(This is the 2nd part of a two-part series. See Part 1 in the previous issue of the Times.)
The University of Alabama -- Crimson Tide
Alabama is a powerhouse in the world of football. Since Head Coach Nick Saban took over the football team in 2007, his teams have won a total of five National Championships. Due to excellent coaching and recruiting, this year's team will also be in contention for the College Football Playoff. The most interesting game on their schedule for 2020 is the University of Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia's defense will be one of the best in the nation, and Alabama's offense will have its hands full trying to score on this squad.
My prediction: 10-0
The University of Arkansas -- Razorbacks
Arkansas is breaking in a new head coach, Sam Pittman, and will face one of the hardest schedules in the nation for his head coaching debut. Arkansas will also be debuting veteran quarterback Feleipe Franks. Franks is the former quarterback for the University of Florida. After injury, he surrendered his starting role to back up quarterback Kyle Trask and transferred to Arkansas in the offseason. With a new quarterback and coaching, I expect a very difficult season for Arkansas.
My prediction: 1-9
Auburn University -- Tigers
Auburn is going in to year seven with Head Coach Gus Malzahn, and he has produced some very talented teams during his time as head coach. He'll have a veteran quarterback who started as a true freshman last year in Bo Nix. The most interesting game on their schedule is against Kentucky to start off the season. If Auburn isn't ready, Kentucky could take the first game of the season.
My Prediction: 6-4
The University of Florida - Gators
Florida is going in to year three with Head Coach Dan Mullen. After improving the offense and defense from former Head Coach Jim McElwain, Florida is poised to reach the College Football Playoff this year. Kyle Trask will be the starting quarterback, and has the ability to throw all across the field. The most difficult game on the schedule is the University of Georgia.
My Prediction: 10-0
The University of Georgia -- Bulldogs
Georgia is going in to year four with Kirby Smart. Georgia will need to replace much of their offense, but their defense should be one of the best in the nation in 2020. Recently, the expected starting quarterback, Jamie Newman, has opted out of this year to prepare for the NFL Draft. I expect some offensive struggles for Georgia, and Georgia will need to rely on their defense for their more difficult games of the season.
My Prediction: 8-2
The University of Kentucky - Wildcats
Kentucky is approaching year eight with Head Coach Mark Stoops, and he continues to improve yearly on his depth and team performance. Though Lynn Bowden won't be able to suit up this year at quarterback, I expect Kentucky to be underestimated in many games this year. They will have the opportunity to pull some upsets.
My Prediction: 6-4
Louisiana State University -- Tigers
Louisiana State University (LSU) is going in to year three with Head Coach Ed Orgeron. After winning a Nation Title last year, LSU has to replace almost their whole team due to departures to the NFL and players opting out for the year. I expect this to be a very bad year for LSU, and they could have a losing record by the end of the year if things start to fall apart early in the season.
My Prediction: 4-6
University of Mississippi -- Rebels
The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) will be breaking in new coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin is known for his high scoring offenses and off the field antics. Quarterbacks Matt Corral and John Rhys Plumlee will lead the way for the Rebels this season. I expect Corral to get more throwing opportunities and Plumlee to get in the game during short field situations. With so few spring and preseason practices, I don't see Ole Miss being much of a threat in most of their games this season. They could, however, pull off an upset or two due to the misfortunes of their opponents.
My Prediction: 6-4
Mississippi State University -- Bulldogs
Mississippi State University will be breaking in new coach Mike Leach from Washington State. He is known for his pass heavy offense and crazy rants during interviews. The personnel at Mississippi State doesn't favor this type of offense, but transfer K.J. Costello will have an opportunity to change minds. Like many other teams with new head coaches, I expect this year to be difficult for the bulldogs.
My Prediction: 3-7
The University of Missouri - Tigers
The University of Missouri is breaking in a new Head Coach by the name of Eliah Drinkwitz. Former head coach of Appalachian State, he is known to form some pretty talented teams. He will need to do everything he can, because Missouri will be at a disadvantage talentwise compared to most teams across the SEC. It will be a rebuilding year for Missouri, and I expect it to be ugly.
My Prediction: 2-8
The University of South Carolina -- Gamecocks
The University of South Carolina will be going in to year five with Head Coach Will Muschamp. South Carolina doesn't have many threats on offense, but Will Muschamp's defenses are known to be very good. I expect a below average year for South Carolina.
My Prediction: 3-7
The University of Tennessee - Volunteers
The University of Tennessee is going in to year three with Jeremy Pruitt. An excellent recruiter and defensive mind, Pruitt should improve Tennessee this year. With an experienced offense, I predict the offense will have to carry some games for the Volunteers. With better offensive play calling, Tennessee could be a team to watch out for in a few games this year where they are underdogs.
My Prediction: 5-5
Texas A&M University -- Aggies
Texas A&M is led by Head Coach Jimbo Fisher. In his third season with the aggies, many expect his team to start beating some of the heavy weights in the SEC. With a veteran quarterback and playmakers on both offense and defense, it will depend on the play calling of the coordinators to win some close games. I expect the Aggies to have a good season, but they could be a few points from an excellent season.
My Prediction: 8-2
Vanderbilt University -- Commodores
The Vanderbilt University Commodores are lacking talent compared to their fellow SEC opponents. Head Coach Derek Mason has been at Vanderbilt for six years. He is known for his excellent defense and is often viewed as a "Trap Game". This year however, I don't see Vanderbilt being able to compete with their brutal SEC schedule.
My Prediction: 0-10
