Free read, so have copied and pasted here. Interesting list by JC Shurburtt. Obviously, Arkansas being so high immediately stands out. That, and Tennessee being the East favorite.
1. Auburn
The Tigers should have one of the best offenses in the country and there are tangible reasons to believe that the defense will improve this year under new coordinator Will Muschamp. Auburn is a popular pick (including here) to win the SEC and advance to the college football playoff this season.
2. Alabama
The Tide has the best front seven in the country and very likely will have the best overall defenses (or one of them). Bama is loaded on that side of the ball. On offense, there are some question marks at quarterback and receiver, but a powerful running game and strong offensive line means that the Tide will be able to move it.
3. Arkansas
Despite losing running back Jonathan Williams, the Razorbacks, because of their offensive line, Alex Collins and what figures to again be a good defense, are a legitimate contender in the SEC West. This will be a tough, physical team and a difficult match-up for anyone that plays them.
4. LSU
This goes against the original prediction of the Tigers finishing No. 6 in the SEC West. There are two reasons- one major and one minor- for LSU to be here. The major reason is that Brandon Harris, who has the talent and potential to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league, took the starting quarterback job and is a huge upgrade over Anthony Jennings. The second- defensive line coach Ed Orgeron may have found some help rushing the passer in the form of true freshman Arden Key.
5. Ole Miss
The Rebels have excellent talent on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense, as the recruiting of Hugh Freeze is starting to mature. If Chad Kelly or whoever ultimately is the season starter can be a difference-maker at quarterback and Laquon Treadwell returns to form, this could be a special season in Oxford.
6. Tennessee
The talent that Butch Jones has amassed in Knoxville on the recruiting trail is about to pay off. The Vols, who are the pick here in the SEC East, have two difference-makers at running back in Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara, one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Joshua Dobbs and plenty of talent at receiver. Defensively, there are playmakers in the pass rushing department and though the talent is young overall on the defensive line, it still could be one of the best units in the league.
7. Georgia
The Bulldogs have a stable of running backs, including Nick Chubb who is one of the best in the country, and a veteran offensive line. Greyson Lambert, a Virginia transfer, is the starting quarterback and if he can avoid turnovers, then UGA will be good on offense. The Bulldogs defense has talent and will be better this year, but is a year away from being dominant. UGA may very well be a year away from being a national title contender.
8. Texas A&M
The sleeper pick in the SEC West, the Aggies are loaded with skill talent on offense, including starting quarterback Kyle Allen who should put up big numbers. The question is the defense, which should improve this season under first-year coordinator John Chavis. Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall could be a special tandem at defensive end. Watch this team this year.
9. Missouri
10. Mississippi State
11. South Carolina
12. Florida
13. Kentucky
14. Vanderbilt
1. Auburn
The Tigers should have one of the best offenses in the country and there are tangible reasons to believe that the defense will improve this year under new coordinator Will Muschamp. Auburn is a popular pick (including here) to win the SEC and advance to the college football playoff this season.
2. Alabama
The Tide has the best front seven in the country and very likely will have the best overall defenses (or one of them). Bama is loaded on that side of the ball. On offense, there are some question marks at quarterback and receiver, but a powerful running game and strong offensive line means that the Tide will be able to move it.
3. Arkansas
Despite losing running back Jonathan Williams, the Razorbacks, because of their offensive line, Alex Collins and what figures to again be a good defense, are a legitimate contender in the SEC West. This will be a tough, physical team and a difficult match-up for anyone that plays them.
4. LSU
This goes against the original prediction of the Tigers finishing No. 6 in the SEC West. There are two reasons- one major and one minor- for LSU to be here. The major reason is that Brandon Harris, who has the talent and potential to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league, took the starting quarterback job and is a huge upgrade over Anthony Jennings. The second- defensive line coach Ed Orgeron may have found some help rushing the passer in the form of true freshman Arden Key.
5. Ole Miss
The Rebels have excellent talent on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense, as the recruiting of Hugh Freeze is starting to mature. If Chad Kelly or whoever ultimately is the season starter can be a difference-maker at quarterback and Laquon Treadwell returns to form, this could be a special season in Oxford.
6. Tennessee
The talent that Butch Jones has amassed in Knoxville on the recruiting trail is about to pay off. The Vols, who are the pick here in the SEC East, have two difference-makers at running back in Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara, one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Joshua Dobbs and plenty of talent at receiver. Defensively, there are playmakers in the pass rushing department and though the talent is young overall on the defensive line, it still could be one of the best units in the league.
7. Georgia
The Bulldogs have a stable of running backs, including Nick Chubb who is one of the best in the country, and a veteran offensive line. Greyson Lambert, a Virginia transfer, is the starting quarterback and if he can avoid turnovers, then UGA will be good on offense. The Bulldogs defense has talent and will be better this year, but is a year away from being dominant. UGA may very well be a year away from being a national title contender.
8. Texas A&M
The sleeper pick in the SEC West, the Aggies are loaded with skill talent on offense, including starting quarterback Kyle Allen who should put up big numbers. The question is the defense, which should improve this season under first-year coordinator John Chavis. Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall could be a special tandem at defensive end. Watch this team this year.
9. Missouri
10. Mississippi State
11. South Carolina
12. Florida
13. Kentucky
14. Vanderbilt
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