SEC Predictions After Week One

The first weekend of college football is almost in the books. After a fun and exciting Saturday, it's time to make predictions for how the SEC will pan out in 2009.

Eastern Division

1. Florida- On Saturday, the Gators rolled right though an undermatched Charleston Southern team. The Gator offense didn't miss a beat as it rolled up a staggering 624 yards of total offense. Prediction for the regular season: 12-0.

2. Georgia- Even though the 'Dawgs weren't victorious in Stillwater, the defense looked to be much improved. Georgia went up against one of the most prolific offenses in college football and held them in check for most of the game. Once the offense comes around, they will be a solid team. Prediction: 8-4.

3. Tennessee- For one quarter, the Vols struggled mightily with Western Kentucky. However, they turned it around and blew the game open. Still, many question marks remain (Jonathan Crompton at QB) on this team. We will know a whole lot more after their trip to the Swamp in two weeks. Prediction: 7-5

4. South Carolina- The Gamecocks looked extremely good on the defensive side of the ball against NC State on Thursday. The offense, however, was awful, and managed only 256 yards of total offense. Still, look for much of the same from this Gamecock team: bad QB play, strong defense, and seven wins. Prediction: 7-5.

5. Kentucky- The Wildcats beat Miami (OH) in their season opener 42-0. Rich Brooks can still coach, and Kentucky will once again compete in every game they play. However, a gap in overall talent is the only thing that separates them from being among the elite teams in the east. Prediction: 6-6.

6. Vanderbilt- The Commodores looked impressive against Western Carolina, winning 45-0. Just like Kentucky, they will be extremely competitive, but will take a small step back after making a bowl game last season. Prediction:4-8.

Western Division

1. Alabama- The Tide, boasting one of the nation's top defenses, held Virginia Tech to only 155 total yards in a huge 34-24 victory. The ground game, led by sophomore Mark Ingram, once again paced the offense. The Tide has a favorable schedule, and should once again be undefeated heading into the SEC Championship game. Prediction: 12-0.

2. Ole Miss- The Rebels struggled for much of their Sunday contest at Memphis. Star quarterback Jevan Snead looked shaky the entire day, throwing two interceptions. Even though they didn't play well on Sunday, look for Houston Nutt to once again get his team playing it's best during the second half of the season. Prediction: 10-2.

3. LSU- The Tigers were given all they could handle Saturday night at Washington by a team that went winless in 2008. LSU won 31-23 behind three touchdown passes from new starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson. Jefferson gives this LSU offense a whole new dimension. Once the defense gets rolling under first year coordinator John Chavis, this LSU team will hard to beat. Prediction: 9-3.

4. Arkansas- The Razorbacks destroyed Missouri State on Saturday, while setting a school record for passing yards in a game with 447. Head Coach Bobby Petrino finally has a quarterback who can run his spread attack in Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett. It will be interesting to see how this season pans out for the Hogs in the second year of the Bobby Petrino era. Prediction: 7-5.

5. Auburn- In his first game as the Head Coach at Auburn, Gene Chizik led the Tigers to a 37-13 victory over a good Louisiana Tech team. Auburn relied heavily on a strong ground game, much as they will the rest of the season. Already feeling pressure on the Plains because of his record at Iowa State (5-19), Chizik needs a decent year to instill confidence in the Auburn faithful. Prediction: 6-6.

6. Mississippi State- Excitement filled the air Saturday in Stakville as Dan Mullen made his head coaching debut for the Bulldogs. Mississippi State handily defeated Jackson State 45-7 behind an impressive 238 yards on the ground. The Bulldogs need to develop a better air attack if they wish to really compete in the strong SEC West this year. Prediction: 4-8

SEC Championship Game

Alabama defeats Florida in another epic and exciting championship battle between these two powerhouses.

Week 2 Predictions

Alabama 52, FIU 7

Auburn 17, Mississippi State 14

LSU 28, Vanderbilt 17

Florida 42, Troy 19

Georgia 14, South Carolina 10

Tennessee 24, UCLA 17