Bowl projections: 10 SEC teams expected to get postseason invites in 2016

Based on the Crystal Ball projections I did for each team last week, 10 SEC teams are set to go bowling.

That would match the double-digit squads that went to a bowl game last season, including all seven members of the West. The East, not as deep, only sent three.

The forecast for 2016 steadies the scale a bit, with six clubs in the West getting a holiday trip and four from the East being equally rewarded. Mississippi State might take a step back post-Dak Prescott and fail to attain bowl eligibility, while Kentucky should continue its ascent under Mark Stoops and win six games.

The other eight bowl teams from 2015 remain the same, just like the bowl-less fate of Vanderbilt, Missouri and South Carolina. Those programs will be done for the year once the regular-season schedule is complete.

Here are our bowl projections for the SEC, with a familiar name making it to the College Football Playoff.

Dec. 28

Advocate V100 Texas Bowl: Arkansas (6-6)

If Brandon Allen only had one more year of eligibility left, the Razorbacks might make noise in the West.

However, he’s taking his talent to the NFL, and his younger brother, Austin Allen, has been named the No. 1 quarterback in Fayetteville. He has similar ability but lacks all of that experience.

The ground game should be solid with both Kody Walker and Rawleigh Williams returning, plus there is some buzz surrounding freshman Devwah Whaley — look for plenty of room to run behind the enormous Dan Skipper, too. A receiving corps led by wideout Drew Morgan and tight end Jeremy Sprinkle (below) can ease its new QB along.

Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Defensively, the pass rush is anchored by Deatrich Wise Jr., who recorded 8.0 sacks in 2015. Brooks Ellis is one of the premier tacklers in the conference and looks to be a lock for 100-plus stops a second time.

Even if the Hogs assembled a better record last year, there are reasons to believe in coach Bret Bielema.

Dec. 29

Birmingham Bowl: Kentucky (6-6)

In Year 4 and following back-to-back 5-7 seasons, Stoops wins that sixth game and earns a bowl invitation.

While Patrick Towles never lived up to his billing in Lexington, Drew Barker has the same Bluegrass State pedigree and enough tools to succeed in the SEC. His trial by fire last year should make him better.

Keeping Stanley “Boom” Williams healthy in the backfield is a top priority, as he’s maybe the most underrated running back in the league. On the other side of the football, Chris Westry was named to the freshman all-conference squad a year ago at cornerback. Expect big things from him as a sophomore.

It’s certainly reasonable to see the ‘Cats finding a way to take out one of the East heavyweights in 2016.

Belk Bowl: Auburn (7-5)

The Tigers are the toughest team in the SEC to figure out. They play their best when expectations are low.

Projected to be a College Football Playoff contender last year, they flopped. But nobody saw that BCS title game appearance coming in 2013, either. With the quarterback situation unclear and tailback Jovon Robinson dismissed from the club on the first day of fall camp, the arrow looks to be pointing down on The Plains.

A 7-5 campaign seems about right, although perhaps Gus Malzahn and can catch lightning in a bottle yet again.

Dec. 30

AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Florida (7-5)

After starting last year 10-1 and being ranked in the Top 10, the Gators were mauled in their final three games. Give coach Jim McElwain credit for capturing the division in Year 1, but the East was watered down.

The quarterback depth chart has been turned over entirely. Playmakers are few and far between. The defense lost five NFL Draft choices. While McElwain seems like a good coach, he hasn’t built a true contender yet.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Ole Miss (9-3)

The Rebels will surely be fun to watch in 2016, as quarterback Chad Kelly (below) pulls a Maverick — Mach 2 with his fair on fire — and lights up the SEC statistically. His supporting cast is long on talent but not as well known as a year ago. New stars have to emerge. They just don’t have enough to topple Alabama and LSU.

Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Dec. 31

TaxSlayer Bowl: Georgia (9-3)

The Bulldogs are hitting the reset button, with first-year coach Kirby Smart returning to his alma mater after a long and successful career assisting Nick Saban. It’s also Year 1 for Jacob Eason, a freshman QB likely earning the starting job. UGA is always a draw in Jacksonville thanks to the annual Cocktail Party.

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl: LSU (10-2)

Just like last year, the Tigers should be undefeated before their matchup with the Crimson Time the first weekend in November. But ‘Bama has the Bayou Bengals by the tail lately. Look for that trend to continue.

With Leonard Fournette surely playing his last game as a collegian before turning pro, LSU is a great grab for the Citrus Bowl. Hopefully, coach Les Miles won’t have to survive another coup attempt in Baton Rouge.

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, CFP Semifinal: Alabama (11-1)

The Tide were the only team to make the College Football Playoff in Years 1 and 2. Make it three in a row.

Naturally, Saban has to replace his fair share of top contributors from a season ago both offensively and defensively. No coach in America is better prepared to do so, though. With the turnstile of four-and five-star prospects constantly cranking in Tuscaloosa, Saban is the one constant. He’s running a legit dynasty.

No Derrick Henry on offense. No Reggie Ragland on defense. No Cyrus Jones in the return game. No problem.

Jan. 2

Outback Bowl: Texas A&M (9-3)

If there is one club in the SEC that needs to settle its quarterback situation from 2015, it’s the Aggies.

With Kyle Allen and Kyler Murray both deciding to take their ball and go home, Trevor Knight arrives as a transfer from Oklahoma. He won the starting job during spring practice and has assumed a leadership role.

Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

He’ll have some serious weapons on the outside — receivers Christian Kirk, Speedy Noil, Josh Reynolds and Ricky Seals-Jones (above) are a fearsome foursome. Although not as fearsome as pass rusher Myles Garrett, who may be the best defender in all of college football. There are stars in College Station. Depth? Wait and see.

Kelly won’t take any team by surprise this season, so A&M might be the real sleeper candidate in the West.

AllState Sugar Bowl: Tennessee (10-2)

With 17 returning starters and fewer question marks, the Volunteers are the clear choice to take the East.

The ground assault should be among the nation’s best. The one-two punch of Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara at running back could challenge the 2,000-yard barrier. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs is a gifted runner, as well.

But until Dobbs becomes a more consistent passer, UT’s offense will never be as formidable as perhaps the talent suggests. There are more than enough capable targets at his disposal, including Hurd and Kamara out of the backfield. Like Brandon Harris at LSU, Dobbs must be able to make more throws deep down the field.

Likewise for the defense, the talent exceeds the production. Derek Barnett, Jalen Reeves-Mayin and Cameron Sutton are outstanding at end, linebacker and corner, respectively. These stars need to become superstars.

While the Vols may not wrestle the SEC away from ‘Bama, a trip to New Orleans is a nice consolation prize.

John Crist is the senior writer for Saturday Down South, a member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy. Send him an e-mail, like him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter.