Take Alabama and Georgia out, who would win this year in the SEC? Most fans and sports bettors are favoring the two powerhouses to repeat this year. To say the Tide and Bulldogs just does not make this fun, so let us spice it up.
Luckily, taking out both Bama and Georgia eliminates one from each division in the SEC. Now, we have ourselves a pick’em between twelve SEC teams. I know without Georgia and Alabama some would favor one certain team, but let us analyze each team. Who would come out of the SEC West or East? Who do I have more confidence with?
SEC West
Texas A&M & Arkansas
These two are my favorites coming out of the SEC West. For Texas A&M, everyone is waiting for their come-out party and take command of the SEC. For Arkansas, Sam Pittman has revolutionized this razorbacks team. Arkansas will have their starting QB, K.J. Jefferson, back from last season. Razorback fans hope he can lead this team to higher altitudes and a probable Heisman candidate.
Texas A&M on the other hand will need to figure out their QB play. I might have been critical about Jimbo Fisher and his status of a coach, but he has the team to do it. Their defense should be loaded with the upcoming recruiting class. It really comes down to who will lead this Aggie team, Max Johnson or Haynes King? What makes these two special is that they will meet up in the early part of the season in Dallas, TX. Confidence level 8/10.
Ole Miss & LSU
The Rebels and Tigers will be electrifying with fresh faces in their programs. LSU will be under first-year HC Brian Kelly, as the Rebels must replace everyone on offense. Ole Miss still has the mastermind calling the plays in Lane Kiffin, so the offense I am not worried about. I know the defense improved last season, but I need to see more.
I have the Tigers bouncing back from what all fans would say was a disappointing season. The defense will have to play much better than the last two seasons under Coach O. I assume this year will be experimental for Kelly, but still have his guys fighting. I find both teams around the 8-4 season, but looking to get better next season! Confidence level 7/10.
Miss. St. & Auburn
Both schools in the SEC West are my least confidence to win the SEC. I figure both will be tough matchups when they are at home, but predicting the 7-6 type of season. We will see how the Auburn HC will fare this season after heavy criticism this offseason with departures from the roster and staff. The Bulldogs on the other hand have QB Will Rogers returning and should be exciting with the air-raid system. Confidence level 4/10.
SEC East
Tennessee
The dark horse choice to win the SEC for me in general the Volunteers. Tennessee’s HC Josh Heupel last season made their offense electric with QB Hendon Hooker. To put the cherry on top, the Vols are returning 80% of the offensive production. Tennessee will be put to the test this season playing both Bama and Georgia, but they are NOT included in this piece. Confidence level 8/10.
Kentucky
Remarkable last season for the Wildcats under Mark Stoops and for a basketball school. Returning QB Will Levis, and RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. is huge for Kentucky to make a push for the SEC title. What concerns my confidence level for the Wildcats are the roads games against Florida, Ole Miss, and Tennessee. Confidence level 7/10.
South Carolina & Florida
The Gamecocks are the exciting team to watch this season. After the impressive 7-6 first year for HC Shane Beamer, South Carolina looks to improve. What a better way to improve by grabbing former OU QB Spencer Rattler. Beamer’s guys look to ride for him this year, but oddly the SEC East stacked for breakout teams.
Florida will operate the 2022 season with first-year HC Billy Napier and FT starting QB Anthony Richardson. Their first two games of the season will tell me which direction they are heading this season. The Gators will always be difficult at The Swamp, but both Gamecocks and Gators confidence level to win the SEC are at 6/10.
Missouri & Vanderbilt
The Tigers and the Commodores are around the same level of confidence to win the SEC. Vanderbilt has been the laughingstock of the SEC. Also, it has been a while since Mizzou made any noise in the SEC. Confidence level 1/10
SEC Title Game: Texas A&M v. Tennessee
Now again, with Alabama and Georgia out of the picture and article, this is my SEC title matchup. Who would you pick to win?
I am leaning with the Volunteers on this matchup. My biggest reason is Hendon Hooker, and the explosive offensive threat Tennessee would present with. These two teams are different and would be an exciting matchup.
Who would you think would win the SEC with Alabama and Georgia out of the picture?
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