The start of college football is only a few days away. SEC football starts September 3rd, when South Carolina plays North Carolina and Vanderbilt hosts Western Kentucky. With college football so close to returning, we've put together the official Chat Sports SEC Preview:
Division Predictions:
SEC East:
1. Tennessee
2. Missouri
3. South Carolina
4. Georgia
5. Florida
6. Kentucky
7. Vanderbilt
SEC West:
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Mississippi State
4. LSU
5. Ole Miss
6. Arkansas
7. Texas A&M
Division Winners:
SEC East: Tennessee Volunteers (10-2, 7-1 SEC)
The SEC East is completely up for grabs for the third straight year, and the Vols are poised to have a breakout season under Butch Jones. Three straight stellar recruiting classes have set Tennessee up with the talent to play with anybody, and the performance of quarterback Joshua Dobbs will carry them through some close games. They'll probably lose an early home game to Oklahoma and on the road against Alabama, but they could be favored in the rest of their games.
SEC West: Auburn Tigers (11-1, 7-1 SEC)
You could make a case for winning the division for all seven teams in the SEC West, but Auburn has the best mixture of talent, stability, experience, and opportunity. Alabama, Ole Miss, and LSU have major quarterback questions, while Mississippi State and Arkansas struggle throwing the ball and Texas A&M can't play defense. The Tigers are bound to lose to one of the other teams in the division (maybe Sept. 26 at LSU?), but they're too talented and well coached to falter more than once.
Player Of The Year:
Jeremy Johnson
I'm buying into the hype surrounding Johnson, who completed 28 of 37 passes in 2014 with three touchdowns and no interceptions in mop-up duty last year. Johnson's been compared by people around the program to former Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton, and while we won't go that far, his excellent passing ability coupled with his athleticism will make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Tigers will be a better team in 2015 with most of their offensive weapons returning. Head coach Gus Malzahn’s offensive scheme will ensure Johnson has the opportunity to put up Heisman-caliber numbers, and he'll give Auburn a potent passing attack to go along with their dominant ground game.
Surprise Team:
Tennessee
Is going from a 7-6 team to SEC East champs enough of a surprise? A bigger one might be a disappointing season from Georgia due to major QB problems and a tough schedule, but we're trying to remain optimisitc. Dobbs and running back Jalen Hurd will lead an offense that should be potent both on the ground and through the air, while the defense is full of talented - though unproven - players. The Vols will take advantage of the lackluster SEC East this year.
Playoff Participant:
Auburn
The SEC champ is practially guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoff, and I expect the Tigers to get there over the Vols. No one would be surprised if Alabama takes over the West and makes the playoff, and could even get in if Auburn does as well. Tennessee could find their way in with an upset win in the SEC Championship Game, but the rest of the teams seem to be a cut below those three. However, Alabama's extremely difficult schedule and the Vols' youth will allow for Auburn to win the conference - and a playoff berth.
Follow our SEC page for all the latest SEC football news and rumors!
Back to the SEC Newsfeed