We’re all under the assumption that this is the last year of divisions in the SEC. It was fun while it lasted – only 32 years, counting that finale.
There have been great races and amazing surprises that we will get to along the way.
But today on Dooley’s Dozen, we look forward to what could be a glorious race to Atlanta. A season for the ages that will likely take the American Conference out of the division era with a powerful punch.
If this is the last time we see divisions in the SEC, these are the 12 games that will make the difference.
1
LSU at Alabama, Nov. 4
SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network
It just looks like it’s going to be a prime-time game again with Brian Kelly vs. Nick Saban and Tide fans feeling the bitter sting of LSU’s two-point conversion overtime win last year. These have got to be the top two dogs in the West again.
2
Georgia at Tennessee, Nov. 18
Dale Zanin-USA TODAY Sports
The Vols might be the only SEC East team that can compete with Georgia this season, and you know the Bulldogs are spending the summer learning Josh Heupel’s offense. This will definitely be must-watch, even if your sister is getting married that day.
3
Alabama at Texas A&M; 21
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This has truly become one of the biggest rivalry games in the SEC in just a short amount of time. The two coaches don’t like each other (whatever they say), and to this point in the season there’s no telling who’s playing quarterback for either team. This could be the beginning of the end for both coaches. Saban could have left, Jimbo Fisher could have been told to leave.
4
Texas A&M at LSU, Nov. 25
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This is the newest game on this list and could be the biggest depending on what has happened in the previous weeks. This is usually a great game with nothing on the line, so I can’t imagine how many crabs will give their lives for this boil.
5
Kentucky at Georgia, Oct. 7
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If the teams in the East are really going to compete with the dynastic Dogs, someone besides Florida and Alabama has to beat them. Kentucky is built to match Georgia’s physique, but lacks speed as a rule. Let’s see if this time will be different.
6
Texas A&M at Tennessee, Oct. 14
Brianna Paciorka-USA TODAY NETWORK
This should be interesting. Man, Texas A&M has a tough schedule, but whose schedule isn’t tough in the SEC? Well, except for Georgia. It’s not a division game, but it still counts as a loss for somebody and I think it’s going to be a watershed moment for a program.
7
Florida-Georgia, Oct. 28
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It’s a rivalry game with split crowds and could stand in the way of a Georgia three-peat, so it should be on this list. Hey, Florida might be better than a lot of people think. And Georgia might not be so good. Both of these things could happen… in theory.
8
Florida at LSU, Nov. 11
Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun
We know crazy things happen in this game. Fake field goals, shoe throwing, hurricanes. It would be fitting if Florida came in and ruined LSU’s season. But Jaden Daniels could also win the Heisman tonight if Florida’s defense isn’t better.
9
South Carolina at Georgia, Sept. 16
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The Gamecocks are the last team not named Florida or Alabama to beat the Bulldogs. And they get them in Week 3 with a quarterback who hasn’t been tested by Tennessee-Martin and Ball State. We’ll see if the other USC can carry over the momentum that Shane Beamer enjoyed late last season.
10
LSU at Ole Miss, Sept. 30
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe there should be more Ole Miss on this list, since I’m not sure anyone told Lane Kiffin that you’re allowed to play defense. I expect this to be a great game, especially with LSU going on the road.
11
South Carolina at Kentucky, Nov. 18
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
At this point in the season, they might be playing for second place, but they’re the only two teams besides Tennessee that have a real shot in the East. Spencer Rattler vs. Devin Leary shouldn’t be bad.
12
LSU at Mississippi State, Sept. 16
Steven Lu-USA TODAY Sports
Cowbells will be jingling in a sort of subtle rivalry, if by subtle you mean somehow yelling in your ear that you’re nasty. The Bulldogs could put the brakes on what LSU thinks could be a special season.
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