The 2009 SEC Tournament: What To Expect from Tampa

In what's supposed to be a down year for the league, this year's tournament could provide the most drama we've seen in years. This tournament is truly anyone's to win.

So here are some things to watch for as we get started in Tampa on Thursday.

1. Can Florida, Auburn, or Kentucky make an NCAA tournament run?

The Gators come into the SEC tournament clearly on the bubble. Some have them in and some have them out as of right now. They have to beat Arkansas and Auburn to secure a bid. A win over just Arkansas and a loss to Auburn will put them in jeopardy.

Auburn has become the surprise team in not only the league, but in the nation, winning eight of their last nine conference games. A win over the Florida-Arkansas winner could put the Tigers in the Big Dance. But they may need two wins in the tournament to secure a bid.

Kentucky is the team that has to make it to the SEC championship to have a shot at the NCAA tournament. Even that may not be enough, but they'd have to beat conference champion LSU on the way to Sunday.

Most likely, the Cats have to win the tournament to make it in, an unusual situation for the Cats for sure.

2. What will the attendance be like?

Many fans and coaches have voiced their displeasure about the tournament being moved to Tampa, Fla. this year. Atlanta and Nashville are much more central locations and easier places to travel to for fans. Tampa is only convenient for one fanbase, and it leaves a heck of a drive for Arkansas and the Mississippi schools.

I'd expect attendance to be down this year. Just how much lower remains to be seen.

3. Can a Western division team win their first championship since 2002?

The Eastern division has won the last six SEC tournaments dating back to 2003—Georgia (1), Florida (3), and Kentucky (2). The last Western division team to win the tournament was Mississippi State in 2002.

This year, the regular season champs are LSU, while Auburn comes in as hot as anyone, Alabama has won four of five, and Mississippi State has won two in a row.

4. How will the head-to-head battles play out between the Western division and the Eastern division?

Since 2002, the East holds a 16-10 advantage in first round games versus the West, a 6-2 edge in the semifinal games, and a 3-0 edge in the SEC championship games.

This year, the East has been perceived as the tougher division, even though the head-to-head record is tied at 18 wins apiece for each division.

5. Who could be a sleeper team to win the tournament?

Last season, Georgia pulled off an amazing run, winning four games in four days to win the SEC tournament in improbable fashion.

Who could it be this year?

Well, Mississippi State comes in winning two in a row and playing well. Alabama comes in winning four of their last five games under interim coach Phillip Pearson.

Of course, don't forget about Kentucky, a team that finished 8-8 in the league, but with Meeks and Patterson, they can beat anyone in the conference.

Really, outside of Arkansas, who limps in winning only one of their last eleven, anyone in the conference has the ability to make a run to Sunday.

6. The Weather Report

After last year's tornado hit the Georgia Dome and sent the SEC tournament into a tailspin, let's hope the weather is a little calmer in Tampa this time of year. Fortunately, it looks like we are in luck, with great looking weather all four days.