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Bowl season is in full swing and the SEC has a number of marquee matchups on the horizon, including the College Football Playoff semifinal between Alabama and Ohio State.
With bowl games and recruiting taking precedent, we take a look at the biggest storyline for each SEC team as the calendar approaches the new year.
Alabama — The Crimson Tide are in the midst of preparations for the Sugar Bowl and the CFP semifinal game against Ohio State. Head coach Nick Saban has had the upper hand in his rivalry with Urban Meyer in their last few matchups, but this year’s Sugar Bowl is arguably the most intriguing matchup of the season. Alabama is in line for another shot at a national championship and the continuation of its run as college football’s premier program.
Arkansas — Arkansas’ Texas Bowl matchup against Texas will serve as a launching pad for the Hogs’ 2015 season. The Razorbacks are primed to be a team to take a big step forward next season and with a strong finish to 2014, Bret Bielema and his squad will come into their bowl game focused on keeping the momentum going into the offseason. Now, if only we can fully determine whether Bielema gave a “Horns Down” sign in that photo …
Auburn — Of course, Auburn wants to win its bowl game against Wisconsin but with the hire of Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator and JUCO RB prospect Jovon Robinson practicing with the team, it’s likely many Auburn fans are very much looking forward to the offseason and the 2015 season. The combination of Gus Malzahn and Muschamp is arguably one of the best, if not the best, head coach – coordinator duos in college football. Things are looking up for the Tigers as we approach the new year.
Florida — Most of the Gators’ prevalent story lines revolve around Jim McElwain and the decisions he’s making for 2015. The new head coach rushed to contact recruits early on after taking the job and has since addressed a good portion of his coaching staff during the dead period. With his staff taking shape, the Gators will once again focus heavily on building the 2015 recruiting class as Florida prepares to fully move on from the Will Muschamp era. So far though, McElwain’s hires of Geoff Collins and Doug Nussmeier have been met with wide-spread praise.
Georgia — Heading into the bowl season, UGA wasn’t faced with too many obstacles, but now that offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has left for Colorado State, that’s all changed. Head coach Mark Richt is now forced to think about who he’ll hire as his next OC, a position he’s haven’t had to fill since 2006. UGA’s bowl matchup will be a tough one for the Bulldogs, especially against a stingy Louisville defense. However, the off-the-field story lines Richt’s coaching staff decisions will soon take precedent as he’ll need to find replacements for both the offensive coordinator and offensive line coaching positions.
Kentucky — With no bowl game and its offensive coordinator position filled, Kentucky will focus primarily on filling out its 2015 recruiting class in these next several weeks as well as getting a jump on its 2016 class.
LSU — In terms of prestigious opponents, LSU’s bowl game against Notre Dame may take the cake. Because the Tigers are full of young playmakers, a bowl game like this could be vitally important to the Tigers this offseason. Extra bowl practices means extra reps for guys like Leonard Fournette, Malachi Dupre and others, and the progression of their skills will ultimately be the most important aspect moving forward for LSU.
Mississippi State — The Bulldogs suffered the loss of defensive coordinator Geoff Collins to the Gators, but MSU’s not letting it phase them it prepares for the Orange Bowl against Georgia Tech. Of course, the big issue for the Bulldogs will be the return of Dak Prescott. If he does come back, it certainly improves the prospects of another very successful season in 2015, but if MSU loses him to the NFL Draft, we may see another rebuilding project in Starkville for head coach Dan Mullen.
Missouri — Like Mississippi State, Missouri also was dealt a blow when longtime assistant and defensive coordinator Dave Steckel left to become the head coach at Missouri State. Continuity within the coaching staff has been a big reason why Gary Pinkel and Missouri have been so successful, so this is unfamiliar territory for the Tigers. Newly hired Barry Odum seems to be an ideal defensive coordinator replacement for the Tigers as Missouri looks to continue its recent string of SEC success in 2015. I’m sure, however, no one will see it coming.
Ole Miss — For a non-CFP game, Ole Miss has the toughest opponent in TCU. The Horned Frogs were considered by many to be worthy of a berth in the CFP, but nonetheless they ended up in the Peach Bowl instead. Head coach Hugh Freeze has the Rebels trending in the right direction, but with some late season losses to Auburn and LSU, Ole Miss could use another big win to legitimize its 2014 season as expectations continue to rise in Oxford.
South Carolina — The Gamecocks are the only SEC team so far to play in its bowl game and South Carolina got the conference off to a strong start with a 24-21 win over Miami in the Independence Bowl. Several questions remain about next year’s team, including at quarterback and on the defensive coaching staff, but Saturday’s win over the Hurricanes certainly provided a nice distraction and a good ending to a rocky 2014 season. Wide receiver Pharoh Cooper further proved with his highlight reel catches and 170 receiving yards that he’ll be the class of SEC receivers next season.
Tennessee — Like LSU, the Vols’ primary focus this bowl season will be to get more experience for its younger players. Tennessee finished with a 6-6 record, but there’s no question that hopes are high for a big step forward in 2015 and beyond. A strong bowl performance by Tennessee against Iowa would provide a solid foundation for the offseason as the Vols continue to build for their future.
Texas A&M — The Aggies lost out on the sweepstakes for Will Muschamp, so Kevin Sumlin will continue to search for a replacement at defensive coordinator. Current Florida defensive coordinator and interim head coach DJ Durkin seems to be a favorite, but nothing official has been announced. With the returning talent on offense and a few young playmakers on defense, Texas A&M could be an impact defensive coordinator hire away from seriously contending in 2015.
Vanderbilt — With no bowl game to worry about, Derek Mason’s main focus must be on the coaching staff. He’s fired both his offense and defensive coordinator, so these are both major hires he’ll need to make. National Signing Day is just over a month away, so a timely hire is almost as important as who Mason hires because it’ll be tough for Vandy to recruit without its two primary assistant coaches.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
