Okay, some teams in the conference seem hard to read this season like Auburn, Tennessee, and LSU. Other like Alabama and Florida are proven contenders. This season some argue that the conference does not have the depth it has had in the past, but a strong argument can be made that It's deeper than ever.
Let's start in the Western Division, where Alabama and LSU are about to play in its De Facto championship game. The Tide have rolled to an undefeated 8-0 start, something familiar to this team. Last year they started 12-0, only to lose to Florida in the SEC Title game (BCS Semi-Final Game), crushing their season. Clearly, the Tide are the head of the west, but if they don't show up on Saturday LSU will steal their crown.
The Tigers have a smothering defense, but like Alabama, have had some offensive troubles. Can this team play with anyone in the country? You bet. They proved that in a 13-3 loss to the #1 Florida Gators. They took Florida to the end, smothering Tim Tebow and his weapons. Giving up only one score to that offense is impressive. Had they had any scoring offense in that game, they would be number one right now. If this team can fix the offense, they have a shot to win it all.
Ole Miss thought this could be their dream season in the West, but an early loss to South Carolina and sound beatings from Auburn and Alabama have proven one thing; Ole Miss was a fraud. This team clearly has the talent to roll with anyone, but they haven't been able to utilize it. With a coach like Houston Nutt, offensive players like Jevan Snead and Dexter McCluster, and a suffocating defense Ole Miss was everyones new darling, but a 5-3 start was not what the doctor ordered. If they do not win another SEC game they cannot become bowl eligable, and with games against Tennessee, Mississippi State, and LSU they may see the post season.
Mississippi State, Auburn, and Arkansas have been much improved this year. Auburn has already won more games than last year, and a win over Furman will guarantee a winning season. They had a few tough weeks due to their lack of depth, but a 33-20 win over Ole Miss seems to have gotten them back on track.
Mississippi State has been competitive all season long, seeming to hang around with anyone in the country. Sure, they are 4-5, but are much better than they were under Sly Croom. This team may not get to a bowl game, but they have great things coming to them. They were less than 1 yard from upsetting LSU, and have been in every game this season except 1 (Auburn).
Finally, we move to Arkansas. The Razorbacks have clearly improved over last years team. Quarterback Ryan Mallet may be the best passer in the SEC. Sure, it hasn't shown in wins and losses, but this team has improved. Last year they got bombed by the tough opponents they played. Now they have taken Florida to the edge. If they can beat Troy and Mississippi State, they will be back in the post season.
In the east, Florida is undefeated and has already won the division. The Gators have had some trouble, but they are still the #1 team in America. The only reasonable challenge they have left on their schedule is at South Carolina.
Speaking of the Gamecocks, they have had a season of highs and lows. They suffered a gut wrenching 41-37 loss at home to Georgia, but followed it with an upset of then #4 Ole Miss 16-10. They then got to 5-1 on the year, and were ranked #22 in the country. A close 20-6 loss to #2 Alabama in T-Town came off as a disappointment, but the Gamecocks should be proud of the way they played. after beating Vanderbilt, the Gamecocks were shocked by Tennessee 31-13, leaving some questions for USC to answer.
The Tennessee Vols have also been on a roller coaster. They had some tough home losses to UCLA and Auburn in games they expected to win, but the main components for Tennessee's 4-4 start are two games against #1 teams Florida and Alabama. The Vols went on the road in both games and lost close one 23-13 and 12-10. Alabama had to block 2 4th quarter field goals to escape. These games proved they can roll with anyone in the country. Tennessee should be most proud of their 45-19 whipping of rival Georgia and a 31-13 spanking of South Carolina. Tennessee's defense led by 1st year coordinator Monte Kiffan is outstanding. The only thing for Tennessee to worry about is the mouth on new head coach Lane Kiffan.
2009 Kentucky football has been what it has been since 2006, consistent. The Cats have been to three straight bowls, and Rich Brooks has the fans caring about UK football. This team has given itself a chance to continue that postseason streak, as they are 4-4 and still get to play Eastern Kentucky and Vanderbilt.
Georgia has not looked like any Mark Richt team I have ever seen. They had some good wins over South Carolina and Arkansas, but blowout losses to rivals Tennessee and Florida were not what they needed. They had close losses to LSU and Oklahoma State, the former game being influenced by bad officiating. It doesn't get easier for UGA. They need 2 more wins if they are to become bowl eligible, and 2 of their games being against Auburn and Georgia Tech doesn't help their cause.
Finally, we will mention Vandy, the last few season for Vandy dating back to 2005 have been good, but this one looks like classic Commodore form. This is not even a shell of last year 7-6 team that beat South Carolina, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Boston College. Now they can't even beat Army. At 2-7 it doesn't get any lower, and it's very likely this team will go 0-8 in conference.
So, what does all this mean for the future? Its likely that Florida will cruise to 12-0 before they play the Western Division winner in Atlanta. They have 4 winnable games, and the best player in the country. Sure, Superman may not be in 2008 form, but don't think for a second he's lost his powers. As for the west, we have the showdown in T-Town. #9 LSU coming to face #3 Alabama. These teams are focused on this game, and they know what's at stake. The winner gets a ticket to the BCS Semi-Final in Atlanta against the Gators, and possibly the season of a lifetime.
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