In the west, Auburn, whom I’ve given up on trying to predict, has Bo Nix and a bevy of talent, Texas A&M always seems like they are ready to get over the hump and the Mississippi schools have must-watch coaches if nothing else. I don’t see anyone other than LSU, Auburn or A&M sniffing the western crown, and since I think Auburn has the best shot, expect them to go the other way.
On the eastern side, it’s a dawg eat dawg world. Kirby Smart has recruited at an elite level and thus been in Atlanta on the first weekend in December for the last three years. The Dawgs lost a ton on offense, but scoring Jamie Newman and JT Daniels in the transfer portal will help in replacing the early departure of Jake Fromm. If the offense can find itself, look out, as the defense is absolutely loaded.
The clear challenger is their bitter rival, the Florida Gators. Dan Mullen has to beat Georgia to win the East, and that monkey on his back will only get bigger if he can’t do it this year. The Gators have proven talent at the skill positions and a salty defense. The schedule sets up well too, so that game in Jacksonville should be the de facto SEC East Championship.