Blog ... 2008 SEC From Left to Right (Part 2)

Breaking down the 2008 SEC teams for two weeks; Two-A-Days

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The second in a six part series.

Our SEC “look-back-to-look-forward” – a cheat sheet for 2008 – takes us out of the backwoods of Alabama and the sticks of Arkansas, only to deposit us back in the backwoods, and deeper still into the bayous of Louisiana. The Good, The Bad and The DuBose for dat dem Fightin’ Tigahs, and the faux Tigers of Auburn.

As always, come here with thick skin and a sense of humor, plus an interest in digging deep into the SEC, our nation’s greatest college football conference.


AUBURN

The Good: The SEC schedule works out favorably for the War Eagles/Plainsmen/Tigers, with most of their tough games at Jordan-Hare. And the defense should be solid again, though there are a couple of question marks. Instead, The Good here is on the O-line: after starting several freshmen last year, Auburn returns a full slate of five starters, including the unfortunate Chaz ‘if-you-can’t-beat-‘em,-blow-out-their-knee’ Ramsey. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also one of the deeper benches in a conference that’s full of good O-lines this year. They should lead the way for Lester and a talented ensemble of RBs, who Auburn fans are counting on to provide a breather for an aerial attack that has much to prove.

The Bad: The loss of DC Muschamp hurts, but not as much as you’d think; Rhoads is a talented coach - just ask a West Virginia fan. One could argue The Bad are the many freshmen DBs, or that the D-line (while talented) is young (the four wide, two deep has no Srs. and just three Jrs.). But The Bad goes to the Spread What?! Who’s throwing and who’s catching? And who’s coaching? A new OC, QB and WRs that all have much to prove. (That being said, after only nine practices with Franklin’s scheme, Auburn racked up a season-high 423 yards in a come from behind win over Clemson in the Peach Bowl. Hm...)

The DuBose: Are ya’ll just giving up on in-state recruiting? Just curious.

The Jim Bob Cooter Award: Tez Doolittle; DT (Sr.)


”THE” LSU

The Good: Howdya like us now, Buckeye fans! 0(SU)-9 in post-season matchups with the best conference in America. But I digress… Back to my beloved Tigers. Wait, my beloved SEC/National Champion Tigers. :) One could go a number of directions here: the O-line returns four starters and is talent-rich – but there’s not enough (proven) depth. A great stable of RBs – but lacking that “go-to” guy (See: Hester, Jake). Or two more WRs waiting for the NFL draft. But is there really any doubt: The Good is 8 D-linemen, any of whom could start for 114 other teams.

The Bad: It’s nitpicking, but one could go a number of directions here as well. Though there’s talent, the O-line two deep is thin on game experience. Same for the Secondary. And what’s up with that hat?! But is there really any doubt: The Bad is QB. The Tigers have recruited as well as any team in the nation this decade (sans USC), and are knee-deep at every single position... Except arguably the most important.

The DuBose: Les, pocket this address: help. You might want to give ‘em a shout the next time you risk signing ONE SCHOLARSHIP QB over a three year recruiting-class window. (Yes sir, I know who was in charge in ’04, but Les knew the risk in ’06.) Much more on this to come…

The Jim Bob Cooter Award: T-Bob Hebert; C (Fr.). (Nearly went Ricky J-F with this one – considering our steadfast rule to always take a hyphenated last name for the JBC whenever possible. But how do you pass on a guy named after… a T-Bob.)


- 2008 SEC - From Left to Right (Part 1), July 1