ARKANSAS
Cruise control: The Razorbacks improved from 3-9 in 2013 to 7-6 last season and can continue the rapid rise if they can continue to be as strong defensively under coordinator Robb Smith. Arkansas allowed just 10 points a game in its last six contests of 2014 and shut out LSU and Ole Miss. The offense has quarterback Brandon Allen and tailback Alex Collins back, but tailback Jonathan Williams, a 1,190-yard rusher last year, is out for months with a foot injury.
Pump the brakes: Arkansas could be challenged to be as strong defensively this year given that Trey Flowers and Darius Philon are gone from up front, as is Martrell Spaight at linebacker. The Hogs could really miss Williams, and can Allen rally them if they fall behind by more than one score? The more he is throwing, the more likely Arkansas is playing catch-up, but a disappointing season this year would be another 7-6 mark.
AUBURN
Cruise control: There are plenty of reasons to believe in this year’s Tigers, beginning with Gus Malzahn’s frenetic offense that now will be controlled by massive junior quarterback Jeremy Johnson, who has completed 57 of 78 passes in his career. Duke Williams is among the nation’s best receivers when he behaves, but the chief reasons for excitement are new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and the return of defensive end Carl Lawson from a torn ACL.