Offense replaces defense in SEC

The SEC is in the midst of an offensive explosion. Scoreboards are being illuminated with relative ease all over the league.

Just look at Tuscaloosa, Ala., where Alabama outslugged Arkansas 41-38 last Saturday. Or in Gainesville, where Florida and Tennessee scored 79 points. It's happening everywhere.

Through three weeks, SEC teams are averaging 33.7 points per game. That is up drastically from last year's average of 25.4.

It would seem as though the SEC, a defensive monster a year ago, is shifting more toward an offense-dominated league.

"I think there's probably some truth to that," Georgia coach Mark Richt said.

Last year, three SEC teams ranked in the top 10 in the country in total defense. They were LSU (3), Florida (6) and Georgia (8). This year, there is one: LSU.

Part of the reason is that many of the league's teams have younger defenses. And most of the league's big-time players are on the offensive side of the ball this year.

But coaches say there are other factors to explain this scoring explosion. Like rule changes.

This offseason, kickoffs were moved back five yards to the 30. The NCAA also abolished the rule allowing the clock to start after a change of possession.

The result has been more plays and better field position. Those two elements combine to equal more points.

"Last year the game was shortened about 15 plays a game," Richt said. "Less plays. Less yards. Less points. Now the rules are back."

Other coaches agree.

"I'd say one of the biggest reasons is the kickoff rule," Tennessee's Phillip Fulmer said. "The ball being placed at the 30 is giving offenses better field position. That has a lot to do with it."

All of those factors combined have resulted in teams scoring with ease. Just look at Alabama's 41-38 win over Arkansas or the 79 total points scored between Florida and Tennessee last Saturday as examples.

It's easy to see why. The league is loaded with offensive playmakers. Florida has more than its share. Kentucky quarterback Andre' Woodson and Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge are expected to be high NFL draft choices. And then there's Arkansas running back Darren McFadden (left), a Heisman Trophy candidate and one of the top running backs in recent SEC history.

"There are certainly some high-powered offenses in this league and some playmakers in this league," Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. "It's hard to keep them down all the time."