In normal years (given Arkansas' consistancy with the exception of last season), I would have picked Arkansas ....but for some reason (unexplained at that) I'm going to go with Ole Miss...
My picks... SEC West 1. LSU! 2. Arkansas 3. Alabama 4. Auburn 5. Ole Miss 6. Miss State SEC East Who cares.....
Re: One thing you guys are missing... I think that says more about your losses on the defensive side of the ball than it does Wilson's abilities. I also think that it's unfortunate how quickly your fanbase has thrown Brodie under the bus. For three and a half years all we heard was how great Brodie was, now you guys can't get him off campus fast enough and your offense is going to be better without him.
Re: One thing you guys are missing... Nothing will bring Bama back like speed. The West is a speedy division in a speedy conference. Big guys with speed was Nick's formula and everybody is trying to "up" their team speed, including Les Miles. I believe it. Often very good athletes are just a bad fit on a certain team. That sounds about right. I see LSU at 9-3, as well, possibly 10-2 depending on how well we do on the three tough road games at Auburn, Tennessee, and Florida.
Re: One thing you guys are missing... I haven't thrown him under a bus. I've never been a big fan of BC at all. Mostly because I knew him off the field. Sure, he has a cannon and I always wanted him to play well, but he wasnt my favorite over the past 15 years (Andrew Zow...Yeah, I know). JPW is a QB that's been around a little bit, learning the system. I'm confident that he will make better decisions than BC. Also, his supporting cast will be a lot better than what BC had. FB's will be seniors, RB's are a good 3 deep with KD leading, and the offensive line WILL be better (there is no way to go but up for offensive linemen), also, the WR's will have more experience. The offense will be better all around.
Re: One thing you guys are missing... My apologies for making the sweeping generalization. Fair enough. Do you blame the recent annual regression in Bama's offensive stats on coaching or do you attribute it to the players?
Re: One thing you guys are missing... Youth. The sanctions had (and continue to have in some areas) their intended effect. When the frosh hit this fall, the numbers will be back to even with our SEC rivals. But, then it's maturity that you are looking for. This staff centered on shoring up the defense as their first priority, then moving on to the offensive side of the ball. If you look at this incoming class you'll see if heavy on the OL, which is the last group/position we needed talent and depth in. The fact we had a shot at the SECW last year was a shock to most. Realistically, we've all pointed to '07 as the year we should be competing for another SECC. It just so happens, the rebuilding has come more quickly than most expected. The group we'll field this year...that team is capable of beating anyone in the SEC. Will they? I don't think so...that's the reason for the thought of a 9-3 season.
