It has been quite some time since our last morning rush, so what better time than now to bring it back? In this edition, we have Athlon Sports’ early 2022 SEC predictions. Of course, these can change at any moment with new information, but we will journey down this path. We also have the not-so-bright superlatives from 2021 to get to as well.
We will start with how the LSU Tigers are “expected” to finish in 2022 according to one media outlet.
Early predictions for the SEC
It is never too early to talk next season right? Well, Athlon Sports put together their predictions for the 2022 season in the SEC. The not-so-great part of this has the LSU Tigers finished fourth, in the West. It is a realistic scenario in which they finish behind Alabama, Texas A&M, and Arkansas in the upcoming season.
Steve Lassan breaks down the offense and as expected the biggest question mark is on the offensive line.
The Tigers might be the biggest wild card team in the SEC next year. Brian Kelly is the right hire for the Bayou Bengals, but the roster features several pressing questions. Myles Brennan opted to return to Baton Rouge instead of transferring, which gives LSU a proven quarterback to lean on in ’22. Receiver Kayshon Boutte is back from injury and should push for All-America honors. Restocking the offensive line and finding a more consistent (and productive) ground game is a must.
On defense, it really comes down to that secondary that lost major pieces in 2021. There could be some major growing pains on the backside of this group.
Defensively, the linebacker and cornerback spots top the list of concerns for Kelly and new coordinator Matt House. Talent is never an issue at LSU. But how fast can Kelly fill the voids in his first year?
Full SEC standings prediction
With LSU picked to finish fourth in their own division, where does that put the rest of the division and conference for that matter? Lassan’s prediction for Ole Miss is an interesting one with them finishing behind Mississippi State next season. Losing quarterback Matt Corral and offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby is huge but knowing Lane Kiffin, he has a trick or two up his sleeve.
The SEC West Standings
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Texas A&M Aggies
- Arkansas Razorbacks
- LSU Tigers
- Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Ole Miss Rebels
- Auburn Tigers
The SEC East Standings
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Kentucky Wildcats
- Tennessee Volunteers
- South Carolina Gamecocks
- Florida Gators
- Missouri Tigers
- Vanderbilt Commodores
End of the Year Superlatives
Who doesn’t love the end-of-the-season superlatives? The best moments were on full display, although you can argue they came few and far between for the LSU Tigers in 2021. Perhaps the record-breaking day by Ty Davis-Price would be among the best, but it isn’t just sunshine and daffodils that make these lists.
David Ubben of The Athletic (subscription required) also handed out the bad superlatives such as worst smack talk. That of course went to former head coach Ed Orgeron when he told a fan to bring on his “sissy blue shirt.” UCLA ended up having some fun on social media with that one.
I’m not sure what makes a blue shirt “sissy,” but his Tigers lost 38-27 and Orgeron was fired by LSU a little more than a month later, although he was allowed to finish the remainder of the season.