re: Will anyone compete with LSU for #1 in the West?

I know it's a troll thread, but there's some truth to it.

LSU cratered hard in 2020, but with a historically bad defense, and an offense that put up over 30 despite playing 3 qbs, 2 of which were true freshmen. All 3 come back with most of the core offense, including the entire O Line and backfield.
With even just an average, decent defense, LSU should be very good. A good defense should make them a contender, and they do return a pair of 1st rd level corners.

Alabama is Alabama, and should be favored to repeat until proven otherwise. But they do lose a ton of experience, which could open the door some.

A&M had "their year" in 2020; which timed up well vs LSU but didn't with Alabama. They're going to drop back.

I think Auburn steps back a bit, at least until the new guy gets used to the SEC. I think Arkansas steps up some, but that just means they are in a 4 way race with the Mississippi schools and Auburn.

Someone mentioned A&M and UGA reassessing if they don't make Atlanta... probably not far from the truth. Georgia had a big window in the East, and only got 1 SEC title from that. Fla seems to have caught them, instead of UGA catching Bama. If they start to level off and slide, might get hot for Kirby.

A&M put a ton of money into Jimbo, and he got as high as 2nd in the West with a buttwhipping against Alabama. If they slide back too, the Powers That Be in Aggieland might not be happy. They didn't pay 75 mil for 3rd place, or even just "to compete with LSU".

Now, LSU's got their own issues. Going 5-5 has burned all of O's goodwill up, and he needs a 10 win season to keep the pitchforks at bay.