There’s several intriguing storylines heading into the 2015 season for the SEC, but we’ve tried to narrow it down to three for the time being:
Facilitator of Florida’s offense under Jim McElwain — Will the spread-minded McElwain take a run-first approach until he improves the offensive personnel in Gainesville? In short, the answer is no, he’s going to throw the football whether the Gators are equipped to or not. Who will play quarterback is the bigger question and it comes down to incumbent starter Treon Harris or Will Grier, the touted five-star who redshirted this season as a freshman. McElwain spoke highly of Harris during his Birmingham Bowl interview with ESPN, but Grier’s skill set more directly correlates to McElwain’s big-arm philosophy. The quarterback competition should be intriguing during McElwain’s initial media-heavy spring practice.
John Chavis’ instant impact at Texas A&M — How soon can the Chief turn it around defensively in College Station? Expect the former LSU coordinator to overhaul Mark Snyder’s unit, not short of talent thanks to feared pass rusher Myles Garrett, into an attacking group that forces the issue rather than letting the opposition dictate tempo. It’ll be interested to see if Chavis uses a starter like rising sophomore Armani Watts in the roaming safety role that nearly resulted in a Heisman for Tyrann Mathieu during his time at LSU. Giving Watts some flexibility in the secondary with an ability to blitz would benefit the Aggies, who enter the 2015 campaign with one of the SEC’s best front fours.
Can LSU break through the proverbial wall — By most accounts, the Tigers were disappointing this season due in large part to inconsistent play from the quarterback position. Equipped with one of the nation’s best defenses (notably against the pass), LSU fell short of 10 wins for the first time since 2009, making whispers concerning Les Miles’ future in Baton Rouge grow even louder. Miles’ defensive coordinator hire will be crucial to next season’s success as well as Anthony Jennings’ development during spring and fall practice. Brandon Harris doesn’t appear ready, yet. With programs like Texas A&M and Ole Miss on the rise out West, it’s important for the Tigers to retain their spot among elites Alabama and Auburn. Success comes in cycles and LSU is hoping 2014 was just a bad break. It’s too bad defensive guru John Chavis decided to leave the Tigers after the bowl loss. An earlier decision would’ve ignited LSU’s chase for Will Muschamp before he landed at Auburn and given Miles time to prepare coming out of the recruiting dead period.
