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What the 4 non-bowl teams would be working on if they could practice right now
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Ten SEC teams are bowl bound, but four – the bottom half of the SEC Eastern division – are not. In addition to traveling to a (usually) fun destination for one final game, these four squads also miss out on the extended practice period offered to bowl teams as preparation.
Some coaches consider these practices essential for young players, like a second spring period. Others, however, might point out that missing out on bowl practices didn’t seem to hurt Auburn in 2013. The Tigers went 3-9 in 2012 and played in the BCS Championship Game the following season.
If those four teams were in bowl games, what would they be working on?
Missouri (5-7)
The Tigers recently reinstated QB Maty Mauk. The bowl practices would serve as a good opportunity for MU receivers to work on timing with Mauk. Missouri finished last in SEC scoring offense, with only 13.6 points scored per game.
Mizzou underwent a stretch of three consecutive games without an offensive touchdown this season, all with freshman Drew Lock starting at quarterback. Lock took over starting duties in Week 5 with the Tigers going 2-5 to finish the season.
Kentucky (5-7)
If the Wildcats were playing postseason football, the coaching staff would probably be holding a pass rushing clinic during the bowl practices. The UK defense finished last in the SEC in sacks as the team was only able to bring down opposing quarterbacks 17 teams this season.
Vanderbilt (4-8)
The Commodores’ special teams could use some extra attention during the bowl prep period. Vanderbilt finished in the bottom five of the conference in multiple special teams categories:
- Punting: No. 14 (33.5 net yards per punt)
- Kickoff returns: No. 10 (19.6 yards per kick return)
- Kickoff coverage: No. 11 (39.7 net yards per kickoff)
- Punt return average: No. 11 (6.4 yards per return)
- Field goals: No. 12 (12/19 field goals made)
South Carolina (3-9)
With the coaching change, it’s a bit difficult for South Carolina to work on next season with schematic changes on both sides of the ball. Interim coach Shawn Elliott will stay on Will Muschamp’s staff as offensive line coach, and could focus on the offensive line during bowl prep.
The Gamecocks were actually middle of the pack in the SEC (No. 8) when it came to pass protection, allowing 26 sacks this season. There’s always room for improvement, and run blocking could certainly get better. USC tied Vanderbilt for No. 10 in the conference with 154.7 rushing yards per game.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
