FAVORITE TEAMS

The SEC had obvious conference title favorites, but there were a couple of surprises in the conference last season too. Kentucky ended their 3-decade losing streak by defeating Florida and won 10 games for the first time since 1977. Texas A&M defeated LSU for the first time since joining the SEC. The SEC East also beefed up their competition and went 9-5 against the SEC West.

Alabama is no doubt the favorite to win the West once again, but LSU, Auburn and Texas A&M look to end their run and try to get into the college football playoffs. LSU’s offense will challenge any opposing defense, but Alabama is their only bugaboo. Auburn has a returning roster to compete for the conference, but can quarterback Bo Nix be there answer? Texas A&M is the hype to shock the SEC in 2019, but their schedule gives a much different perspective. Mississippi State’s expected to take a step back after replacing a quarterback (which should be fine), and the defensive live (which could hurt them a lot). Ole Miss may not win more than five games or less unless redshirt freshmen quarterback Matt Corral can wow this offense, and the defense has yet to make improvements statistically. Arkansas adds quarterback Ben Hicks (who played under Chad Morris at SMU), but I’m not sure if it’s enough to win at least one SEC game.

Georgia’s favored in the East again, but their biggest concern comes from the receiver position and the growth of their young defense. Florida can oppose the Dawgs, but their offensive line is a sore spot. Missouri’s dealing with a bowl ban, which could either motivate them or spoil them. South Carolina is 50/50, but they have one of the toughest schedules in college football starting from the National champ runner-up Alabama on Sept. 14th to the National champion Clemson at the end of the season. Kentucky’s big loss on defense means this team will take a step back from a 10-win season. Tennessee was one win away from bowl-eligibility, but quarterback Jarrett Guarantano must improve and this team must protect the ball better after fumbling 14 times. Vanderbilt’s addition of Riley Neal could improve the offense, but can they overcome the first three games and the last five of their six games of the season?

AUBURN TIGERS

Everyone knows Alabama’s taking the West division again. LSU’s expected to have a much improved year and could try stopping Alabama. Texas A&M’s the hype of 2019 and could stop Alabama at home. And then there’s Auburn. They return starters and add talent and pieces to fill the void. That’s enough to potentially upset some teams like LSU, Georgia, and Alabama, but can new starting quarterback Bo Nix handle the pressure against Oregon and the SEC? He has no college experience but coaches raved about him and his performance, and I was impressed after watching his videos too. He’s surrounded by depth at running back, experienced receivers, and five returning offensive linemen. The hopes for a division title, conference title, and a playoff spot rides on the true freshmen quarterback. And with a beefed up schedule starting on September 21st, Bo Nix must learn fast.

MISSOURI TIGERS

Missouri went from a decent underrated pick to risky after their questionable bowl ban this season. Missouri returns 13 starters, including the arrival of Clemson quarterback-transfer Kelly Bryant. The offense should be fine with Bryant and running back Larry Roundtree III running the offense. Most importantly, they have reliable receivers and three returning offensive linemen. Mizzou’s defense will hopefully improve, but the coverage must clear up their issues after allowing 262 passing yards per game. Their schedule sets them up to win eight games and maybe more since their key games have their own key games before meeting Mizzou. Unfortunately, Mizzou plays road games at Kentucky and Georgia before hosting Florida. The positive is that Mizzou has a bye in between Kentucky and Georgia. There’s plenty of skepticism for Mizzou’s 2019 season. This bowl ban made this the riskiest pick ever in my history of underrated picks. It’s all up to coach Barry Odom to keep this team’s mindset on winning their regular season. If they stay that way, they’ll still battle for the SEC East title.