Welcome to the third installment of the Pacific Playbook Sports Talk preseason predictions. As the SEC enters a new era, the margin for error is smaller than ever. With the SEC adopting a nine-game conference schedule, the battles throughout the 16-team conference will be hotly contested. It has been a few years since the SEC has won a national title, and every team in the conference is hopeful of bringing one back. If someone can do it, the SEC will be able to say they are once again the premier conference in America. This leaves me wondering: who can win the conference and potentially a national title?
1. Georgia
Starting the SEC predictions off with the No. 1 team will come as no surprise to anyone, as it is Georgia. The Bulldogs have been one of the SEC’s dominant programs in recent years, and until someone knocks them off the pedestal, I cannot have anyone else at the top. They have a reliable quarterback in Gunner Stockton, who has come up big in important games throughout his career. In addition, Georgia has the potential to dominate on the ground due to a strong offensive line and a scheme that relies on the running game. With Nate Frazier returning, there is a solid foundational piece in their backfield that they can rely on.
There are questions about who will step up and become reliable options in the passing game. If the Bulldog receivers and tight ends can make plays and develop, they could become a more complete football team. It would also help if the front seven could generate more pressure this season, especially in pass-rush situations. If those areas improve, Georgia could play a more balanced brand of football. If Kirby Smart can lead his team past Alabama on the road and Oklahoma at home, the Bulldogs could put themselves in an excellent position to compete for another SEC championship and a national title.
2. Texas
Is Texas back? If the season goes the way I am anticipating, they very well could be. Texas has star power throughout the entire roster. The Longhorns have an elite quarterback in Arch Manning and star defensive end Collin Simmons returning. They will set the tone and lead a group that includes talented transfers like Cam Coleman, Raleek Brown, and Hollywood Smothers. If this team comes together, they have a great chance to win the SEC championship and make a deep playoff run.
When a team has a brutal schedule, fans might have a tendency to be pessimistic. However, Longhorn fans should view this as a season with many opportunities to prove that they are one of the best teams in the nation. For quite some time, it seems as if the lights have been too bright for Texas, as they haven’t won a national championship since 2005 despite success in recruiting and the transfer portal. If Texas can make it through the numerous tests that they will face and meet the sky-high expectations, expect the Longhorns to be 2nd in the SEC this year.
3. Texas A&M
Texas A&M fans have every right to be excited when looking at what could be a great season. Mike Elko led this program to its first playoff berth last year and looks like he will lead them there once again. The Aggies will finish 3rd in the conference and benefit from a tough but opportunity-filled schedule. Depending on how the season shakes out, you could have a conference championship game and a playoff berth on the line in their season finale against rival Texas.
The Aggies should expect their quarterback, Marcel Reed, to take a big step in his development this season. Even though they lost their star receiver, KJ Concepcion, to the NFL, they were able to reload through the portal and key returns. They have an experienced defense, which should help in some of their toughest matchups. However, it is important to look at their offensive line, which could limit their potential. Texas A&M is replacing most of their offensive linemen from last year.
4. Alabama
Alabama is a team that I feel could finish as the 6th-ranked team in the SEC, but due to a favorable schedule, they will come in 4th. The idea of Georgia and Texas A&M on the schedule would give teams across the country nightmares, but not many get to play them at home. The Crimson Tide have one of the most intense atmospheres in the country. If they can capitalize on these key home games, who knows how highly they could be ranked.
There are some concerns that fans in Tuscaloosa need to keep an eye on. First being the first-year starter, redshirt freshman quarterback Keelon Russell. As a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, he will become an elite quarterback in time; until then, fans need to be patient with the young man. This is especially true if Alabama lacks success in the running game like they did a year ago. Kalen DeBoer might be on the hot seat if his team cannot live up to the high standards the Crimson Tide fans have, so he is hoping to finish 4th or better to have a chance for a playoff berth.
5. LSU
The LSU Tigers could be a team that I regret having at number 5 in the SEC rankings. They spent a ridiculous amount of money this offseason by bringing in former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin and high-value transfers. Sam Leavitt, the former ASU quarterback, will be starting his first year in Baton Rouge with big expectations that will be hard to live up to. With Lane Kiffin’s history, fans should have faith that Leavitt should put up big numbers in this system. If the coaching and player transitions pay off, the Tigers could sneak their way to their first 12-team playoff.
If these transitions do not work, fans will be wondering why they made such drastic moves in the offseason. They have a tough schedule that features a tough non-conference game against Clemson and difficult matchups with the teams at the top of the conference. LSU might fall for a trap game or deal with distractions that hamper their ability to win the big games. I believe that they have the talent to compete with anyone in the country; it becomes a matter of focus and their ability to remain focused throughout the season.
6. Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Sooners at 6th in the Pacific Playbook Sports Talk SEC predictions may come as a surprise to most, but they will shock people this year. John Mateer is someone who has the potential to enter the Heisman conversation this year. Most people remember the guy who came back from a hand injury and was not quite himself afterwards. With an improved running game around him, you should expect to see fireworks each and every night.
Defensively, they have one of the best defensive linemen in the country in David Stone. He will set the tone for the Sooners’ defense and looks to play a major role in returning to the College Football Playoff. Under the tutelage of Brent Venables, Oklahoma should be able to compete and steal games from teams at the top of the conference. The game against Michigan early in the season could foreshadow what’s in store for the Sooners.
7. Ole Miss
When looking at the Rebels, I wonder if they will be able to replicate the success that they experienced last year. After Lane Kiffin left, I felt that Ole Miss had something to prove and was emotionally charged, ultimately carrying them through games they might normally have lost. They come in at No. 7 in large part because I wonder how Ole Miss shows up in big moments with a new coaching staff. In addition, their defense will be battling against high-scoring offenses in many games this year, bringing up questions about how consistent they can be on a weekly basis.
If the transition is seamless, the talent returning and success in the portal could bear fruit to a great season. The Rebels return key players such as star running back Kewan Lacy and NFL prospect Trinidad Chambliss. If they can match last year’s numbers, their offense should continue being explosive and difficult for any defense in the SEC. They have the talent to knock off anyone in the country, but I have doubts that they will be able to repeat last season.
8. Tennessee
The 8th-ranked team in my SEC prediction is Tennessee. My initial thoughts about the Volunteers focus around their offense. They have weapons all over that can make an impact in any given game, but they have one glaring question: How will they do with a true freshman quarterback as a starter? Heupel has had explosive offenses in the past, but this year’s team will be led by a young and inexperienced quarterback. He has shown the ability to develop quarterbacks in the past, and I assume Faizon Brandon will be much better in the back half of the year.
I am worried about their defense, though. Undergoing a major change with new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles presents its own set of problems, such as a high turnover rate and learning a new scheme. Right now, I question whether the Volunteers are going to consistently win games week in and week out. They have the talent to exceed expectations if they can put it all together.
9. South Carolina
No. 9 in the SEC Preseason Predictions by Pacific Playbook Sports Talk is the South Carolina Gamecocks. They have an incredibly polarizing quarterback in LaNorris Sellers. Some might call him “overrated,” while others might say he has yet to meet his true potential. Regardless, if he puts it together, they will have a much-improved offense. Nyck Harbor has all the physical tools to be special, but the production has not met the expectations placed on him. If he produces and becomes a go-to guy, Gamecock fans would be ecstatic. Dylan Stewart leads the defense as one of the best defensive ends in the country. His presence alone can alter a game, so other players must step up when there is a lot of attention thrown his way.
Coach Shane Beamer needs to win this year. Sure, there have been injuries in recent years, but when you have talent like the three players mentioned above, you have no excuse not to produce. The schedule is challenging, which will make life difficult, but if their stars can produce and be elite, look out for South Carolina, as they can make my pick seem horrible by the end of the year.
10. Auburn
Alex Golesh left USF to become the head man at Auburn. In his first season much of the success relies on the quarterback who followed him to Auburn Bynum Brown. He is one of nearly 40 Bulls that joined the Tigers this season adding a good foundational base to instill culture and mentality. Though Brown is the most important player, all of them with have to adjust to SEC competition, otherwise it could be a long year.
The schedule does not do Auburn any favors as they have three road games against Georgia, Ole Miss and Alabama. Those seem like games that they may struggle and get exposed in. If Brown, who was electric through the air and on the ground, can replicate his stats from his time at USF would help the Tigers outperform their ranking. With that being said they will be ranked at no. 10 with the potential to cause some chaos in a trap game.
11. Florida
Florida at No. 11 may surprise you, but I cannot put them any higher. The Gators have a new coach, a new quarterback and a new system. This formula is great for creating a foundation to build on for the future, but it is difficult to produce results in Year 1. Gator fans have a tendency to place massive expectations on their team nearly every year, even when the team is clearly not going to meet them. With their schedule, they will win some games, but have a hard time handling the top of the conference.
They have an elite running back in Jadan Baugh, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year, returning and looking to be a catalyst for the Gators’ offense. Unfortunately, the defense is another area of concern as they will look to improve their front seven. They have been able to retain high-potential players, which should help ease the transition period, but overall, Florida has more questions than answers right now. If they can answer some of these questions, they have a bright future next year and beyond.
12. Missouri
Missouri is the 12th-ranked team in my SEC predictions because of a few different factors. First is the massive turnover on the defensive side of the ball, as they are replacing a majority of their starters. This causes me to believe that they will take a step backward defensively. This limits some of the excitement and potential of this Tigers team.
With a new offensive coordinator, you have to wonder if they will be able to maintain the success that they had on the offensive end. They have one of the nation’s best running backs in Ahmad Hardy returning; however, there are concerns about when he will be ready to return and how productive he will be after coming back from a gunshot wound that happened this offseason. If he can come back and the running backs can produce at a high level, it will make life easier for transfer quarterback Austin Simmons. With these concerns, it is hard to put the Tigers anywhere higher on this list.
13. Mississippi State
Mississippi State has a quarterback who has the potential to be special; unfortunately, I am not sure that happens this year. Kamario Taylor has the ability and tools to become an elite college quarterback; however, the Bulldogs do not have the talent to support him. If Mississippi State wins games this year, expect Taylor to play a major role. They lost a lot of proven talent through the transfer portal, which will make it difficult for their defense, offensive line and skill positions to make a major jump this year.
If they have close games this year, Bulldogs fans hope that they can have better results. Those games could be the difference between finishing in 13th versus 16th in the conference. I think Taylor will have loads of individual success this year, but the team will be lacking. Coach Jeff Lebby helped this team improve overall, but Mississippi State struggled in the SEC last season. I expect them to win more than one conference game and finish in 13th.
14. Kentucky
New coach Will Stein will look to take a rebuilding Wildcats squad to the upper echelon of the SEC. Currently, this might not be feasible, as they have plenty of questions and concerns that they must address before reaching higher. Their schedule starts with a bang as they have Alabama and Texas A&M in back-to-back weeks of the season. Within the first three weeks, they will likely have two losses, making it hard to be competitive in this league.
Kentucky is able to rely on their running game, as their backs are experienced and skilled. CJ Baxter and Jovantae Barnes will be vital in providing a strong security blanket that the Wildcats can rely on. There is not much proven talent returning aside from these two, which means players will need to rise to the occasion. Will Stein has the ability to be a talented coach, but in this rebuilding year, the Wildcats will be towards the bottom of the conference. That’s why they start the season at 14th in the SEC.
15. Vanderbilt
Clark Lea has been on a historic run the last couple of years as the Commodores’ head coach. Two years ago, they upset Alabama, and last year they had 10 wins; however, this year will be different. The players who were vital to their success the last couple of years, like Eli Stowers and Diego Pavia, are gone. That means Vanderbilt will need players to step up immediately if they want to try and outperform their current standing in this prediction.
There is a ton of optimism around Jared Curtis, the former five-star quarterback recruit, even though he is not listed as the Day 1 starter the way many thought he would be. If the Commodores struggle early, the amount of pressure on the staff to play the young quarterback will increase with each game. Regardless of who is under center, I do not think Vanderbilt has strong enough support to do any better than 15th on the prediction list.
16. Arkansas
Arkansas has a tall mountain to climb if they have any hope of winning the SEC. They have a brand-new coach in Ryan Silverfield. He did an excellent job finding talent through the portal to fill needs, but not much in terms of star talent. However, the Razorbacks were hit this offseason, losing key players such as Taylen Green, who was the focal point of last year’s team. Their roster is currently facing a serious gap in talent compared to others in their conference.
Aside from the talent disparity, Arkansas will have a strong schedule this year. If the Razorbacks have a chance to win games this year, they will need to rely on their running game. This is currently the only aspect of their team that I have confidence in. In a rebuilding year in Fayetteville, the fans will experience great sadness and disappointment this upcoming season as they finish last in the SEC.
