Auburn RB Ben Tate (thanks Icon SMI)

Well, we’re finally here.   I’d say there’s drama on the line, but once you take away the rivalries, there’s nothing significant to be fighting over other than bowl position.  We know the SEC Championship matchup (as we’ve known for weeks, and quite frankly could’ve guessed back in September).  The SEC will have ten bowl-eligible teams.  It’s a minor miracle we have not only fantasy, but rivalry, to pull us through this.

Alabama @ Auburn (the Iron Bowl needs no introductions)

Alabama’s defense has been generally stifling all season – only Tennessee and Kentucky have even gotten over 300 yards.  Lest you think that Ben Tate and the Auburn crew will have success, remember what happened to the Arkansas offense: stifled on both the ground and through the air.  Chris Todd is no Ryan Mallett, which means it’ll be a long day for Darvin Adams, too.

If you’re looking for starters, I’d look at the other side of the field.  Auburn’s defense hasn’t been great against anyone with a pulse, and Mark Ingram is the near definition of a pulse.  There’s not a whole lot to see with the passing game; I’d bench everyone except for maybe Colin Peek, who may finally be healed from whatever was ailing him.

Clemson @ South Carolina (don’t these guys have some terrible trophy to fight over?)

Yes, it’s an OOC wonder for South Carolina, but Clemson and SC go way back – like school board politics, the fighting is fiercest where there’s the least to gain.  Of particular importance here is Clemson’s pass defense; they’re sporting one of the best marks against in the country, including a 15/20 TD/INT ratio.  (Of course, South Carolina’s isn’t too bad either.)  That makes starting human cannonball Stephen Garcia a risk, and that’s not even taking into account the likely -20 yards you have to mark him down for potential sacks.

Alshon Jeffery has been as dominant as a true freshman gets, beating up on the lesser defenses big-time.  He’s going to be a beast in a year or two (before he leaves to pump gas the NFL), but this Clemson D is right in the median of defenses he’ll be able to take advantage of.  I’d lean towards a start; Clemson’s pass D has allowed teams to score, and since we’re not concerned about things like interceptions, this means well.  The two best ACC receivers Clemson’s faced all year have allowed an average of 13 fantasy points (~70 yards and a TD), so there’s your baseline.

Ole Miss @ Mississippi State (yes, the Egg Bowl exists)

I have no idea why they call this the Egg Bowl, but hey – that’s why I don’t live in Mississippi (among other reasons).  The Bulldogs have been putting up game efforts all season, but the only guy we care about from a fantasy perspective is Anthony Dixon, who’s been quality.  However, Ole Miss’ defense has been on a roll lately; not only would I start them, I think they’ll do pretty well.  Dixon’s a non-starter.

For the Rebels, it’s standard fare now; Dexter McCluster- who I’m finally calling a RB; yes, that took all season – and Shay Hodge are worth starting.

Florida State @ Florida (HAHAHAHA …wait, this is a game?)

Yes, it’s a rivalry game.  I don’t care.  Florida’s getting the start all here.  FSU’s defense is going to kill Mickey Andrews before it’s all said and done.

Arkansas @ LSU (the ..um, Big Boot?  Big Boot Land Grant Trophy?)

I don’t entirely trust this game right now.  I think Ryan Mallett will be okay, but if there’s a better option out there than him, start him instead.  Mallett’s going to have some issues against this LSU secondary, but a guy like Jarius Wright might be in decent shape.  (Quite frankly, whoever ends up against Patrick Peterson is going to be shut down.)  Sneaky TD guys like Broderick Green are going to have tough going here; quite frankly, if you can afford to steer away from Arkansas here I’d do it.

On the other hand, a guy like Brandon LaFell should be in decent shape.  Arkansas’ pass defense spends the better part of their time on fire, and while I wouldn’t exactly rush out to get Jordan Jefferson, he’ll do decent enough.  Keiland Williams may be able to pull about 90 and a TD, which isn’t great but is better than nothing.

Tennessee @ Kentucky (it’s not a rivalry game if one team just wins)

Tennessee’s defense would typically be an auto-start, but they’re so past beaten up I wouldn’t do it.  Heck, I’d almost look at starting a Randall Cobb-type; both McCluster and Warren Norman had some success against Tennessee’s defensive unit, which bodes well for a dual-threat type guy like Cobb.  He’s more of a TD threat than Derrick Locke, too.

On the other hand, Montario Hardesty should be a beast.  Gambling on Jonathan Crompton isn’t the worst move you can make this week, but go ahead and count on an interception; Kentucky’s pass defense should force at least one INT.

Georgia @ Georgia Tech (Willie Martinez’s Last Stand)

And lordy, is that stand going to be ugly.  Anyone starting Georgia’s defense has long since been eliminated from fantasy contention, and viable fantasy WR AJ Green is injured and doubtful this Saturday.  That means we’re in the odd position to recommend no starts; that’s partially because I don’t trust anyone on Georgia’s offense and partially due to the -18 turnover margin they’ve been rocking.  It just looks bad.

Related posts:

1. SEC Bookend: Strangers
2. SEC Bookends: Unusual Suspects
3. SEC Bookends: Green with Envy
4. SEC Bookends: Threat Down
5. SEC Bookends: Yes, This is a Game

Tags: SEC