The media picks the Gators to win the SEC. Read the rest from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution here.
The 70 members of the media who voted on the preseason poll — AJC staffers do not vote on any such polls — say Florida is going to win not only the Eastern Division but the SEC Championship. Their predictions have the Gators defeating West champ Auburn in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta on December 6.
The Bulldogs, who finished last season No. 2 in the nation, were picked to finish second in the East. Georgia was named overall champion on 18 of the 70 ballots, second only to Florida's 36.
In the Eastern Division, Florida had 45 first-place votes, Georgia (23) and Tennessee (2). The Gators, Bulldogs and Volunteers were selected 1-2-3 in the Eastern Division followed by South Carolina, Kentucky and Vanderbilt.
In the Western Division, Auburn was named first place on 48 ballots, while LSU received 21 first place votes and Ole Miss 1. The predicted order of finish in the Western Division was Auburn, LSU, Alabama, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Arkansas.
POSITIONS BY SCHOOL
Alabama
• 1st place votes: 2
• 2nd: 3
• Total:5
Arkansas
• 1st place votes: 1
• 2nd: 0
• Total: 1
Auburn
• 1st place votes: 2
• 2nd:7
• Total: 9
Florida
• 1st place votes:
• 2nd: 0
• Total: 5
Georgia
• 1st place votes: 2
• 2nd: 3
• Total: 5
Kentucky
• 1st place votes: 0
• 2nd: 3
• Total: 3
LSU
• 1st place votes: 4
• 2nd: 4
• Total: 8
Ole Miss
• 1st place votes: 2
• 2nd: 0
• Total: 2
Mississippi State
• 1st place votes: 1
• 2nd: 2
• Total: 3
South Carolina
• 1st place votes: 2
• 2nd: 3
• Total 5
Tennessee
• 1st place votes: 4
• 2nd: 0
• Total 4
Vanderbilt
• 1st place votes:1
• 2nd:0
• Total: 1
SEC PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
• SEC Champion - Florida (36), Georgia (18), Auburn (13), LSU (1), Tennessee (1), Ole Miss (1).
Linebackers - Here the Tide is thinner than four-year old boxer shorts, but the flip side is that the solid crop of newcomers will get plenty of opportunity to step in and contribute immediately. Rolando McClain anchors the middle and was a freshman All-American last season, with 75 tackles, five of them for loss and one sack. But the rest of the linebacking corps is a big unknown. Prince Hall's status is up in the air and he will likely be suspended for the first few games at least, opening the door for a stellar crop of freshmen to step in and get spots in the rotation. Jerrell Harris leads a stellar class of linebackers and will likely play a bunch. Other names to watch among the freshmen are Chris Jordan (who worked with the defense during summer 7-on-7 drills) and Don'ta Hightower. Grade: C-
Defensive line - Here Alabama has greater depth than in past seasons. Brian Motley, a converted offensive linemen, anchors the nose position in Saban's three-down linemen scheme, but he will likely be pushed by gigantic JUCO prospect Terrence Cody. Lorenzo Washington will see time here as well. The end spots will likely be converted tackle Alfred McCullough, who was unstoppable during A-Day and either Brandon Deadrick or veteran pass rusher Bobby Greenwood. Expect Luther Davis and possibly some of the freshmen to get reps on the line as well. Grade: B-
Secondary - The Tide has one of the SEC's best secondaries and with a serious infusion of new talent, it figures to get better still. With so much depth at defensive back and so little at linebacker, expect the Tide to play more nickel and dime packages. Kareem Jackson seemingly came out of nowhere and proved to be a tough cover corner as a freshman. With a year in the strength and conditioning program, he only looks to get better. Rashad Johnson is the other returning starter at strong safety, where the former walk-on proved to be equally strong in pass coverage and in run support. The other spots are up for grabs. Justin Woodall may take over the free safety spot, but expect super recruit Mark Barron to give Woodall a run for his money, if he's not put at linebacker first. At the other corner spot, Marquis Johnson may have the edge, but super phenoms Alonzo Lawrence and Robby Green could beat him out. Grade: A
Specialists - Leigh Tiffin returns as the Tide's kicker and he appears recovered from his earlier career struggles, while P.J. Fitzgerald is a serviceable punter with a decent leg. Javier Arenas is one of the nation's best return men and any time the speedster touches the football, big things could happen. Expect teams to kick away from him all year long. Grade: B-
Coaching - Saban is considered one of the nation's best defensive minds and recruiters and his top-rated recruiting class proved why. LSU took a big leap in his second season in Baton Rouge and expectations are high. Greg McElwain is new running the offense, but expect his system to be more friendly to John Parker Wilson and the offense. Grade: A
Nick Saban hopes for a big turnaround on the field in his second season at the helm of the Tide.
Crimson Tide fans felt a little deja vu after last year's strong start and weak finish in $4 million man Nick Saban's first year.
And to think the season started off with such promise.
Alabama earned the first big win of the Saban era in high style, with a stirring win over Arkansas that seemed to have the Tide poised for big things.
Then the wheels fell off the (process) wagon in November. Again. Since 2003, the Tide is now a miserable 3-14 in the month. Part of it can be explained by LSU and Auburn's dominance of the Tide, but inexplicable are losses to Hawaii (2003), Louisiana-Monroe and twice to Mississippi State.
The Achilles heel has not been in any one area. One problem last season was the offense's inability to execute late in games. The defense, which even this year is still trying to build quality depth, struggled late, especially when the offense couldn't grind precious clock with the running game. The Great Textbook Scandal gutted the Tide depth chart, putting center Antoine Caldwell, running back Glen Coffee, guard Marlon Davis, defensive back Marquis Johnson, and defensive back Chris Rogers on the shelf after the Tennessee game. Key turnovers, like this inexplicable one by John Parker Wilson against Mississippi State, didn't help either.
The key for Alabama will be improved consistency, especially in offense. With 10 starters returning on that side of the ball, the Tide needs to be able to move the ball, especially late in games. Also, the Tide needs to drop its nasty tendency to play up (or down) to the level of its competition, like in the marginal win over C-USA foe Houston and in the inexplicable, laughable loss to Louisiana-Monroe.
2008 Crimson Tide Football Schedule Aug. 30 vs. Clemson
Tigers had ACC's top offense last year and the defense will get a tough test early. Not good.
Clemson 38, Alabama 10
Sept. 6 Tulane
Green Wave are retooling, so expect a blowout. But remember Louisiana-Monroe.
Alabama 34, Tulane 17
Sept. 13 Western Kentucky
Another Sun Belt foe? Yawn.
Alabama 45, WKU 12
Sept. 20 at Arkansas*
This has been a bellweather game and the Tide have not been road warriors in recent times
Alabama 14, Arkansas 10
Sept. 27 at Georgia*
Dawgs are BCS bound and young Tide defense is likely to struggle on the road.
Georgia 38, Alabama 10
Oct. 4 Kentucky*
'Cats are rebuilding and the Tide will need a big win after deflating loss at Georgia.
Alabama 34, UK 21
Oct. 18 Ole Miss*
Nutt will have Rebels competing soon and Jevan Snead is for real. Expect another squeaker.
Alabama 17, Ole Miss 13
Oct. 25 at Tennessee
Tide has struggled in the Smokies and the Vols will be looking for redemption.
Tennessee 34, Alabama 10
Nov. 1 Arkansas State
The Tide's second Sun Belt foe. Yeah. Classic trap game, especially if Tenn. game gets ugly.
Alabama 38, ASU 17
Nov. 8 at LSU*
Tigers have won 6 straight in series and LSU fans will not be pleased if Miles loses to the hated Saban in Baton Rouge.
LSU 34, Alabama 21
Nov. 15 Mississippi State*
Croom aims for first-ever threepeat over the Tide. Revenge is motivating factor for Saban's crew.
Alabama 13, MSU 10
Nov. 29 Auburn*
Tubbs goes for 7 in a row over Tide. Tide still not the equal of the Tigers, yet.
Auburn 24, Alabama 10
*Denotes SEC games
So I predict a mark of 8-5 and another trip to either Shreveport or Nashville for several reasons. One, Alabama has not been a good road team in recent years and all of the Tide's extra-tough SEC games (Georgia, Tennessee and LSU) are on the road. The Tide's defense (see above) is seriously depleted (especially at linebacker) and is at least another recruiting class away from being at least talent-wise amongst the conference's best. Another is Alabama's problems at quarterback, where John Parker Wilson has made some rather bone-headed turnovers. He will also be without all of his top receivers from last season. If the Tide can figure out how to move the ball effectively late in games, Alabama could easily add to that win total and possibly contend for the West. But in all reality, with the Tide so dependent on youth at so many key spots, they are at least a year away from really challenging LSU and Auburn in the West.
Quarterback – The good news for Alabama is that they have the SEC's most experienced quarterback, John Parker Wilson, under center. The bad news is, well, they have John Parker Wilson under center at quarterback. Wilson put up decent numbers in Saban's first year ( 255 of 462 for 2846 yards, 18 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 55.2 completion percentage) and authored the winning drive against Arkansas, but his penchant for all-so-untimely turnovers (see 100-yard interception return against Mississippi State) has made him less than a fan favorite. He's not exactly the most physically gifted signal caller either, with decent touch on the short and intermediate routes, but absolutely pathetic accuracy on the deep ball. He isn't going to make a defense wary with his feet either and his decision making (only a career 56 percent completion percentage) has struggled at times. Still, he is closing in all of the Alabama records held by previous starter Brodie Croyle and in his defense, he is on his third offensive coordinator, Jim McElwain. Greg McElroy saw limited time under center in mop-up duty last season, but is likely firmly entrenched as Wilson's understudy after a strong spring. Heralded newcomer Star Jackson will likely redshirt and don't expect to see Nick Fanuzzi unless disaster strikes. Grade B-
Running back – Terry Grant appeared headed for a big season with some big games early, but a painful sports hernia robbed Grant of a 1,000 yard season as he missed the final two games of the season. In the A-Day game, Grant (180 carries, 930 yards, eight touchdowns) showed no ill effects following surgery to correct the problem and the new offensive staff showed that they will try to get Grant more touches in space where his breakaway speed is more of an asset. Glenn Coffee (129 carries, 561 yards, four touchdowns) was Grant's top backup last year and will continue that role. While not as fast as Grant, Coffee is a tough runner who hits hole consistently hard and is a load to bring down. Roy Upchurch knows that this year will be a make or break year with plenty of youngsters nipping at his heels for a shot in the back rotation. He has an excellent combination of outside speed and the ability to get tough yards between the tackles. Mark Ingram, a big back from Michigan, has the best chance to get some reps in the backfield as a true freshman. Not only is he a physical specimen at 5-10, 210 pounds, he has breakaway speed. Demetrius Goode will also see time here, now fully recovered from an ACL tear that cost him his freshman season. He is a good all-around back who gives the Tide yet another runner with a good package of speed and power. Jeramie Griffin, a bruising 225-pound tank of a back, will likely give the Tide their equivalent of former Saban recruit Jacob Hester of LSU, able to get desperately needed yards in three and four yard chunks. Incoming recruits Ivan Matchett and Jeramaine Preyear will likely redshirt in a crowded backfield, with Matchett's straight-ahead style and bruising size giving him a better shot of the two to possibly contribute. Grade A-
Wide Reciever/Tight Ends – The Tide lost all of its top receivers from last year's squad (D.J. Hall, Keith Brown and Matt Caddell), but even still, there is quality depth here even without heralded uber recruit Julio Jones. Nikita Stover and Mike McCoy are the most experienced returnees here, with McCoy catching 28 passes for 207 yards and one score and Stover grabbing 10 balls for 131 yards and two scores. Stover is a burner deep, while McCoy is more of a sure-handed possession guy with some physicality. Darius Hanks had an excellent A-Day (102 yards receiving and a score) and showed he is ready to step up and contribute. Earl Alexander and Brandon Gibson have the size and strength to be a big-time contributor. Alexander had a strong spring. Marquis Maze is slight of size, but he has the agility and hands to make up for it. Chris Jackson, who was an early entrant, will see action after having a strong debut in the spring. The wild card here is Julio Jones, the recruit wanted by seemingly every major football program. His athleticism and speed are off the charts and it will be interesting to see how long it take for the talented youngster to learn McElwain's schemes. Burton Scott may push Hanks for a spot in the rotation and he brings an athleticism to the receiver position not seen since Tyrone Prothro. Will Oakley is just hoping to crack the rotation, as injuries have sapped what could have been a promising career for the senior. As for tight end, senior Nick Walker had a career year in receiving yards and catches, with 23 catches for 204 yards. Walker is an improving blocker and at 6-5 with good hands, is an excellent target in the passing game. Fellow Travis McCall is more of a blocker, while Preston Dial gives the Tide another big target. Grade B+
Offensive Line – The Tide boasts one of the most experienced offensive lines in the SEC, with All-SEC left tackle Andre Smith leading the way. Smith has lived up to the hype protecting Wilson's blindside and is an absolute roadgrader in the run game with his athleticism and nasty streak. Antoine Caldwell is another to watch. Not only is he the Tide's most versatile linemen, having logged reps at center, his main position and both guard spots, but he is one of the team's leaders and a tough, aggressive specimen who always has a good pad level and foot drive in the run game. Evan Cardwell is another option at center, where he played last season during Alabama's constant churn in the trenches. Senior Marlon Davis will likely start at left guard, after starting on the right side last season. Joining him on the other side of either Cardwell or Caldwell will likely be Mike Johnson, who logged reps at right guard during the o-line's reshuffling. Drew Davis started in the spring at right tackle, but sophomore Taylor Pharr had a strong spring and could beat out Davis in the fall. Incoming freshman Tyler Love is another who could jump in and grab a spot with a strong fall camp. Grade B+
Part two, defense, special teams, to follow later.
Florida coach Urban Meyer is still whining about Georgia's excessive celebration in last year's Cocktail Party. Still!
Birmingham — In his new book, "Urban's Way," which is scheduled for a September release, Florida coach Urban Meyer makes it clear that Georgia's excessive celebration following its opening touchdown last season was a "big deal" and something that will be in his mind "forever."
"That wasn't right. It was a bad deal," Meyer says in the book, which is scheduled for a September release. "And it will forever be in the mind of Urban Meyer and in the mind of our football team. ... So we'll handle it. And it's going to be a big deal.
You drag it around like a ball and chain You wallow in the guilt; you wallow in the pain You wave it like a flag, you wear it like a crown Got your mind in the gutter, bringin' everybody down Complain about the present and blame it on the past I'd like to find your inner child and kick its little ass
Get over it Get over it All this bitchin' and moanin' and pitchin' a fit Get over it, get over it
Get over it Get over it It's gotta stop sometime, so why don't you quit Get over it, get over it
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The LSU Tigers led all teams with 14 players selected to the 2008 Southeastern Conference Coaches Pre-Season All-SEC Football Team, announced today.
Florida was the only other SEC team with double figure selections with ten. There were first, second and third-teams selected for this year's coaches pre-season squad.
Georgia had nine players selected to the three squads followed by Alabama, Auburn and South Carolina with eight and Tennessee had seven. Kentucky had five selections while Ole Miss and Mississippi State had four each, Arkansas had three and Vanderbilt had two.
Notice Batesville, Mississippi? In addition to the being the home of Soulja Boy, Batesville is home of three on the All-SEC team. South Panola High is the state's reigning powerhouse, with one of the nation's longest running winning streaks. Make that the longest.
South Panola High School is known for its impressive football tradition. As of the conclusion of the 2007 high school football season, the Tigers own the longest active winning streak in all of football at 75 consecutive victories dating back to 2003.
They've also won five straight state titles, including last year's barnburner over George County (Lucedale). With such great former NFL veterans like Fernando Bryant and Dwayne Rudd coming out of Batesville, it's little wonder the place collects trophies like Clint Eastwood's soft side gathers dust on the shelf.
LaGrange, Georgia, which had two players on this list that I covered at my first journalism job out of college and which is an equally small town, also is big contributor on this august list. LaGrange is also home to rapper Bubba Sparxx, who played for LaGrange's crosstown archrival, Troup.
I proof that some of the best football players come from some of the most out-of-the-way places. It's a good bet in those towns where everything closes at game time and most of the population is at the ball game, you're going to see some serious talent on display.
2008 SEC COACHES PRE-SEASON ALL-SEC FOOTBALL TEAM (#-Ties / *-Unanimous Selection) (Coaches could not vote for themselves or their own players)
