Three overrated and three underrated teams from preseason media SEC poll

The media has released their preseason poll for the SEC, and there are a few teams that needed to be shifted around.
SEC logo seen during SEC Media Days at the Hyatt Regency  in Hoover, Ala., Monday, July 19, 2021. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]

Sec Media Days
SEC logo seen during SEC Media Days at the Hyatt Regency in Hoover, Ala., Monday, July 19, 2021. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.] Sec Media Days / Gary Cosby Jr. via Imagn Content
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Underrated SEC teams in preseason poll: Texas A&M

Here's the essence of the case against the Aggies: there was talent that came to College Station, but it has by and large been underdeveloped. The cream of the crop has gone, and though there's better coaching there now, it won't jump out here in year one, especially against some of these top teams.

That's a thought process that is not at all far-fetched. However, I think it's based on faulty premises: while Walter Nolen and Evan Stewart were tough losses, the biggest loss was in their potential rather than their actual contributions. Nolen made good plays, but I don't think there's a huge dropoff from him to David Hicks. Stewart fell behind Jahdae Walker by the end of last year.

Plus, Weigman has yet to play a full season. In this Klein offense, behind a retooled OL, he could well experience a renaissance. That's not to mention the fact that the Aggie defense could be the best Elko has coached—without exaggeration, top-5 in the nation type of stuff.

Bill Connelly's preseason SP+ has the Ags as the 13th-best team in the nation—which, to be fair, is good for 7th in the conference. I think they have huge growth potential, though, as this is a rating based on the actual talent they bring back, that which they have brought in through the portal, and historical performance, which means Jimbo's coaching. That last facet should be far improved this year, and it could be enough to rocket the Aggies up into the top echelon of the SEC if all goes well.