The SEC Preview
By Adam Barone Mark Richt’s fantastic recruiting has his Georgia Bulldogs primed to
snag the South Eastern Conference its third straight national title.
LSU has lost a lot of talent, but don’t count them out. Les Miles has
reloaded the Tigers for another title run. Auburn will challenge them in the
west division, along with Alabama.
In the east division it’s the usual race between Georgia, Florida and
Tennessee. Florida will probably have the conference’s best offense again,
while Tennessee’s new scheme is expected to make waves. Don’t sleep
on South Carolina.
Sports handicapping requires research and preparation, so here’s an idea
of how Ace sees the SEC shaking out for your NCAA football betting in 2008:
Rising: Georgia, South Carolina
Falling: Arkansas
West
1. Georgia: Seventeen starters return for the Bulldogs, and
running back Knowshon Moreno and quarterback Matthew Stafford are a year older.
Stafford will have to find himself a dependable target at receiver—look
for senior wide out Mohamed Massaquoi to have a breakout year.
Sophomore linebacker Rennie Curran is already one of the SEC’s best and
will only get better. Asher Allen and Prince Miller could be the best pair of
corners in the country.
The Dogs will need to find a new kicker after the loss of Brandon Coutu—one
of the best in SEC history.
Matthew Stafford’s numbers were sneaky good last year and Knowshon Moreno’s
only weakness is kryptonite. It’s probably title game or bust here.
2. Florida: With all the hoopla about Georgia and LSU, Urban
Meyer can plan a sneak attack in 2008. With 17 starters returning, he’ll
need to improve his defense, which was absolutely spanked last season.
All-SEC middle linebacker Brandon Spikes will look to pull the Gators’
pants back up, but he’ll need the d-line and secondary to stop being so
naughty. The team might have to resort to fat guys off the street to play d-tackle,
but there may be some hope at end and corner. Secondary depth may cost them
the conference.
Quarterback Tim Tebow returns for his junior season to lead one of the country’s
best offenses. His primary target, wide receiver Percy Harvin, could succeed
him as Heisman Trophy winner. The line has a load of experience and will clear
plenty of running room for tailback Kestahn Moore.
3. South Carolina: Steve Spurrier just might have a future
in coaching. He has 17 starters coming back for 2008 on a team that will be
led by its defense.
The defensive line is one of the deepest in the country, and will have to improve
on last season’s sad run defense. Linebacker Jasper Brinkley returns from
injury and should have a major impact.
Kenny McKinley, one of the SEC’s best receivers, returns to anchor a relatively
deep offense. New quarterback Chris Smelley is only a sophomore, but should
have plenty of help and will only be asked to manage the game.
4. Tennessee: Coach Phil Fulmer loses his starting quarterback,
Eric Ainge to the NFL, but has 16 other starters returning. Most of the starting
offense returns, including running back Arian Foster, who’s poised for
a breakout year.
Both running back and receiver have plenty of depth for the new starting quarterback,
junior Jonathan Crompton. Four starters return on the o-line.
On defense the Vols have plenty of experience, talent, and depth in the secondary.
The team’s weakness may be its lack of experience in the front seven,
as star linebacker Jerod Mayo is also now a pro. Be careful here, assuming you
like your money, as expectations have been higher than reality for Tennessee
of late.
5. Kentucky: Rich Brooks has depth at running back, and he’ll
need it with junior Curtis Pulley replacing Andre Woodson at quarterback.
Pulley’s problem will be a complete lack of weapons at receiver. Running
back Tony Dixon will get plenty of carries as the passing game will almost surely
struggle.
The defense has been disgusting recently, but has some up-and-coming stars on
the roster. Defensive end Jeremy Jarmon could have a breakout year.
Look for the Wildcats to struggle to reach .500 this year, as the drop off at
quarterback will cause problems.
6. Vanderbilt: Vandy’s mediocrity shouldn’t surprise
anyone this season. They have 11 starters returning, the least in the SEC, after
finishing just 5-7 a year ago.
The Commodores’ struggles last season can mostly be attributed to a poor
year from quarterback Mackenzi Adams. Senior Chris Nickson will take over the
offense in place of Adams.
The strength of the team will be its secondary. All four starters return, and
three are juniors. This is a young team, with just four seniors in the starting
lineup.
East
1. LSU: Yawn. LSU will be fantastic again in 2008 even though
only 12 starters return. What’s new, you ask? Well, not Ryan Perrilloux
at quarterback. The highly touted youngster was booted from the team and will
likely be replaced by either freshman Jarrett Lee or junior Andrew Hatch.
Three running backs—Charles Scott, Keiland Williams, and Richard Murphy
will be asked to carry the load on offense while the passing game adjusts. The
o-line is experienced and will be solid.
On defense, the line could be the best in the country. That’s good for
Coach Miles, because there’s not a lot of experience in the secondary.
2. Auburn: If LSU falters in the west division Auburn should
be there to reap the benefits. Five starters come back on the offensive line
and starting running back Brad Lester returns.
Sophomore quarterback Kodi Burns will get a shot at running the offense, without
much experience at receiver.
As seems to be typical for SEC teams, the linebacking corps will be strong.
There’s some up-and-coming talent in the secondary, but a few holes will
be filled by freshman.
The Tigers should be able to overcome inexperience at a few positions and finish
in the top 20.
3. Alabama: Left tackle Andre Smith is a monster and will
show up on pre-season first teams everywhere. The front line will be a big strength
for Nick Saban’s bunch, with 17 starters returning, nine on offense. Quarterback
John Parker Wilson will lead the offense with plenty of time to throw and a
decent stable of running backs behind him.
Saban is working on recruiting players on defense, and is still waiting for
things to come together. Unlike other SEC powers, the front seven will not be
counted on as an anchor.
4. Ole Miss: Head coach Houston Nutt comes to the Rebels from
Arkansas and brings big expectations with him.
Quarterback Jevan Snead will get a chance to start in his sophomore year and
has a quality stable of receivers at his disposal. Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis
is gone along with his ridiculous name, leaving a substantial hole in the backfield.
The defense has experience on the line and returns tackle Peria Jerry. Linebacker
and secondary are weak spots.
5. Arkansas: Bobby Petrino will start his first year with
the Razorbacks after leaving the Atlanta Falcons basically in the middle of
the night. Arkansas’ offense will be cranked up a lot in the next few
seasons.
Only 12 starters return overall. This season will be a rebuilding year, with
the players adjusting to a new system and the coaching staff looking for replacements
for the likes of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.
All of the skill positions will see new players except quarterback, where Casey
Dick returns for his senior year. The entire secondary is new. Yuck.
6. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs haven’t won the SEC
since 1941, and that won’t change this year. Sylvester Croom’s bunch
should be mediocre once again with their west coast offense.
Fifteen starters return, as the defense should carry the team. New defensive
coordinator Charlie Harbison will be the key to the Bulldogs’ success.
Running back Anthony Dixon will be the focal point on offense. He’ll be
expected to produce most of the big plays. Look for that to not work.
Read up on the other conferences that Ace has previewed for 2008!
Member Login