Ad Disclosure
Bowl season is upon us.
There are 10 SEC teams in bowl games this year, but some are playing for more than others. For a team like Georgia, the TaxSlayer Bowl doesn’t carry much weight. Kirby Smart is coming and will make changes to the system.
But for other coaches, the bowl games can either help or hurt them.
Let’s take a look.
MOST TO GAIN
Nick Saban: Many would argue that Saban has already proven himself in Alabama. And they are right. But Alabama craves perfection — the Crimson Tide fell short against Ohio State in last year’s Sugar Bowl. But a national title this year would help solidify Saban as one of the greatest college coaches of all time. A Tide national championship would benefit both Alabama and the SEC as a whole.
Butch Jones: This year’s Tennessee team would have represented the East in the SEC Championship if not for a few close losses. The Vols won their last five regular-season games against weak competition. A victory over Northwestern in the Outback Bowl would legitimize Vols’ claims that the program is turning the corner. A bowl victory would help the Vols maintain momentum heading into 2016.
Les Miles: The Tigers had a disappointing ending to the 2015 regular season with rumors swirling about Miles’ future. We all know now that he will be staying at LSU. But a win over Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl would be reassuring for the fan base and potential recruits.
MOST TO LOSE
Gus Malzahn: It’s crazy to envision Malzahn on the hot seat. But expectations were high heading into the season and the Tigers underachieved. With a win over a Memphis team that was undefeated much of the year, Malzahn has a chance to prove his team is regrouping and heading into 2016 on the right foot. If not, next year could be his last.
Hugh Freeze: Ole Miss has steered the Rebels toward the top of the SEC West. The Rebels had a huge win over Alabama earlier this season, but suffered tough losses against Memphis and Arkansas. Hugh Freeze has proven that he can recruit with the best, now he needs to win consistently against good competition. Playing Oklahoma State in the Sugar Bowl presents a chance to knock off a team that started 10-0 and was in College Football Playoff contention.
Kevin Sumlin: Another coach who needs his team to show improvement soon, Sumlin needs to beat a 7-5 Louisville team in the Music City Bowl to take some of the sting away from another disappointing finish after a fast start. A loss would continue the chatter about Texas A&M’s future.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
