HotFootballTake: SEC Week 7 Storylines
The leaves are starting to turn, but the SEC schedule is just heating up. It’s that point in the season when coaches start feeling the heat, contenders separate from pretenders, and one loss can change everything. Here’s what’s on deck across the conference this weekend.
Alabama at Missouri
11:00 p.m. CT | ABC
The Mizzou Legitimacy Test
This is a crucial, high-stakes showdown between undefeated Missouri (5–0, 1–0 SEC) and ranked Alabama (4–1, 2–0 SEC). With SEC Nation broadcasting live from Columbia, the Tigers have the national spotlight for a chance to prove they’re for real. It’s also the final leg of Missouri’s six-game home stand to start the season — and it’s their biggest test yet.
Alabama’s Defensive Check
The key battle is Alabama’s defensive improvement against Missouri’s prolific rushing attack. Mizzou has one of the most productive ground games in a Power Conference, and this matchup will test whether the Tide’s early-season defensive fixes actually hold up.
Top-20 Clash with Playoff Stakes
#8 Alabama vs. #14 Missouri is the kind of October game that defines a season. The winner stays in the College Football Playoff hunt — the loser starts watching the scoreboard.
Washington State at Ole Miss
11:45 p.m. CT | SEC Network
Avoiding the Trap
Undefeated and highly ranked Ole Miss (5–0) is coming off a bye week and heavily favored against Washington State (3–2). The challenge: stay sharp before the brutal SEC stretch begins.
First-Ever Meeting
It’s the first time these programs have ever faced each other. Washington State is making a rare trip to the Deep South looking for its first win over a Top-5 team since 2017.
Non-Conference Domination
Lane Kiffin’s Rebels are 21–2 against non-conference opponents and have won seven straight by 30+ points. That streak will be tested again in Oxford.
Oklahoma vs. Texas (Dallas, TX)
2:30 p.m. CT | ABC
The SEC Red River Rivalry, Round Two
It’s still the Red River Shootout, but now it comes with full SEC weight. Both teams know what’s at stake — bragging rights, standings, and a playoff resume boost.
The Quarterback Cloud
Oklahoma QB John Mateer’s throwing-hand injury hangs over everything. Brent Venables said he’s “assuming” Mateer won’t play, meaning sophomore Michael Hawkins Jr. likely gets the nod again. Steve Sarkisian says Texas is preparing for both.
Texas Tumbles, OU Rolls
Oklahoma is undefeated (5–0, ranked #6). Texas (3–2) is fighting to stop a season slide after the loss to Florida. The Longhorns’ margin for error is gone.
Arkansas at Tennessee
3:15 p.m. CT | SEC Network
New Leadership in Fayetteville
After Sam Pittman’s firing, Bobby Petrino is back in charge — at least for now — as Arkansas’s interim head coach. The Razorbacks (2–3) are searching for an identity and a spark.
The Streak
Tennessee (#12) hasn’t beaten Arkansas since 2011. Four straight losses, all ugly. The Vols have this one circled.
Top-10 Watch
If Tennessee handles business, they’ll likely roll into next week’s matchup against Alabama inside the Top 10. Momentum is everything right now.
Arkansas’ Last Stand
This is desperation mode. The Hogs need a win to stay in the bowl conversation — and to give Petrino’s second act in Fayetteville a little life.
Florida at Texas A&M
6:00 p.m. CT | ESPN
Florida’s Reawakening
Florida (2–3) is coming off a massive upset win over Texas and has a shot to turn its season around. Billy Napier’s Gators suddenly have a pulse — but now they have to prove it’s real.
A&M’s Wall of Defense
#5 Texas A&M has allowed just one offensive touchdown in SEC play. Mike Elko’s defense has been suffocating, and they’ll make Florida earn every inch.
Napier’s Swing Game
A win here could calm the waters in Gainesville. A loss — especially a lopsided one — might crank the heat right back up.
South Carolina at LSU
6:45 p.m. CT | SEC Network
Death Valley Reset
LSU (#11) returns home under the lights after a loss that knocked them down the rankings. A Saturday night in Death Valley is usually where LSU reasserts itself — and that’s the expectation again.
The Gamecocks’ Test
South Carolina (3–2) is heading into one of the toughest road environments in college football. This is a measuring stick game for Shane Beamer’s group.
Offensive Consistency
LSU’s offense has been up-and-down all season. They’ll need balance and rhythm to avoid a second straight SEC stumble.
Georgia at Auburn
6:30 p.m. CT | ABC
The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry
130 meetings. Eight straight Georgia wins. Auburn (3–2) gets another shot to end the streak at Jordan-Hare under the lights.
Auburn’s Run Defense Under Fire
After being gashed by Texas A&M’s run game, Auburn’s defense now faces a Georgia team that’s leaning hard on new back Chauncey Bowens. The front seven has to respond.
Freeze Under Pressure
Hugh Freeze needs a spark — badly. A primetime upset of a Top-10 rival would change the entire conversation around his tenure. Lose again, and the seat just gets hotter.