These SEC teams have the easiest path to a 2017 championship
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The 2017 SEC schedules were released on Tuesday night and, though the 2016 season has only just begun, it’s never too soon to start planning ahead for next season.
Some teams’ roads to a championship are easier than others, with favorable non-conference schedules and the luxury of hosting difficult SEC rivals.
Here are four teams that, if all goes according to plan, could lift a trophy or two in the 2017 college football season:
Alabama Crimson Tide
Yes, the Tide start the 2017 season with a game against Florida State in Atlanta, but Nick Saban will have his squad ready for the early-season test. For proof, just look at what Alabama did to a ranked USC team in Week 1 this season.
From there Alabama gets Tennessee, Ole Miss and LSU at home. Road games against Texas A&M and Auburn are the toughest dates away from Tuscaloosa.
The defense stands to lose some key pieces this offseason, but that’s never been a problem for the Tide before. Meanwhile, on offense, Alabama will have something it hasn’t had since AJ McCarron left after the 2013 season — a returning starter at the quarterback position.
Jalen Hurts is a true freshman and Blake Barnett is a redshirt freshman, so whichever signal caller emerges as the full-time starter this season will be well-positioned for success in 2017.
Georgia Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have a touch matchup against Notre Dame in Week 2, but if they win, it’ll boost their national profile.
Georgia gets a break in the SEC West, too, with games against Auburn and Mississippi State.
With QB Jacob Eason heading into his second full season in 2017 and RB Sony Michel possibly returning, Georgia could be primed for a big season.
Ole Miss Rebels
Other than a Week 4 game in Tuscaloosa, the Rebels have a relatively favorable SEC slate of games.
Ole Miss gets LSU, Texas A&M and Arkansas at home and draws Vanderbilt and Kentucky from the SEC East.
Yes, QB Chad Kelly will be gone in 2017, but Shea Patterson should be ready to take over the reins and lead the Rebels to a big year.
Dark horse: Missouri Tigers
The Tigers have a fairly easy non-conference schedule, with games against Missouri State, Purdue, Idaho and UConn.
In SEC East play, they have to travel to Georgia, but get Florida and Tennessee at home. A game against SEC West rival Arkansas to end the season in Fayetteville looms large, but Mizzou has a relatively navigable schedule.
With QB Drew Lock looking sharp in 2016 and a young core of Tigers set to return in 2017, Mizzou could surprise some SEC East foes next season.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
