The Big Questions Each SEC Football Team Must Answer in 2010

Larry Burton (Panama City Beach, Fla.): Every team in the SEC has one big question they must try and answer this season. Here they are in alphabetical order.

Alabama

Can Alabama repeat a national championship run?

Last year was an overall down year for the SEC, yet the Tide had two close calls in the conference. With the overall conference talent going up, it is going to be harder for them this year than last.

They have the talent to do it, but it often takes a lot more than talent. Perhaps the big question could be re-phrased: will they work as hard this year as last?

Arkansas

Will Ryan Mallet coming back for his senior season make the difference in Arkansas' bid to be a contender?

Last year the Hogs showed they have talent, but they were inconsistent. Mallet's play did nothing to have have NFL scouts drooling over him, just glimpses of what was possible.

Is this the year he finally shows all that promise and strings together a solid season? If he does, the Hogs could be a real spoiler if not a true contender.

Auburn

An interesting question could be, is the ex-Gator, ex-JUCO quarterback going to lead Auburn back up the SEC food chain? The problem has not been Auburn scoring points, but keeping others from scoring.

So the real question for Auburn is, is this the year they get another Auburn-type defense going? Giving up 30 or more points four times last year is not typical Auburn. It's apparent offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn can put up points, but when will the Tigers stop others?

Florida

What will life be like without Tim Tebow?

John Brantley is a better passer than Tebow. That's a big statement for a guy who never started a college game, and comparing him to a Heisman Trophy winner, but it's true.

The question is: can he be close to being the same kind of leader Tebow was as well as being the same kind of winner. Talk about filling big shoes, Tebow was the Florida offense last year.

Life without Tebow could be blessing in disguise. This could actually make Florida a more well-rounded team and actually make them more dangerous.

Georgia

Is this going to be another year of the "same old same old" for Georgia, or can Mark Richt finally get Georgia over the hump?

Georgia is consistent. They are a consistent also-ran in the SEC, a good team, but never a great one.

There have been quiet grumblings among some of the Georgia elite over this. Has Richt been listening and can he finally stand and challenge Florida?

This could be his only year to seize that opportunity. With the Urban Meyer questions and a new QB at Florida, if they don't grab the ring this year, a seasoned Brantley next year may make it impossible to ever do it.

Kentucky

Are the good old days gone with the retirement of Rich Brooks?

Rich Brooks led Kentucky to a record four straight bowls and was beloved at Kentucky despite never beating Tennessee, South Carolina, or Florida. In Kentucky, that's enough to make him the second best coach they've ever had.

The big question for the Cats this year is what will life without Brooks be like as Joker Phillips takes over?

LSU

Were the mediocre seasons encountered lately a blip on the radar or has LSU permanently slipped to an SEC also-ran?

Since backing into a national championship with a two-loss season, LSU has gone steadily downhill. It's becoming apparent that those who were pointing to LSU's brief success under Miles being attributed more to Saban's old players is proving true.

Left to his own on a team now surrounded by highly athletic players developed exclusively by Miles, they don't resemble the same team he inherited. Is this the year the LSU fans finally demand more?

Mississippi State

How much better will the Dogs be under Dan Mullen than last year?

Though the record doesn't show it, this team was much better last year than years before. They could and did score and throw scares into many good teams. Mullen's magic began to work.

Now everyone is waiting to see how much better it will get this year. If this man can turn the recruiting around, he's going to be a force to reckoned with.

Ole Miss

After falling on their face last year, how much further will they fall this year?

Jevan Snead didn't do himself or his team any good last year in fulfilling the hype that they could be SEC contenders. Now the question is how far do they fall this year before starting back up?

Nutt now takes over a team that is mostly of his making and philosophy. He works best as an underdog and never as a front runner, so is this the year he rebounds? This year will answer that question.

South Carolina

Is the Old Ball Coach just treading water or building a winner at S.C.?

This has been called the best team Spurrier will have since taking over at S.C. Does that mean contender or just the best of the rest of the mediocre teams they've fielded?

When will any of the magic bubble to the top or has the Old Ball Coach simply run out of tricks? This is the year that question may be answered once and for all.

Tennessee

How will the players and fan react to the new Dooley era?

Fans at Tennessee proved they would back the coach if it was Satan himself, that is at least, until he jilts them. But the real question is how will the players react to yet another coach with a big name and no big results of his own.

What will a new coach do with a new QB and virtually new staff? This will be a good year to see what Tennessee is made of.

Vanderbilt

After going to a bowl for the first time since before any other players were born, last year's team fell to 2-10. Therefore the big question for Vandy is, with this schedule, a real killer, is can things get much worse?

Vanderbilt has a great coach but is trying to win a NASCAR race in a Yugo. They need talent on both sides of the ball to help things there.

If you think your team has a better question to be answered by this season, let me know.