SEC Unfiltered: Which schools deserved a greater standing in coaches poll

Koki Riley, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read
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LSU quarterback Max Johnson (14) walks with LSU head coach Brian Kelly during the Spring football game in Baton Rouge, La. in April.
LSU quarterback Max Johnson (14) walks with LSU head coach Brian Kelly during the Spring football game in Baton Rouge, La. in April.

Welcome to SEC Unfiltered, the USA TODAY Network's newsletter on SEC sports. Look for this newsletter in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Today, Koki Riley takes over:

The USA TODAY preseason football coaches AFCA poll was released, as six teams from the SEC earned spots in the top 25.

Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Arkansas and Ole Miss cracked the top 25 while Tennessee, LSU and Auburn were the closest to making the list, as all three teams received over 90 votes.

Here's a look at which five SEC schools may have deserved a greater standing in the rankings.

LSU: 

LSU has yet to pick its starting quarterback and there may be some growing pains in the first year of the Brian Kelly regime. But the Tigers have arguably the best defensive line in the nation and a loaded room of wide receivers, including projected first-round pick Kayshon Boutte.

Kentucky:

The Wildcats cracked the rankings at No. 21, but with much of their talented defense and star quarterback Will Levis returning, they could easily be a top-15 caliber team to start 2022.

Arkansas:

Replacing star wide receiver Treylon Burks' production won't be easy, but quarterback KJ Jefferson returns to an offense that should have a strong offensive line and some intriguing weapons, such as Oklahoma transfer Jadon Haselwood. The Razorbacks may only be the No. 23 team in the poll, but could easily finish in second place in the SEC West.

Tennessee:

Tennessee might have the best offense in the country. The Volunteers exceeded expectations and scored a lot of points under first-year coach Josh Heupel. But with quarterback Hendon Hooker, top wide receiver Cedric Tillman and most of last year's offensive line intact this season, Tennessee's offense will be very exciting to watch in 2022.

Mississippi State:

The Bulldogs have a lot of returning pieces on both sides of the ball. This is especially important for their offense, a unit that relies on chemistry and communication in Mike Leach's air raid attack. Mississippi State's schedule might be the toughest in the country, but they will be competitive all year.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: SEC Unfiltered: Which schools deserved a greater standing in coaches poll