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Familiar faces top SEC East forecast for 2008 season
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Georgia's Knowshon Moreno, left, Florida Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow, center, and Tennessee defensive back Eric Berry are reasons the Bulldogs, Gators and Vols will be in the hunt for the East Division championship with South Carolina in 2008.
The SEC East won't be as balanced as it was in 2007. But it will be better.
The top four teams - Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina - have the large majority of their starters returning. Kentucky and Vanderbilt, the weakest programs in the division, suffered the most losses.
Georgia
2007 record: 11-2
Starters returning: eight on offense and nine on defense.
Offense: The Bulldogs have to replace wide receiver Sean Bailey and two senior offensive linemen. But good, young players return in the offensive line to block for dynamic tailback Knowshon Moreno, who made All-SEC as a redshirt freshman. Georgia still needs more playmakers at wide receiver to complement strong-armed quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Defense: The Bulldogs have a strong three-man rotation at defensive tackle with Kade Weston, Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins. Five of their top six linebackers return, as do six of their best eight defensive backs in a deep secondary.
Strengths: The Bulldogs are experienced and talented on both sides of the ball. Moreno has the ability to take over a game, and hard-hitting Reshad Jones could be ready for a breakout season at strong safety.
Weaknesses: Wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi bounced back from an off year in 2006, but the Bulldogs still don't have any game breakers at that position. There's no proven depth behind Moreno, although redshirt freshman Caleb King has great potential.
Schedule: Georgia is the only East team that must play the two best teams from the West - LSU and Auburn. Moreover, the Bulldogs will have to play them on the road.
Outlook: The Bulldogs look like a national championship contender based on all the prominent starters returning. But they will have to negotiate one of the nation's toughest schedules.
Florida
2007 record: 9-4
Starters returning: eight on offense, nine on defense.
Offense: For starters, you have Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow throwing to All-SEC wide receiver Percy Harvin. Injured tackle Phillip Trautwein, who missed the 2007 season, will be back, giving the Gators four players with starting experience in the offensive line. Running back Emmanuel Moody, a transfer from Southern Cal, and Mon Williams, who was injured in 2007, should ease the running load for Tebow.
Defense: Linebacker Brandon Spikes, the SEC's second-leading tackler, will anchor the defense, which returns all its linebackers, and three starters from a young secondary that struggled throughout the season.
Strengths: No offense in the country has two better players than Tebow and Harvin, the running game should be improved, and the offensive line is solid.
Weaknesses: The secondary played dreadfully in the bowl loss to Michigan, and the pass rush wasn't much better. Florida must improve in both areas to win the division.
Schedule: The Gators will open with high-scoring Hawaii and play Miami and Florida State in non-conference games. They play LSU at home and Tennessee on the road.
Outlook: If the Gators can keep frequently injured Harvin healthy for their biggest games and improve their pass defense, they could win the SEC and make a run at the national title.
Tennessee
2007 record: 10-4
Starters returning: Nine on offense and six on defense.
Offense: Two-year backup Jonathan Crompton flashed promise when subbing for an injured Erik Ainge two years ago. He will be surrounded by experienced players - tailback Arian Foster, five returning starters in the offensive line and a veteran corps of wide receivers.
Defense: The loss of junior linebacker Jerod Mayo to the pros was significant. Rico McCoy now will anchor the linebacking corps. All-American candidate Eric Berry heads up an experienced secondary that should be much improved. Tackles Dan Williams and Demonte Bolden will make the line stronger in the middle than on the flanks, where both starters must be replaced.
Strengths: An experienced offensive line led by Anthony Parker, and a Berry-led secondary.
Weaknesses: The Vols will have a new quarterback and no proven deep threat at wide receiver. Defensive end remains a concern.
Schedule: Challenging conference road games against Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina, who should all be improved. The non-conference schedule will be easier with UCLA replacing Cal.
Outlook: The Vols should be better than in 2007, but repeating as East champions will be more difficult in a division loaded with talent.
South Carolina
2007 record: 6-6
Starters returning: Seven on offense, 10 on defense.
Offense: Chris Smelley, who shared quarterback duties with Blake Mitchell in 2007, is next in line at the position but could be challenged by talented Stephen Garcia, who was redshirted. Tight end Jared Cook, who has wide receiver speed, had more of an impact as the season went along, but All-SEC pick Kenny McKinley will still be the go-to guy.
Defense: The Gamecocks return 10 starters, but they faded badly in the second half of the season, particularly against the run. If injured middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley is granted another year of eligibility, that would help shore up the run defense. The secondary, led by cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, could be outstanding.
Strengths: A versatile secondary and a big-play defensive end in Eric Norwood, who made first-team All-SEC in 2007.
Weaknesses: Run defense is a big concern after this past season, there's no proven depth behind running back Mike Davis, and the offensive line always seems to be in flux.
Schedule: The most difficult conference road game will be at Florida, but the Gamecocks will get UT, Georgia and LSU at home.
Outlook: Coach Steve Spurrier's fourth team should be his best, but that doesn't mean it's good enough to beat Florida, Georgia and UT in the East.
Kentucky
2007 record: 8-5
Starters returning: Five on offense and eight on defense.
Offense: The Wildcats lose four big-time players in quarterback Andre Woodson, running back Rafael Little, wide receiver Keenan Burton, and tight end Jacob Tamme. They will return three starters in the offensive line, including second-team All-SEC tackle Garry Williams. Curtis Pulley, who redshirted this season, could give the Wildcats a more athletic quarterback. He will have to beat out this year's backup, Mike Hartline, a 6-foot-6 pocket passer.
Defense: Jeremy Jarmon returns to give the Wildcats a proven pass rusher. So do veteran tackles Myron Pryor and Corey Peters, and three of four starters in the secondary, which should be coach Rich Brooks' best at Kentucky.
Strengths: The defense will be more experienced and deeper. Despite the loss of Little, there's depth at running back, where Tony Dixon will be the favorite to start.
Weaknesses: There's bound to be a big drop-off at quarterback, where Woodson gave the Wildcats a big-time passer the last two years. There's also no apparent deep threat to take the place of Burton.
Schedule: The Wildcats will have the advantage of not playing Auburn or LSU from the West. But they have to play both UT and Florida on the road.
Outlook: If they can beat in-state rival Louisville again, they will have a shot at a third consecutive bowl bid. But don't expect them to knock off any of the top four teams in the East.
Vanderbilt
2007 record: 5-7
Starters returning: five on offense and six on defense.
Offense: The Commodores will have to replace Earl Bennett, the league's all-time leading receiver, and their offensive line. Quarterback Mackenzi Adams returns to run the offense, and he has familiar targets in wide receivers Sean Walker and George Smith.
Defense: Strong safety Reshard Langford and cornerback D.J. Moore are the strengths of the secondary, but the Commodores must find a replacement for Jonathan Goff, a tackling machine at middle linebacker. They also will lose both starting tackles.
Strengths: The secondary should be solid, and three of the top four defensive ends return.
Weaknesses: Start with an all-new offensive line, followed by no playmaker at running back and a big void left by Bennett at wide receiver.
Schedule: A home game against Ole Miss will be Vanderbilt's best chance for a conference victory. The Commodores will struggle at mid-season with consecutive games against Auburn, Mississippi State and Georgia.
Outlook: In a stronger division, the Commodores suffered too many losses to be competitive.
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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- Call into the Vol frustration line
- It's a Hollywood disaster, but Fulmer says it's 'fixable'
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- Strange: UT 0-3 in SEC by mid-October?
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Posted by BigVolinCarolina on January 14, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Aside from replacing key players lost on the defense & Ainge at QB, we REALLY need a deep threat. Without it, we cannot stretch the field and, as a result, teams can--and will--key on the short game.
If we don't have someone we can air it out to atleast 2-3 times per game, next year will likely mirror this year. A long-ball danger opens running lanes and that could really help us out more than some realize.
Posted by brdteton on January 14, 2008 at 11:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GoVols!
Thank You Mr. Adams for picking us 3rd in the division again!
Hopefully this time The Volunteers can win the SEC title game.
Thanks for Your good Lousiana JuJu!
Oh, and, GO VOLS!
Posted by eb502us on January 14, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Receivers a weakness? Maybe not the strength of the team but certainly not a weakness. How bout the DL as a weakness. Who do we have backing up Bolden and Williams and is there a DE that has played a down of SEC ball? I'd say that's a major weakness.
Posted by brdteton on January 14, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OH, and 2 words......
Denarius Moore.
Posted by yemmusdarb on January 15, 2008 at 12:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope this Clawson guy will throw a few deep balls per game. Cutcliffe nickel'd and dime'd way too much. I understand ball control offense, but I also understand that without testing a secondary deep it shortens the field and when your QB is 28 of 45 for 175 yards.... that isn't good. Teams will load up on the run and play short zones. The more plays you run, the more chance of a turnover. I'd rather see 10 of 14 for 175 and run the balls 50 times than to see constant screens, quick outs / slants, etc ALL game. MIX IT UP and GO DEEP a few times per game!! I love screens, but not 13 a game.
Posted by CrankE on January 15, 2008 at 5:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
About the nickel and dime, dink and dunk, remember what Cutcliffe admitted before the bowl game. Ainge was injured worse than anyone admitted by the spear at Cal and they were not able to stretch the field.
To me, it explains the dink and dunk. It explains the earlier report that Crompton was getting nearly 50% of the first team snaps in practice. It explains the very low sack total. They wanted to protect Ainge, but not broadcast his limitation to all our opponents.
It also explains why UT's offense looked only about half decent for much of the season
That should change with a healthy Crompton who'd start this season with a fair amount of experience.
Posted by pdhuff on January 15, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe, just maybe with Crompton and our next Meachum we can throw downfield in the 10-20 yd range. Sorely missed that in 2007 to keep corners from staying up.
We must tote the pig to keep our D off the field. Very concerned about lack of d-linemen. Don't need a repeat. Should have quicker LBs.
Posted by why36knot on January 15, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Adams and his CRYSTAL BALL. WHHOOOOOeeeeeeeee!
Posted by Vols1998 on January 15, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Adams must be paid by the word, this is all old news, every team knows who is coming back. As for who will win east vs. west, just keep guessing...its proven on the field and not by sports writers.
Go get some new Vols!!!
Posted by 55Vol on January 15, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As Coach Fulmer has said, there is much work to be done. Our Dline still needs much work to become a dominant unit. Got to find some depth there also. We will be replacing 2 LB's. If the offense can be adapted and the players LEARN and execute the playbook properly, the offense should be more vertical this year. Whether we pound the rock, the fritter, whatever, we need to run the football for a minimum 180 ypgm average. Tough road schedule this year.
Don't read your press clippings guys, just keep making them.
Posted by vol4jesus on January 15, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
p.s. to 55_vol guys, make good press clippings that we enjoy reading. Not 'puffed' up articles of foolishness. Next year going to be very interesting as we see Coach Clawson match plan to talent. GO VOLS!!!
Posted by sjt18 on January 15, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am fairly well convinced that if UT returned all of its starters Adams would have picked them 3rd in the East. He very apparently thinks their winning the East was a fluke that can't be repeated. The task will be more difficult without Mayo but it wasn't exactly like the other guys played like dogs... especially Elix Wilson.
There is a measure that is more significant than returning starters btw... and that is returning players in the two deep. Even without Mayo, the teams are about equal in that regard.
UF's situation on D gets much worse if Harvey turns pro as expected.
Posted by ellisonfamily on January 15, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This article claims that A. Foster is back. Did I miss something? Has Arian Foster declared his intentions? I keep up most days on govols.com. Anyone know...?
Posted by Orange4life on January 15, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
not sure was wondering the same thing. Anyone heard?
Posted by cdldoc on January 15, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If Mr. Adams says he is coming back...book it Dano! Or, as usual, maybe not.
Posted by sjt18 on January 15, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Foster is supposed to announce at 2 pm today.
Posted by TrueVolFan on January 15, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Arian is set to announce today at a press conference. He is expected to return to Tenn. Moreso now that McFadden(who we all knew would) declared for the NFL and teammate Felix Jones also declared. Felix is just one more back that would now go in front of Arian. Combine that with the desire to come back and help his teammates and I'm sure we'll see him running through the T again next year. Glad to have him if he returns.
Go Vols!!
Posted by auttat on January 15, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just posted on the ridiculously long weed article, but here you go again.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...
Low is reporting he is staying.
Also, if you go to the link, read the comments. rumblingbeanie=AirForceOne
Posted by orangebloodgmc on January 15, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To throw down field a little more, to have a qb that defenses must respect to run occasionally, to have a fullback in the backfield ... where might this lead?
Posted by rckymtngator on January 15, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A very well written article. The only thing wrong is the order of finish. the following is the 2008 order of finish for the SEC East:
1. Florida - SEC Champion; will be playing in their homestate for another National championship. Please don't let it be against Ohio State (Runner Up U)
2. Georgia - back to the Sugar Bowl, maybe this time they can play a real football team
3. South Carolina - Spurrier will beat a lot of teams and finish the year in the Capital One Bowl
4. Tennessee - the Chick Fil A Peach Bowl is a good place to be on New Years eve.
5. Vanderbilt - who knows maybe they will win 6 games and go to a bowl
6. Kentucky - do they still have a basketball team?
Thats what makes this time of year great, we can all have some fun looking forward to the 2008 season.
Posted by Orange4life on January 15, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AirForceOne is a goob, and I think that with the right mix of talent, we have a lot to look forward to. AS we do every year, but with some different coaching, SOME FRIGGIN DISCIPLINE and if Cromp can Carpea Diem, then we get in the mix. We need some big time reciever to step up and make it happen though. Not going to happen if we don't.
Nice decision Arian, now run North to South, not dance in the hole and run East to West. Lower your head, hit the weight room and look up tape on Eddie George, might help your style.
V O L S go vols go!
Posted by sjt18 on January 15, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rckymtngator, If you are interested, I predicted that UT would win 10 this past year and that UF would lose 3, probably 4, and maybe even 5 depending on FSU.
UT is more unpredictable than last year. UF really isn't.
If UT gets good DT play then the D will return to a more typical Chavis product... Something between 16-22 ppg. If that happens and Clawson does at least as well as Cut would have then UT will find the BCS again next year.
UF OTOH has real problems on D that didn't get alot better as the season progressed. In fact, you can hardly argue that the Michigan game wasn't one of their worst performances. If not for two Hart fumbles, UF gives up about 50 to an O that was inconsistent at best. UT's D conversely had two of its better games of the season against LSU and Wisconsin.
You've seen the peak with your O. DC's are catching up and you still don't have a running game outside of Tebow and Harvin... and yes I know all about the guys coming in. UF has HAD quality runners in the past 3 years... it hasn't mattered. Your O is always one injury away from disaster with Tebow providing so much of the run game. After Michigan, watch for teams to sell out to get hits on the guy.
Schedule favors UF over UGA and UT but defense doesn't... and defense wins championships. All three teams return about the same numbers in their two deep. UT returns its top 7 OL's while UF/UGA lose a little. UT returns all of its WR's while UF/UGA lose a couple of good ones. UT returns the most depth at RB. Both UGA/UF return proven starting QB's, UT doesn't.
Bottom line: any of the three could win the East. USCe's best shot was last year. They could still win it but their odds are worse.
I do not think UF will finish with less than 2 losses nor do I think they will return to the CG. Your D simply isn't good enough to do it.
Posted by LargeOrange on January 15, 2008 at 12:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rckymtngator, Go back to your stagnant pond and take the rest of your Gators with you. Didn’t you see in the article, you will be devastated this fall by the return of 9 starters from your pathetic defense (ranked 12th in the SEC in pass defense) that embarrassed the whole SEC in your own back yard at the Capitol One Bowl giving up 41 to an unranked Big Ten team. I can’t wait till Sept 20th.
Posted by thesavageorange on January 15, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Getting Foster back is a good thing.Some don't like him , but he was 3rd in sec in Yards 1'162, yards per carry 5.1 , tied 3rd in td's w/ 12 ,and believe it or not had the 3rd longest run by a RB at 59 yds.If Drayton can get him a step quicker he should be an all SEC performer.
Posted by cjraney on January 15, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Too bad Crompton didnt get more snaps in the blowouts, the wins and the losses. Cutcliff loves to do that--same story with Tee Martin following Manning. No reason not to prepare the backup a little bit more.
Posted by rckymtngator on January 15, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Vols have a lot to look forward to as do the Gators. The big difference is that Florida is right in the middle of all the talent and will be bringing in a top 5 recruiting class every year. This combined with an innovative coaching staff will make Florida one of the favorites every year.
Do not be surprised to see a different Florida offense next year. An offense that protects Tebow and utilizes at least 6 - 8 different playmakers. The only playmaker we loose is Caldwell, Ingram is staying for his senior season. With the addition of three new tailbacks, Harvin will be used more at WR in 2008.
Our big question mark is defense. You will see a diferent defense in 2008, We return 18 guys who had significant playing time in 2007.
Florida might loose 2 games in 2008, but it will not be to UT or UGA. Meyer understands the importance of these games (5 & 1 since he arrived)and will have his team ready.
Posted by jmatt62 on January 15, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Defensive losses aren't really that much if you look at it overall. Hefney is replaced with Morley, which many of us see as an upgrade. At DE we'll now have Ayers and Brown, with Martin, Walker & Mathis as backups. I doubt that's a dropoff either. Mitchell & Reynolds were servicable, but that's about it. LBs Karl & Mayo gone, but you all have to agree we've always had LBs at UT that could get it done. Ellix-Wilson is a player, and put him w/McCoy and the other hyphenated guy, Myers-White, and that's not bad. I really see next year's D being better than this years.
Posted by sjt18 on January 15, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"but it will not be to UT or UGA"
I'm not predicting anything concerning those particular games at this point... but both teams have more than enough returning to beat UF.
That sure, huh? Once again, both UT and UGA return D's that were performing better than UF at the end of the year. Your secondary wasn't good but your DL was even worse for most of the year. If Harvey goes early (I haven't heard one way of the other), your situatin gets alot worse.
Your best year on D looks to be 09... but you'll lose some on O that year... probably even Tebow.
There's probably another thing that needs to be pointed out here. Tebow is a freak of nature on the level of Mike Vick and Vince Young... They don't come around very often. If you don't get it done next year... watch for Meyer to exit stage left.
Rumors are he took some NFL phone calls... it is just a matter of time.
Posted by brdteton on January 15, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry Gator,
Meyers Luck runs out this year....
Looks like D's are catching onto the spread. Similar to Spurrier's first years at FLA or Arkisaw' running the Spread/Mcfadden 2006 vs. 2007. Then the league caught on and stepped up.
I am looking forward to "Te" Bow Hunting Season this year....
Posted by sjt18 on January 15, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jmatt, IMHO the ONLY defensive loss that isn't a likely upgrade is Mayo... I liked X Mitchell but he wasn't a star by any stretch. Reynolds probably shouldn't have been a starter.
Secondary should be interesting. After all the injuries UT should be very, very good... and deep.
S- Berry, Morley, Faison, Kemp, Wardlow... Evans and Anderson could even make some noise.
CB- Vinson, Willingham, Rogan, Johnson, Fleming, Gaines...
In virtually any other year, Willingham would convert to safety but there's just as much a glut there as at CB.
Posted by thesavageorange on January 15, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
rckymtngator ,If it's not UT or GA then you will go undefeated.Miami is bringing in a great class , but they are raw.FSU is falling apart, and LSU shouldn't be nearly as good.No one really has an idea about next year until next year , but I think it will be a toss up.UT has to figure out how to beat UF.Georgia has to figure out how to beat UT.UF has to figure out how to beat both and keep SuperBow healthy.Advantage UT.No one will see our true offense untill Sept.20.Regardless, I will be surprised if Spurrier doesn't find a way to win 1 or 2 against the 3, and causes someone to back in the east again.
Posted by sjt18 on January 15, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
savage the problem there is schedule. UF's West games this year are Ole Miss at home, LSU at home, and maybe the worst team in the SEC, Arkansas, away.
UT has Aub (A), MSU (H), and Bama (H).
I can't remember for sure but UGA may have LSU, Aub, and Bama. If my memory is correct then they could easily come in third in the East and beat every East team.
Posted by jmatt62 on January 15, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sjt, Agreed. Mayo is a loss, the rest is an opportunity for possibly better players to get on the field. And I left out 4-5 star guy Chris Donald on the LB bunch. Seems like every year we say "if the DL only plays like they can", and 2008 will be no exception. Forgive my ignorance, but help with the acronym IMHO. Didn't recognize.
Posted by thesavageorange on January 15, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
sjt18 , Very true.I think Spurrier will be a thorn in someones side as well.He will not be embarresed two yrs in a row.UF definately has the easiest road, but as in every season , some teams will be better than expected and some teams worse.We could be the best team in the east next year , and still drop 2.See LSU.
Posted by sjt18 on January 15, 2008 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
UT's LB's look decent but younger than they've been- McCoy, Wilson, Frazier, Donald, Davis, McKenzie, Myers-White... and I'm probably leaving someone out.
I really like the way McKenzie played after the move. He's a little undersized but fast even for an SEC LB. If he adds 10 lbs, he could be a huge surprise this fall. He's got decent cover skills too.
Posted by TommyJack on January 15, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
cjraney: is exactly right. It's criminal the way Cut would stick with his #1, injured or not.
There were MANY instances where Crompton should have been put in for seasoning. I've always said this was one of Cut's biggest flaws. He believed in putting all his oggs in one basket.
Posted by sjt18 on January 15, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
TJ, I can't always tell when you are serious... but if you are, I'd agree, that was a Cut weakness and maybe CPF too.
Not necessarily criminal... but I'm not sure how JC, Stephens, and Coleman were supposed to feel when they were effectively told that Ainge unable to throw 30 yards was preferrable to them.
Posted by 99gator on January 15, 2008 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
a few things....
1. i will not make predictions as to who will win the division next year. my personal bias will give you a clue. however, objectively, schedule has a lot to do with it. i do not say this out of bitterness, but in my opinion, tennessee won the division because it did not play lsu or auburn during the season.
2. where is this "teams are catching up with the spread" stuff coming from. i have repeatedly written that the system is not the thing, it is the players and coaches. i am sorry, but tebow and harvin and company will put up the same point total (for the season) or more than last year. bank on it. with the exception of the auburn game, florida's offense put up yards and points. they will be older and better. barring injury, offense will not be a problem.
3. nothing makes less sense than saying....all you got is tebow and harvin. that's like saying all usc had was leinert and reggie bush. you find another receiver or qb you would rather have and get back to me. but, i can promise you....florida has other players. those players made plays throughout the season. it is not a two man offense. but, believe what you want to.
i think all of the teams in the division will be formidible. i still hesitate about tenn until i see crompton play enough. whenever you have a new qb, trying to gage the success of the team is difficult. if crompton plays well, i can see tenn, fl, or ga winning the division.
Posted by ReallyAVolFan on January 15, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
After the SEC Championship Game Demonte Bolden said he "did not come to UT to come in second" -- a slap at Ainge -- the MVP of the Outback Bowl, in which Bolden was ineligible to play. Since we're counting on him so much for next year, I hope that even though he did not come to UT to attend college, he will at least go to class long enough to earn a "D" in sociology and underwater basketry weaving!!!!!!
Posted by ReallyAVolFan on January 15, 2008 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, 99gator, we played the two teams ranked one and two in the country in the final poll, beating one of them like a bunch of "yard" dogs and barely losing to the other!!! Both beat the GATORS as I recall!!!!
Posted by 99gator on January 15, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ReallyAVolFan
i know. i agree.
do you remember 59-20
Posted by ReallyAVolFan on January 15, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
99gator, it's not how you drive, but how you arrive that counts!!! Tennessee 12th in the country, Florida 13th or 16th (your choice)!!!
Posted by lempga on January 15, 2008 at 11:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Adams streaks again. He is awful.
Posted by philfan on January 16, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If you really want a good predictor of SEC football, buy a copy of Lindy's (Lindy's College Football Magazine) in July 2008. Last year they picked Tennessee to win the SEC Eastern Division, with Florida and Georgia (cannot remenber which) coming in second and third. The magazine had a nice picture of Ainge on the cover. All of the other preseason magazines were way off but Lindy's nailed it.
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