SEC 2009: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

(Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Last year, Bobby Johnson did a great job for the first five weeks, and then the old Vanderbilt Commodores showed up as usual. 

With 18 starters returning, I would like to place them higher on my list, but experience has taught me not to take that chance.

Vandy will always be Vandy.

(11) Kentucky

Rich Brooks and Kentucky shouldn't be ranked this low, but the Wildcats lost some of their best players on defense, and that was all that made them decent last year.

Kentucky does more with less, and they always play hard, but even when they are good, they manage to lose four or five games.

(12) Mississippi State

Dan Mullen takes over for Sylvester Croom in Starkville, MS, and there is a little spark at Mississippi State. State's problem was offense, not defense, and Mullen will be the answer to that in time. 

The only problem is, how long will Bulldog fans have to wait this time?

Croom did a good job cleaning the program up—maybe too good. The offensive athletes are just not there to run Mullen's offense yet, so time and patience will be required.

Same story, different characters: Bulldog fans will have to wait another year.

To sum up: This year should be exciting with the momentum swinging back and forth from week to week as the SEC sets about knocking each other out of contention. 

You would have to believe the SEC East will be the Florida Gators' to lose if Tim Tebow stays healthy.

The SEC West, on the other hand, will likely come down to the winner of the Alabama, LSU, and Ole Miss Round Robin tournament, with the first round taking place on Oct. 10 in Oxford, Mississippi between the Ole Miss Rebels and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Here are my predictions for these three important match-ups:

(1) Alabama @ Ole Miss on October 10 in Oxford, MS.     (toss-up)

(2) LSU @ Alabama on November 7 in Tuscaloosa, Al.    (toss-up)

(3) LSU @ Ole Miss on November 21 in Oxford, Ms.        (toss-up)

It should be an exciting season!

I went out early this morning to drink my coffee on the deck, and I swear I thought I heard the sound of an SEC crowd roaring in the distance. I heard it yesterday as well, but it sounded a little nearer today.

Call down the thunder and awaken the echoes—it is getting closer, and I can't wait!

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?