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Believe it or not, even the best conference in college football has flaws. But those shortcomings are clearly overshadowed by the abundance of talent in the SEC.
Here’s a look at the strongest elements — and weakest facets — of the SEC West as we approach the kickoff of the 2015 season.
SEC WEST STRENGTHS
1. Alabama’s front seven: When your defense features standout returnees such as linebacker Reggie Ragland and linemen A’Shawn Robinson, Jonathan Allen and Jarran Reed – who all have NFL potential – your team has the best front seven in the country.
2. Arkansas’ offensive line: The Hogs’ running game was going to occupy this spot until Joanathan Williams went down with a season-ending foot injury. Instead, this honor goes to guard Sebastian Tretola and tackles Dan Skipper and Denver Kirkland, three of the four returning starters who will anchor another outstanding line for Bret Bielema.
3. Auburn’s passing game: What the Tigers did with Nick Marshall – a converted defensive back – the last two seasons was impressive for Gus Malzahn’s offense. But imagine what that attack might do being led by Jeremy Johnson at quarterback. Johnson, who is bigger, stronger and has a much better arm than Marshall, should thrive in this attack, provided D’haquille Williams, who should be his primary target, can stay out of off-the-field trouble.
4. LSU’s running game: The Tigers always seem to have a solid stable of running backs, and this year is no exception, starting with budding superstar Leonard Fournette. Plus, Darrel Williams and talented freshmen Derrius Guice and Nick Brossette round out what is one the best backfields in the division.
5. Mississippi State’s QB: What can Dak Prescott do for an encore? All he did in 2014 was lead the Bulldogs to a five-week run as the No. 1 team in the nation, a 10-win season, and a bowl game. Not only is Prescott the No. 1 QB in the SEC West — and the conference for that matter — like Fournette, he is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate.
6. Mississippi’s front seven: Robert and Denzel Nkemdiche lead a group that was No. 1 in the SEC with 32 takeaways and finished first in the nation in scoring defense (16.0 points per game). Expect the “Landshark” defense to wreak havoc again in 2015.
7. Texas A&M’s passing game: Kyle Allen, who thrived in the Aggies’ attack last season, should improve after starting for about a half-season. And if he holds off Kyler Murray and keeps his job, he’ll have a loaded receiving corps at his disposal, including Christian Kirk, Ricky Seals-Jones, Josh Reynolds and Speedy Noil.
SEC WEST WEAKNESSES
1. Alabama’s passing game: The Crimson Tide finds itself in a situation similar to last year’s at this time: with several unproven QBs — Jacob Coker, David Cornwell and Blake Barnett — battling for snaps. Coker’s recent foot injury doesn’t help. Neither does the fact that Bama lost its top three wideouts from last season, including current Oakland Raiders rookie Amari Cooper. Robert Foster, ArDarius Stewart and others need to step up.
2. Arkansas’ passing game: Brandon Allen threw for only 2,285 yards in 2014 because the Razorbacks’ running game was so strong. But with the season-ending injury to Williams, Allen will be under more pressure to lead the offense. And it will be interesting to see what new offensive coordinator Dan Enos can do with Allen and the Hogs’ receivers, which include leading returner Keon Hatcher and junior-college transfer Dominique Reed.
3. Auburn’s defense: The Tigers surrendered an SEC-leading 68 plays of 20 yards or more and allowed 5.7 yards per play, which was fourth-worst in the conference. Those numbers led to the firing of defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson. His replacement, Will Muschamp, has a track record that indicates improvement is imminent.
4. LSU’S QB play: The bad news is that Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris both took snaps last season for the Tigers. The worse news is that the less-than-dynamic duo is back for 2015. At least Fournette is in the backfield for Les Miles’ crew.
5. Mississippi State’s secondary: The Bulldogs, who allowed 14 passes of 50 yards or more last season en route to finishing last in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game (272.9), still have a lot of work to do with this group, which includes two new starting safeties in 2015. Scary stuff.
6. Mississippi’s running game: The Rebels can only get better in this area. Mississippi averaged just 155.5 yards on the ground last season, when Jaylen Walton led the team with 586. It’s too bad that All-SEC left tackle Jaremy Tunsil can’t run the rock, too.
7. Texas A&M’s run defense: Hello John Chavis! The former LSU defensive coordinator takes over the SEC’s worst rushing defense in 2014, one that yielded more than 300 yards on the ground three times last season. Maybe the 12th Man at Kyle Field — which will seat more than 102,000 fans this season — can prevent opposing offenses from hearing their signals and executing their silent snap counts. You have to start somewhere.
Stan Chrapowicki is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers SEC football, Alabama and Auburn.
