONVILLE STATE  (1-0) vs. AUBURN (1-0)

Saturday, 11 a.m.

TV: SEC Network

Last week's games: Jacksonville State beat Chattanooga 23-20; Auburn beat Louisville 31-24

All-time series: First meeting

The line: No line

Ammenheuser says: While a majority of the SEC teams opened the season against cupcakes, Auburn traveled to Atlanta to meet Louisville. Quarterback Jeremy Johnson (11 of 21 for 137 yards, one TD, three interceptions) had a rough opener. Those numbers should improve in his second game as the Tigers get their turn scheduling a softer game. AUBURN 42, JACKSONVILLE STATE 10

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GEORGIA (1-0) vs. VANDERBILT (0-1)

Saturday, 2:30 p.m. in Nashville

TV: WTVF-5

Last week's games: Georgia beat La.-Monroe 51-14; Vanderbilt lost to Western Kentucky, 14-12

All-time series: Georgia leads 54-19-2

The line: Georgia -20

Ammenheuser says: The Commodores did a credible job slowing down the Western Kentucky pass-oriented offense. Can they do the same against the Georgia run-oriented offense? This will be one of the bigger challenges of the year for the Commodores defense. Even if the defense contains Nick Chubb to 120 yards and two touchdowns, can the Commodores offense score? GEORGIA 35, VANDERBILT 10

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FRESNO STATE (1-0) vs. OLE MISS (1-0)

Saturday, 2:30 p.m. in Oxford

TV: ESPN2

Last week's games: Fresno State beat Abilene Christian, 34-13; Ole Miss beat UT Martin 76-3

All-time series: Ole Miss leads 2-0

The line: Ole Miss -28

Ammenheuser says: Another tuneup for the Rebels before their Sept. 19 visit to Tuscaloosa. This one figures to be closer than the rout of UT Martin, but the Rebels should again be able to play a lot of bodies en route to an easy win. The only real question is whether offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil plays. Ole Miss held him out because of possible NCAA infractions. OLE MISS 55, FRESNO STATE 14

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MTSU (1-0) vs. ALABAMA (1-0)

Saturday, 3 p.m. in Tuscaloosa

TV: SEC Network

Last week: MTSU beat Jackson State 70-14; Alabama beat Wisconsin 35-17

All-time series: First meeting

The line: Alabama -35

Ammenheuser says: Both teams were quite impressive in their openers. The difference, obviously, was the quality of the opponent. While Nick Saban is saying all the right things about the Blue Raiders, Tide fans know that this game is just a pit stop on the way to opening the SEC schedule next week against Ole Miss. ALABAMA 49, MTSU 13

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TOLEDO (0-0) vs. ARKANSAS (1-0)

Saturday, 3 p.m., in Little Rock

TV: SEC Network

Last week: Toledo's opener against Stony Brook was canceled because of inclement weather; Arkansas beat UTEP 48-13

All-time series: First meeting

The line: Arkansas -22

Ammenheuser says: Brandon Allen looked terrific in the opening win, passing for 308 yards on just 14 completions. Those numbers could be bigger this week. The Rockets do not figure to give much of a fight. Look for the Razorbacks to again clear the bench early. ARKANSAS 49, TOLEDO 7

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 OKLAHOMA (1-0) vs. TENNESSEE (1-0)

Saturday, 5 p.m. in Knoxville

TV: ESPN

Last week: Oklahoma beat Akron 41-3; Tennessee beat Bowling Green 59-30

All-time series: Oklahoma leads 2-1

The line: Pick 'em

Ammenheuser says: Winner of this game may hit 60. Seriously. As impressive as the Vols offense was on Saturday, the defense had some major issues. Will they be resolved in time to slow down the Sooners? A win here would prove a lot to Vol Nation, setting the stage for the upcoming grueling Florida-Arkansas-Georgia-Alabama part of the schedule. TENNESSEE 45, OKLAHOMA 42

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MISSOURI (1-0) vs. ARKANSAS STATE (0-1)

Saturday, 6 p.m. in Jonesboro.

TV: None

Last week: Missouri beat Southeast Missouri State 34-3; Arkansas State lost to Southern California 55-6

All-time series: Missouri leads 3-0

The line: Missouri -11

Ammenheuser says: The Tigers were impressive in their opening win over their state brethren. The defense actually played better than the offense. Traveling to Jonesboro won't be easy. The Tigers figure to escape against the Sun Belt opponent, but the feeling here is that it will be closer than most Missouri fans expect. MISSOURI 29, ARKANSAS STATE 21

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BALL STATE (1-0) vs. TEXAS A&M (1-0)

Saturday, 6 p.m. in College Station

TV: ESPNU

Last week: Ball State beat WMI 48-36; Texas A&M beat Arizona State 38-17

All-time series: First meeting

The line: Texas A&M -30

Ammenheuser says: No SEC team was more impressive in its opener than the Aggies, who had an easier time than most expected in their win over Arizona State. The Aggies featured a balanced offensive attack and a punishing defense. Now they play two straight easily winnable home games before the SEC schedule gets heavy with a date against Arkansas on Sept. 26. TEXAS A&M 49, BALL STATE 9

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EAST CAROLINA (1-0) vs. FLORIDA (1-0)

Saturday, 6 p.m. in Gainesville

TV: ESPN2

Last week: East Carolina beat Towson 28-20; Florida beat New Mexico State 61-13

All-time series: Florida leads, 2-0

The line: Florida -20

Ammenheuser says: No opening win was more important than Jim McElwain's victory in the Swamp. He needed a convincing win in his debut and he got it. The second game on the schedule won't be as easy as the first, but it should still be big enough to keep the Gator fan base happy. FLORIDA 38, EAST CAROLINA 17

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KENTUCKY (1-0) vs. SOUTH CAROLINA (1-0)

Saturday, 6:30 p.m. in Columbia

TV: SEC Network

Last week: Kentucky beat La.-Lafayette 40-33; South Carolina beat North Carolina 17-13

All-time series: South Carolina leads, 17-8-1

The line: South Carolina -7.5

Ammenheuser says: This SEC opener is crucial for both sides. The Gamecocks certainly want payback for last season's 45-38 loss in Lexington. The Wildcats want to prove that they're ready to move into the second tier of the SEC East. Despite South Carolina's opening win, I'm still not a big believer in either team. SOUTH CAROLINA 28, KENTUCKY 24

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LSU (0-0) vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE (1-0)

Saturday, 8:15 p.m. in Starkville

TV: ESPN

Last week: LSU's opener against McNeese State was canceled after just a few plays because of inclement weather; Mississippi State beat Southern Mississippi 34-16.

All-time series: LSU leads, 71-34-3

The line: LSU -4

Ammenheuser says: Of the three SEC games this week, this one's by far the most intriguing. The Bulldogs had a lot of trouble defensively in their opener at Southern Miss. Despite those ills, Dak Prescott always plays well in Starkville. His heroics will be just enough to win the first big SEC West battle of the season. Upset. MISSISSIPPI STATE 31, LSU 28

Reach Dave Ammenheuser at 615-259-8352 and on Twitter @NashSportsEd.