What We Learned From SEC Teams Through Week 2
By Shawn Gates, NILvana Sports
Two weeks into the college football season, the SEC picture is already starting to take shape. Some teams look primed for playoff contention, while others appear destined for the middle of the rankings—or worse. Here’s where I see things standing after Week 2.
Playoff Contenders (or Just Outside Looking In)
Right now, Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Ole Miss are the SEC squads I believe can make the College Football Playoff—or at least be in the conversation until the end. Auburn has looked the most dominant so far, putting together two strong performances to open the year. Meanwhile, Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss haven’t started as hot as many expected, but their overall talent and depth keep them in the hunt.
The Middle Tier: Still Searching for Consistency
Texas, Tennessee, and Arkansas slot into that middle ground for me. These programs are talented and should remain in or around the Top 25, but I don’t think they have the quarterback play to push them into true playoff contention. For Texas, especially, this might come as a surprise to fans who expected a bigger leap this season.
The Rest of the Field
Beyond those teams, I expect most of the remaining SEC programs to finish unranked and possibly with losing records. The biggest reason? Youth at quarterback. Many of these teams are still breaking in underclassmen who need more time to grow, adjust to the speed of the game, and develop into leaders.
The LSU Question
The obvious question is: Where’s LSU? Despite the hype, I don’t see the Tigers being the contender many fans are hoping for. Their schedule sets them up for at least three losses—Florida, Ole Miss, and Alabama stand out as matchups where I expect them to fall short.
Final Thoughts
It’s still early, but Week 2 has already given us a sense of where the SEC hierarchy is forming. Auburn looks like the team to watch, Alabama and Georgia will always remain dangerous, and Ole Miss could be a sleeper if they clean things up. Meanwhile, Texas, Tennessee, and Arkansas face uphill battles to break through, and LSU might not be the powerhouse many anticipated.
