The SEC Is Looking Weak Again in Men's Hoops

It's basketball season again. Contrary to popular belief, many SEC fans love basketball season. I am one of them. I was a bit miffed last season when the SEC only got three NCAA bids. I felt Auburn should have gotten one, too. I especially felt that way when I saw teams like Maryland and Arizona get in with their puny resumes.

But then, the three SEC teams, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and LSU were out quicker than a hiccup. There was no reason to argue then.

But looking at the teams who were almost good enough to get in, Auburn, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, and South Carolina, and looking what these teams were bringing back, I thought the SEC was in for a good year this year. This was also enhanced by a highly ranked recruiting class among the SEC schools. Kentucky's was out of this world.

I was a bit ticked at the lack of respect the SEC was getting in the preseason. Many "experts" were saying that the league would get anywhere from four to six teams in the NCAA. Five seemed to be the average.

What? Surely with Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt being locks, the SEC could squeeze at least three more teams from the South Carolina, Ole Miss, Florida, LSU, pool? Well, maybe not.

So far the SEC has not exactly been mowing down the competition. Georgia is 1-2. They have lost to Wofford and UAB. Ouch. Auburn is 2-3. They have losses to Missouri State, (who?) UCF (which I am happy about) and NC State. South Carolina got waxed by Miami by 15. Alabama lost to Cornell. Ole Miss lost to Villanova by 12. No shame there.

Mississippi State has a loss to Rider. Vanderbilt has a two point win at St. Mary's and a loss to Cincinnati. Arkansas has a 30 point loss to Louisville. LSU, Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky haven't lost yet.

Florida is playing Florida State on Tuesday. So far the Gators have trailed Troy at halftime and led Georgia Southern at the half by one. Look for their unbeaten streak to end soon. After the 'Noles they have games coming up against Michigan State and Syracuse.

LSU's next game is at UConn. They also have a road game at Xavier. Tennessee has a four point win over DePaul. Kentucky has a two point win over Miami of Ohio.

Right now it's looking like the SEC is digging themselves a huge hole. These early season games are how the NCAA measures conferences against each other. The SEC is stumbling out of the gate. As I type this, Tennessee has a slim lead over Purdue, C'mon Vols. We need this one. Florida vs. FSU tomorrow is also a big one.

The SEC better start winning some of these big games coming up. The SEC-Big East Challenge will be huge. And we need UK to beat Louisville and North Carolina, too. Otherwise we might be looking at a lot of NIT bids again this spring.