Alabama Football: ‘Way Too Early’ SEC 2021 Power Ranking
By Ronald Evans
No. 4 – Florida Gators
Dan Mullen must replace three outstanding football players in Kyle Pitts, Kyle Trask and Kadarius Toney. Emory Jones may not have the passing accuracy of Trask but he is more of a dual-threat. Offensive line may be a weakness for the Gators but Mullen has a deep roster of skill players.
The big question for the Gators is the defense. A weak defense from last season will be directed again by Todd Grantham. Many Florida fans believed the number one offseason need was a new Defensive Coordinator. Mullen did not pull the trigger on a Grantham firing. The secondary must be improved or the Gators cannot challenge Georgia. Incoming freshman, Jason Marshall could provide immediate help. Two more solid defensive additions are linebacker Jeremiah Williams and defensive lineman, Tyreak Sapp.
Projected Gators Regular Season Record – 9 wins
No. 5 – LSU Tigers
The question in Baton Rouge is whether the program can stop the bleeding in 2021. One season past winning a National Championship, Ed Orgeron is again being doubted for his head coaching ability. He certainly can recruit, but the Bengal Tigers have recruited well since Nick Saban rebuilt the program.
Managing the program and his football staff has been a problem for Orgeron. Coaches leave after short stints, players exit for more attractive options. One example is Arik Gilbert from LSU to Florida. Multiple investigations threaten the program’s future. It is difficult to challenge for championships during such turmoil.
Projected LSU Regular Season Record – 8 wins (maybe nine)
No. 6 – Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin did a great job in his first year in Oxford. Between, incoming freshmen, JUCOs and other transfers he will have more talent to work with, in 2021.
Ole Miss has the easiest SEC schedule with out-of-division opponents, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. The college football world will hype Liberty as a tough game in early November. If Ole Miss can stay healthy, beating Liberty should be no problem in Oxford.
In Lane’s offense, Matt Corral should have another explosive season. If wide receiver, Braylon Sanders can play a full season without injuries, he will put up huge numbers. Jerrion Ealy will be one of the top running backs in the nation. Snoop Conner gives Ole Miss a strong running back rotation.
How much the Ole Miss defense will improve is key to the season.