SEC: Four Teams who can Contend for the Conference Title, and What Concerns They Must Address to Get There

#4: Auburn

With recent struggles in his offense; Gus Malzahn may be coaching for his job in 2019.

From top to bottom, Auburn may have one of the most talented rosters in the conference, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Auburn has the potential to take over games. Having talent is not unusual for the Tigers but, as of late, it’s been unusual to have a QB that fits Gus Malzahn’s system. Jarrett Stidham had his fair share of success at Auburn, but the glaring issue with the Tigers has been its inability to find their “next Nick Marshall.” Malzahn must develop one of his two battling QB’s, Joey Gatewood and Bo Nix, into a playmaker that sparks his recently sputtering offense. If Auburn can find an answer at that position, it may just be the key to an SEC title run.

#3: LSU

LSU Center Lloyd Cushenberry was one of two Tigers chosen to wear the honorable #18 this season for LSU.

Coming off Ed Orgeron’s best season as a head coach yet, the Tigers of LSU return a boat load of talent and bring in a bunch more with the 2019 recruiting class. LSU has high expectations for itself this year, as they always do.

Heading in to this season, the 2019 version of the Tigers will need to use the veteran experience it returns to bolster up an O-line that struggled at times last year in pass protection. The line returns plenty of players with meaningful game reps, but ask LSU fans–the o-line needs to make those reps count in the most meaningful games. The boys up front looked great at times last year, and also had shaky moments. For a chance to finally break the streak against Bama, Orgeron must get this group ready to dominate.

#2: Georgia

Senior Tyler Simmons comes back to lead the inexperienced WR group at UGA.

With probably the most glaring concern of any team on this list, the Bulldogs return only three receivers who have even caught a pass in a Georgia uniform in Tyler Simmons, Trey Blount, and Willie Erdman. Tyler Simmons is the leading returner of these three, with only 14 career catches for 183 yards and two TDs.

Following the dismissal of UGA’s leading returning receiver JJ Holloman, the depth at Georgia will truly be tested at this position. But don’t panic Dawg fans, you also have plenty of inexperienced raw talent to work with. For example:

5 Star- Demetris Robertson, George Pickens

4 Star- Dominick Blayock, Kearis Jackson, Tommy Bush, Trey Blount, Makiya Tounge

3 Star- Matt Landers, Tyler Simmons, Lawrence Cager

If the Dawgs want another shot at the SEC title, more than one of these players will have to step up for Jake Fromm and new offensive coordinator James Coley in 2019. The only question remaining is: Who will it be?

#1: Alabama

Dylan Moses is the sole returning starting inside linebacker for the Crimson Tide.

Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide will once again be favored to make the SEC title game out of the West division. The Tide will likely be loaded once again, especially on the offensive side of the ball. But to ensure a run at another playoff spot, they will need young guys to answer the call in one particular position.

Dylan Moses returns for Nick Saban as one of the starting inside linebackers in his 3-4 scheme. (*Editor’s Note*: Wednesday, it was announced that Moses suffered a knee injury and is out for an “indefinite amount of time.” Reports say it’s a torn ACL and Moses will be out for the year.) Outside of him, Saban and staff will have to find a newcomer to fill that need of the other inside linebacker position. After Mack Wilson’s departure, Ale Kaho, Jaylen Moody, and Markail Benton will all be fighting for playing time. One will have to emerge as a new every down backer for Alabama if they want to be as dominant as they usually are.