Coach of the Year \u2013 Kirby Smart<\/em> \u2013 Georgia Bulldogs<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lwosoncfb.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/12\/884590496.jpg\")
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with Jake Fromm #11 after a touchdown during the second half against the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIn just his second season in Athens, Smart has brought the SEC Championship back to his alma mater. He also has his team locked into a berth in the College Football Playoff. The former Bama defensive coordinator has the Bulldogs at #3 in the polls and ranked 4th<\/sup> in the nation in total defense. There have been some fine coaching jobs in the SEC in 2017, but Kirby Smart has done the best.<\/p>\nOffensive Player of the Year \u2013 Kerryon Johnson<\/a><\/em> \u2013 Auburn Tigers<\/strong><\/h4>\nJohnson was a workhorse for the Tigers this year. He amassed 1,320 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground this season. That is despite missing two games and being hampered in the SEC Championship. Johnson had eight 100+ yard games this year, including 204 yards in a win over Ole Miss. Kerryon also added 188 yards and two scores receiving on 23 catches. He had four straight 100-yard games as Auburn made their late season push to win the SEC West.<\/p>\n
Defensive Player of the Year \u2013 Roquan Smith<\/a><\/em> \u2013 Georgia Bulldogs<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe junior linebacker was everywhere for the Bulldog defense in 2017 SEC play. He seemed to be in on every tackle for the Dawgs. Smith is not the biggest linebacker, but he is super-fast and has great instincts. He finished the season with 113 total tackles, including 10.5 for a loss and 5.5 sacks. Smith also had two fumble recoveries including one in the SEC title game and was named MVP.<\/p>\n
Head of the Class<\/h2>\nGeorgia Bulldogs \u2013 12-1 (7-1) SEC Champs \u2013 A+<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe Bulldogs reached new heights under second-year coach Kirby Smart. They played in the SEC title game for the first time since 2012 and won it for the first time since 2005. Now they prepare for a College Football Playoff Semifinal match-up with the Oklahoma Sooners in the Rose Bowl. Freshman Jake Fromm<\/a><\/strong> has grown into the quarterback role as the season has progressed. Sharing the backfield with future NFL tailbacks Nick Chubb<\/a><\/strong> and Sony Michel<\/a><\/strong> certainly helps. The defense has been dominant all year, allowing only 13.2 points per game.<\/p>\nAlabama Crimson Tide \u2013 11-1 (7-1) \u2013 A<\/strong><\/h4>\nNick Saban\u2019s team is in a familiar position, back in the college football playoff. They are the only team to be a part of all four playoffs. Their chance at a fourth straight SEC crown was thwarted by a late-season Iron Bowl loss to Auburn. Alabama was still able to make to the final four, but not without controversy. The Tide fought through a litany of injuries on defense, and an offense that struggled at times. Jalen Hurts<\/a><\/strong> is still developing as a passer, but his 24-2 record as a starter speaks for itself. Alabama will have time to heal up some of their injured defenders before facing the Clemson Tigers for the third straight postseason. Their semifinal match-up will take place in the Sugar Bowl.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lwosoncfb.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/12\/879190194.jpg\")
AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 25: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers is hit by Ronnie Harrison<\/a> #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAuburn Tigers \u2013 10-3 (7-1) \u2013 A<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe Tigers got hot late in the season and beat both Georgia and Alabama handily at Jordan-Hare Stadium. These two big wins put them in playoff contention and secured the 2017 SEC West spot in the conference title game. They were not able to beat the Bulldogs a second time though. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0improved as the year went on and ended the season with 2,827 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air. His progress combined with Kerryon Johnson and a physical stingy defense allowed Auburn to win five straight games before falling in the SEC Championship. The Tigers will now face Central Florida in the Peach Bowl as part of the New Year\u2019s Six.<\/p>\nHonor Roll<\/h2>\nLSU Tigers \u2013 9-3 (6-2) \u2013 B+<\/strong><\/h4>\nThese Tigers were able to right the ship after an underwhelming start to 2017. Sitting a 3-2 and fresh off an embarrassing loss at home to Troy, LSU finished the season winning six of seven games. Derrius Guice<\/a><\/strong> led the offense with 1,153 rushing yards, including a career\u00a0– 276 yards against Ole Miss. D.J. Chark<\/a><\/strong> emerged as a solid deep threat for quarterback Danny Etling<\/a><\/strong>, totaling 811 yards at\u00a0an impressive 23.2 yards per catch. Linebackers Devin White<\/a><\/strong> and Arden Key<\/a><\/strong> led the defense and were named 1st<\/sup> Team All-SEC by the AP. White led the SEC in tackles with 127. LSU will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Citrus Bowl on January 1st<\/sup>.<\/p>\nMississippi State Bulldogs \u2013 8-4 (4-4) \u2013 B<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe Bulldogs from Starkville had a solid 2017, in what would be Dan Mullen<\/a>\u2019s last season in charge. However, the positive momentum built was hurt by the late season injury to star\u00a0Nick Fitzgerald<\/a><\/strong>, a loss to rival Ole Miss, and their coach\u2019s departure for the Florida Gators. They hired Penn State offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead as Mullen\u2019s replacement. The Bulldogs were too one dimensional at times this year, as the passing game never found enough rhythm. They now get to face Lamar Jackson<\/a> and the Louisville Cardinals in the TaxSlayer Bowl.<\/p>\nSouth Carolina Gamecocks \u2013 8-4 (5-3) \u2013 B<\/strong><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lwosoncfb.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/12\/879207384.jpg\")
COLUMBIA, SC – NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Will Muschamp of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs onto the field before their game against the Clemson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCoach Will Muschamp\u2019s squad exceeded expectations for a second consecutive season. The Gamecocks were thought by most to struggle to get bowl eligible in the 2017 SEC season. Instead, they are an eight-win team and will play in a New Year\u2019s Day bowl. How they got to this point is not as straightforward as some other teams though. There isn\u2019t really a unit on this team that stood out, but they kept finding ways to win ball games. The offense sputtered often this season, and its inconsistencies hurt South Carolina in losses to Kentucky and Texas A&M. The defense was opportunistic and usually buckled down inside the red zone. A rash of Injuries during the middle of the year definitely hurt the offense. The Gamecocks will face Michigan in the Outback Bowl.<\/p>\n
Passing Grades<\/h2>\nTexas A&M Aggies \u2013 7-5 (4-4) \u2013 C+<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe Aggies rebounded from their season-opening meltdown to win five of their next six games. Unfortunately, they struggled down the stretch once again and is cost Kevin Sumlin<\/a><\/strong> his job. After missing six games, Nick Starkel<\/a><\/strong> took back his quarterback job and brought some balance to the offense. Inconsistencies on offense and defense haunted Sumlin\u2019s team as they lost three of their last five games. The Aggies will face Wake Forest in the Belk Bowl in late December. Texas A&M was able to get former FSU coach Jimbo Fisher<\/strong> to take over the program moving forward.<\/p>\nKentucky Wildcats \u2013 7-5 (4-4) \u2013 C+<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe Wildcats are bowling for the second straight season under Mark Stoops<\/a><\/strong>. Despite losing three of their last four games, they will finish with a winning record regardless of the bowl game result. Kentucky will look back on this season as one of the missed opportunities. Close losses late in games to Florida and Ole Miss kept 2017 from being a banner year. Tailback Benny Snell<\/strong> is a star; he led the Wildcats with 1,318 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing. Kentucky will head to the\u00a0Music City Bowl to face the Big Ten\u2019s Northwestern Wildcats.<\/p>\nMissouri Tigers \u2013 7-5 (4-4) \u2013 C+<\/strong><\/h4>\nConsidering how this season started, Missouri\u2019s late-season turnaround should get Barry Odom<\/a><\/strong> some coach of the year attention. The Tigers were dreadful during the first half of the season, losing five straight to fall to 1-5 at the midpoint. Drew Lock<\/a><\/strong> eventually got the Tigers\u2019 offense rolling, as they averaged 51.3 points per game during their six-game win streak to close out 2017. Regardless of the opponent, the numbers they produced were impressive. Lock led the SEC with 3,695 yards and 43 touchdowns through the air. Missouri will face the Texas Longhorns in the Texas Bowl.<\/p>\nMore Questions than Answers<\/h2>\nOle Miss Rebels \u2013 6-6 (3-5) \u2013 C<\/strong><\/h4>\n
In just his second season in Athens, Smart has brought the SEC Championship back to his alma mater. He also has his team locked into a berth in the College Football Playoff. The former Bama defensive coordinator has the Bulldogs at #3 in the polls and ranked 4th<\/sup> in the nation in total defense. There have been some fine coaching jobs in the SEC in 2017, but Kirby Smart has done the best.<\/p>\n Johnson was a workhorse for the Tigers this year. He amassed 1,320 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground this season. That is despite missing two games and being hampered in the SEC Championship. Johnson had eight 100+ yard games this year, including 204 yards in a win over Ole Miss. Kerryon also added 188 yards and two scores receiving on 23 catches. He had four straight 100-yard games as Auburn made their late season push to win the SEC West.<\/p>\n The junior linebacker was everywhere for the Bulldog defense in 2017 SEC play. He seemed to be in on every tackle for the Dawgs. Smith is not the biggest linebacker, but he is super-fast and has great instincts. He finished the season with 113 total tackles, including 10.5 for a loss and 5.5 sacks. Smith also had two fumble recoveries including one in the SEC title game and was named MVP.<\/p>\n The Bulldogs reached new heights under second-year coach Kirby Smart. They played in the SEC title game for the first time since 2012 and won it for the first time since 2005. Now they prepare for a College Football Playoff Semifinal match-up with the Oklahoma Sooners in the Rose Bowl. Freshman Jake Fromm<\/a><\/strong> has grown into the quarterback role as the season has progressed. Sharing the backfield with future NFL tailbacks Nick Chubb<\/a><\/strong> and Sony Michel<\/a><\/strong> certainly helps. The defense has been dominant all year, allowing only 13.2 points per game.<\/p>\n Nick Saban\u2019s team is in a familiar position, back in the college football playoff. They are the only team to be a part of all four playoffs. Their chance at a fourth straight SEC crown was thwarted by a late-season Iron Bowl loss to Auburn. Alabama was still able to make to the final four, but not without controversy. The Tide fought through a litany of injuries on defense, and an offense that struggled at times. Jalen Hurts<\/a><\/strong> is still developing as a passer, but his 24-2 record as a starter speaks for itself. Alabama will have time to heal up some of their injured defenders before facing the Clemson Tigers for the third straight postseason. Their semifinal match-up will take place in the Sugar Bowl.<\/p>\n The Tigers got hot late in the season and beat both Georgia and Alabama handily at Jordan-Hare Stadium. These two big wins put them in playoff contention and secured the 2017 SEC West spot in the conference title game. They were not able to beat the Bulldogs a second time though. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0improved as the year went on and ended the season with 2,827 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air. His progress combined with Kerryon Johnson and a physical stingy defense allowed Auburn to win five straight games before falling in the SEC Championship. The Tigers will now face Central Florida in the Peach Bowl as part of the New Year\u2019s Six.<\/p>\n These Tigers were able to right the ship after an underwhelming start to 2017. Sitting a 3-2 and fresh off an embarrassing loss at home to Troy, LSU finished the season winning six of seven games. Derrius Guice<\/a><\/strong> led the offense with 1,153 rushing yards, including a career\u00a0– 276 yards against Ole Miss. D.J. Chark<\/a><\/strong> emerged as a solid deep threat for quarterback Danny Etling<\/a><\/strong>, totaling 811 yards at\u00a0an impressive 23.2 yards per catch. Linebackers Devin White<\/a><\/strong> and Arden Key<\/a><\/strong> led the defense and were named 1st<\/sup> Team All-SEC by the AP. White led the SEC in tackles with 127. LSU will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Citrus Bowl on January 1st<\/sup>.<\/p>\n The Bulldogs from Starkville had a solid 2017, in what would be Dan Mullen<\/a>\u2019s last season in charge. However, the positive momentum built was hurt by the late season injury to star\u00a0Nick Fitzgerald<\/a><\/strong>, a loss to rival Ole Miss, and their coach\u2019s departure for the Florida Gators. They hired Penn State offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead as Mullen\u2019s replacement. The Bulldogs were too one dimensional at times this year, as the passing game never found enough rhythm. They now get to face Lamar Jackson<\/a> and the Louisville Cardinals in the TaxSlayer Bowl.<\/p>\n Coach Will Muschamp\u2019s squad exceeded expectations for a second consecutive season. The Gamecocks were thought by most to struggle to get bowl eligible in the 2017 SEC season. Instead, they are an eight-win team and will play in a New Year\u2019s Day bowl. How they got to this point is not as straightforward as some other teams though. There isn\u2019t really a unit on this team that stood out, but they kept finding ways to win ball games. The offense sputtered often this season, and its inconsistencies hurt South Carolina in losses to Kentucky and Texas A&M. The defense was opportunistic and usually buckled down inside the red zone. A rash of Injuries during the middle of the year definitely hurt the offense. The Gamecocks will face Michigan in the Outback Bowl.<\/p>\n The Aggies rebounded from their season-opening meltdown to win five of their next six games. Unfortunately, they struggled down the stretch once again and is cost Kevin Sumlin<\/a><\/strong> his job. After missing six games, Nick Starkel<\/a><\/strong> took back his quarterback job and brought some balance to the offense. Inconsistencies on offense and defense haunted Sumlin\u2019s team as they lost three of their last five games. The Aggies will face Wake Forest in the Belk Bowl in late December. Texas A&M was able to get former FSU coach Jimbo Fisher<\/strong> to take over the program moving forward.<\/p>\n The Wildcats are bowling for the second straight season under Mark Stoops<\/a><\/strong>. Despite losing three of their last four games, they will finish with a winning record regardless of the bowl game result. Kentucky will look back on this season as one of the missed opportunities. Close losses late in games to Florida and Ole Miss kept 2017 from being a banner year. Tailback Benny Snell<\/strong> is a star; he led the Wildcats with 1,318 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing. Kentucky will head to the\u00a0Music City Bowl to face the Big Ten\u2019s Northwestern Wildcats.<\/p>\n Considering how this season started, Missouri\u2019s late-season turnaround should get Barry Odom<\/a><\/strong> some coach of the year attention. The Tigers were dreadful during the first half of the season, losing five straight to fall to 1-5 at the midpoint. Drew Lock<\/a><\/strong> eventually got the Tigers\u2019 offense rolling, as they averaged 51.3 points per game during their six-game win streak to close out 2017. Regardless of the opponent, the numbers they produced were impressive. Lock led the SEC with 3,695 yards and 43 touchdowns through the air. Missouri will face the Texas Longhorns in the Texas Bowl.<\/p>\nOffensive Player of the Year \u2013 Kerryon Johnson<\/a><\/em> \u2013 Auburn Tigers<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Defensive Player of the Year \u2013 Roquan Smith<\/a><\/em> \u2013 Georgia Bulldogs<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Head of the Class<\/h2>\n
Georgia Bulldogs \u2013 12-1 (7-1) SEC Champs \u2013 A+<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Alabama Crimson Tide \u2013 11-1 (7-1) \u2013 A<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Auburn Tigers \u2013 10-3 (7-1) \u2013 A<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Honor Roll<\/h2>\n
LSU Tigers \u2013 9-3 (6-2) \u2013 B+<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Mississippi State Bulldogs \u2013 8-4 (4-4) \u2013 B<\/strong><\/h4>\n
South Carolina Gamecocks \u2013 8-4 (5-3) \u2013 B<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Passing Grades<\/h2>\n
Texas A&M Aggies \u2013 7-5 (4-4) \u2013 C+<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Kentucky Wildcats \u2013 7-5 (4-4) \u2013 C+<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Missouri Tigers \u2013 7-5 (4-4) \u2013 C+<\/strong><\/h4>\n
More Questions than Answers<\/h2>\n
Ole Miss Rebels \u2013 6-6 (3-5) \u2013 C<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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