SEC Football Preview 2021
Our SEC preview 2021 notes that this is the best conference in college football with the Alabama Crimson Tide being the best of the best. Georgia, Texas A&M, Florida, and LSU will be very competitive; however, they’ll have a hard time unseating the Tide and relegating them to second place. Even the lower tier SEC teams are good. They’re just not as good as those that occupy the middle to higher part of the standings.
SEC Preview – East Division
Florida Gators – Emory Jones replaces record-setter Kyle Trask at QB. Jones, a dual threat, has talent to toss to, as well as a fine group of rushers to anchor the ground attack. On defense, the front seven are sound. There’s talent in back, but each player needs to step up and the group must coalesce to be successful.
Georgia Bulldogs – The O-line is deep, which means RB Zamir White should have plenty of room to run. QB J.T. Daniels brings skill and accuracy to the field, but he’ll have to succeed without top receiver George Pickens. The D-line and linebacking unit are awesome, but the secondary is problematic.
Kentucky Wildcats – Penn State transfer Will Levis, a dual threat, comes in to QB. The rush attack is lethal, while the frontline looks fine. On defense, the corners are questionable, but the D-line and LBs are sound.
Missouri Tigers – On offense, the Tigers are solid with running back Tyler Badie, who’s also a pass-catching threat, leading the way. Second-year QB Connor Bazelak returns after posting sound numbers in his first season. The defense looks good but does have some question marks. An easy schedule will help the Tigers.
South Carolina Gamecocks – The Gamecocks should show some improvement this season but not enough to get them a bowl invitation. The ground game features the dynamic one-two punch of Kevin Harris and MarShawn Lloyd. They will be aided by a fine O-line. On the other side of the ball, the frontline is the top unit. They’re led by edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare. The deep backs are questionable and thin.
Tennessee Volunteers – The Vols have a deep running unit, solid group of receivers, and two promising quarterbacks. Their O-line has talent but needs to come together. On defense, the frontline is solid and the secondary offers quality players including team leader corner Altonae Taylor. The linebacking group, which has been weakened by the transfer of numerous players, is questionable. Expect Tennessee to eke out enough wins to enjoy a postseason appearance.
Vanderbilt Commodores – Our SEC Preview 2021 sees Vandy’s strength on offense is its receiving unit, which is loaded. Two questions persist on this side of the ball, can either quarterback, Ken Seals or Mike Wright, make an impact and will the O-line step up? The defense has numerous question marks, especially in the secondary which was porous last season.
SEC Preview – West Division
Alabama Crimson Tide – The Tide loses top QB Mac Jones to the NFL, which means five-star recruit Bryce Young, a sophomore, must step into that all-important leadership role. If he can, once again Alabama will be on track to win another national title. The Crimson Tide are solid on offense, defense, and special teams.
Arkansas Razorbacks – Look for Arkansas to start dual-threat quarterback K.J. Jefferson, a sophomore with an accurate arm. The Arkansas receiving unit is deep and talented, while the rush attack looks sound. The offensive line must show marked improvement over last season if this offense is to realize its potential. The defense offers depth, skill, and talent. The big question is can they make the leap they need to in order to be a major force?
Auburn Tigers – For the Tigers to succeed on offense, their offensive line, which is experienced and deep, must play with consistency. Junior QB Bo Nix has talent, but his receiving corps is thin. The ground game is promising. On defense, linebackers of Zakoby McClain and Owen Pappoe form an awesome duo while the secondary is intimidating. Bryan Harsin, who’s never coached in the SEC, has work to do in order to transform this team into a dominant force.
LSU Tigers – Our SEC Preview 2021 sees the O-line as being robust and the rush attack as being dangerous with both Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery returning. There’s experience at quarterback and wideout. Last year, the LSU defense was terrible. Expect this experienced group to perform much better in 2021. This is a dangerous team.
Mississippi Rebels – We find that the Rebel offense is loaded. QB Matt Corral, a Heisman contender, is a dual threat. He’s got a sound receiving group, tough and experienced line, and deep rushing unit. For this team to excel, the defense must show marked improvement. The secondary is prime while transfers are expected to bolster the front seven.
Mississippi State Bulldogs – Last year, the Bulldogs’ O-line improved as time went on, and they should be a strength this season. There’s solid experience at running back and in the receiving group, and choices when it comes to quarterback. On D, the linebacking until is a big plus. Led by WLB Aaron Brule, they’re tough on QBs. The corners are the best in the SEC and the safeties are strong. The frontline can get the job done. However, on this side of the ball, depth is lacking.
Texas A&M Aggies – The Aggies possess a deep group of receivers and, also, a fine rushing contingent. The QB spot will be manned by either Haynes King or Zach Calzada. Four starters from the frontline are gone, but All-American Kenyon Green does return. The D-line possesses the potential to be dominant, while last year’s top tackler and defensive leader, Buddy Johnson, must be replaced. All starters return to what is a fine secondary.
SEC East – Projected Order of Finish
Georgia Bulldogs
Florida Gators
Missouri Tigers
Kentucky Wildcats
Tennessee Volunteers
South Carolina Gamecocks
Vanderbilt Commodores
SEC West – Projected Order of Finish
Alabama Crimson Tide
Texas A&M Aggies
LSU Tigers
Mississippi Rebels
Auburn Tigers
Arkansas Razorbacks
Mississippi State Bulldogs
SEC Preview - Final Word
Our SEC Preview 2021 anticipates that a majority of this conference’s teams will be bowl bound and that every team in the West could earn a postseason berth. In the East, we expect all teams except South Carolina and Vanderbilt will be in the postseason. In a conference that features so much scoring, as the SEC does, defenses are stretched and can get worn down. Depth is important on either side of the ball, but on D it is essential.