SEC Preview: Will Alabama Reign Supreme?

The SEC is the King of college football. There is no doubt about it after Alabama won the conference it’s seventh straight national championship. You will never find me saying the SEC isn’t the best conference in the land, even if it might mean that some of the teams in that conference are overrated. With the BCS coming to an end, will the SEC claim the final BCS National Championship?

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We are going to start this preview in the SEC East with the Florida Gators. I’ll let y’all know up front that my dislike for the Gators runs extremely deep. That will not keep me from giving a honest and unbiased preview though. The Gators finished 11-2 last season. The first of those losses was an ugly game 17-9 game against Georgia. The other loss was an embarrassing 33-23 loss to Louisville Allstate Sugar Bowl. How will Will Muschamp do in his second season at the head coach in Gainesville?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1fecbHL7Sk]Jordan Reed Fumbles At The 5! [Florida vs Georgia] - YouTube[/ame]

This offense was awful last season. They could run the ball effectively, but former five star recruit, quarterback Jeff Driskel, couldn’t hit water of he fell out of a boat last year. Five starters are back this year. Jeff Driskel is back for his junior year. Gator fans are hoping he improved in the off-season. Sophomore Matt Jones will take over a running back this season. Jones showed flashes of brilliance in the limited playing time he got last season. He will be the leaned on heavily if Driskel can’t get it together. Former quarterback Trey Burton will join Jones in the backfield for his Senior year. Junior Quinton Dunbar is the only receiver to return that was a factor last season. Florida will be looking at freshman Demarcus Robinson to step in across from Dunbar. Senior Andre Debose came into Florida as the next Percy Harvin, but has done nothing since showing up on campus. It will be interesting to see if that changes this season. The offensive line returns only two starters in senior center Jonotthan Harrison and senior right guard Jon Halapio.

The defense was the reason why Florida finished 11-2 last season. This unit was one of the best in the nation. The defense returns only four starters though. Senior defensive tackle Dominique Easley is the only returning starter in the front seven. Easley was moved to defensive tackle to make room for the pass rushing duo of junior Ronald Powell and sophomore Dante Fowler Jr. Powell and Fowler both came in with high expectation, and will be leaned on to create pressure. Junior Leon Orr will line up next to Easley on the inside as long as he stays out of trouble. The linebacking corps were hurt the most by graduation last season. Juniors Neiron Ball and Michael Taylor will start on the outside but neither has high expectations. The player to watch here is sophomore middle linebacker Antonio Morrison. Morrison has been suspended for the first two games of the season against Toledo and Miami. Morrison is expected of a lot this season, but will not be able to live up to those expectation if he can’t stay out of trouble. The secondary returns three starters in junior cornerbacks Marcus Robinson, Loucheiz Purifoy and senior free safety Jaylen Watkins. The secondary was the “weakness†of this team last season. The defense will need the front seven to come along quickly or this team could be in trouble.

The Gators schedule will not be easy. They will have to travel to Miami, LSU, and South Carolina. They do get to host Florida State this year and let us not forget the annual Jacksonville showdown against Georgia. If Driskel comes along this year and the front seven doesn’t miss a beat, the Gators could finish 12-0 and find themselves in Atlanta for the SEC Championship game. If the offensive struggles continue and the defense takes a step back, Florida could be looking at a 7-5 season.

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The Georgia Bulldogs came six yards away from dethorning Alabama and playing Notre Dame for the National Championship. That being said, the Bulldogs still finished a respectable 12-2 finishing the year with a 45-31 victory over Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl. Will the Bulldogs finally get over the hump and get to the BCS National Title game?

The Bulldogs offense returns ten starters from a year ago. The only loss to the lineup was receiver Tavarres King. He will be replaced by junior Chris Conley. Senior Aaron Murray returns at quarterback with only 1,438 yards to go for the school record for most passing yards in a career. Sophomore’s Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall are the two-headed backfield tandem known as Gurhall. Gurley will look to build off of last years amazing season. I’m going to say now that this is best running back tandem in the SEC with the departure of Eddie Lacy from Alabama. Junior Malcolm Mitchell is back this season. He will be strictly a receiver this season after spending some time in the secondary last year. The offensive line might be the weakness of the team after giving up 27 sacks last year. Every starter returns, but don’t be surprised to see some new faces on that line against South Carolina if they struggle against Clemson.

The Bulldogs defense returns 3 starters from a year ago. The defensive line returns one starter in senior defensive end Garrison Smith. Junior Mike Thornton will have the responsibility of replacing New Orleans Saints third round pick John Jenkins. They return only linebacker in junior Amarlo Herrera. Sophomore Jordan Jenkins will be called on to replace Pittsburgh Steelers first round pick Jarvis Jones. The Bulldogs were weak against the run last season. The lack of experience in the front seven does not bode well for them to improve there. The secondary returns one starter in junior cornerback Damian Swann. Freshman free safety Tray Matthews is the player to watch out for in the secondary. He enrolled into school early and has taken the starting spot.

The Bulldogs schedule is a doozy. They start off the season by traveling to Clemson. They will also be making the trip to Tennessee, Auburn, and Georgia Tech. Georgia does get to host South Carolina and LSU this year with the annual World’s Largest Cocktail Party against Florida in Jacksonville. If the Bulldogs can get tougher against the run, they could find themselves in Atlanta once again playing for the SEC Championship. If the defense struggles against the run and the offense regresses at all, they could be looking at a 8-4 season.

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The Kentucky Wildcats finished a dismal 2-10 last season. That finish led to head coach Joker Phillips be dismissed and replaced with Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops. Stoops has his work cut out for him. He has started to make some noise on the recruiting trail, but those players won’t be ready today.

The Wildcats are returning four starters on offense. Sophomore quarterback Jalen Whitlow is back to head Kentucky’s new Air Raid offense. Senior Raymond Sanders will be the leader of a three-man rotation in the backfield. Kentucky only has six scholarship players at wide receiver and none of them are spent much time on the field last season. Kentucky return three starting offensive lineman. This offense was not very good last season, and might not be much better this season.

The Wildcats return five starters on defense. The Wildcats return two starters on the defensive line in junior defensive end Alvin “Bud†Dupree and senior defensive tackle Donte Rumph. Senior linebacker Avery Williamson and junior Miles Simpson are the returning starters to the linebacking corps. Junior Ashely Lowery is the only returning member of the secondary. This defense was middle of the road last season. With Mark Stoops taking over at head coach, I expect the defense to improve.

The Wildcats will have themselves a tough season with road trips to South Carolina, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Georgia. Kentucky will host Louisville, Florida, and Tennessee this year. Kentucky is in the midst of rebuilding. At best, I could see the Wildcats scraping together 5 wins. At worst, the offense struggles mightily and the Wildcats win 2 games again.

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The Missouri Tigers had a miserable time transitioning to the SEC last season. After running their mouths before they even had a chance to play a game, the Tigers fell flat on their face with a 5-7. Their two SEC wins were a 33-10 romp of Kentucky, which they printed t-shirts about, and a 51-48 quadruple overtime thriller over Tennessee. Will this season be any easier for the Tigers?

The Tigers return eight starters on offense led by senior quarterback James Franklin. Franklin is the heart and soul of this offense. He has to get going or else. Junior Marcus Murphy is slated to be the starter at tailback this year, but don’t sleep on redshirt junior Henry Josey. Josey was on his way to an All-American season in 2011 before destroying his left knee. It will be interesting to see if he can return to his pre-injury form. Senior L’Damian Washington returns at receiver, but all eyes will be on sophomore Dorial Green-Beckham. Beckham was the nation’s top recruit last season, but the Tigers took the 6’6†threat and put him in the slot. Anybody think that was a good idea? It obviously wasn’t as he didn’t begin to shine until he was split outside. The offensive line returns four starters from a year ago. Franklin had a hard time staying on the field last year, and it showed in the offenses production. He must stay healthy.

The Tigers are returning six starters on defense. The line returns three starters, but will have to try and replace New York Jets first round pick Sheldon Richardson. The linebacking corps returns one starter in senior middle linebacker Andrew Wilson. The secondary returns two starters. Senior cornerback E.J. Gaines has been called the best cornerback in Missouri history. He will have to prove it this year as he is expected to cover the likes of Amari Cooper, Mike Evans, Donte Moncrief, and Jordan Matthews.

The Tigers schedule looks brutal with road contests against Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Ole Miss. They do get to host Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas A&M this year. If Franklin can figure it all out this year, the Tigers could win six games. If the Tigers have the same struggles as last season, they could find themselves sitting at home for the bowl season with a 4-8 record.

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The Ole Ball Coach has South Carolina relevant in the National discussion. The Gamecocks finished 11-2 last season capped with a thrilling 33-28 victory over Michigan in the Outback Bowl. Most of you guys remember that game for one play. We’ll get to that play later...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC44nP7ClxM]Jadeveon Clowney's Top Play: Hit vs. Michigan - YouTube[/ame]

The Gamecocks return six starters on offense. They are one of few teams with the misfortune of having two pretty good quarterbacks. Senior Connor Shaw is the incumbent, but senior Dylan Thompson showed some brilliance while Shaw was out with injury. The difference between the two are playing styles. Shaw is a dual-threat quarterback while Thompson is a pocket passer. The Gamecocks will be relying on two running backs to give them the production that San Francisco 49ers fourth round pick Marcus Lattimore gave them. Sophomore speedster Mike Davis has the starting job, but sophomore power back Brandon Wilds will get plenty of playing time. Junior Bruce Ellington is back to lead the receiving corps. The offensive line returns every starter except center T.J. Johnson who was drafted in the seventh round by the Cincinnati Bengals.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC44nP7ClxM]Jadeveon Clowney's Top Play: Hit vs. Michigan - YouTube[/ame]

Well, you saw the play twice now. I’m not going to say Junior Jadeveon Clowney is the whole defense, but he comes pretty close to it. The Gamecocks do return five starters from a year ago. Clowney and junior defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles are the returning starters on the line. South Carolina will be breaking in a whole new linebacking corps. Luckily, they do return three starters in the secondary. The Gamecocks had a top flight defense last year, and they have Clowney for another year. Just one more time, I promise.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC44nP7ClxM]Jadeveon Clowney's Top Play: Hit vs. Michigan - YouTube[/ame]

The Gamecocks schedule is never easy. They lucked out with Georgia being the only tough road contest. They will host North Carolina on a Thursday night, Florida, and Clemson. If the Gamecocks can avoid the costly turnovers that plagued them in their two road losses last season, they could easily finish 12-0 and find themselves in Atlanta. If the running game can’t get going, the Gamecocks could find themselves finishing 9-3.

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The Tennessee Volunteers underachieved last season finishing 5-7. The Vols finished 1-7 in the SEC last year which led to head coach Derek Dooley dismissal and the hiring of Cincinnati head coach Butch Jones. Jones has brought in a new attitude to this team. Will it be enough to turn around this once dominant program?

The Vols return five starters on offense. This doesn’t sound too bad until you realize that four of those starters are offensive lineman. Quarterback Tyler Bray, receiver Justin Hunter, and receiver Cordarrelle Patterson are gone. Senior running back Rajion Neal is back for Tennessee though. The offensive line will miss Miami Dolphins third round pick Dallas Thomas, but this unit is still the strength of the team. Austin “Pig†Howard is the most experienced returning receiver with thirteen receptions last year. Freshman MarQuez North will be leaned on early and often. According to a source close to the program, North has made huge strides in camp and looks to be the real deal. Tennessee has yet to lock down a quarterback, but don’t be surprised if junior Justin Worley takes control of the starting job. Worley filled in for Bray while he was injured last season. This offense relied on the passing attack last season. It will be interesting to see how they do as a power running team this year.

The Vols returns eight starters from a horrendous defense. The defensive line returns three of those starters led by 6’8â€, 360 pound manchild Daniel McCullers. McCullers will be the anchor of this defense. The linebacking corps returns two starters. This front seven wasn’t the weakness of this defense, but they were still pretty bad. The secondary returns three starters from a year ago. They must improve this year as they were one of the worst against the pass last year.

The Vols have a brutal schedule. They will travel to Oregon, Florida, and Alabama. They do get the honor of hosting Georgia and South Carolina. If Tennessee’ defense improves, the Vols could finish 6-6. If the defense continues to be terrible and the offense takes a step back, they could finish 4-8.

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Talk about a surprise team. The Vanderbilt Commodores finished 9-4 last season, capping off the spectacular season with a 38-24 beat down of North Carolina State in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, man that was a mouthful. Head coach James Franklin has instilled a new attitude in Nashville, and it is paying off. Will the Dores be able to keep up the momentum?

Vanderbilt returns eight starters on offense. All-SEC receiver Jordan Matthews is back to lead the offense. Jordan Rodgers, you might know his brother Aaron, may be gone but redshirt senior Wyoming transfer Austa Carta-Samuels will take over at quarterback. Senior Wesley Tate will takeover at tailback with the graduation of all-time leading rusher Zac Stacy. He will split carries with sophomores Brian Kimbrow and Jerron Seymour. The offensive line will return four starters.

What surprised most people, was the emergence of the Vanderbilt defense. The defense held it’s own last season and returns six starters. The defensive line returns only one starter in senior defensive end Walker May. The linebacking corps returns two starters. The strength of this defense though was the secondary, who returns three starters. All four starters in this secondary will be seniors this season.

Vanderbilt surprised a lot people last season. You can count on that not being the case this season. They will travel to South Carolina, Texas A&M, Florida, and Tennessee this year. They do get to host Ole Miss and Georgia. If Vanderbilt can continue last season’s momentum, they could finish 9-3. If Vanderbilt’s defense takes a step back, they could finish 6-6. Either way, I see bowling in the future.

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Let’s move on to the SEC West. There is no a no better place to start than with the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide are clearly the Kings of college football with back-to-back National Championships. Could they become the first team to win three straight undisputed National Championships?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkem6p-naVg]Touchdown, Alabama! - YouTube[/ame]

The Tide return five starters on offense. Redshirt senior quarterback AJ McCarron is back with his three National Championship rings. McCarron will be the undisputed leader of the team this season. Sophomore T.J. Yeldon will lead the way on the ground this season after backing up Green Bay Packers second round pick Eddie Lacy. Yeldon ran for 1,108 yards last season, and looks to accrue even more with more carries. Sophomore Amari Cooper will be McCarron’s top target again this season. Cooper was inconsistent early in the year but really caught fire towards the end of the season. The offensive line is what worries most Alabama fans this season. Gone are Tennessee Titans first round pick Chance Warmack, San Diego Chargers first round pick D.J. Fluker, and St. Louis Rams fourth round pick Barrett Jones. I don’t care what anybody says, Jones is one of the greatest offensive lineman to ever play college football. He was a three-time All-American and the leader of the team. What makes Jones so special, was that he was an All-American at right guard, left tackle, and center. You just don’t replace somebody like that.

The Alabama defense is the signature of this team. The Tide return seven starters from a year ago. Alabama had the number one defense is the land last season, and I don’t see that changing this season. The defensive line returns one starter in senior defensive end Ed Stinson. The linebacking corps returns every starter led by senior C.J. Mosley. Mosley is the heart and soul of this defense. The secondary returns two starters from a year ago. Alabama’s defense is just down right amazing, enough said.

The Tide have the easiest schedule in the SEC. I find that incredibly frustrating. They will travel to Texas A&M, Auburn, and to Atlanta to face off against Virginia Tech. Alabama will host Ole Miss, Tennessee, and LSU this year. If the Crimson Tide continue to roll, they could finish 12-0 and return to Atlanta. If the losses on the offensive line prove to be too much, they could finish 10-2. Either way, Alabama will be competing for a BCS bid.

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The Arkansas Razorbacks were a joke last season. First, head coach Bobby Petrino gets into a motorcycle accident with his mistress and is dismissed. then John L. Smith comes in to take over and the players never bought in. That led to Arkansas starting the year ranked number eight and finishing the year 4-8. Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema was brought in to right the ship.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-nQLd6z9OU]UNITE: John L. Smith Demands You SMILE!!! - YouTube[/ame]

Arkansas returns four starters on offense. Sophomore Brandon Allen will take over at quarterback this year after filling in for an injured Tyler Wilson last year. Arkansas will utilize all their running backs this year in true Bielema fashion. There is no telling who the starter will be. Mekale McKay is the leader of the receiving corps. McKay is known more for his dropped touchdown pass against Rutgers last season than anything else. The offensive line returns two starters led by senior center Tyler Swanson, who happens to be an early favorite for the Rimington Trophy. Arkansas struggled to run the ball last season but that should change under Bielema.

Arkansas returns eight starters on defense. The defensive line returns three starters. The defensive line should be the strength of the defense once again and they will need to be as Arkansas will be breaking new a whole new linebacking corps. The secondary returns three starters, but they were absolutely atrocious last season. This secondary must improve or it will not get much better in Fayetteville.

Arkansas’ schedule will be tough. They will travel to Rutgers, Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss, and LSU while hosting Texas A&M, South Carolina, and Auburn. They will also play Mississippi State in Little Rock. If Arkansas’ offense can establish the run to go with the passing attack and the secondary improves, they could finish 6-6. If Arkansas’ secondary continues is awful play and the offense regresses, they could finish 3-9.

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The Auburn Tigers had a tough year last season and that might be an understatement. This team quit on head coach Gene Chizek and after winning the National Championship in 2010, he was fired. Former offensive coordinator and Arkansas State head coach Gus Malzahn is back to turn this 3-9 team into a winner.

The Tigers return six starters on offense. The newcomers will be the guys to watch though as JUCO transfer quarterback Nick Marshall and running back Cameron Artis-Payne look to be factors this season. Marshall will be competing with incumbent junior Kiehl Frazier, sophomore Jonathan Wallace, and freshman Jeremy Johnson for the starting job. Artis-Payne will look to team up with junior Tre Mason in the backfield as the best duo since Ronnie Brown and Carnell “Cadillac†Williams. The offensive line returns four starters. The receiving corps will be under the most scrutiny as none of the guys are battle tested yet. They will need to come along quickly to prevent Auburn from becoming too one-dimensional.

The Tigers return six starters on defense. The defensive line accounts for three of those starters. The defense will be breaking in a whole new linebacking corps. Keep your eyes on junior Justin Garrett. He will be looked to as the leader of the linebackers. The secondary returns two starters. The secondary has plenty of talent at cornerback, but safety is an area of concern. This defense must get tougher against the run or they will be in for a long season.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVi4lL17bBM]Darren Bates Stiff Arm vs. NMSU - YouTube[/ame]

The Tigers schedule will not do them any favors this year. They will travel to LSU and Texas A&M while getting the honors of hosting Ole Miss, Georgia, and Alabama. If the Tigers offense can rebound from last year, they could finish 6-6. If the Tigers quarterback woes continue, they could finish 4-8. Either way, they would still be improving.

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The Louisiana State Tigers finished 10-3 last year. They lost one of the best games of the season 21-17 to Alabama, but finished the year with an embarrassing 25-24 loss to Clemson in the Chick-Fil-A bowl. After losing 14 underclassmen to the draft, how will LSU look?

LSU is returning six starters on offense. The Tigers will have redshirt senior Zach Mettenberger back at quarterback. Questions still remain on Mettenberger and whether or not he can get the job done. Every year LSU has a stable of running backs. This year is no different as senior Alfred Blue will get the call. there is so concern over the suspension of sophomore Jeremy Hill, but Blue and junior Kenny Hilliard will be able to carry the load. Junior Odell Beckham Jr. will be the leader of the receiving corps. The offensive line returns three starters from a year ago. LSU has a new leader of the offense this year in former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.

The Tigers return three starters on defense. Not a single starter is back on the defensive line but keep your eyes on junior defensive tackle Anthony Johnson. Johnson is one of those LSU lineman that will be a factor. Senior Lamin Barrow is the only returning linebacker. Barrow is moving to the middle with the departure of Arizona Cardinals second round pick Kevin Minter. The secondary returns two starters. This defense was stellar last season and that should continue under defensive coordinator John Chavis.

The Tigers have one of the toughest schedules in the SEC. LSU will travel to Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Arlington to play TCU. LSU does get to host Auburn, Florida, Texas A&M, and Arkansas this year. If Zach mettenberger takes a step forward, LSU could finish 12-0 and wind up playing for the SEC Championship. If the offense regresses, the Tigers could finish 6-6.

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The Mississippi State Bulldogs started last season 7-0, but they weren’t facing any stiff competition. The Bulldogs finished the season losing five out of six. That lone win came over Arkansas. The Bulldogs were blown out by Alabama, Texas A&M, LSU, Ole Miss, and Northwestern. This season, the Bulldog faithful expect more than an 8-5 record.

The Bulldogs return six starters on offense. Redshirt senior Tyler Russell is back at quarterback. Senior tailback LaDarius Perkins is also back after rushing for 1,024 yards last year. Four offense are back to help open holes for Perkins. The question mark of this team is the receivers. There is a lack of experience at receiver.

The Bulldogs defense returns five starters. The defensive line returns two of those starters. The linebacking corps return two starters as well. The secondary returns only one starter after losing both starting cornerbacks in Tampa Bay Buccaneers second round pick Johnthan Banks and Detroit Lions second round pick Darius Slay. The Bulldogs need to step it up on defense.

The Bulldogs have themselves a difficult schedule. They will travel to Auburn, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Houston to play Oklahoma State. They do get to host LSU, Alabama, and Ole Miss this year. If Mississippi State finally puts it all together, they could finish 9-3. If the receivers lack of experience shows and the defense regresses, they could finish 5-7.

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The Mississippi Rebels surprised a lot of people last season finishing 7-6. To really catch everybody by surprise, they pulled in one of the top recruiting classes. Honestly, after they lost to LSU 41-35 last season, I said Ole Miss would be the surprise team this season. Will they make my prediction true?

The Rebels return eight starters on offense. Junior quarterback Bo Wallace is back this season. Wallace really impressed me last season with his play against Texas A&M, LSU, and Mississippi State. Senior tailback Jeff Scott is back as the starter for a the third straight season.Junior Donte Moncrief is back to lead the receiving corps. Four offensive lineman return for the Rebels. The Ole Miss offense is experienced and talented.

The Rebels return eight starters on defense. They return two starters on the defensive line. The player to watch though is freshman Robert Nkemdiche. Nkemdiche was the number one recruit last year. Both linebackers return led by Nkemdiche’s older brother Denzel. The secondary returns three starters. Watch out for freshman Tony Conner who will playing the rover of the secondary. The Rebels defense must improve against the pbutt.

The Rebels have a tough schedule. They will travel to Vanderbilt on a Thursday night, Texas, Alabama, Auburn, and Mississippi State. They will host Texas A&M and LSU. If the Rebels improve against the pass, they could finish 11-1. If the Rebels defense regresses at all, they could finish 7-5.

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The Texas A&M Aggies finished 11-2 last year. They upset Alabama 29-24 in Tuscaloosa last year. The question is if the Aggies can continue the momentum or will the success go to their heads.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtxaHwgr6ZQ]Manziel's Amazing TD Against Alabama - YouTube[/ame]

The Aggies return six starters on offense. The leader of the offense is Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Johnny Manziel. Manziel became the first freshman to ever win the Heisman last season. It is safe to say the Aggies will pound the rock. They have a stable of tailbacks that includes senior Ben Malena, sophomore Trey Williams, Oklahoma transfer Brandon Williams, and Oregon transfer Tra Carson. Sophomore Mike Evans is back to lead the receiving corps. The offensive line returns three starters. This offense was one of the best in college football last season and I honestly don’t expect that to change.

The Aggies return four starters on defense. The line returns two starters. The linebacking corps returns only one starter but keep your eye on JUCO transfer Tommy Sanders. The secondary only returns one starter. The secondary is expected to be a strength this season after it was the weakness last season. With the Aggies offense, the defense just has to be average for a National Championship to within grasp.

Texas A&M’s schedule looks quite easy compared to last season. The Aggies will travel to Ole Miss and LSU while hosting Alabama, Auburn, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State. If the Aggies play like they did in the last six games of last season, they could finish 12-0 and play for their first SEC Championship. If the Manziel suffers from a sophomore slump, the Aggies could finish 9-3.

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The SEC will have many games to keep your eye on.

Week 1: North Carolina @ South Carolina. ACC vs SEC. Ole Miss @ Vanderbilt. Conference play begins. Mississippi State vs Oklahoma State. SEC vs Big XII at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Alabama vs Virginia Tech. The Tide start their quest for three straight at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Georgia @ Clemson. SEC vs ACC. Two National Championship Contenders squaring off in Death Valley. LSU vs TCU. SEC vs Big 12 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Week 2: Florida @ Miami. SEC vs ACC. last time we saw they two play, Florida trounced them 26-3 on their way to their 3rd National Championship. South Carolina @ Georgia. South Carolina has won the last three between these two. Can Georgia reverse that trend?

Week 3: Louisville @ Kentucky. This is a heated rivalry. Kentucky will be looking to end Louisville two year winning streak. Alabama @ Texas A&M. Texas A&M was the only team to beat Alabama last year. Revenge is all Saban has on his mind. Vanderbilt @ South Carolina. Vanderbilt played South Carolina tough last season. Tennessee @ Oregon. SEC vs Pac-12. Oregon dominated Tennessee the last time these two faced off. Ole Miss @ Texas. Texas routed Ole Miss 66-31 last year. Ole Miss will be ready for some revenge.

Week 4: Auburn @ LSU. TIGER BOWL. Tennessee @ Florida. RIVALRY!

Week 5: Ole Miss @ Alabama. Ole Miss gets a bye week before this showdown. LSU @ Georgia. A battle between two SEC powers.

Week 6: Georgia @ Tennessee. Last season was a shootout.

Week 7: Florida @ LSU. LSU will be looking to exact revenge after last years loss in Gainesville. Texas A&M @ Ole Miss. Ole Miss will be looking to pull off the upset in Oxford.

Week 8: LSU @ Ole Miss. MAGNOLIA BOWL!

Week 9: Tennessee @ Alabama. THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER!

Week 10: Georgia vs Florida. THE WORLD’S LARGEST OUTDOOR COCKTAIL PARTY!

Week 11: LSU @ Alabama. The rivalry between the the SEC West powers continues this season in Tuscaloosa. The last time we were here, LSU won 9-6 in overtime.

Week 12: Florida @ South Carolina. There have been some classics between these twos. Alabama @ Mississippi State. Alabama always seems to struggle against Mississippi State. Georgia @ Auburn. DEEP SOUTH’S OLDEST RIVALRY!

Week 13: Vanderbilt @ Tennessee. The battle for Tennessee. Vanderbilt blew out Tennessee last year and looks to make it a streak. Texas A&M @ LSU. The Aggies are looking for revenge for last year’s defeat.

Week 14: Ole Miss @ Mississippi State. EGG BOWL! Arkansas @ LSU. BATTLE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT! Alabama @ Auburn. IRON BOWL! Georgia @ Georgia Tech. CLEAN, OLD-FASHIONED HATE! Florida State @ Florida. Florida State will be looking for revenge. GO NOLES! Clemson @ South Carolina. THE BATTLE OF THE PALMETTO STATE!

The SEC once again should produce a contender for the National Championship. I am picking Georgia to win the SEC East, and Alabama to win the SEC West. I have Alabama winning the SEC. Will I have Alabama playing for the National Title?

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Thats almost too much info to digest at one sitting. Where do you go from here? Some of my Florida friends will not be real happy with your assessment and choice of video. I guess ,from a FSU fan it shouldn't be a big surprise..

 

Great article, JEM.

Not expecting much from the Hogs this year. They haven't done much of anything since they joined the SEC.

 

The Hogs frustrated me beyond belief with this

 

I have 2 more weeks to do 28 teams before I do my Heisman Hopefuls, Season/Bowl Predictions, and Week 1 Preview. I need to know what teams you guys want me to do. Right now my list is Air Force, Arkansas State, Army, Ball State, Boise State, Brigham Young, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Fresno State, Hawaii (for [MENTION=521]Sweets[/MENTION]), Houston, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisville, Navy, Notre Dame, Ohio, Rutgers, San Jose State, San Diego State, South Florida, Southern Methodist, Tulsa, and Utah State. Is there any teams you guys would like to see done? I can substitute them in for another team starting with Arkansas State

 

thanx [MENTION=4302]JEMicklos[/MENTION]
although since June Jones left my team is again crap, but I'm still with em....Go Warriors!!!!

 

I have UGA beating SC, which will be the de facto SEC East championship game as Florida's defense will not be on the same God-like level they were last year

 

I'm really leaning towards South Carolina this year. They just seem to get better and better each year. This will be one to watch. UGA is a big Fav as well. But, I do not see Alabama on top at the end of this year.

 

UF gonna take this year off IMO. Maybe the will show up for the big games but a Vols loss wouldn't surprise me.

On a side note Id like to hear what you'd have to say about Troy this year. Me and afjay are alum.

 

I Love your write ups man! i wish the pro sportwriters would put half as much heart into their writeups as you do yours man.
i think whoever wins the bama/a&m game week two,will play either georgia or usc in the sec championship game.

 

Troy will replace Arkansas State then

 

Troy? Troy??? Da Screw?!?

 

The alma mater of one DeMarcus Ware who plays for YOUR Dallas Cowboys! Who, I hear, has put on 20 pounds of added muscle.

 

Not convinced that the Aggies are for real this year because they have a QB that seems to be more interested in being in the limelight than he is being a college QB.

 

Eat me. I got a soft spot fer dem good ole boys.

 

Alright folks. This week I will be previewing: Louisville, Notre Dame, Boise State, Northern Illinois, Fresno State, Rutgers, Brigham Young, Cincinnati, San Jose State, Central Florida, Utah State, Ball State, East Carolina, and Tulsa.
Right now, next week will be: San Diego State, Houston, Connecticut, Navy, Ohio, Louisiana-Monroe, Southern Methodist, Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Hawaii (for [MENTION=521]Sweets[/MENTION]), Army, Troy State (for [MENTION=1760]themush[/MENTION]), Air Force, and South Florida. If you want a certain team previewed, let me know before next Monday so I can replace a team on this list with them.
Thank you and Go Noles

 

I Just hope he has the worst game of his life week 2 against the tide.:icon_cheesygrin:
he does seem to have his head up his butt this offseason.

 

Did anybody hear of his latest escapade? Friday night, he decided to go to Austin and attend a UT frat party. He was quickly thrown out.

 

They threw full beers at him...