Fansided

Five teams with the best chance to dethrone Alabama in the SEC

By Jonathan Perelman

Jan 23, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama head coach Nick Saban holds the Crystal trophy with quarterback Jake Coker (14) during a presentation to celebrate the victory in the CFP National Championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama head coach Nick Saban holds the Crystal trophy with quarterback Jake Coker (14) during a presentation to celebrate the victory in the CFP National Championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /
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BIRMINGHAM, AL – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers looks on against the Memphis Tigers during the Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field on December 30, 2015 in Birmingham, Alabama. Auburn defeated Memphis 31-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, AL – DECEMBER 30: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers looks on against the Memphis Tigers during the Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field on December 30, 2015 in Birmingham, Alabama. Auburn defeated Memphis 31-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Auburn could crush Alabama’s hopes at an SEC Championship.

Despite Auburn having a less than average year in 2015, they started to bring things together at the end of the year. Gus Malzahn has proven he can win at Auburn. Although very lucky in 2013, they still reached the National Championship after winning the SEC Championship. The “Prayer at Hare” and “Kick-Six” proved to be the difference in that team’s season, but Malzahn has proven he can win big games.

Last year, Jeremy Johnson came into the season as a potential Heisman candidate. After busting in the early part of the season, he came back to finish the year well in leading this explosive offense. If Jeremy Johnson can improve this offseason and begin to relax into his role for the Tigers, they could have a solid season. The Tigers always have a solid rushing attack that looks much like Oregon out west; a quick, explosive running back and short screens to get them down the field and ware the defense down.

Auburn started to gain ground last season after beating Texas A&M away and throttling a good Memphis team in the bowl game. They will look to improve on that again this season.

Plus, Auburn-Alabama is one of the biggest rivalries in sports, so never underestimate what can happen. Even if Auburn has an off-year, they could upset Alabama in the Iron Bowl, opening the door for another SEC West team to sneak into the SEC Championship game.

Next: 3. Ole Miss could win the west

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