The state of Mississippi is home to the top two teams in the Southeastern Conference. Come December, it may be home of the 2014 SEC Coach of the Year.

Ole Miss’ Hugh Freeze and Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen are the favorites to win the award after leading their teams to top-3 rankings this season. Freeze has seen an improved record since being hired at Ole Miss in 2012. He is 22-11 (10-10 SEC) in three seasons with the Rebels. Mullen has a 42-28 head coaching record since arriving at Mississippi State in 2009.

Georgia’s Mark Richt is also a dark horse candidate for this year’s award. Richt’s Bulldogs are a favorite to win the SEC East, despite losing Todd Gurley to a suspension.

SDS’ Jason Hall and Drew Laing weigh in on the potential nominees for this year’s SEC Coach of the Year Award.