SEC Football Way-Too-Early 2017-18 Hot Takes

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cheerleaders and mascot celebrate in the confetti after the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide cheerleaders and mascot celebrate in the confetti after the SEC Championship college football game against the Florida Gators at Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Florida 54-16. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2016; Shreveport, LA, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) comes off the field during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Independence Stadium. North Carolina State Wolfpack defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Shreveport, LA, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) comes off the field during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Independence Stadium. North Carolina State Wolfpack defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

More from SEC Football

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.