How The SEC Western Division May Be Won In 2008

Last year was probably the strangest college football season ever; though this could be the most exciting, especially if you are an SEC fan.  As many as five teams could have a legitimate shot at the National Championship.  Florida, Georgia, Auburn or Tennessee, possibly LSU as a dark horse, could be crowned National champion. 

Let’s take a look at how the SEC western division may end up in 2008.

We begin with sixth place working our way down to number one and the divisional champion with the right to challenge for the SEC title against the Eastern division champion. 

• *Surprising loss that possibly could happen, but may not.
• Each team’s record represents an overall season of wins and loses that do not include bowl game or the SEC title game.
• Next week I will predict the Eastern Division ranking and Champion, as well as the conclusion of the SEC title game.

6^th Ole Miss: Even though Houston Nutt takes over the head coaching duties for the Rebels he’s not going to be a difference maker this year. A decent recruiting class and some play makers here and there won’t be enough.  However; Houston has proven to be quite capable of coaching up less talent and he’ll win some games the Johnny Rebs shouldn’t.  “ARE – YOU - READY?”

Projected Record: 5-7 

Bowl:  None

Biggest Conference Win: South Carolina

Surprising Loss: Vanderbilt

5^th Arkansas: Not even new head coach of the Razor Backs Bobby Petrino can turn the ship around this quickly.  With the loss of Heisman runner-up Darren McFannin among other notables to the NFL or graduation, the pantry of talent is seemingly bare for now.  That won’t stop the Hogs from rutting up its opponents to some degree.   This coming season with road games against Auburn, Kentucky, Miss. State, and home games against Alabama, Florida and LSU (Little Rock), it’s a tall task to ask for an SEC crown much less a divisional championship. Better hope for a .500 season. 

Projected Record: 6-6

Bowl: Independence

Biggest Conference Win: Miss. State

*Surprising Loss:

4^th Mississippi State: Sylvester Croome and the Dawgs of the Magnolia State produced a surprising season in 2007. Expectations are high with wins over Alabama and Auburn and a Liberty Bowl victory over Central Florida which culminated into a solid year for State in 2007.  The 2008 season will prove to be tougher for the Dawgs as they have Auburn and Arkansas at home and must travel to LSU, Tennessee, Alabama and Ole Miss for the annual Egg Bowl.  That won’t add up to a trip to Hot-lanta this year, just way too tough and not enough talent to compete each week with the top teams.  The Sly Dawgs will steal some wins here and there to keep it interesting.

Projected Record: 8 - 4

Bowl: Music City

Biggest Conference Win: Auburn

*Surprising Loss: La Tech

3^rd LSU: The defending National Champions have too many losses in personnel to write about.  However, the biggest loss is that of projected starting QB Ryan Perrilloux, who was dismissed from the team earlier this year.  That leaves a huge hole at the starting the QB position.  Not a good way to begin the defense of  your National Title.  The Bayou Bangles open the season with three straight cupcakes before traveling to Auburn for the usual “anything can happen” showdown.  Other away games include Florida, South Carolina, and Arkansas.  With home games involving Miss. State, Georgia, Alabama, and then concluding the home stretch with Ole Miss.  After this season LSU head coach Les Miles will wish he had taken the job at Michigan.   

Projected Record: 8-4

Bowl: Outback

Biggest Conference Win: Alabama

*Surprising Loss: Troy

2^nd Alabama:  I know this prediction is a shocker for some. I can’t believe I’m making it but hey the stars fell on Alabama once it could happen again, “Hence the state slogan”.  The Crimson Tide will look to build big on last year’s minor successes and near misses.  The Tide, under first year head coach Nick Saban, proved to be a worthy opponent for most in the SEC during the ’07 campaign.  Make no mistake oh-bama will have a few things to say about who gets to compete for it all concerning the SEC this time around.  With an opening game against Clemson in Atlanta and a home game against Auburn, which never has lost in Bryant – Tuberville Stadium, and road games against Georgia, and LSU, the one thing the Tide nation won’t be able to do is, celebrate another division crown. Not this year anyway… 

Projected Record: 9-3

Bowl: Cotton

Biggest Conference Win: Tennessee

*Surprising Loss: Kentucky

1^St Auburn:  The 2008 version of the Tigers are ready to unload their Tony Franklin version of the spread offense. With practically all their toughest games (LSU, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Georgia) at home, the schedule would seem to be more conducive for wins.  The defense should actually be better than last year’s unit that was very solid most of the season, but did give up some big plays with the game on the line. Not since the Chick-fil-A bowl win against Clemson have the players been able to prove their prowess against anyone other than fellow team mates.  The two quarterback system with returning star Kodi Burns and newcomer Chris Todd makes for an interesting one – two punch with RB’s Ben Tate, Mario Fannin and Brad Lester ready to be a no surprise upper cut needed to make a serious run at the SEC crown and a spot in the national title game.

Projected Record:  11-1

Bowl: Orange Bowl

Biggest Conference Win: Georgia

*Surprising Loss: at Miss. State