Over the next few weeks, I will be taking a closer look at SEC teams. There will be an evaluation and prediction for each team, covering three teams per week.

In week three, we take a closer look at LSU, MSU, and Ole Miss.

LSU

Pre-season ranking: 15 (according to athlonsports.com).

Photo source: http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=2..

LSU had an up-and-down season, leading to an 8-5 record. For most teams, that sounds pretty good, but LSU was a few plays away from winning 10 to 11 games. Their defense was great, and always will be at LSU, but the lack of a consistent quarterback has haunted the Tigers for years. They had heartbreaking losses to Alabama in OT, a five-point loss to MSU, (when MSU was #1), and a three-point loss to ND in the bowl game. In the offseason, they hired former Alabama defensive coordinator, linebackers coach, and special assistant to head coach, Kevin Steele. The defense isn’t anything to worry about, but the quarterback play is. Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris are still battling it out, but in the end, it will be the quarterback who can complete a pass, something LSU couldn’t seem to do last year. At running back, Leonard Fournette is still carrying the load at an impressive pace. Overall, I see LSU being better than last year, but not quite able to get over the hump without a quarterback.

Prediction: 10-3 (win bowl game).

Mississippi State

Pre-season ranking: 21 (according to atlonsports.com).

Photo Source: http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-co...

Last year’s record: 10-3 (6-2).

Despite being the number one team in the nation for almost six weeks, the Bulldogs struggled late, losing three of their last four games. The Bulldogs lost a lot of depth, and it will hard to have the type of season they did last year. However, quarteback Dak Prescott is returning, and is listed as a Heisman Trophy candidate. He will have De’Runnya Wilson, and a few other weapons remaining. But, there is a lot to replace on defense, and the SEC West is especially tough this year.

Prediction: 8-5 (win bowl game).

Ole Miss

Pre-season ranking: 11 (according to athlonsports.com).

Photo Source: http://athomemms.com/index/food-entertaining/at-ho...

Last year’s record: 9-4 (5-3).

Ole Miss had a great season last year beating number one Alabama on their home turf. But, after a couple of injuries, the train sort of ran out of gas at the end of the season losing 30-0 to Arkansas, and (a generous) 42-3 to TCU. The Rebels have a lot of defensive weapons coming back, and should have a good year. Hugh Freeze has increased his number of wins each year he’s been at Ole Miss, so let’s see if he can keep the streak. If they can get some momentum from the Sep. 19 game vs. Alabama, I think they could have a great season. However, after Alabama losing last year’s game, and ending Kenyan Drake’s season, I have a feeling that the Tide will be ready come back around 8:15 p.m. that night.