My ranking prediction based on recruiting works, kind of . . . .

[kennypig]

Before the season started, I ranked every SEC team based solely on recruiting for the last five years with few exceptions. I sent my buddy a copy so we could see if this worked or not.  Here's how it came out:

Based on recruiting ranking for the last five years,
post season standing can be influenced by rival games, injuries, fluke plays, coaching changes, schedule.
OM had the recruiting 'cheat years' mixed in to move them up.

SEC ranking East & West combined:
AL, LSU, GA, AU, A&M, FL, TN, OM, SC, ARK, MS ST, KY, MZ, VANDY.

predictions:
SEC East:   GA, FL, TN, SC, KY, Mizz, Vandy
SEC West:  AL, LSU, AU, TA&M, ARK, OM, Ms St

finished:
SEC East:   GA, SC, KY, Mizz, FL, Vandy, TN.
SEC West:  AU, AL, LSU, MS ST, TA&M, OM, ARK.

coaches fired at end of 2017:
FL, TN, TA&M, ARK
newer coaches that did well had what turned out to be a weaker schedule than expected. (MZ, SC)

National Championship
AL over GA, with AU in the final four.