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Bulldogs Travel to South Carolina, Florida for SEC Road Contests – University of Georgia Athletics

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Bulldogs Travel to South Carolina, Florida for SEC Road Contests – University of Georgia Athletics


ATHENS, Ga. – The seventh-ranked College of Georgia males’s tennis workforce will play in its remaining two street matches of the common season this weekend, heading to Columbia on Friday to tackle No. 5 South Carolina at 6 p.m. ET and to Gainesville on Sunday to battle in opposition to No. 20 Florida at midday. 
 
#7 Georgia (14-5, 8-0 SEC) vs. #5 South Carolina (17-3, 6-2 SEC)
Date: Friday, April 7, 2023
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Columbia, S.C.
Venue: Carolina Tennis Heart
 
#7 Georgia (14-5, 8-0 SEC) vs. #20 Florida (12-8, 5-3 SEC)
Date: Sunday, April 9, 2023
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Gainesville, Fla.
Venue: Alfred A. Ring Tennis Advanced
 
MEDIA INFORMATION
UGA Season Stats: https://gado.gs/9xb
South Carolina Season Stats: https://gado.gs/advertisements
Florida Season Stats: https://gado.gs/adt
Stay Stats vs. South Carolina: https://gado.gs/ado
Stay Video vs. South Carolina: https://gado.gs/adp
Stay Stats vs. Florida: https://gado.gs/ado
Stay Video vs. Florida: https://gado.gs/2db
SEC Crosscourt Solid by CrackedRacquets (Friday Solely): https://gado.gs/ac7
 
Social Media
Sustain with all the most recent information and data on the Bulldogs by following UGA Males’s Tennis on social media on Twitter and Instagram @UGATennis, on Fb @UGAMensTennis, and on-line at GeorgiaDogs.com.  
 
QUICK HITS
Convention Play Continues
The Bulldogs proceed Southeastern Convention motion this week on the street, starting with No. 5 South Carolina on Friday at 6 p.m. ET after which touring to Gainesville to tackle No. 20 Florida on Sunday at midday. This system holds a 40-10 document in opposition to the Gamecocks and a 60-25 mark versus the Gators all time.
 
Ought to Georgia win each matches this weekend, the workforce will clinch no less than a share of its 32nd SEC common season championship. 
 
In its two matches final weekend, Georgia defeated No. 4 Kentucky by a 5-2 end result at residence after which beat No. 59 Arkansas on the street, 4-0. The workforce will shut out its residence slate and the common season at residence in opposition to No. 14 Mississippi State on Friday, April 14 and No. 29 Ole Miss on Sunday, April 16. 
 
The Bulldogs concluded an ideal month of March, going 7-0 and now carry a nine-match win streak courting again to the Intercollegiate Tennis Affiliation Nationwide Staff Indoor Championships on Feb. 18. This season, Georgia has performed 15 ranked groups so far, going 11-4 in these matches, together with six wins over prime 25 groups. 
 
Diaz’s Particulars
On the workforce’s match in opposition to South Carolina…
“We definitely are enjoying for lots. We’re enjoying for an enormous prize, and we definitely see this as considered one of our most vital matches this yr, however we have performed loads of vital matches. For us, it is a matter of understanding that we’ll be enjoying in entrance of an enormous crowd in a street setting. Our guys have had a whole lot of expertise being on the street this yr rather a lot and going through good groups. I believe we’re effectively ready, we’re enjoying effectively and we all know what to anticipate in opposition to South Carolina. They’re tenacious, they’re a fantastic workforce and it ought to be a beautiful match.”
 
On looking forward to the Florida match…
“We’re attempting to take this one match at a time. We’re enjoying two superb groups – they’re succesful, proficient and well-coached. We go into each competitions, whatever the consequence of the primary one, able to flip the web page and play one other nice, robust match. We have to keep centered, not lose depth. That is what we have been speaking to those guys about – our greatest tennis is able to beating anybody within the nation, however we all know that there are a lot of groups, that in the event you’re just a bit bit off or not effectively ready, that anybody can get you.”
 
On Teodor Giusca’s impression on the workforce…
“Teodor has performed an enormous function on this workforce. He’s an especially onerous employee and has a whole lot of enthusiasm that’s contagious. He’s unselfish and is able to play at any spot – he has most likely performed at extra spots in our lineup than anybody else. He is prepared to play wherever is required to assist this workforce and I’ll miss him rather a lot subsequent season.”
 
Dawgs within the Rankings
Within the newest workforce rankings from the Intercollegiate Tennis Affiliation, Georgia rose one spot and is now the No. 7 workforce within the nation. 
 
Redshirt freshman Ethan Quinn is now No. 3 within the singles rankings and has gained seven of his earlier eight matches with a trio of match-clinching victories. The Fresno, Calif. native is the one freshman to have a number of wins on court docket one and considered one of two SEC gamers within the prime 5. With Henning now at No. 13, Georgia turns into considered one of two SEC colleges to have a number of gamers within the prime 15 of the singles rankings. 
 
Blake Croyder, tied for the workforce’s chief in twin match singles wins with 12, moved to No. 107. With 97 profession singles wins every, each Croyder and Henning are six away from coming into the highest 20 in program historical past. Croyder has been ranked in every version of the ITA singles rankings this season for the primary time in his profession.
 
Trent Bryde and Quinn make up the highest spot for Georgia in doubles and rose to the No. 7 pair within the nation within the newest doubles ballot. That is the best the 2 have been ranked collectively and the career-best rating in doubles for Quinn. The tandem has gained 10 matches this season on court docket one, together with three point-clinching victories.
 
Sophomore Surge
With a singles document of 22-9, sophomore Miguel Perez Peña has already elevated his win complete by 10 from final season, the best on the workforce of any returning participant. The Castellon de la Plana, Spain native at present leads the workforce in wins, going 10-5 within the fall and now 12-4 within the twin match season. Perez Peña has gained 9 of his final 11 matches courting again to the workforce’s win in opposition to Georgia Tech on Feb. 12 and holds a win on court docket 5. With a 12-4 spring document, he’s tied with No. 13 Henning for the most effective win proportion of anybody on the workforce at .750 %.
 
Clutch Clinching
Within the eight convention matches Georgia has performed in, six completely different gamers have earned the match-clinching win in singles: Bryde in opposition to Alabama and LSU, Quinn in opposition to Auburn and Kentucky, Croyder in opposition to Texas A&M, Thomas Paulsell did so in opposition to Vanderbilt in his first twin match results of the season, Henning capped off the Bulldogs comeback in opposition to Tennessee and most not too long ago Perez Peña confirmed the workforce’s sweep of Arkansas. 
 
In complete, six completely different gamers have earned the successful level for Georgia in singles this season: Bryde with 5, Henning with three, Quinn with two and Croyder, Paulsell and Perez Peña with one every.
 
Love, the Dawgs
The Bulldogs have been successful at a excessive charge in singles competitors since Valentine’s Day. Within the workforce’s final 12 matches, every participant has a successful proportion above .500 in singles, with two completely different athletes at present using no less than a four-match win streak – Perez Peña (six) and No. 13 Henning (seven). 
 
Because the begin of convention play, Georgia has impressed on the highest three courts. Because the workforce’s 5-2 win at No. 58 Alabama, No. 3 Quinn, No. 13 Henning and Bryde are a mixed 19-2 on courts one, two and three respectively.
 
Straight-Set Wins
Georgia has straight-set victories in 44 of the workforce’s 65 dual-match singles wins, good for a clip of 67.7 % of the workforce’s singles wins. No. 107 Croyder leads the workforce, with 10 of his 12 wins coming in straight-set choices. Of these 39 straight-set wins, 26 of them got here in matches that had been 6-4, 6-4 or higher. Perez Peña leads the workforce on this statistic with seven, No. 107 Croyder has six, No. 13 Henning and No. 3 Quinn have 5 every, Giusca has two and Paulsell has one.
 
Scouting the Gamecocks
South Carolina at present holds the No. 5 spot within the workforce rankings, holding a 17-3 document with all three of its losses coming in opposition to convention opponents. The Bulldogs and Gamecocks have performed beforehand this season, with Georgia taking the win within the first spherical of the ITA Indoor Nationwide Staff Championships by a 4-3 end result. South Carolina additionally fell to Mississippi State and Auburn in consecutive matches on March 24 and 26.
 
The Gamecocks have 4 athletes ranked in singles, led by No. 6 Toby Samuel who holds a 16-3 document on court docket one. Becoming a member of him within the prime 15 is the workforce’s alternative for court docket two, No. 11 Connor Thomson with a 28-5 mark this yr. Collectively, the 2 are the nation’s top-ranked doubles tandem, going 20-1 this yr and have gained 11-straight matches. 
 
No. 88 Casey Hoole holds a 9-7 document between courts 4 and 5, whereas No. 120 Raphael Lambling is 7-8 on court docket three. In doubles, No. 31 Beasley and James Story are the workforce’s different ranked pair.
 
Scouting the Gators
Florida has gone 12-8 by means of 20 matches this season and is 5-3 in convention motion. The workforce performed a doubleheader in opposition to Japanese Kentucky on Tuesday, sweeping each matches. Its three SEC losses got here at Mississippi State, at residence in opposition to Alabama and at Texas A&M.
 
The Gators have three gamers ranked in singles within the newest ITA ballot, led by their alternative for court docket one, No. 81 Axel Nefve, with a 9-9 document. No. 92 Will Grant is 10-6 on court docket two and 21-10 total, with No. 102 Jonah Braswell splitting time between courts three and 4, going 10-7 to this point. In doubles, No. 10 Grant and Nefve are 11-5 on court docket one, and No. 17 Tanapatt Nirundorn and Togan Tokac are 13-7 collectively this yr. 
 
Collection Historical past
Georgia vs. South Carolina – UGA, 40-10

  • Final 5 conferences: 
    • February 17, 2023, Chicago (ITA Nationwide Staff Indoor Championships) – UGA, 4-3
    • March 13, 2022, Athens – UGA, 4-3
    • April 21, 2021, Fayetteville, Ark (SEC Event) – SC, 4-2
    • March 7, 2021, Columbia, S.C. – SC, 4-2
    • January 26, 2020, Starkville, Miss (ITA Kickoff Weekend) – SC, 4-3

 
Georgia vs. Florida – UGA, 60-25

  • Final 5 conferences: 
    • March 11, 2022, Athens – UF, 4-0
    • March 5, 2021, Gainesville, Fla. – UF, 7-0
    • February 20, 2021, Seattle (ITA Nationwide Staff Indoor Championships) – UF, 4-2
    • March 15, 2019, Athens – UF, 5-2
    • March 2, 2018, Gainesville, Fla. – UF, 4-2



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No. 15 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson: Preview and Prediction

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November 30, 2024

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No. 15 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson: Preview and Prediction


CLEMSON — The 121st edition of the Clemson-South Carolina game is already like no other.

This year’s game will have more at stake than bragging rights, as the winner of the game will be in position to earn an at-large bid to the College Football Playoff.

“It’s fun to be a part of it,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said.

The Tigers come into their regular season-finale ranked No. 12 in the latest CFP rankings, while the Gamecocks are ranked No. 15.

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Carolina is riding a five-game winning streak coming in, while Clemson has won its last three games.

“I love it. I love being in the fight,” Swinney said. “I love the fact y’all are going to write horrible things about us on Sunday if we stink this up. That’s okay, it comes with it. This is what we signed up for.

“I love the fact, that even if we do not play well, and we find a way to win, we are going to be great. It just comes with it. It is what you sign up for. It’s a rivalry game.”

And it could be the best one yet.

No. 15 South Carolina (8-3) at No. 12 Clemson (9-2)

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Kickoff: Saturday, noon

Location: Memorial Stadium, Clemson

TV: ESPN

Spread: Clemson -2.5

Over/Under: 49

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Series: Clemson leads series 73-43-4

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Normally, it’s just bragging rights. However, there is more on the line than bragging rights this season. The winner of the game puts itself in position to make the College Football Playoff. Clemson, which sits at No. 12, needs a win over the Gamecocks, plus someone to lose above them to get in. A win over No. 15 Carolina could also give the Tigers the win they need to jump over No. 10 Indiana in the rankings. The Gamecocks need to beat Clemson and then a loss from Ole Miss, Alabama and someone else in the top 10 to be able to move into the CFP picture.

KEY MATCHUP

This game is going to be won or lost when South Carolina has the football. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers is an up-and-coming star in the SEC, as he has improved throughout the season. Running back Rocket Sanders (821 yds, 11 TDs) teams up with Sellers (489, 5 TDs) to give the Gamecocks a strong running game. Clemson has struggled at times to stop the run this season, but the Tigers have held five of their last six FBS opponents to 88 or less yards on the ground. Clemson also ranks 18th nationally in tackles for loss (77), while Carolina ranks 128th in TFLs allowed (85).

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PLAYERS TO WATCH

South Carolina tight end Joshua Simon leads the Gamecocks in receptions (31), reception yards (433) and touchdown receptions (6). Clemson will likely deploy a 4-3 scheme to try and slow down Carolina’s strong running game. Though Sammy Brown is a wrecking ball in the run game, and at the line of scrimmage, he can be a liability in pass coverage, so look for the Gamecocks to try and exploit this weakness with Simon in the middle of the field.

Clemson left tackle Tristan Leigh. It’s rare to highlight an offensive tackle in any game, much less a game of this magnitude, especially considering Leigh is questionable for the game. But the Tigers need Leigh to play, so it can sure up some of the holes it has on the O-line due to so many injuries this year. It will allow new offensive line coach Matt Luke to move Harris Sewell back to left guard where he started the Virginia Tech and Pitt games. It will also move Blake Miller back to his natural position at right tackle and Walker Parks back to his usual spot at right guard. In other words, the Tigers will have continuity on the offensive line for the first time since the Louisville game when all the injuries started to pile up. Going against Carolina’s dynamic defensive front, especially defensive ends Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart is going to be a difficult task regardless, but having Leigh back would be huge for the Tigers.

THIS AND THAT

Clemson is entering the South Carolina game having won eight of the last nine games in the series. The Tigers have outscored the Gamecocks by an average of 21.1 points per game in that span.

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FINAL ANALYSIS

Clemson’s offense is ranked sixth in the country in total yards (469.9 ypg). South Carolina’s defense is ranked 13 nationally (303.6 yds allowed/game) in total defense. Something has to give, right? Or does it? I like the matchup for Clemson when the Gamecocks have the football. Carolina’s offensive line has a hard time holding blocks and gives up a lot of TFLs and sacks. Sellers also tends to put the ball on the ground at times, as does the offense as a whole. The Gamecocks have fumbled 21 times this year, which ranks 125th in the country. They have lost 11 of those fumbles, which ranks 126 nationally. The Tigers on the other hand have taken care of the football for the most part, ranking third nationally in turnover margin (+13) and have forced 20 turnovers, which ranks 14th nationally. I think this will be the difference in the game and help the Tigers earn a second straight win over the Gamecocks.

PREDICTION

Clemson 27, South Carolina 23

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Staff Picks: South Carolina at Clemson, other Week 14 rivalry matchups

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November 29, 2024

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Staff Picks: South Carolina at Clemson, other Week 14 rivalry matchups


The wait is almost over. At long last, rivalry weekend is upon us.

In what will be one of the biggest games of the weekend, No. 15 South Carolina will travel to the upstate to face No. 12 Clemson for the Palmetto Bowl. Kickoff is at noon on ESPN on Saturday.

The GamecockCentral and 107.5 The Game staffs shared their predictions for the game between the Gamecocks and Tigers as well as other Week 14 matchups from around the country. 

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George Bagwell: I think this is a bad matchup for Clemson. They’re not working with a great offensive line while they face an elite defensive front. They just gave up 288 rushing yards to The Citadel, the most against a Clemson defense since Georgia in 2014, and now they’re facing a highly efficient run-based offense in South Carolina. South Carolina 38, Clemson 20.

Peyton Butt: This could honestly go either way so making a prediction was a challenge. Clemson has struggled with some injuries thus far but the two are pretty evenly matched. I think the game being at Clemson will be a huge advantage and boost for the Tigers. Gamecock defense will have to put pressure on Cade Klubnik fast but I think Klubnik’s accuracy and consistency will be a problem for the Gamecocks. Clemson 45, South Carolina 28.

Elijah Campbell: It’s one of the most highly anticipated games in the history of this great rivalry and for the first time since I was in high school, I really feel like this Gamecocks team will go into Clemson and win. Shane Beamer said that forcing turnovers is a must and I agree. I also see the Kennard and Stewart edge rushing combo working perfectly to force one of the key turnovers as well as keeping Clemson’s rushing attack at bay. Give me the Gamecocks in a thriller! South Carolina 21, Clemson 17.

Chris Clark: I think this South Carolina team is battle-tested and will have an advantage at the line of scrimmage on defense. I expect a competitive game, but I’m taking the Gamecocks to get it done on the road. South Carolina 27, Clemson 20.

Terry Ford: USC wins a tight one on the road. The way the Gamecocks offense has come on to go along with one of the best defenses in America make Carolina tough to beat. Plus, USC has been real good on the road all year. Stat to file away…ESPN SP+ Special Teams Rankings Nationally: Gamecocks 42nd…Tigers 109th. South Carolina 23, Clemson 20.

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Griffin Goodwyn: Recent history would say that the Gamecocks are expected to struggle when they head to Memorial Stadium on Saturday. South Carolina has lost three of its last four road matchups against Clemson, and those three defeats were by a combined 88 points. But the Gamecocks’ last trip to the Tigers’ home stadium was a different story, as they claimed a 31-30 victory facing long odds as an unranked team looking to take down a top-10 squad with College Football Playoff aspirations. The postseason stakes are higher for both teams in this year’s Palmetto Bowl, and so is the possibility of an upset. South Carolina is in the midst of a five-game win streak — and is in prime position for a sixth-straight victory. South Carolina 28, Clemson 27.

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Tyler Head: High stakes game. Gamecocks have to slow down the Tigers rushing attack. I think Sellers has another star making performance. South Carolina 34, Clemson 31.

Wes Mitchell: South Carolina’s defensive line has carried it all season long and I don’t think that will stop this week, especially against a Clemson offensive line that has been banged up. The key will be can the Gamecocks protect the football, not let the moment be too big, and just do what they do otherwise. South Carolina 31, Clemson 21.

Jay Philips: Here we are, a Carolina/Clemson game that really matters for both teams beyond the daily rivalry. The Gamecocks are playing some of the best football in the country and will feel no fear in traveling to Memorial Stadium this weekend. Based on their form I think Carolina is the slightly better team, and if they continue on their current path they should win this game. In a tense contest give me South Carolina 30, Clemson 23.

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Kendall Smith: I could write a long paragraph about why I am going with this final score, but all I’m going to say is I think this game belongs to the Gamecocks if they play to their potential. South Carolina 27, Clemson 23.

Mike Uva: Two teams with strong defenses who have QBs who have improved throughout the year. This should be an instant classic, especially with the college football playoff hopes hovering both these teams. South Carolina 20, Clemson 17. 

Jack Veltri: I’ve said it since the summer that South Carolina would beat Clemson this year, and that was before any of us knew the Gamecocks would be where they are today. I still feel they’re going to get the job done. They’ve faced all kinds of adversity this season and handled it well. The key here will be to take care of the football on offense and the defense creates takeaways. South Carolina 34, Clemson 28.

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Chris Wellbaum: Which quarterback do you trust against which defense? Both teams will try to lean on their run game, and the defense that can force some turnovers will win the game. Clemson 31, South Carolina 16.

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Kevin Miller: In one of the most anticipated matchups in recent rivalry history, South Carolina and Clemson are both ranked and holding on to slight hope for the College Football Playoff. The Gamecocks have played better than the Tigers in recent weeks, but the game is in the Upstate. In classic rivalry fashion, this game could come down to the football cliches: turnovers, 3rd-down conversions, and explosive plays. Give me the Gamecocks in a tight one: South Carolina 27, Clemson 24.

Tennessee at Vanderbilt Michigan at Ohio State (The Game) Auburn at Alabama (Iron Bowl) Notre Dame at Southern Cal (The Battle for the Jeweled Shilleagh) Oklahoma at LSU Texas at Texas A&M (Lonestar Showdown) Marshall at James Madison Virginia at Virginia Tech (The Commonwealth Clash)
George Bagwell (63-54) Vanderbilt Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas  James Madison Virginia Tech 
Peyton Butt (63-54) Tennessee Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame Oklahoma Texas James Madison Virginia Tech
Elijah Campbell (76-41) Tennessee Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas A&M Marshall Virginia Tech
Chris Clark (66-51) Vanderbilt Ohio State Alabama Southern Cal Oklahoma Texas A&M Marshall Virginia Tech
Terry Ford (83-33) Tennessee Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas A&M James Madison Virginia
Griffin Goodwyn (81-36) Tennessee Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas James Madison Virginia Tech
Tyler Head (66-51) Tennessee Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas A&M James Madison Virginia Tech
Wes Mitchell (78-39) Vanderbilt Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas James Madison Virginia Tech
Jay Philips (75-42) Tennessee Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas James Madison Virginia Tech
Kendall Smith (68-49) Tennessee Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas James Madison Virginia Tech
Mike Uva (76-41) Tennessee Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas James Madison Virginia Tech
Jack Veltri (78-39) Tennessee Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas Marshall Virginia Tech
Chris Wellbaum (63-54) Vanderbilt Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas James Madison Virginia Tech
Kevin Miller (50-22) Tennessee Ohio State Alabama Notre Dame LSU Texas James Madison Virginia Tech



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College Football Picks: Expert Predictions For Texas-Texas A&M, South Carolina-Clemson, Kansas State-Iowa St.

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22 hours ago

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November 29, 2024

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College Football Picks: Expert Predictions For Texas-Texas A&M, South Carolina-Clemson, Kansas State-Iowa St.


Rivalry week is upon us, and all eyes will be on College Station, Texas, as No. 3 Texas and No. 20 Texas A&M for the first time since 2011. This one is even bigger than expected as the winner will move on to play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. The Longhorns will likely stay in the College Football Playoff bracket if they lose, but the Aggies almost certainly are in a CFP do-or-die situation.

Kansas State and Iowa State will tee it up in Ames, and South Carolina will head upstate to take on Clemson in games that, very quietly, can still impact the CFP race.

Here are the picks from Outkick writers Trey Wallace and Barrett Sallee, who are tied in straight up and against the spread heading into the biggest weekend of the season. Keep in mind, winners against the spread in the wild card games are worth two points in our completely made-up game.

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Trey: 38-14 straight up, 27-25 against the spread (29 points)

Barrett: 38-14 straight up, 27-25 against the spread (29 points)

Texas (-5.5) at Texas A&M

Wallace: Thank goodness this rivalry has returned after 13 years. I don’t know what type of wakeup call Texas A&M needed last week in Auburn, but they got it. Now, the Aggies still control their destiny, but so do the Longhorns, and I expect their offense to cause the opposing defense some problems. I think this one comes down to the fourth quarter, and Texas A&M finds a way to win this game late, something they couldn’t do last week against the Tigers. 

Texas and Texas A&M will play for the first time in 13 years on Saturday (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Sallee: Give me the Longhorns to win – and do it by double digits. I don’t care that their quarterback situation is in flux because both Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning are capable of getting the job done against an Aggies bunch that has to be down in the dumps after last week’s quadruple overtime loss at Auburn. Expect Texas’ defense to have its best performance of the season.

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Kansas State at Iowa State (-2.5)

Wallace: Another wild game in the Big 12 awaits, as both teams still fight for a spot in the championship game, thanks to some wild tiebreaker rules. While this feels like a game for Avery Johnson to flourish at quarterback for Kansas State, I think Iowa State’s Rocco Becht could be the one that comes out on top. Even though the Wildcats have only given up more than 20 points just once in the last 5 games, this is the Cyclones day. 

Iowa State wins, and covers. 

Kansas State vs. Iowa State play on Saturday

MANHATTAN, KS – NOVEMBER 23:  Quarterback Avery Johnson #2 of the Kansas State Wildcats runs to the outside against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first half at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

Sallee: I’m a big Avery Johnson fan, and he will show you why in what will be a win for the Wildcats en route to the Big 12 Championship Game. He’s healthy again, which means that they will unleash a punishing rushing attack against a Cyclones defense that hasn’t fared well stopping the run.

South Carolina at Clemson (-3)

Wallace: This one should be a lot of fun. Both offenses have been playing well, but its the Gamecocks defense that continues to amaze me at times. I would argue that South Carolina is playing some of the best football in the SEC right now/ For Clemson, they are fighting for a spot in the college football playoff as well, which adds so much more fuel to this game. This one comes down to Tocket Sanders running the ball for the Gamecocks, and Clemson QB Cade Klubnik tossing a few interceptions. 

I’m going with the Gamecocks to win the game. 

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Can Dabo Swinney lead the Clemson Tigers to the College Football Playoffs?

Can Dabo Swinney lead the Clemson Tigers to the College Football Playoffs? . (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Sallee: The Gamecocks are one of the hottest teams in the country, and still have an outside chance at making the CFP. However, it needs to win and have several dominoes fall around the country. Expect coach Shane Beamer to unleash a monster rushing attack with quarterback LaNorris Sellars and running back Rocket Sanders, and the defensive front to rattle Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik.

Wild Card Games

Notre Dame (-7.5) at USC

Honestly, I have no idea why this is a single-digit spread. I call Notre Dame the “best, most boring team in the country” because the Fighting Irish casually go about their business bludgeoning their opponents until they say “mercy.” That will happen on Saturday against a broken Trojans team that has been a massive disappointment.

Can Alabama QB Jalen Milroe have a bounceback game against Auburn in the Iron Bowl

Can Alabama QB Jalen Milroe have a bounceback game against Auburn in the Iron Bowl (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

Auburn @ Alabama (-11.5)

The Tigers have the momentum entering this game, but Alabama is still playing for a potential spot in the college football playoff. So, what gives on Saturday afternoon? If Auburn can follow the same defensive plan as Oklahoma, who upset Alabama last week, then maybe they can cause Jalen Milroe to give up the ball a few times. If not, and they let Jalen make plays outside the pocket, it could be a long day for Auburn. 

I don’t know if I trust Payton Thorne to win this game for Auburn, but I do trust Jarquez Hunter to run the ball. I think Alabama wins, but the Tigers cover. 

Alright, that will do it for this week’s picks. Email your thoughts about the weekend to Trey.Wallace@OutKick.com

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