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SEC Football Power Rankings 2017: Week 1 edition

By Hunter Kinniburgh

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball as linebacker Dorian O'Daniel #6 of the Clemson Tigers attempts to tackle him during the first half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball as linebacker Dorian O'Daniel #6 of the Clemson Tigers attempts to tackle him during the first half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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It is officially put up or shut up time for Butch Jones and the Tennessee Volunteers. Sure expectations aren’t near as high as they were last season, but how long are the Volunteers going to go without truly improving?

This season doesn’t build itself a favorable for Tennessee, not when you consider the many players that the team lost from last season, most notable being Josh Dobbs at QB. The Volunteer defense loses key pieces as well in DE Derek Barnett and CB Cam Sutton. The defense will be counted on early on with a somewhat young offense. Darrin Kirkland and Jonathan Kongbo will be center pieces on the defense to watch. The season however will depend on the development of a quarterback, most likely Quinten Dormandy.

One of the more intriguing teams in the SEC IN 2017, the Aggies should be improved as a whole but the season depends on the quarterback. Whoever that will be. Trevor Knight was great in his only season as the starter. He provided senior leadership and patience and the offense hummed in most of A&M’s games. Regardless of who starts at quarterback this season whether it be Jake Hubenak, Kellen Mond or Nick Starkell will have plenty of offensive weapons to work with. Christian Kirk, Trayveon Williams and Keith Ford all will help whoever starts.

Related Story: Texas A&M Football: 2017 preview, predictions

The defense, despite the loss of Myles Garrett, should be good. John Chavis is a defensive guru and A&M has improved on defense throughout his tenure. Players such as Armani Watts, Otara Alaka and Kingsley Keke will insure that the defense is strong. Head coach Kevin Sumlin will be fighting for his job this season so that has to motivate him and the team. I think the Aggies will improve this season albeit somewhat moderate due to the talent of the other SEC West teams.

Will Muschamp surprised just about everyone and delivered a successful first season as the head coach of the Gamecocks. With that behind him, 2017 looks to have the potential to continue to elevate South Carolina back to it’s days of SEC East prominence.

What Muschamp never had at Florida was a consistent offense. That doesn’t look to be a problem at South Carolina. Jake Bentley has the potential to be a stud at quarterback, and he has talent around him. Running back Rico Dowdle, receiver Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards all give the offense an added edge.

South Carolina will welcome the return of Skai Moore to the defense. Moore missed all of 2016 due to injury and will bring some needed experience to the linebacking corp. Look for South Carolina to make a legitimate shot at the SEC East.

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