Which Team Will NOT Improve Most in 2008?

[BamaDude06]

So the "Which Team will Improve most" thread got me to thinking: Which team will be "worse" next year?

I think Arkansas is going to regress some. They Lose (accordiong to their Rivals depth chart):

Rushing (3561 yds in 2007)
DMac- 1830 yds
Felix Jones- 1162 yds
Peyton Hillis- 347 yds

Thats 3339/2561 rushing yards they lose (93.8%!)

Receiving (1928 yds in 2007)
Peyton Hillis- 537 yds
Robert Johnson-203 yds
Felix Jones- 176 yds
DMac-164 yds
Marcus Monk- 144 yds

Thats 1224/1928 receiving they lose (63.4%)

Plus throw in McFadden and Jones were their main kick returners, and they lose a starting guard and tackle on the line.

On defense they lose 6 starters, including both corners and both safties.

The schedule is not all that easy either:
Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, Tulsa, and LSU at home
@Texas, @Auburn, @Kentucky, @South Carolina, @Mississippi State, with another non-conference game TBA. Brutal :eek:

So who you think will "regress" in 2008?

[GatorBait15]

LSU...they can't improve.

[TPM]

LSU...they can't improve.

Pretty good point there Gator.

[SECorBust]

LSU, yea, that came out of left field. True, without those starters they will be coming up with something else. If Arkansas wins 4 in the SEC I will be surprised. Good luck Hogs.

[gatorunvrsty]

So the "Which Team will Improve most" thread got me to thinking: Which team will be "worse" next year?

I think Arkansas is going to regress some. They Lose (accordiong to their Rivals depth chart):

Rushing (3561 yds in 2007)
DMac- 1830 yds
Felix Jones- 1162 yds
Peyton Hillis- 347 yds

Thats 3339/2561 rushing yards they lose (93.8%!)

Receiving (1928 yds in 2007)
Peyton Hillis- 537 yds
Robert Johnson-203 yds
Felix Jones- 176 yds
DMac-164 yds
Marcus Monk- 144 yds

Thats 1224/1928 receiving they lose (63.4%)

Plus throw in McFadden and Jones were their main kick returners, and they lose a starting guard and tackle on the line.

On defense they lose 6 starters, including both corners and both safties.

The schedule is not all that easy either:
Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, Tulsa, and LSU at home
@Texas, @Auburn, @Kentucky, @South Carolina, @Mississippi State, with another non-conference game TBA. Brutal :eek:

So who you think will "regress" in 2008?

Yeah, I'd have to agree with that. Arky will likely fall substantially, especially with Jones decision to leave, too. A new coach, new system, tough schedule, and loss of almost all their offensive output promises a very sobering year for them.

[the Prodigy]

I have no doubt in my mind people will be surprised by Arkansas next season. I'm not saying they will win any hardware, they may just squeak into a bowl game, but they will be better than you think. Remember.... Arkansas has had "Radio" as their head coach for the last 10 years (kidding). My point is that the man was incapable of developing a QB, and while Darren McFadden and Felix Jones are leaving, Michael Smith average 7 yards a carry as a 3rd string RB.

Petrino looks at the field differently than Nutt does. Arkansas may not have a great team, but you will be suprised when they win some games that most feel they should not. Expect a lot of Freshmen to get playing time as well. Just a heads up.

[BamaDude06]

Look at the teams Michael Smith played against. His stats are also skewed cause he had three carries against FIU, and one was for 81 yards.

[gatorunvrsty]

Look at the teams Michael Smith played against. His stats are also skewed cause he had three carries against FIU, and one was for 81 yards.

Yeah, I don't think ol' boy is going to be getting 7 yards a carry when everybody's focusing on just him. McFadden didn't even average that when defenses had two star running backs to worry about.

[the Prodigy]

Oh, I don't think he will avg that either. But you have to be a great athlete regardless, and he is a great athlete. Smith was ahead of McFadden on the depth chart 3 years ago when he got injured. I'm not saying anything outrageous. I'm saying you will be surprised by a team no one, including me, expects to be good.

[reese]

Look at the teams Michael Smith played against. His stats are also skewed cause he had three carries against FIU, and one was for 81 yards.

yea, kalvin daniels, uga's true freshman walk on has a higher ypc avg then moreno or thomas brown this year. thats cuz he only played against west carolina or whatever slack school uga played this year...anyway daniels or michael smith's previous ypc avg mean nuthin as far as the future of either go

[Tider27]

No, Arkansas will not shock anyone...sorry.

[HOG02]

Yeah, I'd have to agree with that. Arky will likely fall substantially, especially with Jones decision to leave, too. A new coach, new system, tough schedule, and loss of almost all their offensive output promises a very sobering year for them.

Not sober. We will have to drink a lot more to get through next year.

Somehow Petrino has been here a month, hasn't even had a practice, and our fans think this guy turns water into wine. I have no idea how we will do next year, but losing all the impact guys from our last 4 years isn't the formula for success in this league.

[nellanaesp]

I think petrino will pull many a trick out of his sleeves . . .

[D^3]

I have no doubt in my mind people will be surprised by Arkansas next season. I'm not saying they will win any hardware, they may just squeak into a bowl game, but they will be better than you think. Remember.... Arkansas has had "Radio" as their head coach for the last 10 years (kidding). My point is that the man was incapable of developing a QB, and while Darren McFadden and Felix Jones are leaving, Michael Smith average 7 yards a carry as a 3rd string RB.

Petrino looks at the field differently than Nutt does. Arkansas may not have a great team, but you will be suprised when they win some games that most feel they should not. Expect a lot of Freshmen to get playing time as well. Just a heads up.


Red Kool-Aid might have been a more fitting name for you.

[Chief Broom]

What kind of OL talent does ARK have coming back? That will be the key for their offensive production. I only saw them three times this year (on TV) and I thought their OL play was quite good.

[bigsexxxy]

I think Alabama isn't going to improve that much next year with the schedule we have lined up. If we win 8 next year I'd be pretty damn happy. That AT problem is going to hurt us pretty badly.

[gatorunvrsty]

I think Alabama isn't going to improve that much next year with the schedule we have lined up. If we win 8 next year I'd be pretty damn happy. That AT problem is going to hurt us pretty badly.

Well, basically, the team will improve, though... it's just that the schedule won't allow much movement in the way of wins and losses.:thumpsup: I don't see 8 wins as being an unreasonable expectation at all.

[gatorunvrsty]

Not sober. We will have to drink a lot more to get through next year.

Somehow Petrino has been here a month, hasn't even had a practice, and our fans think this guy turns water into wine. I have no idea how we will do next year, but losing all the impact guys from our last 4 years isn't the formula for success in this league.

Don't get me wrong... I don't see y'all being down for long. Petrino might turn out to be a great coach. It's just that nobody knows anything yet, and he's off to a rough start with the player losses. Who knows, it may turn out to be a great hire over the long haul. I already thought your athletic department made one of the smartest moves around when they hired Pelphrey to coach the basketball team... I think you guys are going to end up being really happy with that situation.:thumpsup:

[nellanaesp]

u know what, gatorunvrsty, I just spent like 20 minutes just staring at your little animations at the bottom of ou sig . . . How come the lsu logo stays on longer than the other ones :laugh:

[Winemonkee]

What kind of OL talent does ARK have coming back? That will be the key for their offensive production. I only saw them three times this year (on TV) and I thought their OL play was quite good.

Agreed.

Our OL is going to be the key to how we produce under the new system. With the introduction of Mike Summers as the OL coach:thumpsup:, and the returning players we have, coupled with some of the younger guys, they should be able to perform better than even this past season.

The DL doesn't look bad either, with some of the key players coming on strong as they matured this past season.

Our biggest hurdle is going to be the swing in offensive style in general. I'm going to withhold predictions since it all hinges on the new guys being able to process and cradle the system. If they come out of the pre-season with it programmed properly, it will be beautiful. If it takes a while, we're going to have a substantial slump due to SOS. Tulsa being announced on the OOC schedule, just made that tougher.

Can't wait to find out though.

My opinion on Team that won't improve... Here's to none falling in that category:goodjob:

Numerous programs have a lot of hurdles to overcome in 2008, from coaching changes, to loss of depth to early draft, to excrutiatingly overzealous expectations (UGA, I wish you the best, but there might not be enough crow in the South to serve at that dinner!)

[adamsputnik]

LSU have nowhere to go but down - I suppose that one's a little obvious but they'll be right back in the pack next season at any rate.

I don't know how much improvement MSU have in them - I think a lot of teams will be on guard against them after 8 wins in '07. Could be an interesting situation there.

Arkansas are pretty well rooted up the rear end by their departures.

[scfan5338]

I think Alabama isn't going to improve that much next year with the schedule we have lined up. If we win 8 next year I'd be pretty damn happy. That AT problem is going to hurt us pretty badly.

I think the same could be said for USC. We have a tough schedule, plus we have to face UGA and UF who will probably be preseason Top 5. We'll have a better team, but the record might not show. If we go 6-6, all my hopes for Carolina Football ever waking up are gone seriously.

[SWINETIME]

I think the same could be said for USC. We have a tough schedule, plus we have to face UGA and UF who will probably be preseason Top 5. We'll have a better team, but the record might not show. If we go 6-6, all my hopes for Carolina Football ever waking up are gone seriously.


D. Anthony Curtis will be the starting tailback by the 3rd game. The starting receivers will be freshman also. Take our licks next year but they will get valuable experience when Mallett takes over the next year. If Arkansas wins 7 next year, they should be preseason top 15 at least the year after that.

[gatorunvrsty]

u know what, gatorunvrsty, I just spent like 20 minutes just staring at your little animations at the bottom of ou sig . . . How come the lsu logo stays on longer than the other ones :laugh:

:happy: I'm not sure, but I think it just pauses after so many increments... it also pauses like that for the SEC logo.

[reese]

D. Anthony Curtis will be the starting tailback by the 3rd game. The starting receivers will be freshman also. Take our licks next year but they will get valuable experience when Mallett takes over the next year. If Arkansas wins 7 next year, they should be preseason top 15 at least the year after that.

it isnt too often that a post actually makes me laugh out loud but this bold part truely did.

[DEHIII]

BamaPerry, don't worry I got this one:

Auburn, Tennessee, and LSU.

:lol: :lol: ;)

[Crimson Tide]

I don't see Vandy improving. Losing players like Bennet, Goff, and some other experienced seniors from last year will be tough for the 'Dores.

[NiKka]

De'Anthony Curtis might not even be a razorback by NSD.. Who knows
Devin Thomas is probably coming to Oxford he decommited from Arkansas days after his official visit to Ole Miss

[the Prodigy]

What kind of OL talent does ARK have coming back? That will be the key for their offensive production. I only saw them three times this year (on TV) and I thought their OL play was quite good.

I believe we lose 1 starter - Robert Felton.

Luigs is staying another year and Matt Hall is expected to play next season by the recruiting guys.

[GetEmGamecocks]

it isnt too often that a post actually makes me laugh out loud but this bold part truely did.

Heh I was about to say the same thing.

I don't see Arky improving in terms of wins and losses. The year after next, they should start shaping up into a great team.

I don't think Vandy will improve, and LSU probably won't win the big one again, so in that respect they won't improve.

[the Prodigy]

Red Kool-Aid might have been a more fitting name for you.

You can get your little cuts in.... I don't mind. I have said numerous times that I have no idea what to expect out of Arkansas. They could be as bad as 4-8 next year. I'm not drinking any Kool-Aid. There is a legitimate chance that Arkansas will make a bowl game. I'm not saying any more than that. Would you not agree that would be surprising given the current state of Hog football?

[The Ramp]

BamaPerry, don't worry I got this one:

Auburn, Tennessee, and LSU.

:lol: :lol: ;)

:laugh::laugh:

nice.....:thumpsup:

[Sabanocchio]

BamaPerry, don't worry I got this one:

Auburn, Tennessee, and LSU.

:lol: :lol: ;)

Nice. On the UT front though I really can't see us improving a whole lot. We may, but I think we will be in it competing with UGA and UF for the East again. It may come down to the wire. It's hard to say what this team will look like with a new QB and a new Offense.

[nellanaesp]

^Everyone seems to count out tUSC for the east this year. I think they have a good chance if they start and finish strong.

[Sabanocchio]

^Everyone seems to count out tUSC for the east this year. I think they have a good chance if they start and finish strong.

They could prove me wrong, but I thought you guys would be much more competitive this year than you were, so I will believe it when I see it. The East is going to be TOUGH this coming season. TOUGH.

[nellanaesp]

They could prove me wrong, but I thought you guys would be much more competitive this year than you were, so I will believe it when I see it. The East is going to be TOUGH this coming season. TOUGH.
Agreed. I think the SEC champion will have 3 sec losses. Everyone's going to beat up on each other.

[the Paradox]

^Everyone seems to count out tUSC for the east this year. I think they have a good chance if they start and finish strong.

Has that ever happened?

RTR

[nellanaesp]

Has that ever happened?

RTR

Well, the start strong part has. And so has the finish strong part. Just never in the same season :brick:

[the Prodigy]

USC doesn't have a QB..... at least not one good enough to mention or proven.

[nellanaesp]

USC doesn't have a QB..... at least not one good enough to mention or proven.

Smelly was what . . 4-1 as a starter? With a good O-line, that dude can run Spurrier's offense great. And have you not heard of Spurrier's Miracle-man Stephen Garcia? :blink:

[the Prodigy]

Smelly was what . . 4-1 as a starter? With a good O-line, that dude can run Spurrier's offense great. And have you not heard of Spurrier's Miracle-man Stephen Garcia? :blink:

No.... I haven't. There are a lot of guys who are 4-1 as starters who aren't good enough to lead a team for an entire season. How much of that 4-1 stretch was Corey Boyd? I'm going to guess a lot more than Smelly fans would give him credit for.

Are you a Smelly Fan nellanaesp?

[GatorBait15]

South Carolina fans all Smell! anyway Garcia is the real deal! I seen him play a few years back...

[nellanaesp]

No.... I haven't. There are a lot of guys who are 4-1 as starters who aren't good enough to lead a team for an entire season. How much of that 4-1 stretch was Corey Boyd? I'm going to guess a lot more than Smelly fans would give him credit for.

Are you a Smelly Fan nellanaesp?

Honestly, no I'm not. I liked Mitchell better, he had more confidence in his team, even though he was horrid at times. Also, I don't understand why Beecher didn't get more of a shot in the games. . . him and Smelley seemed equal during the ULL game . . .

And yes, I realized you were calling me a smelly fan :laugh: I smell good!

[nellanaesp]

South Carolina fans all Smell! anyway Garcia is the real deal! I seen him play a few years back...
At least we don't wear jean shorts . . . :dry: :laugh:

[tecmsu06]

Look at the teams Michael Smith played against. His stats are also skewed cause he had three carries against FIU, and one was for 81 yards.

M. Smith is a great athlete, and he'll have a good year (not that it will seem all that great compared to the last three), but with most of the veteran O line returning, he'll put up decent numbers.

[DEHIII]

^Everyone seems to count out tUSC for the east this year. I think they have a good chance if they start and finish strong.

Call me crazy but I think all 12 SEC teams will have a good chance to win their division and the SEC if they start and finish strong. :lol:

Until shown otherwise, I don't think USC has the players to start and finish strong. However, it is something I would like to see.

[GatorBait15]

Call me crazy but I think all 12 SEC teams will have a good chance to win their division and the SEC if they start and finish strong. :lol:

Until shown otherwise, I don't think USC has the players to start and finish strong. However, it is something I would like to see.

I will give USC 3 or 4 years untell they will compete with the east... In the future I can see them winning the east though...

[KRIEGER]

LOL, Radio. That's epic, Prodigy.

I think MSU will "regress" the most. Every team will key in on the run, and will totally obliterate it. Their defense is overrated. They will not beat Alabama or Auburn this year. This is the year that the firecroom website gets much more traffic.

[WarEagle7791]

It's a tie between Miss. St. and Bama. Both lost some componets but also gained some in recruiting.

[carwwest]

i know it will be harder for us to repeat than it will be for others but we do have an easier schedule and we cant get any worse on offense....

[WarEagle7791]

I guess the logical answer would be LSU. Their definately not going to win it all.

[GeauxTo]

I guess the logical answer would be LSU. Their definately not going to win it all.

Are you sure about that, Hillbilly Boy?

[WarEagle7791]

Are you sure about that, Hillbilly Boy?

You really think LSU has a chance? Hardly any team repeats. Especially with an unexperienced QB. Just sayin.

Hey, that's from Hillbilly Deluxe by Brooks and Dunn. That's my song. That and Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy by Big&Rich. Okay, back on topic.

[lacene]

I guess by not improving the most, we mean who falls the hardest from where they were in '07? There are a number of teams in the SEC that lost a tremendous amount of talent and experience from last season: LSU, UK, Arky, Vandy. I think the one who falls the most will be Arky...LSU won't win the NC a 2nd time, but they were the 1st NC with 2 losses, and they can conceivably finish 11-3 or 10-4 if they can decide on a QB. Probably win the West....not too much of a falloff. And Vandy is like Ole Miss in that they didn't win a lot of games to begin with last season, so Vandy doesn't have far to fall. Arky, UK and MSU each finished with 8 wins in '07. I don't think MSU has lost much from their team: they will bring back their top 2 QB's and their RB's. Despite no longer having JOhnson as their DC, I still think their defense will be respectable. They could win 7-8 games again.

UK has lost a TON on offense, and one stud from their D. Arky, as has been posted above earlier, has also lost major contributors from their offense last season, but they also lost more on D than UK did. Arky will have bear their losses with an entirely new coaching staff and coaching philosophies, whereas UK still has CRB and the Joker. Arky will play the 2nd toughest schedule in the nation, as well, while UK has the 34th. Therefore, I have to pick Arkansaw.....

[BAMAPERRY]

Bama, OM, and USC will be the 3 most improved teams in the SEC this year.

[WESB]

Vandy will be better, but only 5 wins at most. And they'll beat somebody they are not supposed to, resulting in wailing and gnashing of teeth and a threat to run off the coach!