RELATED: Ranking all 14 units in the East

The best unit in the SEC West? Sounds like a great debate topic to us. So we’re throwing the offenses and defenses together and sorting them out.

While defense remains the name of the game, several offenses broke through into the top half of our rankings. Here’s our list, top to bottom:

1. Auburn offense

What we like: With the addition of QB Jarrett Stidham to go along with the incredible RB tandem of Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson, this is an offense that appears unstoppable.

What we don’t: Injuries in the spring hampered the running game, the line must gel and the Tigers must have receivers step into the spotlight for Stidham.

NCAA rank last year: No. 42 in total offense.

2. Alabama defense

What we like: The Tide lost a ton of talent off the nation’s top defense from last season. But we know that talent remains and as long as Nick Saban remains the head coach, defensive talent will continue to flow through the program.

What we don’t: Three first-round picks in this year’s NFL Draft and seven players total drafted into the NFL leaves this defense with plenty of holes to fill.

NCAA rank last year: No. 1 in total defense (out of 127 FBS schools).

3. Auburn defense

What we like: The Tigers were stingy last season, especially against the run, where they were third in the SEC allowing 1,726 rushing yards in 13 games. They should be tough again against the run in 2017.

What we don’t: There isn’t a lot of senior leadership outside the secondary. NFL picks Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams leave huge voids that must be filled.

NCAA rank last year: No. 28 in total defense.

4. LSU defense

What we like: Lots of good talent even if relatively young. If it comes through like DC Dave Aranda expects, this could be another great season on defense for the Tigers.

What we don’t: The Tigers sent five defensive players to the NFL Draft and have plenty of holes to fill. Holdover DE Arden Key had offseason surgery. His health is critical for the Tigers to return to last year’s lofty status.

NCAA rank last year: No. 10 in total defense.

5. Alabama offense

What we like: Jalen Hurts returns at quarterback and WR Calvin Ridley, along with a plethora of talented running backs, makes this potentially the strength of the team.

What we don’t: Any time you’re breaking in a new offensive coordinator there comes a certain degree of trepidation, plus right tackle must be solidified.

NCAA rank last year: No. 34 in total offense.

6. Texas A&M offense

What we like: The running game should be solid again with 1,000-yard rusher Trayveon Williams returning along with bruiser Keith Ford and an experienced offensive line.

What we don’t: The quarterback position remains shaky at best. Add to that the exit of a group of talented receivers and this could become a very one-dimensional team.

NCAA rank last year: No. 24 in total offense.

7. Arkansas offense

What we like: QB Austin Allen returns at the controls after throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. So does 1,000-yard rusher Rawleigh Williams III. If the juniors hold up along the O-line, it could be quite productive for the Hogs in 2017.

 What we don’t: Aside from Allen, there isn’t much senior leadership. That may or may not make a big difference, but it’s always nice to have those grizzled veterans in the trenches when the going gets tough as it will in the SEC West.

NCAA rank last year: No. 54 in total offense.

8. Ole Miss offense

What we like: The system. It’s produced some stellar numbers at quarterback. Now it’s time for QB Shea Patterson to step into the limelight.

What we don’t: Three of the top four receivers are gone and that means Patterson and a corps of wide receivers will have to learn on the job.

NCAA rank last year: No. 26 in total offense.

9. Mississippi State offense

What we like: QB Nick Fitzgerald is a playmaker, with his arm and his legs. With more than 2,400 yards passing and 21 touchdowns to go along with a team-high 1,375 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, this guy is electric.

What we don’t: The fact that Fitzgerald is a one-man show. Should anything happen to him, the Bulldogs would be in a world of hurt.

NCAA rank last year: No. 44 in total offense.

10. LSU offense

What we like: The rushing attack will be dominant again this season with Derrius Guice, the SEC’s leading rusher (1,387 yards) returning. Another year of seasoning should improve the play at quarterback as well.

What we don’t: The one-dimensional offense the Tigers have displayed the last few years. For LSU to seriously contend for SEC honors, there has to be improved play at quarterback. Where have you heard that before?

NCAA rank last year: No. 59 in total offense.

11. Arkansas defense

What we like: The Razorbacks weren’t bad against the pass last season, and a group of senior leaders patrols the secondary. This should be the unit’s strength.

What we don’t: Replacing NFL Draft picks Jeremiah Ledbetter and Deatrich Wise won’t be easy. Neither will filling the hole left by LB Brooks Ellis.

NCAA rank last year: No. 75 in total defense.

12. Texas A&M defense

What we like: The secondary is second to none with veteran safeties Donovan Wilson and Armani Watts leading the way. And there’s some experience as well along the line and at linebacker.

What we don’t: Losing sack artists Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall will hurt. How badly remains to be seen, but those are some gigantic shoes to fill.

NCAA rank last year: No. 90 in total defense.

13. Mississippi State defense

What we like: The Bulldogs were actually pretty decent against the run last season, ranking seventh in the conference. Veteran coach Todd Grantham comes in as the new defensive coordinator from Louisville and that should be a boost.

What we don’t: Replacing talent the likes of LB Richie Brown and DE Johnathan Calvin is never easy, and the Bulldogs gave up way too many yards through the air last season, finishing last in the SEC (3,660).

NCAA rank last year: No 110 in total defense.

14. Ole Miss defense

What we like: The Rebels are starting fresh with a new approach from DC Wesley McGriff. DE Marquis Haynes, who recorded seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss last season, leads the way.

What we don’t: The Rebels gave up a ton of yards on the ground last season, 44 shy of 3,000 in fact. Can anyone step up and plug some holes?

NCAA rank last year: No. 111 in total defense.