The Winning SEC Formula: Stable QB + Strong DB's = SEC Champ

Winning Formula: In order to be competitive in the SEC, you have to have some pretty good talent in an all-around way to make the list as one of the truly "competitive" SEC teams in any given year. However, as an SEC fan, I have always said that in order to move from the competing status to the SEC contender level, two particular things are required.

First, you must have a quarterback who does not beat his own team. A "game manager" who makes those around him better and whose individual stats are less likely to be notable or award-winning, in and of themselves.

Secondly, you need a well-coached and disciplined defensive backfield, particularly two pretty good cornerbacks. As an LSU fan, I reiterated this right before the 2003 season and again before the 2007 season.

Matt Mauck, Travis Daniels, and Corey Webster had these bases covered in 2003 and Matt Flynn (when healthy), Chevis Jackson, and Jonathon Zenon did so in 2007. LSU got a bit more than an SEC championship out of that formula because it also had an awesome defensive line and especially good skill players. 

There are exceptions as there are in anything in life, but these are the two specific attributes that are particularly essential.

If you look at the history of the SEC, you will see this pattern hold up more times than not. Sure, a front four, safeties, offensive lines, and offensive skill talent is needed, but these are usually in place for the "competitive" teams that are truly in the hunt for an SEC title.

LSU has all of these in place in 2008, but lacks the two primary differentiators. Thus a season without much chance of contending.

SEC 2008: Alabama and Florida have the closest to this formula this year. Georgia seemed to also be on this short list, but is now out of the equation. As such, Bama and Florida are most likely to meet in the SEC championship, and thus will also produce the 2008 SEC champion.............Proving the formula once again