SEC West: Important Notes

Below are some key points that stood out to me going into this season for each team in the SEC Western Division. The teams are listed in order of how I expect them to finish.

Alabama:

• Tua is back after a Heisman Trophy campaign in 2018 (3,966 yards and 43 TDs)

• Najee Harris’ time to shine

• Brian Robinson Jr emerging as the other RB, but who will be the 3rd option?

• Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, Henry Ruggs III, and DeVonta Smith combined for 3,597 yards and 38 TDs. They averaged 17.65 yards per catch. If that’s not enough, should they need a little extra, freshman John Metchie can step in. If you’re not familiar, go watch the A-Day Game. He exploded onto the scene catching 5 passes for 133 yards and MVP of the game honors.

• Dylan Moses, Terrell Lewis, Anfernee Jennings, Raekwon Davis, Trevon Diggs, and Xavier McKinney all return to wreak havoc against those brave enough to cross their path.

• Terrell Lewis and Trevon Diggs are the two most anticipated returnees after missing all or some of the 2018 season.

• Focus on ILB position. 5th year senior Josh McMillon out. 4-star Christian Harris started last few preseason scrimmages. Jaylen Moody and Shane Lee strong during spring.

• Will have great contributions from young guys led by DJ Dale and Antonio Alfano

LSU:

• Will Coach O finally go to the next level?

• Boasting of dynamic offense with the hire of Joe Brady, but has to prove it

• Will Joe Burrow be elite? WR Justin Jefferson can help his case

• Who will replace Nick Brossette? Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the most talented RB. Talented freshman John Emery will share duties

• Great defense as usual led by Grant Delpit, Rashard Lawrence, Jacob Phillips, and Michael Divinty Jr

Texas A&M:

• The Aggies will go as far as Kellen Mond will take them. Will this be his year?

• Hardest schedule in the nation other than South Carolina •

Who will replace Trayveon Williams at RB? Jashaun Corbin very young, but averaged 5.7 yards per carry last year

• WR Quartney Davis will have to make up for departure TE Jace Sternberger

• Justin Madubuike is one of the best DL in the country

• Very good DC in Mike Elko

Auburn:

• Will start freshman Bo Nix. Very talented, but how long will it take him to adapt to the SEC?

• A bit of a wildcard

• Return an experienced offensive line and great skill guys

• No. 1 ranked defensive line led by Derrick Brown

Mississippi State:

• Tommy Stevens wins QB battle. He has the best grasp on the Joe Moorhead offense. Keytaon Thompson enters transfer portal.

• Kylin Hill is one of the better RBs in the SEC, very underrated

• Eroll Thompson, Willie Gay, and Leo Lewis all return at LB. Eroll and Willie top LBs in the conference, NFL bound

• Cam Dantzler great CB, should be in the NFL next season

• Don’t have a big play WR and they’re not reliable catchers

Ole Miss:

• Matt Corral showed flashes of being a breakout player

• Added Rich Rodriguez (OC) and Mike MacIntyre (DC)

• Lost top 3 WRs

• RB Scottie Phillips returns

• MUST improve on horrible defense

• One highlight on defense is LB Momo Sanogo returns (112 tackles, sack, 2 FF in 2018)

• Has something to play for now that bowl ban is removed

Arkansas:

• Finished 2-10 under Chad Morris

• Upgraded at QB with transfers Nick Starkel (Texas A&M) and Ben Hicks(SMU)