Season 22 SEC Report Card

By: David Ware (@davidware)

A Down Year

It is fair to say that the SEC is having an overall down year. I don’t think there are as many powerhouses this year in the SEC as we are used to, and we may see a new SEC Champion this year, as Alabama is looking like the team to beat compared to Auburn. The second half of the season will be exciting, and every game is a must-win in the SEC when it comes to playoff seeding.

Alabama Crimson Tide

Current Record: (5-0)

1st Semester Grade: A-

It is hard not to get an A grade when you are the only undefeated team in the league. Alabama has handled their business this season. They have dominated most of their competition, which gives them the best net points in the CFSL. So, what keeps them from an A+? The competition they have played so far. They have yet to play a team that is .500 or better currently. Their highest-rated opponent is Michigan, who is ranked 14th. Alabama didn’t choose their schedule (and they have taken care of business), but for this to go to an A+ they will need to handle business against Florida and Auburn.

Second half predictions:

Alabama has the toughest games of the season left to be played. They play Georgia, Florida, and Auburn. Georgia is sneaky late in the season (just ask the SEC last season). But the real spotlight will be on the Florida and Auburn games. Alabama will need to win these if they want to get back to being SEC Champs.

Playoff Odds: 95%

Florida Gators

Current Record: (3-2)

1st Semester Grade: B

Florida has had an up-and-down season as it started with a win in Week 1 against Penn State. The next two weeks were a struggle, but the Gators pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season so far by defeating the Auburn Tigers in Week 4. Everyone knows that the offense for Florida is dangerous but this year they have struggled to score until their upset of Auburn. Do they have it all figured out now or will they revert to the low scoring?

Second half predictions:

Florida has a favorable schedule in the second half with Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia left. I feel like they will win two of the three games finish with a conference record of (3-2) and should have a solid chance at an automatic bid.

Playoff Odds: 70%

Auburn Tigers

Current Record: (3-2)

1st Semester Grade: B-

This has not been the season we predicted that it would be for Auburn, but it’s ok to have a down year. The two losses this year are against the fourth-hardest schedule in the league. The one key concern for Auburn this year so far has been their offense as the most points they have scored this year is 36. I would expect the offense to get things going strong and cause a menace for the rest of the SEC.

Second half predictions:

Auburn is on the homestretch with their schedule moving forward. They will match up against Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama. I could see a world where Auburn loses two more games this year, but I don’t think that is highly likely. I feel they will win two of the final three games securing an automatic bid. They will be hoping for Florida to lose two games otherwise Auburn could be the third seed in the SEC.

Playoff Odds: 65%

Georgia Bulldogs

Current Record: (1-4)

1st Semester Grade: D

It was a rough start for Georgia, but they did get their first win of the season against Kentucky. Georgia has always been a team that heats up as the season goes on and all signs point to the same thing again for the Bulldogs. They have played the ninth toughest schedule this season so it is easy to understand their record.

Second half predictions:

The schedule doesn’t ease up much for Georgia as they have Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida still to play. Based on history, I would expect Georgia to compete in all of these games and can possibly pull out two wins to go (3-2) in the conference and a tiebreaker with Florida will determine who gets an automatic bid.

Playoff Odds: 50%

Tennessee Volunteers

Current Record: (2-2)

1st Semester Grade: B

Tennessee has had a great start to the season and by far their best start in a long time. With two wins this season, it shows that the process is starting to work and give this team another off-season to recruit some more talent, and they could be making some big-time noise in the SEC. Wins against Notre Dame and West Virginia highlight the season so far and they played Oregon very close as the Ducks pulled out a 10-point win. In Week 4 the Volunteers lost to Alabama, but the defense forced the first two interceptions that Alabama has thrown all year. This defense is looking to make some plays and keep the team in some games.

Second half predictions:

Not to take away what they have already accomplished, but Tennessee has some tough matchups remaining in Auburn, Georgia, and Kentucky. I can see them pulling out a win and a couple one one-score losses the rest of the way. They will finish with a (1-4) conference record and the highest win total under the current coaching staff.

Playoff Odds: 25%

Kentucky Wildcats

Current Record: (0-5)

1st Semester Grade: D

This record does not reflect how well this team has played this season as three of the four games have been a one-score difference. Their worst loss has been a mere 10 points to Georgia. They followed that up with a heartbreaking loss to Alabama. Kentucky has scored the fifth amount of points in all of the CFSL but has given up the second most points. If they can get the defense dialed in just a touch, this team will be very dangerous.

Second half predictions:

It will not get much better for Kentucky this season as they play Florida, Auburn, and Tennessee still. I would like to think that the defense gets it together and they can pull out a few wins but the cards are stacked against them. I think they will be able to pull out one win in the second half and several close games. They will finish (1-4) in conference play.

Playoff Odds: 10.0%

Potential Candidates for a Vote-In Playoff Appearance:

I believe three teams are fighting for two automatic spots. Auburn, Florida, and Georgia will be battling it out, and tiebreakers will determine who makes it with the automatic bid. I would say it is safe to say the one team left out, will get a spot in the playoffs via a vote.

Until Next Time, Keep Your Game Face On and Your Spirits High