NCAA FOOTBALL
SEC Football 2023 Preview – West Division
By: Paul Garwood
SEC Football is a beloved tradition that brings fans from all over the country together. As the anticipation for the upcoming season grows, it is time to dive into the exciting world of SEC Football once again. In this article, we will be focusing on the West Division of SEC Football and providing an in-depth preview of what fans can expect in the 2023 season. From analyzing key players to predicting potential breakout stars, this preview will give you an exclusive look into the action-packed world of SEC Football. So, get ready to cheer on your favorite teams and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of SEC Football’s West Division.
Alabama
This won’t be an easy journey to the SEC title game for Nick Saban’s team, as they currently have more uncertainties than usual. A quarterback competition involving Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and new arrival Tyler Buchner from Notre Dame has been intensified since the spring.
Until the offense finds its stability under the guidance of new quarterback and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, it is expected that the team will heavily rely on a talented group of running backs and a strong offensive line led by preseason All-American JC Latham at tackle.
On the defensive side, there is a change in play-caller with Kevin Steele stepping in, and the team needs to fill the void left by standout linebacker Will Anderson and key members of the secondary.
LSU
It should come as no surprise to witness coach Brian Kelly’s team replicate last year’s divisional victory with another one this autumn. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is anticipated to feel more at ease in his second year under Kelly’s strategic system, and the offensive line is poised to establish itself as a dominant force following a challenging ’22 season. The Tigers possess one of the most formidable receiving groups in the SEC, led by Malik Nabers and tight end Mason Taylor.
A defense that relinquished a mere average of 22.5 points per game in the previous season will witness even greater prowess at the forefront with the return of Maason Smith, who endured a knee injury that sidelined him for the majority of last year. Moreover, linebacker Harold Perkins is anticipated to wreak even more havoc as he enters his sophomore year.
The secondary, for the second consecutive season, is undergoing a substantial overhaul. Nevertheless, thanks to the significant addition of a few key transfers, LSU is expected to eventually discover the optimal blend at the back end.
Texas AM
The rising star at quarterback, Conner Weigman, is inherited by Coach Jimbo Fisher and offensive play caller Bobby Petrino. They also have an exceptional trio of receivers – Ainias Smith, Evan Stewart, and Moose Muhammad III – that can rival any other team in the SEC. Devon Achane’s departure at running back will be compensated by the assistance of five-star freshman Rueben Owens.
Alongside Petrino’s overall development and improved play-calling, the Aggies require the offensive line to enhance their performance after an inconsistent ’22 campaign.
Although Texas A&M’s young defense struggled to halt the run (14th in the SEC) last season, they still managed to limit opposing teams to an average of 21.2 points per game. With an additional season for growth and development, the lack of talent should no longer be a concern. The youthful and inexperienced players are expected to transition into being more productive, which would also lead to an improved defense.
Ole Miss
In the pursuit of taking the program to new heights in ’23, Coach Lane Kiffin aspires for another successful wave of transfers on both ends of the field. This will be complemented by the arrival of Pete Golding, the new defensive coordinator. The Rebels experienced a setback in their defensive performance last year after a promising start, as they allowed their opponents to score over 30 points per game from November until their loss in the bowl game against Texas Tech.
Last fall, Jaxson Dart displayed a commendable performance in Oxford. However, in order to challenge him during the offseason, Kiffin and the offensive staff brought in Spencer Sanders from Oklahoma State and Walker Howard from LSU as transfers. Dart managed to fend off the competition during the spring, but the battle will resume in the upcoming fall season.
Quinshon Judkins, one of the nation’s brightest running backs, will be returning after an impressive freshman year. Additionally, the acquisition of Tre Harris from Louisiana Tech and Zakhari Franklin from UTSA has solidified the previously thin receiving group.
Arkansas
Arkansas won’t face any issues when it comes to scoring points, thanks to the return of quarterback KJ Jefferson and running back Rocket Sanders. However, in order to secure a position among the top three in the SEC West, the Razorbacks must greatly enhance their defensive capabilities. To address this, new coordinator Travis Williams and coach Sam Pittman aggressively tapped into the transfer portal, acquiring more than 10 players to bolster a unit that conceded an average of 30.6 points per game in the previous season.
Meanwhile, new offensive coordinator Dan Enos will have to strategically navigate changes within the offensive line and receiving corps. Thankfully, Jefferson’s comeback should provide some support during the transition in those areas.
Mississippi State
This offseason, the program witnessed a transformation under the guidance of the newly appointed coach, Zach Arnett. One significant change was the appointment of Kevin Barbay as the team’s play-caller, signaling a departure from the Air Raid attack. While seeking a more balanced approach, it is important to note that the offense still revolves around quarterback Will Rogers.
On the defensive front, Matt Brock has taken on the responsibility of signaling the plays, and it is anticipated that little will be altered from a unit that effectively held opposing teams to an average of 23.1 points per game last season. With the exceptional talents of Jett Johnson and Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State’s linebacker group is expected to be ranked among the top in the SEC.
Auburn
Anticipate a significantly enhanced Auburn squad led by first-year coach Hugh Freeze. The employment of the transfer portal stands as a significant factor contributing to the Tigers’ likelihood of securing a bowl appearance in Freeze’s inaugural season.
Auburn’s recruiting efforts place them among the top teams nationwide, boasting three potential starting players for their depleted offensive line, a quarterback (Payton Thorne), and much-needed assistance at the wide receiver position and on defense. Revitalizing a lackluster passing attack and offense, which currently averages 24.8 points per game, reigns as a top priority for Freeze and coordinator Philip Montgomery.
Additionally, the introduction of new play-caller Ron Roberts provides a solid foundation in the secondary for the Tigers, albeit improvements against the running game (allowing an average of 172.7 yards per game in 2022) are imperative.
Wrap-Up
We hope you enjoyed our in-depth preview of the SEC Football 2023 West Division. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, our article provided valuable insights into each team’s strengths, weaknesses, and key players to watch.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into SEC football, this preview has given you a comprehensive overview of what to expect from the West Division in the upcoming season. Get ready for thrilling rivalries, intense matchups, and unforgettable moments on the gridiron. Stay tuned to AllNSportz for more updates and analysis as the season unfolds!
