2008 SEC Season Predictions

Little late on this, but I’ve put together what I think will be the likely finish in the SEC for 2008.

SEC West
Auburn (10-2) (Losses: UT, @WVU)
The schedule looks favorable for Auburn this year. And it’s more than likely the new offense will be more productive than the last 2 years. While I think we’ll be in Atlanta, I don’t think it’ll be without a couple losses. Tennessee is the week after LSU. Although they play Florida that same weekend, I could see us dropping this one we shouldn’t. W. Virginia is loaded and we make a Thursday night visit to their house this year. Could be an unwelcomed visit.

Bama (8-4) (Losses: Clemson, @Ark, @UGAy, AU)
I pick Bama to win 1 game they’ll likely be the underdog, @ LSU. And that would setup quite a showdown in Tuscaloosa this year for the Iron Bowl, the right to go to Atlanta. I can very well see this happening, much to my dismay. Bama was on the unfortunate end of some key losses last year. And I see that fortune changing this year. The only reason I don’t pick them to beat AU at home is because of the streak. Be ready to hear Bama’s back win or lose in the Iron Bowl, if they come this close to Atlanta.

LSU (8-4) (Losses: @AU, @UF, @S. Car., Bama)
I know LSU has a lot of talent, which may win them a game they shouldn’t (UGAy). But starting a QB who has never taken a snap in the SEC is quite a disadvantage. I’m a very big proponent that a returning QB with experience usually translates into more wins. Add to this the fact that LSU also lost key senior starters from their roster, I believe will lead to a rebuilding year for Les “Top Hat” Miles.

Ole Miss (7-5) (Losses: @WF, @UF, @Bama, Auburn, @LSU)
Count me as 1 of those that believe the Nutty Professor will make a dramatic improvement in Oxford. While I think they might stumble at Wake out of the gates, I think ol’ Nutt will have a little something for his return home at Arkansas in late October.

MSU (6-6) (Losses: AU, @GT, @LSU, @UT, @Bama, @Ole Miss)
Tough road schedule for Croom’s Dogs. I think their season will hinge on their home game with Arkansas. While they’re a much dangerous team nowadays, I believe they’ll return to looking up from the bottom in the SEC this year.

Arkansas (5-7) (Losses: @Texas, UF, @AU, Ole Miss, @S. Car., @MSU, LSU)
Tough year to play Texas. That could be the game that keeps the Hogs out of post-season play this year. Petrino has some crow to eat hosting Houston Nutt and travelling back to Auburn. Don’t expect this is what the Hog fans’ were hoping when they hired him.


SEC East
Florida (11-1) (Losses: UGAy)
The Gators schedule sets up real nice for them this year. They have a chance at running the table. @UT and the Georgia game are the only substantial threats for them in the SEC. And in my estimation, they could back door into Atlanta if Auburn does them a favor by beating the Dogs in November.

UGAy (10-2) (Losses: @LSU, @AU)
This could be a tough break for the Dogs 2 years in a row if they somehow sweep the East and manage to miss Atlanta again. It’s very probable, especially if UF comes out of Knoxville with a win. Boy, wouldn’t Auburn love to be in a position to cancel their reservations in Atlanta? Guess that would be a little payback for ’06.

UT (9-3) (Losses: UF, @UGAy, Bama)
The Vols have a favorable schedule this year, aside from having to play UGAy and UF again. Aside from that, I think they’ll win 1 against Bama or Auburn.

S. Carolina (7-5) (Losses: UGAy, @Ole Miss, UT, @UF, @Clemson)
Good chance with their schedule that the ‘Cocks could be 6-2 headed into their home game with Tennessee. Believe it or not, but that could be a pivotal game for the 3rd spot in the East. Spurrier got his team off to a bang last year, even cracking the top 5 in the nation. I can see a similar start to this year. But they’ll be lucky to win more than 1 game out of their final 4.

Kentucky (5-7) (Losses: @Bama, S. Car., Ark., @UF, @MSU, UGAy, UT)
The Wildcats could start out 4-0 with a win in their opener at Louisville. But after that, it gets brutal. Losing Woodson at QB will be a tough obstacle to overcome. But I do think they have an impressive coaching staff. And, it looks like they’re holding their own in recruiting. I wouldn’t doubt it if the Wildcats make another run in the East within the next 4 years, just not this year.

Vandy (2-10) (Wins: Duke, Rice)
I think the ‘Dores pull another “0-for” in the SEC this year. I just can’t see them winning 1 game. Maybe hosting Ole Miss or S. Carolina in September, while hopes are yet dashed? I don’t know, but I doubt it. You look at the coaches in the SEC and Vandy doesn’t even compete. I hate it for them, but Bobby Johnson is out of his league.