Around the Nation, Part 4: SEC East

SEC East

Ask any person who 1) lives in a state with at least one SEC school, 2) is a fan of SEC football, or 3) went to an SEC school, and they will tell you in no uncertain terms that the SEC is unequivocally the best football conference in the land today (and possibly ever). This in turn leads to the manifestation of an inferiority complex in other conferences, especially the Big 10 (aka Ohio State), and dictates their yearly goal of beating the SEC; coincidentally, this conveniently feeds into the SEC's superiority complex. Is this chest-puffing justified? I'm not sure. Six of the last ten National Champions hail from the South, including the last five in a row. Granted, two of those victories were against Ohio State which could mean only one of two things: a) the SEC is better than the Big 10 or b) Ohio State was severely overrated. I vote 'b'. Since 2000, however, the former PAC-10 is 12-10 vs the SEC. In any case, the SEC remains the conference to beat entering the 2011 season, and we'll start our previews in the SEC East.

South Carolina Gamecocks
2010-11 Record: 9-5, (5-3)
Head Coach: Steve Spurrier

The 2010 season was almost a Cinderella story for the Cocks. After finally breaking from languishing at the bottom of the SEC, they took advantage of a weakened division en-route to a SEC West crown, before running into the reality known as the 2010-11 Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship game. With a majority of the SEC in rebuilding mode, is this the year the ol' Ball Coach and the boys down in Columbia can take their game to the next level?

South Carolina has the makings of an offensive juggernaut despite some uncertainty at QB. They return, in my opinion, pound-for-pound the best running back in the country in Marcus Lattimore (249 carries, 1,197 yards, 17 TD's). His ceiling is unbelievable and, what's more, he's just a sophomore. Complementing him on the outside will be junior wideout Alshon Jefferey (88 catches, 1,517 yards, 9 TD's). The offensive line returns 3 starters and will have a former JUCO All-American in Kaleb Broome vying for one of the two remaining spots. Stephen Garcia returns as the starting QB after an impressive yet inconsistent 2010 (3,059 yards, 20 TD's, 14 TD's). While unquestionably the most talented QB on the roster, his 17-13 career record shows that his intangibles may not be as bullet-proof. Spurrier is not afraid to employ a QB by committee system, and all reports indicate Garcia will be on a very short leash with mega-talented sophomore Connor Shaw waiting in the wings.

In addition to a potent offense, the Gamecocks should unleash yet another vicious defense led by number one overall recruit Jadeveon Clowney. Although the line lost a number of starters who helped them lead the league in sacks last year, the duo of Melvin Ingram and Travian Robertson will certainly cause opposing offensive lines massive headaches. The linebackers are sturdy with All-SEC caliber LB's Rodney Paulk and Shaq Wilson returning and the vastly talented yet under-performing secondary will be led by All-American CB Stephon Gilmore. Safeties D.J. Legree and Jimmy Swearinger must play better if the Cocks want to have a truly outstanding defense. The schedule is on par with previous years, but the expectations surrounding this team dictate nothing short of a division crown and, quite possibly, an SEC title.

2011-12 Prediction: 11-1, (7-1)


Georgia Bulldogs
2010-11 Record: 6-7, (3-5)
Head Coach: Mark Richt

After ten years of largely unfulfilled expectations, culminating with a preseason number 1 ranking in 2008, only to finish second in the SEC East, is the shine finally rubbing off Mark Richt? Georgia once again has the talent to fuel expectations in Athens. After losing to the worst Florida team in years, Richt has to hope that the stars align and the Dawgs can give the Gamecocks a run for their money, or his tenure between the Hedges may very well end quite unceremoniously.

The offense will be under the direction of arguably the best signal caller in the conference, Aaron Murray (3,049 yards, 24 TD's, 8 INT's). His stats should only increase with another year of seasoning in the offense and he will be helped by an offensive line returning 3 starters who got progressively better as 2010 wore on, although they will severely miss LT Trinton Sturdivant, who's out for the season with a knee injury. They will also miss All-American wideout A.J. Green (57 catches, 848 yards, 9 TD's), and hope Tacarres King and Rantavious Wooten can ease the transition. Murray's go to receiver will be TE Orson Charles (26 catches, 422 yards, 2 TD's), who has a unique skill set for a big framed receiver. The situation is somewhat less pressing at RB where senior Caleb King (80 carries, 430 yards, 2 TD's) and true freshman Isaiah Crowell, one of Richt's highest touted recruits, should fill the void left by Washaun Ealey's transfer.

The defense, in its second year under Todd Grantham's 3-4, will count on seven returning starters to solidify. JUCO transfer, Jon Jenkins, is a mountain at 6'6, 340 lbs, and should be one of the better NT's in the conference. The two starting corners, Brandon Boykins (3 INT's) and Sanders Commings, as well as All-SEC safety talent Bacarri Rambo (3 INT's) make up a formidable secondary, which should dominate a division with sparse receiving threats. With eight games in the state of Georgia, and no LSU, Alabama, or Arkansas on the slate, the time is now for the Dawgs to put up, or bid farewell to Richt.

2011-12 Prediction: 8-4, (5-3)

Florida Gators
2010-11 Record: 8-5, (4-4)
Head Coach: Will Muschamp

Across the nation, people have been wondering who has the ability to replace the iconic Urban Meyer in Gainesville. Gator Nation hopes they found their man in Texas transplant, Will Muschamp. After a surge in popularity and wins from 2007-2009, the program fell back to earth last year with a sub-par record, boosted by two wins against non-conference chumps. Things look to improve this year, but an SEC divisional crown looks out of reach.

Talented QB John Brantley (2,061 yards, 9 TD's, 10 INT's) was severely hand-cuffed last year by a spread-oriented coaching staff with no ability to utilize his talents. Under the direction of new offensive coordinator, Charlie Weiss, Brantley should finally develop into the star people are expecting. Waiting in the wings is true freshman Jeff Driskel. At 6'4, 238 lbs and a cannon for an arm, the young gun slinger is already drawing comparisons to a certain legendary Florida QB...and no, not Danny Wuerffel. RB Jeff Demps (92 carries, 551 yards, 3 TD's) is a track star on the football field and can outrun any defense. The problem is, he often forgets that he is, in fact, a football player. 237 of his 551 yards came against Florida's first two opponents, after which, he disappeared. Senior Chris Rainey is a threat, when healthy, but the team's only true RB is Mack Brown, who should have an increased role. Senior Deonte Thompson and sophomore Quinton Dunbar lead a receiving unit that vastly underperformed last year and looks to blossom under Weiss' tutelage. TE Jordan Reed is a diamond in the rough, as the converted QB has the tools to become the best in the SEC. The biggest question mark on offense is the line. Despite a glut of talent and depth, there will be only two returning starters with a combined 27 starts between them. Sophomore Jonotthan Harrison will be tasked with replacing the stalwart Pouncey twins. If the unit doesn't gel quickly, Brantley's break-out year may not translate as hoped.

The Florida defense was quietly solid in 2010, ranking 9th overall in total yards allowed and 12th in pass defense. Much like the offense, the defense will count on the ascension of a mega talented class led by sophomore DE Ronald Powell. The interior will be paced by senior tackle William Green, but hopes the injury bug passes over them. The line must step up to protect a solid, if unspectacular, linebacking unit. Working in their favor is Head Coach Muschamp's experience putting together fearsome lines for the Longhorns which should help alleviate some of the 'look like Tarzan, play like Jane' concerns. The secondary is still reeling from the dismissal of All-SEC play maker Janoris Jenkins after his second arrest for marijuana possession in three months. Incoming starter Matt Elam has the speed, smarts, and talent to be the next major superstar at the CB position, and the overall athleticism of the back four will mask some of their early missteps. The young Gators are loaded with talent and another run at a National Championship is a distinct possibility...next year.

2011-12 Prediction: 7-5, (4-4)

Kentucky Wildcats

2010-11 Record: 6-7, (2-6)

Head Coach: Joker Phillips

Chances are, fans in Lexington aren't too concerned with the state of the football program. However, it shouldn't preclude them from noticing that the Cats have a chance to be sneaky good this year. Hey, if South Carolina can escape the bottom of the SEC...

The strength of the offensive is their massive O-line. With four full time starters returning, five if you count the perfectly named Billy Joe Murphy's nine starts, this is, for all purposes, the same line that allowed the second fewest sacks in the SEC last year, despite having QB/tree impersonator, Brian Hartline, under center. With a little more seasoning and a little luck, the Cats could easily have the best group of hogs in the SEC. The only knock is the lack of experience among veteran reserves, but if the Cats can form a two deep rotation this spring, watch out. A lot will be riding on junior QB Morgan Newton; after being forced into action as an injury replacement his freshman year, Newton spent most of last year on the bench behind Hartline. At 6'4, 235 lbs, he's has good size and an arm that can make all the throws. His tremendous upside have the coaches licking their chops, but if he struggles early, don't overlook true freshman grayshirt, Maxwell Smith, at 6'5, 225 lbs with an equally strong arm. Much of the QB's success will depend on the athletic but raw receiving corps. Star Randall Cobb (84 catches, 1,017 yards, 7 TD's) left to ply his trade in the NFL, opening the door for junior La'Rod King (36 catches, 478 yards, 5 TD's). King proved he has the makings of an All-SEC performer after scoring four times against South Carolina and Auburn. The unit, as noted, are the perfect NFL prototypes as King, senior Matt Roark, and sophomore Brian Adams are 6'4 or taller and all run in the 4.4-40 range.

The 2010 Kentucky defense was a tale of two units: an abhorrent front four which could not rush the passer (11th in the SEC in sacks) and struggled against the run (45th in total defense), yet was spectacular against the pass, ranking 14th in the nation. This may have been a little inflated since most teams ran Kentucky into the ground, but the numbers are impressive nonetheless. I don't expect much improvement along the line, but they will have to play better and allow less than 177 rushing yards per game if the team is to stand a chance. The unit should have plenty of big athletic bodies, but no true stars; Phillips must maximize the production of this unit to give his secondary a break. Last year's linebacking corps was good enough to clean up the mess the line left behind and is spearheaded by violently underrated LB Danny Trevathan. The senior finished with a blistering 144 tackles (16 for loss) along with 3 sacks, and it was a crime to leave him out of the running for the Butkus Award. That mistake won't be made again this year. Senior Ronnie Snead is a great complement to Trevathan, and the two will routinely fly past opposing lines but, again, should the defensive line play poorly, they will see most of the action going over their heads for a second straight season. Playing to their strength, look for the Cats to employ a heavy dose of the 4-2-5. Strong safety Winston Guy (106 tackles, 3 INT's)  leads a group of five returning starters. Senior Randall Burden has all the makings of a true shutdown corner, and fellow senior Anthony Mosely, with his 4.36 speed, won't be outrun by anybody in the SEC. The unit as a whole is speedy and versatile and won't make many mistakes. 

2011-12 Prediction: 7-5, (4-4)


Tennessee Volunteers
2010-11 Record: 6-7, (3-5)
Head Coach: Derek Dooley

Rocky Top has seen a tumultuous last few seasons, and it has clearly affected the product on the field. After winning at least 8 games from 1989-2007, the program has gone 18-20 the last three years, and blew through two coaches (Phil Fulmer and Lane Kiffin). The hopes of the Vols now rest on Coach Dooley and the relative hot streak his team entered the last half of the 2010 season. How much one can read into that November four win streak is debatable, however, as the Vols played one of the worst teams in the country, Memphis, and then three straight against the worst teams in the SEC not named Tennessee.

QB Tyler Bray grew out of his early deer-in-headlights stage, putting together a respectable eight game season (1,849 yards, 18 TD's, 10 INT's) given he was going for broke on almost every other play. Bray spent a lot of time on his backside as well; true freshmen on the line combined for a total of 26 starts and was just plain bad. Three of those freshmen return and, along with some veterans, will total 50 starts this year but I expect growth to be a little slow. Helping them will be returning RB Tauren Poole (204 carries, 1,034 yards, 11 TD's) who needs to produce some serious damage to help Bray avoid the hospital. The team also needs to commit more to the ground game as they developed the curious habit of forgetting about their backs in the red-zone last year. Losing the top three wideouts to graduation will hurt Bray's development but Zach Rogers and Da'Rick Rogers are talents who have the ability to produce big plays. Keep an eye on burner Justin Hunter who was an all-or nothing player last year; his staggering 25.9 YPC was balanced by passes heading his way connecting fewer than forty percent of the time.

Defense will be another rebuilding project for coordinator Justin Wilcox, who has yet to produce a sound (and underrated) unit like he did at Boise St. Tennessee's line was middle of the road but could not cover up for a poor linebacking corps. It should be better in 2011 despite returning only two starters in the front seven. Senior Malik Jackson (48 tackles, 5 sacks) will anchor the line. Jacques Smith and Willie Bohannon could be immediate talents to complement the senior. The issues at linebacker remain, however, with the Vols returning one healthy, experienced linebacker in Austin Johnson. Junior Herman Lather was slated to build off an impressive sophomore season (60 tackles) but after missing spring with shoulder issues, Lather fractured his ankle and will be out at least the first two months of the season. The strongest area of the defense was the secondary, but that unit also has major questions entering the season. Second team All-SEC safety Prentiss Wagner (47 tackles, 5 INT's, 3 recovered fumbles) is the major returning starter. Brent Brewer was looking to join Wagner and form one of the better duos in the country before he got suspended indefinitely. His loss will be minimized if safety Janzen Jackson (55 tackles, 5 INT's) returns after leaving the team for personal reasons. The schedule presents some opportunities, and some major roadblocks including a three week gauntlet in the middle of the season. Look for the Vols to make noise again in 2012.

2011-12 Prediction: 5-7, (2-6)

Vanderbilt Commodores

2010-11 Record: 2-10, (1-7)

Head Coach: James Franklin

Saying last year's season was an unmitigated disaster wouldn't be overstating or understating anything. A 'disaster' implies that something better was expected which, in Vandy's case, is assuredly not the case. Former Terps offensive coordinator/coach in waiting James Franklin now takes the reigns at the perennial doormat of the SEC. Vandy hopes that Franklin's knack for transforming underdogs transplants to Nashville.

Ordinarily, having nine returning starters on one side of the ball would give most teams a reason to celebrate; unfortunately, Vandy's offense was terrible last season, scoring an anemic 12 points per game in SEC play. QB Larry Smith (1,262 yards, 6 TD's, 5 INT's) is the "starter," but with six scholarship QB's vying for the starting spot, his whopping 47.4 completion percentage may not last very long. Udom Umoh, returns as the team's leading receiver, but at only 6'0, 180 lbs, he is more suited for the 'Z' role than an 'X' or 'Y'. Jerry Rice's younger cousin, Jordan Matthews, (15 catches, 181 yards, 4 TD's) could be an upcoming star on the team along with returning leading receiver, TE Brandon Barden (34 catches, 425 yards, 3 TD's). The brightest spot on offense is the RB duo of Warren Norman and Zac Stacey. They combined for 790 yards and seven scores despite missing a combined seven games due to injury. They will rely on an offensive line returning all five starters but only one true star in sophomore All-American Wesley Johnson. On defense, a line that was expected to produce in 2010 was ravaged by injuries, but returns three starters. The line accounted for an SEC-low, twenty sacks last year, and hopes to make strides. Ends Tim Fugger and Walker May will be counted on to raise their decent production, and the secondary returns four starters. Linebacker will be the weakest unit after the loss of two starters. All in all, things don't look good for the Dores and I suspect Franklin's first year will have its fair share of growing pains.

2011-12 Prediction: 2-10, (0-8)