SEC West projected order

For the 71st time, AL.com/The Birmingham News has compiled the projected order of finish in the SEC West division as part of its annual preseason SEC football report. The order was voted on by the SEC West's seven sports information directors. Schools could not vote for themselves.

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Associated Press

No. 7 Ole Miss

With an NCAA investigation clouding its offseason and creating uncertainty about its future viability, Ole Miss appears to be stuck in a downward spiral. The voters took notice, as the Rebels were predicted to finish last after going 5-7 and landing at the bottom of the SEC West in 2016.

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Key returning players: Quarterback Shea Patterson, defensive end Marquis Haynes, receiver A.J. Brown

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VASHA HUNT

No. 6 Mississippi State

The Bulldogs have a new defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham. And Nick Fitzgerald is back at quarterback. But few are bullish on Mississippi State this season after it finished 6-7 in in 2016; the Bulldogs received three sixth-place votes. There has been significant turnover within the unit Grantham will preside over and there are questions at running back.

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Key returning players: Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, receiver Donald Gray, linebacker Leo Lewis.

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Associated Press

No. 5 Arkansas

The fans in Fayetteville are getting restless as they wait for Arkansas to take the next step under Bret Bielema, whose best season on The Hill has been an 8-5 campaign in 2015. But they may have to look towards 2018. The voters have spoken, and they don’t see the Razorbacks thriving despite the fact that Austin Allen returns at quarterback.

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Key returning players: Quarterback Austin Allen, receiver Jared Cornelius, cornerback Ryan Pulley

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JULIE BENNETT

No. 4 Texas A&M

The boom-or-bust Aggies could be in for another up-and-down season. Head coach Kevin Sumlin appears to be on the hot seat and there will be another change at quarterback. Receiver Christian Kirk and running back Trayveon Williams will give the Aggies a boost. But is it enough for a team the voters expect to finish anywhere from third to sixth place in the division?

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Key returning players: Running back Trayveon Williams, receiver Christian Kirk, safety Armani Watts

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Julie Bennett

No. 3 Auburn

Auburn, which received four second-place votes, is among the most intriguing teams in college football heading into this season. The Tigers’ success could be determined by the play of JUCO quarterback transfer Jarrett Stidham. Stidham is expected to enhance an offense that has the potential to be potent with Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway back at running back. The pass rush may be a work in progress, however. But the Tigers should be appointment viewing throughout this fall.

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Key returning players: Running back Kerryon Johnson, running back Kamryn Pettway, defensive lineman Marlon Davidson.

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Associated Press

No. 2 LSU

The expectations will be high for Ed Orgeron in his first full season as LSU’s coach. The Tigers received one first-place vote and are once again loaded with talent. Running back Derrius Guice is a star in the making and should fill Leonard Fournette’s big cleats. The defense, meanwhile, is supposed to be fearsome with pass-rush extraordinaire Arden Key wreaking havoc. The question is whether quarterback Danny Etling can take a great leap forward.

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Key returning players: Quarterback Danny Etling, running back Derrius Guice, defensive end/outside linebacker Arden Key.

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John Bazemore

No. 1 Alabama

The Crimson Tide, which received six first-place votes, is expected to win the division for the fourth consecutive year. A stable of elite running backs, dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts and a receiver corps led by Calvin Ridley should make new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s transition an easy one. The Tide should score plenty and help a defense that will still be formidable despite losing seven playmakers who later became NFL draft picks.

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Key returning players: Quarterback Jalen Hurts, receiver Calvin Ridley, linebacker Rashaan Evans

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VASHA HUNT

Last year's projected order

1) Alabama (finished first)

2) LSU (finished third)

3) Ole Miss (finished seventh)

T-4) Auburn (finished second)

T-4) Arkansas (finished fifth)

6) Texas A&M (finished fourth)

7) Mississippi State (finished sixth)

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Check out other SEC Content

Here is a look at the SEC East order. Check out our All-SEC first and second team offense here.