Who is it really going to be? [Archive]

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Jrama

08-10-2006, 12:35 AM

Gamecocks4Ever

08-10-2006, 12:54 AM

GAMECOCKBOY

08-10-2006, 01:58 AM

I think it has a chance to be Tennessee. It seems like last year at this time UT was talked about as one of the teams that had the best talent in the conference and now some people are saying they don't have much talent (I'm refering to various pre-season pubs). Realistically, I don't think they went from the penthouse to the outhouse in 365 days. Revel in the fact that nothing much is expected from you by the media. It makes you all the more dangerous.

i agree i think its the vols...to many people r overlooking them...im expecting a strong defense from them like always... instead of a 2 headed qb battle yall will have only one running the show...yall will throw to ya'lls wr more then yall did last year

DELTOR

08-10-2006, 04:13 AM

I've said the same before. I would not like to open up the season against UT. They are going to come out hungry for a win, and will feel like they need to make up for lost ground for the entire season. UT will do good things this year, like they normally do.

scfan5338

08-10-2006, 06:09 AM

UT will get back to its old self. A dominant defense, a good running game, and not a lot of controversy at QB.

mark424

08-10-2006, 09:13 AM

I don't know what to think about UT, the jury's still out on them for me. It's hard to imagine them not being at the top, but last year was just pathetic.

I think if Les Miles stays out of the way, LSU wins the SEC outright. I think a surprise team could actually be Kentucky, if the defense comes around.

Williams-Brice

08-10-2006, 09:43 AM

1. Can SC be the team everyone expects?
2. Will UGA continue to be successful wihtout Shockley?
3. Is Auburn going to rise or fall out of the shodows theyve been in?
4. Will UF finally get back to its Spurrier days?
5. Alabama going to be as good as last year?
6. Arkansas going to live up to its hype?
7. Will LSU really win the SEC?
8. UT has something to prove will they prove it this year?
9. Will Brent help Ole Miss be a competitive team?

1. If people are expecting something in the area of 7 wins, then yes.
2. UGA is going to improve every week. Their record may not be as great as it has been, but UGA is UGA, and they will always compete and be successful as long as they don't ever rehire Ray Goff.
3. A power running game and a solid run defense means Auburn is still Auburn.
4. No, but Florida is going to be better than they were last year.
5. No.
6. It depends on the type of hype, but I'll say no, even though they'll be better than last year.
7. No, I like Auburn. LSU is going to be dang good, though.
8. Absolutely.
9. No. He'll make them better, but give them one more year before they are competing week in and week out.

Tennessee is my "surprise" team; if you can count a team with that much talent as a surprise.

Neo

08-10-2006, 09:57 AM

My take.....I'm not too sure about the SEC West. I'll write one when I do a little more reading on the subject.

SEC East

1. Florida: Way too deep in most positions and they are returning one of the best QB's in the SEC. I'm expecting Leak to have a banner year in 2006.

2. USC: After winning 7 in year one, I fully expect Spurrier and company to finish the season with at least one more win. With USC TB Cory Boyd and Syvelle Newton returning, expect to see USC to run the ball more often than not and gives them another target to compliment Sidney Rice.

2. Tennessee: I don't feel that Cutcliffe is their savior, but I do expect significant improvement If Ainge struggles, watch for Crompton to make a debut.

3. Georgia: The loss of Shockley will be felt in many different ways. For instance, the loss of the multi-dimensional offense will make defenses pin their ears back and go for blood. Having an inexperienced QB in the SEC does not bode well.

4. Vanderbilt: Will finish above Kentucky. Even with the loss of Cutler, they will still be above the cellar.

5. Kentucky: The end of the Brooks era at UK. Watch for Raphael Little.

WDavE

08-10-2006, 10:47 AM

Neo,

I don't see USC finishing above both Tenn. and Georgia. I can see USC having a better overall record then one or both but not in the division. I think SOS is still one year maybe two away....

But we will find out quickly who is right with you playing Georgia early in the season.

I also looked at Kent. being somewhat better then Vandy. Vandy deciding to play Mich. in the first game of the season helps me pick them last. Vandy has no depth and very little confidence to begin with. Getting their their teeth kicked in early by the Wolverines can't help.

Neo

08-10-2006, 11:03 AM

Neo,

I don't see USC finishing above both Tenn. and Georgia. I can see USC having a better overall record then one or both but not in the division. I think SOS is still one year maybe two away....

But we will find out quickly who is right with you playing Georgia early in the season.

IOf the big three in the SEC East, 've got USC beating UGA and UT this year, but falling to Florida in the swamp. UGA is going to struggle and struggle big with an inexperienced QB at the helm and I think that Fulmer's woes will continue.

I see USC losing to Florida, Auburn and Clemson.

Florida 21
USC 17

Auburn 28
USC 10

Clemson 14
USC 13

WDavE

08-10-2006, 11:44 AM

Neo,
If you get by Georgia then I most likely agree....
They will have a new QB as you stated. But they're running game and their defense will still be very stout. They're running game and your run defense botheres me at this moment.

roosterbooster

08-10-2006, 11:47 AM

Due to the information I have received on this sight through my numerous debates with the Mississippi State Faithful, there team should be declared SEC Champions, National Champions, and undisputed conquerors of the world. I have contacted our athletic department to request we forfeit and advise each of you contact your respective schools and do the same. But seriously if everything goes as expected I like the chances UT has of rebounding, but as a lifelong Gamecock fan I know the value of believing you can win. I think that will be the Vols downfall this year. They have a great tradition and the program is definitely a winner. I am not saying not to expect a very good season, but I think that will be enough to stop them from getting over the hump. I think it will be the Gators in the east. I think toward the end of the season Urban figured out how good Leak was if he let him do what he does best, not what Alex Smith does best. Leak should be one of the top passers in the country this year if he lets him play his game. As to the west, I think LSU's defense will score as many points as some offenses. With an absolutely brutal set of defensive backs and a solid ground game I think they will take down Auburn. I think that game determines the west.

Dmldawg782

08-10-2006, 12:30 PM

Can SC be the team everyone expects?

I think they will be improved. A lot depends on who you talk to. Living in Columbia, obviously, there are some that expect the unexpected (just like any other school). The level headed Carolina fans expect to see an improvement and I think they will. Whether that translates into 9,10,11 wins that a lot of people talk about, I don't think so. Picking up an additional win from last year is a given. Their schedule is favorable. They will definately get a win that wasn't expected. Depth is their concern. I think they have some good starters, but if some of them get hurt, their depth is not where the upper tier schools are.

Will UGA continue to be successful wihtout Shockley?

We will, but we'll be slow out of the gates again. This year expect 8-4 or 9-3. This is last years down rebuilding year.

Is Auburn going to rise or fall out of the shodows theyve been in?

Tough, last time they had the pressure of winning it all, they choked. The defense is going to be great with an ex-Bulldog leading the way. I believe they are the team to beat based on other losses to other teams.

will UF finally get back to its Spurrier days?

They might win the east, but they don't win the conference so that would be a NO. Spurrier is all about titles and championships.

Alabama going to be as good as last year?

Depends on that defense. They lost a lot and they carry the team. The offense just gives them a breather.

Arkansa going to live up to its hype?

I still think they are a year away, but they are stockpiling some good talent.

Will LSU really win the SEC?

It is between them and Auburn this year. A lot is going to depend on team unity. With a potential quaterback controversy, I look forward to seeing how any adversity is handled. If favortism for one or the other starts, the fire Les Miles websites will get going.

UT has something to prove will they prove it this year?

Yes they will. Last years team is a perfect example of LSU's potential problems with the quarterback controversy. Last year was an anigma for TN.

Will Brent help Ole Miss be a competitive team?

Has to, they weren't that competitive last year. No where but up.

Wizard of Orange

08-10-2006, 01:26 PM

I think LSU will take the SEC this year. I like them about one hairbreadth better than AU in the West.
However, neither team is significantly better than whoever winds up winning the East -Ga,Fla,or TN . ( I'm not ready to list Carolina as a legitimate threat just yet)

Unfortunately, there will be significant personnel losses by most teams between now and Atlanta which always play a part.
How's that for wafflin'?

blues_cap

08-10-2006, 01:39 PM

GeauxTo

08-10-2006, 02:59 PM

You know this year EVERYONE seems to think that their team is going to be the one. Everyone except UK and Vandy even though Vandy had their best year in a million years last year I dont think it will be any better this year.

Anyways I was wondering who yall think will really be the team for the SEC this year?

Can SC be the team everyone expects?
Yep; with DarthVisor at the helm, expectations can be met.

Will UGA continue to be successful wihtout Shockley?
They need a QB. Can T do the job? We'll see. Richt is an excellent coach.

Is Auburn going to rise or fall out of the shodows theyve been in?
The preseason hype and high-ranking may come crashing down if LSU goes into Jordan-Hare in Game 3 and beats the vaunted Barn.

will UF finally get back to its Spurrier days?
Their defense should be top-shelf. Does DisturbinUrban let Leak do his thing or try to fit him like a square peg into a round hole again?

Alabama going to be as good as last year?
This is likely to be a sad year for re-building Bama. They may win 6 games, but lose to the likes of Arkansas and Ole Miss.

Arkansa going to live up to its hype?
If McFadden returns in good form, the Hogs will be a mighty tough customer to deal with, for anybody.

Will LSU really win the SEC?
There really is no QB controversy on the Bayou, but the jury is still out on Miles' coaching ability. If he can coach, he's got the talent to beat anybody.

UT has something to prove will they prove it this year?
With the return of Cut, the offense should sing under the direction of a newly reconstituted Erik Ainge. They'll be very dangerous for everybody they play.

Will Brent help Ole Miss be a competitive team?
Without a doubt, Schaeffer will be a big factor. Also, the "craziness" of Coach O may just begin to pay off with a win in Bama's back yard.

This is gonna be a HELL of a year in the SEC
You can say that again!

Pick the team that will really shine this yr and take the SEC by storm. Only I want you to pick a team you think will do it other then your team
My comments above in red...

roosterj37

08-10-2006, 05:10 PM

yo wizard, what's the prognosis on your front 7 so far in practice? i know you lost most from last year but i also know tenn has been recruiting extremely well, save last year. any good news for the sec fans b/f the opener against cal?

Its coming better than most expected lots of talent there.
The main consern at this point would be keeping depth at rb with all three coming off surgery. Also getting the right ones on the DL with the best combination at LB. Ainge and the recievers should be much improved

Cal is going to have a big surprise on there hands come Sept 2nd

I watched UFs practice on the Gatorbait rivals site they look real good
There is also some video of Tennessee's practices on utsports.com if you would like to take a look nothing real big just some hitting and pass catching, same as Florida. They wont show any plays or anything.

blues_cap

08-11-2006, 07:45 AM

Its coming better than most expected lots of talent there.
The main consern at this point would be keeping depth at rb with all three coming off surgery. Also getting the right ones on the DL with the best combination at LB. Ainge and the recievers should be much improved

Cal is going to have a big surprise on there hands come Sept 2nd

I watched UFs practice on the Gatorbait rivals site they look real good
There is also some video of Tennessee's practices on utsports.com if you would like to take a look nothing real big just some hitting and pass catching, same as Florida. They wont show any plays or anything.

i hope you're right about cal having a surprise....as far as uf's practice, as one would expect this early, our defense is absolutely dominating our offense. given, a lot of the drills i have seen, the D knows what is coming(run or pass), but it seems our d-line is playing in our backfield a lot.

nice to have good conversations with informed vols(we dont have many in memphis) from time to time, but all chivalry ceases in about a month.. :beer:

Wizard of Orange

08-11-2006, 09:52 AM

yo wizard, what's the prognosis on your front 7 so far in practice? i know you lost most from last year but i also know tenn has been recruiting extremely well, save last year. any good news for the sec fans b/f the opener against cal?
Harrell returns - was a force, All-SEC. Turk McBride will likely start at the other TKL spot and has looked solid with extensive playing time. He's a senior that has had to wait for Mahalona, McDaniel,Hall and company to graduate. I really don't see any drop off there. Especially, since JT Mapu returns from 2 yrs missionary work. He was a starter before he left. ( not sure what kind of shape he returned in, though)

Ends have talent, depth and playing experience in JR Antonia Reynolds, So Rbt Ayers ( one of the gems of our top recruiting class), and JR Xavier Mitchell ( converted LB ). Again, I don't see much of a drop, if any.

LBs are a bigger concern to me. We lost all three starters. K Simon, Omar Gaither, 'n Jason Mitchell. Returning lots of talent. Ryan Karl is likely a starter on one side - played quite a bit, but seems to be a steady journeyman to me - not a playmaker. Mayo played some last year as a FR and always seemed to be around the ball. Rico McCoy ( FR w/ high potential ) and Ellix Wilson will compete. I understand that there's a Myers-White that shined in the spring, too.

Trouble is MLB was set with Marvin Mitchell ( head case, problem child, etc.)until his escapades.

Chavis claimed the LBs would be better this year, but I gotta wonder how soon they'll be better.

Wizard of Orange

08-11-2006, 10:01 AM

With my biggest question of Defense being the fundamentals of the LBs ( not the talent or depth), I'm a little concerned with the type of Os we're facing early in the season. As much mud as I've thrown at the Spread Offense, it does put discipline pressure on LBs. Tedford is supposedly adding quite a few spread elements into Cal's attack, and Fla is the 3rd game.

msgadawg

08-11-2006, 10:08 AM

Gee Rooster Booster,MSU fans thought you guys were the Champs.. After all you have the king of coaches there, You should have played for the championship last year! Seems we should both let the boasting come from the LSU's Auburns, Georgia's and Florida's Till one of us turn it around and prove something , What you think!

DELTOR

08-11-2006, 10:32 AM

I thought we proved a little bit of something last year. I guess we have to beat MSU this year to show EVERYONE that we can play with the BIG BOYS, LOL!

mark424

08-11-2006, 12:56 PM

Due to the information I have received on this sight through my numerous debates with the Mississippi State Faithful, there team should be declared SEC Champions, National Champions, and undisputed conquerors of the world. I have contacted our athletic department to request we forfeit and advise each of you contact your respective schools and do the same.

Nobody is arguing any of that, and nobody is arguing USC won't have a good team. IMO, you guys are overplaying how good you should be this year, and most of our guys are underplaying how good you will be. I think for the most part, MSU fans just don't feel like this game is out of reach. I certainly don't. I don't necessarily expect to win, but I won't be surprised if we do either. I will be surprised if the game isn't within 10 points in either direction though. Nobody really knows what to expect with the first game of the year either. And you know, I think more people agree with me than your take on it. The line on the game has shrunk from 9 to 7 1/2 to 7 over the past few weeks, ESPN put it on (they wouldn't put a game on that they didn't expect to be interesting), and a lot of magazines aren't counting us out. Make no bones about it, USC is favored, but it's far from a gimme.

GAMECOCKBOY

08-11-2006, 01:04 PM

Nobody is arguing any of that, and nobody is arguing USC won't have a good team. IMO, you guys are overplaying how good you should be this year, and most of our guys are underplaying how good you will be. I think for the most part, MSU fans just don't feel like this game is out of reach. I certainly don't. I don't necessarily expect to win, but I won't be surprised if we do either. I will be surprised if the game isn't within 10 points in either direction though. Nobody really knows what to expect with the first game of the year either. And you know, I think more people agree with me than your take on it. The line on the game has shrunk from 9 to 7 1/2 to 7 over the past few weeks, ESPN put it on (they wouldn't put a game on that they didn't expect to be interesting), and a lot of magazines aren't counting us out. Make no bones about it, USC is favored, but it's far from a gimme.
espn will put u on tv b/c of us we will be the first game of the year for this year and next....we were the first game last year...im ready to play 19 days until we play miss st

Jrama

08-11-2006, 02:14 PM

Especially, since JT Mapu returns from 2 yrs missionary work. He was a starter before he left. ( not sure what kind of shape he returned in, though)
The way the coaches and the rest of the team is talking he is doing great to have been gone the past 2 yrs. They say they cant tell hes been gone with as good of a job hes been doing. Theres something about those hawiians :whistle:

Wizard of Orange

08-11-2006, 02:26 PM

Thanks for the Update JRAMA. Speaking of Hawaiins what's your take on Mahalona last year? He was solid , but not the playmaker from the year before. Don't give me the DBL teaming excuse cause everybody dbl tm'd him in 04 as well...

mark424

08-11-2006, 03:00 PM

espn will put u on tv b/c of us we will be the first game of the year for this year and next....we were the first game last year...im ready to play 19 days until we play miss st

That's a thoughtless response and dodges the entire point of my comment. I guess you're one that thinks ESPN would put you on TV even if you were playing McNeese State just b/c you're South Carolina. Seeing as how USC has never won the East, let alone the SEC, I can see how they would be in such high demand. :dry:

Jrama

08-11-2006, 03:02 PM

I have no complaints about him. I think he did his job

Gamecocks4Ever

08-11-2006, 03:38 PM

That's a thoughtless response and dodges the entire point of my comment. I guess you're one that thinks ESPN would put you on TV even if you were playing McNeese State just b/c you're South Carolina. Seeing as how USC has never won the East, let alone the SEC, I can see how they would be in such high demand. :dry:

Okay, I have to take the middle road here. Last year, I do think they would have put us on TV against McNeese State. :happy: It was Spurrier's first game at USC and there was national interest, especially with the contrast in our existing offense and what Spurrier is known for.

While I'm not saying that the interest has totally waned, I don't think it's quite what it was last year. I do think ESPN wanted USC/Miss St. because they thought it would be an interesting game. I think it will be a good game. I do expect USC to win, but honestly it's the kind of game that scares the hell out of me. I'm expecting 7 or 8 wins this year, but it's the kind of game that can turn a season south in a hurry.

GamecockDieHard

08-11-2006, 04:47 PM

downshall

08-11-2006, 05:47 PM

To be fair, there is some amount of attention paid to the first black head coach in the SEC. The attention so far hasn't helped, but it is what it is.

bbqit

08-11-2006, 05:57 PM

To be fair, there is some amount of attention paid to the first black head coach in the SEC. The attention so far hasn't helped, but it is what it is.

Also to be fair it is the media that worries about his race. I think he is a good coach that inherited have nothings in a conference of haves.

Gamecocks4Ever

08-11-2006, 06:03 PM

Didn't we get a contract for the first 3 starting games under Spurrier? Also, didn't we get national TV for our Spring Game last year?? I really doubt MSU had much to do with it. Not to say the MSU game couldn't be exciting, but I think it had more to do with a national interest into how Spurrier's teams are looking going in to the season.

I'm not sure about the contract. There is a lot that I don't keep up with. Wasn't Miss. St. originally supposed to be our 3rd game or something like that, and ESPN wanted us to move it to the 1st game so they could televise USC/MSU instead of whoever we were scheduled to play?

rabidcock

08-11-2006, 07:57 PM

Is Auburn going to rise or fall out of the shodows theyve been in?

The defense is going to be great with an ex-Bulldog leading the way.

The offense is going to be good with an ex-Gamecock leading the way.

goallthewayua

08-11-2006, 08:59 PM

Can SC be the team everyone expects?

Depends on who expects what. Not trying to pick a fight, but I still think USC is a year or two away from serious contention in the East. That being said I think they will have a good season this year and definately will go to a good bowl. Kind of sucks for the cocks that the East is so strong this year. Good things are coming in the next few seasons though. Definately a team on the rise.

Will UGA continue to be successful wihtout Shockley?

Ya, I don't see Georgia winning back to back SEC crowns, but I think they will pull a strong second or at worse third place showing in the East. Stafford is going to be the next Green, maybe even better.

Is Auburn going to rise or fall out of the shodows theyve been in?

I don't know what shadows they've been in, but my ONLY two problems with Auburn are lack of a by week and they seem to have an extremely hard time living up to pre-season nods. To be honest I would like them better if they were picked to finish third or fourth overall in the conference. Watch out for Washington State ala Georgia Tech and USC. Overall an extremely talented team who has a good chance at a legitamate NC. Maybe even the best chance for a SEC NC.

will UF finally get back to its Spurrier days?

I think Florida is going to be THE dominate team of the SEC east probably as early as next season. I don't think it is a question of if they will get another NC, but when. With all the talent Meyer is hording it could come earlier than most people think. Brutle, brutle, did I say brutle schedule in 06 however, and thats whay I have them third. If the gators can go 11-1 or maybe even 10-2 with a SEC crown they should complain about not getting a NC nod as much as Auburn did.

Alabama going to be as good as last year?

Ah NO, but for all my bashing of the Tide they do have a very good team. If John Parker Wilson can put up 10% of his high school stats bama could be very scary this season. Even if he can't produce just give the ball to Darby until he can't walk. I would think diffrently of the tide if Prothro was playing this year, but from all reports he will be out. If last season is any indication then a post Prothro bama offense could have serious problems. Compound this with a post Croyle and it could be detramental. The real down side to the tide this season is the losses on defense from a year ago, but if they have players half as much of studs as Roach and Ryans were then they could have a decent season. However, who knows? They may have another miracle season and pull out 10 wins. Long story short this is the reason why we actually play the games. So Jackasses like me can't determine the outcome.

Arkansas going to live up to its hype?

Same answer as USC, what and which hype? Arkansas will have a good year this season and will go bowling again after a two year absence, but a darkhorse West Champ? I don't think so this season, but we should be very scary for years to come. Even with the loss of McFadden (he will be back by Vandy at the latest so yes you will see him this year) and possibly Casey Dick (not likely a loss, but possibly) the hog offense should still be very potent. Think about facing this offense, Mitch Mustain under pretty much an all SEC offensive line, with Felix Jones and Payton Hillis in the backfield, you look to the receivers and you have Marcus Monk, Darren McFadden, and Damian Williams. Needless to say it should be hard to stop, but only time will tell. Our defense is very solid as well with arguably the best front line in the SEC and an excellent STARTING linebacker core. Corners and safeties won't be the strong points this year, but shouldn't be outmatched by even the most productive SEC passing offense. Add in kicking off to Jones and McFadden if you are able to score and it gets scary. Weaknesses are definately in place kicking and we shouldn't run any punts back with Hillis, but he is very reliable. Long story short, potentially a very, very, scary team. Will it be? Only time will tell.

Will LSU really win the SEC?

I think so, but you might as well toss up a coin between Auburn and LSU. Both are extremely talented. I firmly believe that the LSU/Auburn game will determine the SEC champ. That being said I will give the nod to LSU eventhough it is an away game for the tigers. Why? I tossed a quarter and it came up tails. Eventhough I think LSU will win a nail bitter I'll be cheering on Auburn. Why? I want to see a SEC NC this year and I think they are our best bet. LSU's schedule is too brutle playing at both Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas to come out unscathed. Regardless of who wins, the loser of this game will at least lose two more conference games.

UT has something to prove will they prove it this year?

Absolutely, and I think they will. Last year Tennessee was a fluke. Call it the SI curse or whatever you will, but they will not be down this season. I've got them winning the East this year. Just call it a hunch, but with Cuttcliff back as OC and a slightly favorable schdule (excluding away at Georgia, South Carolina, and Arkansas) it should be enough to bring the Vols back. Do what I'm suggesting for the hogs. Put a huge sign up saying "remember we lost to Vanderbilt last year" and opposing teams will leave in stretchers.

Will Brent help Ole Miss be a competitive team?

Brent will definately help and with him Ole Miss is scary this season. I've got them as my potential surprise team of the league this and they could possibly finish closer to the top half of the SEC west this season. I think Patrick Willis is a hoss and a definate canidate for SEC player of the year. That being said I would be extremely surprised if this season the rebs were able to finish better than third in the west, but stick with coach O and things could be looking up. Just be careful of the dreaded NCAA. I've heard rumors all off-season on message boards and such. Just remember we aren't the only ones who read them ala Oklahoma.

This is gonna be a HELL of a year in the SEC

Absolutely and Hell ya, I can't hell wait! 22 more days fellas. It seems only yesterday I was saying only 120 or so.