SEC West Preview

Projected Outcome:

Alabama (11-1, 7-1)

Ole Miss (10-2, 6-2)

LSU (9-3, 5-3)

Arkansas (7-5, 3-5)

Auburn (6-6, 2-6)

Miss St. (4-8, 1-7)

Alabama's 3 ranked scoring defense shows no signs of letting up this year, if anything, look for them to get stronger lead by All-Americans McClain and Arenas. The offense won't be as strong as the defense and will be lead by QB McElroy. The loss of Smith and two other starting o-linemen coupled with Coffee's departure to the NFL will undoubtedly hurt the tide. Still, with Saban's two unbelievable recruiting classes, look for young talent to help lead this offense along with Julio Jones' playmaking ability. Like Florida they should be the favorite in every game they play during the regular season.

Ole Miss is an interesting case. Lead by Snead (2,763 yds and 26 td last year), McCluster, Hodge and their 4 top RBs, look for this offense that averaged 32 points a game in the SEC to repeat it's performance. Their major concern coming into 2009 is a poor secondary (221 yds per game) and little depth on either line of scrimmage. They play LSC and Bama at home, and with their big game potential (beating UF and Texas Tech last year) look for them to make the race for the west an interesting one this year.

LSU is coming of a disappointing 2008 season that included a some embarrassing losses but was capped by a rout of GT in their bowl game. They continually show the incredible depth and talent that comes out of the state of Louisiana by constantly reloading and again have a dazzling display of talent on the offensive side of the field. If they want to improve from last year they must shore up their SEC's 11th ranked passing defense and Jefferson must continue the success he had against GT. If the defense strengthens look for them to challenge Bama for the SEC West crown.

Arkansas's defense is returning all 11 starters but when your defense was ranked last in the SEC the year before that's not always a good thing. They've made strides, and with several JUCO transfers look for the secondary to be improved from last year (31 points per game). However, on the other side of the ball they are loaded, with depth at running back that could be mentioned in the same breath as souther cal, and D. J. Williams at receiver, they could surprise a few people in Petrino's second year.

Auburn's 2009 team provides only a few opportunities for hope. The ground game leaded Tate and Fannin is one. However, with a QB battle between Burns (.2876 td to int ratio) and the unknown Neil Caudle, don't expect the tigers to go to far. The defense will be ok, but like the offense lacks any real depth. Expect Chizik to be unable to return Auburn to the glory days (otherwise known as the years Bama was on probation) this year.

Mississippi St's first year coach Dan Mullen will take over after winning two national championships as Florida's offensive coordinator. Unlike the job he left, the O line here is in shambles, the receiving core is unproven, there is no pass rush, and a young secondary. As you may have guessed, this adds up to a rough year for the Bulldogs. Also at the quarterback position, look for Mississippi's Mr. football Tyler Russell to challenge Lee for the starting job for a team that is going through "growing pains".