I know It's Early, but I Couldn't Resist...

[Cockfan720]

I was curious what yall thought the standings of the SEC would look like next year. If there's already a thread about this...sorry in advance.

The SEC is a little more interesting now in the East with Kentucky and South Carolina posing as possible threats and the re-emergence of Arkansas this year has definately made added some fire to the West. Here are my predictions for next year:

EAST
GOOD SHOT AT WINNING THE EAST
Florida
Georgia
Tennessee
OUTSIDE SHOT AT THE EAST
South Carolina
WILL HAVE A BOWL ELIGIBLE OR BETTER SEASON
Kentucky
THE BASEMENT
Vanderbilt

WEST
GOOD SHOT AT WINNING THE WEST
Arkansas
LSU
OUTSIDE SHOT AT THE WEST
Auburn
WILL HAVE A BOWL ELIGIBLE OR BETTER SEASON
Alabama (depends on who they get to coach the team...)
THE BASEMENT
Mississippi State
Mississippi

My Predicted Standings:
1) LSU
2) South Carolina (I know this seems a little high...I just have a lot of faith in the team right now...:) )
3) Florida
4) Arkansas
5) Georgia/Tenn. (TIE)
7) Auburn
8) Kentucky
9) Alabama
10) Vanderbilt
11) Mississippi/MSU (TIE)

As always, the SEC will be EXTREMELY STRONG...The Top 8 teams in the conference all have a legit shot at the Title. I think that's great and will make for a very interesting season in 2007. But right now, as much as I'll probably get flack for it...I'll say LSU and S. Carolina in the Title game (it would be a rematch, so that would be fun).

[AUFootball24]

Wow, that seems SPOT on. Great job.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

I agree with just about everything except for USCjr being ranked 2nd overall.

You guys plays a lot of tough teams on the road. The colored responses are the games SC will be the underdog and likely loser of (although they will probly win 1 or 2 of them).

Sat 09/01/07 Louisiana-Lafayette
Sat 09/08/07 Georgia -Early in the season, and stafford has the experience on his resume now. 30% chance to win.
Sat 09/15/07 South Carolina State
Sat 09/22/07 LSU -I'll give SC a 5% chance of coming out of Corndog Land with a win.
Sat 09/29/07 Mississippi State
Sat 10/06/07 Kentucky
Sat 10/13/07 North Carolina - I really hope SC wins this. *edit* i only put north carolina cause its a road game, not because SC will lose.
Sat 10/20/07 Vanderbilt
Sat 10/27/07 Tennessee -What is likely to be another experienced and pass heavy Tenn. team, against a mediocre SC secondary. 45% chance to win.
Sat 11/03/07 Arkansas -McFadden/Jones win this one by themselves. 10% chance to win.
Sat 11/10/07 Florida -This one is at home, but Florida will be much faster/efficient on offense next year.
Sat 11/24/07 Clemson

[palmettocock]

The thing going for us is we return 10 on defense and 8 on offense...I really think our offense can light some people up next year....we could possibly be next year's Arkansas. Arkansas returned 19 starters I believe this year

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

The thing going for us is we return 10 on defense and 8 on offense...I really think our offense can light some people up next year....we could possibly be next year's Arkansas. Arkansas returned 19 starters I believe this year
USCjr does not have McFadden, so there is no way you would be anything like this year's or next years Arkansas. Arkansas does have Jones, but without McFadden Arkansas would have had a very mediocre season.

[Cockfan720]

USCjr does not have McFadden, so there is no way you would be anything like this year's or next years Arkansas. Arkansas does have Jones, but without McFadden Arkansas would have had a very mediocre season.

True, but we do have a passing game with a QB that has had a 67% comp. rating since coming in during the 2nd half of the Arkansas game (Nov. 11) and our offense has racked up 400 yds. against the likes of Florida and Clemson. We also have one of the most talented recieving groups in the SEC (Urban Meyer mentioned that after playing us.)...not to mention we have a man named Spurrier.

I think we will definately beat North Carolina...they just don't have the talent yet...I know they'll have Butch, but they won't have enough talent on the team (esp. on defense). And about playing on the road...here are our scores on the road the past couple of years:

at Georgia (2005): L 17-15
at Auburn (2005): L 48-7 (w/o starting QB)
at Tenn. (2005): W 16-15
at Ark. (2005): W 14-10
at MSU (2006): W 15-0
at Kent. (2006): W 24-17
at Vandi (2006): W 31-10
at Florida (2006): L 17-16
at Clemson (2006): W 31-28

We seem to play really well on the road and against good teams...I think the Swamp with Spurrier returning is just as hostile an environment as LSU has. We have a legit chance to beat everybody we play next year. Here's my breakdown of our schedule:

Sat 09/01/07 Louisiana-Lafayette WIN-S. Carolina wins this easy opener

Sat 09/08/07 Georgia TOSSUP-S. Carolina is due for a win over UGA...I know that they're offense will be clicking, but ours will be too...not to mention our defense will only get better...we are losing nobody on defense

Sat 09/15/07 South Carolina State WIN-another easy win in Columbia

Sat 09/22/07 LSU TOSSUP-This will be a close game I think...sure it's at LSU, but we took Florida to the wire at the Swamp and that has to be right up there with LSU in the hostility of the environment

Sat 09/29/07 Mississippi State WIN-Carolina shut em out last year...will beat em again

Sat 10/06/07 Kentucky WIN-Carolina gets the Wildcats at home...It'll be closer than past meetings between the two teams though

Sat 10/13/07 North Carolina WIN-Butch won't have the talent (esp. on defense to stop Carolina...not yet at least

Sat 10/20/07 Vanderbilt WIN-beat em 31-10 last year...don't expect much of a change

Sat 10/27/07 Tennessee TOSSUP-This will be a huge game for the East...Carolina could be 7-1 going into this game...sure we'll have a mediocre secondary, but hell we had that this year and only lost 31-24 to the Vols...also, that secondary will definately get better next year (once again, we're losing nobody on defense)

Sat 11/03/07 Arkansas TOSSUP-Carolina only lost 26-20 to Arkansas this year and if it weren't for a tipped ball at the end of the first half, USC would've won by a point...so I see this as a winnable game also...If Blake would've played this whole game...I can only imagine what would've happened...we were down 26-6 win Blake came in during the 3rd Quarter

Sat 11/10/07 Florida TOSSUP-I see this as a tossup because, hell we should've beaten Florida this year...had an unprecidented 3 FGs (including the one PAT) blocked...if we made any one of those, we would've won...not to mention we had more yds. than the Gators...secondly, this one will be at our home...I see it as a tossup

Sat 11/24/07 Clemson WIN-Carolina beat Clemson this past year...as the talent gap continues to close between the two rivals...I think Carolina will start beating them more and more...the Tigers will be outcoached by Spurrier and this one will be in Columbia...if we have a good record (top 15 team) expect the Stadium to be among the loudest places in the SEC this week...

Worst Possible Record (If Carolina loses all of the 'tossup games'): 7-5
Realistic Record (If Carolina wins half of the 'tossup games'): 9-3, 10-2
Best Case Record (A Possibility, but not likely): 11-1

We have a good shot to beat every team on our schedule next year...we should've beaten the SEC division champs this year (17-16 loss to Florida and 26-20 loss to Ark). I say we suprise many people next year. KEY GAME: Georgia...this will be the offenses coming out party...the 'Cock-n-fire' will finally live up to its name...GO COCKS!

[Imhotep]

True, but we do have a passing game with a QB that has had a 67% comp. rating since coming in during the 2nd half of the Arkansas game (Nov. 11) and our offense has racked up 400 yds. against the likes of Florida and Clemson. We also have one of the most talented recieving groups in the SEC (Urban Meyer mentioned that after playing us.)...not to mention we have a man named Spurrier.

I think we will definately beat North Carolina...they just don't have the talent yet...I know they'll have Butch, but they won't have enough talent on the team (esp. on defense). And about playing on the road...here are our scores on the road the past couple of years:

at Georgia (2005): L 17-15
at Auburn (2005): L 48-7 (w/o starting QB)
at Tenn. (2005): W 16-15
at Ark. (2005): W 14-10
at MSU (2006): W 15-0
at Kent. (2006): W 24-17
at Vandi (2006): W 31-10
at Florida (2006): L 17-16
at Clemson (2006): W 31-28

We seem to play really well on the road and against good teams...I think the Swamp with Spurrier returning is just as hostile an environment as LSU has. We have a legit chance to beat everybody we play next year. Here's my breakdown of our schedule:

Sat 09/01/07 Louisiana-Lafayette WIN-S. Carolina wins this easy opener

Sat 09/08/07 Georgia TOSSUP-S. Carolina is due for a win over UGA...I know that they're offense will be clicking, but ours will be too...not to mention our defense will only get better...we are losing nobody on defense

Sat 09/15/07 South Carolina State WIN-another easy win in Columbia

Sat 09/22/07 LSU TOSSUP-This will be a close game I think...sure it's at LSU, but we took Florida to the wire at the Swamp and that has to be right up there with LSU in the hostility of the environment

Sat 09/29/07 Mississippi State WIN-Carolina shut em out last year...will beat em again

Sat 10/06/07 Kentucky WIN-Carolina gets the Wildcats at home...It'll be closer than past meetings between the two teams though

Sat 10/13/07 North Carolina WIN-Butch won't have the talent (esp. on defense to stop Carolina...not yet at least

Sat 10/20/07 Vanderbilt WIN-beat em 31-10 last year...don't expect much of a change

Sat 10/27/07 Tennessee TOSSUP-This will be a huge game for the East...Carolina could be 7-1 going into this game...sure we'll have a mediocre secondary, but hell we had that this year and only lost 31-24 to the Vols...also, that secondary will definately get better next year (once again, we're losing nobody on defense)

Sat 11/03/07 Arkansas TOSSUP-Carolina only lost 26-20 to Arkansas this year and if it weren't for a tipped ball at the end of the first half, USC would've won by a point...so I see this as a winnable game also...If Blake would've played this whole game...I can only imagine what would've happened...we were down 26-6 win Blake came in during the 3rd Quarter

Sat 11/10/07 Florida TOSSUP-I see this as a tossup because, hell we should've beaten Florida this year...had an unprecidented 3 FGs (including the one PAT) blocked...if we made any one of those, we would've won...not to mention we had more yds. than the Gators...secondly, this one will be at our home...I see it as a tossup

Sat 11/24/07 Clemson WIN-Carolina beat Clemson this past year...as the talent gap continues to close between the two rivals...I think Carolina will start beating them more and more...the Tigers will be outcoached by Spurrier and this one will be in Columbia...if we have a good record (top 15 team) expect the Stadium to be among the loudest places in the SEC this week...

Worst Possible Record (If Carolina loses all of the 'tossup games'): 7-5
Realistic Record (If Carolina wins half of the 'tossup games'): 9-3, 10-2
Best Case Record (A Possibility, but not likely): 11-1

We have a good shot to beat every team on our schedule next year...we should've beaten the SEC division champs this year (17-16 loss to Florida and 26-20 loss to Ark). I say we suprise many people next year. KEY GAME: Georgia...this will be the offenses coming out party...the 'Cock-n-fire' will finally live up to its name...GO COCKS!

I believe that you guys have an excellent shot at the East next year...However, I disagree with your west predictions....For some strange reason, Auburn always seems to play better when they are underdogs.

IMHO...Arkansas has absolutely zero chance of competing for the West next year.....I believe the west will be between Auburn and LSU.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q259/AllSeeingEye11/spurriersite22copy.jpg

[gmcck4life]

I have to agree with Imhotep with this one. I think in the west it will be wetween LSU and Auburn. I think this year Arkansas was a fluke. Alabama has talent but we still have to wait and see who will be coach. MSU was inproving by years end but i don't see them challenging for title. Ole Miss, well, i think they sucked and i don't see them being any better than 5th in west.

My predictions;
1. LSU
2. Auburn
3 Alabama
4. Arkansas
5. Ole Miss
6. Miss St

In the east I see Florida and Tennessee competing for the title with USC making alot of gains and determining which of those 2 go to Atlanta.

My predictions:
1. Tenn
2. Florida
3. USC
4. UGA
5. Kentucky
6. Vandy

If it all falls into place and USC developes a couple very good DL's, find 2 decent corners, and have a couple breaks go our way ( like not having 3 blocked kicks or a phantom Off pass inter like the Arky game) then I think we could end up 1st or 2nd in the East.

[bigsexxxy]

Auburn is all but a lock to win the NC next year. It's the anniversary after all! ;)

[Chivas]

Arkansas in 4th, after returning most of our players? please...

[BamaDude06]

We seem to play really well on the road and against good teams...I think the Swamp with Spurrier returning is just as hostile an environment as LSU has. We have a legit chance to beat everybody we play next year. Here's my breakdown of our schedule:


LSU ,imo, is the most hostile environment. Louder than the Swamp, plus LSU fans are shall we say, drunk and vicious so to speak.

And btw, Spurrier isn't playing the game so the whole "We have Spurrier" is kind of silly.

[tecmsu06]

I'm not going to even start to think about it.... but let me be the first to say, MState will be a much improved team next season. not the 12 spot

[BamaMatt]

lol.

Kentucky has a legit shot at winning the title but Bama doesn't. (Note - Not saying I think Bama does)

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Mississippi State will beat Bama again next year. Count on it.

[WallyGoat]

Mississippi State will beat Bama again next year. Count on it.

Nah. MSU got lucky during one of Bama's most trying seasons. There's no telling how Bama does next season, but they will beat MSU.

[WallyGoat]

My predictions;
1. LSU
2. Auburn
3 Alabama
4. Arkansas
5. Ole Miss
6. Miss St

In the east I see Florida and Tennessee competing for the title with USC making alot of gains and determining which of those 2 go to Atlanta.

My predictions:
1. Tenn
2. Florida
3. USC
4. UGA
5. Kentucky
6. Vandy

If it all falls into place and USC developes a couple very good DL's, find 2 decent corners, and have a couple breaks go our way ( like not having 3 blocked kicks or a phantom Off pass inter like the Arky game) then I think we could end up 1st or 2nd in the East.

I definitely agree with your predictions in the West. UF/UT is a toss up, and it all depends on whether UF has a NC hangover or not. UGA/SC....don't know for certain. But if UGA mirrors the 2006 season in 2007, SC will most likey finish ahead of them.

[roosterbooster]

USCjr does not have McFadden, so there is no way you would be anything like this year's or next years Arkansas. Arkansas does have Jones, but without McFadden Arkansas would have had a very mediocre season.

Sidney Rice is pretty unstoppable though. With the way Freddy and Moe Brown developed and some of the newcomers possible stepping in he will be harder to double up as well. If teams try to lock down Sidney next year I think they will learn a quick lesson. I think we have the offense. The question mark is in the secondary. We are bringing in some solid young talent but you never know what will happen there. Hopefully someone will come in and step up like Ko did a few years ago. Ko Simpson would have been good for 2 wins in my opinion. That play at the end of the half would have never worked out for the Hogs for starters. He also stopped McFadden twice when he broke into the secondary. We didn't do that this year.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Sidney Rice is pretty unstoppable though. With the way Freddy and Moe Brown developed and some of the newcomers possible stepping in he will be harder to double up as well. If teams try to lock down Sidney next year I think they will learn a quick lesson. I think we have the offense. The question mark is in the secondary. We are bringing in some solid young talent but you never know what will happen there. Hopefully someone will come in and step up like Ko did a few years ago. Ko Simpson would have been good for 2 wins in my opinion. That play at the end of the half would have never worked out for the Hogs for starters. He also stopped McFadden twice when he broke into the secondary. We didn't do that this year.
Auburn stopped Sidney Rice easily, and our secondary has been on-off all year. Sure McKinnley or w/e caught some extra passes, but the gamebreaker was shut down.

It only took David Irons and some occasional double team to stop Sidney. Our entire D couldn't stop McFadden.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Nah. MSU got lucky during one of Bama's most trying seasons. There's no telling how Bama does next season, but they will beat MSU.
I dunno man.. they have you guys at home (where they occasionally win sec games), and they will be even better next year. Bama has improved as far as experience goes, but they won't have too much new talent.

If Bama does manage to pull out a W, it will be a close one.

[WallyGoat]

I dunno man.. they have you guys at home (where they occasionally win sec games), and they will be even better next year. Bama has improved as far as experience goes, but they won't have too much new talent.

If Bama does manage to pull out a W, it will be a close one.

I do believe Bama will be able to beat MSU. Even if it is a close one, and it probably will be.

[drkralc]

Auburn stopped Sidney Rice easily, and our secondary has been on-off all year. Sure McKinnley or w/e caught some extra passes, but the gamebreaker was shut down.

It only took David Irons and some occasional double team to stop Sidney. Our entire D couldn't stop McFadden.And an occasional non-call interference helped a lot too.

[BamaMatt]

If Bama does manage to pull out a W, it will be a close one.

It's rarely ever not a close one when it comes to Bama/MSU. It's pretty much a rivalry game for them.

[GoDawgs123]

In the west I think LSU has a legit shot at a 12-0 or 11-1 season with everyone they have returning on top of having most of their tough games at home. I think Ark and Auburn will battle it out for 2nd.

As for the east, I think its a pretty interesting matchup with USC returning a lot, potentially the NC UF team coming in with an excellent recruiting class, UT returning Ainge, and UGA returning Stafford. Right now, I'd say UT is the favorite in the east. I think UF will drop 2-3 games (one vs LSU and 1-2 games vs. UGA, UT and USC...I think UF gets revenge on AU). USC is looking great, but their schedule is brutal. As for UGA, if we manage to beat VT it'll bring a lot of confidence into the offseason. Here's our schedule w/ my calls on the games:

Ok. State <--Tossup. Mainly because I know virtually nothing of OkState. Their offense is good, but I'm not sure how much they're returning, etc

South Carolina <--Tossup. This game is almost always close and unpredictable. Stafford's experience will help vs the USC secondary, but USC returns a lot of players from a very underrated team

Western Carolina <--Win

@ Alabama <--Win at this point. I think it'll be a great close game, but due to the coaching situation and everything, I think we'll pull it out

Ole Miss <--Win

@ Tennessee <--Tossup. Probable loss. The road team has faired well as of late, but UT has a bye before this game. If Meachem and/or Cutcliffe leave, I'll feel better. Ainge will be awesome, but if Meachem leaves he won't really have a go-to top notch receiver with a lot of experience (to my knowledge). Coker returning is scary

@ Vanderbilt <--Win. We will get revenge for that embarassing loss

Bye

UF (Jacksonville) <--Tossup. We obviously haven't faired well as of late, but I think they take a bit of a step back, and if our lines can really step up I think the bye week can potentially really help us

Troy <--Win

Auburn <--Tossup. I think this season shows how unpredictable this game can be too

Kentucky <--Win. Again, with the revenge over embarassing losses

@ GT <--Win. I think it'll be close like always, but with Johnson most likely leaving early, and a new QB starting I think we'll manage to put up a 7th in a row vs Tech

Absolute worst: 7-5 or 8-4. Best: 11-1. Realistic goal to shoot for: 10-2. Really my only main question is the depth at LB and our OL situation. We lose several OL starters, but Richt has focused deeply on OL and DL in recruiting recently, bringing in several JUCO and frosh commits in our currently top 5 07 class.

[bullethowg]

I have nothing but respect for gamecock fans, who else can have an average record but, know that they played against more talented teams but they were able to compete, not win but compete So what would a SC fan do proclaim that will be muched improved the next year,why because their talent while still inferior will be older. Gamecocks next year at best will be an 8 win team.

Ar. next year should be better than this year which means they will improve on 10 win regular season which again puts them in national title picture .

[roosterbooster]

Auburn stopped Sidney Rice easily, and our secondary has been on-off all year. Sure McKinnley or w/e caught some extra passes, but the gamebreaker was shut down.

It only took David Irons and some occasional double team to stop Sidney. Our entire D couldn't stop McFadden.

I am not bashing Syvelle Newton here. However, he does not have the type of touch pass in his repertoire Mitchell does. We tried to beat you on fades and he simply could not throw them well enough. Yes, and while you were doing it Kenny McKinley had a career game and if Jared Cook doesn't drop one when he's wide open our seasons may have been a bit different. My point is we will have more options at WR next year as we had 3 solid freshmen getting playing time at WR this year. We also have a solid juco and some talented freshmen coming in. I think there will be more playmakers to go to and the occasional double team on Sidney will burn you.

[roosterbooster]

I have nothing but respect for gamecock fans, who else can have an average record but, know that they played against more talented teams but they were able to compete, not win but compete So what would a SC fan do proclaim that will be muched improved the next year,why because their talent while still inferior will be older. Gamecocks next year at best will be an 8 win team.

Ar. next year should be better than this year which means they will improve on 10 win regular season which again puts them in national title picture .

I picked Arkansas to finish second in the west this year with one loss to LSU. There was one big reason I did that. Tell me why you think Arkansas was so improved this year?

[gatorhater]

I definitely agree with your predictions in the West. UF/UT is a toss up, and it all depends on whether UF has a NC hangover or not. UGA/SC....don't know for certain. But if UGA mirrors the 2006 season in 2007, SC will most likey finish ahead of them.

I don't see any legitimate reason to believe that 07 will mirror 06. I don't know if we'll contend in the end for the SECC, but we'll certainly be much improved. Unfortunately, so will the rest of the division...

[gatorhater]

In the west I think LSU has a legit shot at a 12-0 or 11-1 season with everyone they have returning on top of having most of their tough games at home. I think Ark and Auburn will battle it out for 2nd.

As for the east, I think its a pretty interesting matchup with USC returning a lot, potentially the NC UF team coming in with an excellent recruiting class, UT returning Ainge, and UGA returning Stafford. Right now, I'd say UT is the favorite in the east. I think UF will drop 2-3 games (one vs LSU and 1-2 games vs. UGA, UT and USC...I think UF gets revenge on AU). USC is looking great, but their schedule is brutal. As for UGA, if we manage to beat VT it'll bring a lot of confidence into the offseason. Here's our schedule w/ my calls on the games:

Ok. State <--Tossup. Mainly because I know virtually nothing of OkState. Their offense is good, but I'm not sure how much they're returning, etc

South Carolina <--Tossup. This game is almost always close and unpredictable. Stafford's experience will help vs the USC secondary, but USC returns a lot of players from a very underrated team

Western Carolina <--Win

@ Alabama <--Win at this point. I think it'll be a great close game, but due to the coaching situation and everything, I think we'll pull it out

Ole Miss <--Win

@ Tennessee <--Tossup. Probable loss. The road team has faired well as of late, but UT has a bye before this game. If Meachem and/or Cutcliffe leave, I'll feel better. Ainge will be awesome, but if Meachem leaves he won't really have a go-to top notch receiver with a lot of experience (to my knowledge). Coker returning is scary

@ Vanderbilt <--Win. We will get revenge for that embarassing loss

Bye

UF (Jacksonville) <--Tossup. We obviously haven't faired well as of late, but I think they take a bit of a step back, and if our lines can really step up I think the bye week can potentially really help us

Troy <--Win

Auburn <--Tossup. I think this season shows how unpredictable this game can be too

Kentucky <--Win. Again, with the revenge over embarassing losses

@ GT <--Win. I think it'll be close like always, but with Johnson most likely leaving early, and a new QB starting I think we'll manage to put up a 7th in a row vs Tech

Absolute worst: 7-5 or 8-4. Best: 11-1. Realistic goal to shoot for: 10-2. Really my only main question is the depth at LB and our OL situation. We lose several OL starters, but Richt has focused deeply on OL and DL in recruiting recently, bringing in several JUCO and frosh commits in our currently top 5 07 class.

Good post. Fair and objective---I liked it. I'm very optimistic already about '08 as well. The future is bright.

[GatorNation]

Arkansas in 4th, after returning most of our players? please...

This thread is a breeding ground for homerism.

:dry:

[Gator2753]

This thread is a breeding ground for homerism.

:dry:
I agree. Your all homers!
My latest predictions? SEC east winner: South Carolina
SEC west winner: Alabama
SEC Champions? Alabama
How yall like those apples?

[WDavE]

I agree. Your all homers!
My latest predictions? SEC east winner: South Carolina
SEC west winner: Alabama
SEC Champions? Alabama
How yall like those apples?

Two great picks! Put your money down early...

Non homer:

Auburn will be hard pressed to compete for 1st or 2nd in the west next year.
9/29: @Florida
10/13: @Arkansas
10/20: @LSU
11/10: @Georgia

If we do somehow go with only one or two loses. I will be a happy camper regardless of whether we make Atlanta or not.

[WallyGoat]

Two great picks! Put your money down early...

Non homer:

Auburn will be hard pressed to compete for 1st or 2nd in the west next year.
9/29: @Florida
10/13: @Arkansas
10/20: @LSU
11/10: @Georgia

If we do somehow go with only one or two loses. I will be a happy camper regardless of whether we make Atlanta or not.

Good gravy, that's a hell of a road schedule!

[GTTiger]

Two great picks! Put your money down early...

Non homer:

Auburn will be hard pressed to compete for 1st or 2nd in the west next year.
9/29: @Florida
10/13: @Arkansas
10/20: @LSU
11/10: @Georgia

If we do somehow go with only one or two loses. I will be a happy camper regardless of whether we make Atlanta or not.

Looks alot like LSU's Road Schedule this year but with Auburn and Tennessee in place of UGA and LSU.

[Gator2753]

Two great picks! Put your money down early...

Non homer:

Auburn will be hard pressed to compete for 1st or 2nd in the west next year.
9/29: @Florida
10/13: @Arkansas
10/20: @LSU
11/10: @Georgia

If we do somehow go with only one or two loses. I will be a happy camper regardless of whether we make Atlanta or not.
See thats the only reason I dont pick Auburn to win the west! Killer road schedule.
We came away with a stretch of Bama,LSU,Auburn, and UGA with only 1 loss. Your case would be more impressive though, with all those being road games.
On a different note, it will be interesting to see if Meyer can keep his undefeated home win streak alive on 9/29. Revenge over Auburn would be so sweet at home just like Bama, LSU & USC this year. Expect hell in the swamp!

[JVille Gator]

I was curious what yall thought the standings of the SEC would look like next year. If there's already a thread about this...sorry in advance.

The SEC is a little more interesting now in the East with Kentucky and South Carolina posing as possible threats and the re-emergence of Arkansas this year has definately made added some fire to the West. Here are my predictions for next year:

EAST
GOOD SHOT AT WINNING THE EAST
Florida
Georgia
Tennessee
OUTSIDE SHOT AT THE EAST
South Carolina
WILL HAVE A BOWL ELIGIBLE OR BETTER SEASON
Kentucky
THE BASEMENT
Vanderbilt

WEST
GOOD SHOT AT WINNING THE WEST
Arkansas
LSU
OUTSIDE SHOT AT THE WEST
Auburn
WILL HAVE A BOWL ELIGIBLE OR BETTER SEASON
Alabama (depends on who they get to coach the team...)
THE BASEMENT
Mississippi State
Mississippi

My Predicted Standings:
1) LSU
2) South Carolina (I know this seems a little high...I just have a lot of faith in the team right now...:) )
3) Florida
4) Arkansas
5) Georgia/Tenn. (TIE)
7) Auburn
8) Kentucky
9) Alabama
10) Vanderbilt
11) Mississippi/MSU (TIE)

As always, the SEC will be EXTREMELY STRONG...The Top 8 teams in the conference all have a legit shot at the Title. I think that's great and will make for a very interesting season in 2007. But right now, as much as I'll probably get flack for it...I'll say LSU and S. Carolina in the Title game (it would be a rematch, so that would be fun).


Nothing wrong with "looking ahead", but shouldn't one wait until each team finds out who is leaving early and who is staying? Wouldn't that make a more subjective prognostication feasable?

[bharmon]

Cockfan720, I think you've been drinking anti-freeze, which is clearly affecting your judgment.

[goallthewayua]

I picked Arkansas to finish second in the west this year with one loss to LSU. There was one big reason I did that. Tell me why you think Arkansas was so improved this year?

Thats kind of a good point I guess. I felt that a major reason Arkansas would be successful this season because we returned an entire team that lost four games in 2005 by a combined 13 points. So in that perspective USC should have a successful team in 2006 since you return a lot of starters from a team that lost four games by a combined 21 points. But not so fast my friend. There are two reasons USC will finish no better than fourth in the East next season and here's why.

First, your offense isn't balanced. Now before you say pot meet keetle remember we are talking about the Gamecocks and not Arkansas. When I say your offense isn't balanced I'm saying you have no rushing attack and it will be less of a threat next season without Seville Newton. Not only that, but you also have a weak rushing defense. Since I believe that Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida will be more rush oriented next year its going to be difficult for you to beat those teams.

Second, your road schedule is going to be more difficult next year. Eventhough you get the gators at home you have to play at Georgia, at Tennessee, at Arkansas, and I believe at Auburn unless they are off of your schedule. You will be lucky to win at least one of those games.

So eventhough your team and the 2005 Razorbacks share a few parallels, I think the Gamecocks won't be able to finish better than fourth. Not because your team won't be better, but because so are the rest of the teams your playing.

[WDavE]

Arkansas in 4th, after returning most of our players? please...

Not to flame but you do lose alot next year.

LT Tony Ugoh
LG Stephen Parker
RT Zac Tubbs

Replacing both tackles should be fun

Defense:
RT Keith Jackson
RE Anthony Brown
WLB Sam Olaj (all I remember how to spell and one guy you will miss)
MLB Desmond Sims
SS Randy Kelly

Juniors with questions:
Hillis and Monk

[goallthewayua]

Your right on the offensive line. Replacing those players will be key. After that losing Sam will suck, but after that we are fine.

[Cianne]

Juniors with questions:
Hillis and Monk

Jamaal Anderson is the top Junior DE on Kiper's board for what it is worth.

[Cockfan720]

Thats kind of a good point I guess. I felt that a major reason Arkansas would be successful this season because we returned an entire team that lost four games in 2005 by a combined 13 points. So in that perspective USC should have a successful team in 2006 since you return a lot of starters from a team that lost four games by a combined 21 points. But not so fast my friend. There are two reasons USC will finish no better than fourth in the East next season and here's why.

First, your offense isn't balanced. Now before you say pot meet keetle remember we are talking about the Gamecocks and not Arkansas. When I say your offense isn't balanced I'm saying you have no rushing attack and it will be less of a threat next season without Seville Newton. Not only that, but you also have a weak rushing defense. Since I believe that Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida will be more rush oriented next year its going to be difficult for you to beat those teams.

Second, your road schedule is going to be more difficult next year. Eventhough you get the gators at home you have to play at Georgia, at Tennessee, at Arkansas, and I believe at Auburn unless they are off of your schedule. You will be lucky to win at least one of those games.

So eventhough your team and the 2005 Razorbacks share a few parallels, I think the Gamecocks won't be able to finish better than fourth. Not because your team won't be better, but because so are the rest of the teams your playing.

Well, as much as our rushing has struggled earlier...it's greatly improved...we had 135 rushing yds. against Florida (not a record breaking number, but enough to set up our passing game) and 208 rushing yds. against Clemson. Against Arkansas this year, one of our backs was out (I believe it was Mike Davis...who was plagued with injury part of this year). We are returning both of our leading rushers (Cory Boyd/Mike Davis) not to mention that our OL is getting better every game. We have had 400+ yards our past three games (including playing Florida and Clemson)...Oh and...those games that we had 400+ yards...Syvelle was NOT playing on offense...

Your next point is about our road schedule...well we had that same schedule two years ago and beat Tennessee and Arkansas on the road and lost to UGA by 2 pts. I think we are a VERY good road team. I don't know why, but we have played phenomenally on the road the past 3 years (except one painful 48-7 loss to Auburn).

Now, I'm not saying we're going to go undefeated or anything...we'll probably lose to LSU and one or two of the (Florida, Tennessee, UGA) Big Three Games in the East...but we'll definately finish better than 4th...I am positive of that. I'd say finishing 2nd/3rd in the SEC East would be reasonable...

[LSUisLIFE611]

I have faith in my tigers, but it will be tuff losing both our safeties, who are the strength of our D. Our offence is losing our two best WR, but we have other people who are good so im not too conerned. We have to replace more people on our line. Lsu's schedule will be amazing next year, 90% of good games at home.

[WallyGoat]

About Arkansas, you guys had a hell of a team this season. I just don't see another 10 win season in 2007. I don't know who you'll lose to, but it'll be enough to keep you out of contention for the SEC West crown. As for Alabama.....who knows? They could do better, the same, or worse than 2006. That's the only certainty at Alabama right now.

LSU wins the West. Auburn comes in 2nd. Ole Miss and MSU will scrap the bottom of the barrel yet again.

[Wizard of Orange]

Okay, I'm convinced TN runs the table, blah blah blah, soooo.... I'm leaving them out of my predictions

East: GA/ Fla/ tossup, however, I'm giving the edge to GA. I think
they've gotten some talented young QBs some good experience and
that's gonna carry over positively. Fla will again have a strong "D",
and, as impressive as Tebow was this year, its all gonna be on his
shoulders next year and it'll be tough early on for him
SC another year similar to this year - so close, but not quite there
Kent/Vandy tossup yeah, KY was better this year, but Vandy was better last year. I see no reason to assume that KY has the same success in 2007 that they had in 2006. Actually, I think Johnson's a better coach than Brooks, so Vandy probably has a better chance to go bowling than the 'Cats

[Wizard of Orange]

West: AU - I don't see Borges offense struggling again next year
Ark - running game will not be as good, but the "O" will still be
serviceable
LSU - For some reason, I think Les' coaching will start catching up to
the Tigs next year. His carry over from Saban's success
is waining. I see another good defense, but LSU is likely to be
the 2007 version of 2006 GA and 2005 TN
Bama - Actually was leaning toward the Tide contending next year
until they fired Shula with apparently no replacement plan
Miss St - getting there...gradually
Ole Miss - I don't know what they're doin'

[roosterbooster]

Thats kind of a good point I guess. I felt that a major reason Arkansas would be successful this season because we returned an entire team that lost four games in 2005 by a combined 13 points. So in that perspective USC should have a successful team in 2006 since you return a lot of starters from a team that lost four games by a combined 21 points. But not so fast my friend. There are two reasons USC will finish no better than fourth in the East next season and here's why.

First, your offense isn't balanced. Now before you say pot meet keetle remember we are talking about the Gamecocks and not Arkansas. When I say your offense isn't balanced I'm saying you have no rushing attack and it will be less of a threat next season without Seville Newton. Not only that, but you also have a weak rushing defense. Since I believe that Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida will be more rush oriented next year its going to be difficult for you to beat those teams.

Second, your road schedule is going to be more difficult next year. Eventhough you get the gators at home you have to play at Georgia, at Tennessee, at Arkansas, and I believe at Auburn unless they are off of your schedule. You will be lucky to win at least one of those games.

So eventhough your team and the 2005 Razorbacks share a few parallels, I think the Gamecocks won't be able to finish better than fourth. Not because your team won't be better, but because so are the rest of the teams your playing.


Our ground game came around quite a bit at the end of the year so I don't think losing Syvelle is going to be a blow to that. He played Safety the last 3 games. You have to remember as well Cory Boyd wasn't in the game against you and that hurt us as well. We also have a very solid Freshman coming in who could contribute as well. As to our rushing defense I think that will be improved. I think our line will be much better with Norwood growing into an end that can stop the run as well as rush the pass. We started at least 4 true freshmen on D this year. This was a defense that lost most of its tackles from 2 years ago. I think Doughty is capable of a huge year and we redshirted a real beast this year who I have heard has been extraordinary. We also have probably the 2 most highly rated DE's we have ever pulled in coming. Not going on recruiting ratings either, I have seen one of them and he will contribute. I think my biggest question is at CB. I know McFadden had a great day against us, but without the two deep balls, one at the end of the first half and the other that set you up at the 4, the game may have been a lot different. The SEC West Champion wasn't able to stop Mitchell to Rice with our top RB on the bench most of the game so there is definitely reason for optimism. I am realistic and realize there are alot of "if's" in there but I don't think Steve Spurrier would be telling me we could compete for a championship next year if he didn't believe it.

I agree with you on the schedule, you left off LSU on the road.

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

I agree with you on the schedule, you left off LSU on the road.
He included Auburn on the road. However, Auburn rotates off our schedule next year and is replaced by LSU (on the road).

[Greer Guy]

I also agree that if Steve Spurrier says our goal is the SECC then I have to believe we have a shot at it. IMO we where not far away this year...... The past two years he said the goal was to win more than we loose and we did that so if he says the goal next year is to win the SECCG we have got to have a good shot. At the beginning of the season this year he said we are not good enough to compete for the SECC so as the head coach and with his experiance you have to believe we have a good chance when he says it is our goal.

[gatorunvrsty]

Gotta go with my Gators in the East. Reloaded and ready for battle. Almost all of our skill position freshmen got significant playing time this year. Tebow and Harvin, in particular. Can't agree on Ga. I was more impressed with Joe Cox. Stafford's favorite receiver was whoever was playing cornerback for the other team. I like LSU in the West. They're reaping the benefits of a NC. I don't see Auburn putting up much of a fight. Not enough home-cooking. I don't think their boosters can get to officials on the road.

[Greer Guy]

Gotta go with my Gators in the East. Reloaded and ready for battle. Almost all of our skill position freshmen got significant playing time this year. Tebow and Harvin, in particular. Can't agree on Ga. I was more impressed with Joe Cox. Stafford's favorite receiver was whoever was playing cornerback for the other team. I like LSU in the West. They're reaping the benefits of a NC. I don't see Auburn putting up much of a fight. Not enough home-cooking. I don't think their boosters can get to officials on the road.
We took you guys to the limit at the swamp this year and you should be very grateful that the football gods where smiling on the gators that day when that FG got blocked or the words National Championship would not even be in your vocabulary right now!

[gatorunvrsty]

We took you guys to the limit at the swamp this year and you should be very grateful that the football gods where smiling on the gators that day when that FG got blocked or the words National Championship would not even be in your vocabulary right now!
The "football gods" were smiling for two field goals and an extra point. Tell my boy to work on those special teams!!!! Still stings doesn't it? :laugh:

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

We took you guys to the limit at the swamp this year and you should be very grateful that the football gods where smiling on the gators that day when that FG got blocked or the words National Championship would not even be in your vocabulary right now!
Not sure why you brought this up since gatorunvrsty didn't say anything negative about our team, but in most cases, any team that gets to the National Championship Game has to have a few breaks go their way. Nothing wrong with that. Last year we got several breaks to go 7-4 in the regular season. This year, we didn't, and we still finished 7-5. I felt like we had a better team this year than last year (although the record doesn't reflect it). However, getting the breaks (or missing out on the breaks) is all a part of football. Here's hoping we get a few more breaks next year.

[Greer Guy]

The "football gods" were smiling for two field goals and an extra point. Tell my boy to work on those special teams!!!! Still stings doesn't it? :laugh:
Yeah but the 1 at the end was all we would have needed. Looking back I'm not glad we lost to you but you needed the win more than we did and the good thing about it is we have the SEC Champions in the NCG now. Thats good enough for me. If we had won that game it would be a rematch against Michigan.....

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Gotta go with my Gators in the East. Reloaded and ready for battle. Almost all of our skill position freshmen got significant playing time this year. Tebow and Harvin, in particular. Can't agree on Ga. I was more impressed with Joe Cox. Stafford's favorite receiver was whoever was playing cornerback for the other team. I like LSU in the West. They're reaping the benefits of a NC. I don't see Auburn putting up much of a fight. Not enough home-cooking. I don't think their boosters can get to officials on the road. http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d107/BlakeyMcblake/boxscore.jpg


Maybe next year Florida will consider scoring some points in the second half? That might help. Or improving their special teams? Did I mention not only will Auburn have two star running backs, but also Mario Fannin/Tim Hawthorne/Cole Bennett/and finally a full staff of playmakers at receiver?

Cya at the swamp! 27-17! :starwars:

[gatorunvrsty]

Yeah but the 1 at the end was all we would have needed. Looking back I'm not glad we lost to you but you needed the win more than we did and the good thing about it is we have the SEC Champions in the NCG now. Thats good enough for me. If we had won that game it would be a rematch against Michigan.....
'Nuff said. Appreciate the support. And, trust me, SC will be competing for the East every year. I know y'alls coach. The recruiting is just beginning to pay dividends. Lots of kids who wouldn't have considered SC would love to play for the Ol' Ball Coach.

[Gator2753]

Maybe next year Florida will consider scoring some points in the second half? That might help. Or improving their special teams? Did I mention not only will Auburn have two star running backs, but also Mario Fannin/Tim Hawthorne/Cole Bennett/and finally a full staff of playmakers at receiver?

Cya at the swamp! 27-17! :starwars:
Maybe next year Auburn will score an offensive TD against our D. :laugh:
I like Meyers undefeated streak at home to stay in tact after Auburn leaves town.
Tennessee would be my guess for our first home loss but well see.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Maybe next year Auburn will score an offensive TD against our D. :laugh:
I like Meyers undefeated streak at home to stay in tact after Auburn leaves town.
Tennessee would be my guess for our first home loss but well see.
I'll take 329408032 fg's from John Vaughn if thats what wins the football game =) Better than no points! Maybe if Mr. 2-bits had been in JH, he could have got you guys 2 points.. or maybe 4 points.. 6? Whats a dollar of points???:ph34r:

[gatorunvrsty]

I'll take 329408032 fg's from John Vaughn if thats what wins the football game =) Better than no points! Maybe if Mr. 2-bits had been in JH, he could have got you guys 2 points.. or maybe 4 points.. 6? Whats a dollar of points???:ph34r:
Not very proficient at math? Imagine that! :stupid:

[Gator2753]

I'll take 329408032 fg's from John Vaughn if thats what wins the football game =) Better than no points! Maybe if Mr. 2-bits had been in JH, he could have got you guys 2 points.. or maybe 4 points.. 6? Whats a dollar of points???:ph34r:
LOL Now thats just low to drag Mr.2-bits into this!
:thumbsdow :laugh: