SEC Football Preview
By Tyler Smith
Matt has delivered year after year with his SEC predictions. Having the title of the most accurate for the SEC picks from 2015-2017. Here are all of his accolades from the Stassen.com
2013
SEC West SEC East SEC |
2016
SEC West SEC |
2015-2017
Most Accurate SEC |
SEC EAST
#1 Florida 11-1 (7-1)
Coach: Dan Mullen
Offensive Coordinator: Billy Gonzalez and John Hevesy
Defensive Coordinator: Todd Grantham
Stadium: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,458)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 4-7
2016 9-4
2015 10-4
2014 7-5
2013 4-8
Offensive Coordinator: Billy Gonzalez and John Hevesy
Defensive Coordinator: Todd Grantham
Stadium: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,458)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 4-7
2016 9-4
2015 10-4
2014 7-5
2013 4-8
Overview
Dan Mullen returns to the Swamp, a place where he has had great success as an offensive coordinator. Mullen going to Florida was one of my favorite hires in the college football. Mullen instantly upgrades an offense that has been pitiful to watch for the better part of 10 years. Feleipe Franks appears to be the leader in the biggest QB race in the country. I trust in Dan Mullen to find a QB and upgrade his talents as the season progresses. I would like to see Florida start Kyle Trask in the opener.
Florida gets a nice boost in the running game with the return of Jordan Scarlett. Scarlett was one of the players that were suspended for the ‘17 season. Malik Davis should also return from an injury at some point this season. Davis averaged 6.7 yards per carry before an injury cost him the season. Scarlett and Davis is one of the running back duos in the nation. The Gators are stacked at the wide receiver position. Transfer Van Jefferson (Ole Miss) and Trevon Grimes (Ohio State) provide depth, explosiveness, and height to the passing game. Tyrie Cleveland averaged 18.6 yards per catch in ‘17 and is the leader of the group. Martez Ivey headlines a Florida offensive line that returns all 5 starters.
Florida took a step backward defensively last season. The Gators finished 69th nationally in scoring defense. There is quite a bit of talent returning to the Swamp this season. Jabari Zuniga looked good playing opposite of CeCe Jefferson. Zuniga recorded 4 sacks and 34 tackles at the end position. Speaking of Jefferson, CeCe is looking for his best season as a senior. Jefferson led the Gators with 9 tackles for loss and can fly off the edge. Florida has a great trio of linebackers. David Reese (2nd team SEC) finished with 102 tackles and 8.5 for loss. Chauncy Gardner-Johnson is my favorite player on this Gators defense. He can play the run and the pass with some of best guys in the country. Johnson is a major talent and is surely heading to the NFL at some point. Florida has a young but extremely talented group in the secondary. Marco Wilson and CJ Henderson are some of the best corners in the conference and best duo. Wilson led the Gators with 10 PBU and Henderson led with 4 INT, earning him All-SEC honors. Tommy Townsend transferred from Tennessee to replace his brother as punter for the Gators.
There is a wave of hope across Gainesville that Dan Mullen will get Florida back to playing for National Championships. The biggest challenge for Mullen is finding or developing one of the young Gator QBs. The competition is tight, so we may not really know who is starting until the Kentucky game. This is an offense filled with playmakers all over the board and the defense is going to be stout once again. As far as the schedule goes, I love it for Florida. Florida opens with 3 straight home games before heading to Knoxville and Starkville in back-to-back weeks. LSU comes to town October 6th and then 3 weeks later, the Gators take on Georgia. Florida doesn’t leave the state in November. If anything, Gator fans would like the 5 game losing streak to Florida State come to an end. I have Florida pegged to be one of the biggest surprises of the season. I missed on Georgia last season and I have a strong feeling that Florida is this year’s Georgia. The future is bright in Gainesville.
Florida gets a nice boost in the running game with the return of Jordan Scarlett. Scarlett was one of the players that were suspended for the ‘17 season. Malik Davis should also return from an injury at some point this season. Davis averaged 6.7 yards per carry before an injury cost him the season. Scarlett and Davis is one of the running back duos in the nation. The Gators are stacked at the wide receiver position. Transfer Van Jefferson (Ole Miss) and Trevon Grimes (Ohio State) provide depth, explosiveness, and height to the passing game. Tyrie Cleveland averaged 18.6 yards per catch in ‘17 and is the leader of the group. Martez Ivey headlines a Florida offensive line that returns all 5 starters.
Florida took a step backward defensively last season. The Gators finished 69th nationally in scoring defense. There is quite a bit of talent returning to the Swamp this season. Jabari Zuniga looked good playing opposite of CeCe Jefferson. Zuniga recorded 4 sacks and 34 tackles at the end position. Speaking of Jefferson, CeCe is looking for his best season as a senior. Jefferson led the Gators with 9 tackles for loss and can fly off the edge. Florida has a great trio of linebackers. David Reese (2nd team SEC) finished with 102 tackles and 8.5 for loss. Chauncy Gardner-Johnson is my favorite player on this Gators defense. He can play the run and the pass with some of best guys in the country. Johnson is a major talent and is surely heading to the NFL at some point. Florida has a young but extremely talented group in the secondary. Marco Wilson and CJ Henderson are some of the best corners in the conference and best duo. Wilson led the Gators with 10 PBU and Henderson led with 4 INT, earning him All-SEC honors. Tommy Townsend transferred from Tennessee to replace his brother as punter for the Gators.
There is a wave of hope across Gainesville that Dan Mullen will get Florida back to playing for National Championships. The biggest challenge for Mullen is finding or developing one of the young Gator QBs. The competition is tight, so we may not really know who is starting until the Kentucky game. This is an offense filled with playmakers all over the board and the defense is going to be stout once again. As far as the schedule goes, I love it for Florida. Florida opens with 3 straight home games before heading to Knoxville and Starkville in back-to-back weeks. LSU comes to town October 6th and then 3 weeks later, the Gators take on Georgia. Florida doesn’t leave the state in November. If anything, Gator fans would like the 5 game losing streak to Florida State come to an end. I have Florida pegged to be one of the biggest surprises of the season. I missed on Georgia last season and I have a strong feeling that Florida is this year’s Georgia. The future is bright in Gainesville.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Feleipe Franks, SO, QB
Rushing
Lamical Perine, JR, RB
Receiving
Tyrie Cleveland, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
CJ Henderson, SO, CB
Sacks
Cece Jefferson, SR, DE
Tackles
David Reese, JR, LB
#2 Georgia 10-2 (6-2)
Coach: Kirby Smart
Offensive Coordinator: Jim Chaney and James Coley
Defensive Coordinator: Mel Tucker
Stadium: Sanford Stadium (92,746)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 13-2
2016 8-5
2015 10-3
2014 10-3
2013 8-5
Offensive Coordinator: Jim Chaney and James Coley
Defensive Coordinator: Mel Tucker
Stadium: Sanford Stadium (92,746)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 13-2
2016 8-5
2015 10-3
2014 10-3
2013 8-5
Overview
Georgia has arrived under third year head coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs were a blown coverage away from winning a national title in 2017. Georgia returns 8 offensive starters for the new season. Jake Fromm emerged as a star after an injury to starter Jacob Eason in the opener. Fromm didn’t look back, leading the Bulldogs to an impressive 13 win season, and SEC Championship.He finished as a Freshman All-American after racking up 2,615 passing yards with 24 TD and only 7 INT. If Fromm hits a sophomore slump, look for Justin Fields as a potential replacement.
Georgia will need to replace the running back stable of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. The duo combined for over 2,500 yards and 31 TD. Georgia turns to sensational sophomore D’Andre Swift. Swift is my top running back in the conference. Swift has great vision, great hands, and is an explosive playmaker. The Bulldogs return the majority of their wide receiver corps from ‘17.Terry Godwin is the leader of the group. Godwin will look to finish his Bulldog career with a bang. Mecole Hardman and Riley Ridley figure to play bigger roles with the departure of Javon Wims. Georgia returns four offensive line starters, including All-SEC center Lamont Gaillard.
Georgia is hit with key losses on the defensive side of the ball. Roquan Smith will be dearly missed. Georgia returns some big guys on the defensive line. DT Tyler Clark weighs in at 300 pounds and finished with 3.5 tackles for loss. D’Andre Walker led the Bulldogs in the tackle for loss department with 8 last season. Walker will undoubtedly be the leading pass rusher for the defense this season. Deandre Baker is an NFL talent playing at corner for the Bulldogs. Baker capitalized on opposing QB’s mistakes, leading to 3 INT. Safety JR Reed was one of the Bulldogs who received All-SEC honors last season. Reed leads all returning players, bringing back 79 tackles. Rodrigo Blankenship is one of the top kickers in all of college football. He was clutch in so many moments last season, finishing with hitting 20-23 FG with a long of 55.
Georgia enters the new season as an overwhelming favorite to win the SEC East crown again. Georgia is also a trendy pick to return to the CFP. Kirby Smart is recruiting at an elite level and has the program healthier than it has ever been. Having a QB like Jake Fromm returning is a major plus. The defense has a few question marks but there’s no question about how talented they are. Georgia plays a couple of tricky games in September, at South Carolina and at Missouri. Georgia has to travel to Death Valley, which is always a tough place to pick up a W. Georgia gets a bye before traveling to Jacksonville to take on the Gators. Georgia hosts Auburn this season and finishes with a home contest against Georgia Tech. I see Georgia being the best team in the SEC East. However, I think the Bulldogs drop a couple of games this season and miss out on the SEC title game. A NY6 bowl will have to be enough for the fans this season.
Georgia will need to replace the running back stable of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. The duo combined for over 2,500 yards and 31 TD. Georgia turns to sensational sophomore D’Andre Swift. Swift is my top running back in the conference. Swift has great vision, great hands, and is an explosive playmaker. The Bulldogs return the majority of their wide receiver corps from ‘17.Terry Godwin is the leader of the group. Godwin will look to finish his Bulldog career with a bang. Mecole Hardman and Riley Ridley figure to play bigger roles with the departure of Javon Wims. Georgia returns four offensive line starters, including All-SEC center Lamont Gaillard.
Georgia is hit with key losses on the defensive side of the ball. Roquan Smith will be dearly missed. Georgia returns some big guys on the defensive line. DT Tyler Clark weighs in at 300 pounds and finished with 3.5 tackles for loss. D’Andre Walker led the Bulldogs in the tackle for loss department with 8 last season. Walker will undoubtedly be the leading pass rusher for the defense this season. Deandre Baker is an NFL talent playing at corner for the Bulldogs. Baker capitalized on opposing QB’s mistakes, leading to 3 INT. Safety JR Reed was one of the Bulldogs who received All-SEC honors last season. Reed leads all returning players, bringing back 79 tackles. Rodrigo Blankenship is one of the top kickers in all of college football. He was clutch in so many moments last season, finishing with hitting 20-23 FG with a long of 55.
Georgia enters the new season as an overwhelming favorite to win the SEC East crown again. Georgia is also a trendy pick to return to the CFP. Kirby Smart is recruiting at an elite level and has the program healthier than it has ever been. Having a QB like Jake Fromm returning is a major plus. The defense has a few question marks but there’s no question about how talented they are. Georgia plays a couple of tricky games in September, at South Carolina and at Missouri. Georgia has to travel to Death Valley, which is always a tough place to pick up a W. Georgia gets a bye before traveling to Jacksonville to take on the Gators. Georgia hosts Auburn this season and finishes with a home contest against Georgia Tech. I see Georgia being the best team in the SEC East. However, I think the Bulldogs drop a couple of games this season and miss out on the SEC title game. A NY6 bowl will have to be enough for the fans this season.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Jake Fromm, SO, QB
Rushing
D'Andre Swift, SO, RB
Receiving
Terry Godwin, SR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Deandre Baker, SR, CB
Sacks
D'Andre Walker, SR, LB
Tackles
J.R. Reed, JR, S
#3 South Carolina 9-3 (6-2)
Coach: Will Muschamp
Offensive Coordinator: Bryan McClendon
Defensive Coordinator: Travaris Robinson
Stadium: Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 9-4
2016 6-7
2015 3-9
2014 7-6
2013 11-2
Offensive Coordinator: Bryan McClendon
Defensive Coordinator: Travaris Robinson
Stadium: Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 9-4
2016 6-7
2015 3-9
2014 7-6
2013 11-2
Overview
South Carolina took a positive step forward in ‘17. Will Muschamp led the Gamecocks to a 9-4 record and Outback Bowl win. South Carolina finished with a winning SEC record in for the first time since ‘13. Jake Bentley returns at QB, one of the 8 starters returning on the offense. Bentley completed 62% of his passes for 2,794 yards and 18 TD. Rico Dowdle returns from injury and will be the starting back. Dowdle had a great freshman season before last season injury plagued year. AJ Turner and Ty’Son Williams should see plenty of carries behind Dowdle. SC has a couple of very talented wide receivers. Deebo Samuel returns from injury, Samuels started with 250 yards receiving out of the gate before being out with an injury. Bryan Edwards emerged as the top guy with Samuels on the shelf. Edwards led SC with 64 receptions, 793 yards and 5 TD. South Carolina returns 3 starters along the offensive line.
Will Muschamp had his defense playing quite well last season. South Carolina finished 25th nationally allowing just 20.7 points per game. The Gamecocks will need to replace leader Skai Moore. South Carolina returns both defensive tackles. Javon Kinlaw is a monster at 6’6” weighting 302 pounds. DJ Wonnum excelled at the BUCK position a season ago. He finished with 57 tackles, had team-highs in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (7). TJ Brunson is a talented junior linebacker. Brunson finished just behind Moore in total tackles with 88. The secondary took a hit with some departures but the return of Rashad Fenton gives the unit a pure leader. Fenton heads into his senior season and is looking to add to his INT totals in ‘18. Jamyest Williams is a young gun safety with a ton of talent. He’s definitely a player to keep an eye out for this season.
Muschamp is finding more success in Columbia than he did in Gainesville. South Carolina has a chance to turn some heads with the offensive firepower they posses this year. The schedule sets up fairly well for the Gamecocks to make a run at a SEC East crown. SC hosts Georgia, Missouri, A&M, and Tennessee. A 4-0 home sweep would put them right in the hunt for a championship. Road games at Vandy and Kentucky are winnable. A trip to Oxford, MS will be tricky before finishing the SEC slate at Florida. It’s not hard to see this South Carolina team sitting at 9 wins by the end of the regular season. The biggest game on the schedule is the Clemson contest, South Carolina has lost 4 straight in the series.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Jake Bentley, JR, QB
Rushing
A.J. Turner, JR, RB
Receiving
Bryan Edwards, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Steven Montac, SR, S
Sacks
D.J. Wonnum, JR, DE
Tackles
T.J. Brunson, JR, LB
#4 Missouri 8-4 (4-4)
Coach: Barry Odom
Offensive Coordinator: Derek Dooley
Defensive Coordinator: Ryan Walters
Stadium: Memorial Stadium (71,168)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 7-6
2016 4-8
2015 5-7
2014 11-3
2013 12-2
Offensive Coordinator: Derek Dooley
Defensive Coordinator: Ryan Walters
Stadium: Memorial Stadium (71,168)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 7-6
2016 4-8
2015 5-7
2014 11-3
2013 12-2
Overview
Missouri ended the 2017 regular season on a 6 game winning streak, scoring 45+ points in all 6 games. In Missouri’s 7 wins, they averaged an eye-popping 54 points per game. In the 5 losses, they averaged 18.4.points. Consistency will be a big factor for this seasons Tigers. Drew Lock returns at QB. Lock led the SEC with 3,964 passing yards and 44 TD. Lock finished the season as a 1st-team All SEC selection and is one of the top QB prospects in the country. A healthy Damarea Crockett is going to add an extra dimension to this already impressive offense. Crockett rushed for over 1,000 yards as a freshman before having his sophomore season cut short by injury. Larry Rountree will resume the backup duties, he rushed 703 yards in ‘17. J’Mon Moore is gone, but the Tigers return the next 3 top receivers. Emanuel Hall amassed 817 yards on just 33 receptions. Johnathon Johnson caught 41 passes for 724 yards, and 6 TD. Sophomore tight end Albert Okwuegbunam is one of the best in the country. He finished with 11 touchdowns on just 29 receptions. Missouri returns the entire offensive line from ‘17.
Missouri was a bit of a mess defensively last season. The defense allowed nearly 32 points per game and 254 yards per game in the air. Missouri returns the majority of the starters this season. Jordan Elliott (Texas transfer) and Terry Beckner could be the best pair of DT’s in the SEC and one of the best pairs in college football. Beckner is a dominant interior lineman, finishing last season with a team-high 7 sacks. Cale Garrett and Terez Hall lead an impressive group at the LB position. The dynamic duo combined for 190 tackles, 20.5 for loss and Hall finished with SEC honors. Missouri was very young in the secondary a season ago. Sophomore starters Adam Sparks and Joshuah Bledsoe now have a year of experience under their belts. Khalil Oliver comes over from Oregon, giving this young core a veteran presence. Tucker McCann returns at kicker, he converted on 15-17 FG’s and Corey Fatony is back for another season as punter.
Missouri is one of the more interesting and overlooked teams heading into the new season. Drew Lock gets all of the attention, it’s well deserved, but there are solid players all over the roster. The return of Crockett is going to be huge addition to the offense and defensively I expect the Tigers to be much improved. Missouri visits Purdue in week 3 looking for revenge from last season’s beatdown. Missouri opens SEC play with Georgia at home before hitting the road for games at South Carolina and Alabama. A non-conference visit from Memphis breaks up the remainder of the conference slate. The final five games have three winnable home games against Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas. Road games at Florida and Tennessee will be the deciding factor whether Missouri can reach double digit wins this season. Missouri may not return to Atlanta for the SEC title game but they’ll play a major role in determining who gets there in 2018.
Missouri was a bit of a mess defensively last season. The defense allowed nearly 32 points per game and 254 yards per game in the air. Missouri returns the majority of the starters this season. Jordan Elliott (Texas transfer) and Terry Beckner could be the best pair of DT’s in the SEC and one of the best pairs in college football. Beckner is a dominant interior lineman, finishing last season with a team-high 7 sacks. Cale Garrett and Terez Hall lead an impressive group at the LB position. The dynamic duo combined for 190 tackles, 20.5 for loss and Hall finished with SEC honors. Missouri was very young in the secondary a season ago. Sophomore starters Adam Sparks and Joshuah Bledsoe now have a year of experience under their belts. Khalil Oliver comes over from Oregon, giving this young core a veteran presence. Tucker McCann returns at kicker, he converted on 15-17 FG’s and Corey Fatony is back for another season as punter.
Missouri is one of the more interesting and overlooked teams heading into the new season. Drew Lock gets all of the attention, it’s well deserved, but there are solid players all over the roster. The return of Crockett is going to be huge addition to the offense and defensively I expect the Tigers to be much improved. Missouri visits Purdue in week 3 looking for revenge from last season’s beatdown. Missouri opens SEC play with Georgia at home before hitting the road for games at South Carolina and Alabama. A non-conference visit from Memphis breaks up the remainder of the conference slate. The final five games have three winnable home games against Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas. Road games at Florida and Tennessee will be the deciding factor whether Missouri can reach double digit wins this season. Missouri may not return to Atlanta for the SEC title game but they’ll play a major role in determining who gets there in 2018.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Drew Lock, SR, QB
Rushing
Larry Rountree, SO, RB
Receiving
Johnathan Johnson, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Cale Garrett, JR, LB and Adam Sparks, SO, CB
Sacks
Terry Beckner Jr., SR, DT
Tackles
Cale Garrett, JR, LB
#5T Kentucky 6-6 (2-6)
Coach: Mark Stoops
Offensive Coordinator: Eddie Gran and Darin Hinshaw
Defensive Coordinator: Matt House
Stadium: Commonwealth Stadium (61,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 7-6
2016 7-6
2015 5-7
2014 5-7
2013 2-10
Offensive Coordinator: Eddie Gran and Darin Hinshaw
Defensive Coordinator: Matt House
Stadium: Commonwealth Stadium (61,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 7-6
2016 7-6
2015 5-7
2014 5-7
2013 2-10
Overview
Kentucky is coming off of back-to-back bowl appearances and will look to make it back to postseason play. Mark Stoops enters his 6th season in Lexington, and he may find himself on the hot seat by the end of the year. Oregon transfer Terry Wilson will enter the season as the starting quarterback. Wilson is a dual-threat QB, he threw for over 2,100 yards and had 26 TD at Garden City CC. Kentucky has one of the best running backs in not only the SEC, but the country. Benny Snell is back for his junior season, after an All-SEC season in ‘17. Snell finished with 1,333 rushing yards and 19 TD. Kentucky is thin at the receiver position. Tavin Richardson is the leading returner in the passing game. Richardson pulled in 27 receptions for 371 yards. CJ Conrad, a tight end, is arguably the best threat in the Wildcats passing attack. The return of Dorian Baker at WR, could be one of the biggest stories of the season. Four starting offensive linemen are back, including Logan Stenberg.
Kentucky returns eight offensive starters entering the new season. This group is filled with some NFL talent and could be one of the better defenses in the SEC East. Sophomore DE, Josh Pascal had a very good freshman season. Pascal finished with 3.5 sacks and has the talent to more than double that total this year. Josh Allen is one of the best edge rushers in the conference. Allen led the Wildcats in sacks with 7 in ‘17. Jordan Jones possess great closing speed at the LB position. Jones finished with 64 tackles and a team high 5.5 for loss. Kentucky returns all four starters in the secondary. It’s an impressive group, led by All-SEC performer, Mike Edwards. Edwards had a team-high 97 tackles and 4 interceptions. Corners Lonnie Johnson and Derrick Baity combined for 90 tackles and 14 PBU.
Mark Stoops is looking to break out of the 5-7 win range. Kentucky fields a very talented defense and one of the best running backs in the game. Questions are at QB. Stoops is 12-28 in SEC play, so if they’re going to have a better season, it starts in conference. Kentucky plays SEC road games at Florida, Texas A&M, Missouri, and Tennessee, all of which are winnable. The home schedule is tough with Mississippi State, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Georgia. Kentucky finishes the season at Louisville. After it’s all said and done, I look for Kentucky to be sitting between the 5-7 win make again. Will that be good enough for Stoops to keep his? I’m not sure, but this is a Kentucky team capable of winning 8 to 9 games.
Kentucky returns eight offensive starters entering the new season. This group is filled with some NFL talent and could be one of the better defenses in the SEC East. Sophomore DE, Josh Pascal had a very good freshman season. Pascal finished with 3.5 sacks and has the talent to more than double that total this year. Josh Allen is one of the best edge rushers in the conference. Allen led the Wildcats in sacks with 7 in ‘17. Jordan Jones possess great closing speed at the LB position. Jones finished with 64 tackles and a team high 5.5 for loss. Kentucky returns all four starters in the secondary. It’s an impressive group, led by All-SEC performer, Mike Edwards. Edwards had a team-high 97 tackles and 4 interceptions. Corners Lonnie Johnson and Derrick Baity combined for 90 tackles and 14 PBU.
Mark Stoops is looking to break out of the 5-7 win range. Kentucky fields a very talented defense and one of the best running backs in the game. Questions are at QB. Stoops is 12-28 in SEC play, so if they’re going to have a better season, it starts in conference. Kentucky plays SEC road games at Florida, Texas A&M, Missouri, and Tennessee, all of which are winnable. The home schedule is tough with Mississippi State, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Georgia. Kentucky finishes the season at Louisville. After it’s all said and done, I look for Kentucky to be sitting between the 5-7 win make again. Will that be good enough for Stoops to keep his? I’m not sure, but this is a Kentucky team capable of winning 8 to 9 games.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Lynn Bowden, JR, WR
Rushing
Benny Snell, JR, RB
Receiving
Tavin Richardson, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Mike Edwards, SR, S
Sacks
Josh Allen, SR, LB
Tackles
Mike Edwards, SR, S
Passing
Lynn Bowden, JR, WR
Rushing
Benny Snell, JR, RB
Receiving
Tavin Richardson, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Mike Edwards, SR, S
Sacks
Josh Allen, SR, LB
Tackles
Mike Edwards, SR, S
#5T Tennessee 5-7 (2-6)
Coach: Jeremy Pruitt
Offensive Coordinator: Tyson Helton
Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Sherrer
Stadium: Neyland Stadium (102,455)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 4-8
2016 9-4
2015 9-4
2014 7-6
2013 5-7
Offensive Coordinator: Tyson Helton
Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Sherrer
Stadium: Neyland Stadium (102,455)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 4-8
2016 9-4
2015 9-4
2014 7-6
2013 5-7
Overview
For the 4th time in the previous 10 seasons, Tennessee enters the season with a new head coach. Jeremy Pruitt is tasked with turning around a Tennessee program that has been stagnant for the better part of the previous decade. Tennessee will need to improve drastically on the offensive side of the ball. The Volunteers were virtually unwatchable on offense in 2017. Tennessee finished near the bottom nationally in every major offensive category. Stanford QB transfer Keller Chryst will battle with sophomore Jarrett Guarantano for the starting job. Ty Chandler is one of the bright young spots for the Vols. Chandler saw one start and finished with 305 yards as a freshman. Tennessee will have some solid receivers with Jauan Jennings returning for his junior season. Brandon Johnson led Tennessee with 37 receptions and 482 yards. Marquez Callaway was the big time playmaker for the Vols in ‘17. Callaway averaged 17 yards per catch with 5 TD. The offensive line returns just 3 starters but Trey Smith is one of the best young tackles in the country. Sophomore kicker Brent Cimaglia converted 8-13 FG’s.
Tennessee should improve on defense with Pruitt’s arrival on Rocky Top. There is some really good talent on the defensive side. Tennessee will need to improve on allowing 251 rushing yards per game. Shy Tuttle and Jonathan Kongbo give the Vols two massive bodies on the defensive line. “Last Chance U” star, Emmitt Gooden bolsters a pretty talented defensive line. Daniel Bituli led Tennessee with 90 tackles last season. Quart’e Sapp is the most athletic linebacker on the roster. J.J Peterson was the top recruit for the Vols and could see some significant time this season. Nigel Warrior is my favorite Tennessee Vol to watch. Warrior plays hard and ended last season with 83 tackles. Micah Abernathy returns for his senior season. Abernathy should thrive under Pruitt and I’d expect him to lead the team in tackles in 2018. Tennessee is going to be well improved on defense and that could translate to a couple more wins in 2018.
A new era of Volunteer football ready to commence. Jeremy Pruitt brings success as a coordinator and national championship rings with him to Knoxville. It’s going to take some time but there’s no reason Tennessee cannot compete with the bottom teams in the SEC. Tennessee opens the season with high-powered West Virginia in Charlotte. Florida visits Rocky Top in the SEC opener, kicking off a brutal stretch for the Vols. The next four games are at Georgia, at Auburn, Alabama, and at South Carolina. The back end of the season, Charlotte, Kentucky, Missouri, and at Vandy are winnable and could get the Vols to postseason play. It’s going to be a complete rebuild in Knoxville. A bowl game would be a huge win for the program and Pruitt under after year one.
Tennessee should improve on defense with Pruitt’s arrival on Rocky Top. There is some really good talent on the defensive side. Tennessee will need to improve on allowing 251 rushing yards per game. Shy Tuttle and Jonathan Kongbo give the Vols two massive bodies on the defensive line. “Last Chance U” star, Emmitt Gooden bolsters a pretty talented defensive line. Daniel Bituli led Tennessee with 90 tackles last season. Quart’e Sapp is the most athletic linebacker on the roster. J.J Peterson was the top recruit for the Vols and could see some significant time this season. Nigel Warrior is my favorite Tennessee Vol to watch. Warrior plays hard and ended last season with 83 tackles. Micah Abernathy returns for his senior season. Abernathy should thrive under Pruitt and I’d expect him to lead the team in tackles in 2018. Tennessee is going to be well improved on defense and that could translate to a couple more wins in 2018.
A new era of Volunteer football ready to commence. Jeremy Pruitt brings success as a coordinator and national championship rings with him to Knoxville. It’s going to take some time but there’s no reason Tennessee cannot compete with the bottom teams in the SEC. Tennessee opens the season with high-powered West Virginia in Charlotte. Florida visits Rocky Top in the SEC opener, kicking off a brutal stretch for the Vols. The next four games are at Georgia, at Auburn, Alabama, and at South Carolina. The back end of the season, Charlotte, Kentucky, Missouri, and at Vandy are winnable and could get the Vols to postseason play. It’s going to be a complete rebuild in Knoxville. A bowl game would be a huge win for the program and Pruitt under after year one.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Jarrett Guarantano, SO, QB
Rushing
Ty Chandler, SO, RB
Receiving
Brandon Johnson, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Two tied at 1
Sacks
Daniel Bituli, JR, LB
Tackles
Daniel Bituli, JR, LB
Passing
Jarrett Guarantano, SO, QB
Rushing
Ty Chandler, SO, RB
Receiving
Brandon Johnson, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Two tied at 1
Sacks
Daniel Bituli, JR, LB
Tackles
Daniel Bituli, JR, LB
#7 Vanderbilt 3-9 (0-8)
Coach: Derek Mason
Offensive Coordinator: Andy Ludwig
Defensive Coordinator: Jason Tarver
Stadium: Vanderbilt Stadium (40,550)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 5-7
2016 6-7
2015 4-8
2014 3-9
2013 9-4
Offensive Coordinator: Andy Ludwig
Defensive Coordinator: Jason Tarver
Stadium: Vanderbilt Stadium (40,550)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 5-7
2016 6-7
2015 4-8
2014 3-9
2013 9-4
Overview
Derek Mason enters year number five in Nashville, TN. Mason is looking for his first winning season as head coach of Vanderbilt. Kyle Shurmur returns for his senior season. The senior QB had a respectable 2017 season. Shurmur completed 58% of his passes for 2,823 yards and 26 TD. The offensive line returns all 5 starters from last season. Vanderbilt will need to replace Ralph Webb at RB and get a nice boost from transfer Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Vaughn sat out last season, but led Illinois in rushing as a freshman. Kalija Lipscomb returns for his junior season. Lipscomb (16.5 yards per catch) was the biggest threat in the passing game a year ago. Tight End Jared Pinkney is a nice commodity to have in the red zone.
Vanderbilt’s defense allowed 31 points per game and nearly 200 yards rushing per game. If the Commodores are going to turn this thing around, it’ll have to start on defense. There are some very good pieces and a mixture of young talent on this squad. Defensive ends Dare Odeyingbo and Charles Wright give Vanderbilt a healthy pass rush. The two seniors combined for 13.5 sacks in 2017. Jordan Griffin returns at linebacker. Griffin led the Commodores defense with 7.5 tackles for loss. Joejuan Williams finished with 10 PBU and was Vanderbilt’s best defensive back last season. LaDarius Wiley returns as the top returning tackler after leading Vandy with 88 tackles.
Derek Mason is sitting on the hot seat as we head into the new college football season. If Vanderbilt is going to have a winner, it better happen this season. Shurmur is a veteran QB, giving Mason some stability at the position. There are new faces up and down the roster. Vanderbilt gets South Carolina, Florida, Ole Miss, and Tennessee at home in SEC play. Road games at Kentucky and Arkansas are winnable. It’s going to be another long season in Nashville. I don’t see Derek Mason surviving after the 2018 season. There are good young coaches all over college football. Mason needs a bowl appearance, at a minimum, to keep his job but it’s not going to happen.
Vanderbilt’s defense allowed 31 points per game and nearly 200 yards rushing per game. If the Commodores are going to turn this thing around, it’ll have to start on defense. There are some very good pieces and a mixture of young talent on this squad. Defensive ends Dare Odeyingbo and Charles Wright give Vanderbilt a healthy pass rush. The two seniors combined for 13.5 sacks in 2017. Jordan Griffin returns at linebacker. Griffin led the Commodores defense with 7.5 tackles for loss. Joejuan Williams finished with 10 PBU and was Vanderbilt’s best defensive back last season. LaDarius Wiley returns as the top returning tackler after leading Vandy with 88 tackles.
Derek Mason is sitting on the hot seat as we head into the new college football season. If Vanderbilt is going to have a winner, it better happen this season. Shurmur is a veteran QB, giving Mason some stability at the position. There are new faces up and down the roster. Vanderbilt gets South Carolina, Florida, Ole Miss, and Tennessee at home in SEC play. Road games at Kentucky and Arkansas are winnable. It’s going to be another long season in Nashville. I don’t see Derek Mason surviving after the 2018 season. There are good young coaches all over college football. Mason needs a bowl appearance, at a minimum, to keep his job but it’s not going to happen.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Kyle Shurmur, SR, QB
Rushing
Khari Blasingame, SR, RB
Receiving
Kalija Lipscomb, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Three players tied with 1
Sacks
Charles Wright, SR, OLB
Tackles
LaDarius Wiley, SR, S
Passing
Kyle Shurmur, SR, QB
Rushing
Khari Blasingame, SR, RB
Receiving
Kalija Lipscomb, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Three players tied with 1
Sacks
Charles Wright, SR, OLB
Tackles
LaDarius Wiley, SR, S
SEC WEST
#1T Auburn 11-1 (7-1)
Head Coach: Gus Malzahn
Offensive Coordinator: Chip Lindsey
Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Steele
Stadium: Jordan-Hare Stadium (87,451)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 10-4
2016 8-5
2015 7-6
2014 8-5
2013 12-2
Offensive Coordinator: Chip Lindsey
Defensive Coordinator: Kevin Steele
Stadium: Jordan-Hare Stadium (87,451)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 10-4
2016 8-5
2015 7-6
2014 8-5
2013 12-2
Overview
Gus Malzahn enters his sixth season in Auburn and he rolls into 2018 with a big fat contract. Gus has brought stability to the program and beating Alabama twice in 5 years is always nice. For just the second time, Malzahn returns his starting quarterback. Jarrett Stidham is a good quarterback to lead your team. He showed no signs of rust after sitting out a year. The Auburn QB completed 67% of his passes for 3,158 yards and 18 TD. His biggest knock last season was fumbling and pocket awareness in the offseason
Auburn loses Kerryon Johnson at RB but they’ll have no problems finding a replacement for him. Kam Martin figures to be the #1 back out of camp. Martin is a quick, explosive back. He led the running backs in average per carry with 6.1. Expect to see Martin pushed by a couple of young guns. JaTarvious Whitlow and Asa Martin own highlight reels of their own. Don’t be fooled, Auburn will be just fine at the running back position. One area where Auburn is solid with potential is the wide receiver corps. Despite injuries to Will Hastings and Eli Stove in the spring, Auburn has plenty of playmakers on the outside. Ryan Davis led the Tigers with 84 receptions for 815 yards last season. Darius Slayton is the big-play threat for Auburn. Slayton averaged 22.2 yards per catch and had 5 TD on just 29 receptions. Nate Craig-Myers is the one Tigers receiver that could be poised for a major breakout this season. The offensive was shaky at times last season. Adding UMass grad transfer Jack Driscoll helped solidify the unit.
Auburn has returned to being one of the more dominant defenses in all of college football. Kevin Steele has done an amazing job turning around Auburn’s defensive woes. Auburn allowed just 18.5 points per game in 2017, good for 11th nationally and finished 14th nationally in total defense. Auburn has arguably the best defensive front-7 in college football. The defensive line is just nasty. Tackles Dontavius Russell and Derrick Brown are absolute freaks. The pair combined for 102 tackles and 8 for loss. Marlon Davidson has a chance to prove he’s one of the best pass rushers this season. TD Moultry and Nick Coe will spend time at the BUCK position left vacant by Jeff Holland. Deshaun Davis and Darrell Williams return the most tackles on the defense. Davis is quick and physical, while Williams is the best LB in coverage. Auburn has some questions in the secondary. Losing Carlton Davis will certainly hurt, but Javaris Davis and Jamel Dean are certainly capable of replicating his success. Auburn has a pair of incoming freshman taking over at the specialists positions. Anders Carlson (younger brother of Daniel Carlson) is capable of kicking 60+ yard field goals. Aussie punter Arryn Siposs comes from the ProKick Australia program.
Auburn is finally to a point under Gus Malzahn where they can simply reload at key spots. Auburn’s biggest concerns heading into the season will be offensive line play and the secondary. If the O-line gels, this is going to be a potent Tigers offense. Jarrett Stidham is my #1 ranked QB in the country. Auburn has the best defense in the SEC. The Tigers face a tough schedule, but they’re used to that. Auburn opens in Atlanta (where they’ve lost two in a row), against Washington. A win there and the Tigers will be favored in the next 8 contests. A trip to Starkville will be tough. Auburn finishes November with games at Georgia and at Alabama. I’m not going to be scared off by the Tigers schedule. Auburn is the best team in the SEC and most complete team. Auburn is going to head into Athens 9-0 and will win one of the two key games at UGA or at Bama. Which will be good enough to get another shot at an SEC Championship and a chance to play for a national title. WAR EAGLE!
Auburn loses Kerryon Johnson at RB but they’ll have no problems finding a replacement for him. Kam Martin figures to be the #1 back out of camp. Martin is a quick, explosive back. He led the running backs in average per carry with 6.1. Expect to see Martin pushed by a couple of young guns. JaTarvious Whitlow and Asa Martin own highlight reels of their own. Don’t be fooled, Auburn will be just fine at the running back position. One area where Auburn is solid with potential is the wide receiver corps. Despite injuries to Will Hastings and Eli Stove in the spring, Auburn has plenty of playmakers on the outside. Ryan Davis led the Tigers with 84 receptions for 815 yards last season. Darius Slayton is the big-play threat for Auburn. Slayton averaged 22.2 yards per catch and had 5 TD on just 29 receptions. Nate Craig-Myers is the one Tigers receiver that could be poised for a major breakout this season. The offensive was shaky at times last season. Adding UMass grad transfer Jack Driscoll helped solidify the unit.
Auburn has returned to being one of the more dominant defenses in all of college football. Kevin Steele has done an amazing job turning around Auburn’s defensive woes. Auburn allowed just 18.5 points per game in 2017, good for 11th nationally and finished 14th nationally in total defense. Auburn has arguably the best defensive front-7 in college football. The defensive line is just nasty. Tackles Dontavius Russell and Derrick Brown are absolute freaks. The pair combined for 102 tackles and 8 for loss. Marlon Davidson has a chance to prove he’s one of the best pass rushers this season. TD Moultry and Nick Coe will spend time at the BUCK position left vacant by Jeff Holland. Deshaun Davis and Darrell Williams return the most tackles on the defense. Davis is quick and physical, while Williams is the best LB in coverage. Auburn has some questions in the secondary. Losing Carlton Davis will certainly hurt, but Javaris Davis and Jamel Dean are certainly capable of replicating his success. Auburn has a pair of incoming freshman taking over at the specialists positions. Anders Carlson (younger brother of Daniel Carlson) is capable of kicking 60+ yard field goals. Aussie punter Arryn Siposs comes from the ProKick Australia program.
Auburn is finally to a point under Gus Malzahn where they can simply reload at key spots. Auburn’s biggest concerns heading into the season will be offensive line play and the secondary. If the O-line gels, this is going to be a potent Tigers offense. Jarrett Stidham is my #1 ranked QB in the country. Auburn has the best defense in the SEC. The Tigers face a tough schedule, but they’re used to that. Auburn opens in Atlanta (where they’ve lost two in a row), against Washington. A win there and the Tigers will be favored in the next 8 contests. A trip to Starkville will be tough. Auburn finishes November with games at Georgia and at Alabama. I’m not going to be scared off by the Tigers schedule. Auburn is the best team in the SEC and most complete team. Auburn is going to head into Athens 9-0 and will win one of the two key games at UGA or at Bama. Which will be good enough to get another shot at an SEC Championship and a chance to play for a national title. WAR EAGLE!
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Jarrett Stidham, JR, QB
Rushing
Kam Martin, JR, RB
Receiving
Ryan Davis, SR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Javaris Davis, JR, CB
Sacks
Three Players Tied at 3.5
Tackles
Deshaun Davis, SR, LB
Passing
Jarrett Stidham, JR, QB
Rushing
Kam Martin, JR, RB
Receiving
Ryan Davis, SR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Javaris Davis, JR, CB
Sacks
Three Players Tied at 3.5
Tackles
Deshaun Davis, SR, LB
#1T Alabama 11-1 (7-1)
Coach: Nick Saban
Offensive Coordinator: Josh Gattis and Mike Locksley
Defensive Coordinator: Tosh Lupoi and Pete Golding
Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium (101,821)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 13-1
2016 14-1
2015 14-1
2014 12-2
2013 11-2
Offensive Coordinator: Josh Gattis and Mike Locksley
Defensive Coordinator: Tosh Lupoi and Pete Golding
Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium (101,821)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 13-1
2016 14-1
2015 14-1
2014 12-2
2013 11-2
Overview
Alabama finished the 2017 season where they have so many times under Nick Saban, as National Champions. Alabama found their QB of the future when Saban benched Jalen Hurts for Tua Tagovailoa in the national title game against Georgia. He led the comeback and the rest is history. Tagovailoa showed off an impressive arm and he has a nice set of wheels. Alabama's best chance to win is with Tua and will give the Tide a dynamic they haven’t had under Saban. Damien Harris carried the load for Alabama last season, finishing with his second consecutive 1,000 yard rushing season. Najee Harris is expected to see an increased workload with the departure of Bo Scarbrough. Alabama has to find a replacement for Calvin Ridley. My money is on Henry Ruggs to take the step towards superstardom. Ruggs had 6 receiving touchdowns on just 12 catches. Jerry Jeudy and DeVonta Smith round out a group of extraordinary sophomore receivers. With Tua at QB, the sky will be the limit with this group. Alabama returns 4 offensive lineman, including All-American tackle Jonah Williams.
Alabama will reload once again on the defensive side of the ball. The Crimson Tide defense may not be one of the traditional best that we have seen for years under Saban. Raekwon Davis is one of the best defensive line players in the country. Davis produced an All-American season after recording a team-high 8.5 sacks and 69 tackles. Isaiah Buggs played very well opposite of Davis. Buggs finished with 51 tackles and spent plenty of time in opponents backfields. Alabama has a young linebacker corps but damn, are they impressive. Mack Wilson may be my favorite out of the bunch. WIlson has the potential to become one of the greats to wear a Crimson jersey. Dylan Moses is another linebacker that excites the fan base. Moses showed flashes of greatness as a true freshman, finishing with 30 tackles and 4 for loss. Anfernee Jennings is mister consistent in the middle of the defense. Alabama has major questions in the secondary. The Tide is looking to replace their top 6 defensive backs from last season. Patrick Surtain, a five-star recruit could see some early playing time in Tuscaloosa. Saivion Smith was a big “get” for Alabama from the JUCO level.
There is little reason to doubt the Alabama Crimson Tide at this point. Alabama under Nick Saban, have put together the greatest run in college football history. Alabama opens the season with Louisville in Orlando. I see no reason why Alabama doesn’t win big in that one. The schedule is pretty much cake until a date with LSU in Baton Rouge on November 3rd. A visit from Mississippi State the next week could be a potential spoiler. Alabama finishes the season with Auburn at home for the Iron Bowl. Tua is going to lead an explosive offense for the Tide. Defensively, Alabama should be just fine. If the defensive front plays lights out, the secondary will be less worrisome. I expect another run at the SEC title and CFP, but like most seasons, Alabama will suffer a hiccup. I have Alabama losing to Auburn and being left out of the SEC title game for the 2nd straight season. Will the committee reward a one-loss, non-champ Alabama again? We will have to wait and find out.
Alabama will reload once again on the defensive side of the ball. The Crimson Tide defense may not be one of the traditional best that we have seen for years under Saban. Raekwon Davis is one of the best defensive line players in the country. Davis produced an All-American season after recording a team-high 8.5 sacks and 69 tackles. Isaiah Buggs played very well opposite of Davis. Buggs finished with 51 tackles and spent plenty of time in opponents backfields. Alabama has a young linebacker corps but damn, are they impressive. Mack Wilson may be my favorite out of the bunch. WIlson has the potential to become one of the greats to wear a Crimson jersey. Dylan Moses is another linebacker that excites the fan base. Moses showed flashes of greatness as a true freshman, finishing with 30 tackles and 4 for loss. Anfernee Jennings is mister consistent in the middle of the defense. Alabama has major questions in the secondary. The Tide is looking to replace their top 6 defensive backs from last season. Patrick Surtain, a five-star recruit could see some early playing time in Tuscaloosa. Saivion Smith was a big “get” for Alabama from the JUCO level.
There is little reason to doubt the Alabama Crimson Tide at this point. Alabama under Nick Saban, have put together the greatest run in college football history. Alabama opens the season with Louisville in Orlando. I see no reason why Alabama doesn’t win big in that one. The schedule is pretty much cake until a date with LSU in Baton Rouge on November 3rd. A visit from Mississippi State the next week could be a potential spoiler. Alabama finishes the season with Auburn at home for the Iron Bowl. Tua is going to lead an explosive offense for the Tide. Defensively, Alabama should be just fine. If the defensive front plays lights out, the secondary will be less worrisome. I expect another run at the SEC title and CFP, but like most seasons, Alabama will suffer a hiccup. I have Alabama losing to Auburn and being left out of the SEC title game for the 2nd straight season. Will the committee reward a one-loss, non-champ Alabama again? We will have to wait and find out.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Jalen Hurts, JR, QB
Rushing
Damien Harris, SR, RB
Receiving
Jerry Jeudy, SO, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Mack Wilson, JR, LB
Sacks
Raekwon Davis, JR, DE
Tackles
Raekwon Davis, JR, DE
Passing
Jalen Hurts, JR, QB
Rushing
Damien Harris, SR, RB
Receiving
Jerry Jeudy, SO, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Mack Wilson, JR, LB
Sacks
Raekwon Davis, JR, DE
Tackles
Raekwon Davis, JR, DE
#3 LSU 8-4 (5-3)
Coach: Ed Orgeron
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Ensminger
Defensive Coordinator: Dave Aranda
Stadium: Tiger Stadium (102,321)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 9-4
2016 8-4
2015 9-3
2014 8-5
2013 10-3
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Ensminger
Defensive Coordinator: Dave Aranda
Stadium: Tiger Stadium (102,321)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 9-4
2016 8-4
2015 9-3
2014 8-5
2013 10-3
Overview
Ed Orgeron enters his 3rd season as head coach with LSU. Coach O has a 15-6 record at LSU heading into the new season. This is going to be a tough year for the Tigers and Coach O. Last season’s offensive woes can be attributed to the hands on approach he needs. LSU is hoping they found their QB of the future with Joe Burrow. Burrow transferred from Ohio State in the spring. Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Nick Brossette will split time at running back. LSU needs to replace their top 3 receivers from ‘17. Jonathan Giles coming over from Texas Tech will certainly help. Giles was an All-B12 talent and provides LSU with a true #1 receiver. Terrance Marshall, LSU’s top recruit plans on seeing plenty of action in 2018. LSU has some experience returning on the offensive line.
LSU still dominated on the defensive side of the ball in 2017. They’ll get a boost from another Texas Tech transfer on the defensive line, Breiden Fehoko. Glen Logan is a freight train at the DT position. K’lavon Chaisson is going to develop into another great LSU linebacker and be a major factor in 2018. Devin White is one, if not the best linebacker in the nation. White led LSU with 133 tackles, 9.5 for loss in ‘17, finishing as an All-American. Jacob Phillips is another young, promising linebacker for the Tigers. Greedy WIlliams was my #1 ranked defensive back in the offseason. He’s a ballhawk and one of the best cover corners in the conference. Greedy led the Tigers with 6 INT and 11 PBU. Grant Delpit is coming off of an impressive freshman season, finishing with 60 tackles and 8 PBU. This is a young, talented and impressive defense.
LSU could make some noise or fall flat on their faces this season. The offense needs to get some mojo going. I really like the addition of Joe Burrow at the QB, it was one of the best recruiting wins of the year. If they allow Burrow to open it up, LSU could become hard to beat. We will find out how good LSU is when they open the season against Miami (FL) in Arlington. Two weeks later they visit Auburn and have a October 6th date with Florida in Gainesville. A 3-game home stretch of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi State is critical for the success of the season. LSU must win 2 of those 3 contests to have a shot at competing for a SEC West crown. LSU could be a year away from becoming a real contender in the SEC. My only concern is that if they struggle to 7 wins, will Ed Orgeron keep his job? I have them at 8-4 with a solid 5-3 record in conference play.
LSU still dominated on the defensive side of the ball in 2017. They’ll get a boost from another Texas Tech transfer on the defensive line, Breiden Fehoko. Glen Logan is a freight train at the DT position. K’lavon Chaisson is going to develop into another great LSU linebacker and be a major factor in 2018. Devin White is one, if not the best linebacker in the nation. White led LSU with 133 tackles, 9.5 for loss in ‘17, finishing as an All-American. Jacob Phillips is another young, promising linebacker for the Tigers. Greedy WIlliams was my #1 ranked defensive back in the offseason. He’s a ballhawk and one of the best cover corners in the conference. Greedy led the Tigers with 6 INT and 11 PBU. Grant Delpit is coming off of an impressive freshman season, finishing with 60 tackles and 8 PBU. This is a young, talented and impressive defense.
LSU could make some noise or fall flat on their faces this season. The offense needs to get some mojo going. I really like the addition of Joe Burrow at the QB, it was one of the best recruiting wins of the year. If they allow Burrow to open it up, LSU could become hard to beat. We will find out how good LSU is when they open the season against Miami (FL) in Arlington. Two weeks later they visit Auburn and have a October 6th date with Florida in Gainesville. A 3-game home stretch of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi State is critical for the success of the season. LSU must win 2 of those 3 contests to have a shot at competing for a SEC West crown. LSU could be a year away from becoming a real contender in the SEC. My only concern is that if they struggle to 7 wins, will Ed Orgeron keep his job? I have them at 8-4 with a solid 5-3 record in conference play.
Top Returning Players
Offense
Passing
Myles Brennan, SO, QB
Rushing
Nick Brossette, SR, RB
Receiving
Foster Moreau, SR, TE
Defense
Interceptions
Greedy Williams, SO, CB
Sacks
Devin White, JR, LB
Tackles
Devin White, JR, LB
Passing
Myles Brennan, SO, QB
Rushing
Nick Brossette, SR, RB
Receiving
Foster Moreau, SR, TE
Defense
Interceptions
Greedy Williams, SO, CB
Sacks
Devin White, JR, LB
Tackles
Devin White, JR, LB
#4 Mississippi State 8-4 (4-4)
Coach: Joe Moorhead
Offensive Coordinator: Luke Getsy
Defensive Coordinator: Boob Shoop
Stadium: Davis Wade Stadium (61,337)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 9-4
2016 6-7
2015 9-4
2014 10-3
2013 7-6
Offensive Coordinator: Luke Getsy
Defensive Coordinator: Boob Shoop
Stadium: Davis Wade Stadium (61,337)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 9-4
2016 6-7
2015 9-4
2014 10-3
2013 7-6
Overview
Dan Mullen left Starkville for Gainesville and Mississippi State hired Joe Moorhead from Penn State. Mississippi State is coming off of a 9-win season and returns 18 starters. Expectations are high this season for the Bulldogs. Nick Fitzgerald returns at QB, Fitzgerald suffered a nasty injury in the Egg Bowl last season. If Fitzgerald is 100%, Mississippi State could play spoiler in the SEC West. Aeris Williams rushed for 1,107 yards, a 4.7 yard per carry and 6 TD. I expect the play calling to open up this season and we will see more balls in the air. Jesse Jackson led the Bulldogs with 27 receptions and 276 yards. Keith Mixon was a playmaker when he got his hands on the ball. The Bulldogs return 4 starters on the offensive line. Jace Christmann converted on 12-14 FG in his freshman season.
Mississippi State is loaded on the defensive front. The defensive line is one of the best in the nation. Montez Sweat earned 1st team All-SEC after leading the Bulldogs with 10.5 sacks. He was a game-changer on the edge for this defense. Jeffrey Simmons joined Sweat on the 1st team All-SEC list. Simmons is a freak on the interior. Simmons finished with 60 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. These two guys will be 1st round talents in next year’s draft. Gerri Green gets overlooked but he’s consistent playing opposite of Sweat. Mississippi State will rely on the front four to protect the group of linebackers. Brian Cole was a nice addition from the JUCO level. Mark McLaurin led the Bulldogs in tackles with 79 and 6 INT at the safety position.
Joe Moorhead arrives in Starkville with a very talented roster. The biggest question entering the season will be the health of QB Nick Fitzgerald. The defense is so good they’ll be able to keep this team in every game. Mississippi State travels to K-State in week 2 of the season. They also open SEC play on the road at Kentucky. Mississippi State gets Florida, Auburn, A&M, and Arkansas at home in conference. They’ll need a clean sweep if they expect to compete for a SEC West title. Road games at LSU, Alabama and Ole Miss are going to be tough. There is a lot of love for Mississippi State out there, i’m just not one of those guys. Outside of the defensive line, I have concerns about the defense. We aren’t sure if Fitzgerald will be the same QB with a new system. I’m taking a long look at this schedule and if they can’t beat Auburn at home, they’ll go 9-3, 8-4 at best. It’ll be a nice debut season for Moorhead, but not as good as some had hoped for.
Mississippi State is loaded on the defensive front. The defensive line is one of the best in the nation. Montez Sweat earned 1st team All-SEC after leading the Bulldogs with 10.5 sacks. He was a game-changer on the edge for this defense. Jeffrey Simmons joined Sweat on the 1st team All-SEC list. Simmons is a freak on the interior. Simmons finished with 60 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. These two guys will be 1st round talents in next year’s draft. Gerri Green gets overlooked but he’s consistent playing opposite of Sweat. Mississippi State will rely on the front four to protect the group of linebackers. Brian Cole was a nice addition from the JUCO level. Mark McLaurin led the Bulldogs in tackles with 79 and 6 INT at the safety position.
Joe Moorhead arrives in Starkville with a very talented roster. The biggest question entering the season will be the health of QB Nick Fitzgerald. The defense is so good they’ll be able to keep this team in every game. Mississippi State travels to K-State in week 2 of the season. They also open SEC play on the road at Kentucky. Mississippi State gets Florida, Auburn, A&M, and Arkansas at home in conference. They’ll need a clean sweep if they expect to compete for a SEC West title. Road games at LSU, Alabama and Ole Miss are going to be tough. There is a lot of love for Mississippi State out there, i’m just not one of those guys. Outside of the defensive line, I have concerns about the defense. We aren’t sure if Fitzgerald will be the same QB with a new system. I’m taking a long look at this schedule and if they can’t beat Auburn at home, they’ll go 9-3, 8-4 at best. It’ll be a nice debut season for Moorhead, but not as good as some had hoped for.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Nick Fitzgerald, SR, QB
Rushing
Aeris Williams, SR, RB
Receiving
Jesse Jackson, SR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Mark McLaurin, SR, S
Sacks
Montez Sweat, SR, DE
Tackles
Mark McLaurin, SR, S
Passing
Nick Fitzgerald, SR, QB
Rushing
Aeris Williams, SR, RB
Receiving
Jesse Jackson, SR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Mark McLaurin, SR, S
Sacks
Montez Sweat, SR, DE
Tackles
Mark McLaurin, SR, S
#5 Texas A&M 6-6 (3-5)
Coach: Jimbo Fisher
Offensive Coordinator: Darrell Dickey
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Elko
Stadium: Kyle Field (102,733)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2016 8-5
2015 8-5
2014 8-5
2013 9-4
Offensive Coordinator: Darrell Dickey
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Elko
Stadium: Kyle Field (102,733)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2016 8-5
2015 8-5
2014 8-5
2013 9-4
Overview
Jimbo Fisher begins a new era of Texas A&M football this season. Jimbo has a very talented squad in his first season in College Station. Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond are battling it out to see who wins the QB job. Starkel performed considerably better than Mond last season, but with a new system, it’s anyone’s ballgame. The one consistent piece on the offense is running back Trayveon Williams. Williams led the Aggies with 798 rushing yards and 8 TD. Jhamon Ausbon had a solid freshman season in ‘17. Ausbon hauled in 50 receptions for 571 yards and 3 scores. Camron Buckley was a deep threat for the Aggies last season. Keep an eye out for freshman Jalen Preston. The Aggies return 4 of the 5 starters on the offensive line. Kicker Daniel LaCamera is one of the best in the country. LaCamera converted on 18-21 FG with a long of 52.
Texas A&M returns some great pass rushers from last season. Landis Durham led all Aggies with 10.5 sacks, good enough to earn him All-SEC honors. Kingsley Keke has one of the best names in the SEC and is one of the most physical interior lineman. Junior linebacker Tyrel Dodson led the Aggies with 105 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 5.5 for loss. Otaro Alaka is another great linebacker on the defense. Alaka finished with 78 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. The Aggies return 3 starters in the secondary. Charles Oliver led the secondary with 8 PBU. Derrick Tucker saw 7 starts as a true freshman. Top recruit Leon O’Neal has a chance to play significant minutes this season.
Texas A&M spent a ton of money to get their guy, Jimbo Fisher. The expectations to win started the day he was hired. It’ll take some time before the Aggies are competing in the West. Nick Starkel will give the Aggies the best chance to win. I really like some of the pieces that A&M has on the defense. It’s going to be hard to overcome road games at Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina, and Mississippi State. A&M hosts Clemson in the non-conference. I could see A&M finishing with as many as 5 SEC wins, which would be an excellent first year for Fisher. However, I’m going to be pessimistic and call for a 6-6 bowl team, with a middle of the pack SEC West finish.
Texas A&M returns some great pass rushers from last season. Landis Durham led all Aggies with 10.5 sacks, good enough to earn him All-SEC honors. Kingsley Keke has one of the best names in the SEC and is one of the most physical interior lineman. Junior linebacker Tyrel Dodson led the Aggies with 105 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 5.5 for loss. Otaro Alaka is another great linebacker on the defense. Alaka finished with 78 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. The Aggies return 3 starters in the secondary. Charles Oliver led the secondary with 8 PBU. Derrick Tucker saw 7 starts as a true freshman. Top recruit Leon O’Neal has a chance to play significant minutes this season.
Texas A&M spent a ton of money to get their guy, Jimbo Fisher. The expectations to win started the day he was hired. It’ll take some time before the Aggies are competing in the West. Nick Starkel will give the Aggies the best chance to win. I really like some of the pieces that A&M has on the defense. It’s going to be hard to overcome road games at Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina, and Mississippi State. A&M hosts Clemson in the non-conference. I could see A&M finishing with as many as 5 SEC wins, which would be an excellent first year for Fisher. However, I’m going to be pessimistic and call for a 6-6 bowl team, with a middle of the pack SEC West finish.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Nick Starkel, SO, QB
Rushing
Trayveon Williams, JR, RB
Receiving
Jhamon Austin, SO, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Tyrel Dodson, JR, LB
Sacks
Lamdis Durham, SR, DE
Tackles
Tyrel Dodson, JR, LB
Passing
Nick Starkel, SO, QB
Rushing
Trayveon Williams, JR, RB
Receiving
Jhamon Austin, SO, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Tyrel Dodson, JR, LB
Sacks
Lamdis Durham, SR, DE
Tackles
Tyrel Dodson, JR, LB
#6 Ole Miss 6-6 (2-6)
Coach: Matt Luke
Offensive Coordinator: Phil Longo
Defensive Coordinator: Wesley McGriff
Stadium: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (60,580)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 6-6
2016 5-7
2015 10-3
2014 9-4
2013 8-5
Offensive Coordinator: Phil Longo
Defensive Coordinator: Wesley McGriff
Stadium: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (60,580)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2017 6-6
2016 5-7
2015 10-3
2014 9-4
2013 8-5
Overview
Matt Luke enters his second season at the helm in Oxford, MS. His first season was a major success getting to .500 for the year. This year is going to be fun to watch if you’re an Ole Miss fan. Ole Miss saw their fair share of players transfer out (Shea Patterson, Van Jefferson) but there is an abundance of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Jordan Ta’amu is going to be a big key to the success of the Rebels this season. Ta’amu filled in nicely for an injured Patterson last season. Ta’amu finished with 1,682 passing yards and completed 67% of his passes. I expect a monster year from the kid, especially with the group of receivers he has. AJ Brown is regarded as one of the best, if not the best, wide receivers in the country. Brown led the Rebels with 75 receptions and 1,252 yards with 11 scores. Brown is going to end up being one of the first players off the board in the NFL Draft. DK Metcalf and DeMarkus Lodge round out an incredible group of receivers. Metcalf and Lodge each accounted for 7 TD and a combined 80 receptions. Ole Miss returns four offensive line starters, including one of the best tackles in the county, Greg Little.
Ole Miss finished near the bottom in every major defensive category in the 2017 season. Josiah Coatney could be one of the best interior lineman in the conference. Coatney was overlooked by many, but its impressive to finish with 65 tackles at the tackle position. Qaadir Sheppard will need to step up for some of the departing pass rushers. Ole Miss is thin at the linebacker position. Detric Bing-Dukes has the most experience of the group, he finished with 24 tackles in ‘17. The Rebels return all four starters in the secondary. Ken Webster returns from a shortened season due to injury. Zedrick Woods has made 27 starts over the last 3 seasons, easily one of the most on the team. Woods finished with 64 tackles in ‘17. Mac Brown and Luke Logan are the new kicking specialists in town.
Ole Miss will be unable to compete in a bowl game for the second consecutive season. The kids that have stuck around the program believe in Ole Miss football and that's something you won’t find everywhere. I really dig the offense and how explosive they’ll be again this season. I look at Ole Miss to be able to reach the same 6-6 mark, maybe ever 7 wins this season. A win against Texas Tech in the opener, will give Ole Miss a good shot at a 4-0 non-conference record. Ole Miss gets Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina, and Mississippi State at home this season. Road games at Arkansas and Vanderbilt are two chances for wins. I tip my cap to Matt Luke and the coaching staff for keeping this program competitive.
Ole Miss finished near the bottom in every major defensive category in the 2017 season. Josiah Coatney could be one of the best interior lineman in the conference. Coatney was overlooked by many, but its impressive to finish with 65 tackles at the tackle position. Qaadir Sheppard will need to step up for some of the departing pass rushers. Ole Miss is thin at the linebacker position. Detric Bing-Dukes has the most experience of the group, he finished with 24 tackles in ‘17. The Rebels return all four starters in the secondary. Ken Webster returns from a shortened season due to injury. Zedrick Woods has made 27 starts over the last 3 seasons, easily one of the most on the team. Woods finished with 64 tackles in ‘17. Mac Brown and Luke Logan are the new kicking specialists in town.
Ole Miss will be unable to compete in a bowl game for the second consecutive season. The kids that have stuck around the program believe in Ole Miss football and that's something you won’t find everywhere. I really dig the offense and how explosive they’ll be again this season. I look at Ole Miss to be able to reach the same 6-6 mark, maybe ever 7 wins this season. A win against Texas Tech in the opener, will give Ole Miss a good shot at a 4-0 non-conference record. Ole Miss gets Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina, and Mississippi State at home this season. Road games at Arkansas and Vanderbilt are two chances for wins. I tip my cap to Matt Luke and the coaching staff for keeping this program competitive.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Jordan Ta'Amu, SR, QB
Rushing
D'Vaughn Pennamon, JR, RB
Receiving
A.J. Brown, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Two tied at 3
Sacks
Josiah Coatney, JR, DT
Tackles
Josiah Coatney, JR, DT
Passing
Jordan Ta'Amu, SR, QB
Rushing
D'Vaughn Pennamon, JR, RB
Receiving
A.J. Brown, JR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Two tied at 3
Sacks
Josiah Coatney, JR, DT
Tackles
Josiah Coatney, JR, DT
#7 Arkansas 5-7 (1-7)
Coach: Chad Morris
Offensive Coordinator: Joe Craddock
Defensive Coordinator: John Chavis
Stadium: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2016 7-6
2015 8-5
2014 7-6
2013 3-9
Offensive Coordinator: Joe Craddock
Defensive Coordinator: John Chavis
Stadium: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000)
Last Five Year Win Totals
2016 7-6
2015 8-5
2014 7-6
2013 3-9
Overview
Chad Morris takes over the Arkansas football program this season. Morris is 14-22 in his career. He will have his work cut out for him in his new stop. Morris will need to break in a new quarterback. Sophomore Cole Kelly is the clear favorite to win the job. Kelly started 4 games in ‘17, completing 58% of his passes for 1,038 yards. Devwah Whaley will get his first crack at holding the top running back spot. Whaley led the Razorbacks in carries in ‘17, but finished second in yardage (559) and averaged a measly 4.4 yards per carry. Chase Hayden and Rakeem Boyd will factor into the rushing attack at some point this season. Arkansas returns their top 4 receivers from last season. Jared Cornelius returning from injury is a huge boost to the passing game. Jonathan Nance led Arkansas with 37 receptions for 539 yards and 5 TD. Jeremy Patton is a big target at tight end. La’Michael Pettway has the potential to have a big season under the new offensive system. The Hogs return 4 starters on the offensive line.
One area where Arkansas needs to improve is on the defensive side. Arkansas ranked dead last in the SEC in points allowed per game (36.2) and were towards the bottom in every major category. Eight starters return, including a pair of 100-tackle linebackers. De’Jon Harris led the Razorbacks in tackles with 115 last season and 5 for loss. Dre Greenshaw also went over 100-tackles , finishing with 103. McTelvin Agim is a solid run stopper in the middle of the defense. Agim led the DL with 5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Arkansas will need more of a pas rush from Randy Ramsey. Santos Ramirez and Kamren Curl are the two returning starters in the secondary, the duo combined for 16 PBU and 109 tackles last season.
Chad Morris takes over a program that suffered with mediocrity under Bret Bielema. Morris runs an entirely different system so it’ll be interesting to see how the players adapt to the change. There are some very good players on this roster, there just isn’t enough to compete in the SEC West. Morris will have to take the good with the bad, I don’t expect to see much improvement in the win column this season. If Morris could somehow get this team to a bowl game, that would be amazing job. I have Arkansas 4-0 in the non-conference and getting a win over Vandy, just missing out on a bowl.
One area where Arkansas needs to improve is on the defensive side. Arkansas ranked dead last in the SEC in points allowed per game (36.2) and were towards the bottom in every major category. Eight starters return, including a pair of 100-tackle linebackers. De’Jon Harris led the Razorbacks in tackles with 115 last season and 5 for loss. Dre Greenshaw also went over 100-tackles , finishing with 103. McTelvin Agim is a solid run stopper in the middle of the defense. Agim led the DL with 5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Arkansas will need more of a pas rush from Randy Ramsey. Santos Ramirez and Kamren Curl are the two returning starters in the secondary, the duo combined for 16 PBU and 109 tackles last season.
Chad Morris takes over a program that suffered with mediocrity under Bret Bielema. Morris runs an entirely different system so it’ll be interesting to see how the players adapt to the change. There are some very good players on this roster, there just isn’t enough to compete in the SEC West. Morris will have to take the good with the bad, I don’t expect to see much improvement in the win column this season. If Morris could somehow get this team to a bowl game, that would be amazing job. I have Arkansas 4-0 in the non-conference and getting a win over Vandy, just missing out on a bowl.
Top Returners
Offense
Passing
Cole Kelley, SO, QB
Rushing
Devwah Whaley, JR, RB
Receiving
Jonathan Nance, SR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Kevin Richardson, SR, CB
Sacks
De'Jon Harris, JR, LB
Tackles
De'Jon Harris, JR, LB
Passing
Cole Kelley, SO, QB
Rushing
Devwah Whaley, JR, RB
Receiving
Jonathan Nance, SR, WR
Defense
Interceptions
Kevin Richardson, SR, CB
Sacks
De'Jon Harris, JR, LB
Tackles
De'Jon Harris, JR, LB