2020 SEC Football Preview: Odds & Predictions

• Alabama is the expected betting favorite in the SEC despite losing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and several key defenders to the NFL Draft.
• Defending national champion LSU will likely take a step back after losing Heisman winner Joe Burrow and other key playmakers to the draft.
• The East Division race will be tight as hated rivals Georgia and Florida are well equipped to claim the divisional crown with key returning personnel for each squad.

For the first time in the Playoff era, Alabama was not among the final four teams chosen by Playoff Selection Committee, with 2019 champions LSU claiming the SEC berth in the Tide’s stead.

Alabama coach Nick Saban will look to have his squad back on track regardless of who replaces Tagovailoa, whether it may be 2019 backup Mac Jones, top recruit Bryce Young, or Tua’s younger brother, Taulia.

The conference’s other top contenders will also be breaking in new signal-callers with LSU likely turning to Myles Brennan and Georgia bringing in Wake Forest transfer Jamie Newman.

Team Odds to Win Division and SEC Championship

Odds taken from DraftKings Sportsbook

Attack. Reload. Attack again pic.twitter.com/FExWYNDJZq

— Myles Brennan (@MylesBrennan) March 27, 2020

A repeat of last season’s unbeaten run will be a lot to ask for with the 2020 Bayou Bengals, as several key pieces from that championship team are gone, with Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Grant Delpit, and K’Lavon Chaisson now on NFL rosters.

Presumed starting quarterback Myles Brennan will not be without help, as Biletnikoff Award winner Ja’Marr Chase returns to Baton Rouge along with fellow receiver Terrace Marshall Jr, while defensive backs Derek Stingley Jr. and JaCoby Stevens form a potent tandem in the secondary.

Coach Ed Orgeron’s team will be faced with a tough schedule that features road trips to Florida, Auburn, and Texas A&M along with a matchup with Alabama in Death Valley.

Check out Joe Burrow odds for his 2020 season.

Can Jimbo Fisher Awake the Sleeping Giant That is Texas A&M?

MVP V I B E Z Z Z

? @TheKellenMond ?#AgsAtHome | #GigEm pic.twitter.com/AWE8MWjRWn

— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) April 19, 2020

Aggie fans have had little reason for excitement since Johnny Manziel’s Heisman season in 2012, as they are still awaiting a return on investment from coach Fisher’s 10 year, $75 million contract.

Senior quarterback Kellen Mond will need to have a big year and will have his fair share of weapons at his disposal with receiver Jhamon Ausbon, tight end Jaylen Wydermyer, and leading rusher Isaiah Spiller.

Playing in the SEC West Division often produces a demanding schedule, as the Aggies close out the season against Alabama in Tuscaloosa and at home against LSU, however, they, fortunately, avoid SEC East heavyweights Georgia and Florida.

As much as Tennessee fans may disagree, the East Division is expected to be a two-team race between Florida and Georgia, both of whom should field top ten ranked defenses once again.

The Gators will regroup from the loss of several key defenders, as middle linebacker Ventrell Miller will be joined by senior safeties Donovan Stiner and Shawn Davis, the latter two combining for seven interceptions in 2019.

Likewise, Georgia has a good chance at repeating last season’s defensive performance where they led the nation in points allowed per game (12.6). The most notable returnees for Kirby Smart’s defense are leading tackler Monty Rice and senior safety Richard LeCounte III.

Our Pick

It is always dangerous to bet against Nick Saban, however, Georgia should be worth the risk when you factor in their defense as well the potential for Newman and George Pickens to form a strong connection to take down Alabama in the SEC title game.