SEC EastFlorida (13-1 in 2008, 7-1 in the Conference)
Defending Champions: Perhaps the biggest battle this team will fight this year is all the talk of “Repeat Champions”. Yeah, most of the team is back…on both sides of the ball and yeah…Tim Tebow may be the best “College” Quarterback of all time and yeah…Chris Rainey is still there and so is Brandon Spikes and Carlos Dunlap and Major Wright.
Few Questions: The only real significant change was at Offensive Coordinator; Dan Mullen is gone to Mississippi State. With so many guys back, they shouldn’t miss a beat. If Tebow gets hurt, is John Brantley ready to run the Offense? Supposedly Coach Meyer is going to incorporate some Pro Style sets in his offense to help Tebow’s draft status.
OSG’s Outlook:
Phil- They obviously are the team to beat. The only thing that could slow them down is themselves. Really, if Tebow got hurt, they might struggle, but the defense is strong enough to make up for it. As much as it kills me to say this…they will repeat, in the SEC and the BCS.
Wilkie- Florida will win the SEC East, the SEC Championship and the BCS Title. They are that great.
Nelson- What Phil said… this is easy so far…
Georgia- (10-3 in 2008, 6-2 in the conference)
No Pressure- The pressure is off, the expectations are low…that seems to be when Coach Mark Richt is at his best. They should be a better “Team” then they were last year. Though QB Joe Cox doesn’t have experience, he knows the system inside and out. The O-Line will be very, very good; they are young, big and strong. The defense should be better with the return of DT Jeff Owens; they are very deep on the line.
Lots of Questions- Who is going to step up and run the ball? They love RB Carlton Thomas, but he is 5-7. RB Richard Samuel seems to have won the RB job…for now. Can they cover anyone? The secondary struggled at times last year and loses CB Asher Allen and S CJ Byrd. S Rashad Jones is back, but CB Prince Miller is going to have to step up and be “The” cover corner.
OSG’s Outlook-
Phil- After Florida, they are the next best team in the East. There is a “Ton” of talent here. They will be a very tough out for Florida. The schedule is going to make it tough to win 10, but they will. That will get them a trip to Orlando or Tampa in January.
Wilkie- Georgia was supposed to be the “it” team in the SEC last season but that didn’t work out. Even though Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno are cashing NFL paychecks now that doesn’t mean a drop off for the Bulldogs. As brother Phil said, there is a ton of talent suiting up for the Dogs and this year there is no external pressure to win a national title. Georgia opens with a tough one at Stillwater, OK against Oklahoma State but if the Bulldogs win there and the defense performs better than expected then let the hype begin for the Florida game. Plus it wouldn’t surprise me if Georgia got the SEC’s 2nd BCS berth… but that’s a big if.
Nelson- I think it’ll be a New Year’s bowl despite Willy Martinez and the defense. There will be a wake-up call in Stillwater opening weekend, and the offense is going to have to carry the water for the first few games. It’s usually the other way around…
Tennessee- (5-7 in 2008, 3-5 in the conference)
What’ll ya have? – Nobody really knows what to expect here. Jonathan Crompton is going to start at QB, but he started last year and did…nothing. RB Montario Hardesty gives them a solid running back and there are some freshmen ready to jump in. There isn’t much else on offense. S Eric Berry may be the best “Football” player in the SEC. There is nothing he can’t do. Don’t be surprised to see him on offense this year too. LB Rico McCoy is the only other defender of note. Lane Kiffin’s dad has a lot of work to do.
Smoke and Mirrors- Give Kiffin credit, he has taken a lot of the attention off of a team that probably will not be very good. He needs them to be left alone, to grow and handle the immense pressure that being in Knoxville brings. He will have to take advantage of his experienced coaching staff to make up for a team that needs a lot of players.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- They have a long road ahead. It is just a matter of whether the notoriously impatient fan base will wait for it. The coaching staff is in place for them to be successful. There aren’t a lot of players though. They will take their lumps again this year. If they have a winning record, Kiffin should be considered Coach of the Year.
Wilkie- If Lane Kiffin can coach just a little bit then the Vols should win 8 games this year. By the way, I would pay to watch Eric Berry play, he is something special.
Nelson- The word “painful” comes to mind for Kiffy-kins this year. I, personally, like the number and the over in the Florida game this year.
South Carolina (7-6 in 2008, 4-4 in the Conference)
Starts with the “D”- Last year, this was one of the best Defense’s in the NCAA. This year, they will need some help. Yes, LB Eric Norwood is back and that makes them dangerous. However, there aren’t a whole lot of returnees. Clifton Geathers was being counted on, but he is in a bit of trouble right now.
The Evil Genius- Maybe Steve Spurrier isn’t as brilliant as everyone makes him out to be. This team has never been very consistent on offense since he has been here. QB Stephen Garcia has the potential to be pretty good, but will need to step things up quite a bit.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- These guys are always, decent, never great. There is nothing to indicate that will change this year. Norwood is a stud and a future NFL Star. There just isn’t much else here. As always they will win 6 or 7 games and play in a minor bowl game.
Wilkie – Another mediocre season in Gamecock land in 2009 and bowl game but one down the SEC totem pole.
Nelson- What Phil said… again…
Kentucky- (7-6 in 2008, 2-6 in the conference)
Surprise, Surprise- One of 2008’s biggest surprises/revelations was QB/WR/Athlete Randall Cobb. Cobb helped the Wildcats to one of their best seasons in recent memory. Until injured, did what was needed to make them competitive. He may line up at WR to start the year, but unless Brian Hartline does more than what he has, look for Cobb to end up under Center before it is all over.
CB Trevard Lindley is the man on Defense, though they have some work to do on that side of the ball
More Consistency- That has always been the biggest issue here. This year, they have some work to replace several Defensive Linemen. The O-Line lost 2 starters as well. They don’t have the power or depth to run with the big boys each Saturday, but they can jump up and bite people.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- Each year under Rich Brooks they have gotten better. They won’t be mistaken for Florida, but they have become a solid program. We like Cobb a lot. They will fight it out with South Carolina, Tennessee and Vandy for 3rd in the East and will be in a bowl.
Wilkie- I’ve got to stand up and applaud Rich Brooks for the job he’s done with Kentucky. The Wildcats have become a solid football program and not just something to do in Lexington until they tip off the hoop season at Rupp Arena. This season Florida, Alabama and Tennessee must come to Commonwealth Stadium and at least one from the trio will be upset by UK. Kentucky will be a major pain in the backside but just doesn’t have the horses to win the SEC East this year but the Wildcats will go to a bowl game.
Nelson- I still like, either, a Music City or an Independence appearance here. They may as well rename the Nashville bowl the “Rich Brooks Invitational.”
Vanderbilt- (7-6 in 2008, 4-4 in the Conference)
Encore- Last year was their 1st bowl game since 1982. Bobby Johnson flat out is a good coach. With LB Patrick Benoist, Chris Marve and John Stokes all with an extra year of experience, this should be the strength of the team. They are solid all-around on Defense. This group should be very, very good.
Stepping Up- The big question is “Who is going to step up on offense”? Nobody is sure. QB Mackenzie Adams has shown flashes of brilliance, but wasn’t good enough to get the Bowl Game start. Alex Washington is a potential breakout star…if someone can get him the ball.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- Yes, Bobby Johnson is a magician. The Defense here is legit however. The Offense…not so much. Because of the “D” they will be competitive, but unless Adams plays well all year, I just don’t see them repeating last years Bowl effort.
Wilkie- The defense is as good as advertised but the offense must produce for Vanderbilt to go to back to back bowl games. If the Commodores can get in ugly slug fests then Vandy has a chance to win 6 and go bowling. That’s the ‘Dores only shot.
Nelson- “The new defense is here! The new defense is here!” But they won’t be able to help the offense. I’m thinking just under .500 and missing out on a bowl game.
East Champs-
Phil- Florida
Wilkie - Florida
Nelson- You’re kidding…??? Right…???
SEC West
Alabama- (12-2 in 2008, 8-0 in the Conference)
Chchch..changes- There will be a lot of new faces on this years Tide Offensive team. Gone are John Parker Wilson, Glen Coffee and Andre Smith. Greg McElroy steps in at Quarterback and Mark Ingram takes full time Running Back Duty. WR Julio Jones is back for his second year and should take pressure off of McElroy. The big Question is who will protect him. Two new O-Line starters will be the gauge as to how well they will be on Offense.
Still Strong- Despite losing S Rashad Johnson, pretty much the rest of last years outstanding Defense returns. DT Terrance (Mt.) Cody is back, a little slimmer (relatively) and LB Rolando McClain is there as well. There is a lot of experience in the Secondary as well
OSG’s Take-
Phil- They will be good, but probably not as good as last year. Jones and Ingram will be great on Offense, but their success hinges on McElroy. The Defense remains stout and they will carry this team early on. They will compete for the West title and be in a good bowl game, but not a BCS game this year…be patient Tide faithful, you are a year away from being scary.
Wilkie – Alabama is loaded with talent and depth plus plenty motivated after the way the 2008 season ended. The Crimson Tide should win the SEC West and challenge Florida for the SEC crown in Atlanta.
Nelson- If the season opener is a win against Va Tech, then look out. If it’s a loss, I’m thinking it a lower New Year’s Bowl. Still a successful year in Tuscaloosa… next year, however…
Auburn- (5-7 in 2008, 2-6 in the Conference)
Curiosity- This is an interesting team. They have to find an identity this year, they really didn’t have one last year. They were a pretty good defensive team, but the offense was horrible. New starting QB Chris Todd needs to step up and take over the “O” for them to be competitive. RB Ben Tate and WR/PR Mario Fannin are back and are very good but they will only be as good as their Quarterback. Where are the other QB's...? Kodi Burns and Neil Caudle...? Catching passes and standing on the sidelines...
Step Up- There are plenty of guys on the other side of the ball who will need to step up as well. DE Antonio Coleman is back, but LB Trey Blackmon is now in the CFL. There are a few holes to fill; the question is can Coordinator Ted Roof find guys to fill them.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- This is a program on the downswing. I don’t think that Gene Chizik is the answer either. They need to figure out who they are quickly or they will be run over in this conference. There are some athletes here, if they figure it out on Offense, they may see .500 and a bowl game, but right now, I’m not seeing it.
Wilkie- If Auburn gets any kind of offense then Gene Chizik’s first year on the Plains won’t be all that bad. If not they don’t have a chance in the SEC. Of course if the Tigers beat Alabama at Jordan – Hare in November then all is well with the Chizik, even at below .500.
Nelson- If they figure out who they are, the home schedule will get them to .500. If they still are stumbling on offense, there’s real problems on the Plains and Jay Jacobs better watch his back for hiring The Chizik.
Arkansas- (5-7 in 2008, 2-6 in the Conference)
Momentum- These guys finished strongly last season. Big things are expected from QB Ryan Mallet. RB Michael Smith ran for over 1,000 yards last year and All-Star TE D.J. Williams is back too. They have to fill 2 holes on the Offensive Line, but that should not be a huge issue.
Figure it Out- They need some kids to figure out how to be SEC Football players on Defense. They were very young and very vulnerable last year. This year, most of those kids return and Coach Petrino really doesn’t know what to expect. Any improvement over last season will help this team…a lot.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- Love him or hate him, Bobby Petrino can coach some football. This is one of the scarier teams in the SEC. They may not stop a lot of people, but they certainly will be able to score with them. Look for them to step up a bit with a winning record and a bowl game.
Wilkie- Common sense tells me to lay off since I’m very biased and in total disclosure have been a passionate Razorback fans since birth. Here’s what I will say, the offense should be solid, Ryan Mallet might be the best passer Arkansas has seen since Joe Ferguson in the early 1970’s. Mallet has plenty of receivers to throw to (D.J. Williams, Joe Adams, etc) and Michael Smith will be the star of the show running the ball. The defense though needs to step up and get after it. My heart tells me the Hogs should contend for the SEC West title but my head sees 8 wins but a bowl game.
Nelson- I think Robert will jump and surprise people this year, but not enough to get him to the upper floor of the hotel just yet. I also think there will be just as many toe-stubs than there are surprises… Maybe they go to Shreveport if Kentucky doesn’t…
LSU- (8-5 in 2008, 3-5 in the Conference)
Rebuilt- You could classify 2008 as a rebuilding year for Les Miles. That is scary, because this is going to be a very good team. QB Jordan Jefferson showed some flashes of brilliance at the end of last season, he should be better this year. RB Charles Scott is a beast and WR Brandon LaFell is back too. The defense is stout with the entire secondary from last year returning.
Many Questions- Is Jefferson the man? Who will step up on the Defensive Line? Can the team stay healthy? If the answer to all of these is “Yes”, then look out.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- Les Miles may be one of my favorite coaches in the SEC. He’s got a really good team here too. The ingredients are in place for Miles to cook up something good here. Expect them to win the West and the Title game with Florida will be the best game of 2009.
Wilkie – LSU has got the goods, speed, athleticism and loaded with 4 and 5 star recruits. The Tigers are simply a damn fine football team. LSU draws Florida in Death Valley October 10th, that game is circled on my calendar. Should LSU win it then they should be Atlanta bound. The hardcore Tiger fans probably have reservations to Pasadena already booked too.
Nelson- Phil just like Lesmiles for his humor that was on display at SEC Media Daze. He’s always got a damn fine football team, but I think they’ll only go as far as Jefferson takes them. Upper-level bowl…
Have a great day!
Ole Miss- (9-4 in 2008, 5-3 in the Conference)
High Expectations- Meet this year’s trendy conference pick. QB Jevean Snead is a very good QB and has a few weapons, namely RB Dexter McCluster and WR Shay Hodge. The only “O” Line loss was T Michael Oher, the rest of that group returns. Offensively they should be very good.
Replacement Parts- A couple of guys left, but many more stayed. DE Greg Hardy is back and may be the best DE in the SEC. S Kendrick Lewis returns too. There are several new players on Defense who will need to step up for this unit to keep them in games. They won’t be flashy, but they don’t have to be.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- They should be a very good team. Not great, but very good. They have some weapons, but I don’t think they are as deep as LSU or Alabama. Snead is a good leader and will put up big numbers this year. They should be very similar to last season. Contender, but not a title winner.
Wilkie – I can’t help to think that Ole Miss has been set up for a big letdown this season. The Rebels are the trendy pick with a great QB in Jevon Snead with a good group of skill players (McCluster, Hodge) and a defense that has some star power (Greg Hardy). Houston Nutt is one of the best of getting max effort from his players. The schedule sets up nice to but I just can’t see the Rebels defeating LSU or Alabama even with both playing Ole Miss in Oxford this season. Both the Tigers and the Tide are just too deep in talent. Ole Miss could get 10 wins though which I’m afraid will be below expectations on the Grove.
Nelson- Once again, a team that will only go as far as their QB will take them. Considering it’s Snead, it should be very far. Contending for the West title, if not the bid for the title game in Atlanta…
Mississippi State- (4-8 in 2008, 2-6 in the Conference)
Who are you? Who who who who? - Dan Mullen will have his hands full in his 1st Head Coaching gig. This team will struggle; they don’t have the talent to be a top-tier SEC team. QB Tyson Lee is decent and WR Brandon McCrae isn’t bad either. Perhaps the best player RB Anthony Dixon had a bit of an off the field issue to deal with here recently. The defense wasn’t bad last year, but most of them graduated.
Good Luck and Good Night- LB K.J Wright is the best returning defender. The rest of this group is a “Big” question mark. Somebody will need to step up on the Line if they are going to have any chance.
OSG’s Take-
Phil- Whoa. This is a tough situation for anyone, never mind a rookie Head Coach. Sylvester Croom had made some progress, but this Miss. State is a tough place to win…for anyone. There is some talent on the Offense, but unless Dixon gets his issues resolved, it will be a long year for them too. Bottom of the Conference.
Wilkie – A long year in Stark-vegas Maroon fans
Nelson- They don’t call it “Stark ville” for nothin’… yikes…
West Champion-
Phil- LSU
Wilkie- Alabama
Jon- LSU
SEC Champ-
Phil- LSU (in a shocker)
Wilkie- Florida (Phil’s got onions though)
Jon- Phil’s nuts… Florida
Best Offensive Player-
Phil- Tebow, if he stays healthy.
Wilkie- Tebow
Jon- The Tebow…
Best Defensive Player-
Phil- Eric Berry, Tennessee
Wilkie- Eric Berry
Jon- The pride of Westlake High, Eric Berry…
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