SEC Football: Five Contenders For Off-Season Championship

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Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers helmet during the second half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Auburn Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mention: The Auburn Tigers

I must share something here. I thought about having the Tigers listed as full-fledged contenders, but decided not do that. They deserve some credit after last season.

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After Jeremy Johnson’s arm punting performances locked up the Heisman for him and the Tigers won the College Football Playoff National Championship….yeah, that didn’t happen.

And that is exactly why the Tigers are only being named as honorable mention.

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If you remember last season, the Tigers had been crowned the national champions before August arrived and also had the “soon-to-be” Heisman quarterback calling plays. This didn’t just come from fans. This was coming from media members in every direction. It was the greatest onslaught of cow manure since the “Sammie Coates is better than Amari Cooper” debates.

There is just one difference this year, thus far. Auburn fans aren’t as quick to put hype on the team just yet. Maybe there are some sane ones left. The best approach is just to take it as it comes. Your head coach could offer up coach speak during the press conferences leading up to the season and leave you wondering why he lied to you when your quarterback completes a 50-yard “punt” downfield.

Next: Find Out The Other Four Contenders

Hold the faith, Tiger fans. Perhaps, this is the season you take home that off-season prize.

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