Coming into the season, we had a hunch that Alabama was going to reload and return to their dominant ways in the SEC. Nick Saban manages to reload his team every season, no matter how many guys he loses to the NFL and/or graduation. Why should this year be any different?
It is not, of course. There really was not any doubt heading into last weekend’s game against Georgia. But with how they dominated the Bulldogs in the second half en route to a 17-point win? Yeah, Alabama will be one of two teams playing for the SEC Championship in December.
Right now, it is hard to see anyone beating the Crimson Tide (-305; odds via DraftKings).
Now, there is still a lot of football to be played, and anything can happen. However, the best chance the SEC East has of not seeing Alabama in the conference championship is the 3-1 Texas A&M Aggies (+1800)—whom Alabama already beat.
So, more than likely, that means someone from the SEC East division will have to take on Alabama in the SEC Championship game.
SEC Championship Odds: Who Can Beat Alabama?
For Texas A&M to make the title game, Alabama must lose twice. But with the competition they have left (Tennessee, Mississippi State, LSU, Kentucky, Auburn, and Arkansas), it is hard to see Alabama slipping up twice.
If a Nick Saban team does slip up, it only does so once. So, count on Alabama being one of the two teams playing in the SEC Championship.
Despite losing to the Crimson Tide Saturday night, Georgia still has good odds to win the SEC (+300). While they ultimately lost by 17-points, the Bulldogs led at the half, 24-20. Had Stetson Bennett not thrown two interceptions in the second half, which both led to Alabama touchdowns, maybe they could have won.
It is also worth noting that Bennett is a first-year starter with just three starts under his belt. He could be a lot better by the time the end of the regular season rolls around.
But if it isn’t Georgia, Florida has the next best shot at winning the SEC (+400). Seeing them lose to Texas A&M does put a damper on their outlook. If they cannot stop Kellen Mond, what chance do they have against Mac Jones? Probably none.
However, Kyle Trask could put up some points against the Alabama defense.
Florida and Georgia both have one loss already, so whoever wins their game on November 7 will be in the driver’s seat for the second spot in the SEC Championship game.
The Rest of the SEC Odds
As for the rest of the SEC East, if you really want to bet on Vanderbilt (+100000), there is not a sportsbook in the world that would refuse your money. Missouri (+50000), with two losses, is not technically out of the running. They would, however, have to beat Florida and Georgia, which is unlikely.
Plus, we have already seen them get dominated by Alabama.
Tennessee (+15000) was a team many people had high hopes for when the season started. It looked like they might follow through on their potential after wins against South Carolina and Missouri to start the season. But losses to Georgia and Kentucky have removed their margin of error. With a game against Alabama upcoming and Texas A&M and Florida on the schedule, it doesn’t look good for them.
With two losses to open the season, South Carolina (+10000) is likely done as well. They must run the table and get some help to have a shot. But that is probably not going to happen.
But if you like rolling the dice on a dark horse, you got a good one in Kentucky (+4000).
The best defense against teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Florida is a good offense. The Wildcats don’t have a great unit, but they are good at running the ball (17th in the nation). Defensively, they have a top-20 unit in several categories (total, rush, scoring, passing efficiency, turnover margin, and red zone).
If Kentucky can eat up some clock with their run game and limit the run game of all three, they might actually win against all three. That is asking a lot, of course, but Alabama and Florida do have vulnerable defenses. If Stetson Bennett makes a few mistakes, beating Georgia is not out of reach either.
If you like to roll the dice, the Wildcats might be the pick for you.
