The SEC gets a new look this year with high-profile coaches leading their respective teams. Steve Spurrier has returned to coach South Carolina. Florida is now under coach Urban Meyer and Les Miles is the new coach at LSU. If recent history is true, the SEC Champion will come from the West (three of the last 4 champions) even though the East seems to be the strongest division.
2005 Expected order of arrival
EAST
1. TENNESSEE
The Volunteers will return with 16 starters from last year’s 10-3 season record. It’s possible they could be making a contentious run for the national title. Sophomore quarterback Erik Ainge (17 touchdown passes as a freshman) will be a formidable quarterback general. Also returning is running back Gerald Riggs (1,107 rushing yards). Linebacker Omar Gaither and safety Jason Allen will lead the solid defense.
2.FLORIDA
New manager Urban Meyer can thank his predecessor for the talent and skill he has left. The Gators can make a strong case to win the SEC Conference title. Junior quarterback Chris Leak is coming off a 3,197-yard, 29-touchdown season in 2004. One of the conference’s top receivers, Andre Caldwell, is also back. Last year’s “SEC Rookie of the Year” in 2004 will return to linebacker Brandon Siler.
3.GEORGIA
Backup quarterback DJ Shockley will finally be able to take over at center. He will be supported by tight end Leonard Pope and running backs Thomas Brown and Danny Ware. Pope caught 25 passes in 2004 and sophomore Brown and Ware have the potential to be standout players.
4. SOUTH CAROLINA
Steve Spurrier has his work cut out for him. He’ll have to fend off a quarterback since he passed Syvelle Newton to receiver. His one bright spot is in cornerback Ko Simpson, who had six interceptions in 2004.
5.VANDERBILT
The defense should be better than it was in 2004 with the return of the three linebackers. Leading the defense will be Moses Osenwegie, who had a team-high 94 tackles in 2004. The offense has Jay Cutler, one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC, but nothing else. One receiver, Erik Davis, may become Cutler’s favorite receiver and the only support on the team.
6.KENTUCKY
With a 2-9 record for last season, it looks like it will be the same for 2005. Quarterback Andre Woodson had a decent 2004 in limited action and may be this season’s savior. Defense was non-existent against the run in 2004. They were better against the pass and if every other team passes, then the Wildcats may have a better record than they did in 2004. The secondary will see safety Muhammad Abdullah back and performing admirable.
WEST
1. USL
The No.1 rushing team in 2004 has 10 returning starters and the defense has 8 returning starters. The offense includes standout running backs Alley Broussard (6.1 average and 10 TDs), Joseph Addai (6.7 average) and Justin Vincent (4.2 average), as well as a very good offensive line. A solid defense will be anchored by defensive tackle Claude Wroten and safety LaRon Landry.
2.AUBURN
It will be tough for Auburn to repeat their 2004 season without losses in conference or bowl games. The Tigers have lost a lot from their 2004 team, but they will have the drive to compete. On offense, there will be wide receivers Anthony Mix, Devin Aromashodu and Courtney Taylor as part of the offensive line. The defense has linebacker Travis Williams and a very good secondary in Will Herring and Montavis Pitts.
3.ALABAMA
Linebackers Freddie Roach and DeMeco Ryans return with seven other defensive staff members from the No. 1 defense in the SEC in 2004. On offense, quarterback Brodie Croyle and running back Kenneth Darby will have to stay healthy to put Alabama through in the conference title race. . The SEC’s deadliest return man in the body of Tyrone Prothro.
4. STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
After a disappointing 3-8 season in 2004, the Bulldogs should have no problem showing improvement. This will depend on second team ALL-SEC running back Jerious Norwood (1,050 yards and 7 touchdowns) and defensive end Willie Evans (5.5 sacks).
5.ARKANSAS
Sophomore quarterback Robert Johnson will lead the offense. The running back position is still open and must be filled if the team is going to win. Peyton Hills may be the answer with his 2004 record of six rushing touchdowns. Nine defensive starters are back, including safety Vickiel Vaughn.
6. MISSISSIPPI
Running back Vashon Pearson has a shot at first-team All-Conference if he can get past playing behind an inexperienced offensive line. The defense, which ranked ninth last season, will have to improve and will rely heavily on defensive tackle McKinley Boykin.
