THE SEC

THE SEC WILL RISE AGAIN
There's no better conference than the SEC. None. Let me count the ways: 1) Georgia has more talent than anyone in the nation. 2) Florida is the ultimate points machine, and Gators MLB Brandon Spikes would be my first pick to build a defense around. 3) LSU's D-line, with DT Ricky Jean-François and DE Tyson Jackson, is flat-out frightening. 4) Three second-tier teams—Auburn, South Carolina, Tennessee—would contend in the other BCS conferences. 5) Both Ole Miss and Bama have the talent to pick off a fave on the right week. Like I said, there's no better conference. —KIRK HERBSTREIT



TEAM BREAKDOWN
- Georgia
What's not to like? Best team in best conference with best player in all of college football not named … - Florida
… Tim Tebow! - LSU
An NCAA first on Aug. 30—FBS champ faces FCS champ (Appalachian St.). Sorry, Tigers, Mountaineers are more likely to repeat. - Auburn
With more sophomores (eight) starting than seniors (seven), Tigers might still be a year away. Just avoid 'em in November—that's you, Georgia and Alabama. - Tennessee
Woo-hoo! Parade All-America QB Jonathan Crompton is the new starter. Uh-oh! He threw only 78 passes in three years sitting behind Erik Ainge. - Alabama
With senior QB John Parker Wilson and veteran O-line (93 starts), Tide fans want more value from coach Nick Saban than the $500K per win he's cost so far. - South Carolina
Steve Spurrier Jr. calls shots on offense for first time in his career. Which is why it's good the D returns 10 starters. - Mississippi State
Dogs were outgained in conference games by SEC-worst 73.4 ypg. The entire offensive backfield returns to prove it was no fluke. - Arkansas
With Run-DMC in the NFL, installing Bobby Petrino's pass offense is a no-brainer. But a loss of top four receivers is a headache. - Kentucky
Leading tackler, passer, rusher, receiver and return guys are all gone. Team MVP honors go to … punter Tim Masthay. - Ole Miss
Returns top 12 tacklers. Good thing. Even with Texas transfer QB Jevan Snead, Rebels will still have to make lots of stops. - Vanderbilt
Achieved SEC-record 25th-straight losing season in 2007. Let us be the first to say, Congrats on No. 26!

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