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This time next week, we’ll be reflecting on what should be an excellent start to the college football season. No. 1 Alabama opens the season with No. 3 Florida State — those rankings according to both the Coaches and AP polls — in what is being called the greatest opening game in college football history.
Not only that, but we’ll get to see key SEC games such as Tennessee-Georgia Tech, Florida-Michigan and South Carolina-N.C. State. It’s a lot to look forward to, but first, let’s recap some of the things we learned about the SEC West this week.
Alabama
The big news surrounding the Crimson Tide recently has been the emergence of Jedrick Wills as a potential candidate to start at right tackle. The 4-star true freshman wasn’t expected to push for a starting spot this quickly considering he didn’t enroll until late May, but he’s poised to make an impact.
On top of that surprising news, the AP Preseason All-America Team was released this week, and Alabama landed four players on the list. The only player to make the first team was safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Running back Bo Scarbrough, tackle Jonah Williams and punter J.K. Scott made the second team.
Arkansas
The Razorbacks had only one player make the AP Preseason All-America Team, but it was well deserved. Center Frank Ragnow, who graded out as Pro Football Focus’s top offensive lineman from last season, made the second team behind Ohio State’s Billy Price.
Arkansas also saw three players named to the 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List. In addition to Ragnow, quarterback Austin Allen and linebacker Dwayne Eugene Jr. will also be playing for a spot on the prestigious roster.
Auburn
The big news from last week was Jarrett Stidham finally being named the starting quarterback, but that’s nothing compared to the news Auburn fans received a couple of days ago. The university is asking for fans not to “roll” the two main oak trees on Toomer’s Corner this season because they may not be old enough to survive it. Alternative trees have been selected for this season.
In more football-related news, the Tigers saw two of their players named to the AP Preseason All-America Team. Kicker Daniel Carlson made the first team and offensive guard Braden Smith the second.
LSU
Well, it’s official. Danny Etling has been named the starting quarterback for LSU. While that seems like it shouldn’t be major news considering the senior started 10 games for the Tigers last season, true freshman Myles Brennan was making a significant push for the job. There’s no guarantee Etling holds on to the job for the entire season.
Running back Derrius Guice and edge rusher Arden Key both made the first team on the AP Preseason All-America Team. While that’s not surprising news, Key’s health remains in question as the season approaches. He did return for practice this week but was sporting a non-contact jersey. This is definitely a situation to monitor.
Mississippi State
I’m sure the Bulldogs would love to just focus on football with their upcoming game against Charleston Southern only a week away, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to be possible. Starting linebacker Leo Lewis has kicked up a lot of controversy this week after it was revealed that he had received over $21,000 from multiple SEC schools before he committed to the Bulldogs on signing day.
It’s unclear where this story is going to go, but it can’t be good for the SEC.
Ole Miss
Another week, another story involving Ole Miss and illegal benefits. The situation regarding Leo Lewis might end up being the tip of the iceberg.
Texas A&M
Another week has gone by, and there is still no news on the Aggies’ quarterback situation. Maybe we’ll know something by this time next week.
There was a little good news for A&M this week, however. Junior wide receiver Christian Kirk was named to the first team AP Preseason All-America Team.
Clint helps cover the SEC West for Saturday Down South. His work can also be found on USA TODAY Sports, The 'Bama Beat podcast and The Bullpen with TonyMac and The Lamb. Previous stops include SEC Country, 247Sports and Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
