LOUISIANA

Louisiana was tough in 2019, they were tough last season, and with Levi Lewis’s back for one more run, they will be even tougher with him sparking the program’s momentum. They have the bulk of the roster back for another conference title appearance and a chance to avenge their close loss to potential East division champ Coastal Carolina, but hopefully it’s not cancelled this time. The entire roster is a force to be reckoned with, and Texas shouldn’t underestimate them. If things go as well and their offense does a little more this season, they will win 10-plus games for the third time and win the division title again. They’re underrated because Coastal Carolina’s picked to win the conference. Louisiana is out to prove that they’re the pinnacle of the conference.

GEORGIA STATE

Not many people know about Georgia State, but they tend to produce successful college quarterbacks. They may have found their quarterback who could make a name himself and more. The 6’4, 200 pound sophomore Cornelius Brown played well last season after throwing 2,278 yards and 17 touchdowns while running for seven more. His 10-plus players return to a potent offense that helped him succeed. The Panthers are capable of threatening any defense that opposes them. Defensively, they should improve but their coverage must improve against the pass and not get burned by big plays consistently. The Panthers are a bowl team again, but some of their key starters returning could make them a serious challenge in the conference.

KENTUCKY

Kentucky has one of the easiest schedules in college football this season with the resulting margin to be at least seven wins. Missouri would be an early game obstacle, but the Cats could start out 4-0 before Florida. After their toughest October schedule of the season (Florida, LSU, at Georgia, at Mississippi State), they should coast through to seven or eight wins. They have a few roster turnovers and a lot to prove, including choosing a starting quarterback. But, they return running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., most of their offensive line, some receivers with incoming Nebraska transfer Wan’Dale Robinson, and key defensive players with incoming transfer Jacquez Jones from Ole Miss. Kentucky is expected to finish behind Florida and the October schedule could ensure that it happens. But the Florida game decides who potentially finishes in second place behind Georgia.

OLE MISS

Ole Miss has a lot to prove in the SEC West and competition definitely improved with Arkansas and Mississippi State also battling for fourth place behind Alabama, Texas A&M, and LSU. Ole Miss may have the best shot with one of the most experience quarterbacks in the SEC in Matt Corral next to Auburn’s Bo Nix. Ole Miss should have a lethal offense in the conference and the country. However, trust must come from Corral and his receivers since Elijah Moore went to the NFL. Also, turnovers must be addressed after being a bugaboo, especially against Arkansas. Same goes for the defense in general. They lost linebacker Jacquez Jones to Kentucky, so who and where will this defense come from? Maybe COVID and new coaches in 2020 had a lot to do with the team’s missed tackles, missed opportunities, miscommunications, and miss…everything. If that side suddenly improves, the Rebels could make waves in the conference and even challenge teams like Texas A&M and LSU for a higher spot.