History on Thursday Night....

Ladies and gents, we are about to witness the undisputed, ugliest football game in the history of the world.

These uniforms,

on this field,

Prepare yourself. Your eyes will never be the same. Thursday night at 10:15, only on ESPN.

Preseason Top 25 Thoughts

I am a list person. I like to see lists for rankings and standings. I hate it when websites say "LIST" and then its a bunch of paragraphs explaining each ranking without ever showing the list. Well, here at X Marc's The Spot, you want lists, you get lists:

Preseason AP Top 25:

1. Florida

2.Texas

3. Oklahoma

4. USC

5. Alabama

6. Ohio State

7. Virginia Tech

8. Mississippi

9T. Oklahoma State

9T. Penn State

11. LSU

12. California

13. Georgia

14. Boise State

15. Georgia Tech

16. Oregon

17. TCU

18. Florida State

19. Utah

20. BYU

21. North Carolina

22. Iowa

23. Notre Dame

24. Nebraska

25. Kansas

There are no surprises to me in the top four, but I was a bit shocked to see Alabama ranked #5. Alabama had a disastrous ending to the season with losses in the SEC Championship Game followed by the embarrassing Sugar Bowl blowout against Utah. Combine that with breaking in a ton of new starters (including quarterback) and I see Alabama more as a #10. My next shocker on the list would have to be Ole Miss at #8. Voters are impressed with Jevan Snead and an Ole Miss team that beat Florida last year, but that team finished 9-4. I think the Rebels will be a decent football team, but no where near top 10.

With a little luck along the way, teams like Boise State (#14), TCU (#17) and Utah (#19) are set up to be BCS busters again in 2009/10. I don't think we will ever see the day when those teams play for the BCS Title, but I expect to see one of those teams in a BCS bowl game again this year.

Notre Dame at #23 is an interesting vote. The Fighting Irish finished 7-6 last year. Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate should have pretty good junior campaigns. Despite his ridiculous contract, the seat might be getting pretty hot for Charlie Weis if the Irish don't finish in the top 25 this year. Lou Holtz proved, once again, that he is completely out of his mind by picking the Fighting Irish to play in the BCS Champsionship Game. If that happens, I'll run for Senate (wait a second...).

It should be an interesting battle at the top of the polls. You'd be hard pressed to find a college football fan or critic who thinks we won't see some combination of Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and USC in the BCS Title Game. Florida is the preseason consensus pick to win it all, but it is well documented how tough the road can be in the Southeastern Conference. The Gators have never had an undefeated season in school history. That appears to be the Gators motivation in attempts to avoid complacency. If I were a betting man, if that is, my money would be on Florida to win it all again this year.

I'm really getting pumped for the season to start. I'll have a few more predictions out this week along with my SEC game predictions so that more people can call me a bammer homer when I pick VA Tech to beat the parole tide on Saturday. OUSH!

SEC Preview: Vanderbilt Commodores

There were celebrations in Nashville last winter, when the Commodores recorded their first bowl victory in over 50 years. If head coach Bobby Johnson hopes to get his team to another bowl game this year, he will have to figure out a way to get some production out of an offense that managed just over 250 yards per game last year.

Sophomore quarterback Larry Smith will be the man in Nashville after winning his first career start in last year's Music City Bowl. However, if Smith struggles, we could see a quarterback controversy with Mackenzi Adams who started three games last year for the injured Chris Nickson. The good news for the starting quarterback is that all five offensive linemen return. Other than that, there is not much to be excited about on offense for a unit that struggled last year. Bobby Johnson hopes some new faces at receiver will increase production.

The Commodores made it to a bowl game last year by leaning on their defense who was quite stingy in 2008. Vandy returns nine starters on the unit that had 30 takeaways last year. While three of the returning starters each had over 100 tackles last season, replacing the teams star cornerback D.J. Moore will be the toughest task. However, another Vandy corner, Myron Lewis, managed to add five interceptions along with five sacks last year for the defense. Lewis will be the anchor in the secondary with Moore heading to the NFL. The defense will once again be the heart and soul of the Vanderbilt football team.

On special teams, there will be a battle for the new starting place kicker spot with Vandy's career leading scorer Bryant Hahnfeldt graduating. The punter position belongs to Brett Upson who was outstanding last year.

Vandy's schedule is typical of an SEC East team: imposing. Road games at LSU, South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee will test the young quarterbacks and new offensive players. Vandy also plays to out of conference road games at Army and Rice, in addition to hosting Georgia Tech. The Commodores must take advantage of home games and try to develop some potency on offense if they hope to return to a second consecutive bowl game.

PREDICTION:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 7-5

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 3-9

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 4-8 (1-7), last place in the SEC East

SEC Preview: Mississippi State Bulldogs

Bulldog fans in Starkville hope that change is a good thing for the 2009 Mississippi State football team. Head coach Dan Mullen takes over for coach Sly Croom who never quite got the Bulldogs where they wanted to be in the SEC West. Mullen, a former offensive coordinator at the University of Florida, brings his aggressive spread offense to Starkville in hopes of reviving an offense that has been flatlining for the past five or so years. Mullen brings hefty expectations to State after leading the Florida offense to national championships and the youngest Heisman winning quarterback of all time (Tim Tebow for those of who didn't know).

If Mullen hopes to resemble his prior success he will have to expect big things from returning starting quarterback Tyson Lee and running back Anthony Dixon. However, the Bulldogs' first challenge has already struck, in the form of a DUI charge against Dixon. There has been no announcement what the punishment will be for Dixon, but you can expect that the Bulldogs' success on offense will be a direct correlation with how much Dixon sees the field this year. Four starters return to the offensive line to protect Lee and help him deliver passes to wide receiver Brandon McRae who lead the team with 53 receptions last year. You can expect that Mullen will have some pretty effective game plans for the State offense. Whether or not they are executed properly will decide the Bulldogs' offensive fate.

In the past, Mississippi State has typically relied on a stout defense to keep them in games. With only two starters returning this year, the defense will need some new faces to step up and contribute in a hurry. Mullen was able to sign five junior college transfers this spring, some of who are expected to start immediately. Senior linebacker Jamar Chaney, who missed time last year with a knee injury, could be one of the best linebackers in the league if his knee is fully recovered. Question marks surround the defense due to the lack of experience and depth, but new defensive coordinator Carl Torbush hopes that the new faces in Starkville will help bolster the talent on defense.

The special teams units will featuer two new junior college transfers in starting placekicker Sean Brauchle and punter Heath Hutchins. Brauchle was able to connect on two 57 yard field goals during the spring and figures to be a major upgrade over the inept kicking game from last year.

The Bulldogs' schedule will test Mullen in his first year as a head coach. A tough SEC schedule including games against LSU, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida, plus road games at Auburn and Arkansas is tough enough. But the Bulldogs will also host an out of conference game against a Georgia Tech team who looked very strong at the end of last season. With a brand new coaching staff and scheme changes, look for it to be a long year in Starkville while the Bulldogs adjust.

PREDICTIONS:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 7-5

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 3-9

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 4-8 (1-7), last place in the SEC West

SEC Preview: Kentucky Wildcats

Coming off their third straight bowl appearance, the University of Kentucky Wildcats have begun to gain some consistency, while still lacking the depth and talent to compete for conference championships. Most Wildcat fans would be pleased just to make a bowl game year in and out. Well evidenced over the years, however, is that mediocrity is alright in the short term, but you must show that you can compete for championships every now and then to keep a head coaching gig in the SEC.

Rich Brooks hopes that junior quarterback Mike Hartline got the wake-up call midway through last season when he was benched in favor of a wide receiver-turned-running quarterback Randall Cobb. Cobb has been moved back to wideout and Hartline will get the nod to start the season once again. The Wildcats' passing offense was dreadful last year, finishing 96th in the nation. The offensive line is anchored by three seniors, so that could be a strength if the youngsters come along quickly. After three years of being a backup, Alfonso Smith will finally be the starting running back. Randall Cobb should be a playmaker at wideout, but only as long as Hartline is able to get him the ball enough.

On defense, the Wildcats return one of the nations best defensive backs in senior Trevard Lindley. Lindley will likely be a first round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Other than that, the Wildcats return just two other starters, neither of which are impact players. With sack leader Jeremy Jarmon violating a banned substance policy and being ineligible for the 2009-10 season, the defense will have very little depth or experience. Other than Lindley, the defense could be a big liability if some new faces to step up and answer the call.

The Wildcats senior place kicker Lones Seiber has been hot and cold througout his career, more cold as of late. By his senior year, he should be more consistent. Sophomore Ryan Tydlacka will handle the punting duties and could even get a shot at field goals if Seiber continues to struggle.

With a tough schedule, Kentucky will rely on winning some of its easier games at home against teams like Eastern Kentucky and Lousiana-Monore. However, those look like the only two guaranteed wins for the whole season. Out of conference games against Louisville and at Miami (Ohio) are toss ups. Kentucky's conference schedule is no easier with foes like Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee on the schedule. A school record fourth consecutive bowl appearance would be a phenomenal feat for a mediocre Kentucky team with a tricky schedule.

PREDICTIONS:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 8-4

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 2-9

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 4-8 (1-7) 5th place in the SEC East

SEC Preview: South Carolina Gamecocks

The University of South Carolina Gamecocks have been the model for mediocrity in the SEC East since head coach Steve Spurrier took over five years ago. The cocks have had their fair share of upsets during Spurrier's reign, but have failed to live up to the high expectations that Spurrier's arrival brought to Columbia. With a resume like his, it is doubtful that the 'Ol Ball Coach is on the hot seat. But with a few more middle of the SEC East pack seasons, locals in Columbia could be convincing Spurrier to retire from coaching sooner than he had hoped.

Offense has always been the bread and butter for Spurrier's teams. Stephen Garcia has been well publicized in his few years at South Carolina, but not for his play on the field. Garcia has constantly been having issues off the field, both in the classroom and off campus as well. He has all the tools to be a solid SEC quarterback if he can stay out of trouble, and that is probably the biggest key to the Gamecocks' season. The cocks will feature some new faces on offense, like highly touted freshman Stephen Gilmore, and sophomore running back Eric Baker. But as I said, the key to success on offense is squarely on the shoulders of Stephen Garcia.

The Gamecock defense should be on par with the past few seasons: good enough to win some games if the offense doesn't put their backs against the wall too often. Linebacker Eric Norwood's decision to return for his senior year will help the Gamecock pass rush in addition to adding veteran leadership. The secondary will be the question mark for this year's defense. The cocks return only one starter in a secondary which ranked #2 in the nation in pass defense last year. It will be extremely tough replacing three starters, but if some of the younger guys who played sparingly last year managed to pick up enough game experience and knowledge to carry over to this year, it could be another year of solid defense in Columbia.

Spencer Lanning will handle both the kicking and punting duties for the Gamecocks in 2009. He has been a solid punter, averaging over 42 yards per punt last year, but has never attempted a field goal in a college game. The cocks haven't shown that they have a threat to run back kicks or punts, so those duties should be up for grabs to begin the season.

The Gamecocks will kick off the 2010 college football season with a road trip to NC State on Thursday, September 3rd for a night game on ESPN. After a road trip to Athens the next week, the cocks have 5 straight home games before a tough road test at Alabama. The last four games of the season could be brutal for the cocks: road trips to Tennessee and Arkansas, followed by home contests against Florida and Clemson. The cocks better win some early games if they hope to make another bowl appearance this year.

PREDICTIONS:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 8-4

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 4-8

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 6-6 (2-6) 4th place in the SEC East

SEC Preview: Auburn Tigers

After an unimpressive 2008 campaign, the Auburn Tigers have a new head coach in former defensive coordinator Gene Chizik. Although the Auburn Family was less than thrilled with the hiring, Chizik silenced many critics by assembling one of the top assistant coaching staffs in the nation. The Tigers are also hot on the recruiting trail, making the short list for several of the top high school players across the country. If Auburn expects to sign any of the top players in the 2010 recruiting class, they need to show some progress on the field in 2009.

New offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has brough much excitement to the Loveliest Village on the Plains. Malzahn's offense was number one in the nation last year at Tulsa. Malzahn will look to senior quarterback Chris Todd to lead his version of the spread offense. The new OC has been adamant about running the football successfully and controlling the tempo of the game. Senior running back Ben Tate is poised for a breakout season if Malzahn follows through with his promise to focus on the ground game. The Tigers must focus on getting the ball into the hands of the playmakers on offense if they wish to improve on a dreadful 2008 numbers. Mario Fannin and Onterrio McCaleb have been outstanding in scrimmages, but must prove they can handle the load during actual games. True Freshman quarterback Tyrik Rollison has been very impressive in preseason and appears to be the favorite for the backup role unless junior Neil Caudle can hold him off. Either way, it appears as though Rollison is the future franchise player for the Tigers.

New defensive coordinator Ted Roof is an experienced guy who plays a very aggressive style of defense. Roof comes from Minnesota to help the Tigers improve their number of takeaways and continue to focus on stopping the run. The loss of Sen'Derrick Marks and Jerraud Powers will hurt the Tigers, but the biggest question mark on the team is depth at linebacker. A few injuries at the LB position and the Tigers will be turning to freshmen and walk-ons to contribute. Look for Auburn to play more nickel and dime packages to keep less linebackers on the field during 2009. Junior college transfer Eltoro Freeman (nicknamed "The Bull") has fans excited with a stellar spring and summer performance. Freeman absolutely flies to the ball and punishes ball carriers with a downhill, hard hitting style of play. Opponents expect Auburn's strength to be their defense and this year should be no exception.

The Tigers return kicker Wes Byrum who had a major sophomore slump in 2008. Byrum had an oustanding freshmen campaign, including a game winning kick as time expired at Florida (which he actually kicked twice) but had a pitiful sophomore season. Walk-on punter Clinton Durst was finally awarded a scholarship after a tremendous summer and fall camp performance. He should be among the SEC's best punters. The return game is up in the air at the moment- coaches have not set a depth chart.

The Tigers play only four road games in 2009, but they are in extremely hostile stadiums: Tennessee, Arkansas, LSU and UGA. An out of conference home game against West Virginia will be the first major test for the Tigers before getting into the heart of their schedule. If the offense comes together as expected (and those expectations should be tempered after the botched Tony Franklin experiment) and the defense can stay healthy, the Tigers could potentially be a force in the SEC West, but there are too many question marks to say for certain.

PREDICTION:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 9-3

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 5-7

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 6-6 (3-5), 5th place in the SEC West

SEC Preview: Tennessee Volunteers

If preseason ranks were based on off-season publicity, there is no doubt that the University of Tennessee would be ranked #1 in everyone's poll. Lane Kiffin didn't take long to begin rattling cages when he was hired in December of 2008. Kiffin takes over a program that former coach Phil Fulmer left in bad shape, by Volunteer standards. The Vols expect to compete for the SEC East title year in and year out, but the Vols haven't won the division since 2004, and had a dreadful year (5-7) in 2008.

Kiffin must hope that senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton will be much improved from last year if the Vols will have any success on offense. The offense should feature some new faces this year, including the nation's number one running back recruit in Bryce Brown. Brown should get significant playing time in 2009, but will most likely start behind senior running back Monterio Hardesty. Returning junior Gerald Jones is a versatile guy who could get touches at running back, wide receiver and maybe some wildcat type situations. The Vols best days on offense are in the future with a solid recruiting effort by Kiffin and staff.

Defense should be the foundation of the 2009 version of the Tennessee Volunteers. Long time NFL defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin joined his son, Lane, to assume the same role for the Vols. Monte has some serious talent to work with on defense. Junior safety Eric Berry is one of, if not the, best players in the nation at any position. Berry will likely be a top five pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and should be an absolute monster in the defensive backfield again this year. The Vols are experienced and quick on defense and there is no reason the unit shouldn't be among the best in the SEC.

The Vols return experienced players on special teams with kicker Daniel Lincoln and part timer Chad Cunningham returning to handle the punting duties. Gerald Jones and Dennis Rogan are dangerous returners who threaten to run back kicks at any moment.

As with any SEC East team, the Vols schedule looks threatening. The good part is only four games will be played away from intimidating Neyland Stadium in Knoxville: at Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss and Kentucky. However, the home schedule isn't a cakewalk with teams like UCLA, Auburn, Georgia, and South Carolina coming to visit. With an solid coaching staff and an abundance of fresh, young talent, the Vols are still a year or two away from being relevant in the SEC, although they could ruin a few team's dreams in 2009.

PREDICTION:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 9-3

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 5-7

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 6-6 (3-5), 3rd place in the SEC East

SEC Preview: Ole Miss Rebels

The expectations are very high in Oxford during Houston Nutt's second year as head coach of the Rebels. Though Ole Miss has never made it to Atlanta to play in the SEC Championship Game, the Rebels are expecting big things in 2009.

Junior quarterback Jevan Snead returns after a strong finish to the 2008 season. Snead, who transferred from Texas after losing the QB battle with Heisman hopeful Coly McCoy, is probably the SEC's best pure quarterback (not a knock on Tebow, but Snead's game translates better on the next level). Senior wide receiver Dexter McCluster also returns as the Reb's top playmaker. McCluster is a do-it-all type guy (who has earned comparison to Florida's Percy Harvin) who was in the top 10 in rushing yards, receptions and receiving yards, as well as all-purpose yards in the SEC. Another weapon on offense is senior wide out Shay Hodge who is the SEC's active leader in receptions, yards and TD's.

Ole Miss should be nasty on defense with the return of defensive end Greg Hardy. Hardy battled injuries last season but still managed to earn 8.5 sacks and is constantly giving offensive coordinators headaches. Hardy's return, along with the fact that the Rebels boasted the nations fourth best rush defense in 2008, means that Ole Miss should be solid on defense.

Senior kicker Josh Shene has been a reliable player for the Rebels and should continue to be so this year. Return specialist Marshay Green will be back to field punts after a mediocre year in 2008. Special teams should not be an issue for the Rebels, but is still probably the weakest part of their game, outside of placekicker.

The Rebel's schedule is set up nicely with most of the tougher games at home (including Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and LSU). The Reb's open the year with a road game at Memphis which should result in an easy win. It is never easy to win on the road in the SEC, but Ole Miss doesn't necessarily have the biggest home field advantage at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (capacity just over 60,000). I expect to see a few home losses throughout the season but the potential is there for the Rebels to contend for the SEC West title.

PREDICTION:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 11-1

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 7-5

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 9-3 (5-3), tied for 3rd in the SEC West.

SEC Preview: Arkansas Razorbacks

A team that could be surprise some opponents in the SEC is the Arkansas Razorbacks. The big news in Fayetteville is transfer quarterback Ryan Mallett taking the reigns on offense.

Bobby Petrino has always been an great quarterbacks coach and is generally recognized as an offensive genius. Petrino will find a way to score points and should have a much easier time during his second season as head coach of the Razorbacks. Mallett, a sophomore, transfered from Michigan after Rich Rodriguez made it known that he was less than thrilled with Mallett in his version of the spread offense. He has a big time arm and stands at 6'7, so he should have no problems seeing the field. Mallett has some weapons returning on offense with guys like junior tight end DJ Williams and small, but deadly running back Michael Smith. Replacing two offensive linemen will be an important key to success for Arkansas.

The defense has no choice but to improve from last year when the Razorbacks ranked last in the SEC. Arkansas gave up at least 21 points in every single game last year. Typically, defense is king in the SEC, but Petrino is a guy who is more aggressive than most head coaches. If the Razorbacks want to improve on last year's 5-7 record, the returning starters will need to rely on their experience to control field position. Defensive end Malcom Shepard had 6.5 sacks last year and loves to wreak havoc in the backfield. With seven upperclassmen starting on defense, I expect to see the unit improve from last year.

On special teams, the Razorbacks didn't make a field goal attempt over 30 yards last year. That is unacceptable for a big time college program. Kicker Alex Tejada had a big time sophomore slump last season after an impressive freshmen campaign. He will need to regain his first year form to keep his job this year. The Razorbacks will also break in a new punter in 2009.

The schedule for the Razorbacks is moderate: road games at Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, Ole Miss, and LSU. The 'backs also take on UGA, Auburn, South Carolina, and Mississippi State at home along with what could be a tough out of conference home game against Troy. With five of their last six games at home, the Razorbacks could find themselves in the middle of the pack in the SEC West if they can manage to control things on defense while Mallett and the offense get rolling.

PREDICTION:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 9-3

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 5-7

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 8-4 (5-3) 3rd Place in the SEC West

SEC Preview: University of Georgia

The University of Georgia Bulldogs have come to expect success year in and out, even while competing in the SEC East, a division that is probably the toughest in all of college football. Expectations must be tempered this year in Athens as the Bulldogs play one of the most difficult schedules in the nation this year as well. The Bulldogs need to avoid the injury bug that plagued the preseason national championship caliber team last season. Replacing starting quarterback Matthew Stafford as well as star running back Knowshon Moreno will make it even tougher for a Bulldog team that won 10 games in 2008.

On offense, senior quarterback Joe Cox will finally get the opportunity to be the full time starter for the dawgs. Cox, a perennial backup, will have to prove that he can handle being an SEC caliber quarterback. He has never thrown more than 28 passes in a single season during his backup years in Athens. Cox will, however, have the benefit of playing behind four returning offensive linemen. Cox also has an excellent target in sophomore wideout A.J. Greene. Sophomore running back Caleb King will get the first shot to replace Moreno. King was highly touted coming out of high school and has dealt with injuries over the years but definitely has the abilities to be a great SEC running back if he can stay healthy.

Defensively, the dawgs have plenty of experience. Seven projected starters are seniors and the other four are juniors. The defensive line is big and nasty in the middle, anchored by nose guard Geno Atkins. Georgia needs to find a threat from the defensive end position which accounted for only 11 sacks in 2008. The Bulldogs will miss former cornerback Asher Allen anchoring the secondary but hope that experience and depth at the position will fill the shoes that Allen left behind.

On special teams, the dawgs return placekicker Blair Walsh but will feature a new punter in Drew Butler. Prince Miller is back to handle the return duties for UGA once again. Miller showed that he is capable of being a dangerous return man and an asset on special teams.

Georgia's schedule is not very friendly with a road trip to play Oklahoma State in week one. The Dawgs also host Arizona State and travel to Georgia Tech for an extremely tough out of conference schedule. As if the out of conference games weren't enough, the dawgs have to play Florida at a neutral site in Jacksonville, FL, South Carolina, LSU and Auburn at home as well as tough conference road games at Arkansas, Tennesse and Vanderbilt. With all of the new key position starters and tough schedule, it could potentially be a long year for Bulldog fans. With a little luck and some key guys stepping up early, the dawgs should easily make it to a bowl game. But with Florida in control of the East, UGA is likely destined for second place in 2009.

PREDICTION:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 9-3

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 5-7

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 7-5 (5-3) and 2nd place in the SEC East

SEC Preview: LSU

Since the early 2000's, the Louisiana State University Tigers have been a major player on the scene, both in the SEC and nationally. The Bayou Bengals have won two BCS National Championships: once in 2003 under then head coach Nick Saban and again in 2007 under current head coach Les Miles. With one of the most ferocious and intimidating venues in all of college football, Baton Rouge is a tough place for opposing players and fans to visit with 92,000 screaming fans screaming, chanting and intimidating opponents. Can the Tigers use their strong home field advantage, outstanding recruiting class and the arrival of well-hyped defensive coordinator John Chavis to produce a better result than last year's 8-5 record?

If LSU expects to improve on last year's record they will need to find some consistency at quarterback. Last year, the Tigers used a quarterback by committee type approach before Jordan Jefferson, now in his sophomore year, won the job for good late in the season. The line protecting Jefferson will feature two new starters, but returns both starting tackles which is usually a great foundation. Senior running back Charles Scott will get the majority of carries for the Tigers' running game. SEC receptions leader in 2008, Brandon LaFell, returns to Baton Rouge for his senior year. LSU also signed the number one reciever in the 2009 recruiting class in Rueben Randle. Randle is expected to contribute as a freshman and could perhaps be the number two target behind LaFell.

LSU head coach Les Miles has done an outstanding job of recruiting talent to Baton Rouge. The Tigers hope that some new talent will help solidify what is typically a strong defensive unit at LSU. In the past two years, the Tigers have lost two top-five picks to the NFL draft with Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. The front four for the Tigers needs to find solid replacements to step up and fill those holes. Behind the D-line are two returning linebackers who were very dependable in 2008, Perry Riley and Kelvin Sheppard. Both starting cornerbacks return for LSU which could be a good or a bad thing depending on their progression. Chris Hawkins and Patrick Peterson were both new starting corners last year and showed signs of vulnerability at certain times. Perhaps the spring and summer workouts have given the LSU secondary enough experience to control field position enough for the offense to get into a groove.

On special teams, the Tigers will have a brand new look with the exception of dangerous return man Trindon Holliday. LSU will feature a new kicker and punter this year. Former kicker Colt David was dependable for the Tigers and will be missed. Special teams will be a question mark for the bayou bengals.

The Tigers begin the season with a trip to Seattle to play the University of Washington, a team that was winless in 2008. A trip across the country is never easy, but the Tigers should have no problem with this out of conference road game. The Tigers also travel to Starkville, Athens, Tuscaloosa and Oxford for tough SEC road games in addition to hosting SEC juggernaut Florida and division rival Auburn. If the Tigers get consistent quarterback play from Jefferson and continue to play stingy defenses, the Tigers have a shot to contend for the SEC West.

PREDICTION:

Realistic Best Case Scenario: 11-1

Realistic Worst Case Scenario: 8-4

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 10-2 (6-2), 2nd place in the SEC West

SEC Preview: University of Alabama

As always for a program with rich tradition and a history of success, expectations are quite high for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. The fan base always expects the Tide to field a team that is capable of winning championships, and this year is no exception. Alabama is coming off a 12-0 regular season followed by consecutive losses to Florida in the SEC Championship Game followed by Utah in the Sugar Bowl. Many voters believe Alabama will indeed win the SEC West again in 2009-2010. Will we see a rematch of last year's SEC title game? Perhaps, but the Tide have some questions to answer before that can be determined.

On offense, the Tide have to replace starting quarterback John Parker Wilson. Junior Greg McElroy won the job during the offseason and looks poised to take over an offense that will look quite different from the 2008 version. McElroy will be taking snaps behind an offensive line that features three new starters, including left tackle, center, and right guard. Former left tackle Andre Smith (#6 overall pick in this year's NFL draft) will be missed while McElroy learns to adjust to the speed of SEC defenses. Offensive line isn't the only position that will be revamped in 2009: the starting running back and tight end positions will feature new starters this year in sophmore running Mark Ingram, who lead them team with 12 touchdowns last year, and a pair of tight ends in senior Colin Peek and Brad Smelley.

If McElroy can manage the offense and not turn the ball over, the Tide has potential to be solid on offense. Sophomore receiver stud Julio Jones, who broke just about every school record for a freshman receiver last year, will be the focal point for offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. Jones had 58 catches for 924 yards last season but managed to find the endzone only 4 times. The Tide need to focus on looking for Jones in the redzone to really maximize his potential. With Jones' size and speed (6-4, 210 lbs and a 40 yard dash in the 4.4 range) he should have no problem scoring more during his sophomore season.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban always fields a ferocious defense and this season will be no exception. Last year's defense was one of the elite units in the country and returns nine starters in 2009. Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart has to be pleased that senior nose tackle Terrance Cody (more affectionately known by the Tide faithful as "Mount Cody", standing at 6'5 and 365 pounds) decided to return for another year of terrorizing SEC offensive lines. The defensive line as a whole should be giving opposing offenses fits this season. Behind the line returns one of the top linebacking corps in the nation including junior Rolando McClain and sophomore Dont'a Hightower. With Alabama's base 3-4 defense, the Tide does an outstanding job of fielding a speedy defense fronted with huge lineman.

Returning to the Tide's secondary are Jim Thorpe watch list cornerback Javier Arenas, who is one of the best shutdown corners in the league, as well as last year's other starting cornerback Kareem Jackson. Replacing Rashad Jones at free safety will be the toughest task for the Alabama defense. If they can find a solid replacement, the Crimson Tide should be among the best defensive units in the nation once again.

Special teams should be a strength for the Tide as well. Placekicker Leigh Tiffin and punter P.J. Fitzgerald return to the field. Javier Arenas also handles the return duties for the Tide. Last season Arenas returned three punts for touchdowns and hopes to build on that number this year.

Many SEC fans are quick to criticize the tactics of Alabama head coach Nick Saban. Allegations have been flying since last year about illegal recruiting tactics and NCAA violations. The Tide has appealed a decision from the NCAA regarding a text book scandal which caused the loss of scholarships for several sports, including football. Saban has also dismissed an extraordinarily high number of players from his program over the past few years. It is safe to say that the NCAA will be keeping a close eye on the goings on in Tuscaloosa for the next couple of years. But no matter how Saban gets his recruits to campus, he brought the #1 signing class of 2009 to campus, and once they arrive, Saban makes sure they get it done on the field as well. Unfortunately for opposing SEC teams, the NCAA oversight committee might be the only group who can stop the Tide this year.

The Tide open the season in Atlanta with an out of conference matchup against Virginia Tech, who just lost their leading rusher Darren Evans for the year to an ACL injury. With the exception of a tough Hokie team, Alabama's out of conference opponents combined for just seven wins last season. With their toughest road game in Oxford against Ole Miss on October 10th, the Tide definitely have a schedule for success in 2009. Despite hosting LSU and playing the Iron Bowl in Auburn this year, Alabama has one of the easy conference schedules in the SEC. If the offense comes around early in the year, I expect big things from the Crimson Tide.

PREDICTIONS:

Realistic best case scenario: 12-0

Realistic worst case scenario: 9-3

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 10-2 (7-1) and a loss in the SECCG to Florida

SEC Preview: University of Florida

Where do you begin to discuss the defending champion Florida Gators? I'm sure many discussions start with something like, "It's a bird! It's a Plane!" Most people believe the biggest strength of the team is the return of Heisman winning quarterback Tim Tebow. Sure, it's always great to get a Heisman winner and a great leader like Tebow back on the field, but perhaps a different element of the 2009 version of the Florida Gators is more impressive: the Gators return all 11 starters on defense. Oklahoma sure can vouch for the most over-used, cliche saying in sports: "Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships."

Florida's defense held an Oklahoma team scored at least 58 points in each of the last six weeks of season to just 14 points in 24-14 win in the the BCS Championship Game in January. That was the same Oklahoma team whose season low point total was 35, a team who scored 50 or more points nine times during the year. So why dwell on last year? Normally I wouldn't, but the Gators return all 11 starters, which is almost unheard of. Oh, and if that wasn't enough, 10 of the defensive backups return this year. There should be no question marks on defense for the Gators. So how about offense?

Tim Tebow's decision to return for his senior year definitely bolsters

the Gators chance of defending their title in 2009. Tebow's leadership maybe be more im

portant to this team than his ability to lead the offense, and that is a big statement. Florida is so stacked with talent that a few media personnel have said that an injury to Tebow wouldn't necessarily remove the Gators from national title contention. Backup quarterback John Brantley has been getting rave reviews this offseason. Hopefully for the Gator Nation, Brantley is only seen in mop-up duty in 2009.

The Gators also return some other weapons on offense including tight end Aaron Hernandez (first team preseason All-SEC), wide receivers Riley Cooper and Deonte Thompson, as well as a committee of running backs that are expected to share the load. Replacing the versatile Percy Harvin will be a tough task in Gainesville. You can't replace a guy like that, you just have to hope for alternative options. Last year's second leading receiver Louis Murphy left some big shoes to fill as well. But head coach Urban Meyer certainly has plenty of options to choose from. In addition to replacing Harvin and a few other key players on offense, the Gators have a new offensive coordinator in Steve Addazio after former offensive coordinator Dan Mullen took the head coaching position at Mississippi State. Despite some of the losses on offense, Addazio steps into a position that most OC's would envy: he's got arguably the best football player in the nation running his offense and a defense that should provide his team with outstanding field position throughout the year.

On special teams, the Gators caught a break when kicker Jonathan Phillips was granted medical hardship waiver for a 2007 injury, allowing him an extra year of eligibility. The Gators also return the top punter in the SEC in junior Chas Henry. The Gators return team is always a threat to take one back, especially Brandon James who proved last year that he is capable of being one of the best return men in the country.

It is easy to see why the Gators are the consensus preseason number one in the AP polls and just about everyone's pick to win the BCS Championship again in 2009-2010. If they do repeat, the Gators will be the first team to repeat back to back years during the BCS era. It appears as though the Gators have the tools to be the first repeat BCS Champion, and the first repeat national champion since Nebraska won back to back championships in 1994 and 1995.

Looking at the Gators schedule, things are set up quite nicely for the Gators to make a title defense. A road game at LSU on October 10th is easily the Gators biggest test. Florida has two non-conference opponents at home to open the season before hosting Tennessee in their first SEC game. Tenneesee head coach Lane Kiffin has been all over the news since his hiring in November of 2008. His controversial comments and repeated recruiting violations have hardly kept him out of the spotlight. Kiffin really rattled the cages in Gainesville when he tried to publicly criticize and report alleged recruiting violations against the Gators. Those allegations ended up being not true, according to findings of SEC Commissioner Mike Slive. Don't be surprised to see Urban Meyer pull out all the stops in that game as Florida should be anxious to teach Lane Kiffin a lesson in how things are done in the SEC.

The event formerly known as "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" takes place once again on Halloween in Jacksonville between the Gators and the Georgia Bulldogs. Florida has had the upper hand over the past few years in this rivalry and I don't expect things to change this year. On November 28, in-state rival Florida State comes to Gainesville for the regular season finale. FSU just doesn't have the horses to compete with the Gators depth and experience. The Florida Gators have a very realistic chance of defending their title in Pasedena in January.

Predictions:

Realistic best case scenario: 12-0

Realistic worst case sceanario: 10-2

X Marc's The Spot Predicts: 11-1 (7-1) and a win in the SEC Championship Game.

The Gators will win the SEC and go on to become the first BCS repeat champion by beating the Texas Longhorns in Pasadena.

It's That Time of Year...

As rush hour traffic becomes more crowded with large yellow buses, winter clothing starts appearing in stores and Starbucks re-introduces the Pumpkin Spice Latte, one thing is obvious: football season is here!

Nothing is more exciting on college campuses across the country than the anticipation of the upcoming season. It has been 7 months since we saw Florida take care of business in 24-14 win over Oklahoma in the BCS Championship Game. National Signing Day has passed, new recruits are on campus and preseason camps are under way across the nation. In one region, in particular, the intensity and interest in college football never slowed down: The Southeastern Conference.

If you still need convincing that the SEC enthusiasts are among the most passionate of all sports fans, look no further than the SEC Media Days which occurred in late July. Over one thousand credentials were issued to the media to cover the 3 day event which included all twelve head coaches as well as a select number of players from each of the SEC schools. You just

don't see that kind of interest in any other conference.

Stand around a water cooler in just about any city in the state of Alabama in mid-June and you will most likely be hearing co-workers debating the dominance of their favorite in-state program. Walk into a barbeque restaurant in the state of Louisiana wearing a Florida Gators shirt and I'll bet you'll hear at least one or two "Tiger Bait" chants before you are done with your meal. I'm not saying these things don't happen in the mid-west, Big-Ten land or in the home of the Pac-10, but I am saying that it doesn't happen near as often. The SEC simply has more passion and interested fans than any other league across the nation, period. Whether or not you believe that it is the strongest football conference in the country, the SEC has won 3 of the past 4 BCS Championships and has garnered an unprecedented amount of interest on a year round basis from the public.

So in the next few days and weeks you will be seeing an expansive preview of SEC Football and team by team coverage. I'll wet your appetite and little bit and get you started with my predicted regular season records and standings:

SEC EAST:

1. Florida 11-1 (7-1)

2. UGA 7-5 (5-3)

3. Tennessee 6-6 (3-5)

4. South Carolina 6-6 (2-6)

5. Kentucky 4-8 (1-7)

6. Vanderbilt 4-8 (1-7)

SEC WEST:

1. Alabama 10-2 (7-1)

2. LSU 10-2 (6-2)

3. Arkansas 8-4 (5-3)

4. Ole Miss 9-3 (5-3)

5. Auburn 6-6 (3-5)

6. Miss St. 4-8 (1-7)

SEC Championship Game: Florida def. Alabama

Stay tuned for a team by team breakdown and analysis before the season kicks off on September 3rd.