5 SEC Teams Who Could Shock the League in 2015
It's never too early to start thinking big. After all, someone has to dream about something more, right?
Predicting who could break out in the SEC in 2015 at this point in the year is a guessing game, but there are a handful of teams with legitimate reason for optimism. Some have a lot of returning starters, while others have capable backups ready to take the field with the first team. And still others have new coaches who could get things turned around.
Whether it's an up-and-comer or under-the-radar pick, here are five teams who could surprise in the SEC in 2015.
Tennessee
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Oh, like you didn't already know that Tennessee will get the most "Hey, watch out for these guys!" predictions in 2015. That's what happens when you're young, talented and coming off a nice bowl win (45-28 over Iowa in the TaxSlayer Bowl).
Will the Vols be a playoff contender in 2015? Probably not, but the SEC East crown should be an attainable goal. Among the players returning are quarterback Joshua Dobbs (1,206 passing yards, 17 total touchdowns), running back Jalen Hurd (899 yards, five touchdowns) and defensive end Derek Barnett (10 sacks).
That's a solid amount of production for young, key players.
Add in the fact that the East remains a wide-open division, and Tennessee has as good a shot as anyone to get to Atlanta next year.
Arkansas
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You don't want to make Arkansas angry. You wouldn't like it when it's angry.
The Razorbacks' brand of big, immovable objects smashing into things has finally caught on. After losing 17 straight SEC games, the last 13 with head coach Bret Bielema, Arkansas finally turned a corner with back-to-back shutout wins over LSU and Ole Miss.
Arkansas can really get things going in 2015. This team returns the key pieces it needs to in order to be successful, including most of its offensive line and running backs Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins.
The key for Arkansas' success next season will be on the defensive side, which loses defensive end Trey Flowers, among others. But, overall, ESPN's Edward Aschoff agrees:
"Arkansas isn't perfect, far from it. Allen has to improve and the Hogs need a top-flight receiver (are you ready, Keon Hatcher?). Replacing Trey Flowers and Martrell Spaight on defense won't be easy. Oh, and that whole SEC West thing.
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Still, there is no reason to sleep on Arkansas. Next year's nonconference games are all winnable. And Auburn, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Texas A&M -- who beat the Hogs in 2014 -- have to play in Fayetteville.
The SEC West has been a tough stretch for anyone not named Alabama, Auburn or LSU. Those three teams have won the last eight division titles. But for the Hogs to climb up the standings from dead last in 2015? That's more than a reasonable prediction as Arkansas left plenty of wins out on the field.
Texas A&M
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Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin has been crushing it on the recruiting trail, but the Aggies have nevertheless regressed in the win column over the past two years. Being a member of the $5 million club means 8-5 isn't going to cut it.
2015 is a critical year for Sumlin, but his Aggies have the talent to move back up the SEC West standings. Now, it's just a matter of experience. Freshman quarterback Kyle Allen didn't start the season but finished strong with four touchdown passes against West Virginia in the Liberty Bowl.
Allen's ceiling, along with guys like receiver Speedy Noil and defensive end Myles Garrett, is incredibly high.
"Next year we're going to be a much more experienced team, and we're going to work hard in the offseason because we know what's at stake and how our work ethic this year didn't produce the record we want," Allen said via ESPN.com. "It's going to be great for us, winning this game, for confidence."
Even with Heisman winner Johnny Manziel, A&M couldn't win the West. How unlikely would it be that the Aggies get their first division (and perhaps conference) title two years after Manziel's departure? Not so unlikely if you consider what A&M has on its roster. Now, Sumlin and Co. have to deliver.
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Florida
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Florida's chances as a legitimate SEC contender in 2015 come down to—what else?—quarterback play. The good news for the Gators is that first-year coach Jim McElwain has a history in quarterback development.
Who goes under center for Florida is a question mark as well. Jeff Driskel transferred to Louisiana Tech, leaving Treon Harris and Will Grier as the most likely candidates to start at this time. Or, Florida could always look to the graduate transfer ranks.
“Treon has been a guy that’s awful fun to watch,” McElwain said on the SEC Network (via onlygators.com). “He can spin it, he’s competitive, you can see when he’s sure, he knows what to do, the ball gets out quick. Really looking forward to working with him as I am all the players.”
Florida does return many of its skill players, most importantly running back Kelvin Taylor, and key defensive players like cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III. There are pieces in place for the Gators to be successful.
It's going to come down to whether the offense can finally be more productive. That's why McElwain, an offensive guy, was hired.
Auburn
5 of 5
There are two things to remember about Auburn: 1) The Tigers will surprise when you least expect it, and 2) Don't ever count out head coach Gus Malzahn.
Auburn is in as good a position as any SEC team to replace the key offensive starters it loses. Among them are quarterback Nick Marshall, running back Cameron Artis-Payne and receiver Sammie Coates. However, the Tigers should have full confidence in quarterback Jeremy Johnson, who looked good in limited time this season, and receiver Duke Williams returns.
The X-factor is going to be new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. The former Florida head coach couldn't get the Gators turned around, but he's a well-respected defensive mind who could have an immediate impact on a unit that finished near the bottom of the SEC in every major category.
If the defense can improve even a little—Auburn gave up 34 points in each of its five losses—the offense should be able to pick up where it left off.
Ben Kercheval is a lead writer for college football. All stats courtesy of cfbstats.com.
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