By: Garrett Zatlin
The SEC is constantly criticized (and unfairly in my opinion). Somehow, teams are not nearly as good as others just because their conference hasn't been historically strong. However, Arkansas some of the best history in the NCAA while other teams like Mississippi, Texas A&M, and Kentucky, are finally making efforts to make this a 'no-joke' conference.
Individually, I have MJ Erb winning it. However, I'm not sure he's an automatic number one for this race. There is a lot of underrate talent behind him that includes his own teammates, a pair from Arkansas, and Villareal. After, Erb I gave Tonui the second spot for his front-running abilities while Tobin settles for third after being one of the more consistent runner this season. Arkansas' Austin Dalquist got the best of Tonui at Pre-Nats, but I don't see this race being as fast and experience playing a bigger role. Cameron Villareal is also an interesting name to watch as he placed 7th at Notre Dame. Can he replicate that performance this weekend?
As for the teams, I see Arkansas pulling out a close one over Mississippi. Arkansas has been on the DL all year until they got to Pre-Nats where they shocked everyone with a 3rd place team finish. Meanwhile, the once top-10 ranked Rebels have struggled greatly with veterans like Gilley and Gallagher failing to fulfill their roles as top scorers. Akransas' pack looks like it has become very developed and it might be the closest pack in the NCAA. That pack running will be an advantage for the Razorbacks in a smaller, less talented field. Still, Mississippi could surprise. Engels and Manahan are big-time milers and have shown flashes of XC prowess this season. If this race gets tactical, Arkansas could be in trouble with Mississippi's lethal kickers.
Individuals
1. MJ Erb, Junior, Mississippi
2. Frankline Tonui, Junior, Arkansas
3. Sean Tobin, Sophomore, Mississippi
4. Austin Dalquist, Sophomore, Arkansas
5. Cameron Villareal, Junior, Texas A&M
6. Gabe Gonzalez, Senior, Arkansas
7. Alex George, Sophomore, Arkansas
8. Ryan Manahan, Rs. Sophomore, Mississippi
9. Austin Wells, Junior, Texas A&M
10. Robbie Farnham-Rose, Junior, Alabama
Teams
1. Arkansas
2. Mississippi
3. Texas A&M
4. Florida
5. Kentucky
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