5 Surprise 2017 college football conference title contenders

SEC – Auburn

2014 Champ – Alabama
2015 Champ – Alabama
2016 Champ – Alabama

The transfer market, which has become the college football equivalent of free agency, has played a significant role in the SEC in recent years. Texas A&M added Trevor Knight in 2016 and road him to a 6-0 start before his injury led to their demise. Could Auburn be in a similar situation? What if Jarrett Stidham can stay healthy and is as good as advertised?

Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson each surpassed 195 touches and 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2016. Pettway averaged 5.9 yards per carry with seven scores to Johnson’s 4.9 yards per carry and 11 touchdowns. Auburn offense was straightforward. Hand the ball to one of the bruisers. That’s because their passing attempt was woeful at best. In comes Stidham.

A Baylor transfer, Stidham narrowed his options to Auburn and Texas A&M before committing to the Tigers. He brings just one season of experience, but it was a productive one. In his freshman season at Baylor Stidham threw for 1,265 yards and tossed 12 touchdowns. His completion percentage was a mind-boggling 68.8 percent and he only threw two interceptions.

Can anyone really beat Alabama?

There isn’t a defined formula to build a “Bama-killer”, but an elite quarterback is certainly one of the pieces. Here are the last quarterbacks to take down the Tide in order: Johnny Manziel, Trevor Knight, Nick Marshall, Cardale Jones, Chad Kelly, and Deshaun Watson. That’s three national title winners and another that took home the Heisman trophy.

Next: 5 reasons why Alabama will win the SEC again

That’s how Auburn gets it done and upends Alabama. Stidham might not win the title or a Heisman, but he’ll get pretty darn close if he can beat the Tide. Yes, that’s the biggest ‘if’ in college sports. But it’s going to happen sooner or later, Alabama will fall… eventually.