ARKANSAS
What to like: After reaching the league title game three times within its first 15 seasons as an SEC member, Arkansas is experiencing its roughest patch, as the Razorbacks have gone 0-8 in league play twice in the last six years, including last season. The Razorbacks shouldn’t have as many unknowns under second-year coach Chad Morris, who has upgraded the quarterback play by bringing in graduate transfers Ben Hicks (SMU) and Nick Starkel (Texas A&M). Arkansas fans are waiting to see what running back Devwah Whaley can do when he’s totally healthy, and the Razorbacks have two potential All-SEC defenders with McTelvin Agim up front and De’Jon Harris at middle linebacker.
Cause for worry: When it comes to talent across the board, the Razorbacks and Ole Miss are lagging behind every other SEC West counterpart, and that was reflected a year ago when Arkansas and Ole Miss combined to go 1-15 in league contests. The Razorbacks were very competitive during 24-17 losses to both Texas A&M and LSU, but their last two games resulted in humiliating defeats against Mississippi State (52-6) and Missouri (38-0). Arkansas finished last in the SEC in scoring offense and next-to-last in total offense, and that was with guard Hjalte Froholdt, who became a fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots. A minor bowl game may be more realistic than a 2-10 repeat, but it’s also a stretch.
AUBURN
Auburn running back Boobie Whitlow had 19 carries for 170 yards in last year’s 31-16 win at Ole Miss.
What to like: Auburn could have the nation’s finest defensive front with a collection that includes Derrick Brown, Big Kat Bryant, Marlon Davidson and Nick Coe. The Tigers return all five starters on their offensive line, and they possess a solid running back tandem with Boobie Whitlow and Kam Martin. Auburn also has an underrated receiving corps containing the physical Seth Williams, the speedy Anthony Schwartz and Eli Stove and the reliable Will Hastings. The Tigers had hoped for something better than 8-5 last season, but they did close with a 63-14 humbling of Purdue in the Music City Bowl with head coach Gus Malzahn calling the plays again. It’s an odd-numbered year, so games with Alabama and Georgia will be at home.