Crimson Red Sports

2011 SEC Preview: Arkansas and Florida Lead the Dark Horse Candidates (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/651035-2011-sec-preview-arkansas-and-florida-lead-the-dark-horse-candidates)

With Alabama and LSU being the heavily favored front runners to win the SEC in 2011, let's take a look at the best candidates to upset them and steal the right to hoist the SEC trophy this coming season.

In consideration from the East are UGA, USC, and UF while Arkansas and MSU stand out in the West as this year’s best candidates to overthrow the pre-season favorites.  The progress made during the spring and fall camps as well as the final tally of off-season transgressions (TBD) by all teams involved could very well affect these predictions, but as of today, Florida and Arkansas stand-out above the rest.

Here is why…  (full article (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/651035-2011-sec-preview-arkansas-and-florida-lead-the-dark-horse-candidates))

I have a bold prediction I think everyone will laugh at but remember. I think Fla. under CWM will turn around and the other strong choice is the most unlikely. MSU. Yes I think they will be a 10 win team this year. JMHO. RTR!

I just simply don't see MSU winning 10 games.  I think CDM's offense is dated in the SEC and MSU just doesn't have the talent on hand to make it as effective as he did at UF.  Even with that talent at UF, the code had begun to be cracked on how to limit the Gator O.  We saw how ineffective it was last year without a superstar QB to manage it (in fairness to CDM he had obviously departed, but we all know that Meyer and Mullen are of the same mindset).

CDM's offensive performance against SEC competition actually got worse from 2009 to 2010 falling from 9th overall to 11th.  Unless, CDM makes some significant tweaks, I don't see much improvement in terms of production.  They return 9 (if I recall correctly) on offense, but they lost their center who is crucial in a Mullen-Meyer style offense, so that is a big ? for them right now.


On defense they lost their entire corps of starting LBs plus their star co-defensive coord.  I think their defense played a bigger part in their success last year than most think and I expect that to drop off.

Then, their schedule does them no favors as they draw both UGA (in Athens) and USCe (as the last game before their bye) from the east.  They open up SEC play in week 2 @ the Barn before coming home to face a very talent LSU tiger team.  They are also at Arky and at UK with a big beat down from Bama looming on the schedule as well.

Off the top, I think Arky, LSU, and Bama are certain losses (as certain as they can be in CFB), they will likely lose to UGA in Athens and possibly USCe at home, then they could easily lose one of the Ole Miss, UK, or Barn games.  I truly see them finishing up at 7-5.  I think 6-6 is more likely than 8-4 or better but that is just my opinion.

Who knows, that is why we play the games.  I'm just not sold on CDM due to his lack of offensive production since arriving in Starkville, I really think his style of play has passed its time.

Well che you know that deserves an applaud. Now I can see your point very clearly. Paperwork does look bad, but he seems to have instilled the thought we can win. I am thinking that want to, may be the intangiable item they need. We shall see. Great job now. RTR!