Pre-season last year I spoke about Tennessee and how they'd be a very good young team and would likely make it to the SEC Championship game as the SEC East representative. I was practically laughed off the forum.......... Now the laughing about Tennessee continues. Go figure.
I don't remember anyone laughing about Tennessee winning the East. I didnt think they would do it but it wasn't that really big of a deal.
Who do you see winning the East? Since we are in the same boat, hopefully a first year coach is capable, but FL lost a lot. GA has talent, but they lost a lot too. TN has 18 starters returning, but they have a killer schedule. S. Carolina is my sentimental choice, but they don't have the talent either.....yet.
Anyone see the humor in these two thigs: SEC power and starting 1-2 at home... How many "powers" start 1-2 at home. And the 1 is a cupcake....
I see the East powers doing a split round robin again with the saem resuts as last year, UGA over UF, UF over UT, UT over UGA. Making their western conference games the deciding factor again. UGA play's AU and Arkie at home with MSU on the road. UF plays at LSU and Bama with MSU at home. UT plays at LSU and Bama with Ole Miss at home. I think UGA has the scheduling advantage. They did lose a lot but they get back a lot and have had the benefit of a great recruiting for 4 or 5 years in a row by Richt. I give them the edge.
I cant help but wonder about this team that beat kentucky and vandy by less than a touchdown each.. yeah.. they're qb's were gone.. but when they did have their "young studs", they won each SEC game by the skin of their teeth (and lost one in a blowout)... I just dont see them being a top 10 team next year... I think part of their high rank and expectations is this craving by many in the media to bring back the old powers of the sec.. LSU isnt one of them.. they want their Alabamas, Floridas, Tennessees...
I agree about Georgia being underplayed for next year. Richt has recruited pretty good talent and has depth. Going into 2005 they remind of our situation, key loses to some starters and an opening game that may set the tone for the season. Florida has to step it up on defense to make a run at the SEC title. I've posted my bewilderment at the Tennessee hype (kinda ironic the BCS Title is going to be in Rose Bowl, isn't it, Phil? I had a guy decked out in orange roses sitting in front of me at the championship in 2001) and VisorBoy has slim pickings to work with at South Carolina. Auburn lost their home game against Southern Miss. C-USA's scheduling to accommodate the new teams prevented USM from making the trip. Unfortunately, Ole Miss took The Citadel off Auburn's plate. However, there is a chance Auburn could schedule an in-state opponent...Jacksonville State:wink: .
UNT is not a cupcake. I think your take on the article depends on your definition of "shocking". To me it isnt "shocking" if a 9-3 team without a solid qb and with a new coach loses 2 games early in the season to top 20 teams. Its quite different from putting money down on it happening. For what its worth, I agree with cajdav, the east will be a wash and UGA wins by weaker schedule. I think UF will be the best team.
