Breaking Down The SEC: How The West Will Be Won

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

As opening day looms across the conference, let's examine the divisions and determine how things may turn out. In this first installment, we will take a look at the Western Division of the SEC.

Last season, the race for the divisional title hinged upon the Alabama-LSU game. Will that be true this year as well or will another team, like Ole Miss, have something to say about who ends up in Atlanta?

1). Alabama Crimson Tide-

Nick Saban leads the Tide into 2009 still smarting from the two game collapse to end last season. The focal point through spring and going into fall camp has been all about finishing. The Tide will benefit this season from their schedule as most of the difficult games will be at home. 

Alabama must replace three starters along the offensive front, but so far things have looked well in practice. James Carpenter, the solid Juco transfer, has shown the potential and ability to be a solid starter at the left tackle position. William Vlachos, the strongest player on the team, has grabbed the starting center spot and caught the coaches attention. Brian Motley came away from spring as the starter at right guard; if Motley stays healthy, this position should be a strength.

The defense will once again be amongst the best in the nation. Alabama returns one of the top nose guards in the game in Terrence Cody and boasts perhaps the best linebacking corps in college football with All-American Rolando McClain and All-SEC Freshman Donta Hightower manning the middle.

Alabama returns one of the top wide receivers in the nation in All-American Julio Jones and All-SEC Freshman Mark Ingram powers the running game..

The coaches believe they have a solid Quarterback in junior Greg McElroy and as long as Alabama gets serviceable play from the QB position, they should be repeating their trip to Atlanta.

2). LSU Tigers-

Last season, Les Miles LSU Tigers struggled in a number of areas. One of the most painful to watch was at the quarterback position. Jarret Lee was forced into action after the injury to Andrew Hatch and things went downhill  from there.

This spring, Jordan Jefferson looked much more consistent and ready to challenge for playing time at the position. Coaches have been pleased with the solid play from newcomer Russell Shepard as well. Any improvement in the passing game would be significant in helping the Bengal Tigers improve upon last season's record.

The quarterbacks will have All-SEC TE Richard Dickson to catch the ball and All-SEC RB Charles Scott to head up the ground attack.

Former Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis was brought in to revamp the defense and return it to more of the aggressive, attacking unit fans are accustomed to seeing.

LSU has to contend with both Florida and Georgia in the East, and they travel to Alabama and Ole Miss in November. The schedule makes the hopes of reaching Atlanta seem like a daunting task.

3). Ole Miss-

Houston Nutt leads a talented Ole Miss team into 2009 with the potential for a special season for Rebel fans.

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