Pre-Season SEC Power Rankings

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Dec 7, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Sammie Coates (18) celebrates after the 2013 SEC Championship game against the Missouri Tigers at Georgia Dome. The Auburn Tigers defeated the Missouri Tigers 59-42. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

2. Auburn

Last Season: 12-2 (7-1)

The Good: Last season was almost as good as it gets if you are an Auburn fan. From the depths of 2012, the Tigers rose through the polls, winning nail-biter after nail-biter and beating rival after rival, all the way to the SEC Championship and a spot in the national title game. Despite coming up just short of the ultimate prize, there is still much to be excited about entering 2014.

The Bad: Injuries are never easy, but losing talented sophomores Carl Lawson and Alex Kozan, both likely for the entirety of the 2014 season, really stings. Losing Lawson at defensive end means the Tigers must find a pass rushing threat. It has also resulted in Gabe Wright moving from his natural spot at defensive tackle. With Kozan out, the offensive line now has four players expected to start at new positions in 2014. Both injuries will be difficult to overcome.

The Ugly: The schedule is very, very difficult. Not only do the Tigers face a quality non-conference opponent on the road when they travel to Manhattan, Kansas for a Thursday night showdown with Kansas State, but Auburn also faces the two best teams in the SEC East.

Position-By-Position Ranking (Out of 14 SEC Teams)

Quarterbacks – 1st

Running Backs – 5th

Wide Receivers – 3rd

Tight Ends – 6th

Tackles – 4th

Guards – 4th

Centers – 1st

Total Offense – 1st