Trey's Take: Four SEC Football Teams That Must Make The Most Out Of September

PublishedAugust 17, 2022 1:18 PM EDT|UpdatedAugust 17, 2022 1:18 PM EDT

For four SEC football teams, September could make or break the season. Setting the tone for October and November is pivotal, but getting out of September unscathed will be difficult. Here's a look at which SEC football programs need to be ready right out of the gate.

Texas A&M

Sept. 3 — vs. Sam Houston State Sept. 10 — vs. Appalachian State Sept. 17 — vs. Miami Sept. 24 — vs. Arkansas (in Dallas)

Texas A&M quarterback Haynes King. (Getty Images)

Well, for one, make sure both quarterbacks are ready to go. In 2021, Haynes King's injury set back the Aggies. But King is back and Max Johnson has transferred into the program. QB play shouldn't be a problem in 2022. The defense has talent and the offense has the playmakers needed to cause problems for opponents. In September there are games that the Aggies cannot afford to lose. Yes, Miami comes to town in the third week, followed by a matchup with Arkansas at Jerry's World. So if Fisher wants to make noise, he better come out of the month 4-0.

Florida

Sept. 3 — vs. Utah Sept. 10 — vs. Kentucky Sept. 17 — vs. South Florida Sept. 24 — at Tennessee

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. (Getty Images)

The Gators open with No. 7 Utah in Gainesville and it will be a challenge. But a win would do wonders for the trajectory this season. Now, if they lose and then have to deal with Kentucky the next week, followed by a trip to Tennessee just two weeks later, this could wind up being a 1-3 month. Splitting the first four games is a must. Fans wouldn't be ecstatic with a home loss to the Wildcats.

Tennessee

Sept. 1 — vs. Ball State Sept. 10 — at Pittsburgh Sept. 17 — vs. Akron Sept. 24 — vs. Florida

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. (Getty Images)

The Vols won't have a problem with Ball State, but the contest with Pittsburgh on the road could set the tone. The Vols don't want to lose that game and then have to come home and play Akron, before hosting Florida. The fanbase will not fill up the stadium to see the Joe Moorhead-led Akron Zips. Pittsburgh could be the most important game on the Vols schedule. Start 3-0 with the Gators coming to town? Now that will be a season-setting game. Start 1-3 and the fanbase will not show up for a weak home schedule anyway.

Arkansas

Sept. 3 — vs. Cincinnati Sept. 10 — vs. South Carolina Sept. 17 — vs. Missouri State Sept. 24 — vs. Texas A&M (in Dallas)

Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson. (Getty Images)

Opening with Cincinnati at home should be a win, but having to host a different-looking South Carolina team in Week 2 should bring problems. There is a lot of hype surrounding the Gamecocks because Spencer Rattler is such an unknown in this offense, but has so much talent. Then, two weeks later the Hogs will play Texas A&M in Dallas, with a chance to cause chaos in the SEC West. The Hogs can't afford to drop that game against the Gamecocks, especially with the Aggies closing out the month. A number of teams made honorable mention that will be released later this week. Continue following @TreyWallace_ for SEC football coverage of the upcoming season.