: Tons of question marks for the Wildcats on offense.  Who will be quarterback?  At this point the edge would go to Curtis Pulley, but Matt Hartline could push him for the starting job.

Who will take over for Rafael Little at running back?  Probably a running back by committee with Tony Dixon, Alphonso Smith, and Derrick Locke competing for carries.  Advantage goes to Smith for the starting job.

Finally, the receivers are a mess.  Steve Johnson and Keenan Burton are gone, so whoever the quarterback is will need to establish a go-to receiver and fast.

Defense: The D is led by junior cornerback Trevard Lindley, who's got five career interceptions.  For the first time in a while, Kentucky will be relying on defense to win ball games.  Junior Jeremy Jarmon leads an experienced group along the line.  Look for Kentucky to continue to improve on defense as they did a year ago.

Impact Newcomer: Aaron Boyd, WR.  Boyd was a four-star receiver out of high school and gets this accolade based primarily on the fact that he will likely be the number two receiver for the Wildcats on opening day.  He's not as good as Jones is for Bama or Green is for Georgia, but look for Boyd to have better stats then both of them at season's end.

'08-09 Forecast: Brooks will try to do something that hasn't been done at Kentucky since Bear Bryant coached the 'Cats—make it to three consecutive bowl games.  But Brooks will have to do that in the toughest conference in America relying on an improved defense and an unproven offense.

'08-09 Record: 5-7 (2-6)

 

LSU Tigers

LSU's quarterback situation and brutal road schedule make it difficult to predict a repeat title.  But the Tigers do have enough talent to challenge once again for the SEC crown.

Offense: If Ryan Perrilloux is still on the team, LSU is very likely one of the top three teams in the country.  That being said, the offense has to recover from several huge losses on offense.  Gone from last year's team are running back Jacob Hester and receiver Early Doucet.

The line figures to be one of the best in the country with the return of four starters.  LSU has an abundance of riches at the running back position with Charles Scott, Richard Murphy, and Keiland Williams, but expect Williams to win the starting job.  LSU has enough firepower on offense, no matter who the quarterback is.

Defense

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