2009 College Football Preview: SEC

College Football is just around the corner! We will be doing our College Football Preview until the first game begins with conference predictions, all-conference teams, BCS Bowl predictions and more...

Projected Order of Finish

East

1. Florida
Well duh... The Gators are the overwhelming favorite in the East. Tim Tebow returns along with 6 other offensive starters. Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey are dynamic speedsters who can step right in for Percy Harvin. The defense also returns all 11 starters and the whole two-deep depth chart.

2. Georgia
The Dawgs lose some valuable players in Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. Joe Cox is ready to take the helms under center. AJ Green may be the best WR in the conference (if not the country) and Caleb King should fill in well at RB. The defense had a lot of young talent last year. The defensive line should be tough with Geno Atkins back. Look for the defense to improve.

3. Tennessee
The Vols were awful last year, but I think they will be a lot better this season. This team had some talent but were inexperienced. The defense was one of the best in the conference but the offense just couldn't put points on the board. Eric Berry is arguably the best DB in the nation. Look for QB Jonathan Crompton to get the Vols O some more production.

4. South Carolina
The Gamecocks lose some big time players on both sides of the ball. Stephen Garcia will be the main QB this season and looks to help a struggling offense. The defense has always been there but they need more consistency on the other side. This will once again not be Steve Spurrier's year in South Carolina.

5. Vanderbilt
Vandy returns 19 starters from an improved 2008 season. They still lack that star that can get them over the top; the defense was good last season but they often relied on it too much. If they can get some more consistency from the offense and hold their own on defense, the Commodores could get over the hump.

6. Kentucky
Kentucky was same old Kentucky last year yet they still found themselves in a bowl game. The offense was abysmal but the QBs look promising and RB Alfonso Smith is a good back. The defense has a few play makers but look for the Cats to continue down the bottom of the SEC East.

West

1. Mississippi
The Rebels showed what they were made of in their bowl game drupping of Texas Tech. Jevan Snead might be one of the most underrated QB's in the nation. Plenty experience returns on both sides of the ball. The RB position is stacked with Brandon Bolden, Cordera Eason, and Dexter McCluster all capable ball carriers.

2. Alabama
The defense returns 9 starters and the offense returns RB Mark Ingram and one of the best WRs in the nation in Julio Jones. QB position is a big question mark now that John Parker Wilson is gone.

3. LSU
You really think Les Miles will have another down year? Think again... QB Jordan Jefferson is coming along well and veteran RB Charles Scott is a bruiser in the backfield. WR Brandon LaFell should help spread defenses too.

4. Auburn
Auburn missed their first bowl game since 1999. New head coach Gene Chizik is looking to get this Tiger team back to the top. The talent is there and 14 starters are back. The offense was off and on last season but the defense kept them in games. Look for DB Zac Etheridge to be one of the best in the conference.

5. Arkansas
They went from good in 2007 to bad in 2008. Don't expect things to be much different this season. Ryan Mallett should finally give them some stability at QB, something they've been missing the past several seasons. The defense gave up a lot of points and must get better if they want to move up the West standings at all.

6. Mississippi St.
Look for new head coach Dan Mullen to bring some creativity to the offense. The MSU faithful should be pretty excited with the former Florida OC calling the plays. Too many question marks at the QB position and on offense for them to get back to a bowl game though.

SEC Championshp:
Florida over Mississippi

All TSF SEC Team

Offense
QB Tim Tebow- Florida
RB Charles Scott- LSU
RB Michael Smith- Arkansas
WR AJ Green- Georgia
WR Julio Jones- Alabama
TE Aaron Hernandez- Florida
OL Maurkice Pouncey- Florida
OL Mike Pouncey- Florida
OL Ciron Black- LSU
OL John Jerry- Ole Miss
OL Mike Johnson- Alabama

Defense
DL Carlos Dunlap- Florida
DL Greg Hardy- Ole Miss
DL Terrence Cody- Alabama
DL Geno Atkins- Georgia
LB Rennie Curran- Georgia
LB Brandon Spikes- Florida
LB Rolando McClain- Alabama
DB Eric Berry- Tennessee
DB Joe Haden- Florida
DB Ahmad Black- Florida
DB Trevard Lindley- Kentucky

Offensive Player of the Year
Tim Tebow- Florida

Defensive Player of the Year
Eric Berry- Tennessee

Freshman of the Year
Andre Dubose- Florida

Coach of the Year
Houston Nutt- Ole Miss

Top 3 Games:
Florida at LSU- Oct. 10
Alabama at Ole Miss- Oct. 10
LSU at Alabama- Nov. 7

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Gotcha! Now to the real topic...

College Football Weekend Preview

Ole Miss at Florida
Ole Miss is an improved team this season with former Texas QB Jevan Snead at the helm. Snead has been pretty impressive, throwing for 844 yards and 6 TD thus far. The Gators defense has improved drastically compared to last season and part of that has to do with confidence. Brandon Spikes up the middle, Carlos Dunlap on the line, and Major Wright deep in the secondary are all underrated playmakers. Tebow hasn't been quite as impressive as last season yet, but his passing has improved. The Gators speed could be too much for the Rebels.

The Pick: Florida

Wisconsin at Michigan
The Wolverines are just god-awful this season. Rich Rodriguez just doesn't have the players that fits his system. The defense has given up way too many big plays and the QB situation is a mess. Wisconsin, on the other hand, has got the job done. P.J. Hill looks like his old self. The defense has been pretty tough, shutting down a good offense in Fresno St. earlier.

The Pick: Wisconsin

Illinois at Penn St.
This could be an intriguing and high-scoring affair. Penn St. may be one of the most surprising teams thus far. Illinois hasn't been too bad, they just need both sides of the ball to be a little more consistent. It seems like everybody has stepped up for the Nittany Lions, the special teams have, (dare I say it) been special. This game could have some big implications on the Big Ten.

The Pick: Penn St.

Tennessee at Auburn
The Vols were terrible vs. Florida last week, and that's an understatement! They had so many mistakes and mental meltdowns it was unbelievable. The pressure could be looming on Phil Fullmer soon. Auburn is coming off a tough loss at home to LSU. This is a must win for both teams.

The Pick: Auburn

Upset and Game of the Week (Combined for this week)
Alabama over Georgia

Yes, I am starting to jump on the Bama band wagon. They have been so impressive lately and Georgia hasn't been as dominant as I initially thought. I think the Bama offense can put up some points on the Dawgs D. Look for Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno to be contained, but not stopped. This should be one hell of a game.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
Northern Iowa at Southern Illinois
The winner of this should have the early inside track at the Missouri Valley Title.

The Pick: Northern Iowa

College Football 2008 Conference Preview: SEC

This is our last of the conference predictions. I know the season just started but I really wanted to get this last one in. My predictions have not changed and all of these are still premeditated.

Predicted Order of Finish
East
1.Florida
Call me a homer, but Florida will be much improved this season. Their offense is one of the most explosive in the nation. Heisman winner Tim Tebow is back and wants another national title. WR Percy Harvin is electrifying. RB Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody will finally give the Gators a consistent running game other than Tebow. The WRs may be fairly young but they are talented and fast. The defense will be much improved after a season of growing pains. The LBs are some of the best in the nation with Brandon Spikes and Dustin Doe. Look for Major Wright to emerge as a top safety in the SEC.

2. Georgia
I really like this team. They're experienced and talented, I just like the Gators to beat them. QB Matt Stafford is one of the best QBs out there and has the best arm too. RB Knowshon Moreno is a top 2 back in the nation as well. The WRs are talented but need to continue to improve. the defensive line is arguably the best in the SEC, which includes Gino Atkins. The LB corps lacks experience but has plenty of youthful talent. The secondary needs some work but they still have the depth there to step up.

3. Tennessee
This Tenn. team won't be any different from the past few years. Not a dominant team, but not one that will back down either. QB John Crompton is a capable QB to fill in for Erik Ainge. The offensive line is decently good and they have a very good back in Arian Foster. The defense should be fine. The secondary will be solid with one of the best DBs in the nation in sophomore Eric Berry.

4. South Carolina
SC fans are still looking for Spurrier to get them over the hump and win a division or conference title. Could this be their year? The QB situation will be interesting throughout the season with Tommy Beecher and Chris Smelley. Look for WR Kenny McKinley to be one of the best in the SEC. The defense should be decent with quite a few starters returning.

5. Kentucky

6. Vanderbilt

West
1. Auburn
Auburn is switching to the spread which seems fitting in the SEC. They do lose QB Brandon Cox but they have some talented back-ups to help fill that void. The WRs will be talented and help out the new QB. The line will be stellar with 4 starters back there. Watch out for the defense as they have plenty of starters and depth back led by LB Tray Blackmon.

2. LSU
LSU will take a step back after losing some key starters on both sides of the ball. They have a new QB to break-in. The running game should fare well with a solid O-Line and a good stable of backs lead by Charles Scott and Keiland Williams. The defense will have some rough spots, esp. at LB. But look for the D-Line to be arguably the best in the nation with Ricky Jean-Franois and Tyson Jackson.

3. Alabama
This Bama team should be improved this season with loads of young talent. The Tide will have more depth than in recent years. QB John Parker-Wilson is experienced, which is a plus. The WR unit is deep and talented. The defense will need to make stops and step up in order to make some noise at the top of the west.

4. Mississippi St.
MSU is an up-start team after making and winning a bowl game for the first time under Sylvester Croom. They should be improved. They recruited fairly well, which will help with depth.

5. Arkansas
Look for the Razorbacks to take a step back after losing Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.

6. Mississippi

SEC Championship:
Florida over Auburn

Offensive Player of the Year:
Tim Tebow, QB- Florida

Defensive Player of the Year:
Eric Berry, S- Tennessee

Freshman Player of the Year:
Julio Jones, WR- Alabama

Coach of the Year:
Nick Saban- Alabama

Top 3 Games:
Florida vs. Georgia- Nov. 1

Auburn at Georgia- Nov. 15

Alabama at Auburn- Nov. 29

10 Games in 10 Days: Georgia at Arizona St.

It is now Day 3 of TSF's '10 Games in 10 Days', previewing the Bulldogs vs. the Sun Devils.

Day 1: Kansas at South Florida
Day 2: Ohio St. at USC

Georgia at Arizona St.

Preview:
It's a showdown of two top 15 teams. Both teams return plenty of experience. Georgia is one of the favorites to win the SEC, while Arizona St. is expected to give USC a run for their money in the Pac 10.

The visiting Bulldogs return plenty of talent and experience. They will be young in some areas, but loaded. QB Matt Stafford is back as he shows he can be not only one of the best in the SEC, but the country. Sophomore RB Knowshon Moreno was electrifying last season as a true freshman and the WRs will be deep and experienced but none of them have stood out. The defense will be solid, the defensive line is arguably the best in the SEC, which includes Gino Atkins. The LB corps lacks experience but has plenty of youthful talent. The secondary needs some work but they still have the depth there to step up.

Arizona St. will once again have a lot of pressure on them to perform from the loyal fan base and program. This year could be their year as they return a solid offense. QB Rudy Carpenter is a great player but he needs his line to protect him, as they gave up 55 sacks last season; but they've been working hard with their OL all of spring and summer. The RB core is nice with some beefy runners and the WRs will be stellar with Mike Jones (Who?) and Chris McGaha back. The defense looks to be improved with many starters in-tact on this side of the ball as well. The defensive ends look as good as anyone but the defensive tackles need to stop the run. The LBs will need to step up here as the d-line couldn't stop the run and the secondary couldn't stop the pass last season. They have talent returning at LB but they have a big load on their shoulders.

Offensive Player to Watch: Knowshon Moreno, RB- Georgia

Defensive Player to Watch: Dexter Davis, DE- ASU

Outlook:
This will be a huge non conference game for both teams. A win here could help propel both teams into the national title hunt and only help their chances at landing a BSC Bowl berth (that's if they were at-large selections). This could be a high-scoring affair as both teams are loaded on the offensive side, both of the defenses' have some question marks. It will come down to who will stop whom last.

Early Prediction:
Georgia 31 Arizona St. 21
I have to go with the Dawgs. Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno will put on a clinic against the Sun Devils. I think the Devils' offense can match Georgia point for point but I like Georgia's defense over ASU's. Both defense's have some question marks, but Georgia is just too talented, too experienced, and just simply a better and faster team than Arizona St.

2008 College Football Pre-Season Rankings

The other day I did the College BBall Pre-Season Rankings, so it seems fitting that I do some college football now.

1. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has to be the top team, they have plenty back, they return their QB in Matthew Stafford and one of the up and coming RBs in Knowshon Moreno, who should be one of the top backs in the nation. The offensive line is decent with 3 starters back and one decent WR in Mohamed Massaquoi. The have plenty of talent on the defensive side, they all have tremendous depth on the defensive line which includes Gino Atkins. The LB and secondary corps will need to step up with only a few starters back there. Overall, the Dogs have depth and tremendous talent. They have a tough schedule playing at Arizona St., South Carolina, LSU, Auburn, and Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia Tech at home plus the Florida showdown. So we'll see if they can get through their schedule.

2. Florida Gators
Florida returns plenty of talent and experience. Not only are they talented but they're deep and I mean very deep. Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow is looking for another national title. The offense should be explosive again with 8 starters back. Percy Harvin will lead the WR corps along with one of the best TEs in the country in Cornelius Ingram. USC transfer Emmanuel Moody is looking to boost the RB unit. And 4 starters return on the offensive line. The defense should be better, they will be young but talented. The LB crew will be one of the best in the land lead by junior Brandon Spikes.

3. USC Trojans
The reason I have the Trojans 3rd is because they don't have their starting QB back. But Mark Sanchez is more than capable to lead this team to the promised land. The Trojans only return 4 starters on offense but they are loaded all over the place. The WRs will be exceptional with Vidal Hazelton and Patrick Turner back. They will have the deepest backfield in the nation with Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, CJ Gable, and Allen Bradford. The defense will be the best in the nation, the defensive front will be stellar and the LB unit will be the best in the nation lead by Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing and the secondary returns starters which includes Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays.

4. Ohio St. Buckeyes
The Buckeyes will be the most experienced of all the top teams next season. They return 17 total starters and this could be the year they finally put it together and win it all. QB Todd Boeckman returns along with WRs Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. RB Chris (Beanie) Wells should be one of the top backs in the nation. The defense should be solid with James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins deciding to return.

5. Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners should be the favorite to win the Big 12 once again. 18 total starters are back in all. QB Sam Bradford returns along with DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown at tailback. Oklahoma should have two of the top front lines in the nation, which will only help their cause for a BCS Title berth.

6. West Virginia Mountaineers
WVA should be one of the fastest teams in the country again. Speedster QB Pat White is back, RB Steve Slaton may be gone but sophomore Noel Devine showed he can replace him. Devine could be a darkhorse for the Heisman this season. The defense should also be solid with several starters back and some experienced LBs.

7. Missouri Tigers
Mizzou returns 15 starters from a team that should have made a BCS Bowl. Heisman candidate Chase Daniel is back along with a slough of talented WRs. There's questions at RB with Tony Temple gone. The defense should be very tough again as 3 linemen return. The LB corps returns all 3 starters along with the secondary as well. Missouri should challenge Oklahoma and Texas for the Big XII Title.

8. Clemson Tigers
Clemson should be the ACC favorite. QB Cullen Harper returns after having a surprising 2007 campaign. They also have the best RB tandem in the nation in James Davis and C.J. Spiller. Both starting WRs return but they'll need to find some people to step up on the offensive line. The defense will good again, the defensive front will be nasty which includes Dorell Scott. The LBs return only one starter but the secondary will be one of the best in the nation with Chris Clemons and Crezdon Butler.

9. Texas Longhorns
QB Colt McCoy returns and is looking for a BCS Title berth. One question is at RB where Jamal Charles left early for the NFL. The WRs should be solid along with the offensive line. OG Cedric Dockery is one of the top linemen in the country. The defense has quite a few wholes to fill as they only return 4 starters and not much experience.

10. Auburn Tigers
Auburn is switching to the spread which seems fitting in the SEC. They do lose QB Brandon Cox but they have some talented back-ups to help fill that void. The WRs will be talented and help out the new QB. The line will be stellar with 4 starters back there. Watch out for the defense as they have plenty of starters and depth back led by LB Tray Blackmon.

Outside Looking In:
Wisconsin, Texas Tech, Arizona St., Illinois, Virginia Tech, Kansas, & BYU

2008 College Football Teams to look out for

Just thought I would do a brief post on some College Football and thoughts on the favorites for next season.

Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia was very young and inexperienced last season. They return a boatload of talent. After a very impressive season winning the Sugar Bowl, they are just that much more experienced. QB Matthew Stafford returns and is looking to be not only one of the top QBs in the SEC, but one of the best in the nation. RB Knowshon Moreno also returns after a big year rushing for 1334 yards and 14 TDs.

USC Trojans
USC loses some key players, but returns some important impact players; more specifically on the defensive side. Many were expecting LBs Keith Rivers and Rey Mauluga to enter the draft but now they're back. They return 3 starters in the secondary and the QB position is deep with Mitch Mustain transferring in. They will also be very deep at tailback once again. Watch out for RB Joe McKnight.

Florida Gators
The Gators were also inexperienced and young, especially on the defensive side. 8 starters return on both sides of the ball and Florida should once again have one of the best offensive attacks in the nation, lead by Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin. The defense should be better with several starters returning including two upcoming stars in LB Brandon Spikes and FS Major Wright.

Ohio St. Buckeyes
The Buckeyes will be the most experienced of all the top teams next season. They return 17 total starters and this could be the year they finally put it together and win it all. QB Todd Boeckman returns along with WRs Brian Robiskie and Brian Hartline. RB Chris (Beanie) Wells should be one of the top backs in the nation. The defense should be solid with James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins deciding to return.

Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners should be the favorite to win the Big 12 once again. 18 total starters are back in all. Oklahoma should have two of the top front lines in the nation, which will only help their cause for a BCS Title berth.

West Virginia Mountaineers
WVA should be one of the fastest teams in the country again. Speedster QB Pat White is back, RB Steve Slaton may be gone but sophomore Noel Devine showed he can replace him. Devine could be a darkhorse for the Heisman this season. The defense should also be solid with several starters back and some experienced LBs.

Other top teams to keep an eye on:
Missouri, Clemson, Texas, Auburn, Arizona St., LSU, Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech

BCS Bowl Thoughts

The BCS Bowl Matchups were announced today and I would just like to give some insight and thoughts about it.

BCS National Title Game

The title game is LSU vs. Ohio St. This is who I predicted it was going to be after yesterdays games. Ohio St. is the most deserving, yes they don't have the toughest schedule out there but from watching them this year they are a great team. Their offense is pretty explosive and they have one of the best defenses in the country. I really think LSU deserves it as well, they played a very tough schedule and won their conference. They had big wins over Virginia Tech, Florida, Auburn, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

This is a perfect opportunity for OSU to avenge their BCS Title loss to Florida last year. All they're going to hear from now till the game is how they won't be able to match up with LSU and their speed. I think because of their loss last year, the Buckeyes will be very prepared for LSU come January 7.

Hawaii vs. Georgia

First off, I am glad to see Georgia in this game, they didn't deserve to play in the title game. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you don't win your conference championship then you don't deserve to play for a national championship, and when you have a system like the BCS then that's how it should be. A second place team shouldn't be playing for first place ever, period.

As for Hawaii I am glad to see them in this game. Another opportunity to see a mid-major go against one of the BCS Boys in Georgia. Hopefully Hawaii can pull it out like Boise St. did last year.

Kansas or Missouri?
Another problem I have here is Kansas getting in over Missouri. First of all Mizzou beat the Jayhawks head to head. Yes, Kansas has one loss but their strength of schedule is 109th (119 total) and Missouri is 25th. Missouri lost only twice and both times to Oklahoma. I guess the BCS is praising wins over Florida International, SE Louisiana, and Toledo, compared to wins over Illinois, Ole Miss, and Western Michigan.

What are your thoughts on the BCS Bowl Matchups?

College Football 2007 Conference Preview: SEC

The SEC is no doubt the best conference in the nation with some of the fiercest defenses and the defending national champion Florida Gators and another favorite for this year's title in LSU.

Predicted Order of Finish:
East
1. Florida
The Gators lose 9 starters on defense, which could be a problem if they want to defend their national title. But good thing they will have one of the most dynamic and explosive offense's in the country. Chris Leak is gone, but QB Tim Tebow is primed to be the next great Gator QB. The WRs will be very talented with Sr. Andre Caldwell, So. Percy Harvin, Jr. Louis Murphy, So. Jarred Fayson, and WR/TE Cornelius Ingram all back. Tebow will have all sorts of talented receivers to throw to. The RB situation still looks a little cloudy but former backup Kestahn Moore looks very promising, but they still can stick Harvin back there when needed. Now to the defense, this could determine the Gators fate. Only two starters are back (DE Derrick Harvey and SS Tony Joiner) and the rest of the positions are young. Urban Meyer said the young talent on the D looks very promising, but they need to improve quickly before their Sept. 15 meeting with Tennessee.

2. Tennessee
Nobody really knows how Tennessee will end up this season. They are sort of a mystery team. They could win the conference and end up playing in a BCS bowl game or everything could fall apart just like that. The O-Line and D-Line need to improve and find some depth in order for them to compete with Florida for the East Title. QB Erik Ainge is back but he must stay healthy, if he can do that the Vols should be a pretty good team. They still need to find a legitimate back to take over and the WR unit was hit very hard with the losses of Robert Meachem, Jayson Swain, and Bret Smith. The defense has 5 starters back and needs to find players to step up at LB and in the secondary.

3. Georgia
The Bulldogs lose 12 starters but have some great young talent to help make that up. So. QB Matthew Stafford should be improved and has some good WRs in Mohamed Massaquoi and Sean Bailey. RB Kregg Lumpkin is back and should be able to produce some good numbers along the way but watch out for redshirt freshman Knowshon Moreno. The D-Line needs to find more depth along with the LB crew. But the secondary will be a very solid unit with CBs Paul Oliver, Bryan Evans, and FS Kelin Johnson back.

4. South Carolina
SC could have a big year, they just need the offense to get things rolling. I mean 10 starters are back on defense, but if QB Blake Mitchell and the young WRs can step up, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia could be in for a waking. The conference schedule is definitely favorable, so they could surprise some people.

5. Kentucky
I think Andre Woodson will be one of the best QBs in the nation and a darkhorse candidate for the Heisman, they just need to fill some holes on defense and hope it can improve along the way until they get to their conference schedule.

6. Vanderbilt
The offense will be experienced and good with the return of QB Chris Nickson and WR Earl Bennett. The running game needs to improve but Jeff Jennings is back after missing '06 with an injury, so that should help. But the defense needs to improve in order for Vanderbilt to move out of the cellar in the SEC East.

West
1. LSU
The offense could be a problem after losing QB JaMarcus Russell and WRs Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis. But Matt Flynn has plenty of experience on his hands and should fill in well for Russell. The WRs will be young but they still have the leadership and ability of Early Doucet. Sophomore RBs Keiland Williams and Charles Scott should put up some plausible numbers behind three returning linemen. The Defense, with 8 starters returning, should be one the best in the country and the defensive front, from my stand point, will be the best in the country, lead by DT Glenn Dorsey and Marlon Favorite and DE Tyson Jackson. The LBs will be dynamite as well with 3 starters back in Ali Highsmith (one of the best in the nation), Darry Beckwith, and Luke Sanders. The secondary should be talented and athletic even after losing 4 year starters LaRon Landry and Jessie Daniels, with CBs Jonathan Zenon and Chevis Jackson leading the way.

2. Arkansas
Arkansas will have the best RB duo in the country and QB Casey Dick as well as one of the best WRs in the SEC in Marcus Monk are back. Darren McFadden is one of those RBs and is the best back in the nation. He finished 2nd in the Heisman voting and rushed for 1, 647 yards last season. Felix Jones, the other RB, isn't far behind as he rushed for 1,168 yards. In order for Arkansas to win the West again they need QB Casey Dick to be more consistent and the defense to step up after losing 7 starters from last years team.

3. Auburn
The Tigers have a tough road conference schedule at Florida, Arkansas, LSU, and Georgia, which won't be enough to finish above third place in the west. The offensive line and RB positions could poise some problems early and often as Kenny Irons bolted for the NFL. QB Brandon Cox is back, which will help. DE Quentin Groves is back and one of the best pass rushers in the conference. The secondary still has some issues to sort out where they lost DB David Irons.

4. Alabama
The Tide has turned after Alabama signed new head coach Nick Saban. The Bama faithful are hoping for some progress and believe Saban could lead them to the promised land. But sorry Bama fans, this won't be your year. The passing game will be stellar with QB John Parker Wilson and WRs D.J. Hall and Keith Brown all back. The secondary will be decent with CB Simeon Castille back, but the front seven must improve.

5. Mississippi
The offense looked horrid in the spring and QB Brent Schaefer didn't look very good either. But I feel Schaefer has a ton of potential and could get some good wins for the Rebels. 6 defensive starters return but they need to replace LBs Patrick Willis and Rory Johnson.

6. Mississippi St.
Sylvester Croom is on the hot seat and must get some wins for the Bulldogs. The O-Line has good experience back and QB Michael Henig, RB Anthony Dixon, and WR Tony Burks are back. The defense needs to pick up the slack and fill in the voids for the losses of 4 of it's 5 best linemen and LB Quinton Culberson. DE Titus Brown will be one of the best in the country.

SEC Championship:
LSU over Florida

Offensive Player of the Year:
Darren McFadden, RB- Arkansas

Defensive Player of the Year:
Glenn Dorsey, DT- LSU

Freshman of the Year:
Eric Berry, CB- Tennessee

Coach of the Year:
Urban Meyer- Florida

Games to Watch:
Tennessee at Florida- Sept. 15

Florida at LSU- Oct. 6

Florida vs. Georgia- Oct. 27

Arkansas at Tennessee- Nov. 10

LSU at Alabama- Nov. 3

Arkansas at LSU- Nov. 24

Arkansas at Alabama- Sept. 15