UF tops Dooley Decimal list

If nothing else, there was some upheaval in the SEC in 2008. Florida, of course, won the national title but three coaches were dismissed and new blood was injected into the league. We aren't sure what to think about these new coaches which makes this summer's annual rankings of the football programs a little tougher than usual.

But if it were easy, anybody could do it.

Actually, anybody could do it. It's just that my annual rankings will be published.

This is the seventh year of the Dooley Decimal System, and each year it sure livens up my in-box. These rankings are not where I expect the teams to finish in the SEC, but where I rank the football programs at each school based on many factors — talent, recruiting, coaching, facilities, fan support, athletic director, stability, etc.

So here we go:

1. Florida

Well, duh. The Gators have won two of the last three national titles. No program in America has more momentum going for it than Urban Meyer's team. Meyer has a great coaching staff and continues to dodge the bullet that would take Charlie Strong away from UF. The fan support is as good as any program in the country and the facilities have been upgraded to be among the best. Really, the only flaw in the program right now is the fact that too many players are getting in trouble.

2. Alabama

Again, this is not based on the strength of the team but of the program. I think Alabama is a 9-3 team this season, but look at everything else. Nick Saban was a quarter away from playing for a national title last year. The facilities are constantly being upgraded, and no team in the conference has the tradition of Alabama. The fan support is maniacal. You could make an argument Florida and Alabama could be 1-2 in the country not just in the conference.

3. LSU

Last year was a speed bump for Les Miles. We think. The bottom line is that he has great talent, a beautiful recently-renovated stadium, fans who party like it's 1999 and tremendous tradition. This is an important year for Miles, but I think LSU will be back. Nos. 1 and 2 are clear. No. 3 is a bit murky.

4. Georgia

Because there is Georgia. No stadium has a better setting than Sanford Stadium. Excellent athletic director, barking fans and excellent recruiting. I can't help but wonder if the disappointment of last year cut into the program's momentum, but I believe Mark Richt is an excellent coach.

5. Tennessee

I know Lane Kiffin has yet to win a game in college football, and we still don't know if he can coach. But he has put together an excellent staff, has a stunning recruiting class and has the support of his athletic director no matter what stupid thing comes out of his mouth. I've said it before and I'll say it again — Kiffin will either turn the program around or be a tremendous flop.

6. Mississippi

You could make the argument the Rebels should be higher, but they can't brag about their fan base or stadium the way the others can. Besides, we all know Houston Nutt is a good coach, but he has yet to show he's a great one. He does have momentum going for the program.

7. Arkansas

Nice stadium and decent facilities. Meddling fans ran Houston Nutt out of there. The talent is always a level below the haves in the league. We're all kind of waiting to see what Bobby Petrino can do there.

8. Kentucky

Is it stability if you have a coach-in-waiting? That's the big question in college football. Kentucky fans have been starved for a winner, and Rich Brooks has done a wonderful job. Facilities could use an upgrade but have to wait on hoops.

9. Auburn

The program is in turmoil because of the questionable hiring of Gene Chizik. Auburn has one of the league's best stadiums and a rabid fan base, but you have to wonder about the talent, and we're all scratching our heads over the new coach.

10. South Carolina

Steve Spurrier has put together the best four-year mark of any coach in the school's history. That tells you the Gamies aren't getting high marks for tradition. There's something about that place that turns great coaches into ordinary ones.

11. Mississippi State

It's in Starkville. Points are automatically taken off. the facilities are below average. And the Dan Mullen hire was an odd one. Mullen may turn out to be a good head coach, but it's going to take a long time to turn it around. The pieces simply are not in place.

12. Vanderbilt

It's still a high school stadium with lower-level talent. Bobby Johnson is an excellent coach, but until Vandy decides to take football seriously it will remain at the bottom of the DDS.

Contact Pat Dooley at 374-5053 or at dooleyp@gvillesun.com.