Southeastern Conference Preview
East Division
Florida Gators (2021/6-7, 2-6/6th) – After a 607 season in 2021, Florida made a change at head coach dismissing Dan Mullen and bringing in Billy Napier after a very successful tenure at Louisiana. The Gator offense was not bad in 2021 finishing 15th in total offense. Anthon y Richardson is a dual threat QB who should thrive in Napier’s offensive attack. Louisiana transfer RB Montrell Johnson will power the run game. The Gator defense will need to improve against the run where they struggled a year ago. LBs Ventrell Miller and Amari Burney hope to key that effort. There will be a transition period under Napier, but Florida has enough talent to be the closest challenger in the division for Georgia.
Georgia Bulldogs (2021/13-1, 8-0/1st) – Kirby Smart has built a powerhouse in Athens, culminating in last year’s national championship. The offense took a back seat to a historic defensive unit, but it was pretty good as well. QB Stetson Bennett returns to lead the offense. He won’t dazzle with his physical tools, but he made key plays when he needed to. The TE group is phenomenal led by super sophomore Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington who both are legit NFL prospects. The Bulldogs defense had an amazing pool of talent with 8 players being drafted into pro ball. Georgia has 5-star talent ready to fill in, though the best player is a returner in DL Jalen Carter who could potentially be a first overall pick. Nolan Smith is a star at LB as is CB Kelee Ringo. Georgia has the talent and pedigree to repeat as national champions, though the road will hardly be easy.
Kentucky Wildcats (2021/10-3, 5-3/2nd) – Kentucky continued their successful run under Mark Stoops ending up with 10 wins. The Wildcats will need to replace quite a few starters on both sides of the ball in order to keep things rolling. At QB, Penn State transfer Will Levis played well throwing for 2,800 yards and 24 TD. The offensive line and receiver corps lost a lot of talent and will be relying on a quick infusion from the transfer portal. The Wildcat defense is also dealing with personnel losses, but they welcome back sack leader JJ Weaver and tackling machine MLB Jacquez Jones. Kentucky should have enough talent for another winning season in the toughest conference in the country.
Missouri Tigers (2021/6-7, 3-5/T4th) – Missouri was able to reach another bowl game, but ultimately ended up below .500 in 2021. The offense needs more consistency in 2022, as last season they wound up 5-0 when they reached at least 400 yards offensively and 1-6 when they did not. There are three prospects battling for the QB position, and whoever wins the spot will have Tauskie Dove and super recruit Luther Burden as quality targets. The defense was the second worst in the league last season and will be counting on a few veterans and transfers for an immediate upgrade. The strength will be at DE where the duo of Trajan Jeffcoat and Isaiah McGuire can get after opposing QBs. The Tigers will need a lot of help to even get to the middle of the pack in the East.
South Carolina Gamecocks (2021/7-6, 3-5/T4th) – This is a program slowly rising, with last year’s 7-6 mark under first year coach Shane Beamer topping the win total from the previous two years. The offense was not good last season, but help is on the way. Former Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler takes over and is motivated to prove his NFL prospect bona fides. The pass catching corps is deep with two returning starters along with another quality Oklahoma transfer in TE Austin Stogner. The defense was solid enough and there are good players returning. Leading the way are LB Brad Johnson who tallied 74 tackles and CB Cam Smith who came up with 3 interceptions and 11 pass breakups. South Carolina probably won’t challenge Georgia, but another bowl game is well within reach.
Tennessee Volunteers (2021/7-6, 4-4/3rd) – The Vols had a roller coaster year, finishing with a winning season, but losing blowouts to Georgia and Alabama as well as dropping their bowl game. However, Josh Heupel’s offense was explosive and has the talent to get even better. QB Hendon Hooker might be the most overlooked player at his position in college football. All he did was throw for 3,000 yards and 31 TDs with only 3 INTs. There is a deep group of receivers led by Cedric Tillman, but the offensive line must improve their pass blocking after allowing 44 sacks a season ago. The defense limped down the stretch, allowing at least 500 yards in five games. The strength will be at DE, where the pairing of Byron Young and Jeremy Banks have shown they can get in opponent backfields. If the secondary can be rebuilt, this unit will see tremendous progress. Heupel has Tennessee going in the right direction, and this season should continue that progression.
Vanderbilt Commodores (2021/2-10, 0-8/7th) – It was a tough 2021 season for Vanderbilt who careened to a 2-10 ending. 2022 should be a little better and coach Clark Lea is building a better talent base. On offense, the line returns three starters and should provide better protection for Mike Wright or Ken Seals who will battle for the starting QB nod. The running game will feature Rocko Griffin who led the team in rushing last season. The defense ranked dead last in the SEC a year ago, but there are a few returning veterans who give hope for a turnaround. The leading playmaker is LB Anfernee Orji who led the way in tackles and TFL last year. The Commodores look to be improved, but that may not be reflected in the standings in a brutally tough league.
West Division
Alabama Crimson Tide (2021/13-2, 7-1/1st) – Alabama ended their season in an unaccustomed manner losing the national title game to Georgia. Nick Saban continues to compile top ranked recruiting classes and the expectations remain at national championship level in Tuscaloosa. The offense features the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in QB Bryce Young. The offensive line returns three starters and adds a potential star in transfer LT Tyler Steen. The Tide lost their top two WRs but there are transfers and 5-star players ready to fill the void. Young won the Heisman last year, but star edge rusher Will Anderson might be the favorite this year. He racked up 17.5 sacks and over 30 tackles for loss in a dominant season. The presence of Dallas Turner on the other side means offenses cannot double or triple team Anderson. The expectations at Alabama have always been the same in the Saban era, and that will certainly remain the case in 2022.
Arkansas Razorbacks (2021/9-4, 4-4/T3rd) – Amidst some heavy competition, Arkansas quietly put together a nine-win season. Sam Pittman has made the Razorbacks relevant in college football’s toughest division. The offense under OC Kendal Briles took off in 2021 and has the experience to keep it going. It starts with QB KJ Jefferson, who is a true dual threat with 21 TDs passing and 6 as a rusher. The offensive line was very good as a run blocking unit but will need to improve in pass protection. Oklahoma transfer Jadon Haselwood should become a top target for Jefferson. The defense will need to generate more pass rush. However, there are quality returners starting with all SEC LB Bumper Pool who brings versatility to that unit. If Jalen Catalon recovers from injury, he is an impact player at safety. The Hogs are continuing to get better, and they will need to win in such a competitive and deep division.
Auburn Tigers (2021/6-7, 3-5/T6th) – Auburn had a strange season starting with a 6-2 mark before closing with 5 straight losses including in their bowl game against Houston. Coach Bryan Harsin nearly lost his job, but he will be back to guide what should be an improved squad. There will be competition at QB led most likely by LSU transfer TJ Finley, but he will have to fight off two other transfers. The running game should help with the pair of 1,000 rusher Tank Bigsby and the explosive Jarquez Hunter. The defense will need to be better, but a good pass rush should help. Oregon transfer Jayson Jones can be a big run stuffer at DT and the edge rushers are experienced. Auburn has enough talent to compete and enjoy a winning season even in the rugged West division
LSU Tigers (2021/6-7, 3-5/T6th) – LSU made their biggest change this offseason at head coach as Brian Kelly arrives from Notre Dame and will be expected to have the Tigers in the title hunt. The offense should be very good. At quarterback, Myles Brennan gets the initial nod, but he will be pushed by two talented challengers. If Kayshon Boutte is healthy, he will be one of the best receivers in the country. The offensive line will need to improve but should get a boost from talented transfers. On defense, the secondary will be very good, which is no wonder from a program who constantly sends DBs to the NFL. Safety Jay Ward is the star, but quality transfers will be in the mix as well. If the pass rush holds, this unit could be special. Expectations in Baton Rouge are always high, and it will be up to Kelly and his staff to live up to them.
Mississippi State Bulldogs (2021/7-6, 4-4/T3rd) – The Bulldogs showed promise in Mike Leach’s second season with 7 wins though ending with a bowl loss to Leach’s former team Texas Tech. The Air Raid offense returns 8 starters. QB Will Rogers threw for 4,739 yards and 36 TD, and the talent is there for him to reach another level. Jaden Walley and Austin Williams are premier pass catchers and can help Rogers be more efficient in the downfield passing game. The defense was one of the best that Leach has had, and the players are there to get even better. Nathan Pickering is a playmaker at DT, and the linebacker corps will feature top tacklers in Jett Johnson and Nathaniel Watson. The key will be to improve the pass rush. Mississippi State should be competitive and has the chance to squeeze out a few more wins.
Ole Miss Rebels (2021/10-3, 6-2/2nd) – Lane Kiffin’s Rebels were very good in 2021 winding up with 10 wins and playing in the Sugar Bowl. Matt Corral is off to the NFL and his replacement will be either Luke Altmayer or USC transfer Jaxson Dart. Whoever wins the job will need better protection from the line. Ole Miss lost many of their running backs and receivers, but Kiffin restocked with plenty of help from the transfer portal. The Rebel defense was solid but will need to be much better versus the run. Cedrick Johnson will be back at DE and should be even more productive with increased playing time. Otis Reese will have the spotlight at safety with his versatility and physicality, and fellow safety AJ Finley tallied 90 tackles and 3 INT. If they get good play from the QB spot, this Ole Miss team could match last year’s win totals even in this brutal division.
Texas A&M Aggies (2021/8-4, 4-4/T3rd) – The Aggies endured a roller coaster ride in 2021 culminating with an 8-win season and canceled bowl game. This program has the coaching, resources and fan base to be a big-time player, but the results just have not been there. The talent is there on both sides to compete for the West. Haynes King will likely start the year at QB, but it might be sooner rather than later for super recruit Conner Weigman to grab the job. Devon Achane could be the fastest player in college football and Ainias Smith is a versatile type who can line up in the backfield or out wide. The defense was outstanding, and even with the losses up front can be again. The DL will be restocked with young talent from two great recruiting classes. The secondary is experienced and is led by S Antonio Johnson. A&M has the players to compete with the best this season, and the future is still very bright.
Standings Projections
East Division
1. Georgia Bulldogs (12-0, 8-0) | Season Win Total – 10.5 | Bet the Over
2. Florida Gators (9-3, 5-3) | Season Win Total – 7 | Bet the Over
3. South Carolina Gamecocks (7-5, 4-4) | Season Win Total – 6 | Bet the Over
T5. Tennessee Volunteers (7-5, 3-5) | Season Win Total – 7.5 | Bet the Under
T5. Kentucky Wildcats (7-5, 3-5) | Season Win Total – 8 | Bet the Under
6. Missouri Tigers (6-6, 2-6) | Season Win Total – 5.5 | Bet the Over
7. Vanderbilt Commodores (3-9, 0-8) | Season Win Total – 2.5 | Bet the Over
West Division
1. Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1, 7-1) | Season Win Total – 10.5 | Bet the Over
T2. Arkansas Razorbacks (8-4, 5-3) | Season Win Total – 7.5 | Bet the Over
T2. Texas A&M Aggies (9-3, 5-3) | Season Win Total – 8.5 | Bet the Over
T4. LSU Tigers (8-4, 4-4) | Season Win Total – 7 | Bet the Over
T4. Ole Miss Rebels (8-4, 4-4) | Season Win Total – 7.5 | Bet the Over
T6. Auburn Tigers (7-5, 5-3) | Season Win Total – 6.5 | Bet the Over
T6. Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-5, 3-5) | Season Win Total - 6.5 | Bet the Over
Conference Championship: Alabama over Georgia
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