College football summer reading list: SEC Edition

“Kirby Fully Loaded” by Kirby Smart

Georgia fans are finally living their best lives. Quarterback Jake Fromm is a year older, which means his 2,615 yards, 24 touchdowns and 62.2 completion percentage are only going to get better. He has massive support from the run game, led by fast and powerful running back D’Andre Swift and solid targets in Mecole Hardman, Terry Godwin and Riley Ridley. Fromm will also be sitting pretty behind a massive and talented offensive line that is even bigger and stronger than last year. Plus, true freshman QB Justin Fields offers a complementary dual-threat option. 

On the other side, there will be just as much talent across the board, but there will also be less experience, as the defense lost seven starters with the biggest question mark at linebacker. The secondary is strong, led by senior cornerback Deandre Baker and junior safety J.R. Reed, who bring experience and leadership to stabilize the defense. An added bonus is the manageable schedule. Look for the Bulldogs to repeat as SEC East champs.

“When You Love Scoring Points: A Memoir” by Dan Mullen

The Florida Gators haven’t finished in the top-40 in scoring offense in this decade. The last time they did it was Urban Myer’s last year in 2009. Enter former Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen to take over and return the Gators to their high-scoring ways. 

He did coach on two of Florida’s National Championship squads, so there’s that, but there are questions: the QB battle between Feleipe Franks and Kyle Trask, along with the underachieving, injury-prone wide receiver unit and a new kicker and punter. If Mullen can develop the QBs and new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham can get the defense seamlessly integrated in the new 3-4 scheme, then the Gators may be able to challenge in the SEC East.

“Getting More Out of Life — Snaps, Points, SEC East Titles” by Will Muschamp

It’s true, Will Muschamp-coached teams struggle with scoring, but the Gamecocks return almost all their offensive production from last year. South Carolina averaged only 24.2 points and 337.1 yards per game last year (12^thin the SEC) ,but this year quarterback Jake Bentley has all the passing yards to play with. The Gamecocks boast a new, up-tempo, run-pass option and a very strong offensive line, which means we will see more offensive production. 

If the defense can be more opportunistic, particularly linebacker T.J. Brunson, then the East will be within reach.

“The Secret Recipe to Success Is Seasoning” by Barry Odom

At least we know the Missouri Tigers' offense is a lock, am I right? Bad jokes aside, senior quarterback Drew Lock led the nation with 44 touchdowns last season, and he decided to stick around because head coach Barry Odom hired former Tennessee head coach and Dallas Cowboys receivers coach Derek Dooley to improve his draft stock. The NFL influences mean a more comprehensive offense with a lot of formations, which will be easy for the veteran talent. 

The Tigers boast solid special teams, but it will be the defense that determines Missouri’s success. Former Texas defensive lineman Jordan Elliott should help while senior defensive tackle Terry Beckner returns, bringing his seven sacks with him. In fact, the Tigers have the best DT unit in the conference, and linebacker is stacked, but Missouri needs to stop the run to stay alive.

“Snell Ya Later” by Mark Stoops

Question mark at QB should be the official SEC slogan this season, and the Kentucky Wildcats are no exception with a heated battle between sophomore Gunnar Hoak and junior college transfer Terry Wilson. Whoever wins the job will be anchored by a strong run game featuring junior Benny Snell Jr., the first player in program history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. A veteran offensive line that has four returning starters will also bolster the starting QB, but an inconsistent wide receiver group might mar production a little bit. Luckily there is tight end C.J. Conrad to work with. 

Defensively, the Wildcats return eight starters, including 13 of the top 17 tacklers. Stoops has enough talent to contend for the SEC East title, but the question marks on special teams need to be ironed out before becoming the bad kind of game-changer.

“Six Things I Learned from Nick Saban” by Jeremy Pruitt

The excitement surrounding former Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt may be eclipsing the fact that he hasn’t done this before. But with a Sabanite at the helm, Volunteer fans feel confident about the future. Yes, there are concerns at quarterback and on the offensive line, but with the arrival of Stanford transfer Keller Chryst, things should run smoothly come September, especially with the new pro-style offense installed. 

Tennessee was last in the SEC in scoring last season, but this year the Vols have a solid running back in Ty Chandler and depth at wide receiver. It will be a low-risk offense Pruitt preaches, with an emphasis on being mindful of turnovers. Plus, Pruitt’s great defensive mind will help plug up the porous pass rush and help with the inexperience at cornerback. Six wins is the goal, and with Pruitt and Co. pushing efficiency, the Volunteers can likely make that a reality.

“Stay Out of the Basement (and Other Scary Places)” by Derek Mason

Last season was bad; there is no denying it. Vanderbilt gave up 346 points in conference play, the worst in SEC history. Heavy graduation losses didn’t help the forecast for this season either, but there is hope. Senior quarterback Kyle Shurmur is smart and has a good arm, plus he threw 26 touchdowns last year, a school record. The transfer of Nashville native Ke’Shawn Vaughn lessens the blow of losing running back Ralph Webb, but the focus will be on the defense. 

The Commodores can’t allow 40-plus points in league play. The defense needs to generate more sacks and turnovers, which shouldn’t be too hard with the addition of Jason Tarver to the coaching staff. Cornerback Joejuan Williams will be key when it comes to takeaways. The Commodores lack playmakers, but they are still a tough team to play. A bowl game is possible with a little offensive balance and some explosive plays on defense.

“How the West Continues to Be Won” by Nick Saban

In the SEC West, there is the Alabama Crimson Tide, and then there is everybody else. The reigning champs enter this season with a loaded roster — just talent across the board. The Tide own arguably the best quarterback battle in college football between sophomore Tua Tagovailoa, who shined bright in what can only be called the “National Comeback,” and junior Jalen Hurts, the 2016 SEC Offensive Player of Year — literally champagne problems. Plus add senior running back Damien Harris, who is trying to become the first RB in program history to record three straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, to the mix with possibly the best offensive line Saban has ever seen, and all bets are on Bama to win it all again. I mean, how could they not? 

The Tide do lack depth and experience at the wide receiver position, and they return only two regular starters on defense. The only returning defensive back with an interception is junior safety Deionte Thompson, who will lead the secondary. Saban also has to replace everyone on special teams except the long snappers, but if Alabama can stay healthy, the Tide will finish on top.

“Guaranteed Money Moves” by Gus Malzahn

The bar is set crazy high for the Auburn Tigers this year from a financial standpoint, from the quarterback and running back position, and when it comes to quality wins. Head coach Gus Malzahn was paid insane money for his current and future time, but with it come expectations, like the one where beating Alabama and Georgia is the new normal. Luckily junior QB Jarrett Stidham, who threw for 3,158 yards and 18 touchdowns last year, is back under center. The new faces on the offensive line will need to protect him though. 

Replacing RB Kerryon Johnson won’t be easy, but Kam Martin looks up to the challenge. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry in limited action last year. Knee injuries decimated the wide receiving corps, but Ryan Davis returns, who broke the school’s single-season record with 84 receptions last year and is a very good runner after catch. 

Defensively, it’s mostly good news for the Tigers with a dominant defensive front and one of the best defensive lines in America, but the secondary is a concern due to lack of experienced depth so expect to see some true freshman faces. Fun fact: Auburn hasn’t had a punt or kick return for a touchdown in the last three years. The Tigers might want to break that streak this year, especially with road games at Georgia and Alabama.

“An Adult’s Guide to Making New Friends” by Joe Moorhead

People often say the true test of someone’s character is how that person handles adversity. The same can be said of college football programs. How a program handles difficult situations sets a tone; it can either just keep swimming or sink into the madness. Mississippi State is dealing with the challenge of all new everything, and how the Bulldogs decide to adapt to all the change is what will define them as a team this season. 

They will be led by senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, who is fully healed and ready to make his veteran presence felt both on the ground and in the air, as head coach Joe Moorhead will have Fitzgerald looking downfield more. There is an influx of talent at wide receiver, and with Aeris Williams at running back the offense will be dynamic. The Bulldogs boast one of the better defenses in the league so if the offense can make more explosive plays this experienced team could make some noise. Eight wins is expected; 10 could be possible.

“How to Get Returns on Million-Dollar Investments” by Jimbo Fisher 

The big story in College Station is the hiring of top coach Jimbo Fisher and his defensive coordinator Mike Elko, formerly of Notre Dame. A lot of money was spent to get Texas A&M over that eight-win plateau, and fans want to believe Fisher is the answer. 

First, the Aggies need a quarterback. Sophomores Nick Starkel and Kellen Mond are locked in competition. Starkel is a better runner, but Mond has more experience — however, he needs to improve his accuracy if he wants to lock up the job. Under Fisher, there will be more ground game at A&M with a fullback in front to boot. Plus, fans will see a resurgence of tight end play, which is fun. 

The defense returns seven starters from a unit that led the SEC in sacks last season with 40. Tyrel Dodson recorded 104 tackles, the fourth-best in the SEC. There is a lot to be excited about, but there are concerns with the depth at defensive end. In addition, Elko will need to elevate the play at cornerback. Plus there is a void in the return game with the departure of Christian Kirk. 

Fisher will need to get the physicality going early as the Aggies face Alabama and Clemson in two of their first four games.

“Navigating Rugged Terrain” by Ed Orgeron

The road has been rough for LSU head coach Ed Orgeron, now in his second year. He clashed publicly with former offensive coordinator Matt Canada; he has to navigate a tough schedule this year with games against Miami, Alabama and Georgia and at Auburn; and he has a three-way quarterback battle going on. Also, for the first time since 1974, LSU doesn’t return a running back who rushed for a touchdown last year. 

A new quarterback and offensive coordinator means the promise of offensive change, but until then the continuity on defense might have to carry the team. There is an abundance of speed on defense, a stout front and junior linebacker Devin White, who led the SEC with 10.2 tackles per game last year. The road is long, but if Orgeron can navigate it, LSU will be on the up and up.

“The New Normal” by Matt Luke 

Ole Miss will be fun to watch purely because the Rebels score a lot of points, and who doesn’t like points? SEC defenses maybe. The wide receivers highlight an offense that returns A.J. Brown, who set a school single-season record with 1,252 yards last year. He also had 75 catches and 11 touchdowns, and he’s physical, tough and can catch anything. Senior quarterback Jordan Ta’amu returns, which is fortunate for the Rebels as he is extremely poised in the pocket. Ole Miss will need to replace a 1,000-yard running back, but the team has the committee to do so.

 2018 will be all about player development, with a focus on defense. The good news is the Rebels have the offensive firepower to offset the shortcomings on defense, particularly when stopping the run. The six-win mark looms large in head coach Matt Luke’s heart, and the Rebels can get there with a little help. The great white shark uniforms can’t hurt either. Luke just needs to remember that Landsharks never swim backward.

“Letting Go of Giving Up” by Chad Morris

The bright spot on the Arkansas Razorbacks' horizon is the enthusiasm first-year head coach Chad Morris brings to Fayetteville. Offensively, there is a lot of talent at the skill positions and on the offensive line, but the quarterback battle between junior Ty Storey and sophomore Cole Kelley must be resolved before true stock can be taken. Storey is the more consistent QB, but Kelley has the stronger arm and more game experience. 

The real problem is the defense, which gave up 7.1 yards per play last year and allowed 434 points. The Razorbacks basically need speed and depth across the board, but the addition of a new strength coach should mean more durability down the stretch. The basement in the SEC West is cold; thank goodness Morris is bringing the huddle to keep the Razorbacks warm.