B'ham News -Al.com All-SEC Defense
First Team
DL: Derek Barnett, Tennessee
DL: Miles Garrett, Texas A&M
DL: Jonathan Allen, Alabama
DL: Arden Key, LSU
LB: Reuben Foster, Alabama
LB: Zack Cunningham, Vanderbilt
LB: Tim Williams, Alabama
DB: Jalen Tabor, Florida
DB: Armani Watts, Texas A&M
DB: Eddie Jackson, Alabama
DB: Jamal Adams, LSU
PK: Daniel Carlson, Auburn
Second Team
DL: Charles Harris, Missouri
DL: Carl Lawson, Auburn
DL: Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss
DL: Bryan Cox Jr., Florida
LB: Jalen Reeves, Tennessee
LB: Jarrad Davis, Florida
LB: Kendall Beckwith, LSU
DB: Cameron Sutton, Tennessee
DB: Tre White, LSU
DB: Dominick Sanders, Georgia
DB: Tony Conner, Ole Miss
PK: Elliott Fry, South Carolina
*Alabama has four players on the first team defense. The D is going to be good!!
First Team
DL: Derek Barnett, Tennessee
DL: Miles Garrett, Texas A&M
DL: Jonathan Allen, Alabama
DL: Arden Key, LSU
LB: Reuben Foster, Alabama
LB: Zack Cunningham, Vanderbilt
LB: Tim Williams, Alabama
DB: Jalen Tabor, Florida
DB: Armani Watts, Texas A&M
DB: Eddie Jackson, Alabama
DB: Jamal Adams, LSU
PK: Daniel Carlson, Auburn
Second Team
DL: Charles Harris, Missouri
DL: Carl Lawson, Auburn
DL: Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss
DL: Bryan Cox Jr., Florida
LB: Jalen Reeves, Tennessee
LB: Jarrad Davis, Florida
LB: Kendall Beckwith, LSU
DB: Cameron Sutton, Tennessee
DB: Tre White, LSU
DB: Dominick Sanders, Georgia
DB: Tony Conner, Ole Miss
PK: Elliott Fry, South Carolina
*Alabama has four players on the first team defense. The D is going to be good!!
[h=1]Why Georgia is a College Football Playoff super sleeper[/h]
Kirby Smart takes over a talented roster at Georgia. John Bazemore/AP PhotoJun 4, 2016
There are 128 teams playing at the highest level of college football, and they all start the season undefeated.
The harsh reality, though, is that only a fraction have a legitimate playoff chance. The vast majority are pretenders who would need a lot of luck to make a CFP run.
But there are a few super sleepers who are a step or two away from barging into the playoff bracket. Up first on that list: the Georgia Bulldogs.
Georgia may have only ranked first in the AP poll for one week during Mark Richt's entire 15-year tenure, but he left the talent cupboard fully stocked for Kirby Smart. Here's why the Dawgs could be dangerous in 2016.
Arguably the best pass defense in the SEC
Last season, Georgia led the SEC in passing yards allowed per game (156.5), ranked second in yards allowed per attempt (5.9), tied for second in interception percentage (3.5 percent) and was third in completion percentage (51.7 percent).
The Bulldogs were especially adept at stopping downfield throws, as they placed sixth among Power 5 teams in vertical Total QBR (39.9 on aerials thrown 11 or more yards downfield) and second in stretch vertical Total QBR (18.6 on attempts traveling 20 or more yards downfield).
This group should be equally strong in 2016, as it brings back both starting cornerbacks (Aaron Davis and Malkom Parrish) and both starting safeties (free safety Dominick Sanders and strong safety Quincy Mauger).
Sanders is the star here, with six interceptions in only 38 targets last season. That equals a 16.2 percent interception rate per target, which was the highest among Power 5 safeties with 30 or more targets (according to STATS, LLC).
A healthy Nick Chubb could give Georgia an elite running game. Dale Zanine/USA TODAY SportsPotential improvement for an already-strong rushing attack
Georgia's ground game was on the border of upper-tier status last season, as the Bulldogs ranked tied for 12th among Power 5 teams in rush yards per attempt (5.1), tied for 15th in yards per rush before first defensive contact (3.0) and tied for 15th in yards per rush after first defensive contact (2.1).
Sony Michel did a fine job of leading this charge last season, placing sixth in the SEC in rush yards (1,161), yet he has a lot of upside potential. Michel ranked tied for 68th among Power 5 running backs with 100 or more carries in percentage of rushes that gained 5 or more yards (32.0 percent), a number that could improve with better blocking and if Michel does a better job of reading defensive fronts.
As much upside as Michel could offer, getting Nick Chubb back at full strength is what could vault Georgia into top-10 rushing status. In 2014, Chubb ranked second among Power 5 running backs with 100 or more carries in rush yards after first contact (3.5), fifth in rush yards per attempt (7.1) and seventh in percentage of rushes that gained 5 or more yards (45.7 percent).
Chubb's knee rehabilitation is said to be ahead of schedule. If that trend continues, the Bulldogs could end up with an elite 1-2 running back combination.
Freshman Jacob Eason has the potential to be a top SEC quarterback. John Bazemore/AP PhotoThe sky is the limit for Jacob Eason
Greyson Lambert set an NCAA record for highest completion percentage in a game when he completed 24 of 25 passes against South Carolina last season, yet he isn't even considered to be the best of Georgia's trio of highly talented potential starting quarterbacks.
That honor belongs to Jacob Eason the No. 1-rated pocket passer in ESPN's 2016 recruiting rankings. His scouting report says, "There are moments where he makes wow throws from within the pocket that most players his age can't make" and that he "physically can do things you can't coach."
Those traits helped Eason throw for 244 yards in front of a record crowd of 93,000 at Georgia's spring game. He might not be under center at the start of the season but could take over the starting job a few weeks into the campaign. If that happens and Eason plays to near his potential, the Bulldogs will have one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.
Elite recruiting history
One of the reasons many people consider Ohio State to be a national championship contender despite returning only six starters is the Buckeyes' tremendous recruiting success over the past four years. Since 2013, Ohio State ranks tied for second among Power 5 teams in ESPN five-star recruits (five), fourth in ESPN four-star recruits (65) and tied for third in ESPN 300 recruits (53).
Georgia doesn't have to take a back seat to the Buckeyes in this area. The Bulldogs rank tied for eighth among Power 5 teams over the past four years in ESPN five-star recruits (three), third in four-star recruits (66) and tied for third in ESPN 300 recruits (53).
Ohio State has done a better job of developing its recruiting talent, but from a pure skill perspective, Georgia has just as much to work with as almost any other CFP contender. If Smart and his coaching staff can close the gap between potential and performance (something Richt and his staff weren't able to do consistently enough), the Bulldogs' roster could be as deep as any in college football.
Schedule is about as favorable as one can get in the SEC
Georgia has the 17th-toughest schedule in the nation according to ESPN'sFootball Power Index (FPI), yet in reality its matchup slate isn't anywhere near as bad as it could be.
The Bulldogs start the season against a North Carolina team with an atrocious rush defense and shaky secondary. Georgia then has three SEC road games over the next five weeks, but two of those contests are against Missouri and South Carolina, clubs that rank 51st and 44th, respectively, in the FPI.
The Bulldogs don't face Alabama or LSU, arguably the two toughest teams in the SEC, but they do square off against Kentucky and Vanderbilt, arguably the weakest teams in the SEC. Add in two cream-puff nonconference matchups (Nicholls State and Louisiana-Lafayette) and facing archrival Georgia Tech in Athens, and Georgia has about as favorable a schedule as an SEC team can face.
Bottom line
The FPI looks very favorably upon the Bulldogs' chances this season. It has them with an 11.4 percent chance of winning the conference, which is only slightly lower than Alabama's 12.9 percent projected conference win mark. Georgia will have plenty of SEC East division competition from an incredibly stocked Tennessee club, but if the Bulldogs can find a way to win the Oct. 1 showdown between these teams (a battle that will take place between the hedges), it could be the springboard needed to move Georgia into CFP status
Kirby Smart takes over a talented roster at Georgia. John Bazemore/AP PhotoJun 4, 2016
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KC JoynerESPN Insider
There are 128 teams playing at the highest level of college football, and they all start the season undefeated.
The harsh reality, though, is that only a fraction have a legitimate playoff chance. The vast majority are pretenders who would need a lot of luck to make a CFP run.
But there are a few super sleepers who are a step or two away from barging into the playoff bracket. Up first on that list: the Georgia Bulldogs.
Georgia may have only ranked first in the AP poll for one week during Mark Richt's entire 15-year tenure, but he left the talent cupboard fully stocked for Kirby Smart. Here's why the Dawgs could be dangerous in 2016.
Arguably the best pass defense in the SEC
Last season, Georgia led the SEC in passing yards allowed per game (156.5), ranked second in yards allowed per attempt (5.9), tied for second in interception percentage (3.5 percent) and was third in completion percentage (51.7 percent).
The Bulldogs were especially adept at stopping downfield throws, as they placed sixth among Power 5 teams in vertical Total QBR (39.9 on aerials thrown 11 or more yards downfield) and second in stretch vertical Total QBR (18.6 on attempts traveling 20 or more yards downfield).
This group should be equally strong in 2016, as it brings back both starting cornerbacks (Aaron Davis and Malkom Parrish) and both starting safeties (free safety Dominick Sanders and strong safety Quincy Mauger).
Sanders is the star here, with six interceptions in only 38 targets last season. That equals a 16.2 percent interception rate per target, which was the highest among Power 5 safeties with 30 or more targets (according to STATS, LLC).
A healthy Nick Chubb could give Georgia an elite running game. Dale Zanine/USA TODAY SportsPotential improvement for an already-strong rushing attack
Georgia's ground game was on the border of upper-tier status last season, as the Bulldogs ranked tied for 12th among Power 5 teams in rush yards per attempt (5.1), tied for 15th in yards per rush before first defensive contact (3.0) and tied for 15th in yards per rush after first defensive contact (2.1).
Sony Michel did a fine job of leading this charge last season, placing sixth in the SEC in rush yards (1,161), yet he has a lot of upside potential. Michel ranked tied for 68th among Power 5 running backs with 100 or more carries in percentage of rushes that gained 5 or more yards (32.0 percent), a number that could improve with better blocking and if Michel does a better job of reading defensive fronts.
As much upside as Michel could offer, getting Nick Chubb back at full strength is what could vault Georgia into top-10 rushing status. In 2014, Chubb ranked second among Power 5 running backs with 100 or more carries in rush yards after first contact (3.5), fifth in rush yards per attempt (7.1) and seventh in percentage of rushes that gained 5 or more yards (45.7 percent).
Chubb's knee rehabilitation is said to be ahead of schedule. If that trend continues, the Bulldogs could end up with an elite 1-2 running back combination.
Freshman Jacob Eason has the potential to be a top SEC quarterback. John Bazemore/AP PhotoThe sky is the limit for Jacob Eason
Greyson Lambert set an NCAA record for highest completion percentage in a game when he completed 24 of 25 passes against South Carolina last season, yet he isn't even considered to be the best of Georgia's trio of highly talented potential starting quarterbacks.
That honor belongs to Jacob Eason the No. 1-rated pocket passer in ESPN's 2016 recruiting rankings. His scouting report says, "There are moments where he makes wow throws from within the pocket that most players his age can't make" and that he "physically can do things you can't coach."
Those traits helped Eason throw for 244 yards in front of a record crowd of 93,000 at Georgia's spring game. He might not be under center at the start of the season but could take over the starting job a few weeks into the campaign. If that happens and Eason plays to near his potential, the Bulldogs will have one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC.
Elite recruiting history
One of the reasons many people consider Ohio State to be a national championship contender despite returning only six starters is the Buckeyes' tremendous recruiting success over the past four years. Since 2013, Ohio State ranks tied for second among Power 5 teams in ESPN five-star recruits (five), fourth in ESPN four-star recruits (65) and tied for third in ESPN 300 recruits (53).
Georgia doesn't have to take a back seat to the Buckeyes in this area. The Bulldogs rank tied for eighth among Power 5 teams over the past four years in ESPN five-star recruits (three), third in four-star recruits (66) and tied for third in ESPN 300 recruits (53).
Ohio State has done a better job of developing its recruiting talent, but from a pure skill perspective, Georgia has just as much to work with as almost any other CFP contender. If Smart and his coaching staff can close the gap between potential and performance (something Richt and his staff weren't able to do consistently enough), the Bulldogs' roster could be as deep as any in college football.
Schedule is about as favorable as one can get in the SEC
Georgia has the 17th-toughest schedule in the nation according to ESPN'sFootball Power Index (FPI), yet in reality its matchup slate isn't anywhere near as bad as it could be.
The Bulldogs start the season against a North Carolina team with an atrocious rush defense and shaky secondary. Georgia then has three SEC road games over the next five weeks, but two of those contests are against Missouri and South Carolina, clubs that rank 51st and 44th, respectively, in the FPI.
The Bulldogs don't face Alabama or LSU, arguably the two toughest teams in the SEC, but they do square off against Kentucky and Vanderbilt, arguably the weakest teams in the SEC. Add in two cream-puff nonconference matchups (Nicholls State and Louisiana-Lafayette) and facing archrival Georgia Tech in Athens, and Georgia has about as favorable a schedule as an SEC team can face.
Bottom line
The FPI looks very favorably upon the Bulldogs' chances this season. It has them with an 11.4 percent chance of winning the conference, which is only slightly lower than Alabama's 12.9 percent projected conference win mark. Georgia will have plenty of SEC East division competition from an incredibly stocked Tennessee club, but if the Bulldogs can find a way to win the Oct. 1 showdown between these teams (a battle that will take place between the hedges), it could be the springboard needed to move Georgia into CFP status
Georgia
Home: *Tennessee, Vanderbilt, *Florida (Jax), *Auburn
Away: Missouri, *Ole Miss, South Carolina, Kentucky
Tennessee
Home: *Florida, *Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri
Away: *Georgia, *Texas A&M, South Carolina, Vanderbilt
Florida
Home: Kentucky, *LSU, Missouri, *Georgia (Jax), South Carolina
Away: *Tennessee, Vanderbilt, *Arkansas
I like Florida to win the SEC East again this season. Gator defense will keep
them in a lot of games and the offense will be improved plus Florida has two
outstanding kickers.
Home: *Tennessee, Vanderbilt, *Florida (Jax), *Auburn
Away: Missouri, *Ole Miss, South Carolina, Kentucky
Tennessee
Home: *Florida, *Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri
Away: *Georgia, *Texas A&M, South Carolina, Vanderbilt
Florida
Home: Kentucky, *LSU, Missouri, *Georgia (Jax), South Carolina
Away: *Tennessee, Vanderbilt, *Arkansas
I like Florida to win the SEC East again this season. Gator defense will keep
them in a lot of games and the offense will be improved plus Florida has two
outstanding kickers.
Florida
The Gator defense was ranked No. 7 nationally last year. This year's edition is loaded again with
quality depth for another run at a top 10 defense. All-SEC cornerback Jalen Tabor and Jarrad Davis,
one of the SEC's best linebackers lead the group. Joining Tabor in the secondary is CB Quincy Wilson
and safety Marcus Maye, both established SEC talents. The secondary ranked 9th last year and should
be one of the best in the country this year. Tackle Caleb Brandley and end Bryan Cox Jr. are equally
effectively against the run and pass, while two young ends - Keivonnis Davis and Jabari Zuniga have
bright futures. Add in punter Johnny Townsend, one of the best in the nation and place kicker Eddy
Pineiro who is a weapon not seen in Gainesville, maybe ever, provides Florida with another potential
top 10 defense.
The offense has to be better because it can't get much worse (107th last year.) After the suspension
of quarterback Will Greer, the offense really struggled in the second half of the season. Transfer Luke
Del Rio will run the offense which has more depth and experience than in 2015. At times last season,
the Gators started three true freshman in the offensive line and it showed giving up a nation leading
45 sacks. Depth and experience up front should help the offense be much better this season, plus
good QB play by Del Rio.
Sidenote: In four seasons under Will Muschamp, Florida had five different starting quarterbacks, three
offensive coordinators, and some of the nation's least productive offenses.
The Gator defense was ranked No. 7 nationally last year. This year's edition is loaded again with
quality depth for another run at a top 10 defense. All-SEC cornerback Jalen Tabor and Jarrad Davis,
one of the SEC's best linebackers lead the group. Joining Tabor in the secondary is CB Quincy Wilson
and safety Marcus Maye, both established SEC talents. The secondary ranked 9th last year and should
be one of the best in the country this year. Tackle Caleb Brandley and end Bryan Cox Jr. are equally
effectively against the run and pass, while two young ends - Keivonnis Davis and Jabari Zuniga have
bright futures. Add in punter Johnny Townsend, one of the best in the nation and place kicker Eddy
Pineiro who is a weapon not seen in Gainesville, maybe ever, provides Florida with another potential
top 10 defense.
The offense has to be better because it can't get much worse (107th last year.) After the suspension
of quarterback Will Greer, the offense really struggled in the second half of the season. Transfer Luke
Del Rio will run the offense which has more depth and experience than in 2015. At times last season,
the Gators started three true freshman in the offensive line and it showed giving up a nation leading
45 sacks. Depth and experience up front should help the offense be much better this season, plus
good QB play by Del Rio.
Sidenote: In four seasons under Will Muschamp, Florida had five different starting quarterbacks, three
offensive coordinators, and some of the nation's least productive offenses.
Understand where you are coming from Coach. Remember the first game last year Florida opened at -36 and settled
in at -34 against New Mexico State. Gators won 61-13. Same type situation to me.
I will bet Florida in this one knowing there are no guarantees in this gaming stuff. Like my chances though!
Alabama Recruits
Alabama landed commitments from two highly rated football prospects Friday, including one
from rival Auburn's backyard. Four-star linebacker Markail Benton verbally committed to the
Crimson Tide during a morning ceremony at his school. Top-rated kicker Brandon Ruiz also
announced his pledge to Alabama. The 6-foot-2, 237 pound Benton chose Alabama over FSU
and Auburn, which is 30 minutes from his home town. Benton is rated the nation's No. 6 line-
backer in the 2017 class. Ruiz, of Gilbert, Arizona, is rated as the nation's No. 1 kicker in the
2017 class. Ruiz has kicked a 76 yard field goal in practice. Two good pickups for Saban and
staff.
Alabama landed commitments from two highly rated football prospects Friday, including one
from rival Auburn's backyard. Four-star linebacker Markail Benton verbally committed to the
Crimson Tide during a morning ceremony at his school. Top-rated kicker Brandon Ruiz also
announced his pledge to Alabama. The 6-foot-2, 237 pound Benton chose Alabama over FSU
and Auburn, which is 30 minutes from his home town. Benton is rated the nation's No. 6 line-
backer in the 2017 class. Ruiz, of Gilbert, Arizona, is rated as the nation's No. 1 kicker in the
2017 class. Ruiz has kicked a 76 yard field goal in practice. Two good pickups for Saban and
staff.
Yards Per Carry
Seven of the last eight SEC Champions have finished in the top four in the SEC in yards
per carry, and the one that didn't was last year's Alabama team that produced the second
most total rushing yards in the conference. Those offenses included the more traditional
offenses of the Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers as well as more creative spread attacks of
Auburn (2013, 2010) and Florida (2008). If a team is going to contend for the SEC title,
it has to run the ball effectively in some way, shape or form.
2015 SEC Rushing Leaders
Team......................Total Rush Yds.................Yards Per Carry
1. LSU........................3089..............................6.10
2. Georgia...................2498..............................5.14
3. Ole Miss..................2380..............................5.14
4. Arkansas.................2565..............................5.01
5. Tennessee...............2908..............................4.71
6. Alabama..................2999..............................4.67
7. Kentucky.................1952..............................4.66
8. S. Carolina...............1856..............................4.39
9. Miss State................1873..............................4.39
10. Auburn...................2552............................. 4.35
11. Texas AM................2198.............................4.35
12. Vanderbilt...............1856..............................3.75
13. Missouri..................1385..............................3.49
14. Florida....................1777..............................3.48
Seven of the last eight SEC Champions have finished in the top four in the SEC in yards
per carry, and the one that didn't was last year's Alabama team that produced the second
most total rushing yards in the conference. Those offenses included the more traditional
offenses of the Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers as well as more creative spread attacks of
Auburn (2013, 2010) and Florida (2008). If a team is going to contend for the SEC title,
it has to run the ball effectively in some way, shape or form.
2015 SEC Rushing Leaders
Team......................Total Rush Yds.................Yards Per Carry
1. LSU........................3089..............................6.10
2. Georgia...................2498..............................5.14
3. Ole Miss..................2380..............................5.14
4. Arkansas.................2565..............................5.01
5. Tennessee...............2908..............................4.71
6. Alabama..................2999..............................4.67
7. Kentucky.................1952..............................4.66
8. S. Carolina...............1856..............................4.39
9. Miss State................1873..............................4.39
10. Auburn...................2552............................. 4.35
11. Texas AM................2198.............................4.35
12. Vanderbilt...............1856..............................3.75
13. Missouri..................1385..............................3.49
14. Florida....................1777..............................3.48
One of the best ADs in the country, Jeremy Foley, set to retire from Florida on October 1.
Most Gator die-hards love the guy. I personally think he fucked up twice, hiring Zook....and really fucked up hiring Muschamp....then he gave Muschamp an extension, costing UF more than $6 million in severance pay. He's done great w/ the "olympic" sports. UF has won the SEC All-Sports Trophy in 24 of his 25 seasons at UF. But honestly, you got to be a retard not to have success at Florida. Which is why Muschamp is a retard (and what the hell was South Carolina thinking?).
Most Gator die-hards love the guy. I personally think he fucked up twice, hiring Zook....and really fucked up hiring Muschamp....then he gave Muschamp an extension, costing UF more than $6 million in severance pay. He's done great w/ the "olympic" sports. UF has won the SEC All-Sports Trophy in 24 of his 25 seasons at UF. But honestly, you got to be a retard not to have success at Florida. Which is why Muschamp is a retard (and what the hell was South Carolina thinking?).
SEC Sports Information Directors Poll
The 14 SEC SIDs were polled to compile its annual preseason predictions for both conference
divisions. The representatives from each school were not allowed to vote for their own school
in the poll. Here's a look at the full projected standings for each division.
SEC WEST............................SEC EAST
1. Alabama............................1. Tennessee
2. LSU..................................2. Georgia
3. Ole Miss............................3. Florida
4. Auburn..............................4. Missouri
4. Arkansas...........................5. South Carolina
6. Texas AM...........................6. Kentucky
7. Mississippi St......................7. Vanderbilt
I like LSU to win the West and Florida to win the East.
The 14 SEC SIDs were polled to compile its annual preseason predictions for both conference
divisions. The representatives from each school were not allowed to vote for their own school
in the poll. Here's a look at the full projected standings for each division.
SEC WEST............................SEC EAST
1. Alabama............................1. Tennessee
2. LSU..................................2. Georgia
3. Ole Miss............................3. Florida
4. Auburn..............................4. Missouri
4. Arkansas...........................5. South Carolina
6. Texas AM...........................6. Kentucky
7. Mississippi St......................7. Vanderbilt
I like LSU to win the West and Florida to win the East.
Tennessee
An inability to win close games cost the Volunteers the breakout season many observers
anticipated last year. However, they finished the regular season on a five game winning
streak against mostly weak competition (18-42) to finish 9-4 and set hopes high for this
season. Behind quarterback Josh Dobbs and a large number of returning starters they
should win their share against what rates as a favorable schedule by SEC standards. How
ever, a rough four game stretch that features games at Georgia, Texas AM, South Carolina
and home games against Alabama and Florida will make it difficult to match last year's
record.
Sidenote: Tennessee ranked 95th in fourth quarter points during the 2015 season.
An inability to win close games cost the Volunteers the breakout season many observers
anticipated last year. However, they finished the regular season on a five game winning
streak against mostly weak competition (18-42) to finish 9-4 and set hopes high for this
season. Behind quarterback Josh Dobbs and a large number of returning starters they
should win their share against what rates as a favorable schedule by SEC standards. How
ever, a rough four game stretch that features games at Georgia, Texas AM, South Carolina
and home games against Alabama and Florida will make it difficult to match last year's
record.
Sidenote: Tennessee ranked 95th in fourth quarter points during the 2015 season.
The love affair with Tennessee (AGAIN) is mind boggling to me.. Last year they were going to blow
everyone away in the SEC East and be in the conference title game with all the starters returning and
a great quarterback. First, he's a GOOD quarterback and not one who will cover Tennessee's weaknesses.
What's changed....a lot of starters returning against a weak schedule with the same QB and some are saying
"look out for Tennessee". I ain't on that train and for good reason...........
Don't get me wrong. The Vols have a good team but also a team that doesn't know HOW to win.
They will CHOKE this season just like they did last year.
Laugh when I say Florida will win the SEC East.........................................
everyone away in the SEC East and be in the conference title game with all the starters returning and
a great quarterback. First, he's a GOOD quarterback and not one who will cover Tennessee's weaknesses.
What's changed....a lot of starters returning against a weak schedule with the same QB and some are saying
"look out for Tennessee". I ain't on that train and for good reason...........
Don't get me wrong. The Vols have a good team but also a team that doesn't know HOW to win.
They will CHOKE this season just like they did last year.
Laugh when I say Florida will win the SEC East.........................................
Alabama
Alabama had 14 players chosen to Athlon Sports annual preseason All-SEC conference teams announced
Tuesday. That group includes a conference best six Alabama players on its first team, with star sophomore
receiver Calvin Ridley, who set several freshmen receiving records with a team leading 1,045 yards and
seven touchdowns last season, and junior left tackle Cam Robinson named to the All-SEC first team offense.
Defensive end Jonathan Allen, middle linebacker Reuben Foster and safety Eddie Jackson were named to the
first team defense, while junior punter JK Scott received first team consideration as a specialist. Alabama
also had four second team selections in senior tight end O.J. Howard, senior linebacker Tim Williams and
sophomore cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, and senior kicker Adam Griffith; and three third team picks in
sophomore running back Bo Scarbrough, sophomore center/guard Ross Pierschbacher, and senior linebacker
Ryan Anderson. Junior defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand is the Tide's lone fourth team representative.
Alabama had 14 players chosen to Athlon Sports annual preseason All-SEC conference teams announced
Tuesday. That group includes a conference best six Alabama players on its first team, with star sophomore
receiver Calvin Ridley, who set several freshmen receiving records with a team leading 1,045 yards and
seven touchdowns last season, and junior left tackle Cam Robinson named to the All-SEC first team offense.
Defensive end Jonathan Allen, middle linebacker Reuben Foster and safety Eddie Jackson were named to the
first team defense, while junior punter JK Scott received first team consideration as a specialist. Alabama
also had four second team selections in senior tight end O.J. Howard, senior linebacker Tim Williams and
sophomore cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, and senior kicker Adam Griffith; and three third team picks in
sophomore running back Bo Scarbrough, sophomore center/guard Ross Pierschbacher, and senior linebacker
Ryan Anderson. Junior defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand is the Tide's lone fourth team representative.
hate to be a tenn backer but they are very good and normally it does take a year or two to learn how to win. they just simply have more experienced talent than anyone else in the east and while dobbs might not be great he is the best qb with experience in the conference. the winner of UT/VT will have a special season
Agreed. In the 4 games that Tennessee lost, they were all very close. Learning to win in those situations may take time. I do think Jones has them moving in the right direction. However, Florida is further along than i expected them to be at this point. Losing nearly half your starters wont help though. I dont know who will win, but i think the Tennessee/Florida game will be the determining factor.
