U2 buys Vanderbilt new football field

U2 Stage in Nashville

((ht: tennessean))

U2 was the headline act at a "Mega-Concert" July 2 at Vanderbilt's football stadium and from all accounts it was quite a show.

It featured, among other things a gigantic stage right in the middle of the football field...and there were a ton of fans down, on the grass, right in front of it.

That's why, Vanderbilt got a clause put in the contract with the band. Since the stage and all the fans were going to tear up the grass surface, the band offered to buy a "new" grass surface. And it is being put in place, even as we write this.

Read more from the Nashville Tennessean RIGHT HERE

Good for Vanderbilt. Having been in that stadium multiple times, we wondered how they'd able to pull of something of the scale of a U2 concert. We had many friends in attendance and while they seemed to love the show, they said it was an extremely tight fit.

We give props to the school for coming up with an option that benefits everyone.

Here's some video of the concert from YouTube:

Vanderbilt Head Coach Rooting For North Carolina, Has A Great Excuse

[HT: The Tennessean]

For the College World Series, Kevin Stallings, the head coach of Vanderbilt's men's basketball team, will be rooting for North Carolina.

Stallings has a great reason why, his son Jacob is the starting catcher for the Tar Heels.

By the luck of the draw Vanderbilt opens the CWS against North Carolina.
A bit of a dilemma for the elder Stallings?

“There is no dilemma,” Kevin Stallings told The Tennessean. “It’s a little awkward. But my two favorite baseball teams have made it to Omaha. It’s the best kind of dilemma … if you want to call it a dilemma."

“It’s a case of two things that I was really hoping would happen, happening.”

Jacob Stallings says it will be a fun week for the ole man but he hopes Commodore fans understand.

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20110613/SPORTS0602/306130035/Vandy-basketball-coach-s-blood-runs-blue-CWS-opener?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CSports

Malzahn to Vandy...makes sense once you think about it... UPDATE: or not...

Gus Malzahn/Courtesy: Hal Yeager/Birmingham news

Well, it must have been the money. We are still scratching our heads over the reports now coming out that Auburn offensive coordinator and hot assistant coach of the year Gus Malzahn is going to take the Vanderbilt coaching job.

A quick mention from the Washington Post RIGHT HERE

Fox Sports says it's done...though they just quote a single source. Read more RIGHT HERE

Our friends at Al.com say that it's his if he wants it, but he hasn't decided as of last night. MORE HERE

While we think Malzahn would be a great hire, we still don't get this one. He should be a top choice for Vanderbilt...or any other mid-level program looking for a "Splash" hire. We just don't think this is a great fit. We think he can do better.

However, with Will Muschamp heading to Florida and Al Golden going to Miami, there aren't a whole lot of significant Southern College Football jobs left out there. Well, really there aren't a whole lot period. We are pretty sure Malzahn won't be after Golden's former job at Temple and aside from that, really, what's left.

Heck, I think I just explained why he will take the Vandy job. Wow, I guess there are more reasons than I thought.

Really, Malzahn couldn't hurt Vandy. His offense and creativity would make up for the lack of depth that the Commodores have. It's a lot easier to find kids who are fast and can fit his system. Vandy won't...and hasn't beaten anyone trying to grind it out with them. We suppose that if Gus has some success in Nashvegas with the Commodore's, well, then his next step would be to a major program.

Good luck, Gus, you'll need it. But if it's any consolation. Nashville really is a nice place to live.

For what it's worth, here's a Vanderbilt Football commercial for the 2009 season....



PM UPDATE: Malzahn is staying...
Erik Kuselius, The Bachelor, and Ed Cunningham discuss...
((HT: ESPN))


It's back to Maryland OC James Franklin as the Number One...

Gus Malzahn offered $3 million to coach Vandy....SEC stunned...

Gus Malzahn/courtesy: bloguin.com

$3 Million to coach at Vanderbilt? Surely, that was somebody making a joke.....right? According to a report in the Tennessean, Vanderbilt...yes, perennial SEC doormat Vanderbilt has offered Auburn Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn $3 million a year to be their new head coach.

Read Jeff Lockridge's story from the Tennessean RIGHT HERE

Okay. Now that we picked our chins up off the floor, let's analyze this a bit. Sure, Malzahn is the "Hot" assistant coach these days. We get that. And we certainly understand why Vandy would be interested in hiring him. But $3 million a year?

No, that wouldn't make Malzahn the highest paid coach in the SEC, but it would put him in the Top 4. And it would dwarf what his current boss, Gene Chizik is making. The  1st and most obvious question is "Where did Vandy get that kind of money?" They've been to one bowl game in the past 10 or so years, they don't draw at their antiquated and small stadium...face it, the job is a killer to most.

But we do admire the chutzpah. It's a bold move. But it's one we don't think will happen. Malzahn is smart enough to know that it's a Head Coaching death sentence to head to Nashville. He'll wait for a better opportunity. With the departure of Urban Meyer at Florida, the SEC coaching carousel will be full of riders this year. If he's patient, Malzahn could end up with a much better job.

Here's a video of Malzahn on the job at Auburn. Thanks Auburn Athletics:

BREAKING: Robbie Caldwell done at Vanderbilt after today - with UPDATE

Robbie Caldwell/Courtesy: Jae S. Lee/The Tennessean

Robbie Caldwell got his shot at being a head coach. It lasted a year. Caldwell stepped in when former coach Bobby Johnson resigned over the summer. He will resign effective Sunday.

For Caldwell, a life-long assistant it was finally a chance to have his own team. Unfortunately for him, that team was Vanderbilt and they are 2-9 going into their final game against 2-9 Wake Forest.

The Tennessean talks about what is going on in Nashvegas RIGHT HERE

There are plenty of names out there on the carousel waiting to get off. However, the tough part will be getting them to Nashville's West End. Sure, it's a really cool city (we lived there from 1995-1999), but the team has been an SEC doormat for many, many years.

Bobby Johnson got them some much needed respectability. The challenge for Vandy will be finding someone else willing to put in that kind of effort.

UPDATE 8:10pm: WGFX 104.5FM's George Plaster is saying Navy offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper is the leading candidate to replace Caldwell. At one time, Plaster said Jasper would be hired within 48 hours, but has since backed off that statement. Read more from Plaster HERE.

You can also here Plaster's audio report HERE.

UPDATE 9:54pm: According to the Annapolis Capitol and HometownAnnapolis.com, Navy S.I.D. Scott Strasemeier says that no one from Vanderbilt has approached him in any way to ask for permission to talk with Jasper or any other coach from the Naval Academy. Read more from Annapolis HERE.

OSG Sports: It's Time to Kick Paul Finebaum out of the SEC

This of whom we speak//Courtesy: finebaum.com

At the risk of starting a war...we...well, me...is getting increasingly tired of overfed, overblown, egotistical, hanging on in a dying world of newspaper columnists who just try crapping on everyone's parade...because they can.

What we...ahhmmm, I am speaking of is Paul Finebaum, an alleged columnist, radio host and spewer of venom.

At this point, you and hopefully he are asking, what was said to piss you off? The answer: Not one thing...several.

The last would be this, calling for Vanderbilt's exorcism from the SEC, read it on AL.com RIGHT HERE

Since, if he reads this, he undoubtedly will hammer on me not using proper AP style...or grammar among other things, we will first dissect the lack of logic...or knowledge in this story. We will be undoubtedly dubbed a stupid internet website, so what? Are we SEC insiders? No. We don't have to be.

First off, premise wise, this is an argument that needed to be made back...oh...say 10 years ago. Is Vandy ever going to be an SEC powerhouse? No. Are they competitive? Over the past 3 years they have been.

Secondly, applying the logic used here, the SEC also needs to get rid of Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Kentucky. Aside from Ole Miss' nice run at the end of the 2008 season and yes, we do know that each...including Vandy has had a bowl game season during this time period, none will ever win the SEC. According to this logic, they must be banished.

Yes, we know that Vandy plays in a crappy stadium and yes, we know that it is often filled with fans from the other teams. But, not every team can be Alabama now, can they? Using the logic here, the LA Clippers should have been banished from the NBA years ago. Same for the Oakland Raiders in the NFL. There are teams in almost every NCAA Football conference that suck, it's a fact of life.

I'll wrap things up by saying this. Folks in Alabama and in many cases the "Old-school" newspaper writers seem to have this perception that the college football...or more specifically the SEC universe revolves around them. To this, we...um...me...laughs. Yeah, sure, its great that Alabama has been back on top the past couple of years. Lest we forget that you sold your souls to get the Great Saban to be the coach/savior.

Yes, we know there really isn't anything else to support or back in the state. We get that. Really. And we know that the people there can't understand why it isn't like that in other places. Contrary to the opinion of most who cover SEC football for a living and yes a large chunk of the fans too, there is more to life than what happens on 12 Saturdays a year. Really...there is. Lighten up, you are taking things too seriously, way too seriously.

Here is a highly produced video for Vandy football. Thanks You Tube:

Ess-E-Cee Media Daze Day Two: Robbie Caldwell Worked On A Turkey Farm...

((HT: al.com/McAlister))

Vandy interim head coach Robbie Caldwell came with his sense of humor to the gaggle in Birmingham...

Doug Segrest of the Birmingham News got the print media version- forty minutes worth. The best line comes from there:

"I can still go places and no one knows who I am," Caldwell said. "Last night, I opened the door for people and they gave me a tip."

Here's his ten minutes with TV folks and he glossed over his turkey farm experience.

Vanderbilt's Robbie Caldwell speaks at SEC Media Days

Bobby Johnson Retires As Vanderbilt Head Coach

Vanderbilt head football coach Bobby Johnson is retiring effective the end of July.

"After much thought and consideration with everyone involved I will be retiring from college coaching. I will not coach in 2010 season." Johnson said at a news conference.

"I'm retiring for personal reasons and Vanderbilt has been special in my life."

Assistant head coach/offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell was named interim head coach. There was speculation that Johnson was stepping down for health reasons. That is not the case, instead, Johnson is ready to move on to another phase in his life.

"Football is not life but it’s a way of life." Johnson said. "It consumes your life. Some guys will coach one foot in the coffin. I want to do some other things."

Johnson said just had the best recruiting class since he's been at Vanderbilt coming in and feels his leaving the program in good hands.

There is no forced resignation or clashing with his boss, Vice Chancellor David Williams. Bobby Johnson just realized that he finished with the coaching profession and wants to pursue other interests. Johnson had had enough of the late nights in the office trying to stop Florida's offense or finding ways to attack Alabama's defense.

It didn't help matters that Johnson coached at the SEC's ultimate homecoming opponent however during his tenure with Vandy the Commodores were not an automatic "W" in the SEC.

After eight years of living in the SEC football culture Johnson has had enough. It's time to slow down spend some time with his wife Catherine and enjoy some extended down time.

Judging from his press conference, Johnson is at total peace with his decision.

Photo Courtesy: The Tennessean

Here's his opening statement, thanks to our friends at WTVF-TV/Newschannel5

Developing Story: Bobby Johnson To Resign At Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University has confirmed that head football coach Bobby Johnson is leaving. Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor David Williams said that Johnson is retiring as the Commodores head coach.

During Johnson's eight season he had compiled a 29-66 record at Vandy including in 2008 leading the Commodores to their first winning season since 1982 and first bowl win since 1955.

A press conference is scheduled for 1:00 pm central at Vanderbilt University. According to Vanderbilt Media Relations the press conference will deal with the football program.

More when we know more.

Photo Courtesy: VandyMedia.com

Vandy Pitcher Shatters Kneecap, Still Makes Play

((HT: Vanderbilt University/Sun Sports))

Hard to tell if this is right there with the Andrew Bogut iunjury or not over the weekend...

Vandy freshman pitcher Corey Williams gets hit on the kneecap with a line drive in the Saturday Florida-Commodores game off the bat of Gator Austin Maddox.

The Gators would win the game 7-3, but Williams would end up with a cleanly shattered kneecap... and still makes the play...

Memorial Held For Rajaan Bennett

((HT: MyFoxAtlanta.com))

McEachern High School ((GA)) held a memorial service Wednesday for running back Rajaan Bennett.

One of the state's top high school recruits at running back, Bennett was headed for Vanderbilt University when he was found dead at his family's home back on the 18th after officers responded to a 911 call. They arrived around 2:30 in the morning and heard at least four gun shots come from the inside. Powder Springs ((GA)) Major Charles Spann said 39-year-old Clifton Steger shot Bennett and then killed himself.

Steger has been identified now as Bennett's mother, Narjaketha's, ex-boyfriend. Police say that Steger held Bennett, his mother, and other relatives hostages in the house, but started shooting when his mother escaped.

Bennett's funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Trinity Church Chapel of Georgia in Powder Springs.

Here's how WAGA-TV reported the memorial
Julia Harding was at the high school...


The HQ knows people inside the McEachern Community- both inside and alums. We have talked to them and shared just how absolutely senseless this act was by a cowardly man.

They're understandably heart-broken, knowing that Bennett had his head screwed on straight and was headed to better things. His father was killed when Rajaan was 11, and he has a brother who is autistic, so Bennett had to get his priorities in place at an early age.

Head coach Kyle Hockman has let the HQ know that a fund has been set up by the high school to help defray some of the costs of taking care of all that's is going on...

Send a check to:
McEachern Endowment Fund
c/o Bennett Memorial
McEachern High School
2400 New Macland Road
Powder Springs, GA 30101

H.S. Football Star killed before he could play in College

A very sad story to report from Powder Springs, Georgia (just outside Atlanta). Rajaan Bennett a senior who was the captain of the McEachern High School football team was killed in an apparent murder suicide inside his family's home.
Bennett, who ran for 1857 yards and 28 touchdowns last season had signed to play football at Vanderbilt University this coming fall.
The story from ajc.com is RIGHT HERE
((Rajaan Bennett in action//Courtesy: Johnny Crawford/AJC.com))
The incident happened overnight when a man who was ID'd as Clifton O'Neal Steager was entered the house and apparently killed Bennett and himself and also injured another man in the house. That other individual was identified as Bennett's uncle, Taiwan Hunter. He was in serious condition Thursday afternoon.

Here is the story from Tacoma Perry of Fox 5 (WAGA-TV) in Atlanta:


Team coverage continues with FOSG Ken Rodriguez...


"Rajaan was an extraordinary young man and an ideal fit for Vanderbilt University," Vanderbilt football coach Bobby Johnson said in a statement. "Initially, our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Narjaketha and family members. I know he meant so much to them."

Absolutely senseless...

SEC Media Days 2 The Bobby Johnson Presser

Since we all thoroughly enjoyed the interview with D.J. Williams, we thought we would continue giving you the latest..and the greatest from here at the Wynfrey Hotel.

Up next, Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson, fresh from his most successful season ever at Vandy and he's "Darn" excited about starting this one.

The "NEW" Dirty Dozen!

Shakedown Saturday (Again)

This truly should be the week that things begin to shakeout in the world of College Football. It's funny how the folks at Auburn are panicking already, but hey the season ain't over yet...is it?

Here is this week's countdown, now with predictions for the upcoming week:

1. Oklahoma (Time to find out what they've got. It's Red River Shootout week, should be fun: pick Oklahoma 41-Texas 30)

2. LSU (They are still the cream of the SEC crop ((i said "cream")), we will also see what they have as they face the daunting Swamp: pick LSU 23-Florida 17)

3. Missouri (Still holding at #3. They get there first test this week too at Ok. State. My only concern is that this game may not end until Monday: pick Missouri 45-Ok.State 37)

4. Alabama (They struggled with a Kentucky team with no offense. No test this week, they are facing the "Dreaded Bye Week": pick Alabama 50-Bye Week 0)

5. Texas (See #1)

6. Penn State (The fighting Joe Pa's facing a Wisconsin team which I told you earlier this season would choke and well....: pick Joe Pa's 28- Wisconsin 21)

7. USC (They started slow last week, but seemed to recover. They will be fine, but there title hopes are done sorry ASU: pick USC 45- Arizona St. 17)

8. BYU (This is just like the BYU of old, back in the Steve Young-Ty Detmer days. They head to New Mexico, shouldn't be a problem: pick BYU 51- N.Mexico 23)

9. Texas Tech (I'm not sold on these guys either, but they haven't played anyone. That includes "YOU" Nebraska: pick Texas Tech 47- Nebraska 27)

10. Georgia (This week will be a big game for these guys, they still don't really have an identity, they better figure it out...soon: pick UGA 31- Tennessee 14)

11. Florida (Someone doesn't belong here, I think it might be these guys. See #2)

12. Vanderbilt (Wow, can you believe these guys in this company? Neither can they. They'll win this week, but the law of averages isn't far behind : pick Vandy 24-Miss. St. 10)

Obviously, this week will shake things up quite a bit. It's getting to that fun point of the year now where we'll seperate the men from the boys. I can't wait.

Nelson Notes: Oklahoma, USC, LSU, Mizzou, Alabama, Texas, Penn State, Georgia, Texas Tech, BYU, Florida, and Vanderbilt ((who is in the trap-game of all trap-games this weekend, by the way...don't be shocked if Miss State is closer than you think...))

The Dregs:

5. SMU (June Jones, are we missing Hawaii now?)

4. UAB (Ewww. Didn't these guys used to be pretty good?)

3. Tennessee (Just because the Fulmer will lose again this week)

2. Washington (This is one bad football state...and these are your headliners)

1. North Texas (If this were Texas State, then at least Kathy Ireland would be the kicker)

That is all I've got to say. Have a fun Shakedown!

Nelson Still Notes: Syracuse, Syracuse, The Vols, U-Dub, and Syracuse...

Who's Your Doormat Now SEC! Vanderbilt 5-0

Check the SEC East standings. No your are not living in bizzaro world, the Vanderbilt Commodores lead the toughest division in college football. Fitting in a year where Duke, Stanford, Northwestern, the usual punching bags of their conferences are having their day in the sun.

Saturday night 19th ranked Vanderbilt shined under the bright lights of a national telecast defeating 13th ranked Auburn 14-13 in a grinding, ole fashioned SEC game. The Commodores are 5-0 for the first time since 1943.

The 'Dores feel that finally, they have turned a corner as a legitimate SEC contender.

"The attitude in the locker room throughout the season has been to expect to win." said wide receiver George Smith "We've turned a corner in the program. We've brought in better players and work hard to bring a winning attitude to our work."

"Auburn is a great SEC team and we played in a great atmosphere tonight." Back up quarterback Mackenzi Adams said. "The win does validate us in the conference, but we're focused on making ourselves better as a team."

Adams came off the bench after starting quarterback Chris Nickson aggravated a shoulder injury. All Adams did is throw for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns to lead Vanderbilt to their first win over Auburn since the 1955 Gator Bowl.

"I've been prepared to start the entire time and am ready to go." Adams said "We split reps throughout practice this week and he looked good. It's a good feeling to help the team and get the win."

All Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville could do is tip his hat to Adams.

"He did good. That's the third backup quarterback a team has brought in on us and done pretty well." Tuberville said. "He did well against us last year. He threw the ball well. They hit us on deep crossing routes. Him sprinting out was a big key to the game. He threw it on the money on the run. They made plays. It's not like we didn't give them anything."

As the only private school in the SEC, Vanderbilt has challenges the other 11 state institutions don't have. For years is was said that Vanderbilt was only in the SEC to raise the leagues academic standing. It seems the Commodores finally have a formula that works.

Vanderbilt hasn't had a winning season or a bowl appearance since 1982. A win next week against Mississippi State in Starkville would be Vandy's 6th win which would mean at least a trip to Shreveport.

Finally after years of frustration, things are looking dandy at Vandy.

Photos Courtesy: Dipti Vaidya/The Tennessean

SEC East Standings

Vanderbilt 3-0 5-0

Florida 2-1 4-1

Georgia 1-1 4-1

S. Carolina 1-2 4-2

Kentucky 0-1 4-1

Tennessee 0-2 2-3

College Football Polls: Finally Vandy Is Dandy

It looks like the SEC is going to have to find another school to beat up on. For the first time since 1984, the Vanderbilt Commodores are ranked in the Top 25. Vanderbilt is 4-0 after defeating Ole Miss 23-17 Saturday night in Oxford.

"We're proud of the ranking. It is a reflection of us being 4-0, but I also think voters in both polls are seeing a team that plays hard and does everything it can to win games. As a coach, that's all you can ask of your team," Johnson said.

"I'm extremely proud of how hard our guys played last night at Ole Miss. Both teams gave great effort. This was a really good win for our team. That's probably the way the voters saw it too. We're going to enjoy this one for a day, then get back to work and try to become a better football team," Johnson added.

AP Top 25 Poll

1. USC (62) 2-0 1,621
2. Oklahoma 3-0 1,484
3. Georgia (2) 4-0 1,475
4. Florida (1) 3-0 1,442
5. LSU 3-0 1,363
6. Missouri 4-0 1,360
7. Texas 3-0 1,174
8. Alabama 4-0 1,132
9. Wisconsin 3-0 1,091
10. Texas Tech 4-0 962
11. Brigham Young 4-0 919
12. Penn State 4-0 891
13. South Florida 4-0 798
14. Ohio State 3-1 790
15. Auburn 3-1 785
16. Wake Forest 3-0 711
17. Utah 4-0 574
18. Kansas 3-1 555
19. Boise State 3-0 363
20. Clemson 3-1 300
21. Vanderbilt 4-0 242
22. Illinois 2-1 224
23. East Carolina 3-1 201
24. TCU 4-0 117
25. Fresno State 2-1 105
Others Receiving Votes
Oregon 100, Oklahoma State 98, VIRGINIATECH 63, Colorado 39, Nebraska 32, Connecticut 26, Tulsa 19, Miami (FL) 17, Michigan State 14, Georgia Tech 8, Kentucky 7, Northwestern 7, Ball State 6, South Carolina 3, West Virginia 2, Florida State 2, North Carolina 2, Minnesota 1.

USA Today Top 25 Poll

1. USC (56) 2-0 1,517
2. Oklahoma (2) 3-0 1,424
3. Georgia (2) 4-0 1,388
4. Florida (1) 3-0 1,345
5. Missouri 4-0 1,284
6. LSU 3-0 1,247
7. Texas 3-0 1,143
8. Wisconsin 3-0 1,041
9. Texas Tech 4-0 944
10. Alabama 4-0 939
11. Brigham Young 4-0 931
12. Penn State 4-0 818
13. Ohio State 3-1 744
14. South Florida 4-0 721
15. Wake Forest 3-0 678
16. Auburn 3-1 650
17. Utah 4-0 528
18. Kansas 3-1 506
19. Clemson 3-1 378
20. Boise State 3-0 265
21. Illinois 2-1 233
22. Oregon 3-1 174
23. TCU 4-0 151
24. Fresno State 2-1 117
25. Vanderbilt 4-0 103
Others Receiving Votes
East Carolina 88, Nebraska 83, Oklahoma State 55, Connecticut 54, Virginia Tech 47, Michigan State 37, Kentucky 36, Colorado 30, Northwestern 21, Tulsa 17, Ball State 16, Arizona State 11, California 9, Minnesota 8, Purdue 8, West Virginia 7, Miami (FL) 7, Georgia Tech 7, Cincinnati 6, Maryland 6, Louisville 3.

Photo Courtesy: vucommodores.com

The Beast

The SEC East (the tough one)...


Before all of you folks in other parts of the country (and world) start screaming, over-rated and that I'm full of a certain bodily function, think a little bit about what we are saying. I know you can say "Big Ten" or "Pac Ten" or any of the other power conferences, but when "push" comes to "shove" (or some other reasonable cliche'), there really isn't any argument about what is the toughest conference. And within that conference lies the most difficult division out there.

Predictions...

Georgia Bulldogs- Yeah, that is right, we'll go ahead and say it here. Yes, I do cover them with some frequency. I know that the schedule is pretty tough. If you look at this team, from top to bottom, it is the deepest team, this year in the NCAA ((UGA pictured, thanks georgiadogs.com)).

Offense- The offense pretty much starts and stops with QB Matthew Stafford. Yes, I know that Knowshon Moreno is getting all of the love right now, and to some extent he deserves it. But, if the Dawgs lost Moreno, they still may survive, losing Stafford would be the end of the season for them. Stafford was quoted already this season as saying "This is my team, I'm going to lead them".

The loss of OT Trinton Sturdivant will hurt, but there is a lot of depth on the line to replace him. Expect either Kiante Tripp or Josh Davis to step right in.

The receivers were already going to be pretty good, adding Freshman Phenoms A.J Green and Tavarres King makes them even deeper.

Defense- Again, depth rules for this bunch. As good as the "O" should be, the "D" will carry these guys. With Tackle Jeff Owens leading the way, the Dawgs expect to rotate 8-9 D-Lineman through each game. That kind of depth will wear many opponents out.

LB's Dannell Ellerbee and Rennie Curran and CB Asher Allen lead an experienced and fast group of backs that at least at the corner spot go 6 deep.

Outlook- These guys will be good. Really good. It will be tough living up to the preseason hype, but they have the depth to do it. Don't expect them to be perfect with the schedule they play however. (Prediction: 11-1 overall, 1st in the SEC East)

Florida Gators- As always, this will be a very good and very dangerous team. They had a tough 2007 campaign, but they will be better this year. They should be a little better rounded and that should translate to more success. Don't buy into the SEC Media Days poll however, they aren't "that" good.

Offense- The "O" is all about the Tebow ((Pictured, thanks gatorzone.com)), everything is. However for these guys to be successful, someone else needs to step up. Percy Harvin is good, but injury prone and several reports have surfaced saying some things are starting to go to his head. With the speed of a Chris Rainey and running of Emmanuel Moody, this "should" be a more diverse offense in 2008. In order to live up to expectations, they will have to be. Last years beating that Tebow took, exposed the one weekness the Gators have.

Defense- The Gator "D" took a lot of heat last season, and well, it should have. They gave up a lot of points to a lot of teams. Yes, they were young last season and yes, they will improve. The question is "how much?". The other SEC teams are pretty damn good on "D" and can win if there "O" is not playing well. I'm not so sure about Florida.

Outlook- These guys will always be dangerous. They will contend for the SEC East title and they more than likely will be in a New Years Day Bowl...or better. Losing Cornelius Ingram will not help, but there are players capable of taking over his role. The Gators seem already focused on Georgia, they need worry about the games before that one.(Prediction: 10-2, 2nd in the SEC East)

Tennessee Volunteers- These guys are always very hard to predict. On the surface they should take a step back with a new offensive coordinator, Dave Clawson, a new QB Jonathan Crompton and several new faces on defense. But don't be surprised if the Fulmer keeps them competitive. The key game for these guys comes early, a date in September with Florida.

Offense- We should find out early how well the Vowels adapt to Clawson's offense. With former coordinator David Cutcliffe, you had a pretty good idea of what you were going to get, but like several teams in the SEC, the Vowels are going to a form of the spread ((the new tight end is pictured, thanks knoxnews.com)).

Crompton has some experience as Eric Ainge's backup the past 2 seasons. When called upon he has performed pretty well, don't expect a huge dropoff here. Arian Foster has experience and talent and the O-Line is always strong with these guys.

Defense- The Vol "D" is spearheaded by perhaps the best athlete and possibly the best player in all the land, Eric Berry. Berry plays safety, but expect to see him all over the field this season. Returning punts and occasionally on Offense, this is someone to keep your eyes on in 2008.

Jerrod Mayo is gone and the linebackers are somewhat inexperienced, the question mark this year will be how good the defense is.

Outlook- These guys will be competitive, they always are. Expect them to struggle a bit early and get stronger as the year goes. There is too much talent here for a down season, but they are stuck in a division with Georgia and Florida. (Prediction 9-3, 3rd in the SEC East)

South Carolina Gamecocks- I'm not sold on these guys, though many say they will be the surprise team in the SEC. I don't buy it. They are lacking in several areas and as much as they'd like to be one of the big boys, they are South Carolina and there is a reason they haven't won the SEC in several decades.

Offense- The first question mark is who is going to be the QB. Tommy Beecher appears to have won the battle, for now, but there isn't much behind him. Yes, I know that the Ball Coach is allegedly a QB genius, but even a genius needs some talent to work with. You can get the most out of a Danny Wuerrfel when you have a deep Florida team around him, The Cocks (i said cock), well, they don't have that as an option. Possibly the most talented QB, Stephen Garcia, spent more time in trouble with the law than practicing this offseason and may never play ((pictured is Mike Davis, thanks to thestate.com)).

Defense- The Cocks (i said cock, again), will be a strong defensive team. Any team with a Linebacker like Jasper Brinkley should be. Brinkley is a beast. He is talented and athletic and has a bit of a mean streak. He alone makes this a stout unit and will keep S.C in most games.

Outlook- After last years collapse from 6-1 and in the Top 10 to 6-6 and no bowl, one can draw the conclusion that this team is just plain cursed. I don't totally believe that, but as usual they play in a conference where you just can't be decent, you've got to be great every week. They may make a bowl game, but it will be in December. (Prediction 7-5, 4th in the SEC East)

Kentucky Wildcats- Another team that should be better than they will be. Last season was a bit of an abberation, don't expect them to do that this year. Not because of talent or coaching, but they are very, very young.

Offense- Despite losing Andre Woodson, they should still be a very good offensive team. Rafael Little is back along with most of the receiving corps. The line didn't suffer many losses, though they could stand getting a little stronger, Woodson got killed last season. The unit will make some plays and be a tough out, but with big question marks at QB, don't expect them to be as scary as 2007 ((UK's new QB is pictured, thanks kentucky.com)).

Defense- This is where we get young. So young in fact, I'm not really sure who to talk about here. This was not a "Strong Suit" of last years team and it probably will not be this year either. Coach Rich Brooks is a Defensive guy so don't expect them to be embarrassingly bad, but don't expect them to carry things either. They will live and die with the "O".

Outlook- A rebuilding year in Lexington. Unfortunately, this is not a traditional power and the 'Cats are not able to be strong on a consistent basis. Down years generally follow good ones and 2007 wasn't bad. Don't look for 2008 to be a repeat. (Prediction 5-7, 5th in the SEC East)

Vanderbilt Commodores- You really want the 'Dores to be a force one year, just once to see them in Atlanta in December, what a great story that would be. That being said, don't expect it any time soon. This team is always competitive thanks to a very talented coach, Bobby Johnson. But they don't have the horses to run with everyone else over the course of a season ((the O-Line is pictured, thanks the tennessean.com)).

Offense- On "O" the 'Dores aren't bad. Mackenzie Adams and Chris Nickson were a QB tandem last season, both good QB's and usually one was good when the other wasn't. There is some hope there. After that, the loss of Earl Bennett hurts the WR corps and there isn't much experience or depth on the "O" line.

Defense- Vandy has traditionally turned out quite a few Linebackers to the NFL, however I don't know if that tradition will continue. They are lacking again in experience, the roster dotted with Freshmen and Sophomores. The good thing is in another year or 2, they will be very good, this year however they will be very young. Don't expect much.

Outlook- Don't expect much here, they will struggle. Coach Johnson will keep them competitive but they don't have the horses to run with the other guys in the conference. Looking at the roster, the future is bright, but the future will not be 2008. (Prediction 3-9, 6th in the SEC East)