the tigers got off to 4–2 start to open the year, suffering early home losses against indiana and no. 13 georgia. the tigers then won six consecutive games to finish the regular season with a 7–1 conference record, and 10–2 overall record. the tigers are making their second straight appearance in the sec championship game; last year's team fell to eventual national runner-up auburn 42–59. the tigers were able to clinch the eastern division after defeating arkansas on november 28.