SEC Football Way-Too-Early 2017-18 Hot Takes
Some SEC Football Teams On The Rise
Vanderbilt Commodores
2016 Record: 6-7 (3-5 SEC), 6th in SEC East
2017 Recruiting Class Rank: 64th
2017 Predicted Record: 7-5 (4-4 SEC)
2017 Key Games: Oct. 28 @ SCar, Nov. 25 @ TENN
Yes Vanderbilt. Derek Mason is slowly building a nice program at Vandy. While they probably aren’t going to upset the apple cart in the SEC East, there is a chance for some single-game upsets, particularly a second straight win over in-state rival Tennessee (who they’ve beaten three out of the last five years).
This defense comes to play every week, and if the ‘Dores can put up even one more touchdown per game, they’ll find themselves in a position to make some noise.
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Mississippi State Bulldogs
2016 Record: 6-7 (3-5 SEC), 6th in SEC West
2017 Recruiting Class Rank: 24th
2017 Predicted Record: 8-4 (5-3 SEC)
2017 Key Games: Sept. 16 vs LSU, Nov. 18 @ ARK
The Bulldogs may not be ready to climb back into the SEC West hunt this year, but year two without Dak Prescott should prove to be a little smoother.
The biggest improvement for the Bulldogs will be in the non-conference schedule, where they somehow managed to lose two very winnable games last season. There are also a couple of SEC upsets which could make the season interesting. Watch the early-season game against LSU, because the Tigers may not be at their best in September.
