SEC REPORT
by David Waters
Posted August 28, 2009
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The SEC is filled with tough, important games throughout the whole season. Every week there is a game that is “must see,” every team has a key game that could determine how successful their season is going to be. Whether it is a conference rival, or a nonconference foe, these are games that will let us know where these teams stand for the 2009 season.
WEST
Alabama Crimson Tide vs Virginia Tech (Atlanta, GA)
For the second year in a row the Crimson Tide will start the season in the Georgia Dome. Last year, in a route of Clemson, the Tide sent a shockwave through the college football world that led to an undefeated regular season. It all started with the big win in the Georgia Dome.
Virginia Tech will be the opponent in Atlanta this year and will provide the same kind of test for Alabama that Clemson did last year. Greg McElroy will be replacing John Parker Wilson at quarterback for Alabama this year and will have a very good first test against an always dependable Hokies’ defense. Virginia Tech sports a very good defensive line and could force McElroy to have to throw the ball.
The 'Bama defense should have no problem handling the Virginia Tech offense. The Hokie offense is based on potential at the skill position right now and figures not to break out against Alabama.
Even though this is not an SEC game, this will let the college football world know if the Crimson Tide will run through the SEC like they did last year. Another big win like last year to start the season, and the Crimson Tide could be on their way to winning the West and playing again in the Georgia Dome in December.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs Georgia
It is often said that a team takes its biggest leaps in a coach's second year. So in Bobby Petrino's second season the Razorbacks' will look to start the season off with a bang. After opening the season of with Missouri St., Arkansas has two weeks to prepare for its SEC opener, the Georgia Bulldogs.. The Bulldogs open the season with Oklahoma St., then play South Carolina, then have to go to Fayetteville.
This could be the perfect formula Arkansas needs to pull the upset that could spring the Razorbacks for a rebound season. This will be the game Ryan Mallett will show if he can play a season in the SEC. The transfer from Michigan will see I he can pull the same magic Jevan Snead did last year, and it will start with this game. If the Razorbacks can make this a statement game, it could lead the Razorbacks to greater things.
Auburn Tigers vs Alabama
Out is Tommy Turberville, and in comes Gene Chizik. He can earn automatic love with a win over Alabama. The SEC West crown will be very tough to win this season, so the goal at the end of the year might would be to ruin Alabama's season. No matter the record in Chizik's first season, a win over the Tide will hold the War Eagle faithful for a little while.
The game being at the end of the season could be what the Tigers need in this particular season. It will take a full season to install Gus Malzahn's spread offense on The Plains, and could give the Alabama defense fits. Remember the two losses Alabama suffered last season were to the spread offenses of Florida and Utah. A win over Alabama would not only be important for this season but for the next as well.
LSU Tigers at Alabama
When the Crimson Tide from Alabama was representing the SEC West in the SEC Championship game last year, it was a surprise, and a slap in the face to the LSU Tigers. After losing 27-21 in overtime to Alabama last season, all hopes of playing for the SEC Championship was lost.
Revenge will be a factor in the Tigers mind, as fans want to see former head coach Nick Saban and his Tide pay for the thriller of a loss last season. The Tigers will have already played tough games against Florida and Georgia and should know where they stand by the time they have to travel to Tuscaloosa. This game will decide if the Ole Miss game two weeks later is even important.
Ole Miss Rebels vs Alabama
The dark horse national champion has a very good chance at starting season 4-0 before hosting Alabama. If Ole Miss is as good as they are supposed to be, the games against South Carolina and Vanderbilt should be wins, setting up an significant game against the Crimson Tide.
The Rebels had every chance to beat Alabama last year before losing 24-20. It was the last loss of the season for Ole Miss. With the game in the top half of the schedule, the Rebels have time to make mp for the loss but will already be behind the eight ball with games against Arkansas, Tennessee, and LSU still to come. A win over Alabama would be the win Houston Nutt needs to put his team at the next level.
Mississippi St. at Auburn
It's really hard to forget the dull, lackluster 3-2 Auburn victory over Mississippi St. last season. Being involved in a game like that just showed how bad the Mississippi St. offense was at times last season. In comes Dan Mullen.
Bulldogs vs Tigers will match spread vs. spread, Mullen vs. Malzahn. The SEC opener for the 'Dawgs will gauge if Mullen has the talent on the offensive side of the ball to make some noise in the SEC. A win over Auburn would set the table for a possible bowl season in Starkville.
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