SEC Football: Best and Worst-Case Scenario for Every Team in 2015

Oct 4, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman A.J. Jefferson (47) and defensive lineman Ryan Brown (48) sack Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kenny Hill (7) at Davis Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Aggies 48-31. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M is an under the radar SEC title contender, but they probably have a better chance of missing the postseason completely than they do of making it to the conference championship game.

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First of all, despite Chavis’ arrival, there are major issues for the Aggies on defense. Last season, A&M ranked dead last in the SEC total defense (450.8 yards per game) and it wasn’t even close. South Carolina allowed 432.7 yards per game last season. The Aggies also had the league’s worst rushing defense (216.0 yards per game), and allowed an eye-popping average of 272 rushing yards per game in SEC play. It’s nearly impossible to turn a unit around that was that poor up front in just one year.

Also, while there is talent on the offensive side, questions remain as to whether Kyle Allen will be able to hold off true freshman Kyler Murray all season. How long will head coach Kevin Sumlin stick with Allen if he struggles in the season opener against Arizona State?

Let’s explore this hypothetical worst-case scenario: Allen tosses three picks against the Sun Devils, and is pulled in the second half. Murray also struggles but a full-fledged quarterback controversy emerges by early October. Both players lose confidence and it sets the entire offense back.

Without an answer at quarterback, the Aggies wouldn’t be able to consistently take advantage of their talented wideouts, and because the offense isn’t designed to pound the football on the ground, A&M struggles to move the football at all. And because it will take time for Chavis to turn around the defense, the Aggies are blown out in the SEC opener against Arkansas.

All of a sudden, the Aggies are 2-2 heading into a make-or-break home game against Mississippi State. A loss to the Bulldogs would put a bowl game in jeopardy, and it could put Sumlin on the hot seat.

Texas A&M’s Worst-Case Scenario: The offense is just as bad as the defense, and the Aggies miss their first bowl game since 2008

Next: Best-Case Scenario: LSU