Impact Newcomer: Patrick Johnson, CB. An absolutely jaw-dropping athlete, Johnson was the No. 5 recruit in the country. He originally committed to Miami but later signed with the Tigers. Johnson is 6'1", 185 pounds, which is good size for a corner. He can absolutely fly, clocking a 4.38 in the 40 to go along with a 37-inch vertical. Look for Johnson to compete for a starting job right away in Baton Rouge.
'08-09 Forecast: LSU's quarterback situation and a demanding schedule make it difficult to see the Tigers winning another SEC title this year. Even if LSU fails to win the West, expect the Tigers to be in the running for a BCS berth.
'08-09 Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels finally got rid of Ed Orgeron after a disastrous tenure at the school. Replacing him is former Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt. The Rebels have lacked a consistent quarterback ever since Eli Manning left campus, but look for a transfer to save the day this year.
Offense: The Rebels have some talent on offense—it's just a matter of whether Nutt can translate talent into results. Texas transfer Jevan Snead figures to be the starter this season. Snead is a big 6'5" quarterback with a rifle arm. The question still remains of who he will throw to.
Michael Oher is the best offensive lineman in the conference, so Snead will be well-protected. Enrique Davis will likely be the opening day starter for the Rebels at running back.
Defense: The defense is a mess. There is almost no depth at linebacker. As for defensive back, junior Marshay Green moved from receiver to cornerback—and immediately won a starting job. The line better get pressure on the quarterback, or else the Rebels will be in for some long days.
Impact Newcomer: Enrique Davis, RB. Davis was a five-star prospect who originally signed with Auburn but now finds himself in Oxford in a great position. He immediately adds a breakaway threat to the Rebels' running back position.
'08-09 Forecast: Newcomers on the sideline, at quarterback, and at running back have given new hope to the faithful in Oxford. Having a proven coach in Nutt on the sideline is a bonus, and Snead is a significant upgrade at quarterback. If the defense holds up, Ole Miss could make a legitimate run at a bowl bid.
'08-09 Record: 5-7 (2-6)
Mississippi State
6 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete