It’ll be difficult for the SEC West to replicate seven ranked teams at one time like it did during the 2014 campaign, but if these improvements are made despite heavy personnel losses, it’s possible.

Alabama — Improved secondary play: The Crimson Tide have already taken the first step toward improving a back end that ranked 11th in the SEC last season at 226.0 yards per game by hiring ex-Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker to fix the secondary.Losing All-American Landon Collins is sizable, but Alabama returns both starting corners and feels good about what redshirt freshmen Hootie Jones and Marlon Humphrey will bring to the table.

Arkansas — Confidence in late-game situations: This will be difficult to simulate on the practice field, but establishing confidence when the outcome is in doubt could make this team championship-caliber. The Razorbacks lost four games to ranked SEC teams by a touchdown or less in the fourth quarter or later last season, a tally which ultimately kept Arkansas out of the divisional race. It may take a close win over Texas A&M or Tennessee early in 2015 to make this team believe it can overcome pressure situations.

Auburn — Pressure on opposing quarterbacks: Auburn’s secondary was often left to fend for itself last season thanks to the lack of overall pressure from its front four. The Tigers finished 12th in the SEC in pass defense and 10th against the run primarily due to their lack of strength and athleticism at the line of scrimmage. Carl Lawson’s return along with the arrival of Byron Cowart and Will Muschamp should help maximize the production for a unit that managed just 21 total sacks last fall, second-worst in the West.

LSU — Emergence of a quarterback: Whether it’s Anthony Jennings, Brandon Harris, or a player to be named later (Braxton Miller, perhaps?), LSU must find a leader under center with a wealth of talent at other skill positions. Running the football with Leonard Fournette and forcing turnovers defensively with Kevin Steele could get the Tigers to eight wins, but that number is several short of what it will take to compete for a championship for Les Miles and Co. Jennings was manageable at times as a sophomore, but LSU needs more from him, especially in the downfield passing game.

Mississippi — Improved offensive line play: Last week, we mentioned that the Rebels were worthy of a preseason Top 10 ranking this fall despite the loss of veteran quarterback Bo Wallace because of the depth Ole Miss returns in the trenches. This depth hinges on development however and overall improvement along the offensive line. Laremy Tunsil’s return from injury during fall practice gives this team an outspoken leader who will be the focus of NFL scouts throughout the season. Most importantly, the Rebels’ ability to protect a new face under center — Chad Kelly or DeVante Kincade — is paramount to their continued success under Hugh Freeze.

Mississippi State — A complimentary run game: There’s no doubt next season’s offense will be run through senior quarterback Dak Prescott but when the dual-threat quarterback is at his best, his running backs are producing. Mississippi State was one of only three teams in the SEC to compile at least 3,000 yards rushing last season and nearly 40 percent of that total exits with Josh Robinson’s departure to the NFL. Ashton Shumpert appears to be next in line to handle the bulk of the carries with Brandon Holloway, a 5-foot-8, 170-pound scatback, assuming a situational role.

Texas A&M — Alter defensive philosophy: Kevin Sumlin took the first step toward extending what most expect to be a lengthy career with the Aggies this offseason with the addition of John Chavis as Texas A&M’s new defensive coordinator, a coach with a track record of success. Too many times under the previous regime on defense, the Aggies missed tackles in space, were caught looking in the backfield leading to big plays and never had an identity on that side of the football. Keeping it simple will benefit Texas A&M this fall during Chavis’ first season, especially with a fierce defensive line anchored by Myles Garrett and true freshman Daylon Mack.