| 07 June 2009
- Alabama
- Ole Miss
- LSU
- Auburn
- Arkansas
- Mississippi State
- Bama: Many people are giving Ole Miss the nod for first in the West. Never discount Nick Saban as a coach. Greg McElroy looked good for @ half of the spring game and then the wheels fell off. McElroy MUST play well for Bama to win this season. The Crimson Tide will be able to run the ball effectively with Mark Ingram and newcomer Trent Richardson. Defensively, expect much of the same as last season. Bama made it to #1 during the regular season last year for the first time in 28 years. It was a young team and was not a fluke.
- Ole Miss started 2-2 last year, but finished 9-4. This team covered the spread in 5 of 6 games last year. In fact, the four losses only occurred by a combined 19 points. Houston Nutt has always been able to get teams up for the 'BIG' games when playing as a large underdog: UF last season, OM was a 22 point dog on the road and won 31-30. @ Bama, OM was an 11 point dog and lost 24-20. This team returns 18 starters and will be improved. Whoever wins Oct 10th most likely wins the West.
- LSU's fate, like so many other teams in the SEC, rests squarely on their quarterback's shoulders. If Jordan Jefferson can stay healthy, he appears to be the next big stud QB for LSU's future. Running backs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams both return. John Chavis can coach a defense as long as he has players....with the Tigers, he has the players. The schedule could get this team (@ UGA, @ Bama, and @ OM).
- Auburn: Most people are done laughing about Gene Chizik's hire. The other people are done laughing about the AU Limo rides. Chizik is not a relative newcomer to the SEC and he did not just fall off of the turnip truck. Sure, his hiring did turn many heads, but he is not a bad coach. Chizik was blessed with being left with a fairly solid team physically....the team simply did not have any offense installed last season. I could be wrong, but I just do not see AU sinking to the West cellar this coming season.
- Arkansas: Many people are expecting a much improved Razorback squad this season. In many eyes, the team struggled early last season, but got better as the season went on. This team was not very good last year and I just do not see them being much better this year. Like I said, I could be wrong.
- Mississippi State: MSU fans, get your kitchen passes out because Dan Mullen is going to need them for the first two seasons. Yes, the cupboard was left bare for him. Mullen's coaching ability has yet to truly be tested and as the UF OC the past several years, he has shown some predictability. If you are expecting this team to line up and throw it all over the yard, you will be sadly mistaken. Mullen and his staff needs two years minimum to get the wheels back on the cart to even begin to show progress. Can Mullen turn this team around? That's a good question.
