Summer Predictions

[RW13]

This is the Summer Predictions part of my predictions series, there will be one more during early august with two-a-days. Here goes:
East:
1. UGA
2. UF
3. UT
4. USC
5. Vandy
6. UK

West:
1. LSU
2. Aub
3. Bama
4. Ole Miss
5. Ark
6. Miss State

Commentary: UK loses Derek Abney and Jared Lorenzen, Shane Boyd is athletic and can run but the passing will suffer and you can't win without an accurate passer (see South Carolina past two years....). Aub passing improves marginally enough to compete for #2, Ole miss loses Eli (nuff said). Vandy comes razor-edge close to becoming bowl-eligible... I might add more the commentary when I feel like it later...

[dudeman0501]

That's more or less how I'd put it.

I think UK will feel the loss of Lorenzen.

[Benthelus]

RW,

Allow me to fix those for you.

EAST:

Florida
Jawja
Tennessee
USC
Kentucky
Vandy

WEST:

OLE MISS
LSU
Awebun
Bammer
Arkansas
MSU

Now go to your room and study!

[Benthelus]

That's more or less how I'd put it.

I think UK will feel the loss of Lorenzen.

Dude,

Lorenzen was a fair qb, but he never stopped making rookie mistakes even after years on the team.

I think Kentucky is actually going to be better this season without him.

But then... I like sardines.

:D

[RW13]

Ole Miss can't win the west, I just don't see it, I would be really happy if they did, in fact I hate with a passion all of the west teams minus miss state and Ole Miss, go rebels but I just don't see it...

[dudeman0501]

Ole Miss can't win the west, I just don't see it, I would be really happy if they did

I agree. I don't see it happening.

[Chris]

East:
1. UGA
2. UF
3. USC
4. UT
5. UK
6. Vandy

West:
1. LSU
2. Aub
3. Miss State
4. Ark
5. Bama
6. Ole Miss

One sure bet : ALABAMA WILL BE BAD... If I am wrong, put money of Shula as Coach of the Year.

[ssand]

Ole Miss can't win the west, I just don't see it, I would be really happy if they did, in fact I hate with a passion all of the west teams minus miss state and Ole Miss, go rebels but I just don't see it...

Dang, RW13. I thought that we had some kind of spirit going there while we talked, basically, to ourselves. Now you show your true colors!!! Here's mine.

West:
1) LSU
2) Ole Miss
3) Auburn
4) Arkansas
5) Bama
6) MSU

East:
1) UGA
2) Florida
3) UT
4) USC
5) Vandy
6) UK

[ssand]

Oh yeah, RW13. Why do you hate all West teams except MSU and Ole Miss? Just curious.

[RW13]

I don't hate them, bad choice of words I guess, I'm just mad that they kill us so bad, but then again most teams do.....

[RW13]

yeah, this board was fun when it was only the 4 of us, of course now it seems like there is only 5 or 6 of us.., I'm sure it will pick up in August though...

[Benthelus]

Am I number five or number six?

I forget.

[RW13]

doesn't matter as long as you contribute...

[dudeman0501]

doesn't matter as long as you contribute...

Exactly. Any way you can contribute helps.

[Benthelus]

Exactly. Any way you can contribute helps.

I could send money, but I drink up half of it and gamble the rest away.

:D ;) :p

[dudeman0501]

I could send money, but I drink up half of it and gamble the rest away.

Hmm... Why does that not suprise me? :D ;)

[Irishrebel]

SEc picks

East
1.uga
2.Tennessee
3.Florida
4.south carolina
5.Vanderbilt
6.Kentucky
West
1.LSU
2.Auburn
3.Ole miss
4.Alabama
5.Arkansas
6.Miss state

[oxfordrebel]

Here's my predictions:

East
Georgia
Florida
Tennessee
Vanderbilt
U of SC
Kentucky

West
LSU
(T2)Auburn
(T2)Ole Miss
(T3)Alabama
(T3)Arkansas
Miss State

Overall SEC
Georgia
LSU*
(T3)Auburn
(T3)Ole Miss
(T3)Florida
Tennessee
Vanderbilt
U of SC
(T7)Alabama
(T7)Arkansas
Miss State
Kentucky

Georgia beats LSU in regular season. LSU beats Georgia in the SECCG. Alabama and Arkansas have records with Arkansas beating Alabama in regualar season. Auburn and Ole Miss have identical records with Auburn beating Ole Miss in regular season. Florida has the same SEC record as Auburn and Ole Miss, but worse out of conference dropping a decision to Florida State.

[Benthelus]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/Benthelus/CrashandBurncakesonsale.bmp

Remember who said it first. ;)

[dudeman0501]

The article (http://www.sectalk.com/boards/showthread.php?t=648) I posted eariler today on the front page was a 2-parter. Here's the other half:

A capsule look at the teams in their predicted order of finish:

EAST

GEORGIA - QB David Greene, a four-year starter, is getting preseason consideration for the Heisman Trophy. If he leads the Bulldogs to eight victories this season, he will pass Peyton Manning's NCAA record of 39. ... Five of Georgia's first six games are at home before finishing with four of last five away from Sanford Stadium. ... FS Thomas Davis should more than make up for the loss of Thurman.

FLORIDA - QB Chris Leak, who surprisingly took over as a starter in the fifth game last season, went 6-1 in the SEC. ... Zook brought in one of the nation's best recruiting classes - again - and might finally have the program headed back in the right direction. ... The Gators return nine starters on defense.

TENNESSEE - There are many questions on both sides of the ball, none bigger than trying to find a replacement for QB Casey Clausen. Sixth-year senior C.J. Leak might finally get a chance, provided he beats out Rick Clausen, Casey's younger brother. ... TBs Cedric Houston and Jabari Davis should have plenty of room to run behind line that includes OT Michael Munoz, who passed up a chance to enter NFL draft.

SOUTH CAROLINA - Coach Lou Holtz needs a big year after back-to-back 5-7 seasons. Things are so desperate for the Gamecocks that Holtz demoted his son, Skip, from offensive coordinator to quarterbacks coach. ... TB's Demetris Summers and Daccus Turman combined for nearly 1,300 yards last season.

VANDERBILT - The Commodores bring back 21 starters - including all 11 on defense - and might finally finish with a winning record again. It's been since 1982. ... QB Jay Cutler leads an experienced offense that includes talented RBs Norval McKenzie and Kwane Doster.

KENTUCKY - The Wildcats must find replacements for QB Jared Lorenzen and WR Derek Abney, their two most prolific offensive players. Shane Boyd gets a chance at taking over for Lorenzen. ... Defense is led by all-conference DE Vincent "Sweet Pea" Burns.

WEST

LSU - The defense should carry the Tigers, with LB Lionel Turner and DE Marcus Spears leading the unit that shut down Oklahoma in the BCS title game last year. ... QB Marcus Randall takes over for Matt Mauck, and he'll probably be handing off a lot to talented RB Justin Vincent.

AUBURN - Somewhat amazingly, coach Tommy Tuberville returns for his sixth season on the Plains. The school president and athletic director both agreed to step down after an embarrassingly clumsy search for Tuberville's replacement - before the end of the season. ... RBs Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown return to lead an explosive offense.

OLE MISS - The Rebels tied for the top spot in the West last season with QB Eli Manning, but he's gone to the NFL. Micheal Spurlock is the new quarterback. ... Several veterans return on offense, including WRs Bill Flowers and Mike Espy. ... Ole Miss lost seven starters on defense, too.

ALABAMA - Coach Mike Shula went 4-9 in his first season, but the Tide has enough talent to reach a bowl game for the first time since the pre-probation year of 2001. ... QBs Brodie Croyle and Spencer Pennington both had offseason shoulder surgeries and are healthy again. ... LB DeMeco Ryans leads a strong defense.

ARKANSAS - Coach Houston Nutt turned down an offer from Nebraska to stay with the Razorbacks, and he might soon regret the decision. Only four starters return from the offense and defense. ... One of those is QB Matt Jones, who continues to be effective with his unorthodox style. ... Arkansas has played in a bowl in each of Nutt's six previous seasons.

MISSISSIPPI STATE - Croom is the story in Starkville, and he should be. These Bulldogs have only eight victories in the past three seasons. ... Four of five starters on the offensive line return. ... Seven starters return from a defense which ranked last in the SEC in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense and passing defense last season.

[RW13]

I'm ready for the Gamecocks to suprise some people this year...

[Neo]

I'm with ya RW.

[RW13]

you going to the game Saturday or are you gonna do like me and watch it at a sports bar?

[Neo]

<~~ Lives in TARHEEL country so I'm just gonna sit at home and watch it with the "wifey" even though she doesn't really care. lol

[Neo]

Here is my honest opinion: USC

USC 35 Vanderbilt 14 (Gamecocks will control the clock with the running game.)

UGA 21 USC 24 (A last second field goal of 28 yds will seal the win. Georgia goes into the game expecting a blow-out.)

S. Florida 7 USC 28 (Summers rushes for 157 yds and 2 TDs.)

Troy St. 3 USC 17 (A very close and underestimated Troy St.)

USC 14 Alabama 21 (Croyle throws a TD in the last 2:00 of the game.)

Ole Miss 14 USC 24 (Ole Miss cannot stop the run. Summers rushes for 112 yds & 3 TDs.)

USC 35 Kentucky 10 (Pinkins finally shines. 326 yds, 3 passing TDs.)

Tennessee 17 USC 20 (Another close debacle that goes the Gamecocks way.)

Arkansas 10 USC 13 (Summers/Turman take advantage of the inexperienced Ark Offensive line. 98/74 yds)

USC 14 Florida 28 (Leak plays perfectly. Passes for 256 yds and 3 TDs.)

USC 21 Clemson 20 (A botched extra point costs Clemson the game.)


9-2-0 Overall
6-2-0 SEC

Only time will tell if my predictions are true.

[ssand]

Just an honest question. Do either of you think that Vandy could pull the upset and defeat you? Are you worried about this game at all? I'd really like to know your thoughts on your HC. Is he the man to take USC to the East title? What do you guys think? It would be great to see someone other than UF, UT and UGA in Atlanta. Everyone knows that you have the resources and fan support to do it. But do you think that it can be done with the current HC? Faith or no faith? Rather see someone else in that position?

[Neo]

Just an honest question. Do either of you think that Vandy could pull the upset and defeat you? Are you worried about this game at all? I'd really like to know your thoughts on your HC. Is he the man to take USC to the East title? What do you guys think? It would be great to see someone other than UF, UT and UGA in Atlanta. Everyone knows that you have the resources and fan support to do it. But do you think that it can be done with the current HC? Faith or no faith? Rather see someone else in that position?


No I don't think Vanderbilt will pull off an upset. Vanderbilt has a decent team but they are not as deep as USC in talent or experience. I am honestly not worried about this game. I think that USC has something to prove and Vanderbilt is putting everything on Cutler. His stats weren't bad but they weren't great either.

As for Mr. Holtz, like I stated in an earlier post: "I have noticed that for the last two (2) years, Lou Holtz has been in the hot seat at South Carolina. Why? This man has done more for the USC program than anyone else. South Carolina fans like to play the "Coaching Expert" role and they think they know the game better than someone that has done this job for over 20 years. Since Mr. Holtz took the job at USC, he has built a recruiting reputation, attracted more blue-chippers than you can shake a stick at, and has brought respect to this university. I am a firm believer in giving a coach the resources, respect, and time to build a program. Honestly, you cannot polish a turd in 5 years. Before Mr. Holtz took over the program, USC was a 6-5 or worse team at best but now more and more high-end talent wants to come to USC. Do you think that they would come to USC if Brad Scott was still there? NO FREAKING WAY! His name alone brings in the talent.

This man has made a living at building dynasties. Let him do his job without having to look over his shoulder or reading a nasty article about himself in The State newspaper. (www.thestate.com) USC does NOT have the traditions like Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee or Florida. It's going to take time but that time will be well spent in the long run. This university is going through early growing pains. Much like Alabama will be going through this year but Ala. always have their tradition to fall back on. A lot of people are saying that Holtz should get canned at the end of this year if USC doesn't go to a bowl. I think that if you do that, you have sealed USC's fate as a .500 team forever. If you fire a legend, who do you plan on hiring? Better yet, who will take the job?

As for Alabama, I read somewhere on here that someone said Mike Shula will kick butt this year. I would have to disagree with that comment. Mike Shula I think will succeed in Alabama (Given the proper amount of time), but it will not be this year. Probation does bite you in the butt when you don't want it to.

In closing, all I will say is watch. I think a lot of people are sleeping on USC and they are going to be better than most people expect. I would go ahead and plan for at least 2-3 upsets. See, after that Clemson debacle this past season, USC is going to come out with something to prove and nothing to lose.

Sincerely,
A Gamecock Fan Stuck In Tarheel Country.
Monroe, NC"

and

"Well Dudeman,

That's how I truly feel. I think USC is in the same boat that Virginia Tech was in a few years ago. USC and Virginia Tech both have small recruiting areas, lack of tradition, extremely tough competition, and not to mention, what's in Blacksburg, VA?

One point that I feel needs to be addressed is the fact that coaching stability has a lot to do with a successful program. Even when Mr. Frank Beamer at VT was losing on a regular basis, the AD kept saying to the fans that "This is our man, give him time." and now look at what VT is. A great Top-15 team.

The coaches sell the university to the prospect, not vice versa. Why should a recruit come to USC if they know that the coach they want to play for will be gone in five (5) years. I believe that's why Nebraska has always had the success that they had. Coaching continuity is the key. (Osborne was Devaney's asst. and Frank Solich was Osborne's asst.) That's over 30 years of experience passed from one coach to the other.
I personally have always wanted to coach some kind of football. I truly love the game for what it is and I believe there is more to coaching than just wins and losses."

Bottom line, I think Mr. Holtz CAN and WILL turn USC into a competitor for the SEC east title and more if given the time and full support of the university.

[RW13]

Yeah, this weekend will definately be the litmus test of how far South Carolina can go, if we can win it than we can play with anyone in the east (maybe not UF), if we lose we might be able to pull out only 6 wins at the most, it is all gonna come down to our ability (or lackof) to pass the ball and to defend against the pass....

[Neo]

I think that if we beat UGA, we can hang with ANYONE in the SEC. Florida is not as deep this year as last year and UF will have a few problems this year. Heed my words.

[RW13]

yeah, I don't know what to think now, it just depends on who is the QB, plain and simple. Dondrial=5, 6 wins tops Anyone else on the depth chart=7,8, or even 9 wins...