Another national championship for Alabama’s football program only added to the already impressive resume of the SEC. There is no doubt that the SEC is the premier Power Five conference right now. However, even the top teams in the SEC have their flaws and the Crimson Tide is not an exception to that rule. Here is a look at the biggest Achilles heel for the projected top four teams in the SEC next season.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Achilles Heel: Quarterback Position
Alabama entered last season with legitimate concerns at the quarterback position, but figured it out and went on to win the national title. So when we tell you that they are set to enter the 2016 season with concerns at the quarterback spot, it is with the knowledge that they have some strong options in the mix to take over for Jake Coker. They will have a ton of talent surrounding whoever is named the starter. The Crimson Tide will enter camp with Cooper Batemen and David Cornwell fighting for the No. 1 job, while freshman Blake Barnett looks to push himself in to the conversation as well. There is a good chance whoever wins the job will perform at a high enough level for Alabama to succeed again next year, but right now the Crimson Tide do not have a starting quarterback and that is the most pressing issue on a team that is once again loaded with talent. Remember that this is a team that will run the ball well and play good defense, so the quarterback will have ample time to develop and grow comfortable.
LSU Tigers
Achilles Heel: Quarterback Position
The Tigers are facing a much different kind of problem at the quarterback position in that they already know who their No. 1 will be, but he isn’t good enough. Brandon Harris is projected to start for LSU, but at this point that is only because they don’t have a better option on the roster. The Tigers return running back Leonard Fournette and a strong cast on both sides of the football, but their limitations at the most important position on the football field could hold them back. LSU will have to win at Auburn, Florida and Texas A&M as well as at home versus Alabama in order to be a force in the SEC and Harris could be the Achilles heel that really holds them back.
Ole Miss Rebels
Achilles Heel: Offensive Line
Ole Miss lost its starting left tackle in Laremy Tunsil, who has the potential to be the first-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Losing the top offensive lineman in the country is a problem, but it doesn’t end there. The Rebels lost Aaron Morris, Ben Still, Justin Bell and Fahn Cooper. Robert Conyers and Rod Taylor will be back, but they are coming off a torn right ACL and a shoulder injury respectively. Ole Miss will have some intriguing young talent to insert in to its lineup with five-star Greg Little and four-star Bryce Matthews, but it will be very difficult for them to replicate the success they had on their offensive line last season.
Georgia Bulldogs
Achilles Heel: Depth At Wide Receiver
The Bulldogs should look a lot different than they did last season when they went 5-3. Fans can’t wait to see Jim Chaney’s wide-open offense with five-star quarterback Jacob Eason calling the shots leading the way. However, the problem for Georgia is the lack of weapons the team has in place to maximize the potential of their offense. New head coach Kirby Smart signed a number of key young prospects, but not every recruit is a plug-and-play so more will be needed of the returning talent. Malcolm Mitchell is back after an impressive 2015 season, but more will certainly be needed of Terry Goodwin and Isaiah McKenzie in the two and three spots. The Bulldogs have given their fans plenty of reason for optimism heading in to 2016, but their lack of star power at the wide receiver position could be their Achilles heel.
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