FIVE THINGS TO WATCH IN THE SEC
LSU’s defense
We’re not talking about the 11 guys trying to slow opposing offenses — although that will bear watching as well — but the Tigers’ defense of their national title. Sure, Ed Orgeron must replace Heisman Trophywinning quarterback Joe Burrow, offensive coordinator Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda (now head coach at Baylor), but LSU handpicks among the top talent and will be just fiine..
Alabama rebound
Coach Nick Saban seems more resolute than ever following the Crimson Tide’s absence from the title game and even the four-team College Football Playoff. Alabama returns one of the top running backs in the country in Najee Harris. And as usual, a load of five-star prospects comprises the defense, which is why Alabama is the pick to win the SEC despite QB Tua Tagovailoa’s move to the NFL.
Mississippi mayhem
The SEC has been absent some real characters in recent years. Thank goodness the Mississippi schools did their part ito fill the void. Mississippi State hired former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, while Mississippi brought on board former Tennessee and Southern Cal coach Lane Kiffin. Both are not shy with their words. The SEC canceled media days, but stay tuned for the Egg Bowl on Nov. 28.
Mullen time
Dan Mullen has done as impressive a job as any coach in the country in his two seasons in Gainesville. Florida finished 10-3 and seventh nationally in 2018 and 11-2 and sixth nationally last season. Now Mullen is finally getting his recruits heavily into the two-deep. The Gators visit Texas A&M in the third week of the season, a showdown featuring a couple of third-year coaches in Mullen and the Aggies’ Jimbo Fisher.
Pandemic watch
How will SEC commissioner Greg Sankey handle COVID-19 cases that are sure to spring up in September among the league’s 14 programs? That’s to be determined, but the conference appears bent on getting in a season, knowing many of the universities and their surrounding communities depend on it. The biggest story of the 2020 season isn’t who wins or loses; it’s the virus that cannot be seen.