Camp Questions: AFC East

AFC East:
Buffalo Bills – How will this TO circus end?
Terrell Owens is running out franchises that will give him a chance. After destroying seasons for San Fran and Philly and leaving Dallas less than impressed, TO has landed in the NFL’s artic northeast. If he can’t put together a successful and uneventful two years in Buffalo, he may have to call Al Davis for a job.

Miami Dolphins – Can the Fins continue 2008’s mirage as a playoff contender?
Bill Parcells may need a new nickname: The Magician. History has proven that when Parcells has control over personnel, he can get more from less than anybody in football. But can he pull another rabbit out of his hat in 2009? Sure, the Dolphins bounced back in a BIG way after a one win season. But you can’t honestly consider them among the NFL’s most talented teams?

New England Patriots – How old are the Patriots really?
Unless you’ve been living in another galaxy you know that Tom Brady is expected to return to training camp healthy. But I think this season hinges on age. Tom Brady can return from his season ending injury, but he won’t be a young man any more and we know NFL elders can struggle with staying healthy. The Patriots defense has been hard to criticize over the last decade, but father time has to catch up eventually. Not to mention, Randy Moss, Vince Wilfork, and Kevin Faulk are all reaching the twilight of their careers.

New York Jets – Can Mark Sanchez break the ugly USC quarterback trend?
I love what new head coach Rex Ryan has done this offseason: promised all the right things (hard hitting, powerful running attack, aggressive defense, etc.), added young talent, and acquired valuable veteran leadership. But it will be all for nothing if Mark Sanchez ends up like his USC brothren – underwhelming. Carson Palmer has long been considered on the cusp of the NFL elite, but hasn’t done anything to lead Cinncy from the bottom of the AFC North. Matt Lienart has struggled to stay out of US Weekly and get off the bench. Jets fans hope Mark Sanchez has more to offer.

The Morning Blitz

Happy Friday! AFC West rundown is below, and here are some links:

- Odom and the Lakers make up with a four year deal.
- Big Pappi confirms positive steriod test.
- Gatti's death ruled a suicide.
- George Sherrill packs his bags for LA.
- NBA to allow ads on practice jerseys this season.
- The Titans need Kenny Britt in camp.
- Chipper didn't like an umpire's fist bump after a loss on Tuesday.

Camp Questions: AFC West

32 Camp Questions
I’ve taken a look at each of the league’s teams and come up with questions that must be answered before the season kicks off September 10th. And we’ll be looking at them one division at a time.

AFC West:
Denver Broncos – Is Kyle Orton who we thought he was?
If Kyle Orton is the same guy that suited up for the Bears he simply doesn’t look like a franchise quarterback. The Broncos are definitely entering a rebuilding stage with a young coach, a young defense, and a young (but talented) offensive core. Head coach Josh McDaniels dumped Jay Cutler for Kyle Orton and rumors are already flying about this first year coach struggling to keep his locker room intact. Dumping the homecoming queen for the vice president of the chemistry club won’t be a good start.

Kansas City Chiefs – How much is Matt Cassel worth, really?
QB Matt Cassel just inked a contract worth $40 million in guaranteed money, and he’d better prove his worth quickly. The Chiefs are another team in a rebuilding stage, but Cassel couldn’t lead one of the best run organizations and most talented teams to playoffs in 2008. How will he fair with an under-talented and inexperienced group in KC?

Oakland Raiders – Can anybody pull Al Davis away from the ledge?
Where to start? Tom Cable is good at a press conference, but can he really lead the NFL’s most dysfunctional family to respectability? Can the Raiders make NFL players of their inexplicable draft choices? And perhaps most importantly, can Darren McFadden stay healthy for more than four weeks in a row? If not, Davis will own the true laughing stock of the NFL.

San Diego Chargers – Can the Chargers’ stars bounce back from their injuries?
Shawne Merriman, Antonio Cromartie, and LaDainian Tomlinson all suffered and played with serious injuries in 2008. The Chargers have all the talent they could ask for and should take advantage of a weak division. But with three of their five most talented players coming back from the trainer’s room, the Bolts have a lot to prove and a lot to lose in 2009.

The Morning Blitz

That's a lot of SEC football below, make sure you check it out.

- Urlacher says Cutler is a little "p-word".
- SEC Media Days = over 900 credentialed media reps. C-USA Media Days = a video conference.
- Plax begs for mercy.
- Kobe appears on "All That" in 1998.
- Cowboys TE Martellus Bennett's Twitter, explained.

SEC West Preview: Part I

Well, it took me long enough, but here she is: my SEC West preview. Chock full of insight, tidbits, and BS. While we’ve watched several three-way cage matches in the East over the years (Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee), the West will showcase one of their own featuring Bama, LSU, and Ole Miss. Only one team can punch its ticket for Atlanta, and this year’s battle will not lack excitement.

#1 LSU Tigers

I know Ole Miss is the popular pick, but we’ll get to them soon enough. While Houston Nutt and the Rebs have been touring the media as a sex upstart, Les Miles has been assembling another deep and talented roster… Tiger fans have been thinking about a late season loss in Death Valley… And the Tigers themselves have embraced a new offensive leader in Jordan Jefferson. Add those ingredients and you’ve got the perfect recipe for Cajun Upset Stew. Jefferson showed flashes in the Chick-fil-a against Georgia Tech while earning offensive MVP honors. Now he has the chance to prove himself against a full SEC slate. In Miles’ typically dramatic fashion, this LSU team will feature upsets, disappointments, and drama for fourteen long weeks.

The Schedule: LSU faces a typical SEC gauntlet hosting Florida and traveling to Ole Miss and Georgia. Even though they play four games in September, the Tigers’ season doesn’t really start until they meet Georgia and Florida in consecutive October Saturdays. November is no kinder with road trips to Bama and Oxford. If the Tigers can survive this schedule with one loss or less, they’ll get the BCS title game they deserve.
The Result: 11-1

This Tigers’ squad is all about revenge and they won’t forget a 30 pointing thrashing at the hands of the Gators in 2008. Florida will face LSU in Death Valley (most definitely at night, where the Tigers are 21 of their last 22) and LSU fans will have their revenge toppling a #1 rank rival. However, while this young team is flying high they’ll lose a heartbreaker to Bama on the road. And with a title shot on the line, they revenge an ugly 2008 loss to Ole Miss.

The Postseason: While the Tigers get revenge during the regular season, the Gators will get the last laugh in this year’s SEC Championship Game and the Tigers will make the short but familiar trip to the Sugar Bowl.

#2 Alabama Crimson Tide

In Nick Saban’s third year at the helm, he’ll have this Bama team looking like a signature Saban squad. A tenacious defense will provide the back bone for this team while a strong running game and a few big plays by standout WR Julio Jones help an inexperienced QB. While Saban won’t lead this team to the promise land, he will give fans a lot to look forward to in 2010.

The Schedule: Even though they’ll face two top ten teams on the raod, Bama’s schedule isn’t too bad. But that will not be enough to allow an unproven QB to survive the rugged SEC unscathed. Their defense will certainly keep them in games, but won’y be able to win them all for a QB with 11 career attempts. While I don’t usually bet against Saban with this much time to prepare, he can’t protect his young QB against a loaded VaTech defense in his first career start.

The Result: 10-2

As I mentioned, Bama won’t slip past Va Tech in the season opener, and they don’t have the talent to get wins against both Ole Miss and LSU. They’ll take a loss as they’re still learning against Ole Miss and pull out a tough late season win against LSU at home.

The Postseason: Bama will finish a rocky year with a solid record and take high hopes into the Outback Bowl.

#3 Ole Miss Rebels

As a chic top ten pick, Houston Nutt and the Rebels are riding high in Oxford right now. Jevan Snead has dark horse Heisman hopes after a strong Cotton Bowl upset of Texas Tech. But I’ve seen too many late season collapses at the hands of Houston Nutt. While the Rebs do have a favorable schedule (ranked 77th), they’ll spend many weeks with a bulls eye on their back. Can they stand the pressure? Snead’s completion percentage was only 56% with 13 INT to boot in 2008. He’ll have to show more poise in 2009 to fulfill his Heisman chatter.

The Schedule: Like many other teams, Ole Miss won’t be tested until October when they host Bama. Other than that they only need to worry about LSU in November. But it may just be the team that they don’t worry about (Tennessee) that ruins their title aspirations. Remember I’m calling for UT to walk into Oxford and play spoiler in a shocking upset.

The Result: 10-2

Ole Miss’ losses will prove costly as they’ll end up taking one too many conference defeats and lose a tie-breaker to rival Bama. A successful season for any Rebels team, but it will prove disappointing considering their high expectations.

The Postseason: After spending so many weeks in the national spotlight, the Rebs will accept an eager invitation from the Capital One Bowl.

SEC West Preview: Part II

#4 Arkansas Razorbacks

A brutal schedule is all that is keeping Arkansas from becoming a surprise contender in the West. They face the top five SEC teams from either division and that alone will dig the Hogs a hole to climb out of. But with Ryan Mallett and a host of able backs, Arkansas fans can expect to see improvement from 2008.

The Schedule: The Hogs’ are blessed with the 6th toughest slate in the country featuring tests against Georgia, Bama, Florida, Ole Miss and LSU. Those five schools can ruin any season and will certainly add five losses to Arkansas’.

The Result: 6-6

The Hogs will take their lumps against the SEC elite and will lose a tough game against a South Carolina team desperately looking for wins.
The Postseason: Claiming a bowl bid with this schedule must be considered a success for Bobby Petrino and Hog boosters.

#5 Auburn Tigers

Auburn (perhaps begrudgingly) welcomes a new coach in Gene Chizik with a typically talented defense and an offense looking for leaders. Working without a honeymoon won’t make things any easier on Chizik. Considering that offense has plagued the Tigers for several years and that defense is Chizik’s specialty, I don’t see this marriage starting off very well.

The Schedule: Much like Arkansas, Auburn has a tough fall ahead facing four of the SEC’s top five in the second half of the season. Gene Chizik will have the War Eagle flying after a quick 4-0 start, but the Tigers will soon fall to Earth and by December the Auburn boosters will wondering what happened to Mr. Tuberville. Special ACC note: Mr. Tuberville will be packing his bags for Miami after Randy Shannon struggles to right the ship. The Canes will warmly welcome one of their own with a resume to prove it.

The Result: 6-6

Good ol Gene will soon learn that a lower level bowl bid isn’t enough to keep the fans, media, and boosters from beating down his door. After losing against the SEC’s best, the Tigers will also slip against Tennessee and Arkansas.

The Postseason: It may not be enough for Auburn, but a bowl bid with this first year schedule is not a bad day at the office.

#6 Mississippi State Bulldogs

Urban Meyer said it best: If Dan Mullen can find great players, he’ll win. If not, expect struggles for Starksville. While Miss State has added depth, its still lacks the elite playmakers required to survive in the SEC. I hope State fans are willing to give Mullen time to reload because this roster doesn’t have the talent to fire many bullets. The bottom of the SEC is no fun for a first year coach, but that’s where Dan Mullen will be by Thanksgiving. With only ten returning starters, the Bulldogs will be looking up most of the season. They’ll also be looking for playmakers, and Mullen had better find some fast if likes living in Mississippi.


The Schedule: After facing Auburn, Vandy, LSU, and Georgia Tech in the first five weeks, the Dogs will be in a 1-4 hole. Two quick wins against Houston and MTSU will only be a memory after they close the season with five straight losses.

The Result: 3-9
The Postseason: Mullen may be better served hitting the recruiting trail in early November this year. Game planning may not be necessary.

The Morning Blitz

It's the eve of "Willie Step Down Day", so we can celebrate with some links:

- Phelps loses, says it could be the other guy's suit.
- Stephon Marbury is absolutely, 100%, without a doubt, crazy.
- All-Star pick up basketball at the Finch Center.
- Vols pick up another talented recruit.
- Memphis AAU featured in USA Today.
- Eagles DC, Jim Johnson, passes away at 68.

The Morning Blitz

NFL training camps just hours away. These links are better than a set of two-a-days in August.

- Shaq rejected at the White House.
- Some rare good news for the Nationals.
- Evaluating Vick's options.
- Jeff George feels like he can still play pro ball. Unfortunately, he's the only one who thinks so.
- Hornets flip Chandler for Okafor.
- Second victim in the Marvin Harrison steps forward with lawsuit.

The Morning Blitz

After grocery shopping with Doneal and Tags this weekend, I'm expecting big things from this week. For now, I'll settle for some links.

- NFL moves first rounds of draft to Thursday, Friday nights
- The Quad Countdown: #39 Tennessee
- Rodger Federer's twin baby girls an early favorite to win Wimbeldon
- Hank Aaron finally speaks out on steroid use
- The NFL's 2009 season, as predicted by Madden 10
- Cubs fan still trying to figure out how to use a hat

The Morning Blitz

It's never a dull week: Mike Vick, Latavious Williams, and now there's a bikini car wash in Memphis. I need a breather!

- TO leads the Buffalo Bills' circus
- Andy Murray plays in an amatuer doubles tournament and loses
- Ohio man hits two holes in one; one left-handed, one right-handed
- Did Vick go to a strip club with Allen Iverson on his first night as a free man?
- Nine NBA "Hell" Teams (Guess who's number 1...)

The Morning Blitz

We're here (a little earlier today) with a huge batch of links:

- Marvin Harrison's accuser has been shot seven times in Philly.
- Michael Jordan shares NBC air time with an inflatable friend.
- "Get your cereal ready!": TO's hits shelves.
- Adam LaRoche gets traded; can't complain about this one.
- National Football Post breaksdown Vick's options.
- Pacman Jones looking for a team.
- The infamous "Lebron getting dunked on" tape surfaces, unimpressive.

The Morning Blitz: Afternoon Addition

Believe it or not, some of us had some actual work to do this morning... even if it is SEC media days.

- Tigers' recruit Latavious Williams heading to China instead of Beale Street
- Yankee Stadium opens its doors to Notre Dame
- Rick Rielly gives Tiger the business
- Ricky Williams finds a new healing power

ESPN has a great series of NFL training camp preivews up:
- AFC East
- NFC East
- AFC North
- NFC North

The Morning Blitz

Day two of Michael Vick's freedom... What's the over/under on days without an incident? 25? 10? Have we passed it already??

- Steve Nash is staying with the Suns, but some are wondering why
- Beckham and some Galaxy fans say hello to each other
- Ross Perot sues Mark Cuban
- Top Vol recruit and #2 PG (Class of 2010) decommits
- Memphis' Antonio Burks in critical condition after shooting

The Morning Blitz

After being wrongfully accused of not posting on Friday, losing one of our best friends to marriage, and barely surviving the weekend, we're back in full force with the links:

- Sunday at the Post from Mike Lombardi (NFL training camps begin this week).
- Mike Vick is a free man and John Clayton wants to talk about it.
- John Daly losing weight, shedding drama, and falling for a Hooter's girl.
- The Braves retire Maddux's number.
- Baseball players' most unfiltered moments.

The Morning Blitz

It's Friday. I almost pulled a River Bend Links this morning (friends of FTS know what I mean). And today we commemorate the end of Adam Chitwood's life as he knows it (he's getting married tomorrow). In Chitwood's honor, here are the links...

- Becks is booed in return to MLS
- Richard Jefferson gets cold feet...via email
- Day 7 summer league roundup; make sure you read the part of Thabeet vs Griffin
- Jeremy Mayfield's career is over (as a driver, not a drug dealer)
- Yahoo on AI and the Clippers
- The Detroit Lions and their funnny, funny jokes (see banner at top)

The Morning Blitz

Thursday is here, and I know what you all have been asking: "Can we get a podcast up in this bitch?" Soon my friends, soon. For now, here are your links:

- Do you think the $822,500 was spent entirely on buffets?
- The BBC picks an Open winner.
- The always helpful Grizz jumping into another three-way deal.
- White Station's own Joe Jackson gets a write up from SI.
- Was Bud Selig drunk last weekend in StL?

The Morning Blitz

Sorry for the slow start... It's been a busy day - one that's packed with charity! So go out there and make your mama proud: send in a donation, make a bid, and you might win some neat stuff.

- HR isn't bad for your swing
- 850 mile golf course down under
- Big Mike says the Grizz would be Iverson's last resort
- Lakers pull Lamar's offer off the table
- 730 Fox Sports' Ronald McDonald House Auction
- ESPN's V Foundation Auction

The Morning Blitz

Who has two thumbs and won $15 while watching the HR Derby last night? This guy! It's All-Star game Tuesday and here are what I hope you'll think are All-Star links:

- The Redbirds get a new boss.
- 14 regrettable professional sports promotions.
- The Grizzlies play their first summer league game.
- Beckham to Manchester City?
- Why Romo threw Jessica to the curb.

The Morning Blitz

We made it to the All Star break with the Cards leading the division by 2.5 games. Can't say the same for the Braves (breaks my heart)...

- A guide to the All Star Fanfest
- The future for Minnesota's Williamses brothers remains uncertain
- Justin Timberlake's new golf course opening soon
- Stay updated on all the soccer world's transfers with this "On the Move" blog
- Taekwondo athelete opens brothel to fund Olympic bid
- Elvis Grbac: sexiest athlete in '98?

The Morning Blitz

Its Thursday - the weekend is in sight! But the end of my SEC West preview is not... how bout some links!?

- Chris Wallace helps out a Western Conference foe; saves $5 million (<---sarcasm)
- Heisley wants to meet Iverson, possibly offer the above mentioned $5 million
- Andruw Jones turns back the clock
- Lebron gets dunked on? We may never know
- Looking for a drive-in strip club? Try Sweden

The Morning Blitz

HUMP DAY... HUMP DAY... HUMP DAY!!!

- Ryan Dempster is a clutz
- DWade has a shady old friend
- Manny skips out on paying for dinner
- Follow the Ashes live
- When he's not suspending players, Roger Goodell climbs mountains

The Morning Blitz

Today is Tuesday, aka the day of the Michael Jackson memorial in LA. What's the over/under on hours until a riot occurs?

- Jason Whitlock says Serena's big booty is standing in the way of her career.
- An interesting look at NFL rookie contracts.
- Possible sign and trade sending Shawn Marion to big D.
- Favre makes a deposit on a condo in Edina, MN.
- Increasing pace of injuries hampers baseball.

The Morning Blitz

Hope everybody had a great holiday weekend... welcome back to the non-holiday grind.

- Steve McNair's top five NFL moments.
- Remembering Steve McNair.
- Buzz Aldrin raps with Snoop Dog... no, really... he did. There's a video and everything.
- Uiniversity of Florida president declares war on college students, fun, and cocktails.
- Joey Chestnut proves Americans can stuff our face better than anyone.
- Dream Team honored in HOF.
- How to fish like Alex and Debo.

SEC East Preview: Part I

The SEC is once again poised to stake its claim as the country’s toughest football conference. With perennial powerhouses Florida and LSU, up-and-coming contenders Georgia and Alabama, and popular upstart Ole Miss, it looks like the road to the BCS championship game runs through Atlanta and the SEC title game. On top of that, three teams (Tennessee, Miss State, and Auburn) get a fresh start with new coaching staffs. Add it all up, and you’re looking at another wild ride in Dixieland this fall.

Where do we come in? Well, in the coming days and weeks you can expect a break down for each SEC team complete with a full win/loss record, bowl predicitions, highlights and lowlights, and a few upset specials you won’t find anywhere else.

SEC East:

#1 Florida Gators

As the consensus preseason #1 in almost every national ranking, the Gators should be no surpise as my top pick in the SEC East. They return a ridiculous 18 starters and 53 lettermen. They’re lead by a star-studded cast: Tim Tebow, Urban Meyer, and Emmanuel Moody just to name a few.

The Schedule: The scheduling gods have smiled on the Gators in 2009. They only have three legitimate tests - @ LSU, Georgia in Jacksonville, and FSU at home. Baring injuries or major upsets, only LSU stands in the way of an 12-0 season. Meyer lost in his only trip to Death Valley, but the Gators have a bye week leading up to the LSU match-up. And Meyer is 26-3 when his team has more than a week to prepare. Even considering all that, the Gators still face the 34th toughest schedule in 2009 (a testament to the strength of the SEC).

The Result: 11-1

The Gators' outstanding squad cannot escape Baton Rouge unscathed as the Tigers avenge a 30 point embarassment from 2008. Despite that, Florida romps through the remainder of the schedule and packs for a trip to Atlanta and the SEC championship game.

The Postseason: The Gators run roughshod through the SEC title game in preparation for the BCS title game.

#2 Georgia Bulldogs

After a successful but disappointing 2008, the Bulldogs are prepared to reload after losing two first round draft picks (Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno). Fifth-year senior Joe Cox takes over at quarterback with an improved (and hopefully healthier) offensive line. After showing flahes in 2008, Caleb Cox should make for a strong backfield in 2009. Mark Richt seems to do well under lowered expectations and the Dawgs only have three SEC road games (UT, Vandy, and Arkansas).

The Schedule: Despite an easy SEC road schedule, the Bulldogs still face the nation's 7th toughest sked. They face nonconference foes Okalhoma State and Georgia Tech on the road. But they should scoop up several conference wins against South Carolina, Tennessee, Vandy, Auburn, and Kentucky. But besting LSU in Baton Rouge and Florida in Jacksonville is a stretch.

The Result: 10-2

The Dawgs beat all the teams they're expected to and add strong victories at Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech; however, they can't get over the hump against the Gators and Tigers.

The Postseason: The Bulldogs cap a strong season at the Cotton Bowl.

#3 Tennessee Volunteers

After a controversial recruiting season, Lane Kiffin will welcome the chance to actually play some actual football... and actually win. Despite its miserable season, UT quietly put together the country's #3 defense. While not always successful, Jonathon Crompton does bring experience to the QB position. If the Vols can get consistent QB play to help team leaders Eric Berry and Rico McCoy, they should be enjoy a much improved team in 2009.

The Schedule: With the nation's ninth toughest schedule, improvement won't come easy. But UT's only nonconference test comes against UCLA at home. Plus, UT can still stack up wins against the lower rung of the SEC. Add in an upset or two and the Vols can bounce back with a strong 2009.

The Result: 9-3

Playing at Florida and at Alabama are two losses the Vols just can't escape. And while the Vols have both Georgia and UCLA at home, Kiffin can only expect to steal one of those high profile games. But the Vols will have one signature game to hang their hat on: you heard it here first, the Vols head into Oxford on November 14 to shock a top ten ranked team. Just like that Kiffin earns his pay and a few renditions of Rocky Top along the way.

The Postseason: The Vols make everyone's most improved list, but not a New Year's Day bowl. But Vols fans will be happy to spend New Year's in Atlanta for the Chick-fil-a Bowl.

SEC East Preview: Part II

#4 Kentucky Wildcats

Believe it or not, Rich Brooks has quietly assembled a talented Wildcats team and its foundation is defense (NOT an all-world QB). They return a strong running game, a solid offensive line, and a D-line that extends two deep at every position. They are, however, very young with only 12 returning starters.

The Schedule: While the Wildcats face a typically tough SEC slate, the non-conference schedule is very manageable. They'll take their typical losses against Florida, Bama, Georgia, and UT. But they catch Auburn on a down year and every other game on the schedule is winnable.

The Result: 7-5

While they have four easy losses and five easy wins on their schedule, its the three toss ups that will decide their fate. All are on the road (@ South Carolina, @ Auburn, and @ Vandy). I'm betting they win two of those and coast to a bowl game.

The Postseason: Wrapping up a bowl bid with such a young team in such a rugged conference is no easy feat. And even though they've been 2 out of the last three years, Cat fans are too close to home for the Music City Bowl to pass up.


#5 Vanderbilt Commodores

Coming of their first bowl bid in 26 years, spirits are high for the Commodores. But chances are they'll find that "goin' bowlin" isn't as easy the second time around. Let's face it, the 'Dores caught some lucky bounces to get to a bowl in '08 and lightning can only strike so many times.

The Schedule: Being at the bottom of the SEC means looking up and taking yearly losses (@LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia, @ Florida, and @ UT). The non-conference schedule is manageable and has only one true test (Georgia Tech at home). Basically, Vandy will seal their fate in two toss-up games: @ South Carolina and home against Kentucky.

The Result: 5-7

Let's face it. Vandy can't expect a big season without some big upsets. Unfortunately, most of their SEC foes are on the upswing with top ten finishes on the way. They'll essentially start the season with five losses against those traditional SEC bullies. Georgia Tech is an upstart team and Vandy will likely take a loss there, too. I'm betting they'll split the UK and USC games leaving them with a respectable 5-7 finish. Not bowling, but not bad. The only problem? 2-6 against conference foes.

The Postseason: Once again the 'Dores will spend the holidays at home... but isn't family what's really important?


#6 South Carolina Gamecocks

Yet another year of high hopes and disappointing results for the Ole Ball Coach. Anytime Chris Smelley leaving the rotation leaves your QB situation in doubt, you know you're in trouble. As in previous years, South Carolina's defense will be what keeps in it close games. But they just can't get over the hump offensively. Look for some exciting games and maybe an upset, but the Gamecocks will once again be battling just to get a bowl game invite.

The Schedule: One of the most difficult schedules in the country features games against NC State, Georgia, Ole Miss, Bama, Florida, and Clemson. With a new QB, Spurrier hasn't done himself any favors with this slate. The positives? Half of the games I just mentioned are at home along with Kentucky and Vandy (two important wins that could go a long way to a bowl game).

The Result: 5-7

This is truly a tough slate for USC. I see four automatic losses (@ Georgia, Ole Miss, @ Bama, and Florida) and six games the Cocks can only split at best (@NC State, Kentucky, Vandy, @ UT, @ Arkansas, and Clemson). Add that to two for sure wins (South Carolina St and FAU) and it could be a long season in Columbia.

The Postseason: With the losing record above the Gamecocks will need an upset somewhere down the line to even see the postseason. And we'll all be asking whether the Ole Ball Coach should hang 'em come December.


Alright kids, that's one man's take on the upcoming SEC whirlwind. Print this out, memorize it, keep it in your pocket. You'll sound smart, impress your friends, and even make a little money.

The Morning Blitz

In honor of our nation's independence these will be the last links for the week, but look for some college football previews over the weekend. Have a great weekend, everybody...

- In case your looking for a date in Knoxville
- Donte Stallworth smoked wacky weed before DUI arrest
- Sixer's offering a Yao stand-in for McGrady and his contract
- Bucks let Villanueva walk as free agent
- Cocktail recipes for your weekend