Key SEC football games to decide the season

Most pundits have Alabama and Florida continuing their dominance of the last couple of seasons. The trouble is, nobody can predict which team finishes second in either division. That's why all it takes is an upset or two, an injury or arrest, and the summer predictions go poof.

GEORGIA AT SOUTH CAROLINA, SEPT. 11
Traditionally, this is a make-or-break game for both teams, but with Florida controlling the East the last several years, these two are jockeying for second. Neither team plays a big-time school in its first game, so it gives fans a chance to see a new quarterback (UGA) or if the incumbent quarterback is improved (USC). The Gamecocks' defense has been among the best in the league for a couple seasons, and the Dawgs have a new scheme and a new coordinator. I'll give a slight edge to QB experience and the Gamecocks.
Prediction: South Carolina 21, Georgia 20

ALABAMA AT ARKANSAS, SEPT. 25
Take out the old-school game with Penn State, this is the Crimson Tide’s biggest contest in the first month of the season. Especially because it’s in conference. Everyone knows Arkansas will probably have the best offense in the league this year, and Nick Saban’s defense should get its first big test of the season, especially in the passing game. It’s probably a bigger game for the Hogs, who are looking for their first SEC West crown since 2006. I like the Hogs in an upset.
Prediction: Arkansas 28, Alabama 24

SOUTH CAROLINA AT AUBURN, SEPT. 25
This comes one week after Auburn plays Clemson, also on The Plains. Most people don't think the AU Tigers will win both games against the Palmetto State teams. This game could reveal if Auburn's recruiting successes will help with depth, which was a problem last season and led to a 3-5 finish. Fans will see if Cam Newton, the Florida transfer who won the QB job in the spring, has adjusted to how defenses handle his run-pass option. The Gamecocks should have one of the top three defenses on Auburn's schedule.
Prediction: South Carolina 17, Auburn 10

FLORIDA AT ALABAMA, OCT. 2
Arguably the biggest game of the year nationally, the teams that played for the SEC Championship last year, and have won three of the last four BCS National Championships, meet for what could be the first of two meetings this season. (Wouldn’t a rematch in the Georgia Dome on Dec. 4 be interesting?) Florida's challenge is hanging around, which it couldn't do in the SEC Championship, as it trailed 19-3 at halftime and ultimately lost, 32-13. The challenge for Florida will be to stop Alabama's strong running game without departed linebackers Brandon Spikes and Ryan Stamper. The Tide more than tripled the Gators in rushing yards in last season's meeting.
Prediction: Florida 24, Alabama 17

ALABAMA AT SOUTH CAROLINA, OCT. 9
The Gamecocks are one of six opponents that play Alabama following their bye week, which is one of the biggest concerns most have with handing the Tide the trophy again. Alabama, meanwhile, is coming off games at Arkansas and against Florida in Tuscaloosa. So this is a classic trap game for Nick Saban’s boys. Give the Gamecocks wins over Georgia and Auburn, and Steve Spurrier’s team has a ton of confidence and a high ranking. If history is any indication, USC will make things really interesting for three quarters, and then watch turnovers and/or penalties give the game away.
Prediction: Alabama 27, South Carolina 17

TENNESSEE AT GEORGIA, OCT. 9
Hard to believe that only two years ago, the last time these teams met in Athens, Phil Fulmer walked the orange sideline. Short of two undefeated records, the focus of this game will be on first-year Tennessee coach Derek Dooley, son of legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley. The story will certainly dominate the days leading up to the game, but lost some buzz when Vince said months ago that he would watch the game at home, and not subject himself to constant television reaction shots from the stands. Given the Vols' 45-19 win last season, another theme will be Georgia's revenge, but also both teams using rookie QBs. That will decide the outcome, and it'll go to the home team.
Prediction: Georgia 30, Tennessee 21

GEORGIA VS. FLORIDA at Jacksonville, OCT. 30
The old World’s Largest Cocktail Party has lost some buzz in recent years, both because of Florida’s recent dominance, and the removal of the game’s official nickname. Last year was marred by the gouging of Washaun Ealey’s eyes by Brandon Spikes, and a second straight lopsided Florida win. With a new quarterback for the Gators, and a new defense for the Dawgs, this one doesn’t feel as out of reach for Georgia as it has recently. They key matchup will be Florida's secondary, arguably the best in the league, against WR A.J. Green and the Dawgs' plethora of tight ends.
Prediction: Georgia 28, Florida 24

AUBURN AT ALABAMA, NOV. 27
The Iron Bowl is one of the best rivalries in sports because the fans ask talk show hosts for predictions in July. Last year, Auburn made the game interesting into the fourth quarter, and given the recruiting momentum that has arrived in the offseason, Gene Chizik should have more than a puncher’s chance. Not to mention Auburn’s "historical" dominance in Tuscaloosa. (The majority of the Iron Bowl games were played at Legion Field in Birmingham.) Order will be restored by the Tide as they should be extra motivated by what could be a tight race in the West.
Prediction: Alabama 21, Auburn 13