Bout damn time....

Well, since the season is only a few days away, I figured I might as well go on and get the picks for the SEC in. I know I have been slacking off, but everyone who knows me knows that a: I try to do a little research before posting, and b: I'm lazy as hell when it comes to blogging. But I digest, that is for another blog. So, without further ado, as the Joker from the Dark Knight put it: "And here...we...go."

SEC East
1. Georgia
2. Florida
2. South Carolina
2. Tennessee
5. Kentucky
6. Vanderbilt

1. Georgia. They are the sexy pick, hands down. And I'm sure that everybody that reads this will say I'm just jumping on the bandwagon. But let's look at the guys in the red hats and silver britches for a minute. They return a talented core of guys on the offensive side of the ball and a bruising style of defense. With a veteran QB and a Heisman Trophy candidate at RB, the Bulldogs have more than enough firepower to tame anybody and everybody they face. The one question mark comes in the form of their season. Under Mark Richt, Georgia has traditionally been strong, but they have never been able to put together a complete season. If they can put together a complete season, look for the Bulldogs to play for the SEC's 5th BCS title in January. Key Game(s): the entire season.

2. Florida. Now, I have never been one to use movie lines in a post/story/release, etc. I save those for personal conversation and texts. But, in this case, I may make an exception. So here goes, "I'll admit your quarterback is the greatest quarterback in the nation if you will admit your defense is atrious." Yes, the Gators do have the superman QB in Tim Tebow, and he has plenty of weapons around him (read: Percy Harvey) on the offensive side of the ball. But, they also have a defense that is young and inexperienced, something that doesn't broad well in this conference. Key Game(s): Tennessee, Georgia.

2. South Carolina. Yes, that's right. I have a three-way tie for second place. The Gamecocks return several key players on both sides of the ball. The question marks come in the form of the coaching and depth. Steve Spurrier is finding it harder than ever to recruit the type of players he needs for his system to Columbia, South Carolina. Without the depth he would like the team to have, USC may be closer to the SEC title game than ever before, but I just don't think they are quite there yet. Maybe next year. Key Game(s): Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Clemson.

2. Tennessee. Like sands through an hour glass, these are the days of our court appearances. In all seriousness, round 2 of the Phillip Fulmer Years, Life without David Cutcliffe is underway. And with a new QB and totally new system, good ole' Phil may find it harder than ever to return to National Title Contender status. Key Game(s): UCLA, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Auburn.

5. Kentucky. It was a good run, Rich. But Andre has moved on. Key Game(s): the whole season.

6. Vanderbilt. It breaks my heart to put them here, but every year, I make them higher, and they just disappoint. They have the talent. They have the skill. They have the staff. They just don't have the depth. Hopefully, they will prove me wrong. But they haven't yet. Key Game(s): the entire season.

SEC West:
1. Auburn
2. LSU
3. Alabama
3. Ole Miss
5. Mississippi State
6. Arkansas

1. Auburn. The Tigers have the most talent they have had in years. And they are bringing in a new style of offense and a new defensive coordinator to match. The one question mark is how well will all the new faces on offense gel in the spread. They have the depth and talent, but this is totally different from anything they have ever run under Tommy Tuberville. But, for right now, I'm buying into this radical new change. And, from what I have heard, so is everyone else on the Plains. Key Game(s): Alabama (Got 6).

2. LSU. "It's sooo hardddd...to say goodbyeeee...to yesterday." Boys to Men. Nick's boys are gone. Now, we get to see if Miles is the real deal. My gut says no. Key Game(s): Auburn.

3. Alabama. They get this spot strictly by default. The alphabet does start with the letter A. No defense and more prison uniforms than jersey's issued means a long year for the 4 million-dollar man. Key Game(s): LSU, Auburn, Clemson.

3. Ole Miss. New coach, new staff, new players. Hopefully, they can do better than Captain Caveman and his bunch of wild boys. Houston Nutt is a proven head coach. But can he return Ole Miss to the days of 7-5 with this bunch? That remains to be seen. He has done wonders with Arkansas. But We are....Ole Miss. Key Game(s): Auburn, Arkansas, at Alabama.

5. Mississippi State. Question marks aplenty on the offense. With only a good running game on offense, and the reason they where so successful last season is now in South Carolina. Key Game(s): The first four.

6. Arkansas. New coach Bobby Petrino has his work cut out for him. No proven running game and no QB to his liking means for a long season in Fayetteville. Key Game(s): The entire season.


OVERALL SEC CHAMPION: GEORGIA