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.