Magic or Mastery: Can Auburn replicate 2013's run?
There wasn't a more surprising team last year than the SEC champion Tigers. There also wasn't a luckier one. With key pieces gone but others back, we'll soon learn whether Gus Malzahn's program is here to stay.
Mississippi State's opportunity to break through
It's been close but no cigar in Starkville for going on five years now; prior to that, it wasn't close at all. A returning star at quarterback, a strong defense and potential parity in the West mean that may change.
Is it Ole Miss' year? History says not so fast
The SEC West's power programs will endure a reloading of sorts in 2014, opening the door for the roster built by Hugh Freeze. To take the next step, however, the Rebels will have to overcome a woeful pattern.
Another season of misery in store in Fayetteville?
A winless conference campaign would just as soon be forgotten by Arkansas fans, but there's not much to suggest 2014 will be better. Answers are sought at several positions to complement a strong backfield.
LSU's run of success to be put to the test
A revolving door of NFL talent has kept the Tigers around the 10-win plateau regardless of who manned each position, but is their depth finally depleted? Success in 2014 may depend on some unproven names.
Spurrier's best Gamecock team yet? It's possible
True, Connor Shaw, Jadeveon Clowney and Kelcy Quarles are gone. Yet, with an experienced quarterback returning, experience on offense and talent littering the defense, South Carolina's ceiling is a high one.
Can Missouri replicate last season's success?
The Tigers represent a curious case in 2014: the majority of the stars from last season's SEC East-winning team are gone, but the schedule sets up well if Mizzou can handle the division's titans. How does it add up?
Dubious record may await Tennessee in 2014
Times have been tough in Knoxville, and Butch Jones' efforts to revamp the program face a difficult set of tests in the upcoming season. Should the Vols fall short, they'll make school history in the 'worst' way.
Muschamp on hot seat, but issues still face Florida
A 4-8 disaster last season led to sweeping changes on offense in Gainesville, but they may not take hold in time to quiet expectations. The Gators' chances of success in 2014 rest on a few shoulders in particular.
Will run game, defensive changes prop UGA back up?
Talent is never an issue in Athens, but in 2013 defense was. With the unit now led by what, on paper at least, appears to be its savior, health on offense and steady play at QB should forge UGA into a contender.
Rebuild at Kentucky entering its second year
Wins are hard to come by in Lexington, but Mark Stoops' talent upgrades may soon begin to pay dividends. The question for a team returning 15 starters is whether it will happen quickly enough for a strong 2014.
Can Vanderbilt overcome change in Nashville?
Change was underway in Nashville under James Franklin's watch, but even that has changed. With Franklin gone and several positions up for grabs, there may be one saving grace for Vandy's momentum in 2014.
10:31
Five Thoughts: Aggies and Longhorns ... when it matters most
The Texas A&M baseball team received a berth in the NCAA Tournament for the eighth straight season and will open up the Houston Regional by taking on longtime rival Texas in game one of the NCAAs at Rice.
Strength of Schedule: Fallacies in Pac-12's arguments
There are those who would criticize the SEC for failing to play nine conference games per season, but the data suggests that their efforts might be better spent shoring up their own conference's weaknesses.
Aggies falter at plate, drop second straight to Ole Miss
Grayson Long's strong start couldn't carry Texas A&M into the late innings on Friday. The Aggies were shut out in eight of nine innings and fell to the Rebels, ceding the series and adding importance to the finale.
10:06
A&M ties series with LSU thanks to Lankford, Olsen Magic
With the game tied at 2-2 heading to the bottom of the ninth, the spirit of Olsen Field came to life for the second straight day. And this time, it proved victorious thanks to a walkoff single by A&M's Cole Lankford.
4:54
Ags come alive late but drop 10-inning thriller to LSU
The rivalry ... it's on. Texas A&M trailed No. 5 LSU, 4-0 heading to the ninth inning but mounted a ferocious comeback to tie the game before falling in 10 innings, 5-4 in a game that saw just about everything.
4:46
Kentucky pounds A&M, 11-4 on Military Appreciation Day
The pre-game ceremony honoring the Military Veterans and Active Duty members was fantastic. After that, the baseball resembled a nightmare for Aggie fans as A&M dropped the series with UK with an 11-4 loss.
6:19
Aggies fall to UK in late-inning tussle despite Schlottmann gem
Texas A&M sophomore left-hander Ty Schlottmann came on in relief in the first inning and tossed 6.2 scoreless innings, but it was not enough as the Aggies allowed three in the ninth to fall to Kentucky, 6-3.
Five Thoughts: Ags split DH with 'Bama, drop series
Texas A&M battled to a 13-8 victory over Alabama in the first game of a Saturday double header at Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park, but dropped the night cap, 6-4, falling to two games below .500 in SEC play.
