2009 SEC Football Outlook

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

LSU is for the first time in years, flying under the radar in the western division. If they find a solid QB in Jordan Jefferson, watch out.

Those four toss up games could all be losses, I think a 2-2 split for the Tigers would be great considering the rest of their schedule. Three very tough road games should be a huge test this season.

OLE MISS: '09 Outlook, 8-0-4

Wins: at Memphis, SE Louisiana, at Vanderbilt, UAB, Arkansas, Northern Arizona, Tennessee, at Mississippi State

Losses: None

Toss Up: at South Carolina, Alabama, at Auburn, LSU

Maybe the biggest question in the SEC in 2009 is can the Rebels handle the hype? Much is expected from Jevan Snead this year, and they have the schedule and the talent to deliver.

Assuming they don't slip up in the should be wins, they face four big toss up games. An early season game at South Carolina could set the tone for the whole season, then the huge division rival game with Alabama, a tricky road trip to Auburn that could be trouble, and then a potential division deciding title game with LSU.

TENNESSEE: '09 Outlook, 6-4-2

Wins: Western Kentucky, UCLA, Ohio, Memphis, Vanderbilt, at Kentucky

Losses: at Florida, Georgia, at Alabama, at Ole Miss

Toss Up: Auburn, South Carolina

It's simple for the Vols, find a quarterback. They have enough talent in other places to win eight games, but they need a quarterback to run the offense and not mistakes. That looks like it will be Jonathan Crompton.

Some tough road games await the Vols, and it will take some big upsets for them not to lose four games this year. Now if they beat Auburn and Carolina at home, the Vols are looking at a very good bowl game, maybe even New Year's Day.

AUBURN: '09 Outlook, 5-2-5

Wins:Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Ball State, Kentucky, Furman

Losses: at LSU, at Georgia

Toss Up: West Virginia, at Tennessee, at Arkansas, Ole Miss, Alabama

The Tigers have the defense to win a division title in this league, what they don't have is a quarterback to do that. Auburn, much like Tennessee has to find that before they can do anything else.

A very tough schedule awaits Auburn in 2009 as well. Games at LSU and Georgia will be huge upsets if they win, which leaves a big group of toss up games. If you are an Auburn fan, a 3-2 record in those games would be a big success, but a 1-4 record in those games isn't out of the question at all.

ARKANSAS: '09 Outlook, 5-5-2

Wins: Missouri State, Texas A&M, Eastern Michigan, Troy, Mississippi State

Losses: Georgia, at Alabama, at Florida, at Ole Miss, at LSU

Toss Up: Auburn, South Carolina

The Hogs are a sexy pick as the sleeper team in the entire league this year. An improved offense thanks to new quarterback Ryan Mallett is the main reason, as well as lots of returning starters on defense.

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