SEC West Preview

Alabama ended up one win away from a berth in the national championship game last season. This year Bama returns most of its top-five defense, so the only concerns lie with the quarterbacks and offensive line.

Both positions’ depth took heavy losses at the end of last season and newcomers will have to step up. If the Tide can overcome a tough opener against Virginia Tech and challenging road games at Auburn and Ole Miss, then it is the favorite to show up in the SEC title game.

Bobby Petrino introduced himself to Razorback nation last season with a less than impressive 5-7 season. This year, Petrino has had a full year to get his offensive system in place.

Arkansas could struggle thanks to a difficult conference schedule including road games at LSU, Alabama, Ole Miss and Florida. But I see The Razorbacks massively improving in 2009.

The rebuilding process begins for Auburn in 2009. Gene Chizik returns after he was the defensive coordinator at Auburn from 2002-2004. He has a lot of work to do, considering Auburn struggled to a 5-7 season last year.

Chizik had a very tough time winning at Iowa State, and I think Auburn made a horrible decision hiring him. The Tigers will depend on Kodi Burns as its quarterback, and hope that its defense can guide it through the year.

Ole Miss was the surprise of the season last year in the conference. Quarterback Jevan Snead returns as arguably the best quarterback in the west. The only team to beat Florida in 2008 could continue the glory of last season.

If it does, then the defense will have to improve. But the Rebels have the potential to be in the SEC championship hunt. Dan Mullen kicks off his first season in Starkville, but unfortunately he has a lot of work to do in order to return the Bulldogs to its past success.

Mississippi State has always had the defense to compete, and that trend will continue, but it is the offense that will need a major face lift. The Dawgs finished 113th nationally in total offense last season.

But Mullen did coach offense alongside Florida coach Urban Meyer, who continually pumps out one of the best offenses in the nation. I think Mullen was a brilliant hire, and the Bulldogs are not far away from being a contender.

LSU struggled at times last season, but completed an 8-5 mark in 2008. This year coach Les Miles will not have the same issues at the quarterback position as he did last year, as sophomores Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson return with starting experience under their belts.

The Tigers need to replace four on the defensive line and that will be a key for the team all season. The Tigers finished 2008 by thrashing Georgia Tech in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl and with that momentum, the Bayou Bengals have the potential to be a major contender in the SEC West this year.

SEC Predictions and awards:
West
Alabama (11-1, 7-1)
Ole Miss (9-3, 5-3)
LSU (8-4, 4-4)
Arkansas (8-4, 4-4)
Auburn (5-7, 2-6)
Mississippi St. (3-9, 1-7)

East
Florida (12-0, 8-0)
Georgia (8-4, 6-2)
Tennessee (8-4, 4-4)
South Carolina (6-6, 3-5)
Vanderbilt (6-6, 3-5)
Kentucky (4-8, 1-7)

Player of the Year: Tim Tebow, Florida quarterback; Julio Jones, Alabama
Coach of the Year: Bobby Petrino, Arkansas; Lane Kiffin, Tennessee
SEC championship prediction: Florida vs. Alabama