The annual argument over which conference reigns supreme in the college football world will add another chapter when the season kicks off this fall, but already there is a clear-cut number one heading into the season—the SEC.
The SEC has always been at or near the top of conference rankings since I can remember, but this year the conference might be the best it's ever been. With as many as six teams having a shot to be ranked in the preseason top 25, the SEC will be as wild as ever.
Here's what to expect from each team come football season.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The Nick Saban era got off to a great start last season, with the Tide jumping out to a 6-2 record. However, they bogged down towards the end of the season and wound up finishing with a 7-6 record.
Expectations continue to grow in Tuscaloosa, with nine offensive starters coming back, along with a top five recruiting class.
Offense: The offense returns nine starters to a unit that was plagued by inconsistency last year. Leading the way is quarterback John Parker Wilson, who struggled mightily in the last five games of the season, throwing just four touchdowns with six interceptions. Wilson is losing his top three receivers from last year, so who he throws the ball to is somewhat of a concern.
Terry Grant returns to give the Tide a solid running game, and junior Andrew Smith anchors one of the best offensive lines in the country.
Defense: The defense for the Tide loses some key players from last year's squad, including cornerback Simeon Castille. Senior safety Rashad Johnson is one of the best safeties in the conference.
The biggest concern for the Tide on defense would be the D-line. With the departure of Wallace Gilberry the Tide lose the only considerable pass rusher from last year's team. Consider that Gilberry had 10 sacks last season, while nobody else on the team had more than three. The secondary better be good, or else the Tide will get run out of the building.
Impact Newcomer: Julio Jones, WR. Even if Alabama hadn't lost their top three receivers from this past year, Jones would start—he's that good. A five-star recruit out of high school, Jones had 194 career catches for 3,287 yards and 42 touchdowns. Jones is 6'4", 215 pounds and will be deadly in the red zone.
'08-09 Forecast: Even though Saban has done an incredible job recruiting, it's tough to see this team competing for an SEC title anytime soon. Alabama just isn't as talented as LSU or Auburn or any of the other elites in the SEC. Expect another year like 2007 for the Tide in '08.
'08-09 Record: 7-5 (4-4)
Arkansas Razorbacks
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