Issues at QB may hold LSU, Auburn back

LSU was an overwhelming favorite to win the SEC West in 2007. And it lived up to the expectations, winning a conference and national championship.

There's no clear-cut favorite in the division next season. And the two top candidates - LSU and Auburn - have quarterback issues.

Like Auburn, Mississippi State should be improved. Alabama has too many holes on defense, Ole Miss has a slightly better outlook, and Arkansas should be a consensus pick for last.

Auburn

2007 record: 9-4

Starters returning: seven on offense, six on defense.

Offense: Four starters return in the offensive line, and so does the Tigers' three-man tailback rotation of Brad Lester, Ben Tate and Mario Fannin. But there's a big question mark at quarterback. Kodi Burns, a backup to three-year starter Brandon Cox, and junior college transfer Chris Todd will compete for the starting job in the spread offense implemented by new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. Burns is an exceptional runner, and Todd is a better passer.

Defense: Despite losing pass-rush star Quentin Groves, this should be one of the nation's top defenses. Antonio Coleman and Sen'Derrick Marks are big-time defensive ends, the top six linebackers return, and cornerback Jerraud Powers heads the secondary.

Strengths: Another fast, hardnosed defense, and a physical, potent running game.

Weaknesses: Auburn has to throw more effectively to complement its ground game, and the wide receivers need to produce more big plays.

Schedule: Its three toughest conference games -Tennessee, LSU and Georgia -are at home. So is a non-conference game against national championship contender West Virginia.

Outlook: The Tigers are capable of beating anybody on a demanding schedule. But their passing game must improve if they hope to win a division title.

LSU

2007 record: 12-2

Starters returning: seven on offense, four on defense.

Offense: Four starters will return in an offensive line headlined by All-SEC performers Ciron Black (6-foot-5, 320) at tackle and Herman Johnson (6-7, 356) at guard. Despite losing Jacob Hester, the running back corps is deep and talented, and Demetrius Byrd finished strong at wide receiver. Ryan Perrilloux has great athletic potential but a checkered past.

Defense: The Tigers will dearly miss two-time All-American tackle Glenn Dorsey, but younger players like Al Woods, and Drake Nevis are ready to make a name for themselves alongside veterans Marlon Favorite and national championship game star Ricky-Jean Francois at tackle. Replacing three starters in the secondary will be a bigger challenge, but look out for 6-3, 220-pound safety Chad Jones, who flashed playmaking ability as a freshman.

Strengths: A powerful offensive line and a strong set of running backs, led by Keiland Williams.

Weaknesses: Uncertainty at quarterback, where Perrilloux and freshman Jarrett Lee, a highly touted pocket passer, will compete for the starting job. The Tigers also must break in two new cornerbacks.

Schedule: The SEC's toughest road schedule will have the Tigers at Auburn, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Outlook: Despite its inexperience on defense and uncertainty at quarterback, LSU should contend for another division title at the very least.

Mississippi State

2007 record: 8-5

Starters returning: seven on offense, eight on defense.

Offense: Running backs Anthony Dixon and Christian Ducre give the Bulldogs a solid one-two punch, and three starters return in the offensive line, led by tackle Michael Brown. Quarterback Wesley Carroll demonstrated leadership qualities and a coolness under fire in his first year as a starter, and wide receiver Jamayel Smith showed playmaking potential late in the season.

Defense: Safety Derek Pegues and cornerback Anthony Johnson will head up a strong secondary, which returns four starters, but there's work to do up front.

Mammoth tackles Kyle Love (320 pounds) and Jessie Bowman (305) are back, and so are four of the top five linebackers. But ends, Titus Brown and Avery Hannibal, must be replaced.

Strengths: Overall toughness on both sides of the ball, which you would expect from a Sylvester Croom-coached team.

Weaknesses: The passing game must continue to improve in a division that is typically strong against the run.

Schedule: Outside the East, the Bulldogs must play at Tennessee, but they've got home games against Vanderbilt and Kentucky.

Outlook: Back-to-back bowl games look probable. The Bulldogs will know early whether they have a shot at the division title. They play Auburn and LSU in September.

Alabama

2007 record: 7-6

Starters returning: 10 on offense, six on defense.

Offense: The Tide returns all five starters in a talented line, led by tackle Andre Smith. Quarterback John Parker Wilson is back for his third season as a starter, but the one loss on offense is big - wide receiver DJ Hall.

Defense: Rashad Johnson has emerged as an All-SEC safety, and linebacker Rolando McClain started as a true freshman. But the Tide don't have the overall defensive talent to match LSU and Auburn.

Strengths: An experienced offense with a formidable offense line.

Weaknesses: Nick Saban made a name for himself with talented, aggressive defenses that play man-to-man in the secondary and attack you with an array of blitzes. He's at least another recruiting class away from having the personnel to accommodate that system.

Schedule: Alabama must play on the road against Georgia, Tennessee and LSU.

Outlook: Too much schedule and not enough defense to contend for a division championship.

Ole Miss

2007 record: 3-9

Starters returning: Seven on offense, 10 on defense.

Offense: All-SEC tackle Michael Oher leads an offensive line that returns four starters, but the Rebels lose their top two running backs. Wide receivers Michael Wallace, Marshay Green and Shay Hodge could flourish if new quarterback Jevan Snead is as good as advertised.

Defense: Greg Hardy is the league's top pass rusher, and Peria Jerry is solid at tackle, but this unit is still lacking, especially in the secondary.

Strengths: Houston Nutt's motivational powers should provide a spark for a downtrodden program. The offense line looks solid, and the defense is at least more experienced.

Weaknesses: There's no proven running back, and plenty of question marks on defense. In 10 years at Arkansas, Nutt never developed a consistent passing game.

Schedule: Ole Miss should be favored to end its eight-game SEC losing streak with a Sept. 20 home game against Vanderbilt. It also will play South Carolina and Florida from the East, and Wake Forest on the road in non-conference play.

Outlook: The Rebels don't look bowl-worthy, and they're still playing catch-up to the Bulldogs in their own state. But they're better than the team Nutt left behind at Arkansas.

Arkansas

2007 record: 8-5

Starters returning: Five on offense, six on defense.

Offense: If All-American center Jonathan Luigs returns for his senior season, he will anchor an offensive line that returns three starters. And if Felix Jones returns for his senior season, new head coach Bobby Petrino will have at least one big-time running back.

Defense: The Razorbacks will return two of their starting linebackers, and Freddy Burton made the All-SEC freshman team at that position. Arkansas also returns three starters on its front four, but the secondary must be rebuilt.

Strengths: The defensive front seven will be experienced, and the offensive line could be outstanding if Luigs returns.

Weaknesses: They're plentiful, starting with Casey Dick at quarterback and extending to wide receiver. If Jones goes pro, even the running game will be in question.

Schedule: Florida and South Carolina in the East, and a non-conference game against Texas in Austin.

Outlook: Nutt got out just in time. The Razorbacks should tumble past Ole Miss into last place in the West.