For the next few months, college football will take over the Saturday TV screen, and those of us who care will experience excitement and possibly some heartbreak (I’m a Hogs fan).
Because Harding is in the South, here is a poor man’s opinion on how the SEC football season will play out.
SEC West
1. Alabama – Head coach Nick Saban lost a load of talent to the NFL, but he still has Calvin Ridley and likely the best defense in the country. A question mark at the quarterback position didn’t stop them last year, nor will it this year.
2. Ole Miss – In a year of instability at the quarterback position in the SEC, the Rebels seem to be the exception with senior Chad Kelly. Early games against Florida State and Alabama will be crucial.
3. LSU – While junior running back Leonard Fournette is a force, Brandon Harris has proven to be an average quarterback at best. The Tigers might again end the season with three losses.
4. Arkansas – The defense will be vastly improved under Robb Smith, but the loss of Alex Collins, Brandon Allen and three starting linemen leaves the offense with a few questions.
5. Texas A&M – Kevin Sumlin will try to avoid another 8-5 season, but a shaky offensive line may make things difficult for transfer quarterback Trevor Knight. Two words: hot seat.
6. Mississippi State – The offense will struggle against the juggernaut defenses of the SEC, but a bowl game is still probable.
7. Auburn – No one knows who will play quarterback for the Tigers, but if last year is any indication, he will not be very good.
SEC East
1. Tennessee – Led by Jalen Hurd and an improved Josh Dobbs, the Vols will close out games that they couldn’t a year ago, finally beat Florida and head to Atlanta.
2. Florida – The defense could be as dominant as it was last season, and if Luke Del Rio matures early, the Gators will once again be better than expected.
3. Georgia – Nick Chubb is back from a season-ending leg injury a year ago, but a true freshman will likely start at QB and the defensive front is also very young.
4. Vanderbilt – The Commodores’ defense was a top 25 one last season and returns eight starters. A move toward the top of the division will depend on who steps up offensively.
5. Kentucky – The Wildcats have the talent to surprise a few teams, but they are still a basketball school at heart. At least they aren’t Missouri.
6. South Carolina – Will Muschamp’s debut season will probably not be pretty. On the bright side, the 2017 recruiting class is looking good. At least they aren’t Missouri.
7. Missouri – Drew Lock will try to save the offense, but there’s not much hope in Columbia.
