Fall really is the best season. Halloween is the best holiday, everything Oktoberfest and pumpkin spice shows up, and football games are being played. Get comfy because we have a few months to spend on important matters.
WEST
(Not in order of predicted finish)
OLE MISS
Big Pimpin’ Lane Kiffin’s offense is feeling sexy these days with QB Jaxon Dart and RB Quinshon Judkins leading the attack. If Dart, who threw for just under 3,000 yards last season, can cut down on turnovers, the Rebels will be a tough opponent for everyone.
TEXAS A&M
Bobby Petrino getting $850k per season to save Jimbo his job is both practical and hilarious. What’s that compared to Jimbo’s buyout? Sometimes you gotta spend money to make money. Speaking of making money, a lotta guys from that top-ranked class threw up two fingers on their way outta town. Texas A&M still has talent, but this season could test its mettle should there be any friction among the coaching staff. Money can buy championships but not the common sense to know wrecking your huevos rancheros over a football game is really dumb. Then again, they’re hung up on Texas joining the league so whatever.
AUBURN
The Tigers’ fans are high on Hugh Money as Coach Freeze’s return to the SEC begins in earnest.
ALABAMA
The win total is up for debate but the return of Kevin Steele as DC with Tommy Rees bringing a run-focused offense means ‘The Return of Murderball.’ Some have noticed Saban smiling a little during the preseason which means more yelling during games. I think he knows what he has can whip some tails this year, so he’ll push them hard. God help you if you get in the way.
LSU
About a year and a half ago, Brian Kelly tried the accent and it didn’t work but that was one of the few missteps he made in Year 1 at LSU. Now, with dual-threat QB Jayden Daniels leading the attack, the Bayou Bengals are poised to push for the playoffs and get Kelly a ring, forever cementing himself in LSU lore.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
The specter of Mike Leach will loom large this season. The man was the embodiment of what made college athletics great (wonder what he’d think of realignment) and new HC Zach Arnett will have his hands full replacing one of the sport’s most beloved characters. But Starkville is a welcoming place with fans who want to see a team that fights hard and Arnett and Leach’s former players will look to honor their late, beloved coach.
ARKANSAS
There’s legitimate hype in Fayetteville as Sam Pittman’s Razorbacks feature an offense led by QB KJ Jefferson, who many see as a contender for postseason awards. To date, the tenure of the Head Hog has been somewhat of a fairytale. Will this be another year of heartache for Hogs fans? I see no reason to not be hopeful.
SEC WEST FINAL STANDINGS
Alabama
Arkansas
LSU
Ole Miss
Texas A&M
Auburn
Miss. State
Leave a Reply