06-29-2003, 10:03 PM
Ok folks, time again to make my SEC predictions for the upcoming 2003 football season.
Last year, I hit the bullseye in picking Arkansas and Georgia in the title game...and yes, being unbiased, I was right in picking UGA as well.
This year brings more questions then last.. ESPECIALLY in the West...but here goes nothing...
EAST
1) Georgia - The Bulldogs lost a ton of players to the NFL, but this team is STILL loaded. The biggest loss UGA will have all year really is Vince Dooley. Adams was right in getting rid of Donnan and replacing him with Mark Richt, who after first-year jitters, was outstanding last year. I see no reason for Georgia to not repeat as East champions.
2) Florida - Mark my words, the Zook bandwagon will have a few more hop on after this season. Florida has an explosive offense again, and the D has VASTLY improved after the one year of coaching by John Thompson. The Gators will make things interesting in the East, and if anyone knocks off Georgia from the East title, it'll be Florida.
3) Tennessee - The Vols offense better get some WR production, or it'll be a tough year for the orange nation. The D-line is always solid, but I just don't know about the offensive spark. If Cedric Houston gets hurt, it could be a REALLY long year.
4) South Carolina - They're 4th because I can't put em anywhere else. I seemed to have been the ONLY one predicting a mediocre year out of Lou Holtz. Remember, Holtz coached at UA, this is coming from someone who knows. Expect another .500 season in Columbia. Next year the Gamecocks will start making some noise again.
5) Vanderbilt - The Dores have nowhere to go but up. Welcome to 5th place Vandy!
6) Kentucky - I see nothing out of this team. Rich Brooks has the momentum, but I think they just won't go that far...out of the cellar that is.
WEST
1) Auburn - I feel like a fool in some ways here. Auburn's a great team, don't get me wrong. But I've never been one to go along with the media hype, and 99% of the time, I'm right. However, given the D Auburn produces, and their ability to win clutch games, I'll give em the nod this year. However, don't be surprised if Arkansas thrashes 'em like the last 2 years.
2) Arkansas - Ok, answer me this. How on Earth does a team win the West, return 19 starters from that team, and be picked ANYWHERE below 3rd? That's ridiculous. Arkansas beat every SEC West team but Alabama last year, and the Hog running game is still strong as ever with Cobbs and Howard, maybe stronger with speedster John Jackson around. Also a question..over the last 5 years..which SEC West team has won more games than any other? It's Arkansas, and again the media underrates em. Expect a return trip to Dallas for the Razorbacks.
3) LSU - The Tigers reload easily, and they're not gonna be pushed around by anyone this year. My questions remain on youth, and how to replace Bradie James on defense. The Tigers are a serious darkhorse though.
4) Ole Miss - Poor Eli. Got all the hype, and he's outstanding. Blame it all on Cutcliffe in my opinion, who gave him no balance and a shaky running game. Ole Miss will be like the last 2 years...good, but inconsistent. The D should improve, but without a decent running attack, the Rebels won't make a huge charge for the title in my opinion
5) Alabama - I'm sorry, but 3 coaches in 5-6 months doesn't make for a winning year. Shula has little time to create a playbook, or work with the team...heck they were under Price in the spring. Bama will be strong in the late part of the year, but not nearly in time to create a West division challenge. Wait a couple of years for them.
6) Miss. State - With this season, and a possible LOI coming, say goodbye to Jackie Sherrill and company....and good riddance.
SEC Title Game : A classic... Georgia beats Auburn
Bowls
Georgia - Orange
Florida - Capital One (cause Auburn was there last year)
Auburn - Outback
Arkansas - Cotton (cause the Cotton LOVES us too much)
LSU - Peach
Tennessee - Music City (where their bowl attendance figures will shoot to new heights)
Ole Miss - Houston (Rebs get first chance at this bowl)
South Carolina - Independence
WPS
Last year, I hit the bullseye in picking Arkansas and Georgia in the title game...and yes, being unbiased, I was right in picking UGA as well.
This year brings more questions then last.. ESPECIALLY in the West...but here goes nothing...
EAST
1) Georgia - The Bulldogs lost a ton of players to the NFL, but this team is STILL loaded. The biggest loss UGA will have all year really is Vince Dooley. Adams was right in getting rid of Donnan and replacing him with Mark Richt, who after first-year jitters, was outstanding last year. I see no reason for Georgia to not repeat as East champions.
2) Florida - Mark my words, the Zook bandwagon will have a few more hop on after this season. Florida has an explosive offense again, and the D has VASTLY improved after the one year of coaching by John Thompson. The Gators will make things interesting in the East, and if anyone knocks off Georgia from the East title, it'll be Florida.
3) Tennessee - The Vols offense better get some WR production, or it'll be a tough year for the orange nation. The D-line is always solid, but I just don't know about the offensive spark. If Cedric Houston gets hurt, it could be a REALLY long year.
4) South Carolina - They're 4th because I can't put em anywhere else. I seemed to have been the ONLY one predicting a mediocre year out of Lou Holtz. Remember, Holtz coached at UA, this is coming from someone who knows. Expect another .500 season in Columbia. Next year the Gamecocks will start making some noise again.
5) Vanderbilt - The Dores have nowhere to go but up. Welcome to 5th place Vandy!
6) Kentucky - I see nothing out of this team. Rich Brooks has the momentum, but I think they just won't go that far...out of the cellar that is.
WEST
1) Auburn - I feel like a fool in some ways here. Auburn's a great team, don't get me wrong. But I've never been one to go along with the media hype, and 99% of the time, I'm right. However, given the D Auburn produces, and their ability to win clutch games, I'll give em the nod this year. However, don't be surprised if Arkansas thrashes 'em like the last 2 years.
2) Arkansas - Ok, answer me this. How on Earth does a team win the West, return 19 starters from that team, and be picked ANYWHERE below 3rd? That's ridiculous. Arkansas beat every SEC West team but Alabama last year, and the Hog running game is still strong as ever with Cobbs and Howard, maybe stronger with speedster John Jackson around. Also a question..over the last 5 years..which SEC West team has won more games than any other? It's Arkansas, and again the media underrates em. Expect a return trip to Dallas for the Razorbacks.
3) LSU - The Tigers reload easily, and they're not gonna be pushed around by anyone this year. My questions remain on youth, and how to replace Bradie James on defense. The Tigers are a serious darkhorse though.
4) Ole Miss - Poor Eli. Got all the hype, and he's outstanding. Blame it all on Cutcliffe in my opinion, who gave him no balance and a shaky running game. Ole Miss will be like the last 2 years...good, but inconsistent. The D should improve, but without a decent running attack, the Rebels won't make a huge charge for the title in my opinion
5) Alabama - I'm sorry, but 3 coaches in 5-6 months doesn't make for a winning year. Shula has little time to create a playbook, or work with the team...heck they were under Price in the spring. Bama will be strong in the late part of the year, but not nearly in time to create a West division challenge. Wait a couple of years for them.
6) Miss. State - With this season, and a possible LOI coming, say goodbye to Jackie Sherrill and company....and good riddance.
SEC Title Game : A classic... Georgia beats Auburn
Bowls
Georgia - Orange
Florida - Capital One (cause Auburn was there last year)
Auburn - Outback
Arkansas - Cotton (cause the Cotton LOVES us too much)
LSU - Peach
Tennessee - Music City (where their bowl attendance figures will shoot to new heights)
Ole Miss - Houston (Rebs get first chance at this bowl)
South Carolina - Independence
WPS