LSU - Will issues at defensive line be the Tigers’ downfall?
The LSU Tigers had one of the worst defenses in FBS. It's not something you normally see in Baton Rouge. The defense has been a staple in the program's identity with the long list of excellent players that became disruptive forces on the field. Tyrann Mathieu, Jamal Adams, Morris Claiborne, Barkevious Mingo, Deion Jones, and others. Despite having a Heisman Trophy winner in Jayden Daniels, the defense has not supported LSU in advancing further than they have under Brian Kelly. While talent has not been an issue because LSU is a recruiting juggernaut, depth or simple execution on gameday has not been up to par at the defensive line. Coach Brian Kelly has publicly admitted they are not where they desire at the front four, so they have had trouble getting guys from the portal. This is the wrong conference to be deficient in the trenches
Alabama - How much patience will they extend to Kalen DeBoer?
The instant Nick Saban retired from Tuscaloosa, Alabama became the most difficult job in the country because of the shoes that needed to be replaced. Now, it's safe to assume that the fanbase is not expecting Kalen DeBoer to repeat, let alone exceed, what Saban accomplished. The question is how much time will be afforded to DeBoer? If you look at DeBoer’s resume, he has shown at Washington that he can elevate his players’ development and play with the Xs & Os. One problem is that making the CFP is not enough for the Crimson Tide, the expectations to compete for national titles.
South Carolina - Did the Gamecocks pick the right starting QB?
Like Billy Napier, Shane Beamer is heading towards a critical season after coming off a losing record. Unfortunately, Spencer Rattler is not returning as he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Rattler carried the Gamecocks to the best of his ability and his team could only muster a 4-8 record. This year, the Garnet and Black have the biggest QB battle of any team in the conference. At the moment, LaNorris Sellers beat out Auburn transfer Robby Ashford and Pitt transfer Davis Benille, who then transferred again to Oklahoma. the Sellers had the strongest performance in the spring game. Only concern is lack of playing experience.
Florida - Can the Orange & Blue finally fix the defensive side of the ball?
Florida has displayed terrible defenses throughout the 2020s, under Dan Mullen and Billy Napier. Heading into a crucial and volatile schedule this fall, Napier made changes to all three defensive position coaches. What can help is that the players are going to be in year two of coordinator Austin Armstrong’s system. Plus, the Gators made a massive overhaul defensively in the transfer portal to go along with some returning players from last year. Florida was 69th or worse in total yards allowed per game, points allowed, run defense, and completely abysmal in takeaways. If Florida is going to surprise people, this side of the ball needs to be night-and-day different from the current stretch.
Georgia - Which target can fill in the void left by Brock Bowers?
Brock Bowers was arguably the most dominant player of UGA’s national championship teams. Mind you those teams were littered with All-American players, first round picks, All-SEC nominations, and highly touted recruits. Bowers was 2X John Mackey Award Winner for the nation’s top TE. While it’s not questioned about the potential of the pass catchers on this year’s UGA team, it must manifest on the field. Luckily, for the returning players and new transfers, they’ll have returning passer Carson Beck who played well last season.
Kentucky - Did Kirby Smart fail to see what he had in Brock Vandagriff?
Last year, the Wildcats presumably made a slam dunk transfer in Devin Leary from NC State. Sadly, the passing offense was 83rd in the nation. Mark Stoops this time doubled up the transfers at signal callers, Vandagriff from Georgia and Beau Allen from Georgia Southern. It's first-round safe to assume Vandagriff is the projected starter with his experience in the conference, but he was a career backup to Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck under Kirby Smart. The alternative is Beau Allen who didn’t play a single snap last season. The Wildcats are betting big on Brock this year.
Oklahoma - How do the Sooners hold their own in unfamiliar territory?
Oklahoma, along with their biggest rival, are heading into SEC territory for the first time. There is an expected shell shock coming their way when they go on the road at Auburn, Ole Miss, Missouri, and LSU. Playing on the road in college football is a different environment compared to other sports including the NFL. Road environments in the SEC on average is different to other conferences in CFB. Not only will OU have to play the aforementioned teams on the road, they still have Alabama and Tennessee, along with their annual Red River Showdown. So, the levels in competition for OU will be another atmosphere compared to middling teams in the Big 12.
Texas A&M - Can Mike Elko install instant change and improvement at College Station as efficiently as he did at Duke?
The Aggies are a gold mine for resources to help a head coach to be successful. Despite consistent recruiting numbers that dwarf the majority of their competition, Texas A&M has not been able to get it to translate to more wins. Jimbo Fisher was consistently scrutinized for his complex offensive philosophy and failure to win big games. Now comes the new sheriff in town, Mike Elko. Elko, before taking a head coaching job at Duke, was the defensive coordinator under Fisher in College Station. In his two years at Durham, Mike Elko led the Blue Devils to a 17-8 record and back-to-back bowl victories. He’s back in A&M with familiarity in the program, recruiting regions, and a proven résumé to elevate a team’s play above their talent level. No disrespect to Duke, but it is way harder to accumulate talent in Durham than it is College Station. In a tough year one, Elko will look to get his second head coach tenure on the right foot against Notre Dame in the season opener.
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