2011 SEC Predictions

EAST

1. South Carolina, 7-1 - The Gamecocks are the easy pick for the East, so I wanted to go with Florida. But after digging into it I just think South Carolina is going to be too tough to beat.

2. Florida, 5-3 - I think the Gators will be back in the sense that they won't struggle on offense as much. I may be discounting them a little too much because of last year's poor performance...but they have plenty to prove especially with a new coach.

3. Georgia, 5-3 - A lot of people are calling for Mark Richt's job, a lot of people are calling for a big year for Georgia..I'm falling somewhere in between. I don't think Georgia has a good team, but they have a really easy schedule in terms of the SEC. That could be Richt's saving grace as he enters the year squarely on the hot seat.

4. Tennessee, 3-5 - The Vols are still rebuilding but that doesn't mean they won't be better than last year. Unfortunately, they have a grueling SEC schedule that will put them behind the 8 ball. If they can make some strides, it will go a long way to bridging a gap towards a successful 2012 year.

5. Vanderbilt, 1-7 - There's a lot of excitement about the future of Vanderbilt football right now. James Franklin is blazing a path on the recruiting trail and if that same energy is transferred to this year's team with 19 returning starters Vandy's got a chance to go to a bowl game.

6. Kentucky, 1-7 - Whether they want to admit it or not, UK is rebuilding this year. Their team has been built around offense the last several years and they lose all their playmakers from last year's team. The defense should keep them in games, and if the offense makes strides they could make it back to a bowl.



WEST

1. Mississippi State, 6-2 - Considering MSU is in the West, they have a favorable schedule with most of their toughest competition at home. 9 returning starters on offense will be the strength. New Co-DC and linebacking corps will be the question marks for the Bulldogs, but I think they will be a very solid team.

1. Alabama, 6-2 - Bama is everyone's pick this year and for good reason. They will have the most feared defense in all the SEC and the country. Their QB situation is up in the air, they lost their Heisman Trophy running back and the #6 overall draft pick in the NFL draft so there are some holes to fill on offense.

1. LSU, 6-2 - I generally consider LSU over-rated by most people this year. I think they are very very good and will be very tough to beat...however, I do not have them in the national championship hunt. We'll see what Jordan Jefferson can do without his best running back from last year and his go-to WR. The defense loses its best 3 players including the 5th overall pick in the NFL draft.

4. Arkansas, 5-3 - Arkansas has a lot of talent on offense and their defense is middle of the road - but should be adequate enough to supplement the offense. Tyler Wilson will need to step into Ryan Mallet's shoes, but I'm betting on Bobby Petrino's ability as a QB coach. Arkansas was my SEC and national title pick before Knile Davis went down.

5. Auburn, 2-6 - Auburn is just rebuilding....you can't lose the best player in the country on offense and defense, one of your top receivers and then 24 seniors and be able to recover in the toughest division in the country. If Auburn pulls out 7 or 8 wins like a lot of people are predicting...I will be shocked and Gene Chizik deserves to be coach of the year again.

6. Ole Miss, 1-7 - Ole Miss doesn't have much going for it right now. They plan to hang their hat on the offensive line, but the QB and receivers better be good because their defense does not look good on paper.


SEC Championship Game: South Carolina over Mississippi State


BCS Title Game: South Carolina

Sugar Bowl: Alabama

Capitol One Bowl: Mississippi State

Cotton Bowl: Arkansas

Outback Bowl: LSU

Chick-Fil-A Bowl: Georgia

Gator Bowl: Florida

Music City Bowl: Tennessee


JB