SEC Debate: Who will finish in last in the SEC West in 2015?
The SEC West made history in 2014 by becoming the first division to host seven bowl eligible-teams in the same season. All seven members of the division will face steep expectations once again in 2015, and fans throughout the Southeast will no doubt spend the offseason arguing which team is the best team of the bunch.
But just as compelling an argument is who will finish in last in the loaded West next season. We asked our SDS staffers that very question. See what they had to say:
WHO WILL FINISH LAST IN THE SEC WEST IN 2015?
Chris Smith (@CSmithSDS): Arkansas
Alabama, Auburn and LSU are safe. Ole Miss, assuming the Rebels can find someone to play mediocre quarterback, likely won’t finish last in the division. That leaves Mississippi State, Texas A&M and Arkansas, and I could make an argument for any of the three. If Dak Prescott returns for the Bulldogs, it’s difficult to imagine them finishing last. A&M is loaded with talent, and having secured John Chavis as defensive coordinator, the Aggies can be expected to at least maintain their 7-5 regular-season record. The Razorbacks’ defense, the engine for this year’s team, will lose Trey Flowers and Martrell Spaight and could lose Darius Philon. Arkansas faces a tame non-conference schedule — UTEP, Toledo, Texas Tech and UT-Martin — but must play at Tennessee in what should be a tough crossover game. Then there’s the continued murderer’s row that is the SEC West. I could see the Razorbacks leveling off and turning out a season very similar to this year.
Brad Crawford (@BCrawfordSDS): Mississippi State
I’m going with Mississippi State as long as Dak Prescott doesn’t return at quarterback. Losing Preston Smith and Benardrick McKinney on defense along with a player of Prescott’s caliber on his side of the football won’t end well for the Bulldogs in college football’s toughest division. The SEC road schedule — Auburn, Texas A&M, Mizzou and Arkansas — is a challenge and I don’t think Mississippi State will be equipped to tackle multiple ranked teams the way it did this fall.
Jason Hall (@JasonHallSDS): Arkansas
It will still be Arkansas. Alabama always finds a way to win under Nick Saban, with anything short of a national championship being considered a “disappointing season.” Auburn will improve with Will Muschamp taking over as defensive coordinator and a talented recruiting class. LSU has a talented lineup that has gained experience and should progress in 2015. Ole Miss has too much talent on defense, even despite the uncertainty at quarterback. Mississippi State faces a similar situation if Dak Prescott leaves, but would be a contender should he stay. Texas A&M is a work in progress, but has enough talent to improve in 2015.
Jon Cooper (@JonSDS): Mississippi State
Regardless of whether Dak Prescott returns for his senior season or decides to head to the NFL, Mississippi State is poised to take a step back in 2015. Too many veterans will be gone on both lines of scrimmage, not to mention the defense’s best player, Benardrick McKinney, is likely heading to the NFL, too. Combine the line of scrimmage losses with defensive coordinator Geoff Collins heading to Florida, and the defense could relapse. It’s trendy to pick Arkansas to finish last in the SEC West again, but Mississippi State could potentially take the biggest step back of any team in the SEC in 2015.
Mack Dalton (@MackDalton): Arkansas
I think Arkansas still brings up the rear next season. It was a toss up between Texas A&M and Arkansas. With John Chavis headed to A&M, I think that keeps the Aggies ahead of the Hogs in 2015. I do think Arkansas will add another win along the way for an 8-5 campaign next season. Don’t hate me Razorbacks, I think you are trending in the right direction and could see a Mississippi-esque (the state) resurgence soon.
Brett Weisband (@WeisbandSDS): Mississippi State
Even if Dak Prescott does return, I have a hard time seeing the Bulldogs repeat anything like this year’s 10-win season. The losses on both sides will be great, and Prescott improving as a passer won’t be enough to replicate Mississippi State’s success in an SEC West that will theoretically be even stronger next year.