Last week I broke down the SEC eastern division so this week I will go over the western division.
Who will end up in Atlanta? There are so many good teams in the SEC west so which one will end up in Atlanta playing the Gators?
Alabama Crimson Tide-
Nick Saban once again leads the Tide into 2009. You just know he must still be fuming after the two game disaster at the end of last season. The focal this yeat has been all about finishing. The Tide has one big advantage this season and that is their schedule. Most of their difficult games will be at home.
Saban believes they have a solid Quarterback in junior Greg McElroy and as long as he can pull it out this year and gain the respect of his team I see no reason why the Tide wont be back in Atlanta this year.
Alabama has to replace three starters on the offensive front. If practice is any indication things are looking pretty well. James Carpenter, a transfer from Juco, has shown a lot of potential and ability to be a solid starter at the left tackle position. William Vlachos, who is probably the strongest player on the team, has grabbed the starting center spot. Brian Motley came away from spring as the starter at right guard.
The Alabama defense will once again be amongst the best in the nation. Terrence Cody returns as well as Rolando McClain and All-SEC Freshman Donta Hightower manning the middle.
Julio Jones who is one of the top wide receivers in the nation returns to Alabama and Mark Ingram powers the running game..
LSU Tigers-
Les Miles struggled in a number of areas last year. One of the areas the Tigers struggled in the most was at the quarterback position. After Andrew Hatch got injured LSU brought in Jarret Lee and everything went downhill from there.
Jordan Jefferson looks much more consistent and ready to play Quarterback this season. Miles has been pleased with the solid performance from newcomer Russell Shepard as well. Any improvement in the passing game would be significant.
Richard Dickson and Charles Scott will head up the ground attack.
Former Tennessee defensive coordinator John Chavis was brought in to bring new life to the defense and return it to its former glory.
LSU has a very tough schedule this year and most likely they will not be heading to Atlanta this year.
Ole Miss-
Houston Nutt will be leading a very talented Ole Miss team into 2009. This could be the surprise team of the season.
Jevan Snead returns to the Quarterback position and he is considered by many to be one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC.
Wide receiver Dexter McCluster gives the Rebels a great chance of making some big plays. Running backs Cordera Eason and Brandon Bolden will need to step up this year to round out the offense.
The biggest area for concern is in the secondary despite the return of Safety Kenderick Lewis. Last season saw inconsistent play in the secondary and really hurt Ole Miss at critical times. If the Rebels want to contend in the West they will need someone to step up in the backfield.
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