One of the biggest reasons I find the SEC Media Days invaluable (despite inane questions from pseudo-media members) is simple — you can read all the preseason magazines you want but spending three days eyeballing players, listening to coaches and getting a feel for confidence levels gives you a better idea of what to expect each season.
It’s hardly an infallible method. I’ve been sucked into believing in a team at this event in the past two decades only to see it win three games.
But I do know that I often leave Hoover with a different feeling about a team than I had driving up I-65 to get there.
So here we go:
ALABAMA
Going in: Even with all of the players lost to the NFL, Alabama is the team to beat in the SEC because of Nick Saban.
Coming out: If the Tide can get past Michigan in the opener and Arkansas in week three, the Nov. 3 game at LSU may be bigger than last year’s.
ARKANSAS
Going in: Arkansas is a mess because of the Bobby Petrino scandal and has no chance to have a special season.
Coming out: John L. Smith may sound like your crazy uncle but the 63-year old coach has instilled his players with a level of confidence that was surprising.
AUBURN
Going in: Gene Chizik captured lightning in a bottle two years ago and will have another pedestrian season.
Coming out: Auburn’s game against Mississippi State early in the season is huge for both teams and a win could propel the Tigers to a nice year.
FLORIDA
Going in: The Gators will be better but I’m still not sure about the quarterback play.
Coming out: Because we deal with this team all the time, not much changed in Hoover. The national media came away thinking Florida might be pretty good this year.
GEORGIA
Going in: Georgia has a tough team and a soft schedule and might be a national championship contender.
Coming out: Mark Richt has that look like he knows he has a special team but also knows that it’s college football and anything can happen.
KENTUCKY
Going in: It’s going to be another long year for Joker Phillips.
Coming out: When does basketball season start?
LSU
Going in: Can the Tigers get over the massive hangover that has been a black cloud this offseason?
Coming out: LSU is the team to beat in the league. If Zach Mettenberger is as good as everyone says he is, the Tigers might be unstoppable.
MISSISSIPPI
Going in: Is Mississippi still in the league?
Coming out: Hugh Freeze talked about trying to lead this program out of the wilderness. It’s going to take awhile.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
Going in: Dan Mullen needs a big year in Starkville.
Coming out: His comment that his team wasn’t that far away from a national title last year made me laugh out loud.
MISSOURI
Going in: The Tigers aren’t ready for what the SEC has in store for them.
Coming out: Oh, yes they are and they’re tired of hearing about it.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Going in: Steve Spurrier has it going and the Gamecocks could win the East.
Coming out: The ball coach has changed the culture in Columbia and is back to being the Steve Spurrier Gator fans used to love and everyone else couldn’t stand.
TENNESSEE
Going in: Derek Dooley is in trouble.
Coming out: The Vols are going to be much better than some people think and if they are watch out for Tennessee in the next couple of years.
TEXAS A&M
Going in: Aggies will be a tough second-week opponent for Florida.
Coming out: Kevin Sumlin is as laid-back as the Aggie fans are intense. I’m not sure I’d pick Florida to win that game.
VANDERBILT
Going in: The Commodores are trending in the right direction, which is a rare thing indeed.
Coming out: Vandy may be the surprise team in the league.
Come on, Pat… you’re giving-up on Florida at Texas A & M in July!?!? Florida’s Q.B.’s have never had this much ‘doubt and uncertainty’ surrounding them (as Sophomores) in a long time… I think they’ll surprise some people!
I predict U.G.A. to finish 3rd behind Florida- 2nd, Carolina -1st.. Tennessee finishes 5th behind Vandy (4th) So, what happens to Dooley when NOTHING CHANGES? GO GATORS!!!
And-oh- for the ‘West’…FLIP A COIN BETWEEN ‘Bama and LSU…What’s new? Oh the ‘funny guy’ at Arkansas! …just kidding!
How often do you work, Pat? One blog a week? BBQ chicken in Hoover. Steak in Omaha last month, C’mon dude write something,
Pat, Love you in Jax when your’e on the radio. Read your articles on here when I can. Need updated info on my Gators, though. Wish you would write here more often. Training camp news? Thanks.
We better lay off. Maybe the guy is sick or something. Pat hope all is well.