Conference Breakdown: SEC
5 things to know about the SEC
Biggest game: Alabama at LSU, November 5
Players to always watch: UGA RB Nick Chubb vs. LSU RB Leonard Fournette is one kind of battle between potential top-10 picks. A&M DE Myles Garrett vs. Bama OT Cam Robinson is another.
Team nobody wants to play: Let's say Vandy!
Coach who really needs wins: Well, Les Miles already cheated death once, and Auburn-A&M feels like a Hot Seat Bowl. Also, Mark Stoops and Derek Mason and ... sure, everybody but Nick Saban.
Don't be surprised if ... Texas A&M explodes. In either sense. (This text is unchanged from last year.)
Bill Connelly's Power Rankings
Tier 1
Alabama
Sure, Bama's got a couple problems ... problems almost every other team would love to have.
LSU
The Tigers are loaded enough to make a title run. For Miles' sake, they better.
Tier 2
Tennessee
If Tennessee learns how to close big games, the hype will all pay off. That's an "if."
Georgia
There is no grace period for Kirby Smart. He has to win big immediately.
Arkansas
Bret Bielema's Hogs will be flashy and start out hot, then fade. No, just kidding.
Mississippi State
This season was supposed to be about replacing the best player in program history, but ...
Texas A&M
Kevin Sumlin's A&M is finally experienced. With this schedule, does that even matter?
Florida
The Gators might have a great offense ... in 2017. Can 2016's just be competent?
Auburn
Gus Malzahn has gone from Nick Saban's nemesis to the hot seat. Can he rebound?
Tier 3
Missouri
Read how Mizzou can bounce back on the field from an extremely, uh, memorable 2015.
Vanderbilt
Vandy's defense would be good enough to win the SEC East, if it had an offense.
Tier 4
Kentucky
Kentucky's all about hot starts and sad finishes. Can 2016 break the cycle?
South Carolina
Will Muschamp was a questionable hire, but don't judge him based on 2016.
