SEC Conference Preview And Predictions

By Camden Joiner on September 8, 2014

The best conference in college ball is poised for another exciting season.

Currently, six SEC teams are ranked in the top 15 of the AP Poll. A team from the SEC has been in every National Championship game every year since 2006 and up until last season the SEC team had won every one.

This year should be no different as the SEC boasts some of the most talented teams in football. It will certainly be a year to remember in the Southeastern Conference and here is how I think it all plays out.

SEC West:

Image via cbssports.com

Alabama: The Crimson Tide are a heavy favorite to win the SEC West and it’s easy to see why. Alabama has depth at every position and boasts a healthy mix of young and veteran players. The one question that remains for Alabama is the the quarterback battle between Blake Sims and Jacob Coker.

However, under the tutelage of experienced head coach Nick Saban, I think the Crimson Tide win the SEC West in stride.

Projected SEC Record: 9-0

Arkansas: Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, it won’t be a prosperous year for Arkansas football. The Hogs have the least talented team in the SEC West and head coach Bret Bielema is struggling to find his team’s identity.

Playing in the toughest division in college football doesn’t make things easier for the Razorbacks and after going 0-8 in conference play last season, things are looking like much more of the same.

Projected SEC Record: 0-8

Auburn: Last year’s SEC run by the Tigers seemed like something out of fiction. After beating Georgia and Alabama with last second seemingly impossible touchdowns, they went on to win the SEC and represent the conference in the National Championship game.

Starting quarterback Nick Marshall and head coach Gus Malzahn will both be back in what should be another strong year for the Tigers. However I don’t think lightening will strike twice for Auburn.

Projected SEC Record: 6-2

LSU: The other Tigers from Baton Rouge got off to a shaky start this year barely edging out Wisconsin in week 1. LSU is still working two quarterbacks and has yet to announce a permanent starter. Les Miles and the Tigers will always be a dangerous team, but playing in the devastating SEC West will lead to a disappointing season for LSU.

Projected SEC Record: 5-3

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs of the West season rides on one man: QB1 Dak Prescott.

The junior quarterback is touted as one of best quarterbacks in the SEC this season and Mississippi State will need that and more if they are to do damage in the conference. But with games against Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M and LSU it will be a steep road to climb for the Bulldogs.

Projected SEC Record: 4-4

Ole Miss: Much like their Mississippi counter part, Ole Miss’ quarterback play can either make or break their season.

Redshirt senior Bo Wallace threw three picks in their opener vs Boise State, a number that should put many Rebels fans on their toes. However, even if Bo went without another interception, the top tier of the SEC West is just too talented for Ole Miss.

Projected SEC Record: 3-5

Image via collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com

Texas A&M: The sleeper surprise of the SEC West is Texas A&M who shocked fans by dismantling a highly skilled South Carolina team 52-28 in their week 1 opener.

Johnny Manziel’s replacement Kenny Hill threw for over 500 yards and Kevin Sumlin and the Aggies are seemingly picking up exactly where they left off.

The biggest test for the Aggies will be if their defense can hold off the talented offenses of Alabama and Auburn. (Here’s a link to Kenny Hill highlights vs South Carolina).

Projected SEC Record: 6-2

SEC East:

Image via rantsports.com

Florida: Florida’s defense remains one of the few high spots for a team who is struggling as of late.

Returning under center is quarterback #6 Jeff Driskel and if he can stay healthy the Gators will at least be presentable on the offensive side of the ball.

But after going 3-5 in SEC play last season for the second time in three years, Gator fans should be wondering if Will Muschamp is the real problem.

Projected SEC Record: 3-5

Georgia: The Dawgs got off to a thunderous start defeating Clemson 45-21 at home last Saturday. Heisman hopeful Todd Gurley leads the Bulldogs’ talented backfield and if Hutson Mason can give consistently passable performances at the quarterback position, Georgia should breeze through the SEC East.

However, UGA still has big match-ups with South Carolina and Auburn to look forward to.

Projected SEC Record: 8-1

Kentucky: Former FSU defensive coordinator Mark Stoops recently took over the Wildcats head coaching position but Stoops and UK have yet to find their groove.

Kentucky simply doesn’t recruit the talent needed to compete and win in the SEC. Perhaps UK basketball coach John Calipari should be lending some of his talents to the football program.

Projected SEC Record: 0-8

Missouri: Missouri was the victor of the SEC East last season but unfortunately for the Tigers that won’t be the case this year.

The Tigers lost many of their best players in the off season, most of which were key skill players. The Tigers are not without bright spots however,  as sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk seems to be a star in the making. Unfortunately for Missouri, success is a couple years down the road. (Here’s a link of Maty Mauk’s freshman highlights).

SEC Projected Record: 5-3

Image via zimbio.com

South Carolina: The Gamecocks came into this season shooting for a spot in the playoffs until Kenny Hill and the Aggies shocked South Carolina at home in Columbia.

All is not lost for the Gamecocks, as starting quarterback Dylan Thompson is one of the most underrated QBs in football and will surely do some damage through the air this year.

But it won’t be easy as the road ahead for South Carolina does not get any easier; already next week they play #6 Georgia. I don’t think we’ve seen the last visor spike from Steve Spurrier this season.

SEC Projected Rankings: 5-3

Tennessee: Senior quarterback Justin Worley is returning this year for another season under center for the Vols.

Tennessee certainly boasts some play makers on the offensive side of the ball; however, their defense will keep them from really competing in the East division. Not to mention games with Alabama and Ole Miss from the West, another disappointing year is ahead for Rocky Top.

SEC Projected Rankings: 2-6

Vanderbilt: After losing head coach James Franklin to Penn State, it’s all downhill from here for the Commodores. Vanderbilt has few impact players that can do damage in the SEC and playing both Mississippi teams from the West won’t help their cause. The Commodores’ only saving grace is at least they’re not as bad as Kentucky.

SEC Projected Rankings: 1-7

Championship Game: I think Alabama will win the West, albeit with tough battles against Texas A&M and Auburn. Georgia should win the East fairly easily barring injuries.

As for the SEC Championship game, I believe the result will be similar to the last time these two teams played for the SEC title. Georgia in recent years can’t seem to win the big one and I think championship experience on the Alabama side will win them the SEC crown.

WinnerAlabama

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