The Ed Orgeron era at LSU was enhanced last year by a 10-win season and a 36-16 surprise whipping of Georgia inside a frenzied Tiger Stadium. The Tigers finished last season ranked No. 6, and they are No. 6 heading into Saturday’s opener against visiting Georgia Southern.OUTLOOK
Alabama and Georgia were heavily favored to win their respective divisions last season and did just that by multiple games. It’s no surprise that the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs are decided favorites again this year, but there seems to be closer company with LSU, Florida, Texas A&M and Auburn also ranked among the top 16 preseason teams nationally. Ed Orgeron’s Tigers could threaten Alabama with Joe Burrow providing some long-awaited stability at quarterback, but LSU must go to Tuscaloosa after losing 29-0 to the Tide last November. Texas A&M and Auburn both host the Tide, but how will the Aggies and Tigers be holding up after their respective gauntlets that seem more suited for the NFL? Plus, Texas A&M is having to replace seven defensive starters, while Auburn is breaking in a new starting quarterback. Florida may be able to hold its own with Georgia in a lot of position areas, but offensive line is a notable exception.
KEYS TO SUCCESS
The two division favorites have been stockpiling talent, so topping Alabama and Georgia could take timing, good fortune or both. Auburn beat the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs two years ago in Jordan-Hare Stadium and has what coach Gus Malzahn considers arguably his best defense on the Plains, so the development of Joey Gatewood and Bo Nix at quarterback will go a long way in determining the fate of the Tigers, and potentially Malzahn. Florida led Georgia 14-13 early in the third quarter last year, but the Bulldogs closed on a 23-3 run. Should Gators offensive line coach John Hevesy successfully replace four starters, this year’s showdown in Jacksonville could be the biggest in years. Replacing running back Trayveon Williams will be just as important as replacing the seven defensive starters in College Station, and the transition from Drew Lock to Kelly Bryant will factor into Missouri being a factor in the East.
EXPECTATIONS