Scouting SEC football 2005

[FADERPROOF]

I'll go ahead and take this conference, I would like to do the Big 10, but my bias will eventually get in the way so I shyed away from it, in hopes someone else doing it though.

SEC - East

Tennessee - Possibly NC contenders right here, wouldn't surprise me at all to see them ranked in the top 5 preseason polls. They won the SEC East last year, and didn't lose much, notably Cedric Houston and Kevin Burnett. Erik Ainge is healthy again and will be the starter, as UT also has a capable back-up in Rick Clausen and also freshman Jonathan Crompton(Brent Schaffer is looking to transer.) At WR, they're as stacked as anyone, Swain, Fayton, Meachem, Bret Smith, Chris Hannon, they're all gamers.Gerald Riggs will finally get a chance to show his talents off as he'll be the #1 RB, in years past he and Houston have been splitting carries Defense won't be losing much as well, as Kevin Simon comes back from injury as the MLB and Kevin Mitchell will move from MLB to SLB to take Kevin Burnett's place. Secondary still looks good, with senior co-captain Jason Allen at FS. They're toughest stretch will be right out of the gates, their second and thirs game of the season, where they travel to Florida in week 2 and LSU in week 3. If the Vols win both f those away games, they have a nice shot at running the table.

Georgia - Again, another team that didn't lose that much. D.J. Shockley looks to be the replacement for David Greene, and their WR's look a little slim with game experience as both Brown and Gibson are in the NFL now, only senior WR they have is Brayn McLendon. Georgia's main weapon is their ability to recruit, they can come back firing year after eyar despite losing their QB and main WR's. Their big offseasn loss however has been LB Derrick White, who was dismissed from the team for disciplinary reasons. UGA looks to Brandon Miller to fill the voide at SLB, but it won't be an easy task. Up front, UGA looks tough, Golston, Swain, and Anderson all can clog up the middle, and Will Thompson is a good pass rusher. UGA needs to get past Tennessee at Neyland in order to have a chance at the SEC East title, their loss at home to UT was the tiebreaker that sent the Vols to the title game instead.

Florida - 1st year under Urban Meyer, and will be quite the experimental one. It all lands in one mans hands, Chris Leak. If Leak can adapt to Urban Meyer's offense and finally develop into the player that we've all heard that he can be, the Gators can challenge for the SEC title. They have a tough 2 game stretch at LSU and at Georgia, along with the big rivalry against FSU which they get at home this year(along with Tennessee.) Another interesting match-up will be the week before the FSU game, where UF takes on South Carolina, coaches by former Florida player and coach, STeve Spurrier.

South Carolina - Now I don't have any doubts that in a couple years, we'll see SC up near the top of the SEC, but for now even Steve Spurrier wont be able to muster that much out of the talent that he has. Expect a .500 team from the Gamecocks, as Spurrier is still installing his Cock 'n Fire offense and doesnt have his recuits. Plus there's this whole thing about 1/3 of his team from last year not on the team due to graduation, trasfer, or discpline actions(see Clemson game last year.)

Kentucky - I cant say much, other than this is Brooks' last year as HC of the Wildcats. Bottom of the barrel team with their only being that they have a favorable schedule as Florida, Tennessee, and Auburn all are home games.

Vanderbilt - Maybe a 3 win season, but don't expect much more. They are the worst team in the SEC and have been for quite some time. Their biggest rival is Tennessee, who has beaten them every year sicne 1981, I think that says enough about the situation of their program.

SEC WEST

LSU - A younger team that is expected to grow up quickly here. With Randall now gone, that leaves a void at QB, as I'm not sure who is currently the starters but all LSU QB's are Sophomroe or Freshmen. Early Dpucet and Xavier Carter at WR are expected to grow up quickly at WR as one could crack the starting line-up as the other plays 3rd or 4th WR for the Tigers. With Saban gone and Les Miles in, the Tigers may look to switch it up and run the ball more, in attempts of taking pressure of the inexperienced QB and younger WR's. Alley Broussard and Joseph Addai are both back, ad while neither broke 1000 yards last year, they each had over a 6 YPC average. The true thing that helps this team out is the schedule, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Miss St., and Alabama are the road games, as the get to host Tennessee, Auburn, and Florida. I see them as representing the SEC West in the title game with the talent that they have along with their schedule

Alabama - I know, weird seeing them at #2 in the SEC West with all that has gone down with this University. They still are on probation, but the one thing that thinks that they'll be up in the running for the title is that QB Brodie Croyle is now healthy. Once he went down, their entire offense went to schambles as Spencer Pennington could not run a fluent offense. Wtih Croyle back, along with RB Darby, ad WR's Prothro and Caddell, this Bama offense could be potent. On D, Justin Britt will anchor a good defensive line, but LB's and DB's are a bit suspect. And again, the schedule also is a big favor as Auburn is the only away game that is big, all other good schools have to go to Tuscaloosa to play.

Auburn - #2 in the entire nation last year and now down to 3rd in the SEC West. But the big three of Campbell, Cadillac Williams, and Ronnie Brown was their offense. Auburn does have a nice OL anchored by Marcus McNeil, but they need to find the players to take the big 3s place in order to have a good season. WR Courtney Taylor will be the go-to man for this offense until some other can develop, otherwise it could be intersting year for Auburn. Last year kept Tommy Tubberville's job, now it may look that after this year, he may need to salvage it again in 2006.

Arkansas - The one big question on everyon's mind...Who will replace Matt Jones at QB? Cole Barthel looks to be the answer. The Razorbacks don't have much experience at QB so the spring games and practices have been the tell all currently, and Barthell has jumped into the lead. Barthel has been in the Braves minor league system as a 3B for 4 years now, and has finally switched his sports and is now looking to start QB for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Ole Miss - The big blow is that senior RB and starter, Vashon Pearson, has been declared ineligble this season. Etahn Flatt returns as QB as do a slew of WR's, but the gap at RB will be a constant problem for the Rebels. Their D must also improve this year if they are looking at a .500 season or better, the Rebels gave up an average of 27 points per game, and with a questionable offense, they wont win many games giving up 27 points. Gone are the days of Eli Manning as Ole Miss now has to focus on defense to win games for them.

Miss St. - They ride the bottom along with Kentucky and Vanderbilt, but I do believe that Sylvester Croom will do a better job this season as he did last year. They probably won't contend, probably won't be a .500 team, and probably wont pla in a bowl this year, but look for them to imrpvoe some(How can they not?). I'm looking at a 4 win season for MSU, and possibly 5th in the division instead of dead last, as that honor may go to Ole Miss instead.

SEC EAST CHAMP - Tennessee
SEC WEST CHAMP - LSU

SEC CHAMP - Tennessee

I expect LSU to beat Tennessee the first time in Baton Rouge, but on a neutral field I see Tennessee getting their revenge and becoming SEC champs for the first time since 1998.
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Alright, feel free to agree or disagree, or drill me for not knowing what the hell I'm talking about...

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Good analysis. Just to create a little controversy, I think Georgia lost more than you think. All of the guys who have been the team leaders for the last 2-3 years are now gone, with no obvious replacements. I think Florida will finish ahead of them and might even win the East Division. they are loaded with young talent and leak is perfect fit for Meyer's offense.

I pick Alabama to win the West. Like you say, they have been flying under the radar and LSU will be undergoing a coaching/system change. If Coyle stays healthy, he might be the surprise QB of the year much like Campbell was last year.

[Tombstone RJ]

Houston Nutt is supposedly under some pressure to have a good season here at Arkansas. There is a local HS QB that is being touted as a top recruit in the nation and if Nutt doesn't get him, alot of folks will be pissed he got away, especially if this HS QB goes to anther SEC team.

Word out of Arkansas is that Frank Boyles, the men's AD, is pissed at Nutt for talking to LSU about replacing Saban. Broyles is pissed, and rightly so because Nutt just got a huge raise and before the ink is dry on his new contract, he's talking to LSU about their HC position.

Personally, I think Nutt's job security is fine, even if the Razorbacks don't do well. I mean, the Razorbacks are gonna have to lose 10 games for Nutt to be fired. He is a very desirable coach.

It will be interesting to see how Chris Mortensen's son does in competing for the QB position...

[Dr. Broncenstein]

Granted, Nutt has done quite a bit for our program.... but I hate him and will rejoyce the day he leaves. Nothing made me more furious that to watch Jones on the sideline for 1/3 of the game...

[FADERPROOF]

Originally Posted by Big Guy

Good analysis. Just to create a little controversy, I think Georgia lost more than you think. All of the guys who have been the team leaders for the last 2-3 years are now gone, with no obvious replacements. I think Florida will finish ahead of them and might even win the East Division. they are loaded with young talent and leak is perfect fit for Meyer's offense.

I pick Alabama to win the West. Like you say, they have been flying under the radar and LSU will be undergoing a coaching/system change. If Coyle stays healthy, he might be the surprise QB of the year much like Campbell was last year.

It is true about georgia, maybe I see more in Shockley than others, but I think he'll be a nice replacement for David Greene. Their WR's will hurt them though, they do recruit well but losing both starters is going to take the toll.

In a bit of contradiction, I need to see it from Leak first before I can put Florida higher than Tenn or Georgia, in fact I don't see Florida winning either game.

UGA's DL will be tough to beat, their LB's lose White and secondary lost Thomas Davis,but it all starts up front and Georgia has the horses in the trenches to be a very good D.

[FADERPROOF]

So Arkansas fans...will it be Barthel taking over for Matt Jones, or do you see another QB as the stater?

[Arkie]

It will be between three QBs this year. Hopefully next year, we will get Mitch Mustain. He's one of the best HS QB's in the nation. You will get to know him really good if he chooses Michigan.

[Tombstone RJ]

Originally Posted by Bosko

It will be between three QBs this year. Hopefully next year, we will get Mitch Mustain. He's one of the best HS QB's in the nation. You will get to know him really good if he chooses Michigan.

That's the kid from Springdale that everyone wants Nutt to recruit as the next big QB for the Razorbacks.

[Tombstone RJ]

Originally Posted by FADERPROOF

So Arkansas fans...will it be Barthel taking over for Matt Jones, or do you see another QB as the stater?

Its Barthel's job to lose... Unless Mortensen unseats him, he'll be the starting QB.

[Atwater27]

You know im going to have to disagree with you over the SEC West. Alabama is going to win this conference. What they didnt have last year was depth at RB and they took care of that after signing 2 4 stars and a 3 in the off season. Roy Upchurch is an amazing player(watched him in person destory our HS defense, 180 yards on 13 carries and 3 tds) and should start by his Sophmore year after Darby leaves, Mike Ford i dont know much about but says to be a big time runner, Glenn Coffee is also a local fella that i got a chance to watch every friday night over year in the Panhandle of FL. He is a great return man and has great speed (4.4). They have a great crop of TBs and i think we could see multiple features backs in that offense this season.

Next they have great depth at receivers, DJ Hall and Kieth Brown are local boys and again i got to watch them in person destory our D. I think both will have a good year. Michael Caddell and Tyrone Prothro are the main receivers in this offense at this point. They have good hands and are impact players. Look for a Freddie Milons type year for Prothro as he'll play a lot of positions on O.

The D will be the best in the SEC, they didnt lose anyone and have a really talented D that should dominate as it did last year.


Just my .02...Alabama will lose 1 game this year and that will be to Tennessee but will come back and beat them in the Sec Title Game and will finish 5th in the nation at the end of the year.

[FADERPROOF]

Originally Posted by Atwater27

You know im going to have to disagree with you over the SEC West. Alabama is going to win this conference. What they didnt have last year was depth at RB and they took care of that after signing 2 4 stars and a 3 in the off season. Roy Upchurch is an amazing player(watched him in person destory our HS defense, 180 yards on 13 carries and 3 tds) and should start by his Sophmore year after Darby leaves, Mike Ford i dont know much about but says to be a big time runner, Glenn Coffee is also a local fella that i got a chance to watch every friday night over year in the Panhandle of FL. He is a great return man and has great speed (4.4). They have a great crop of TBs and i think we could see multiple features backs in that offense this season.

Next they have great depth at receivers, DJ Hall and Kieth Brown are local boys and again i got to watch them in person destory our D. I think both will have a good year. Michael Caddell and Tyrone Prothro are the main receivers in this offense at this point. They have good hands and are impact players. Look for a Freddie Milons type year for Prothro as he'll play a lot of positions on O.

The D will be the best in the SEC, they didnt lose anyone and have a really talented D that should dominate as it did last year.


Just my .02...Alabama will lose 1 game this year and that will be to Tennessee but will come back and beat them in the Sec Title Game and will finish 5th in the nation at the end of the year.

Alabama isn't a bad pick at all, I think they're as talented as they have been sicne the mid 90's this year, and with unknowns with LSU and Auburn at the QB spot and other skill positions, the Tide could very well win this division.

They do nee to beat Tennessee though, that is their big rival(along with Auburn) and they haven't had much success against them over the past years(I think they're 2-10 against the Vols in the past 12 years), they have them in Tuscaloosa this year and if they really want to make a statement that they're for real, beating Tennessee is a must.

[Atwater27]

Originally Posted by FADERPROOF

Alabama isn't a bad pick at all, I think they're as talented as they have been sicne the mid 90's this year, and with unknowns with LSU and Auburn at the QB spot and other skill positions, the Tide could very well win this division.

They do nee to beat Tennessee though, that is their big rival(along with Auburn) and they haven't had much success against them over the past years(I think they're 2-10 against the Vols in the past 12 years), they have them in Tuscaloosa this year and if they really want to make a statement that they're for real, beating Tennessee is a must.

You know i look at Florida as a bigger game. Its October 21st i believe in Bryant-Denny Stadium and this game will basically tell you how the rest of the season will look like for the Tide.

But i look for Bama to steam roll this SEC West conference (the SEC isnt as strong as it has been).

The key for them is injuries and not making mistakes. If they stay healthy all year you could be looking at a damn good team. The depth at RB is X-Factor every RB has a different style.

Kenneth Darby (power back, grind it out)
Roy Upchurch (down hill runner but will also burn you)
Glenn Coffee (Kinda like a Tatum Bell)
Mike Ford (A TD. not blazing speed but good football speed)

[FADERPROOF]

Originally Posted by Atwater27

You know i look at Florida as a bigger game. Its October 21st i believe in Bryant-Denny Stadium and this game will basically tell you how the rest of the season will look like for the Tide.

But i look for Bama to steam roll this SEC West conference (the SEC isnt as strong as it has been).

The key for them is injuries and not making mistakes. If they stay healthy all year you could be looking at a damn good team. The depth at RB is X-Factor every RB has a different style.

Kenneth Darby (power back, grind it out)
Roy Upchurch (down hill runner but will also burn you)
Glenn Coffee (Kinda like a Tatum Bell)
Mike Ford (A TD. not blazing speed but good football speed)

True, especially the SEC West is on a down year, UT, UGA, and UF are all strong competitors in the SEC East, but West is a toss up.

Brodie Croyle must stay healthy, if that happens then Bama will be tough to beat. They only have 1 tough road game, at Auburn. Got Tenn home, Florida home, should make for an interesting season for the Crimson Tide.

I'm still waiting for someone to do the Big 10, we;ve got the SEC and ACC scouted currently.

[Atwater27]

Originally Posted by FADERPROOF

True, especially the SEC West is on a down year, UT, UGA, and UF are all strong competitors in the SEC East, but West is a toss up.

Brodie Croyle must stay healthy, if that happens then Bama will be tough to beat. They only have 1 tough road game, at Auburn. Got Tenn home, Florida home, should make for an interesting season for the Crimson Tide.

I'm still waiting for someone to do the Big 10, we;ve got the SEC and ACC scouted currently.

The Big Ten is going to be dominated by Michigan. The loss of Braylon isnt a huge hit, they have several young talented receivers to choose from. Look out for a break out year from Steve Breaston.

The only competition i see to face the Wolverines is the fighting Ted Ginn's (OSU) and maybe Iowa.

[FADERPROOF]

Originally Posted by Atwater27

The Big Ten is going to be dominated by Michigan. The loss of Braylon isnt a huge hit, they have several young talented receivers to choose from. Look out for a break out year from Steve Breaston.

Alright, you're eliminated from making the "scouting the Big 10" thread after that comment

[Atwater27]

Originally Posted by FADERPROOF

Alright, you're eliminated from making the "scouting the Big 10" thread after that comment

just my opinion.

[FADERPROOF]

Originally Posted by Atwater27

just my opinion.

Keep all positive comments about the University of Michigan to yourself

[Atwater27]

Originally Posted by FADERPROOF

Keep all positive comments about the University of Michigan to yourself

i take it your a Fighting Ted Ginns fan.

[FADERPROOF]

Originally Posted by Atwater27

i take it your a Fighting Ted Ginns fan.

Not just Ted Ginn, I'm an all-around Ohio State Buckeyes fan.

[SoCalBronco]

Originally Posted by Atwater27

i take it your a Fighting Ted Ginns fan.

Yep. He is the biggest Ohio $t. fan on this board.

[FADERPROOF]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

Yep. He is the biggest Ohio $t. fan on this board.

SoCal,

you look like the unbiased man to do the "scouting the Big 10" thread.

I'm just real curious about what people outside of the Big 10 think of the teams and how the standings will end up.

[Atwater27]

Haha dont hate me now, Not a Michigan fan. If you can tell im a huge Alabama and Colorado homer. Very loyal fan as you can tell from the way they suck.

[FADERPROOF]

Originally Posted by Atwater27

Haha dont hate me now, Not a Michigan fan. If you can tell im a huge Alabama and Colorado homer. Very loyal fan as you can tell from the way they suck.

It's good that you're not a Michigan fan, but Alabama has got to go! My 2nd tier team is the Tennessee Volunteers, I'm always cheering for them unless they're playing the Buckeyes(although their fans do have a tendency to piss me off, but that's jsut because I'm a OSU homer and they're UT homers.)

[Atwater27]

Originally Posted by FADERPROOF

It's good that you're not a Michigan fan, but Alabama has got to go! My 2nd tier team is the Tennessee Volunteers, I'm always cheering for them unless they're playing the Buckeyes(although their fans do have a tendency to piss me off, but that's jsut because I'm a OSU homer and they're UT homers.)

If i did that, my whole family would be pissed. Im not going down that road again. (Gave up the Avs a couple of years ago and they still hate me)

[SoCalBronco]

Originally Posted by Atwater27

Haha dont hate me now, Not a Michigan fan. If you can tell im a huge Alabama and Colorado homer. Very loyal fan as you can tell from the way they suck.

Go Marc Guillon!