Five SEC games that could change the season

Matt Hankins, Sean Magers

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August 12, 2022

The impending college football season will see more parity in the SEC than we’re used to.

The SEC West will feature new faces near the top. Georgia might have more trouble strolling back into the conference championship.

This season, there are several games that could set off a butterfly effect that upend things. Here are five underrated SEC games that could change the season.

KENTUCKY at FLORIDA (SEPT. 10)

Florida has some leeway with first-year coach Billy Napier, but things could get out of hand fast. Kentucky travels to Gainesville in week two and, if the Wildcats win, it could set the scene for a disastrous season for Florida that doesn’t get them any closer to contending with Georgia annually for the East crown. The series is tied 2-2 over the last four games. This game is a true coin flip.

ARKANSAS vs. TEXAS A&M (SEPT. 24 in ARLINGTON, TEXAS)

While it may not seem like it, this game will go a long way in determining the future of both programs in 2022 and maybe even beyond. If Arkansas prevails on this neutral site, Sam Pittman could take that motivation and do some big things with it for the Hogs. If the Aggies drop another very winnable game under Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M will see the season’s ceiling at nine wins. Again.

AUBURN vs. LSU (OCT. 1)

Both Tiger squads are at a crossroads. While the winner of this game won’t necessarily be on a dramatically better path than the loser, this is a must-win for both teams. Neither coach will be on the hot seat at any point this season. But a loss could be the first domino in setting either program back a year if they can’t bounce back.

MISSISSIPPI vs. ALABAMA (NOV. 12)

Ole Miss could shock the nation in 2022. Not only by beating Bama, but by winning the SEC West. This is a pivotal year for Mississippi coach Lane Kiffin and this game, if the Rebels have gone undefeated up until that point, could bring the program and the coach to the next level. Not only in 2022, but beyond. Alabama could absorb the loss and still win the conference and/or make it to the playoffs.

TENNESSEE at SOUTH CAROLINA (NOV.19)

This late season match up could be a saving grace for either team. Both could show up in Columbia, South Carolina in mid-November needing a win to simply be bowl eligible. This game will mean more for the Gamecocks and transfer quarterback Spencer Rattler as they play Clemson the following week. Tennessee goes on to play a decidedly less sexy rivalry game against Vanderbilt.

What did we get wrong? What games are you looking forward to? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram. Listen to Throw the Flag below or wherever you get your podcasts.