2010 SEC Preview

Hey there guys

The time is almost here! We are just a week away from the start of the 2010 College Football season!

Today is the final conference preview, and of course I saved the best for last with the SEC

The SEC is now on an amazing streak having won 4 consecutive national championships, and 5 of the last 7. This past bowl season though had its ups and downs as the SEC went 6-4 as Kentucky lost to Clemson in the Music City Bowl, South Carolina lost to Connecticut in the PapaJohns.com Bowl, Tennessee was crushed by Virginia Tech in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl, and LSU lost to Penn St in the Capital One Bowl. Even some of the wins weren't pretty as Arkansas had to go to overtime against East Carolina, Ole Miss won an ugly battle against Oklahoma St, and Auburn had to go to OT to beat Northwestern. Three teams did look pretty solid as Georgia crushed Texas A&M, Florida demolished Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl, and Alabama easily won the National Championship game.

This season the SEC leads the polls with 6 teams including: #23/#21 Georgia, #22/#23 Auburn, #21/#16 LSU, #17/#19 Arkansas, #4/#3 Florida, and #1/#1 Alabama. It is going to be rather hard for an SEC team to reach the national championship game, as Alabama as a rough last 6 conference games, and Florida is pretty inexperienced as well.

Anyway guys as always you know I love to hear what you think so just let me know.

SEC

(cp - coaches poll / ap - associated press)

West

1. #1(ap)/#1(cp) Alabama Crimson Tide
'09 Final Record: 14-0 (9-0)
Head Coach: Nick Saban 4th yr (124-50-1/ 33-8 @ Alabama)

Offense (Multiple/Pro Set)
Offensive Coordinator: Jim McElwain 3rd yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #3 Scoring Off - 26.7 points per game
• #4 Rushing Off - 187.8 yards per game
• #4 First Downs - 18.9 first downs per game
• #3 3rd Downs - 38.5%
• #2 Turnovers - 7

Returning: 8 Starters

• Passing: QB Greg McElroy (198-325 60.9% 2508yds 17td 4int)
• Rushing: RB Mark Ingram (271att 1658yds 6.1avg 17td), RB Trent Richardson (145att 751yds 5.2avg 8td)
• Receiving: WR Julio Jones (43att 596yds 13.9avg 4td), WR Marquis Maze (31rec 523yds 16.9avg 2td)

Since Jim McElwain was hired as the OC back in '08 the Tide have had their top two scoring offenses of the last decade, and two of the top three completion %. This past season they had perhaps their best offense of the last decade as they averaged 32.1 points per game, 403 yards per game, 5.0 yards per carry, and had a 61.3 completion %. This season they return 8 starters from last seasons outstanding offense, making them the most experienced Tide O since '07. The biggest piece to the offense this past season was obviously Heisman winning RB Mark Ingram (Bama's first ever Heisman). He returns this season as does his backup, very highly touted sophomore Trent Richardson (top five RB recruit out of HS), and the two combined for 2409yds! and 25td. This is easily the best backfield in the country. They return 3 lineman up front, but they do lose an AA in LG Mike Johnson. Of the 3 they get back they get 2nd tm All-Conf LT James Carpenter, 4th tm All-Conf C William Vlachos, and frosh AA RG Barrett Jones. This group is filled with highly touted prospects, but I would keep an eye on very highly touted rFr D.J. Fluker (former top five OL recruit out of HS; 6'6 340) as I expect him to make an impact this season. With an experienced and heavily talented OL, and the best backfield in the country, I will call this the best rushing attack in the nation, and they should again have outstanding numbers. The Passing game too should improve as they return QB Greg McElroy (60.9%) and their top 3 receivers from a season ago, including very highly touted Jr. WR Julio Jones (2nd tm All-Conf). I like the two other returning starters in WRs Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks (17rec 272yds 16.0avg 3td). They used the TE quite frequently this past season so don't be surprised if highly touted sophomore Michael Williams doesn't make a pretty decent impact into the offense this season. One of the big things that the Tide are going to have to work on is their performance in the Red Zone. This past season the Tide scored touchdowns on less than half of their appearances in the RZ (47.5%/ 41.9% vs. SEC). Those numbers are good enough for 10th in the conference. A big reason for that was QB McElroys struggles from inside the 20 as he completed on 35.0% of his passes which ranked 14 of 15 SEC QBs . (You don't need to check the national list, because it only goes to 100 and McElroy isn't there). I do expect better numbers there because not only is McElroy more experienced but WR Jones should be healthier this season. Overall this should be an even better Tide offense and one of the top in the conference.

Defense (3-4)
Defensive Coordinator: Kirby Smart 4th yr (3rd as DC)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #1 Scoring Def - 10.9 points per game
• #1 Rushing Def - 95.1 yards per game
• #2 Opp First Downs - 15.2 first downs per game
• #1 Opp 3rd Downs - 30.0% conversion
• #1 Takeaways - 20

Returning: 2 Starters

• Tackles: SS Mark Barron (76tkl 3.5tfl 11pbu 7int), DE Marcel Dareus (33tkl 9tfl 6.5sk)
• Sacks: DE Marcel Dareus, three tied at 1
• Interceptions: SS Mark Barron, DE Marcel Dareus

This past season Alabama simply had the best defense in the country, their best defense of the last decade, and perhaps one of the best defenses in all of college football history. They averaged giving up 11.7 points per game, 244 yards per game!, 2.8 yards per carry, and QBs only completed 46.8% of their passes against the tide secondary! This group was unbelievable. This season however they only return 2 starters from that defense. They lose all 3 starters up front including 1st tm AA NT Terrance Cody (28tkl 6tfl 2bk '09) and NFL DC DE Brandon Deaderick (4.5tfl 2sk). DE Marcel Dareus has been receiving all kinds of hype since knocking Texas QB Colt McCoy out of the NC game, and than returning an interception for a TD. He put up some solid numbers playing as a backup as he lead the Tide in Sacks (6.5) and was 4th on the team in TFL (9). Jr. Josh Chapman (17tkl 2.5tfl) was Cody's primary backup for the past two season, and Luther Davis is very talented. This group is full of highly touted backups, but with the loss of 3 starters I do expect their rush def to get worse, though only slightly. At LB they return 1 starter, but lose their top two leaders in TFL this past season including Butkus winner Rolando McClain (105tkl 14.5tfl 4.5sk)and Eryk Anders (14.5tfl 6sk). This season they only have 26 career starters returning but they do have highly touted sophomore Dont'a Hightower (frosh AA '08/ inj '09) and very highly touted sophomore ILB Nico Johnson (28tkl 4.5tfl 1sk; former top five LB recruit out of HS). Both projected starters at OLB are highly touted Juniors in Courtney Upshaw (15tkl 1sk) and Jerrell Harris (3tkl). This group is much more inexperienced, and although they are very talented, with plenty of highly touted recruits behind them, I am again going to expect a drop off from last years group. In the secondary they return 1 starter, but they lose 3 NFL Draft Choices at CB and their starting FS. They do get back 3rd tm AA SS Mark Barron this season, and this is a VERY talented, but VERY young group of CBs this season and like the other units, they may be talented, but with less of a pass rush, there is going to be a lot more pressure on this group of young kids. I expect another dropoff. Nick Saban is a fantastic Defensive coach, and while I do expect a drop off from this past years defense, the Tide are probably still looking at having a top 30 defense nationally.

Conclusion

Alabama has a pretty manageable out of conference schedule, with one game that definitely catches the eye, as they face San Jose St, Penn St, @ Duke, and Georgia State. They should destroy San Jose St, dispatch Duke, and easily beat Georgia State. The game against Penn St is very interesting because of how prominent these two programs are in the college football world, not just now, but in the past. I expect Alabama to go 4-0 in the OOC, and would be surprised if they went 3-1. In conference they go @ Arkansas, Florida, @ South Carolina, Ole Miss, @ Tennessee, @ LSU, Mississippi St, and finally they finish with Auburn. While the Tide have the talent to repeat again this schedule just doesn't help them as they open up with some tough tests, Bama's young secondary gets thrown into the first vs. Ryan Mallett and the Hogs air attack, and then come home to take on the very talented, yet inexperienced rival Florida Gators. Their next 6 SEC opponents all have a bye week before they play them, and that starts out with the South Carolina Gamecocks, who gave Bama hell last year in Tuscaloosa. I am expecting one to two conference losses but Bama should still win the West again.

2. #22(ap)/#23(cp) Auburn Tigers
'09 Final Record: 8-5 (3-5)
Head Coach: Gene Chizik 2nd yr (13-24/ 8-5 @ Auburn)

Offense (Spread)
Offensive Coordinator: Gus Malzahn 2nd yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #9 Passing Off - 173.5 yards per game
• #2 Rushing Off - 203.6 yards per game

Returning: 7 Starters

• Passing: QB Neil Caudle (15-20 75.0% 1td 1int), WR Kodi Burns (5-15 33.3% 75yds 2td 2int)
• Rushing: RB Onterio McCalebb (105att 565yds 5.4avg 5td), RB Mario Fannin (34att 285yds 8.4avg)
• Receiving: WR Darvin Adams (60rec 997yds 16.6avg 10td), WR Terrell Zachery (26rec 477yds 18.3avg 5td)

From '06-'08 Auburn had some of its worst offenses in the last decade averaging 24.8ppg 321ypg in '06, 24.2ppg 335ypg in '07, and 17.3ppg 302ypg in '08. In '09 new HC Chizik hired Gus Malzahn to take over as OC, and in his first season Auburn had it's best offense over the last decade and one of its best in the last 20 seasons, averaging 33.3ppg and 432ypg. This season the Tigers return 7 starters making them more experienced than the '09 version. They will have a new starter at QB this season, and it is very highly touted Juco Cam Newton (former Florida QB). Newton is a big (6'6 247), strong, and athletic QB, and he should fit very well into Malzahn's system. Newton gets the good fortune to return the Tigers top 4 receivers from a season ago in 1st tm All-Conf WR Darvin Adams, WR Terrell Zachery, RB Mario Fanin (42rec 413yds 9.8avg 3td) and TE Eric Smith (18rec 226yds 12.6avg 1td). This group is filled with highly touted prospects but keep an eye on highly touted sophomore Emory Blake, very highly touted sophomore DeAngelo Benton (top five WR recruit out of HS), and very highly touted true frosh Trovon Reed (top five WR recruit out of HS). They didn't really use the TE too much this past season but I look for the very highly touted sophomore Phillip Lutzenkirchen (former top ten TE recruit out of HS) to have a much bigger impact in the offense this season. Overall despite an inexeprienced QB I actually expect the passing numbers to improve, even after last seasons resurgence (220ypg 59.9%). At RB the all-conf Ben Tate (3321yds '06-'09), but do return his two primary backups in Mario Fanin and Onterio McCalebb, who combined for 853yds and 4td while backing up Tate. This season they also add in very highly touted true frosh Michael Dyer (former top five RB recruit out of HS). They also return 4 starters up front, including 2nd tm all-conf C Ryan Pugh, and 1st tm all-conf LT Lee Ziemba. I expect for highly touted juco Roszell Gayden to take over at the open RT spot and this should be one of the best offensive lines in the conference. Add that to the talent they have in the backfield and I expect them to put up similar numbers to '09s run game (212ypg 5.0ypc). This is going to be a very potent offense this season.

Defense (4-3)
Defensive Coordinator: Ted Roof 2nd yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #9 Passing Def - 194.8 yards per game
• #9 Rushing Def - 175.5 yards per game
• #10 Opp First Downs - 19.8 first downs per game
• #2 Opp 3rd Downs - 31.8% conversion
• #9 Takeaways - 9

Returning: 8 Starters

• Tackles: MLB Josh Bynes (104tkl 6tfl 1sk 7pbu 1int), OLB Craig Stevens (95tkl 8tfl 2.5sk 1int)
• Sacks: DT Mike Blanc (44tkl 6.5tfl 3.5sk 3pbu), OLB Craig Stevens
• Interceptions: CB Neiko Thorpe (84tkl 9pbu 2int), four tied at 1

Defensively it was the complete opposite for Defensive Coordinator Roof in his first season commanding the defense, the Tigers have constantly played solid defense prior to Roofs arrival but in his first season they gave up 27.5ppg and 374ypg, each were the most in the last decade. This season Roof returns 8 starters, including their top 5 tacklers, on his defense making them most experienced group since '03. Up front they only return 2 starters, losing all-conf DE Antonio Coleman (16.5tfl 10.5sk '09). They do get back a couple of solid performers in DT Mike Blanc and DE Antoine Carter (30tkl 4.5tfl 1sk). I expect for a couple of highly touted juco's to take over the open positions in DE Joel Bonomolo and DT Nick Fairley (28tkl 3.5tfl 1.5sk). Also keep an eye on very highly touted true frosh DE Corey Lemonier (top ten DE recruit out of HS). Despite the loss of star DE Coleman, I do expect the rush defense to improve (156ypg 4.1ypc '09) but they will most likely have a weaker pass rush. At LB they return all 3 starters from a season ago including 3rd tm All-Conf MLB Josh Bynes. OLB Craig Stevens is a pretty solid backer as well (8tfl '09) and they move SS Darren Bates (70tkl 2.5tfl 3pbu 1int) to other OLB spot. Last years staring LB Eltoro Freeman (31tkl 2tfl 1sk) should be the primary backup and this is one of the most experienced corps in the conference. In the secondary they return 3 starters, they lose NFL DC CB Walter McFadden, butdo return 4th tm all-conf CB Neiko Thorpe. highly touted juco CB Demond Washington (36tkl 1sk 4pbu) was pretty solid as a backup this past season and should have a fine season opposite Thorpe. They have a very injury prone set of safeties though as SS Mike McNeil broke his leg before last season, Aairon Savage tore his achilles, and FS Zac Etheridge (52tkl 3.5tfl) had his own scary accident vs. Ole Miss last season and missed the rest of the season. All 3 should be back and healthy and they should help put together a very experienced secondary that should improve upon last years numbers (218ypg 58.0%).

Conclusion

Auburn has a fairly manageable out of conference schedule as they take on Arkansas St, Clemson, Louisiana Monroe, and UT-Chattanooga. Normally I wouldn't include Clemson on this list but the (other) Tigers look to be a little bit down this season and this will be their first real test of the season. I fully expect Auburn to go 4-0 in their OOC this season. In conference play they go @ Mississippi St, South Carolina, @ Kentucky, Arkansas, LSU, @ Ole Miss, Georgia, and finally @ Alabama. Auburn has a very tough slate this season, but they get their toughest games at home. Auburn is a dark horse contender for not only the conference championship game, but the national championship game as well.

2. #21(ap)/#16(cp) LSU Tigers
'09 Final Record: 9-4 (5-3)
Head Coach: Les Miles 6th yr (79-36/ 51-15 @ LSU)

Offense (Multiple Set)
Offensive Coordinator: Gary Crowton 4th yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #10 Scoring Off - 22.3 points per game
• #11 Rushing Off - 104.3 yards per game
• #10 First Downs - 17.1 first downs per game
• #3 Turnovers - 8

Returning: 6 Starters

• Passing: QB Jordan Jefferson (182-296 61.5% 2166yds 17td 7int), QB Jarrett Lee (16-40 40.0% 197yds 2td 1int)
• Rushing: WR Russell Shepard (45att 277yds 6.2avg 2td), RB Stevan Ridley (45att 180yds 4.0avg 3td)
• Receiving: WR Terrence Tolliver (53rec 735yds 13.9avg 3td), WR Rueben Randle (11rec 173yds 15.7avg 2td)

In Offensive Coordinator Gary Crowtons first season guiding the Bayou Bengals offense in '07 they had their best offensive season (38.6ppg 439ypg) since '01 (32.2ppg 462ypg). But in every season since then LSU's offense has gotten worse averaging 30.9ppg 368ypg in '08, and then in '09 they had their worst offense of this past decade averaging 24.8ppg 305ypg. This season they return 6 starters making this group the most inexperienced group sine Crowton's first season. They do get back QB Jordan Jefferson (former top ten QB recruit out of HS), who has had his struggles since becoming the full time starter at the end of the '08 season, but he is still 11-4 as a starter and has thrown for 21td to 8int for his career. He is pretty movile (171yds 1td) but he often runs into trouble instead of away from it. I do expect him to be much better now that he is in his 2nd year as the starter. A big problem for the Bengals though is that if he were to go down there is only one other scholarship QB on the roster in the infamous Jr. Jarrett Lee (16-17 career td-int ratio) who lead the NCAA in '08 for most interceptions returned for TDs. While many people consider the Arkansas WRs the best in the conference I actually believe that distinction belongs to LSU as they have a ridiculous amount of talent with two very highly touted sophomores in WR Rueben Randle (former top five WR recruit out of HS) and Russell Shepard (former top five QB recruit out of HS). Randle is extremely long and athletic and Shepard is lightning fast and can turn nothing into something in a hurry. They also return their second leading receiver from last season in Terrance Tolliver, who has all-conf potential. They do lose their starting TE in Richard Dickson (157yds '09) but I look for former WR DeAngelo Peterson (5rec 82yds 16.4avg 2td) to take over and make an impact for this offense. They should have their best passing game since at least '07 (225ypg 57.9%). As far as the running game is concerned they do lose their top 2 from last year in Charles Scott and Keiland Williams (combined 910yds 8td) but they mostly spent last season injured, so RB Stevan Ridley actually get plenty of action this past season, even starting in the bowl game. Backing him up should be Richard Murphy, who was the main backup to Scott and Williams, but he too was injured, missing last season with a torn ACL. They also add highly touted rFr Michael Ford to the mix. Up front they return 3 starters including RT Joseph Barksdale (2yr starter at RT, switched to LT in spring), but lose AA LT Ciron Black. They do have some talent in the two deep and I wouldn't be surprised to see very highly touted rFr Chris Faulk (former top ten OL recruit out of HS) to take over at the open RT spot. Overall I expect the run game to improve after having its worst season of this past decade (123ypg 3.7ypc). This should be a much improved LSU offense despite the general inexperience.

Defense (4-3)
Defensive Coordinator: John Chavis 2nd yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #3 Scoring Def - 18.8 points per game

Returning: 4 Starters

• Tackles: MLB Kelvin Sheppard (110tkl 8.5tfl 1sk 1int), CB Patrick Peterson (52tkl 13pbu 2int)
• Sacks: DT Drake Nevis (50tkl 11tfl 4sk), DE Lavar Edwards (23tkl 4.5tfl 2.5sk)
• Interceptions: CB Patrick Peterson, SS Brandon Taylor (41tkl 4pbu 2int)

Since Bo Pelini's departure after the '07 season the LSU Defense has given up their two highest ypg totals in Les Miles tenure (326ypg '08; 328ypg '09). They brought in former Tennessee DC John Chavis to run the defense and while they did give up a full touchdown less ppg (24.2ppg '08; 16.2ppg '09) they still gave up more ypg. This season they return 4 Starters, making this the most inexperienced Bayou Bengal defense in over a decade, though I don't expect that to be too much of a factor as Chavis was used to dealing with inexperience at Tennessee (5 starters or less 5 of his last 8 seasons at UT). They only return 1 starter up front in DT Lazarius Livingston (28tkl 8tfl 4pbu) but they do lose all-conf DE Rahim Alem (8.5tfl 4.5sk '09) and NFL DC DT Al Woods (5.5tfl 1sk '09). I like who they have coming back, including DE Lavar Edwards who was solid last season as a backup (4.5tfl) and their is plenty of highly touted players in the rotation including rFr Sam Montgomer and very highly touted sophomore Chancey Aghayere (former top ten DL recruit out of HS). In the middle DT Drake Nevis is expected to take over the open spot, and Nevis was pretty dominant at times when he came in to play (11tfl 4sk). There is also plenty of young talent in the interior as well. This is a very talented group, though I do expect a small drop, especially in the SEC where a solid run defense is crucial. At LB they return 1 starter but lose Defensive MVP OLB Harry Coleman (82tkl 9tfl 4sk 4pbu '09) and NFL DC OLB Perry Riley (97tkl 4.5tfl 5pbu 1int '09) but they do return MLB Kelvin Sheppard, who is one of the best LBs in the conference, and also one of the smartest, as he calls the defensive plays and can play at any of the 3 LB positions. They do have plenty of talent their to take over the open spots and I am going to keep an eye on highly touted true frosh Justin Maclin, and I expect him to see heavy playing time this season. In the secondary they return 2 starters, losing all-conf FS Chad Jones (74tkl 6pbu 3int '09) and CB Chris Hawkins (7pbu 2int '09), but they do return the best cover corner in all of college football in 2nd tm all-conf CB Patrick Peterson (13pbu! 2int) and solid SS Brandon Taylor. They have plenty of talent to take over the open spot at CB and I expect for highly touted Jr Ron Brooks to eventually take over their. Their looks to be a tight battle for the open FS spot between the experienced Sr. Jai Eugene (11st L2Y, 1pbu 1int '09) and the very highly touted rFr Craig Loston (former top five DB recruit out of HS). Either way I am expecting this to be a solid secondary and to improve upon last seasons solid numbers (194ypg 53.4%).

Conclusion

LSU has a very interesting out of conference schedule as they play North Carolina (in Atlanta), West Virginia, McNeese St, and Louisiana-Monroe. LSU is a fairly inexperienced team right now, and North Carolina has perhaps the best defense in the country, so I am expecting a loss in week 1. West Virginia is the best team in the Big East, and if the Bengals aren't fully prepared on defense Noel Devine can carve them up in a hurry. I still expect for the Bengals to go 3-1, though I wouldn't be surprised at either 4-0 or 2-2. In conference they go @ Vanderbilt, Mississippi St, Tennessee, @ Florida, @ Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss, and @ Arkansas. This is going to be a tough schedule for LSU but I do expect them to open up 3-0, and if they can carry that momentum they have a legitimate chance to to win @ Auburn, Alabama, and/or @ Arkansas. I don't have that much faith in Les Miles but he should have a pretty decent team this season, whether it is enough to save his job I am not sure.

4. #17(cp)/#19(ap) Arkansas Razorbacks
'09 Final Record: 8-5 (3-5)
Head Coach: Bobby Petrino 3rd yr (54-21/ 13-12 @ Arkansas)

Offense (Multiple)
Offensive Coordinator: Garrick McGee 3rd yr (1st as OC)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #1 Scoring Off - 29.3 points per game
• #1 Passing Off - 277.5 yards per game
• #10 Rushing Off - 105.8 yards per game
• #9 3rd Downs - 33.9% conversion
• #1 Turnovers - 6

Returning: 10 Starters

• Passing: QB Ryan Mallett (225-403 55.8% 3624yds 30td 7int), QB Tyler Wilson (22-36 61.1% 218yds 2td 2int)
• Rushing: RB Broderick Green (104att 442yds 4.2avg 11td), RB Dennis Johnson (57att 342yds 6.0avg)
• Receiving: WR Greg Childs (48rec 894yds 18.6avg 7td), WR Jarius Wright (41rec 681yds 16.6avg 5td)

In HC Bobby Petrino's first season at Arkansas the Razorbacks had one of their worst years offensively in over at least a decade, averaging only 21.9ppg (20.9 vs. SEC) and 373ypg (369ypg vs. SEC). In his 2nd season however there was a huge improvement as he added the very talented QB Ryan Mallett (former top five QB out of HS) and the numbers improved to 36.0ppg (29.3 vs. SEC) and 427ypg (383 vs. SEC). This season the Razorbacks return 10 starters making them the most experienced Hog offense since '06. Of course the big name returnee is 2nd tm all-conf Mallett, whose name is being thrown around in the early Heisman race, but Mallett also returns his top 5 receivers from a season ago including 2nd tm all-conf WR Joe Adams (29rec 568yds 19.6avg 7td), 2nd tm all-conf TE D.J. Williams (32rec 411yds 12.8avg 3td), and 3rd tm all-conf WR Greg Childs. They also return their #2 receiver Jarius Wright, who had all-conf numbers and has all-conf potential. And don't forget about primary backup WR Cobi Hamilton (19rec 347yds 18.3avg 3td). This receiving corps is right up there with LSU as far as having a top receiving corps. With Mallett back, plus his top five receivers I expect this to be the best passing offense in modern Razorback history, the best passing offense in the SEC, and one of the best passing offenses in the country. As far as the running backs are concerned Petrino likes bigger backs so it is no surprise that USC transfer Broderick Green (6'2 248) lead last season, and I expect for Green plus highly touted sophomore Ronnie Wingo (6'3 227; 49att 319yds 6.5avg 3td) to be the top two backs this season. Up front they return 4 starters, and while there isn't a true star on this line they are now in year 3 of Petrino's system so I will expect even better numbers this season. This is the best offense in the SEC.

Defense (4-3)
Defensive Coordinator: Willy Robinson 3rd Yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #10 Scoring Def - 29.1 points per game
• #11 Passing Def - 242.6 yards per game
• #10 Rushing Def - 176.9 yards per game
• #12 Opp First Downs - 20.1 first downs per game
• #11 Opp 3rd Downs - 38.9% conversion
• #2 Takeaways - 18

Returning: 7 Starters

• Tackles: MLB Jerry Franklin (94tkl 5tfl 1.5sk 3pbu 3int), OLB Jerico Nelson (74tkl 6.5tfl 2.5sk 1int)
• Sacks: DE Jake Bequette (39tkl 9tfl 5.5sk), two tied at 2.5
• Interceptions: MLB Jerry Franklin, FS Tramain Thomas (32tkl 1tfl 3int)

Defense has been a weakness for the Razorbacks and in DC Willy Robinson's first season in '08 they gave up 31.2pgg 375ypg. Now in '09 the Razorbacks returned 9 starters and were in the 2nd season under Robinson, so the numbers were expected to improve. Instead they gave up even MORE ypg (401; 429 vs. SEC). This season the Razorbacks return 7 starters on defense, making them less experienced than last year, and if they don't have an improved defense this season they are going to be in lots of trouble. They do return 2 starters up front but lose their best in 2nd tm all-conf DT Malcolm Sheppard (11tfl 2.5sk). They do get back DE Jake Bequette, who had a pretty decent season last year. I also like the new starters in DT DeQuinta Jones (24tkl 3.5tfl 2.5sk) and DE Tenarius Wright (34tkl 7tfl 1.5sk) who both played pretty solid as backups this past season. While this is a decent enough line the loss of their best defensive player I do expect their rush defense to take a small step back. At LB they do return both OLBs from a season ago including 3rd tm all-conf Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson, and both of these guys are all-conf type LBs and I expect highly touted sophomore Austin Moss to take over the open spot. This is a pretty solid LB corps and I expect them to be better than the '09 version. The secondary has been the defenses achilles heel over the past two years giving up 204ypg 53.3% in '08 and then a ghastly 248ypg 59.2% in '09. Everyone knows how bad Jevan Snead was for Ole Miss last season but even he went 22-33 for 332yds LY. And he wasn't the only QB to have his best game against the Hogs D either. They do return 3 starters this season including both CBs Ramon Broadway (55tkl 4pbu) and Rudell Crim (43tkl 4bpu). I also expect for very highly touted sophomore Darius Winston (former top five DB recruit out of HS) to have a much bigger impact this season as well. SS Elton Ford (65tkl) is decent as well. They are going to have to do better this season or they will not do very well in the conference. To win football games in the SEC you need to have a solid defense. I am not a fan of DC Willy Robinson (who is also the DB coach), and I don't think they are going to suddenly make huge leaps and bounds this season.

Conclusion

The Hogs are another team to have one of those out of conference schedules that is focused on one game, as they face Tennessee Tech, Louisiana Monroe (in Little Rock), Texas A&M (in Arlington), and UTEP. They should get at least 3 wins. That game against Texas A&M is very intriguing, and even though Arkansas won 47-19 last season, they were outgained by 24 yards. Texas A&M looks to be one of the most improved teams in the country and it will be interesting to see how this Hog secondary does against QB Jerrod Johnson. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Hogs go 4-0 or 3-1. In conference Arkansas must go @ Georgia, Alabama, @ Auburn, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, @ South Carolina, @ Mississippi St, and home vs. LSU (in Little Rock). If the Razorbacks are going to compete for the SEC West than they are going to have a fight on their hands every single week (except maybe vs. Vanderbilt). All of their road games are going to be tough, and even though they get Alabama and Ole Miss at home, Mallett and Co. averaged only 12 points and 277 yards in those two games last season. Arkansas can either make huge strides or crash and burn this season.

5. Ole Miss Rebels
'09 Final Record: 9-4 (4-4)
Head Coach: Houston Nutt 3rd yr (98-62/ 18-8 @ Ole Miss)

Offense (Pro Set/Multiple)
Offensive Coordinator: Dave Radar 1st yr, Mike Markuson 3rd yr (1st as OC)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #1 First Downs - 19.9 first downs per game
• #12 Turnovers - 20

Returning: 4 Starters

• Passing: QB Nathan Stanley (11-23 47.8% 163yds 1td 1int)
• Rushing: RB Brandon Bolden (129att 614yds 4.8avg 4td), RB Rodney Scott (35att 138yds 3.9avg 2td)
• Receiving: WR Markeith Summers (17rec 394yds 23.2avg 4td), RB Brandon Bolden (20rec 209yds 10.4avg 1td)

After Eli Manning departed in '03, the Rebels went through some hard times offensively through the years of '04-'07 with their highest ppg total coming in at 20.1 in '07 and their highest ypg total at 351 in '04. In the two seasons since they have hired Houston Nutt however the Offense has come back to life averaging 32.1ppg 408ypg in '08 and 29.5ppg and 402ypg in '09. This season they have two new OCs in Dave Radar and long time Nutt OL Coach Mike Markuson. The Rebels return only 4 starters from last years offense making this the least experienced offense in at least a decade. While they do lose a 2yr starter, and #5 all time leading passer in school history, in Jevan Snead (5394yds '08-'09), I don't expect their to be a huge drop in the passing game, as Snead often struggled times last season, throwing 20int. There is currently an ongoing battle for the Rebels QB spot with sophomore Nathan Stanley, very highly touted juco Randall Mackey (top five juco prospect) and Oregon transfer Jeremiah Masoli (177-305 58.0% 2147yds 15td 6int '09 @ Oregon). While Stanley was applauded by his coaches for his leadership abilities this past spring I fully expect for Masoli, who is also extremely mobile (121att 668yds 5.5avg 13td) to get the majority of the snaps this season. Whoever wins the job should have a better season with less turnovers than '09. They do have a couple of big losses as far as the receiving corps is concerned as they lose 1st tm all-conf WR Shay Hodge (70rec 1135yds 16.2avg 8td) and RB/WR Dexter McCluster (44rec 520yds 11.8avg 3td). They also lost very hightly touted WR Patrick Patterson this offseason after he was kicked off the team. There really isn't too much to get excited about with the Rebels receiving corps but keep your eye on highly touted true frosh Vincent Sanders, as I expect him to make an impact this season. Despite the loss of a Hodge I actually expect the numbers to remain about the same, with a higher comp %, with improved QB play. As far as the running game is concerned Nutt is known for fielding solid units, but the Rebels lose 1st tm all-conf McCluster (1169yds 6.5avg 8td), but they do return 3 solid RBs in Brandon Bolden, highly touted sophomore Rodney Scott, and very highly touted Jr Enrique Davis (32att 110yds 3.4avg 2td; former top five RB out of HS). The 3 combined for 862yds and 8td this past season, and the coaches raved about Davis' progress in the spring. Up front their is some big question marks as they return only two starters from a season ago in highly touted sophomore RT Bobby Massie and LT Bradley Sowell, losing a 4yr starter in all-conf RG John Jerry, a 3yr starter in all-conf LG Reid Neely, and a 2yr starter in C Daverin Geralds. This a very inexperienced OL, add that with loss of McCluster and I expect the Rebels to have their worst rushing numbers in HC Nutts 3 years.

Defense (Multiple Set/4-3)
Defensive Coordinator: Tyrone Nix 3rd yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #4 Rushing Def - 139.0 yards per game
• #4 Opp First Downs - 17.3 first downs per game
• #11 Takeaways - 11

Returning: 6 Starters

• Tackles: SS Johnny Brown (81tkl 4tfl 5pbu 1int), MLB Jonathan Cornell (79tkl 8tfl)
• Sacks: DE Kentrell Lockett (39tkl 10tfl 5sk), DT Jerrell Powe (34tkl 12tfl 2sk)
• Interceptions: FS Fon Ingram (49tkl 1.5tfl 3pbu 2int), four tied at 1

HC Nutt made a fantastic hire bringing in Tyrone Nix to be the DC and in Nix's two seasons in Oxford, the Rebels have had their two best defenses of the last decade giving up an average of 19.0ppg 307ypg in '08 and 17.7ppg 315ypg in '09. A weird thing about this defense is that they have alternated their strengths, as in '08 their rush D gave up only 86ypg 2.6ypc! but in '09 they gave up 140ypg 3.9ypc, and in '08 the pass D gave up 222ypg 58.5%, but in '09 they only allowed 174ypg 50.0%. This season the Rebels return 6 starters making them the most inexperienced defense since '07. Up front they return 3 starters, losing all-conf DE Marcus Tillman (7.5tfl 5.5sk '09) and NFL DC backup Greg Hardy (6.5tfl 5sk '09). They do return 2nd tm All-Conf DT Powe and 3rd tm all-conf DE Lockett, and the other 3 rotating DTs are also pretty solid in Lawon Scott (24tkl), Ted Laurent (12tkl 2.5tfl) and Justin Smith (inj '09). Filling in at the open DE position should be very highly touted juco Wayne Dorsey (top fifteen juco). Despite the loss of two quality DEs this group should improve upon their rush defense and if Dorsey lives up to his hype they should still put immense pressure on the QB (38sk '08, 36sk '09). This is one of the SECs best D-Lines. At LB they return 2 starters, losing 4th tm all-conf OLB Patrick Trahan (12tfl 5sk '09), but they do return two talented Seniors in MLB Jonathan Cornell and OLB Allen Walker (51tkl 5tfl 1sk 5pbu). There isn't much SEC talent outside of the two returning starters, but Nix is a solid LB coach so whoever replaces Trahan should be ok, and this is one of the more underrated LB corps in the conference. In the secondary is where the Rebels are going to be in trouble as they only return 1 starter, losing NFL DC FS Kendrick Lewis (84tkl 5tfl 1sk 10pbu 2int '09) and both CBs. Sr. Jeremy McGee (19tkl 3pbu 1int) saw plenty of playing time this past season, but there isn't much experience behind him at CB. SS Johnny Brown (5pbu 1int) has all-conf potentital, and the FS spot should be filled by highly touted juco Damien Jackson (practiced with team in spring). Backup safety Fon Ingram is also pretty decent as well (3pbu 2int). With the loss of FS Lewis and the lack of starting experience at CB I do not expect the Rebels to match last seasons outstanding numbers.

Conclusion

The Rebels have a pretty manageable out of conference schedule as they face Jacksonville St, @ Tulane, Fresno St, and Louisiana. Fresno St might give Ole Miss a challenge but the Bulldogs lost their backfield this past season, including 1st Rd DC Ryan Matthews. I expect for the Rebels to go 4-0 in their OOC. In conference the Rebels get Vanderbilt, Kentucky, @ Alabama, @ Arkansas, Auburn, @ Tennessee, @ LSU, and finally at against Mississippi St. Ole Miss should open up 2-0 but the next five conference games are going to be rough. Auburn and Miss St are the only two home big games at home this season so I expect them to at least get 1 win out of those two, and if Tennessee doesn't come together quick under Dooley they could very well win in Knoxville. I expect the Rebels to go bowling for the 3rd consecutive season.

6. Mississippi State Bulldogs
'09 Final Record: 5-7 (3-5)
Head Coach: Dan Mullen 2nd yr (5-7 @ Miss St)

Offense (Multiple Set)
Offensive Coordinator: Les Koenning 2nd yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #11 Passing Off - 120.9 yards per game
• #1 Rushing Off - 222.0 yards per game
• #12 3rd Downs - 29.9% conversion
• #10 Turnovers - 19

Returning: 7 Starters

• Passing: QB Chris Relf (22-41 53.7% 283yds 5td 3int)
• Rushing: QB Chris Relf (76att 500yds 6.6avg 2td), RB Robert Elliott (44att 221yds 5.0avg 1td)
• Receiving: WR Chad Bumphis (32rec 375yds 11.7avg 4td), TE Marcus Green (27rec 306yds 11.3avg 3td)

The Bulldogs have had one of the worst offenses in the country over this past decade, averaging over 20.0ppg just 3 times (32.5 '00, 21.5 '07, 25.6 '09), and over 350ypg twice (380 '00; 372ypg '09), with four of the last 5 seasons not even topping 300ypg. Yet in HC Dan Mullens first season with the Bulldogs they had their best offense (25.6ppg 372ypg) since '00 (32.5ppg 380ypg). This season Mullen gets 7 starters back, making this his most experienced group yet, and the Bulldogs most experienced offense since '07. Mullens system is a run first type of offense, and they lost a big piece of that offense when 1st tm all-conf RB, and MSU all time leading rusher, Anthony Dixon (3994yds '06-'09) graduated this past season, as did one of his primary backups Christian Ducre (combined 1654yds 14td '09). While it will be tough to replace Dixon they do bring back his other primary backup in highly touted Jr. Robert Elliott (44att 221yds 5.0avg 1td) and have highly touted juco Vick Ballard (practiced with team in spring), and highly touted rFr. Montrell Conner. Despite the loss of Dixon this RB unit is still very solid and is also very underrated. The Dogs also return 4 starters up front including 2nd tm All-Conf LT Derrok Sherrod, and C J.C. Brignone, who has started all across the interior of the O-Line, and has all-conf potential. I expect for highly touted true frosh Damien Robinson to eventually take hold of the RG spot, and this is one of the better lines in the conference. One of the more dangerous pieces to this offense is QB Chris Relf, who finished this past season as the #2 rusher. At times last season the Bulldogs ran him using an option package, and he ran it very well. With a talented set of backs, QB Relf as the full times starter, and an experienced O-Line I expect the Bulldogs to improve upon last seasons fantastic rushing numbers (228ypg 4.9ypc). The quesion mark about QB Relf is his ability to throw the ball. As a passer he seems a bit unpolished. That shouldn't be too big of a problem if the run game can take off like I expect. He also returns his top 2 receivers from a season ago in WR Chad Bumphis and TE Marcus Green. I am expecting a bigger season out of WR Leon Berry, and also am going to keep an eye on highly touted rFr. Ricco Sanders. I do expect this passing game to improve and to cut down on their awful TD-Int ratio of '09 (9-17).

Defense (4-3)
Defensive Coordinator: Manny Diaz 1st yr, Chris Wilson 1st yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #11 Scoring Def - 29.4 points per game
• #10 Passing Def - 200.3 yards per game
• #4 Opp 3rd Downs - 34.6% conversion

Returning: 7 Starters

• Tackles: OLB K.J. Wright (82tkl 6.5tfl 2.5sk), MLB Chris White (75tkl 4tfl 3pbu)
• Sacks: DE Pernell McPhee (56tkl 12tfl 5sk 4pbu), DT Devin Jones (14tkl 3.5tfl 2.5sk)
• Interceptions: CB Corey Broomfield (19tkl 4pbu 6int), two tied at 4

Last season the offense did enough for the Dogs to make their 2nd Bowl game in 3 years, but they had their worst defense (26.8ppg 366ypg) since '03s 2 win team (39.3ppg 474ypg). This season they have Co-DCs in Manny Diaz and Chris Wilson, along with 7 returning starters which makes this the most experienced defense since '06. Up front they return just 2 starters from a season ago, but of those 2 starters they return 2nd tm all-conf DE Pernell McPhee, who was phenomenal in his first season in the SEC. At the other DE spot Jr. Sean Ferguson (25tkl 5.5tfl 1sk) looks to take over and he had a pretty solid season this past year as a backup. In the middle they have a couple of highly touted sophomores in DT Fletcher Cox (29tkl 3.5tfl 1sk) and DT Josh Boyd (17tkl). Cox was actually recruited out of HS as a rush DE. The Dogs main backup should be very highly touted juco DT James Cameron (top ten juco; 6'7 345). Cameron is huge and they are hoping he has a "Terrance Cody" type of effect. Also keep an eye on highly touted true frosh DE Kaleb Eulls, as I expect him to see some heavy playing time this season. This is a fantastic defensive line, and they should have their best rush defense since '06 (115ypg 3.4ypc), and have their past rush of the past decade. At LB they return 2 starters from a season ago, losing leading tackler and NFL DC Jamar Chaney (90tkl 4.5tfl 2sk 2int), but they do return their #2 and #3 leading tacklers in OLB K.J. Wright and MLB Chris White. Both of whom have all-conf potential. I am expecting for highly touted sophomore OLB Cameron Lawrence (14tkl) to step in at the open LB spot and have a solid season as well. This is a pretty solid LB corps and I expect them to be better than last seasons unit. In the secondary they return 3 starters from a season ago, including CB Charles Mitchell (64tkl 2pbu 4int) and a couple of all SEC freshman in CB Corey Broomfield, and FS Johnthan Banks (33tkl 3pbu 4int). CB Maurice Langston (16tkl 2.5tfl) should take over the other CB spot. I expect this secondary to greatly improve their pass defense numbers from a season ago (220ypg 56.3%). This could be the most improved defense in the conference.

Conclusion

The Dogs have an interesting out of conference schedule as they face Memphis, Alcorn St, @ Houston, and UAB. They should beat Memphis, Alcorn St, and UAB pretty easily but it's the Houston game that is interesting. I actually expect for MSU to go to Houston and win, despite what my power rankings suggest, and go 4-0 in their OOC but I wouldn't be surprised if they went 3-1. In conference they get Auburn @ LSU, Georgia, @ Florida, Kentucky, @ Alabama, Arkansas, and @ Ole Miss. This is going to be a tough schedule for the Bulldogs as I expect Auburn to be greatly improved, Georgia to be much better, and the road games at LSU, Bama, and Ole Miss are going to be tough as well. I expect for them to pull out a couple of conference wins. If they can win at Houston the Dogs will go bowling.

East

1. #4(ap)/#3(cp) Florida Gators
'09 Final Record: 13-1 (8-1)
Head Coach: Urban Meyer (96-18/ 57-10 @ Florida)

Offense (Spread)
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Addazio 6th yr (2nd as OC)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #4 Scoring Off - 26.0 points per game
• #3 Rushing Off - 192.7 yards per game
• #2 First Downs - 19.6 first downs per game
• #4 3rd Downs - 38.3% conversion

Returning: 6 Starters

• Passing: QB John Brantley (36-48 75.0% 410yds 7td)
• Rushing: RB Jeffery Demps (99att 745yds 7.5avg 7td), RB Chris Rainey (89att 575yds 6.5avg 5td; moved to WR in spring)
• Receiving: WR Deonte Thompson (24rec 343yds 14.3avg 4td), WR Omarius Hines (14rec 172yds 12.3avg 1td)

Offensively the Gators have averaged 30.0+ppg and 400+ppg 7 out of the past 10 seasons. This past season was Steve Addazio's first as Offensive Coordinator, and he guided the Gators to their highest ypg (458ypg) since '01 (538ypg) even though the Gators ppg dropped by a full touchdown (43.6ppg '08; 35.9ppg '09). This season the Gators return 6 starters, making this the least experienced Gator offense since '07. The biggest loss that this offense is going to have to deal with is the loss of one of college football's all time greats in QB Tim Tebow, who went 35-6 (21-5 vs. SEC) as a starter, won a Heisman trophy his sophomore season, made two conference championship games (won one), and won a national championship. He leaves as the schools #4 all time leading passer with 9285yds. This season his replacement under center is very highly touted Jr. John Brantley (former top five QB recruit out of HS). Brantley is more of a pocket passer, and he played extremely well in his time backing up Teboew (75% 410yds 7td 0int). The Gators do lose their top two receivers as well in WR Riley Cooper (961yds 9td) and TE Aaron Hernandez (850yds 5td). This WR unit is filled with very highly touted players, including returning starting WR Deonte Thompson (former top five WR recruit out of HS). This season they get WR Carl Moore (former top five juco) and very highly touted rFr Andre DeBose (former top five WR recruit out of HS). They also add in former RB Chris Rainey into the "Percy Harvin" position. While they lose TE Hernandez, they do have highly touted rFr Jordan Reed and very highly touted true frosh Gerald Christian (top five TE recruit out of HS; practiced with team in spring). With pure passer Brantley, who Meyer called the 2nd best QB in the SEC last year behind Tebow, and an extremely talented group of receivers I will call for the Gators to have their best passing numbers since '04 (271ypg 59.9%). Tebow also lead the Gators in rushing the past 3 seasons, but that title should go back to the RBs this season as they return 3 of their top 4 backs, losing only Rainey as he moves to WR. They use a RB by committee and they return Jeff Demps, Emmanuel Moody, and highly touted sophomore Mike Gillislee, who combined for 1390 of the '09 committees 1965yds and 11 of the their 16tds. Up front they return 4 starters from a season ago, losing only 1st tm AA C Maurkice Pouncey. This season they return 2nd tm All-Conf RG Mike Pouncey (moved to C in spring), 4th tm all-conf RT Marcus Gilbert, and frosh all-conf LT Xavier Nixon (very highly touted sophomore). There is plenty of talent in this group and I expect for very highly touted sophomore RG James Wilson (former top five OL recruit out of HS). With an experienced OL and an experienced RB group I will expect for the Gators to continue putting up high numbers in the run game. Despite the loss of a player like Tebow this should still be one of the SECs best offenses.

Defense (4-3)
Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin 1st yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #2 Scoring Def - 14.2 points per game
• #1 Passing Def - 149.0 yards per game
• #2 Rushing Def - 114.0 yards per game
• #1 Opp First Downs - 14.9 first downs per game
• #3 Op 3rd Downs - 32.5% conversion
• #3 Takeaways - 16

Returning: 5 Starters

• Tackles: SS Ahmad Black (70tkl 2.5tfl 1sk 5pbu 1int), FS Will Hill (42tkl 1.5sk 1pbu)
• Sacks: OLB Brandon Hicks (32tkl 5tfl 4sk), OLB A.J. Jones (37tkl 4.5tfl 3sk 2pbu 3int)
• Interceptions: OLB A.J. Jones, CB Janoris Jenkins (38tkl 3tfl 6pbu 2int)

Defensively the Gators have had two of the top defenses in the country in each of the past two seasons giving up 12.9ppg 285ypg and, returning 11 starters, 12.4ppg 253ypg in '09. This season they lose fantastic DC Charlie Strong to Louisville to be the HC. New Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin gets 5 starters back this season, making them the least experienced defense since '07. This season they return 2 starters up front, but lose 2 1st tm All-Conf DEs in Jermaine Cunningham (12tfl 7sk '09) and Carlos Dunlap (10.5tfl 9sk '09). They do return both DTs in frosh AA DT Omar Hunter (17tkl 2tfl; VHT soph) and Jaye Howard (29tkl 3tfl 1.5sk), plus backups Lawrence Marsh (13st '08) and Terron Sanders (20st L2Y) both have plenty of starting experience. Also keep an eye on very highly touted true frosh DTs Shariff Floyd (top five DL out of HS) and Dominique Easley (top ten DL out of HS). This is a ridiculously talented D-Line that should actually improve upon '09s fantastic rush defense (100ypg 3.1ypc). On the ends they have a couple of talented upperclassmen in Sr. Justin Trattou (17tkl 4.5tfl 2sk) and William Green (3tfl). Also keep an eye on another very highly touted true frosh Ronald Powell (former top five DL out of HS). I can't imagine the Gators having a pass rush as near as dangerous as the combination of Cunningham and Dunlap. At LB they return 1 starter from a year ago, but lose 1st tm AA Brandon Spikes (68tkl 6.5tfl 3sk 3pbu 2int). They do return OLBs A.J. Jones and Brandon Hicks, but it looks like a slew of highly touted underclassmen are going to be needed this fall in the likes of highly touted sophomore OLB Dee Finley, highly touted sophomore MLB Jonathan Bostic, very highly totued rFr Jelani Jenkins (former top five LB out of HS), and highly touted true frosh Michael Taylor. While this group is immensely talented they are also very inexperienced and I will call them a couple of notches down this fall. In the secondary they return 2 starters, but lose 1st tm AA CB Joe Haden (68tkl 5tfl 3sk 10pbu 4int) and 3rd Rd NFL DC FS Major Wright (32tkl 2pbu 3int). They do return 4th tm all-conf SS Ahmad Black, and Janoris Jenkins (38tkl 6pbu 2int), plus their man backup at S in the very highly touted Jr. Will Hill (former top five DB out of HS). It looks as if ver highly touted true frosh Joshua Shaw (top ten DB recruit out of HS; practiced with team in spring) will take over at CB, with highly touted true frosh Jaylen Watkins (practiced with team in spring) as the main backup, and look for another very highly touted true frosh in Matt Elam (top five DB out of HS; practiced with team in spring) to get some playing time at one of the two S spots this fall. Again this group is immensely taltented but with the loss of CB Haden, who was out of this world, I do not expect them to match last seasons outstanding numbers (153ypg 52.5%). This is still one of the SECs premier defenses.

Conclusion

The Gators have an interesting out of conference schedule as they get Miami, OH, South Florida, Appalachian St, and @ Florida St. Florida is an extremely talented team that should very easily roll over their first three opponents, including USF, who just isn't ready to compete with the Gators. The final game in Tallahassee, is going to be an interesting one, and while I expect for Florida to win (haven't given up more than 15pts to FSU while Meyer has been HC) I wouldn't be that surprised to see the Seminoles win this season. In conference they go @ Tennessee, Kentucky, @ Alabama, LSU, Mississippi St, Georgia (in Jacksonville), @ Vanderbilt, and home against South Carolina. They are going to have some tough games @ Alabama and against Georgia, but I still expect Florida to win their 3rd consecutive division.

2. South Carolina Gamecocks
'09 Final Record: 7-6 (3-5)
Head Coach: Steve Spurrier 6th yr (177-68-2/ 35-28 @ S. Carolina)

Offense (Multiple Set)
Offensive Coordinator: Steve Spurrier

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #11 Scoring Off - 18.0 points per game
• #2 Passing Off - 263.1 yards per game
• #12 Rushing Off - 83.6 yards per game
• #2 3rd Downs - 38.7% conversion
• #9 Turnovers - 14

Returning: 9 Starters

• Passing: QB Stephen Garcia (239-432 55.3% 2862yds 17td 10int)
• Rushing: RB Kenny Miles (117att 626yds 5.4avg 1td), RB Brian Maddox (102att 307yds 3.0avg 6td)
• Receiving: WR Alshon Jeffery (45rec 763yds 16.6avg 6td), WR Tori Gurley (31rec 440yds 14.2avg 2td)

When Steve Spurrier was hired to be the HC prior to the '05 season there was a high expectation for Gamecock fans that their offense would soon be one of the best in the SEC. That has not been the case, as they have really only had two pretty good seasons back in '06 (26.6ppg 395ypg) and '07 (26.1ppg 372ypg). Outside of those two seasons however the Gamecocks have not averaged more than 24.0ppg or 350ypg. This season though there is hope that will chance, as they return 9 starters on offense, making this the most experienced SC offense since '04. This being Steve Spurrier, the passing game is going to be the most important, and this year they bring back QB Stephen Garcia who, as a sophomore, became the first Gamecock QB under Spurrier to start a full season. The big story this offseason was Spurrier calling out Garcia and questioning his work ethic and commitment to the game, and so far the reports are that Garcia has responded well. I didn't think that Garcia played THAT badly this past season, though he does need to improve his comp %. The Gamecock passing game took a big hit when Weslye Saunders was suspended indefinitely as there are currently THREE investigations going on with him: 1 is about early contact with an agent, another is about him possibly receiving an illegal discount at a hotel that he and several other players stayed at, and most recently his involvement at a party in Myrtle Beach. If Saunders is not reinstated then that leaves Garcia with just 2 of his top 4 receivers from the '09 season in very highly touted WR Alshon Jeffery and WR Tori Gurley. Spurrier has compared their #5 receiver, Jr. WR Jason Barnes (26rec 287yds 11.0avg) to Sydney Rice (currently with Vikings). This is a very big receiving corps (avg 6'4 224). Also keep an eye on highly touted rFr Lamar Scruggs (6'2 221). I actually like this group a lot, even if Saunders can't play. Up front they return 4 starters from this past season, which was filled with injury, as several key players missed multiple starts. While there is no one person that sticks out I do like highly touted sophomore C T.J. Johnson (13st RG '09; moved to C in spring) and LT Jarriel King. If they can stay healthy this should be a solid offensive line that should keep the pressure off of Garcia, and open holes for a much improved backfield. This past season two RBs split a majority of the carries in soph Kenny Miles and Sr. Brian Maddox (combined 933yds 7td), and highly touted true frosh Jarvis Giles (52att 277yds 5.3avg 1td) got a healthy amount of carries early , but Spurrier didn't like that he "danced around" too much so his carries were severely cut down. This season they all return plus they get very highly touted true frosh Marcus Lattimore (top five RB recruit out of HS), who should find the playing field immediately, as he is the "bruiser" type back (5'11 215) that Spurrier has been looking for. With an experienced O-Line and a much improved group of RBs I expect for the Gamecocks to have their best rushing numbers since '06 (144ypg 4.5ypc).

Defense (Multiple Set)
Defensive Coordinator: Ellis Johnson 3rd yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #3 Passing Def - 169.9 yards per game
• #3 Opp First Downs - 17.3 first downs per game
• #9 Takeaways - 8

Returning: 7 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Shaq Wilson (85tkl 3.5tfl 1int), FS Chris Culliver (62tkl 3tfl 2sk 9pbu; moved to CB in spring)
• Sacks: DE Cliff Matthews (47tkl 10tfl 7sk 3pbu), CB Stephon Gilmore (56tkl 6tfl 3sk 8pbu 1int)
• Interceptions: four tied at 1

The Gamecocks have had some solid Defensive Coordinators come through Columbia over the past decade including Charlie Strong (HC Louisville), John Thompson, and Tyrone Nix. And their current DC, Ellis Johnson, may be the best of them all. In his two seasons at SC the Gamecocks have given up 21.1ppg 292ypg in '08 and 20.4ppg 301ypg in '09. Johnson returns for his 3rd season and the Gamecocks return 7 starters on defense, making them more experienced then last years solid group. Up fron they return just two starters, but one of them is 2nd tm All-Conf DE Cliff Matthews. DT Ladi Ajiboye (45tkl 4tfl) has started 32 games in his first 3 seasons here, making him one of the most experienced players in the country. Highly touted Jr. Travian Robertson looks to take over the open DT spot, and soph DE Devin Taylor (28tkl 5.5tfl 2sk) looks to start at the open DE. This was another unit that was banged up this past season and if they can stay healthy they could actually improve upon last years numbers (138ypg 3.7ypc/ 28sk). At LB they return 2 starters from a season ago, but lose AA OLB Eric Norwood (81tkl 11.5tfl 7sk 3pbu 2int '09). They do return a couple of solid starters in OLB Shaq Wilson, and OLB Antonio Allen (35tkl 2pbu), plus they should get back the healthy return of MLB Rodney Paulk, who has spent the last two seasons banged up after looking pretty impressive in his first two seasons. The primary backup should be highly touted juco Toquavius Gilchrist (practiced with team in spring) and while I don't expect this group to put the same kind of pressure on the QB like Norwood was able to, I expect them to be a more rounded group of LBs and to put up similar numbers. In the secondary they return 3 starters, including 2nd tm All-Conf FS Chris Culliver, who was moved to CB during the spring, frosh AA, and very highly touted soph, CB Stephon Gilmore, and solid SS Akeem Auguste (38tkl 3pbu). I expect for highly touted sophomore DeVonte Holloman to take over the open FS spot, and I expect this to be one of the top secondaries in the conference, and for them to improve upon last seasons solid numbers (163ypg 55.0%)

Conclusion

The Gamecocks have a pretty interesting schedule as well, as they take on Southern Miss to open the season, Furman, Troy, and @ Clemson. I do expect for SC to take the first 3 but this last one is going to be difficult. Clemson is going to be down this season, and the Gamecocks are on the rise, but this is one of those series where it is just going to be tough as nails no matter what the circumstances are. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Gamecocks go either 3-1 or 4-0 in their OOC. In conference they get Georgia, @ Auburn, Alabama, @ Kentucky, @ Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Arkansas, and finally @ Florida. In their 2nd game of the season they will get a chance to show if they are for real as they take on Georgia, and if they can win they should have a leg up on claiming 2nd place in the east. I am not expecting road wins @ Auburn or @ Florida, but they have a legitimate shot at beating Alabama at home. Bama should be one of the top ranked teams in the country (if still undefeated) and the Gamecocks are going to be rested and looking for revenge after playing the Tide close this past season. Either way this should be Spurriers best team at SC and it should show in their final record as well.

2. #23(ap)/#21(cp) Georgia Bulldogs
'09 Final Record: 8-5 (4-4)
Head Coach: Mark Richt 10th yr (90-27 @ Georgia)

Offense (Multiple)
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Bobo 10th yr (4th as OC)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #1 Scoring Off - 29.3 points per game
• #3 Passing Off - 226.5 yards per game
• #11 First Downs - 16.9 first downs per game
• #1 3rd Downs - 38.7% conversion
• #10 Turnovers - 19

Returning: 10 Starters

• Passing: QB Logan Gray (5-12 41.7% 31td 2int)
• Rushing: RB Washaun Ealey (125att 717yds 5.7avg 3td), RB Caleb King (114att 594yds 5.2avg 7td)
• Receiving: WR A.J. Green (53rec 808yds 15.2avg 6td), WR Taverres King (18rec 377yds 20.9avg 1td)

While current OC Mike Bobo's overall numbers may not be the most exciting (321.6ppg 375ypg '07; 31.5ppg 426ypg '08; 28.9ppg 362ypg '09) he has definitely turned up the heat vs. the SEC as his offenses in conference play have been some of the 'Dawgs best this past decade (28.5ppg 364ypg '07; 26.9ppg 396ypg '08; 29.3ppg 358ypg '09). This season UGA returns 10 starters offensively making this the most experienced UGA offense in over a decade. They do not return last years starter at QB Joe Cox, but that doesn't mean that UGA's air attack will be down this season, because, as good as Cox could be sometimes, he struggled with his accuracy and threw 15ints. Very highly touted rFr QB Aaron Murray (former top ten QB out of HS) looks to replace Cox and he gets back all of the weapons including 1st tm All-Conf WR A.J. Green. Beside Green they also have very highly touted sophomore Taverres King, and the experienced Kiris Durham (inj '09). Keep an eye on a couple of exciting underclassmen in highly touted WR Rantavious Wooten (10rec 197yds 19.7avg 2td) and very highly touted WR Marlon Brown. Even with Georgia having plenty of experience ahead of them I expect for both Wooten and Brown to get more snaps and make a bigger impact this fall. Richt is known for his use of the TE's and the Bulldogs may very well have best set of TEs in the country in very highly touted sophomore Orson Charles (23rec 374yds 16.3avg 3td), highly touted Jr. Aron White (13rec 198yds 15.2avg 4td) and very highly touted sophomore Arthur Lynch (former top five TE recruit out of HS). Overall I expect for Murray to have a pretty solid season as he returns a plethora of options to spread the ball around too including WR Green, who may be the nations best. As far as the running game is concerned the Dogs return their top 2 from this past season (#3 rusher Richard Samuel moved to LB) in very highly touted soph Washaun Ealey and very highly touted Jr Caleb King (combined for 1311yds 10td). Up front they return 5 starters from this past season including 2nd tm All-Conf C Ben Jones and 2nd tm All-Conf LT Clint Boling. This is an extremely experienced O-Line and they are also very talented with all of the backups being highly touted prosepects. Sharing less carries I expect for UGA to help take the pressure of their rFr QB Murray by pounding Ealey and King behind this offensive line and UGA should have their best rushing numbers of the past decade.

Defense (3-4)
Defensive Coordinator: Todd Grantham 1st yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #12 Scoring Def - 31.5 points per game
• #12 Passing Def - 244.5 yards per game
• #3 Rushing Def - 134.9 yards per game
• #9 Opp First Downs - 19.6 first downs per game
• #11 Takeaways - 7

Returning: 5 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Marcus Dowtin (57tkl 7tfl 2sk), CB Brandon Boykin (54tkl 6pbu 3int)
• Sacks: DE Justin Houston (39tkl 15tfl 7.5sk; moved to OLB in spring), DE Demarcus Dobbs (30tkl 5.5tfl 4pbu)
• Interceptions: CB Brandon Boykin, FS Bacarri Rambo (25tkl 5pbu 2int)

You can usually tell a lot about an offense and defense, not by how many points they put up, but by the number of yards they gain or allow. And former DC Willie Martinez was an interesting case, as in his 5 seasons at UGA the 'Dawgs never gave up more than 339 ypg ('09) but the defense ppg increased in every one of his seasons, going from 16.4 in '05 to 25.9 in '09. Georgia let go of Martinez and this season Todd Grantham steps in as the new DC and immediately he is implementing a 3-4 defense similar to that of the New England Patriots and Alabama. Up front they only return 1 starter, losing 3 NFL DCs at DT in Jeff Owens, Kade Weston and Geno Atkins (combined 21tfl 7sk '09) and 2nd tm All-Conf DE Justin Houston was moved to OLB in the spring. They do get back Demarcus Dobbs who had a pretty solid season in '09 and I think he could have a big season this year. The other two starters are both very talented, yet inexperienced in highly touted soph DE Abry Jones (8tkl) and very highly touted NT DeAngleo Tyson (former top five DL out of HS). NT Justin Anderson (6'5 330) was moved over from the offensive line, where he started 12 games over the past two seasons, and he provides the "mass" that is required by the nose in this defense. While this is a very talented D-Line they are switching schemes and lose a bunch on the interior so I will call for a drop in their rush D this season. At LB they lose 1st Tm All-Conf MLB Rennie Curran (130tkl 5tfl 3pbu) but they return 2 others with starting experience in OLB Darryl Gamble (47tkl 2tfl 1sk 2pbu) and ILB Marcus Dowtin, plus they add in all-conf DE Justin Houston to be a rush OLB. I expect for highly touted soph OLB Cornelius Washington (13tkl 5tfl 4sk) to get a heavy amount of playing time this season because of his ability to put pressure on the QB. Also look for very highly touted true frosh T.J. Stripling (top ten LB out of HS) to get a healthy amount of playing time as well. Despite the loss of Curran this is a pretty solid 3-4 set of LBs and OLB looks to have another monster season. In the secondary they return just 1 starter from a season ago losing NFL DC SS Reshad Jones (73tkl 4.5tfl 7pbu 4int) and starting CB Prince Miller (42tkl 5tfl 2pbu). They do return CB Brandon Boykin (6pbu 3int) who I think is one of the more underrated CBs in the conference and they should have plenty of talent replacing the open positions with very highly touted soph CB Branden Smith (14tkl 2pbu; former top five DB out of HS) taking over the other CB position, very highly touted juco SS Jakar Hamilton (top five juco) replacing SS Jones. FS Bacarri Rambo did a solid job this past season as a backup (5pbu 2int) but don't be surprised to see him split snaps with very highly touted true frosh Alec Ogletree (top five DB out of HS). Overall this secondary is a lot more talented and despite the inexperience may not drop as much as you think.

Conclusion

The Bulldogs have a pretty interesting out of conference schedule as they take on Louisiana, @ Colorado, Idaha St, and Georgia Tech. They should easily take care of Louisiana and Idaho St, and while I expect for the 'Dawgs to win @ Colorado, it is a very different type of atmosphere in Boulder and depending on how quickly the
Dawgs adjust will determine how close that game is. The Georgia Tech should is always very interesting as well. I expect for UGA to go 4-0 in their OOC but wouldn't be surprised to see 3-1. UGA's conference schedule goes as such: @ South Carolina, Arkansas, @ Mississippi St, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, @ Kentucky, Florida (in Jacksonville), and @ Auburn. Depending on how they fair @ South Carolina and @ Auburn will determine whether they end up alone at 2nd in the East or sharing it with the Gamecocks. I do expect for UGA to top last season's 8 wins.

4. Tennessee Volunteers
'09 Final Record: 7-6 (4-4)
Head Coach: Derek Dooley 1st yr (17-20)

Offense (Multiple Set)
Offensive Coordinator: Jim Chaney 2nd yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #4 Passing Off - 210.8 yards per game
• #3 First Downs - 19.4 first downs per game
• #3 Turnovers - 8

Returning: 3 Starters

• Passing: none
• Rushing: RB David Oku (23att 94yds 4.1avg 2td), RB Tauren Poole (10att 85yds 8.5avg)
• Receiving: WR Gerald Jones (46rec 680yds 14.8avg 4td), WR Denarius Moore (40rec 540yds 13.5avg 7td)

In OC Jim Chaney's first season with the Vols last year, they returned 6 starters and the offense was greatly improved from the year before (17.3ppg 269ypg '08; 29.3ppg 383ypg '09). This season however the Vols only return 3 starters, making this the most inexperienced UT offense in over a decade. They lose a bunch this season. Gone is NFL DC QB Jonathan Crompton (2800yds 27td), gone are their twop two backs in all-conf Montario Hardesty and very highly touted soph Bryce Brown (combined 1805yds 16td), and gone are all 5 starting offensive lineman. They replace Crompton with highly touted juco QB Matt Simms. He willl have last years top three receivers back in 4th tm all-conf WR Gerald Jones, #2 receiver Denarius Moore, and top TE Luke Stocker (29rec 389yds 13.4avg 5td). With talent at QB and some experience returning at WR I would normally call for a pretty solid air attack but I doubt that Simms will be able to play at the level that Crompton was playing at last season (20td-5int over final 9 of '09), even if Simms had any experience up front. Speaking of that lack of experience this O-Line only returns 3 career starts between them. That is no good especially in the SEC. I expect for a host of highy touted freshman to get their feet wet this season in highly touted OGs rFr Kevin Revis and true frosh Zach Fulton, and very highly touted OTs Ja'Wuan James (top ten OL out of HS; practiced with team in spring) and James Stone. As previously mentioned the Vols lose their top two backs from a season ago, and while they do return very highly touted soph RB David Oku, and Jr. Tauren Poole got rave reviews in the spring, I doubt they would have matched the production put up by Hardesty and Brown, again, even if the line was experienced. This is going to be a true test for OC Chaney, and I expect the numbers to heavily drop all across the board for UT this season.

Defense (4-3)
Defensive Coordinator: Justin Wilcox 1st yr

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #4 Scoring Def - 21.9 points per game
• #2 Passing Def - 166.1 yards per game
• #9 Opp 3rd Downs - 37.1%
• #4 Takeaways - 14

Returning: 5 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Herman Lathers (52tkl 2.5tfl), DE Chris Walker (42tkl 8.5tfl 6sk 2int)
• Sacks: DE Chris Walker, four tied at 1
• Interceptions: DE Chris Walker, two tied at 1

Defensively the Vols lose a lot as well including 1st Tm All-Conf NT Dan Williams (70tkl 9tfl 2.5sk '09), 2nd tm All-Conf OLB Rice McCoy (119tkl 3tfl 5pbu), and 1st tm AA SS Eric Berry (87tkl 7tfl 7pbu 2int), as well as CB Dennis Rogan. Another huge loss was that of one of the great defensive minds of our time in DC Monte Kiffen. While they do return 5 starters this defense lost more than just starters in those previously mentioned they also lost the leaders of their respective units, and now they are switching schemes, and now have to replace their 3 best players, and find new players to step up and be the leaders of this defense. Up front they return 1 starter in DE Chris Walker, who is on the verge of being something special, as he got to the QB 6 times last season despite being injured for most of the year. After him though there isn't much else, they lost returning starter DE Ben Martin and projected starter DT Marlon Walls each to injury, as both tore their achilles this off season, and several projected backups have all left the program at some point. This is a very thin group and I expect for highly touted true frosh Corey Miller and Jacques Smith to get plenty of playing time this season, only because they may be forced too. At LB they do return a couple of starters in OLB LaMarcus Thompson (35tkl 7tfl 1sk) and MLB Nick Reviez (27tkl 4.5tfl), and both splent plenty of time last season as part of the walking wounded, each missing multiple games due to injury. They also return OLB Herman Lathers who started 5 this past season, and I would keep an eye on highly touted rFr. Jerrod Askew. While this is a pretty experienced group I don't see anyone that can step up and replace McCoy so I will this group down a notch this year. In the secondary they too have been hit hard this off season, and they only lost one player, as highly touted sophomore got in major trouble again, and was kicked off the team. That leaves the secondary with returning starter CB Art Evans (39tkl 3pbu) and highly touted soph FS Janzen Jackson (37tkl 1sk 3pbu 1int). I expect for former WR, highly touted soph, Rod Wilks to take over at the open SS position and for highly touted rFr Eric Gordon to take over the other CB spot. This group isn't in as bad of shape as the others, but with the loss of AA Berry and Rogan I will call this unit down as well.

Conclusion

The Volunteers have an interesting out of conference schedule as they take on UT-Martin, Oregon, UAB, and @ Memphis. Simply put I do not believe that Tennessee is going to be ready enough to take on Oregon this early in the season and while they should give them a game I am fully expecting for the Vols to go 3-1 in their OOC. In conference they play Florida, @ LSU, @ Georgia, Alabama, @ South Carolina, Ole Miss, @ Vanderbilt, and Kentucky. I am expecting UT to open up the conference at 0-5, and the big question for the Vols, and new HC Derek Dooley is how are they going to respond to that? I do not expect the Vols to go bowling this season.

4. Kentucky Wildcats
'09 Final Record: 7-6 (3-5)
Head Coach: Joker Phillips 1st yr (0-0)

Offense (Multiple Set)
Offensive Coordinator: Randy Sanders 5th yr (1st as OC)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #12 Passing Off - 117.3 yards per game
• #9 First Downs - 17.3 first downs per game
• #10 3rd Downs - 32.5% conversion

Returning: 5 Starters

• Passing: QB Mike Hartline (79-133 59.4% 802yds 6td 7int), QB Morgan Newton (75-135 55.6% 706yds 6td 3int)
• Rushing: RB Derrick Locke (195att 907yds 4.7avg 6td), WR Randall Cobb (94att 573yds 6.1avg 10td)
• Receiving: WR Randall Cobb (39rec 447yds 11.5acg 4td), WR Chris Matthews (32rec 354yds 11.1avg 3td)

In '05 former HC brought in Joker Phillips to be the Offensive Coordinator, and in his first 3 seasons the Wildcats saw great improvement in their offense going from 15.7ppg 275ypg in '04 to 21.7ppg 294ypg in '05, to 26.7ppg 375ypg in '06, and 36.5ppg 443ypg in '07. Phillips was than named HC in waiting, and the next two seasons the Kentucky offense decreased immensely falling back to 22.6ppg 299ypg in '08 and 26.1ppg 332ypg in '09. This season Phillips is now the HC and he hands the OC duties over to QB coach Randy Sanders, and the Wildcats bring back 5 starters on offense, making them less experienced than '09. At QB the 'Cats actually have 4 viable options in Sr. Mike Hartline, highly touted soph Morgan Newton, WR Randall Cobb (6st 542yds 53% '08), and highly touted rFr Ryan Massakowski. What they really need though is some stability at this position as combined Hartline and Newton only threw for 1508yds 12td 10int. Phillips has already named Hartline as his starting QB, but don't be surprised to see Newton come in from time to time. As long as their is some stability at this position I expect for the passing numbers to increase this season as they return their two receivers from this past season in do it all Jr. Randall Cobb and WR Chris Matthews. Matthews is a highly touted juco, and now that he has a full season under his belt I expect him to have much bigger numbers this season. Kentucky will use their TE from time to time and I expect highly touted true frosh Alex Smith to make a pretty decent impact there this season. This should be a much more improved passing game. In the backfield they do return 2nd tm All-Conf RB Derrick Locke, who was also the teams #3 receiver (31rec 284yds 9.2avg 2td), and one of his primary backups in Moncell Allen (47att 228yds 4.9avg 2td). I expect for highly touted true frosh RB Brandon Gainer to make an immediate impact in the backfield this season. Up front though is where the problems really are for the 'Cats as they only return 1 starter, losing 4 multi year starters including two all-conf members last season. That one starter does happen to be 3rd tm all-conf LG Stuart Hines, and there some young talent in the 2 deep, but even still I expect this line to struggle a bit this season and even with a solid backfield I will call for the numbers to drop a bit.

Defense (4-3)
Defensive Coordinator: Steve Brown 8th yr (4th as DC)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #9 Scoring Def - 27.8 points per game
• #4 Passing Def - 174.0 yards per game
• #12 Rushing Def - 220.8 yards per game
• #10 Opp 3rd Downs - 37.2% conversion

Returning: 6 Starters

• Tackles: OLB Danny Trevathan (82tkl 5tfl), FS Winston Guy (60tkl 1sk 5pbu)
• Sacks: DE DeQuin Evans (38tkl 12.5tfl 6sk), DE Taylor Wyndham (28tkl 6.5tfl 2sk)
• Interceptions: CB Randall Burden (36tkl 8pbu 2int), DT Shane McCord (13tkl 1tfl 1int)

Defense has always been a weakness for the Wildcats, as they haven't given up less than 370ypg in conference play in over a decade. I don't expect that to change this season as they only return 6 starters, though that does make them more experience than last years D. Up front they return 3 starters but lose 1st Tm All-Conf DT Corey Peters (56tkl 12tfl 4sk5pbu). 4th tm all-conf DE DeQuinn Evans is a great end, and DE Taylor Wyndham was the guy that knocked out Tebow in last years game, and I expect for the pass rush to improve after last seasons poor numbers (16sk). The interior line is not as well off after the loss of Peters, and despite the return of starter Ricky Lumpkin (28tkl 1.5tfl), I am going to call for the rush Def to actually be worse than last seasons (183ypg 4.7ypc). At LB they only return 1 starter losing two 2nd tm All-Conf performers in Micah Johnson and Sam Maxwell (combined 185tkl 12tfl 2.5sk 9bpu). OLB Danny Trevathan was the #2 tackler last season, and the coaches are really high on rFr Qua Huzzie, and I expect for highly touted true frosh Tim Patterson to eventually take over at the open OLB spot. This is unit is definitely down though this season with the loss of their top two. In the secondary they return 2 starters but they also lose their star in 2nd tm All-Conf CB Trevard Lindley (32tkl 9pbu 1int). They do return CB Randall Burden (8pbu 2int) who was solid this past season playing opposite of Lindley and FS Winston Guy who now has a full year of starting under his belt. Even with the return of two starters, this group lost one of the best corners in the country this past season in Lindley and I will call for the pass defense to be slightly worse this season as well.

Conclusion

Former HC Rich Brooks as made 4 consecutive Bowl appearances in his last 4 seasons with the Wildcats despite going just 12-20 against the conference in that time span. I don't know that they can pull that off again this season. Out of conference they go @ Louisville, Western Kentucky, Akron, and Charleston Southern. While I do expect for the Wildcats to go 4-0 in their OOC, they should be really careful heading into Louisville, as the Cardinal have homefield advantage, and motivation (lost 3 in a row to KY), but they also have new HC Charlie Strong who bested Phillips while during Phillips years as the Wildcats OC. This is a very intriguing week 1 match up and I wouldn't be surprised to see the 'Cats go 3-1. In conference the 'Cats go @ Florida, @ Ole Miss, Auburn, South Carolina, Georgia, @ Mississippi St, Vanderbilt, and @ Tennessee. All of the 'Cats winnable games are on the road, and the only true win I see here is home against Vandy. I wouldn't be surprised to see them pull the upset @ Tennessee either. I don't think that Kentucky will make it to their 5th consecutive Bowl.

6. Vanderbilt Commodores
'09 Final Record: 2-10 (0-8)
Head Coach: Robbie Caldwell 1st yr (0-0)

Offense (Multiple)
Offensive Coordinator: Jimmy Kiser 9th yr (1st as OC)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #12 Scoring Off - 8.9 points per game
• #10 Passing Off - 123.5 yards per game
• #9 Rushing Off - 111.6 yards per game
• #12 First Downs - 13.8 first downs per game
• #11 3rd Downs - 31.8% conversion
• #3 Turnovers - 8

Returning: 6 Starters

• Passing: QB Larry Smith (106-227 46.7% 1126yds 4td 7int)
• Rushing: RB Warren Norman (145att 783yds 5.4avg 3td), RB Zac Stacy (107att 478yds 4.5avg 3td)
• Receiving: WR John Cole (36rec 382yds 10.6avg 1td), TE Brandon Barden (29rec 357yds 12.3avg 1td)

For Starters I am going to go ahead and say that Vanderbilt is in the toughest situation of any school in the country, considering that they have high academic standards, making it harder for them to recruit, and they play in the nations toughest conference. This season things may be even worse for them as HC Bobby Johnson (SEC Coach of the Year '08) retired over the summer and OL Coach Robbie Caldwell named Head Coach for the season. They only return 6 starters up front making them less experienced than the '09 version. They do return QB Larry Smith, who is the 'Dores highest rated QB recruit since Jay Cutler, but Smith had an awful time last season only completing 46.7% of his passes and tossing only 4td to 7int. This season he returns his top 3 receivers including WRs John Cole and Udom Umoh (20rec 267yds 13.4avg 1td) and TE Brandon Barden, who has all-conf potential. Also keep an eye on rFr WR Brady Brown (6'5 210). The 'Dores haven't completed 50% or more of their passes since '07 (54.4%) but I do expect that to change this season with an experienced QB and receivers. A big problem is that they only return 1 starter up front losing 4 multi yr starters including an NFL DC. I like their one returning starter in highly touted Jr. RG Kyle Fischer, and soph LT Ryan Seymour was a frosh all-conf member last season. I still expect them to struggle this season. At RB they return their top two backs from this past season in SEC Frosh of the Year RB Warren Norman and soph RB Zac Stacy (combined 1261yds 6td). Normally with two experienced backs returning I would call for improved numbers but with a highly inexperienced O-Line I will actually call for Vandy's rushing numbers to drop this season.

Defense (4-3)
Defensive Coordinator: Jamie Bryant 9th yr (1st as DC)

Key '09 Stats (Conference Play)

• #11 Rushing Def - 193.4 yards per game
• #10 Opp First Downs - 19.8 first downs per game
• #12 Opp 3rd Downs - 41.3% conversion

Returning: 5 Starters

• Tackles: MLB Chris Marve (121tkl 6.5tfl 1sk), SS Sean Richardson (84tkl 4.5tfl 2pbu)
• Sacks: DE Theron Kadri (24tkl 3sk), DT T.J. Greenstone (38tkl 4.5tfl 2sk)
• Interceptions: three tied at 2

The Commodore defense is one of the most underrated things in all of college football. Despite their anemic offenses over the past 4 seasons the Vandy defense has only 353ypg '06, 325ypg '07, 320ypg '08, and 3637pg '09. This is another are however that I am going to question after the sudden departure of HC Johnson, not to mention the 'Dores 5 returning starters makes this their least experienced defense in over a decade. They only return 2 starters up front, and while DE Tim Fugger and DT Adam Smotherman (torn ACL spring, questionable '10) are solid starters, I actually like this seasons projected new starters in DE Theron Kadri and DT T.J. Greenstone. Despite the inexperience I am actually going to call for a better rush defense than '09s poor numbers (198ypg 4.4ypc) and an improved pass rush (20sk). At LB the 'Dores return just 1 starter, losing 3rd tm all-conf OLB Patrick Benoist and OLB Brent Trice (combined 167tkl 11tfl 4sk 3pbu 1int). They do however return their best defensive player in 2nd tm All-Conf MLB Chris Marve. Projected starting OLBs John Stokes (44tkl 2tfl) and DeAndre Jones (4tkl) are both solid replacements, but even with the return of Marve I will call for this unit to be down a skosh this season. In the secondary they return 2 starters, but lose 2nd tm All-Conf CB Myron Lewis (41tkl 8pbu 4int). I do like returning starters CB Casey Hayward (58tkl 8.5tfl 7pbu 2int) and SS Sean Richardson, and think that both have all-conf potential. Former WR Jamie Graham (27tkl 4pbu 2int) should take over the open CB spot, where he started 3 games this past season, and rFr FS Jay Fullam received rave reviews from the coaches in the spring. Despite the loss of CB Lewis I will actually call for this more experienced group to be better against the pass this season.

Conclusion

Without HC Johnson, all of these games are going to be a challenge so I will list them all off in order: Northwestern, LSU, @ Ole Miss, @ Connecticut, Eastern Michigan, @ Georgia, South Carolina, @ Arkansas, Florida, @ Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wake Forest. Vandy may be 1-8 then they head to their first winnable conference game @ Kentucky. I just don't see this being a successful season for the Commodores and will call for another rebuilding year.
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If you haven't already be sure to check out my other 2010 NCAA Conference previews

Big Ten

Big XII

ACC

Pac-10

Big East

Non-BCS Conferences

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Thank you for reading,

Batteman