ESPN.com - SEC survival guide: talent, luck and kind schedule

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Thursday, July 13, 2000
SEC survival guide: talent, luck and kind schedule

By Joe Wojciechowski
ESPN.com

Talk about Survivor series.

In its version of a tribal council, the SEC will play each other. Who will survive? Alabama? The defending champs are possibly more talented than last season. Florida? Steve Spurrier's personality might not make friends and win votes, but his team will have its swagger back. Georgia? Of course, it has to get over its habit of bowing down before Tennessee and Florida.

That's not even mentioning the teams a notch below like Tennessee, Ole Miss and Arkansas. Heck, everyone but South Carolina seems to have a chance to win a few games.

An island? That would be easy. The SEC is tough.

SEC EAST

Florida Gators
1999 record: 9-4
Coach: Steve Spurrier
Returning starters: 13 (4 offense, 9 defense)

Outlook: The scary part about Florida this spring is the quiet. There's no bragging about the offense by Spurrier. There's not a peep about how good the running game and how it might just overshadow the passing game, even though the Gator M.O. is chucking the ball. Not a peep. But they're there. Just wait. The Gators, after a humbling season by Florida standards, have the talent to be a major player on the national championship scene.

Season Openers
Team	Date	Opponent
Alabama	9/2	at UCLA
Arkansas	9/2	SW Mo. St.
Auburn	8/31	Wyoming
Florida	9/2	Ball St.
Georgia	9/2	Georgia So.
Kentucky	9/2	at Louisville
LSU	9/2	W. Carolina
Mississippi	9/2	Tulane
Miss. State	9/2	at Memphis
South Carolina	9/2	N. Mexico St.
Tennessee	9/2	So. Miss.
Vanderbilt	9/2	Miami (Ohio)

The offense will still air it out, but watch the running game. Earnest Graham is a bruiser who can run over or by defenders, with speedsters Bo Carroll and Robert Gillespie providing a change of pace. The trio will all see time this season and will make it tough for defenses to concentrate on the lethal Gator passing attack. Jesse Palmer heads into the fall the starting QB, but Brock Berlin, Spurrier's top recruit, had a very good spring and -- let's be honest -- it wouldn't be Florida without a little bit of a quarterback controversy. The receivers lost a pair to the NFL, but who cares? Spurrier can just reach into that seemingly endless collection of receivers and pull a few more playmakers out. The biggest concern on offense is the line, where injuries slowed the Gators down and forced the spring game to become a 9-on-9 contest because there weren't enough healthy bodies. Kenyatta Walker and Mike Pearson are talented players, but the rest of the line is being rebuilt. Don't be surprised to see some true freshman get playing time this fall.

As good as the Gators might be on offense, they will be in the shadow of one of the best defenses in the country. Defensive end Alex Brown is the most dominating player in the SEC when he wants to be. He single-handedly beat Tennessee and, teamed with NG Gerald Warren, makes the Gators' line nearly unstoppable. The linebackers are fast, talented and deep. Andra Davis was the second leading tackler last season, but even he's fighting for his job. The secondary is simply packed with talent and experience.

Question Mark: Will the line hold up? Injuries have slowed the Fun-N-Gun down the past few seasons. The Gators have a great group of incoming freshman and they will be a big part of the line plans in the fall.

Keep an eye on: DE Alex Brown. If he decides he's going to play hard every snap, he will be the best defensive player in the conference.

Georgia Bulldogs
1999 record: 8-4
Coach: Jim Donnan
Returning starters: 18 (8 offense, 10 defense)

Outlook: The field may stink, but the team will not. While crews work to repair the stench coming from between the hedges at Sanford Stadium, Donnan works with a team that might actually be able to beat Tennessee and Florida. Quarterback Quincy Carter returns for his junior season and instantly makes the Bulldogs a very dangerous team. Carter is scary good running the ball and is nearly as good passing it. Running back Jasper Sanks is a tough runner between the tackles and WR Terrence Edwards has quickly become Carter's favorite target. The line returns three starters and sophomore George Foster was impressive this spring.

Defensively, the Bulldogs have one of the best set of tackles in the country in Richard Seymour and Marcus Stroud. Both are 6-6, 300 pounds and combined for 111 tackles, six sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback pressures. Kendrell Bell and Boss Bailey lead the linebackers and CBs Jamie Henderson, Tim Wansley and Cory Robinson give the Bulldogs three guys who make things happen in the defensive backfield.

Question mark: Is there finally enough talent to get by Florida and Tennessee? The Bulldogs believe this is their breakthrough year, especially with Carter at the helm. If they can't do it this year with Carter, Sanks, Edwards on offense and Seymour, Stroud, Bell and the talented secondary, they may never do it.

Keep an eye on: QB Quincy Carter. Can make defensive ends look silly with his running ability and secondaries look dumb with his great arm.

Kentucky Wildcats
1999 record: 6-6
Coach: Hal Mumme
Returning starters: 15 (8 offense, 7 defense)

Outlook: So much for a quiet spring. Mumme shocked almost everyone by naming redshirt freshman Jared Lorenzen the starting QB, especially after Dusty Bonner had such a great spring. But Lorenzen is the man, Bonner is transferring to Valdosta State and Mumme has set himself up to be second-guessed all season. Lorenzen is not exactly a prototype quarterback. At 6-4, 270 pounds, he's bigger than anyone on the Wildcats starting defense. He does have a strong arm, quick release and Mumme says agility is not a problem for him. Quentin McCord leads a talented, but unknown receiver corps that should post some huge numbers this season. Derek Homer is the returning starter at running back, but received a challenge from Artose Pinner this spring. The line returns all five starters and will need to be better this season with a bigger target standing back there in Lorenzen.

Defensively, the Cats are getting better. In the SEC, though, that's probably not good enough. Dennis Johnson is improving every day and is close to becoming an elite defensive end. He's bulked up this spring and has been dominating this spring. The linebackers are experienced, but still lack the one big playmaker. The secondary receives a boost with the return of S David Johnson to a deep, defensive backfield.

Question mark: Was Lorenzen the right choice? The fans love him and obviously, so does Mumme, but Bonner was looking right at home in Mumme's Air Raid system. Lorenzen has a strong arm, but also has had academic problems. If he goes down -- and it would take a very big person to knock him down -- the Cats could be in trouble.

Keep an eye on: DE Dennis Johnson. He has improved so much he could be an all-conference selection.

South Carolina Gamecocks
1999 record: 0-11
Coach: Lou Holtz
Returning starters: 15 (8 offense, 7 defense)

Outlook: They're not booing, they're saying "Loooooooouuuu." For now. Last season was a grace period, but there is no reason the Gamecocks should be shut out again. Holtz has tinkered with the offense, putting in some spread formations and the shotgun. (Yes, that's right -- we're still talking about Lou Holtz). Quarterback Phil Petty is effective and will have plenty of receivers to throw to this fall. Jermale Kelly and James Adkisson are good targets and there is plenty of depth to afford the four wide out formations. Derek Watson is a very good running back and will share the duties with Andrew Pinnock. The line was ravaged by injuries last season and had more than its share of problems this spring, but Holtz is hoping things can be ironed out by the fall.

Defensively, the Gamecocks basically use the nickel defense as their base defense. Technically, it's a 3-4 with an extra DB thrown in on occasion, but realistically it's a nickel package. Weird, but somewhat effective. The line is hoping Cecil Caldwell returns to join Cleveland Pinckney up front. Caldwell, a former prop 48, needs to get his diploma to be eligible. Kalimba Edwards is a solid linebacker and the secondary gets some help from former fullback Antoine Nesmith, who moves to safety.

Question mark: Will the spread offense work? Holtz has never been part of anything like this, but it can't hurt. The Gamecocks scored just 87 points last season. Florida can get that in one game.

Keep an eye on: RB Derek Watson. If the new offense forces teams to respect the pass, Watson could put up some big numbers.

Tennessee Volunteers
1999 record: 9-3
Coach: Phillip Fulmer
Returning starters: 10 (5 offense, 5 defense)

Outlook: Tennessee doesn't want to call this a rebuilding year. Never mind the fact Tennessee had eight players selected in the first two rounds of the NFL draft and another -- Tee Martin -- selected in the fifth. Never mind that Florida and Georgia look stronger or that the BCS looks a long way away right now. It's not rebuilding. OK. But it's not like being a preseason No. 1 like last season. The Vols are still searching for the QB to replace Martin. Joey Matthews is the starter heading into the fall, but Casey Clausen and A.J. Suggs will make this a competition again in the fall. Even though Onterrio Smith was dismissed from the team in May, the Vols have plenty of talent at running back with Travis Henry and Travis Stephens. Cedric Wilson, Eric Parker and Donte Stallworth are a very talented trio of receivers. The line is being rebuilt with only one starter returning. Reggie Coleman and Will Ofenheusle look solid and incoming freshman Anthony Munoz might be able to start immediately.

As opposed to the offense, the defensive line is very strong. Will Overstreet, who missed spring drills with a back injury, is a budding star and DT John Henderson could be one of the best lineman at Tennessee since Reggie White. Linebacker Eric Westmoreland always seems to be around the football and Anthony Sessions could become a player in the Al Wilson mold. The secondary features CB Andre Lott, but needs to replace three starters.

Question mark: Will the offensive line be good enough? There are plenty of weapons at running back, receiver and quarterback, but it won't matter if the line doesn't do its job. Fulmer is a former line coach, so expect this group to be solid.

Keep an eye on: QB Casey Clausen. The true freshman wasn't intimidated this spring and could be in the starting lineup before long. After all, Tennessee had a true freshman QB by the name of Peyton Manning a few years back and that worked out pretty well.

Vanderbilt Commodores
1999 record: 5-6
Coach: Woody Widenhofer
Returning starters: 16 (7 offense, 9 defense)

Outlook: There's optimism at Vanderbilt and that in itself is something different. But after coming oh so close to a winning record, Vandy fans and players think this the their year. Greg Zolman held off Florida transfer Tim Olmstead with a great spring and looks like he figured out he can't do everything by himself. He'll have a pair of solid running backs in Rodney Williams and Jared McGrath, but the receivers are very inexperienced. The line features Brian Gruber and Michael Saltsman, but still has some work to do.

Defensively, nine starters return from an improving unit. Jamie Winborn has been the SEC's leading tackler the past two seasons and leads a very capable linebacker unit. The line is experienced, but still needs to get better. The secondary is decent, but has a star in CB Jimmy Williams.

Question mark: Will Zolman continue to play within himself? This spring, he looks like he had it figured out. If he continues to play smart, he'll do well. If not, he'll be holding a clipboard while Olmstead takes the snaps.

Keep an eye on: ILB Jamie Winborn. He's an aggressive player who always seems to know where the ball is. He makes Vandy's defense formidable.

SEC WEST

Alabama Crimson Tide
1999 record: 10-3
Coach: Mike DuBose
Returning starters: 18 (9 offense, 9 defense)

Outlook: After winning their first SEC championship since 1992, Alabama is more than ready to defend it and possibly challenge for the national title. Andrew Zow and Tyler Watts shared the quarterback duties last year, even going so far as alternating every other series in the SEC Championship game, but DuBose is hopeful of naming one the starter. Zow and Watts aren't making it easy. Both had great spring, although Zow was slightly better, but if DuBose is intent on naming one, this battle will continue in the fall. Whether or not it's one or both QBs playing, there is plenty of talent in this offense. A trio of running backs will try to replace Shaun Alexander. Ahmaad Galloway and Santonia Beard had good springs and Brandon Miree, who is a Alexander clone, was looking good this spring before suffering a broken leg. He is expected back in the fall. Wide receiver Freddie Milons is the best in the SEC and leads a talented group of receivers. The line returns four starters, including Dante Ellington, who moves over to the left side to replace Chris Samuels.

Defensively, Bama is just as solid. Kindal Moorehead, who is recovering from knee surgery, and Kenny King form a potent pair of ends, but there is some concern over the tackles. Kelvis White had a nice spring, but depth is an issue until the fall when DuBose's highly rated recruiting class arrives. Saleem Rasheed makes things happen at linebacker and the secondary returns four starters, including FS Reggie Myles.

Question mark: Does it matter who plays QB? Both Zow and Watts make things happen and both have proven they can lead the Tide in big games. If DuBose can't decide on one, it won't hurt this team the way the two-quarterback system slows down some other teams.

Keep an eye on: WR Freddie Milons. Milons does for Bama what Peter Warrick did for FSU. He catches the ball, he returns kicks, he runs the ball and even passes it. He's the most exciting player in the SEC.

Arkansas Razorbacks
1999 record: 8-4
Coach: Houston Nutt
Returning starters: 9 (4 offense, 5 defense)

Outlook: First of all, what's the big deal? How hard can it be to choose a quarterback at Arkansas? Just find star running back Cedric Cobb and ask him whose handoffs he likes better. See? It's simple, because the Razorbacks will go as far as Cobb carries them. Cobb, who's 6-2, 220 pounds and has 4.3 speed, will get the ball at least 20 times a game and should easily go over the 1,000-yard mark. The line returns four starters, led by G Shannon Money, and is one of strengths of this team. Arkansas has plenty of tall, speedy receivers, led by Boo Williams who has all-SEC talent. The big question is who will be the quarterback? Gary Brashears and Robbie Hampton have been neck-and-neck this spring and Nutt could play both in Arkansas first two games before deciding on one by the time Alabama visits in last September.

Defensively, the Hogs are strong at end with Randy Garner and Carlos Hall, but the inside of the line is a concern. Luckily, the linebackers make more than enough plays. Quinton Caver is great at stuffing the run or dropping back into coverage. The secondary is loaded with inexperienced players and in the pass happy SEC, that's not a good thing.

Question mark: Who will be the QB? Hampton is a 24-year-old former minor league baseball player who is safer and less error-prone where Brashears is a little more reckless, but has more upside.

Keep an eye on: RB Cedric Cobb. The sophomore split time last season and still ran for almost 700 yards. With a talented line in front of him and his ability for picking the right hole, he should have a huge year.

Auburn Tigers
1999 record: 5-6
Coach: Tommy Tuberville
Returning starters: 13 (9 offense, 4 defense)

Outlook: Tuberville's second season should be better than the first. A bowl game seems reasonable, especially after a solid spring. Ben Leard looks to be the starter, but Daniel Cobb could challenge him again in the fall. The good news is junior college transfer Rudi Johnson looks like the spark the Tigers' running game needs. With Tuberville looking to run more I-formation, Johnson has worked well with FB Heath Evans this spring. Ronney Daniels, who turned into the Tigers big-play receiver last season, decided against leaving early for the NFL and leads a talented and deep receiving corps. The line only loses one starter and has seven players back with starting experience plus several very good incoming freshman.

Defensively, the Tigers have to worry about the line. There are no returning starters and even though DE Derek Magwood had a good spring, this is still a problem for Auburn. The linebackers offer a little more hope with returning starter Alex Lincoln and James Callier returns after sitting out last season with a knee injury. The secondary is the strength here with CBs Larry Casher and Rodney Clayton and rover Rob Pate.

Question mark: Will the defensive line end up killing the Tigers? If they don't get some pressure on opposing teams, the secondary -- no matter how good it is -- will not be able to keep up.

Keep an eye on: RB Rudi Johnson. Johnson is just plain freaky. He has 4.4 speed and benches 425 pounds. That's just not right.

LSU Tigers
1999 record: 3-8
Coach: Nick Saban
Returning starters: 17 (9 offense, 8 defense)

Outlook: Who could be the one to turn LSU around? Could it be, oh, I don't know, SABAN?!? The Tigers have sold their soul for $1.2 million per year and hope Saban can deliver them back to the postseason -- and there just might be enough talent to do it. Josh Booty looks like he might finally live up to his potential. He dropped 26 pounds and is in love with the new offense. Craig Nall is challenging Booty and it's close, but Booty looks like the Tigers' best option. Running back Dominick Davis finally gives the Tigers a presence in the backfield and the receivers are decent. Louis Williams is a steady performer and leads a solid line.

Defensively, the Tigers are switching to an aggressive 4-3 defense and this should be the Tigers' strength. End Jarvis Green is a force on the line and Trev Faulk leads a linebacking corps that has impressed Saban. Robert Davis and Fred Booker are solid corners, but the star of the secondary is S Ryan Clark, who led the team in tackles last season.

Question mark: Is Booty finally ready? For once, he looked serious about football and played like a quarterback instead of a former baseball player with a really strong arm. If he keeps it up through the fall, he'll make the Tigers a much better team.

Keep an eye on: LB Trev Faulk. Faulk has speed, size and always just seems to appear at the ball. In the new scheme, he could be a star.

Mississippi Rebels
1999 record: 8-4
Coach: David Cutcliffe
Returning starters: 13 (7 offense, 6 defense)

Outlook: Ole Miss is a can't miss offense. At least, that what it showed this spring. With a very good senior QB, two great RBs and one of the best lines in the league, they will score their points. Unfortunately, they'll have to score some to help cover for a suspect defense. Quarterback Romaro Miller is a cool leader and has shown he can run Cutcliffe's offense. Eli Manning, however, was impressive this spring and looks like a future star -- so if anything happens to Miller, Ole Miss is still in good shape. The Rebels are in great shape at running back. Deuce McAllister is one of the best in the country. McAllister is an all-purpose back, and when teamed with Joe Gunn gives the Rebels a great 1-2 punch. The line should be at least as good as the unit that allowed just 19 sacks last season. Terrence Metcalfe moved from guard to tackle this spring and showed a powerful combination of speed and strength.

Defensively, the line is going to be a problem for the Rebels. Antoine Scott moved from end to tackle, but at 255 pounds, is very small for the SEC. Eddie Strong moves from outside to inside linebacker and helps cover the weakness of the defensive tackles, but that puts pressure on OLBs Shawn Johnson and Amzie Williams to pick up the slack. The secondary is very good with solid CBs Ken Lucas and Justin Coleman and hard-hitting safety Anthony Magee.

Question mark: Will the front seven make plays? The defensive line is small and could get pushed around easily. Strong is solid in the middle, but this unit needs to get better in a hurry.

Keep an eye on: RB Deuce McAllister. He's the best running back in the conference and is among the best in the country.

Mississippi State Bulldogs
1999 record: 10-2
Coach: Jackie Sherrill
Returning starters: 9 (6 offense, 3 defense)

Outlook: Nothing much changes in Starkville. Mississippi State will have a good defense and an offense that hopes to score just enough to win. Hey, it's worked well enough for the Bulldogs to notch 25 victories since 1997. Only Tennessee and Florida have more overall wins in the SEC over the same period. Wayne Madkin had a strong finish in the Bulldogs' win over Clemson in the Peach Bowl and has played with confidence this spring. He has improved in all aspects and could actually direct the Bulldogs to the end zone a few times this season. Dontae Walker has the skills, but has never really used them. The receivers will be better than expected. Terrell Grindle and Larry Huntington are the starters but redshirt freshmen Justin Jenkins and Milas Randle has great springs and will see plenty of time this fall. The line received a big boost -- literally -- from junior college transfers Courtney Lee (6-4, 346 pounds) and Tommy Watson (6-5, 303) to go with Pork Chop Womack (6-3, 328), who is the best of the group.

Defensively, the Bulldogs will have some bite. The line lost three starters, but all the backups received plenty of playing time and this group should be formidable once again. Pig Prather shifts from safety to the DOG position, which is basically a license to run around and hit people. The secondary is strong with CBs Fred Smoot and Kendall Roberson.

Question mark: Will the offense get into the end zone? They have talented skill people in Walker and Madkin to go with a good line, so there's no excuse now.

Keep an eye on: OL Pork Chop Womack. Besides having one of the best names around (like we're going to rip on someone who is 6-3 and 328 pounds), he's one of the best linemen around. Madkin should give thanks everyday Womack has his back.

Joe Wojciechowski is the college football editor at ESPN.com