South Carolina Gamecocks (+5000): Sell
As a general rule, anything worse than 9-3 will be tough to defend. South Carolina hit that record last season, and returning dual-threat quarterback LaNorris Sellers with a talented defense is a great starting point. But in October and November, the Gamecocks play at LSU, Oklahoma, Alabama, at Ole Miss, at Texas A&M and Clemson. I’m not sold on South Carolina navigating that gauntlet.
Florida Gators (+4500): Sell
Speaking of gauntlets, this one—well, it’d absolutely floor me. Florida is rightfully excited about DJ Lagway’s potential, but there are trips to LSU, Miami, Texas A&M and Ole Miss on the horizon. Plus the annual neutral-site clash with Georgia. Plus-plus Texas, Tennessee and a likely-not-dismal Florida State team. Sorry, no, I’m not projecting UF to avoid four losses.
Texas A&M Aggies (+3500): Sell
Few programs are as tricky to project as Texas A&M, which returns a heavy majority of its production but hasn’t earned much benefit of the doubt. Can this version of the Aggies avoid that eye-rolling loss—one like the setback at Auburn last year? Texas A&M falls in “believe it when I see it” territory.
Ole Miss Rebels (+3000): Buy
Surely this is the year, he lied to himself once again. New QB Austin Simmons is the variable, but Ole Miss restocked the roster with transfers and, on paper, is looking at a very manageable slate. As long as the Rebels win their marquee home games—LSU, South Carolina and Florida, in particular—they’ll be in the CFP mix.
Tennessee Volunteers (+3000): Sell, but…
After the loud departure of quarterback Nico Iamaleava, do I believe Tennessee can finish 9-3 and reach the playoff? Because of a friendly schedule, yes. Do I view the Vols as a true national contender? Not at all. Nuance!
