If Georgia football is No. 1 in SEC, who's No. 2? Here are 7 options | Toppmeyer

• The question is not who will be picked to win the SEC. The question is: Who will be picked to finish second? That's where the debate gets interesting.
• Texas' robust offensive line and overall returning production makes it a strong candidate for a top-two finish in the SEC.
• Looking for a wild card to finish second in the SEC? Tennessee, Missouri and Texas A&M drew favorable schedules.

I don't need the gift of clairvoyance to know Georgia football will be picked No. 1 when the media vote next week to predict the SEC standings.

Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs are the new Alabama, especially with Nick Saban retired. Pencil in UGA at No. 1. No need to overthink this.

The better question is, which team will be ranked No. 2 in the media’s predicted order of finish?

In a 12-team College Football Playoff, more than two SEC teams will qualify, so reaching the conference championship game doesn’t wield the same influence it once did. A team that misses the SEC Championship could host a first-round playoff game.

Even so, there’s incentive to reach Atlanta, because the SEC’s champion becomes eligible for a first-round playoff bye.

Here are teams I’d consider for the SEC’s No. 2 spot in the standings:

Texas

The case for: Texas returned ample production from last season’s team that beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa and reached the CFP semifinals. Quarterback Quinn Ewers is established, and many teams would envy Texas’ offensive line.

The case against: The Longhorns’ SEC newcomer status adds an element of mystery. How will they fare in their new digs? Also, will Texas be as strong at wide receiver and defensive line as it was last season?

Alabama

The case for: Nick Saban didn’t leave a bare cupboard. Jalen Milroe returns as a dynamic quarterback, and working with Kalen DeBoer could enhance his development. DeBoer took Washington to the national championship game in Year 2, so a second-place conference finish in Year 1 at Alabama is realistic.

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The case against: Alabama will encounter a stout schedule. Also, Alabama faces more uncertainty surrounding its secondary, wide receivers and backfield than usual.

Ole Miss

The case for: The Portal King did it again. This transfer haul might be coach Lane Kiffin’s best yet. That includes several key plug-and-play transfers who will elevate the defense. Quarterback Jaxson Dart enjoys a complement of offensive weapons. The schedule breaks reasonably well, too.

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The case against: Ole Miss’ losses to Alabama and Georgia last season illustrated the gap that remained between being good and being really good. The transfers should improve Ole Miss, but enough for a second-place finish?

Tennessee

The case for: The offense will remain dynamic. Redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava is the real deal. The Vols enjoy one of the SEC’s most favorable schedules. They possess more than enough firepower to outscore most opponents.

The case against: Tennessee’s overhauled secondary means the defense is something of a mystery. Also, UT flubbed winnable road games the past two years, and a September trip to Oklahoma could derail the Vols’ avenue toward a top-two finish.

LSU

The case for: The offense remains in good hands as talented gunslinger Garrett Nussmeier takes the quarterback reins. And the defense can’t possibly be as bad as last season, right? LSU’s plunder of defensive coordinator Blake Baker from Missouri should elevate that unit. Most of LSU’s toughest SEC games are at home.

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The case against: Nussmeier ought to be fine, but that doesn’t make him Jayden Daniels 2.0. LSU must replace its top three weapons off what was the nation’s best offense last year. That puts a lot of onus on the defense to be markedly better.

Missouri

The case for: The Tigers received the kindest schedule of any team on this list. Brady Cook and Luther Burden form a formidable quarterback-receiver punch. Missouri ranks near the top of the SEC in terms of returning production.

The case against: Missouri likely overachieved a bit during last year’s 11-win season. It was fortunate to beat Kansas State and Florida. The departure of Cody Schrader, the SEC’s leading rusher, can’t be overlooked, either.

Texas A&M

The case for: The Aggies cut loose the Jimbo Fisher anchor, and they return more production than any other SEC team. Plus, their three toughest SEC games (Missouri, LSU, Texas) are at Kyle Field. The Aggies are a strong candidate to be the SEC’s most-improved team.

The case against: The Aggies could improve without climbing as high as No. 2 in the standings. Quarterback Conner Weigman is returning from a broken foot. He’s not as proven as the quarterbacks from other teams on this list. Also, the Aggies’ offensive line must solidify.

Verdict

I’d pick Texas to finish second in the SEC behind Georgia. The Longhorns’ offensive line is built for the SEC, and Texas returns enough production overall to remain at a high level after last year’s CFP semifinal appearance.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's SEC Columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer.

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