The SEC West is the premier division in college football. All seven head coaches earn at least $4 million per year to lead their respective programs. Talent level has increased across the board, and expectations have risen for each program.

While all seven fanbases are highly engaged and expect to win on the field, a look into the data over the last ten years shows that the “Big 3” of Alabama, Auburn and LSU have dominated the division thoroughly for some time.

Let’s look at a few numbers to illustrate:

SEC Championship Game Appearances (2005 – 2014):

Over the last ten years, the SEC West has put the following teams into the SEC Championship Game:

  • Alabama: 3
  • Auburn: 3
  • LSU: 3
  • Rest of SEC West: 1 (Arkansas in 2006)

NFL Draft Picks (2006-2015):

Here are the number of draft picks from the “Big 3” west schools over the last ten NFL Drafts.

  • Alabama: 56
  • Auburn: 34
  • LSU: 52
  • Total: 142

The other teams in the SEC West:

  • Arkansas: 33
  • Miss State: 20
  • Ole Miss: 15
  • Texas A&M: 25
  • Total: 93

The 2014 season saw the emergence of both Mississippi schools into the highest levels of competition for the SEC West title. Despite some key moments and wins, neither school was able to win the division.

How have the current head coaches of the “Other 4” SEC West schools fared against the “Big 3”? Let’s look at each season and the total records:

Kevin Sumlin at Texas A&M:

  • 2014: 1-2 (beat Auburn)
  • 2013: 0-3
  • 2012: 2-1 (beat Alabama, Auburn)
  • Total: 3-6 (.333)

Hugh Freeze at Ole Miss:

  • 2014: 1-2 (beat Alabama)
  • 2013: 1-2 (beat LSU)
  • 2012: 1-2 (beat Auburn)
  • Total: 3-6 (.333)

Dan Mullen at Miss. State:

  • 2014: 2-1 (beat Auburn, LSU)
  • 2013: 0-3
  • 2012: 1-2 (beat Auburn)
  • 2011: 0-3
  • 2010: 0-3
  • 2009: 0-3
  • Total: 3-15 (.200)

Bret Bielema at Arkansas:

  • 2014: 1-2 (beat LSU)
  • 2013: 0-3
  • Total: 1-5 (.200)

Overall, the records against the “Big 3” SEC West teams leave a lot to be desired.

The historic 2014 season for Mississippi schools only produced a combined .500 record against Alabama, Auburn and LSU. The question to be answered is as follows: Is the 2014 season a building block for continued and increased success or was that as good as it gets for Ole Miss and Mississippi State?

Arkansas has some momentum heading into 2015, but few analysts think 2015 can be a season in which the Hogs compete for the western crown.

Texas A&M’s 2015 season could be the most critical out of the group as fans show frustration with the lack of consistent winning in College Station. The addition of John Chavis to the defensive side of the ball means there are no excuses left for Sumlin and his staff.

As pessimistic as that sounds, it’s difficult to point fingers at any of the “Other 4” head coaches. Each of them are top notch coaches doing their best to compete in the toughest division in football. The problem is that Alabama, Auburn and LSU are doing the same thing.

Unfortunately for Sumlin, Freeze, Mullen and Bielema, they might be a victim of their own success at some point. Increased salaries and increased fan expectations mean accountability is around the corner for the losing coaches.

Somebody has to lose. Which $4 million coach will own a losing conference record?