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.
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