Each team has major issues that either get glossed over or
forgotten. I want to bring these weaknesses out into the open. Let’s
take a look at this starting with the Crimson Tide.
Alabama: Can you name any Tide receivers? Anyone? Exactly. Kenny Bell is the top returning receiver with his whole 255 yards. It may be true that Bama is going to pass the ball more, but who will make the catch is a HUGE unknown. Duron Carter, the son of NFL great Cris Carter, is set to go to his third college after failing to make things work with the Tide. He was the big hope for a playmaking superstar. In fact, there is such a lack of playmakers that true freshmen Amari Cooper, Chris Black, and Eddie Williams are all anticipated to make immediate impacts. Don’t be shocked if running back T.J. Yeldon sees regular snaps at receiver. Tight end Michael Williams is the only player guaranteed to hold onto his job, but he is a more impressive blocker than receiver.
Arkansas: How do you know something is wrong with your secondary? Razorback fans can’t even name anyone from the unit! The top cover man from the group is an unknown strong safety who put up decent numbers…kind of. Ultimately, if this wasn’t the top passing offense in the conference, the numbers wouldn’t have been there. None of the members of the secondary have put up significant statistics, and now that the pass rushing is likely to suffer due to attrition, this unit will be tested and likely found to be lacking.
Auburn: This unit returns three starters, but last year’s group allowed 32 sacks. Yes, there was some uncertainty at quarterback, so teams sent the house to grab the QB. Of course, there still isn’t a clear cut starter at quarterback, so there’s no reason to believe the results will be any better this year. The left side of the line is being rebuilt, and with only right-handed quarterbacks, they may find themselves blindsided all year. In fact, Auburn may even turn to some true freshmen to provide key depth. Avery Young could even emerge as a starter at some point.
Florida: Of all the places where Florida could struggle, the defense has never been mentioned. That is an oversight because the Gator secondary struggled in 2011, and the unit returns intact with few significant additions. Only one of the Gator’s top four safeties stands taller than 5’10”, and the top cover corner defended five passes without an interception. In fact, the Florida defense finished dead last in interceptions last year with only eight while yeilding 15 touchdowns. With Jaye Howard in the NFL and Ronald Powell out indefinitely following an ACL tear in the spring, it’s hard to expect help from the pass rush. Somebody must prove that they have the ability to shut down a receiver or teams like Georgia and Tennessee will have a field day.
Georgia: The special teams of Georgia have been gutted by attrition. Gone are highly productive kickers Blair Walsh and Drew Butler and top return man Brandon Boykin. That wouldn’t be such a huge deal if not for the fact that a pair of true freshmen are being looked to at placekicker and punter. Even the job as the top returner could end up going to a true freshman. Marshall Morgan left high school with a share of the record for longest field goal, and Collin Barber was All-State in high school as a punter. Don’t be surprised if Keith Marshall takes over the return duties with his combination of size and speed. This is a unit with entirely too many questions to be regarded as anything more than a weakness.
Kentucky: While finding a strength would be much more impressive, that isn’t the focus of this piece. However, I will disect the closest thing to a strength the Wildcats have. The running backs were almost effective last year, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good unit. In fact, they only ran for 1400 yards because they absolutely couldn’t throw the ball. Oh, and 570 yards came against Central Michigan (#93 rush defense) and FCS member Jacksonville State. Most of their other strong performances came against teams ranked in the bottom half of the country. Additionally, no back has established himself as the top rusher, so consistency has proven elusive.
Louisiana State: Can you name an LSU reciver not named Odell Beckham, Jr.? I’m willing to bet you can’t, even if you’re an LSU fan. After Beckham, Jr., no reciver broke 200 yards reciving in 2011. That is an unnerving statistic for a team desperate for improved productivity in the passing game. Jarvis Landry needs to be the player advertised when he came out of high school after getting a slow start last year. True freshman Avery Johnson will also be asked to contribute early. Mettenberger is regarded as a better passer than either of the quarterbacks who started last year, so the production should improve if the receivers can develop some consistency.
Mississippi: The Rebels are very much like Kentucky in that almost everything is a weakness. The linebackers are the closest thing to a strength that the Rebels have on defense, but they really haven’t been settled in that unit. Mike Marry, Ralph Wlliams, Serderius Bryant, Joel Kight, and Aaron Garbutt all saw three or more starts last season, preventing the players from developing chemistry. The group also struggled to make plays behind the line of scrimmage, only accumulating 14.5 tackles for loss as a group. They were also non-factors in pass defense, only breaking up three total passes. This group will have to find established starters and increased productivity.
Mississippi State: The defensive line has the potential to be either the strongest unit on defense for the Bulldogs, or they could cause this team to fail to meet expectations for a second year in a row. It’s crazy to think about, but this team may have lost a first round draft pick from the line and still be better in the pass rush. The unit loses two starters from last year’s team, and returning starting defensive end Kaleb Eulls was unspectacular, but returning tackle Josh Boyd has all-conference potential. It’s the newcomers that have great potential but numerous questions. Denico Autry has perfect size to play end in the SEC, and after going through the spring with the team he earned the starting job. True freshman Quay Evans was exceptional in the spring game, accumulating six tackles and three sacks and earning himself the starting job. The question with this group is the ability to perform facing SEC offensive line.
Missouri: The Tigers’ offense should be explosive, but they have one enormous question: the offensive line. Even if they returned everyone there would still be concerns based on the defensive nature of their new conference, but only two returning linemen started last year. Mitch Morse takes over at center and Jack Meiners is the new right guard. Elvis Fisher was a starter, but now he is trying to return from a season ending injury. This line is a little undersized by SEC standards and could be the unit that prevents this team from being a bowl team.
South Carolina: The defense is expected to be the strength of the Gamecocks’ team, but I believe there is a glaring weakness within the defense: the secondary. They lose both Stephon Gilmore and CC Whitlock at corner and DeVonte Holloman moves from safety to linebacker. That leaves them returning only one full-time starter from a year ago, the safety DJ Swearinger. Swearinger is a true talent at safety, but the man lining up next to him is sophomore Brison Williams. Williams played in eight games last year, collecting eleven tackles. Williams is a little lacking in size and needs to develop further to become a legitimate SEC safety. At corner, Akeem Auguste returns after spending last year recovering from a broken foot. He is emensely talented but unfortunately undersized. Auguste has played both corner and safety, but he is locked in at corner now, leaving him on an island with receivers who stand at least six feet tall compared to his 5’9” frame. Victor Hampton is an agressive corner who will either make the big play or give one up.
Tennessee: The Volunteer secondary is experienced, but that experience hasn’t come with a high level of productivity. This group allowed opponents to complete 58% of their passes while only forcing opponents into throwing nine interceptions. Don’t forget the 14 touchdowns this unit yeilded. The group has good size and looks like they should be capable of defending most groups of receivers, but that hasn’t consistently translated into strong play. The team has moved to a 3-4 defensive front in the hopes that the pass rush will be improved; if so, this group could get the job done. Otherwise, competent quarterbacks will decimate the Vols’ defense.
Texas A&M: There is a very overlooked defensive move taking place in the SEC. Texas A&M has decided to abandon the 3-4 they’ve run the last few seasons. New head coach Kevin Sumlin hired former Ohio State and South Florida defensive coordinator Mark Snyder, who brings his 4-3 defensive system to the Aggies. That means that there are some major questions along the front four. While things are settled at linebacker, Damontre Moore must adjust to playing with his hand on the ground as a traditional defensive end. He was exceptionally productive last year, collecting 72 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. He will need to come close to matching the tackles for loss and sacks this year. Spencer Nealy is transitioning from 3-4 end to a pass rushing 4-3 end. He didn’t rack up massive numbers last year, but that’s not surprising given his duties in the old system. Neither tackle has done anything of significance at this point despite both being upperclassmen. This group must perform at a high level now that they are faced with big, strong SEC offensive lines.
Vanderbilt: The offensive line allowed 94 tackles for loss, 28 of which were sacks, last season. While some of that could be blamed on the quarterbacks, most of the blame falls at the feet of the linemen. That leaves major questions regarding the line’s ability to hold up on the line of scrimmage, and with three of the same guys back, it is hard to see very much improvement. Wesley Johnson at left tackle is the only member of the Vandy line who is fully secure in his job. The guards are both converted defensive linemen who are still working on settling into their roles as blockers in spite of the fact that they played in those roles last year. The newcomers at right tackle and center are undersized sophomores. There are no clear indications of improvement, but the skill players may be talented enough to perform in spite of them.
Alabama: Can you name any Tide receivers? Anyone? Exactly. Kenny Bell is the top returning receiver with his whole 255 yards. It may be true that Bama is going to pass the ball more, but who will make the catch is a HUGE unknown. Duron Carter, the son of NFL great Cris Carter, is set to go to his third college after failing to make things work with the Tide. He was the big hope for a playmaking superstar. In fact, there is such a lack of playmakers that true freshmen Amari Cooper, Chris Black, and Eddie Williams are all anticipated to make immediate impacts. Don’t be shocked if running back T.J. Yeldon sees regular snaps at receiver. Tight end Michael Williams is the only player guaranteed to hold onto his job, but he is a more impressive blocker than receiver.
Arkansas: How do you know something is wrong with your secondary? Razorback fans can’t even name anyone from the unit! The top cover man from the group is an unknown strong safety who put up decent numbers…kind of. Ultimately, if this wasn’t the top passing offense in the conference, the numbers wouldn’t have been there. None of the members of the secondary have put up significant statistics, and now that the pass rushing is likely to suffer due to attrition, this unit will be tested and likely found to be lacking.
Auburn: This unit returns three starters, but last year’s group allowed 32 sacks. Yes, there was some uncertainty at quarterback, so teams sent the house to grab the QB. Of course, there still isn’t a clear cut starter at quarterback, so there’s no reason to believe the results will be any better this year. The left side of the line is being rebuilt, and with only right-handed quarterbacks, they may find themselves blindsided all year. In fact, Auburn may even turn to some true freshmen to provide key depth. Avery Young could even emerge as a starter at some point.
Florida: Of all the places where Florida could struggle, the defense has never been mentioned. That is an oversight because the Gator secondary struggled in 2011, and the unit returns intact with few significant additions. Only one of the Gator’s top four safeties stands taller than 5’10”, and the top cover corner defended five passes without an interception. In fact, the Florida defense finished dead last in interceptions last year with only eight while yeilding 15 touchdowns. With Jaye Howard in the NFL and Ronald Powell out indefinitely following an ACL tear in the spring, it’s hard to expect help from the pass rush. Somebody must prove that they have the ability to shut down a receiver or teams like Georgia and Tennessee will have a field day.
Georgia: The special teams of Georgia have been gutted by attrition. Gone are highly productive kickers Blair Walsh and Drew Butler and top return man Brandon Boykin. That wouldn’t be such a huge deal if not for the fact that a pair of true freshmen are being looked to at placekicker and punter. Even the job as the top returner could end up going to a true freshman. Marshall Morgan left high school with a share of the record for longest field goal, and Collin Barber was All-State in high school as a punter. Don’t be surprised if Keith Marshall takes over the return duties with his combination of size and speed. This is a unit with entirely too many questions to be regarded as anything more than a weakness.
Kentucky: While finding a strength would be much more impressive, that isn’t the focus of this piece. However, I will disect the closest thing to a strength the Wildcats have. The running backs were almost effective last year, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good unit. In fact, they only ran for 1400 yards because they absolutely couldn’t throw the ball. Oh, and 570 yards came against Central Michigan (#93 rush defense) and FCS member Jacksonville State. Most of their other strong performances came against teams ranked in the bottom half of the country. Additionally, no back has established himself as the top rusher, so consistency has proven elusive.
Louisiana State: Can you name an LSU reciver not named Odell Beckham, Jr.? I’m willing to bet you can’t, even if you’re an LSU fan. After Beckham, Jr., no reciver broke 200 yards reciving in 2011. That is an unnerving statistic for a team desperate for improved productivity in the passing game. Jarvis Landry needs to be the player advertised when he came out of high school after getting a slow start last year. True freshman Avery Johnson will also be asked to contribute early. Mettenberger is regarded as a better passer than either of the quarterbacks who started last year, so the production should improve if the receivers can develop some consistency.
Mississippi: The Rebels are very much like Kentucky in that almost everything is a weakness. The linebackers are the closest thing to a strength that the Rebels have on defense, but they really haven’t been settled in that unit. Mike Marry, Ralph Wlliams, Serderius Bryant, Joel Kight, and Aaron Garbutt all saw three or more starts last season, preventing the players from developing chemistry. The group also struggled to make plays behind the line of scrimmage, only accumulating 14.5 tackles for loss as a group. They were also non-factors in pass defense, only breaking up three total passes. This group will have to find established starters and increased productivity.
Mississippi State: The defensive line has the potential to be either the strongest unit on defense for the Bulldogs, or they could cause this team to fail to meet expectations for a second year in a row. It’s crazy to think about, but this team may have lost a first round draft pick from the line and still be better in the pass rush. The unit loses two starters from last year’s team, and returning starting defensive end Kaleb Eulls was unspectacular, but returning tackle Josh Boyd has all-conference potential. It’s the newcomers that have great potential but numerous questions. Denico Autry has perfect size to play end in the SEC, and after going through the spring with the team he earned the starting job. True freshman Quay Evans was exceptional in the spring game, accumulating six tackles and three sacks and earning himself the starting job. The question with this group is the ability to perform facing SEC offensive line.
Missouri: The Tigers’ offense should be explosive, but they have one enormous question: the offensive line. Even if they returned everyone there would still be concerns based on the defensive nature of their new conference, but only two returning linemen started last year. Mitch Morse takes over at center and Jack Meiners is the new right guard. Elvis Fisher was a starter, but now he is trying to return from a season ending injury. This line is a little undersized by SEC standards and could be the unit that prevents this team from being a bowl team.
South Carolina: The defense is expected to be the strength of the Gamecocks’ team, but I believe there is a glaring weakness within the defense: the secondary. They lose both Stephon Gilmore and CC Whitlock at corner and DeVonte Holloman moves from safety to linebacker. That leaves them returning only one full-time starter from a year ago, the safety DJ Swearinger. Swearinger is a true talent at safety, but the man lining up next to him is sophomore Brison Williams. Williams played in eight games last year, collecting eleven tackles. Williams is a little lacking in size and needs to develop further to become a legitimate SEC safety. At corner, Akeem Auguste returns after spending last year recovering from a broken foot. He is emensely talented but unfortunately undersized. Auguste has played both corner and safety, but he is locked in at corner now, leaving him on an island with receivers who stand at least six feet tall compared to his 5’9” frame. Victor Hampton is an agressive corner who will either make the big play or give one up.
Tennessee: The Volunteer secondary is experienced, but that experience hasn’t come with a high level of productivity. This group allowed opponents to complete 58% of their passes while only forcing opponents into throwing nine interceptions. Don’t forget the 14 touchdowns this unit yeilded. The group has good size and looks like they should be capable of defending most groups of receivers, but that hasn’t consistently translated into strong play. The team has moved to a 3-4 defensive front in the hopes that the pass rush will be improved; if so, this group could get the job done. Otherwise, competent quarterbacks will decimate the Vols’ defense.
Texas A&M: There is a very overlooked defensive move taking place in the SEC. Texas A&M has decided to abandon the 3-4 they’ve run the last few seasons. New head coach Kevin Sumlin hired former Ohio State and South Florida defensive coordinator Mark Snyder, who brings his 4-3 defensive system to the Aggies. That means that there are some major questions along the front four. While things are settled at linebacker, Damontre Moore must adjust to playing with his hand on the ground as a traditional defensive end. He was exceptionally productive last year, collecting 72 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. He will need to come close to matching the tackles for loss and sacks this year. Spencer Nealy is transitioning from 3-4 end to a pass rushing 4-3 end. He didn’t rack up massive numbers last year, but that’s not surprising given his duties in the old system. Neither tackle has done anything of significance at this point despite both being upperclassmen. This group must perform at a high level now that they are faced with big, strong SEC offensive lines.
Vanderbilt: The offensive line allowed 94 tackles for loss, 28 of which were sacks, last season. While some of that could be blamed on the quarterbacks, most of the blame falls at the feet of the linemen. That leaves major questions regarding the line’s ability to hold up on the line of scrimmage, and with three of the same guys back, it is hard to see very much improvement. Wesley Johnson at left tackle is the only member of the Vandy line who is fully secure in his job. The guards are both converted defensive linemen who are still working on settling into their roles as blockers in spite of the fact that they played in those roles last year. The newcomers at right tackle and center are undersized sophomores. There are no clear indications of improvement, but the skill players may be talented enough to perform in spite of them.
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