SEC WEST 2003
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS O:9 D:8
The Hogs have gone bowling every season since Houston Nutt took over the reigns, and I believe he has his best squad yet returning this season. They’re loaded with experience as the team returns 17 total starters from last year’s SEC West championship team. QB Matt Jones returns for his junior season, and he skipped Arkansas’ basketball season last year to focus primarily on the upcoming season. He was banged up most of last season, so hopefully the big guy comes in at 100% this time around. The RB position is loaded with talent, and it might just be the best duo in the SEC. Cedric Cobbs had an off year in ’02, but he’s dropped some weight and looks to finally live up to his billing. He’ll split time with De’Arrius Howard who had himself a solid freshman campaign. The O-line returns 4 of 5 from last year, but has Jacobs Trophy Winner Shawn Andrews back for his junior year. This gigantic line lead the SEC in rushing last season, and they’ll only be better with a year’s worth of experience in their belly’s. The Hogs defense was downright nasty a year ago, and it looks to be in fine shape once again for this season. The front 7 has loads of depth & experience to beat up on opposing lines, and is anchored by one of the best secondary’s in the nation. They only lose 1 player from last season’s group, and replace him with a primetime player. Special teams had its ups and downs a year ago, but should come back strong this season. The Hogs have flirted with success over the year’s, but came up short in the end. I expect their misfortunes from a year ago to help rally this group into a major contender this year. They’re loaded with all the essentials necessary to make a major run at it. A complete disaster of a bowl game should have them fired up to start this season as well. They have some very tough road games this year. They start up their regular season rivalry with Texas again, and trips to Bama, Ole Miss, KY, and LSU won’t be a walk in the park either. The Hogs have to learn to win on the road, and I believe their trip to Austin will really help them in the long run win or lose. They won 3 of 4 on the SEC road last season, and they’ll definitely repeat as SEC west champs in 03’ if they do it again.
-- The Hogs are 2-8 ATS their first road game of the season the L/10 years. (@ Texas 9/13)
MISSISSIPPI REBELS O:8 D:8 (7-6)
I’m so psyched for the Rebels in 2003!!!! This is the best Ole Miss squad in god knows how long!!! If you like offense, then watch this team. QB Eli Manning declined to enter the NFL draft to return for his senior season, and I believe he’s going to shatter a few more records. The kid’s damn good, and he’s got an excellent crop of receiver’s to get the pill too. The WR core returns last season’s top 3 receivers in Bill Flowers, Mike Espy, and Chris Collins who led the team in receiving the L/2 yrs. The O-line loses its stud center, but this year’s line has plenty of experience & should have no problem protecting their field general. This year’s defense returns 8 from last year’s squad that showed some improvement. They were still out gained last year by their opposition, so this year’s “D” really has to step it up. The D-line returns 7 of the 9 linemen they rotated from a year ago, and they’ve added some size to clog the running lanes. The LB core was decimated with injuries a year ago. The Rebels are switching to a 4-2-5 scheme, and SR LB Justin Wade returns. The Rebels secondary did a fine job last season allowing 51.9% completions, and had a 17-18 TD/INT ratio. I expect those numbers to improve this year as they only lose 1 starter. The Rebels boast one of the best kicking tandems in the conference, and I expect HC Cutcliffe to have his best unit since his arrival. The Rebels look to have a great season this year, and they have a shot at reaching the SEC Championship game if all goes right. They have a very manageable non-conference slate, and get all but one of the big boys in the West at home. I really see this offense taking it to a much higher level this season as it dropped off a bit in ’02. QB Manning will make a huge run at the Heisman this year, and he’ll help lead the way for a fantastic season in Oxford.
--Ole Miss is 4-14 ATS their L/15 as a double-digit favorite.
AUBURN TIGERS O:8 D:8 (9-4)
The other SEC team in Alabama really finished the 2002 season strong, and the outlook for the upcoming campaign is just peachy. They return 16 starters from last season’s squad, and are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. These guys padded their backers’ pockets on the season going an insane 9-3 ATS. The offense looks to be in great shape though there are a few question marks. We’ll start with the positives first. The running game is the best in country in my opinion, and they’ve got a huge experienced wall paving the way for them. The trio of Williams, Brown, and Smith will chew up gigantic chunks of yardage, and have opposing defensive coordinators shaking their heads the entire season. My main question mark on the offensive side of the ball is QB Jason Campbell. He’s stepped it up in the big games, but I just don’t trust his judgment. He has happy feet, but maybe another year of experience will do him good. The front 7 is loaded with size and talent, and the LB core is one of the best in the country spearheaded by stud LB Karlos Dansby. The kid’s tough as nails, and turned down the NFL to return for his senior season. The secondary loses a few key cogs from last year, but has the talent ready to step in and fill the void. I expect them to improve on last season’s numbers with the amount of pressure the front 7 will get on opposing offenses. I really love the way the Tigers are strolling into this season. They had a tough schedule last season, and more than held their own. They closed out the season winning 4 of their L/5 including a solid bowl game winner vs. Penn State. My main concern for the 2003 campaign is their grueling road schedule. They have to go on the road to Arkansas, LSU in their division, and to Georgia from the East. That’s trouble if you ask me, but they definitely have the talent to win all 3 games. We’ll know more about the Tigers after their trip to Fayetteville since the Hogs have slapped them around like little biatche’s 4 of the L/5 year’s.
-- The Tiger’s are 7-3 ATS as a road chalk the L/7 year’s.
LSU TIGERS O:7 D:6 (8-5)
The Bayou Bengals had a very interesting season a year ago. They ended up in a 3-way tie for the SEC West Title, and look to win their 3rd in a row this season. They had some crazy endings to a few of their games that were both good and bad for the team. I’ll never forget their TD against KY with no time left as the football gods answered the prayers with the Hail Mary, or their loss in the last minute at Arkansas. HC Nick Saban is the wild card for this program, as he’s brought nothing but success since making the move over from East Lansing. He’s gone 26-12 SU since his arrival, and looks to win the West for the third year in a row…. that’s SICK!!!! This year’s squad returns 13 starter’s from a year ago, and this year’s schedule looks very promising. QB Matt Mauck returns for his JR. season, and looks to stay healthy this time around. He’s got a talented crop of specialty player’s to work with, but the backfield loses a ton of experience with the departures of Toefield & Davis. He does however have one of the best SEC WR’s to throw the ball to in Michael Clayton as well as a very experienced core. All of these guys will have a year and a day to strut their stuff since they have one of the best walls in the SEC protecting them. The defense loses a bunch of key cogs from last season’s squad, but still has promise. The D-line returns 6 of their top 8 hogs, and they’ve bulked up to contain the run. The LB’s have talent, but the loss of stud LB Bradie James is a tremendous loss. The secondary is anchored by the tremendous duo of Corey Webster, and Randall gay. Webster was 1st team SEC with 7 picks & 17 pass break ups in only 5 games!!!! Punter Donnie Jones returns for his SR campaign on a special teams unit that’s lost a bunch of impact players from a year ago, but still has plenty of swagger. I personally don’t think the Tigers have the talent to win their 3rd Conference Title in a row this year, but their schedule is very favorable. Their toughest divisional roady will be at Ole Miss Thanksgiving time. I’m going to go out on a limb and say they don’t get it done this year, but they’ll most likely be in a New Year’s Day Bowl regardless.
-- The Bayou Bengals have gone 7-3 their L/10 as a road pup.
MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS O:6 D:7 (3-9)
The Dawgs had themselves a terrible 2002 going defeated in the SEC & only picking up 3 wins on the season. HC Jackie Sherrill cleaned house in the off-season as most of his assistant coaches and both coordinators were fired. Back to back 3 win seasons is an absolute no-no in Starkville, and Sherrill himself will be on the hot seat if things don’t turn around this season. He inherits a squad with 13 returning starters that should be pumped to get back to playing some football. The QB position looks a bit shaky right now with Kevin Fant & Kyle York battling it out for the starting spot. The RB position looks to be revitalized with the emergence of Norwood & Turner from last season, and I expect them to get the Dawgs running game back in high gear. The WR core loses a few impact players, but has some solid talent returning in Bivines & Jenkins. The O-line returns a bunch of guys with starting experience, and will most definitely improve on last season’s numbers. Last year’s defense went through some hard times, but I believe they’ll come back strong this season and get back to being a force. They’re switching the make up this season, and new DC Cooper will run the more traditional 4-3 front. He’s got a solid front wall to work with but his LB core will step up and surprise even with the loss of stud LB Haggan. The secondary returns 3 with starting experience, and they should grasp the easier terminology of the new defense. The special team’s returns everyone except a punt returner, but you can expect Sherrill to find himself a burner right quick. This is a huge season for HC Sherrill, and I believe he’s an intelligent man & a solid football coach. The last 2 season’s have been very disappointing for the Starkville faithful, and this is a make or break season for the top Dawg. I believe he steps it up & looks at the upcoming season as a major challenge. I’m willing to bet the Dawgs don’t go defeated in Conference play, and they will crush the hopes of one of the division’s big boys.
-- The Dawgs are 0-6 ATS vs. SEC East teams the L/2 years.
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE O:6 D:6 (10-3)
The soap opera that is the Crimson Tide has been a vicious and winding road that seems to have ended. The way Franchione packed his bags and left for Texas after a year was just disgraceful, and I foresee this team having a hard time adjusting to their 3rd coach in less than 2 year’s. Alabama fans finally get QB Brodie Croyle all to themselves as he will start his first full season for the Tide. Shifty RB Shaud Williams returns for his senior season, but he won’t have as easy a time of it this year with a much less experienced front wall blocking for him. The WR core will be more on display this year, and they have plenty of talent to go around. The defensive line loses a bunch of depth, and will be hard pressed to come close to last season’s spectacular numbers. The LB core is quite possible the best in the SEC as everyone is back including the solid duo of Daniels and Wortham. The secondary loses a few starters from last seasons bunch, and improving on 2002’s numbers will be very hard considering the lack of talent on the D-line. I expect a considerable drop in their numbers. The Tide were clearly one of the best teams in the nation last season, and never got to showcase their talents considering their probation. I believe the coaching carousel will really put a damper on this teams progress this season, and I foresee them taking a giant step back.
-- Bama is 13-3 ATS as a road dog the L/7 years.
ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS O:9 D:8
The Hogs have gone bowling every season since Houston Nutt took over the reigns, and I believe he has his best squad yet returning this season. They’re loaded with experience as the team returns 17 total starters from last year’s SEC West championship team. QB Matt Jones returns for his junior season, and he skipped Arkansas’ basketball season last year to focus primarily on the upcoming season. He was banged up most of last season, so hopefully the big guy comes in at 100% this time around. The RB position is loaded with talent, and it might just be the best duo in the SEC. Cedric Cobbs had an off year in ’02, but he’s dropped some weight and looks to finally live up to his billing. He’ll split time with De’Arrius Howard who had himself a solid freshman campaign. The O-line returns 4 of 5 from last year, but has Jacobs Trophy Winner Shawn Andrews back for his junior year. This gigantic line lead the SEC in rushing last season, and they’ll only be better with a year’s worth of experience in their belly’s. The Hogs defense was downright nasty a year ago, and it looks to be in fine shape once again for this season. The front 7 has loads of depth & experience to beat up on opposing lines, and is anchored by one of the best secondary’s in the nation. They only lose 1 player from last season’s group, and replace him with a primetime player. Special teams had its ups and downs a year ago, but should come back strong this season. The Hogs have flirted with success over the year’s, but came up short in the end. I expect their misfortunes from a year ago to help rally this group into a major contender this year. They’re loaded with all the essentials necessary to make a major run at it. A complete disaster of a bowl game should have them fired up to start this season as well. They have some very tough road games this year. They start up their regular season rivalry with Texas again, and trips to Bama, Ole Miss, KY, and LSU won’t be a walk in the park either. The Hogs have to learn to win on the road, and I believe their trip to Austin will really help them in the long run win or lose. They won 3 of 4 on the SEC road last season, and they’ll definitely repeat as SEC west champs in 03’ if they do it again.
-- The Hogs are 2-8 ATS their first road game of the season the L/10 years. (@ Texas 9/13)
MISSISSIPPI REBELS O:8 D:8 (7-6)
I’m so psyched for the Rebels in 2003!!!! This is the best Ole Miss squad in god knows how long!!! If you like offense, then watch this team. QB Eli Manning declined to enter the NFL draft to return for his senior season, and I believe he’s going to shatter a few more records. The kid’s damn good, and he’s got an excellent crop of receiver’s to get the pill too. The WR core returns last season’s top 3 receivers in Bill Flowers, Mike Espy, and Chris Collins who led the team in receiving the L/2 yrs. The O-line loses its stud center, but this year’s line has plenty of experience & should have no problem protecting their field general. This year’s defense returns 8 from last year’s squad that showed some improvement. They were still out gained last year by their opposition, so this year’s “D” really has to step it up. The D-line returns 7 of the 9 linemen they rotated from a year ago, and they’ve added some size to clog the running lanes. The LB core was decimated with injuries a year ago. The Rebels are switching to a 4-2-5 scheme, and SR LB Justin Wade returns. The Rebels secondary did a fine job last season allowing 51.9% completions, and had a 17-18 TD/INT ratio. I expect those numbers to improve this year as they only lose 1 starter. The Rebels boast one of the best kicking tandems in the conference, and I expect HC Cutcliffe to have his best unit since his arrival. The Rebels look to have a great season this year, and they have a shot at reaching the SEC Championship game if all goes right. They have a very manageable non-conference slate, and get all but one of the big boys in the West at home. I really see this offense taking it to a much higher level this season as it dropped off a bit in ’02. QB Manning will make a huge run at the Heisman this year, and he’ll help lead the way for a fantastic season in Oxford.
--Ole Miss is 4-14 ATS their L/15 as a double-digit favorite.
AUBURN TIGERS O:8 D:8 (9-4)
The other SEC team in Alabama really finished the 2002 season strong, and the outlook for the upcoming campaign is just peachy. They return 16 starters from last season’s squad, and are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. These guys padded their backers’ pockets on the season going an insane 9-3 ATS. The offense looks to be in great shape though there are a few question marks. We’ll start with the positives first. The running game is the best in country in my opinion, and they’ve got a huge experienced wall paving the way for them. The trio of Williams, Brown, and Smith will chew up gigantic chunks of yardage, and have opposing defensive coordinators shaking their heads the entire season. My main question mark on the offensive side of the ball is QB Jason Campbell. He’s stepped it up in the big games, but I just don’t trust his judgment. He has happy feet, but maybe another year of experience will do him good. The front 7 is loaded with size and talent, and the LB core is one of the best in the country spearheaded by stud LB Karlos Dansby. The kid’s tough as nails, and turned down the NFL to return for his senior season. The secondary loses a few key cogs from last year, but has the talent ready to step in and fill the void. I expect them to improve on last season’s numbers with the amount of pressure the front 7 will get on opposing offenses. I really love the way the Tigers are strolling into this season. They had a tough schedule last season, and more than held their own. They closed out the season winning 4 of their L/5 including a solid bowl game winner vs. Penn State. My main concern for the 2003 campaign is their grueling road schedule. They have to go on the road to Arkansas, LSU in their division, and to Georgia from the East. That’s trouble if you ask me, but they definitely have the talent to win all 3 games. We’ll know more about the Tigers after their trip to Fayetteville since the Hogs have slapped them around like little biatche’s 4 of the L/5 year’s.
-- The Tiger’s are 7-3 ATS as a road chalk the L/7 year’s.
LSU TIGERS O:7 D:6 (8-5)
The Bayou Bengals had a very interesting season a year ago. They ended up in a 3-way tie for the SEC West Title, and look to win their 3rd in a row this season. They had some crazy endings to a few of their games that were both good and bad for the team. I’ll never forget their TD against KY with no time left as the football gods answered the prayers with the Hail Mary, or their loss in the last minute at Arkansas. HC Nick Saban is the wild card for this program, as he’s brought nothing but success since making the move over from East Lansing. He’s gone 26-12 SU since his arrival, and looks to win the West for the third year in a row…. that’s SICK!!!! This year’s squad returns 13 starter’s from a year ago, and this year’s schedule looks very promising. QB Matt Mauck returns for his JR. season, and looks to stay healthy this time around. He’s got a talented crop of specialty player’s to work with, but the backfield loses a ton of experience with the departures of Toefield & Davis. He does however have one of the best SEC WR’s to throw the ball to in Michael Clayton as well as a very experienced core. All of these guys will have a year and a day to strut their stuff since they have one of the best walls in the SEC protecting them. The defense loses a bunch of key cogs from last season’s squad, but still has promise. The D-line returns 6 of their top 8 hogs, and they’ve bulked up to contain the run. The LB’s have talent, but the loss of stud LB Bradie James is a tremendous loss. The secondary is anchored by the tremendous duo of Corey Webster, and Randall gay. Webster was 1st team SEC with 7 picks & 17 pass break ups in only 5 games!!!! Punter Donnie Jones returns for his SR campaign on a special teams unit that’s lost a bunch of impact players from a year ago, but still has plenty of swagger. I personally don’t think the Tigers have the talent to win their 3rd Conference Title in a row this year, but their schedule is very favorable. Their toughest divisional roady will be at Ole Miss Thanksgiving time. I’m going to go out on a limb and say they don’t get it done this year, but they’ll most likely be in a New Year’s Day Bowl regardless.
-- The Bayou Bengals have gone 7-3 their L/10 as a road pup.
MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS O:6 D:7 (3-9)
The Dawgs had themselves a terrible 2002 going defeated in the SEC & only picking up 3 wins on the season. HC Jackie Sherrill cleaned house in the off-season as most of his assistant coaches and both coordinators were fired. Back to back 3 win seasons is an absolute no-no in Starkville, and Sherrill himself will be on the hot seat if things don’t turn around this season. He inherits a squad with 13 returning starters that should be pumped to get back to playing some football. The QB position looks a bit shaky right now with Kevin Fant & Kyle York battling it out for the starting spot. The RB position looks to be revitalized with the emergence of Norwood & Turner from last season, and I expect them to get the Dawgs running game back in high gear. The WR core loses a few impact players, but has some solid talent returning in Bivines & Jenkins. The O-line returns a bunch of guys with starting experience, and will most definitely improve on last season’s numbers. Last year’s defense went through some hard times, but I believe they’ll come back strong this season and get back to being a force. They’re switching the make up this season, and new DC Cooper will run the more traditional 4-3 front. He’s got a solid front wall to work with but his LB core will step up and surprise even with the loss of stud LB Haggan. The secondary returns 3 with starting experience, and they should grasp the easier terminology of the new defense. The special team’s returns everyone except a punt returner, but you can expect Sherrill to find himself a burner right quick. This is a huge season for HC Sherrill, and I believe he’s an intelligent man & a solid football coach. The last 2 season’s have been very disappointing for the Starkville faithful, and this is a make or break season for the top Dawg. I believe he steps it up & looks at the upcoming season as a major challenge. I’m willing to bet the Dawgs don’t go defeated in Conference play, and they will crush the hopes of one of the division’s big boys.
-- The Dawgs are 0-6 ATS vs. SEC East teams the L/2 years.
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE O:6 D:6 (10-3)
The soap opera that is the Crimson Tide has been a vicious and winding road that seems to have ended. The way Franchione packed his bags and left for Texas after a year was just disgraceful, and I foresee this team having a hard time adjusting to their 3rd coach in less than 2 year’s. Alabama fans finally get QB Brodie Croyle all to themselves as he will start his first full season for the Tide. Shifty RB Shaud Williams returns for his senior season, but he won’t have as easy a time of it this year with a much less experienced front wall blocking for him. The WR core will be more on display this year, and they have plenty of talent to go around. The defensive line loses a bunch of depth, and will be hard pressed to come close to last season’s spectacular numbers. The LB core is quite possible the best in the SEC as everyone is back including the solid duo of Daniels and Wortham. The secondary loses a few starters from last seasons bunch, and improving on 2002’s numbers will be very hard considering the lack of talent on the D-line. I expect a considerable drop in their numbers. The Tide were clearly one of the best teams in the nation last season, and never got to showcase their talents considering their probation. I believe the coaching carousel will really put a damper on this teams progress this season, and I foresee them taking a giant step back.
-- Bama is 13-3 ATS as a road dog the L/7 years.
