SEC Media Days will be taking place over the week in Nashville, Tennessee. Many lists will be released this week, which will include predictions for divisional finishes and all-SEC preseason squads.
One outlet has elected to release its SEC predictions prior to the start of SEC Media Days. On3’s Jesse Simonton did so on Sunday night.
Where does he predict Auburn to finish in what will be the final season of the “SEC West”? It is no surprise that Auburn will need to prove a ton this season in order to gain respect across the country. Simonton believes that Auburn will be an improved program this season, but feels that their postseason dreams will come early if it comes at all. That is why Auburn is on the bottom half of his SEC predictions.
Auburn will show immediate improvement under Hugh Freeze, and although Payton Throne doesn’t elicit a ton of excitement at QB, the sheer ability to threaten teams through the air should open up even more room for a great set of tailbacks. The Tigers’ OL has been overhauled and the defense should be serviceable to solid. They’re a fringe bowl team.
Who will represent the west in Atlanta? Which team will be the biggest surprise? Here’s a look at Simonton’s preseason prediction of the SEC West ahead of the 2023 season: