SEC West
Is LSU the run-away favorite to take home the division crown? Can Nick Saban turnaround the program at Bama? And will Heisman candidate Darren McFadden lead his Hogs back to the conference title game?
LSU
2006 Record- 11-2
2006 ATS Record- 8-5
Offense: 6 Returning Starters
Senior QB Matt Flynn finally gets his chance as a starter and is as good as advertised. He’ll have weapons all around him including WR Early Doucet who is blazing fast and has great hands. The majority of the O-line returns which will give Flynn time in the pocket. The ’07 Tigers might not put up 34 ppg as they did last season, but they will still be very effective.
Defense: 8 Returning Starters
What’s not to like about this LSU defense? They have size. They have strength. They have quickness. Basically, they have it all, including a handful of Pre-season All-Americans. As a unit, this is the 2nd best defense in the nation behind only USC, and they will dominant each and every game.
Schedule:
LSU has the potential to go unblemished. Their toughest road game is at Alabama, while they get all other tough conference foes, i.e. South Carolina, Florida, Auburn and Arkansas at home. Their toughest test might be in Week 2 when they take on Virginia Tech.
2007 Predicted Record: 12-0 (8-0)
Arkansas
2006 Record- 10-4
2006 ATS Record- 4-9
Offense: 6 Returning Starters
The Hogs endured a grueling off-season surrounded with tons of controversy. One person who could care less about all that is Heisman candidate Darren McFadden who is primed to have another outstanding season. Teamed with RB Felix Jones and WR stand-out Marcus Monk, look for the Razorbacks offense to be better than last year’s. The one big question mark, however, is QB Casey Dick. If he can play consistent football, the Hogs could exceed expectations.
Defense: 6 Returning Starters
Arkansas lost a lot of talent from last year’s unit, but will still be above average. The LB core, along with the secondary should be strong as usual and if the D-line can get some pressure on opposing QB’s, the Hogs might end up with one of the best defenses in the SEC.
Schedule:
A Week 3 showdown at Alabama will set the tone for the season. After that game though, the Hogs toughest road test isn’t until mid-November when they take on Tennessee. The ease of the schedule reflects the 9 win season.
2007 Predicted Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Auburn
2006 Record- 11-2
2006 ATS Record- 6-6
Offense: 5 Returning Starters
QB Brandon Cox returns for his senior season and will try to stay healthy this time around. RB Jason Lester will handle the load in the backfield, however there are questions surrounding the inexperience of the O-line. If the offensive line can get it together, Cox has the ability to lead his team to another great season.
Defense: 7 Returning Starters
The bread and butter at Auburn is the defense and this season will be no different. Seven starters return to a unit that was lights out last year. The front seven is quick and strong which will allow them to penetrate opposing O-lines and get pressure on the quarterbacks. Expect great things from this unit again in 2007.
Schedule:
The non-conference schedule is semi-tough. Opening against K-St and a Week 2 showdown with South Florida should prep the Tigers for their conference slate which includes road games at Florida, Arkansas, LSU and Georgia. Very difficult all around.
2007 Predicted Record: 9-3 (5-3)
Alabama
2006 Record- 6-7
2006 ATS Record- 6-7
Offense: 9 Returning Starters
New coach Nick Saban returns to the college gridiron and has quite an offense to work around. QB John Parker Wilson has good arm strength and, if given time, can thread the needle. WR DJ Hall will be the main target for Wilson as senior Tyrone Prothro is out for the year.
Defense: 5 Returning Starters
The Tide move from a 4-3 defense into a 3-4 in hopes of, you got it, getting pressure on the quarterback. Saban focused on that while at LSU and will apply those same tactics to this unit.
Schedule:
There’s a three game stretch at the end of September that could spell disaster, along with a 2-3 start for the Tide. Conference games verse Arkansas and Georgia, then the meeting with Florida St. If Bama can come away with two W’s from that set, the second half of the schedule is much easier.
2007 Predicted Record: 8-4 (5-3)
Mississippi St
2006 Record- 3-9
2006 ATS Record- 5-5-1
Offense: 9 Returning Starters
The running game will be essential if MSU wants any type of success this year. Backs Anthony Dixon and Robert Elliot will be an exciting 1-2 punch to watch. The O-line returns four starters, so opening up holes is crucial.
Defense: 5 Returning Starters
The Bulldogs lost some key players from last year’s mediocre defense and will attempt to contain, not stop, opposing offenses this season. If the front seven can move off the ball, they could have some success.
Schedule:
It’s very tough all around and realistically the only conference game MSU should win is verse Ole Miss to end the season. Notching three non-conference wins, along with the sole SEC W is all that can be expected from this squad.
2007 Predicted Record: 4-8 (1-7)
Ole Miss
2006 Record- 4-8
2006 ATS Record- 5-5-1
Offense: 9 Returning Starters
Just a couple of weeks ago, Ole Miss decided to convert former QB Brent Schaeffer into a WR. This should give the Rebels some much needed speed at receiver. Add in RB workhorse, BenJarvus Ellis-Green, and Ole Miss could put some points up this year.
Defense: 6 Returning Starters
The defense was bruised and battered with injuries in 2006, so having the front seven stay healthy this season is a priority. Limiting big plays is also necessary if the Rebels want to win some games.
Schedule:
Getting a Week 1 win over rival Memphis would generate some momentum. The conference schedule is just too tough for Ole Miss to stay competitive, but it must stay the course and take care of business against the few, weaker opponents they face.
2007 Predicted Record: 3-9 (0-8)
SEC Championship
LSU- 31
Tennessee- 17
Next week, our last preview takes us out west as we dive into the Pac 10. Don’t miss it!!
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