Can anyone challenge Florida in the SEC?
I have my doubts. But in the always-deep, always talented SEC, you can never rule out an upset or two. And even though the Gators appear to be the league’s most talented and most experienced squad, you can bet LSU and Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee all have their sights set on taking the crown back from Tim Tebow and gang.
So, as always, it figures to be another entertaining year down south.
Here, we take a look at the games that figure to shape the SEC championship race in 2009.
South Carolina at Georgia (Sept. 12)
(Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Is the end nearing for Steve Spurrier at South Carolina? The Ole Ball Coach hasn’t been able to take the Gamecock program to the next level, and the natives may be starting to grow restless. After stringing together a few mediocre seasons, Spurrier could really use a 9- or 10-win season in 2009. To get it, he’ll need to pull an upset or two, and the Bulldogs—rebuilding on offense after the departures of Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno—could be vulnerable early in the year. The Bulldogs may also be a bit banged up, having just returned from Stillwater for a tough opening-week date against Oklahoma State.
Tennessee at Florida (Sept. 19)
(Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Probably the most highly anticipated September game in all of college football for 2009. It’s not that anybody thinks the Vols actually have a chance to win. No, the interest here is all about seeing just how much Urban Meyer wants to punish Vols coach Lane Kiffin, who publicly accused Meyer of cheating back in February. The Gators might score 60 in this one.
Auburn at Tennessee (Oct. 3)
(Doug Benc/Getty Images)
Kiffin could quickly endear himself to Tennessee fans by picking up a win over the Tigers in his team's SEC opener. And it’s certainly possible. Both of these teams have huge question marks all over the roster—especially on offense—but you have to like Tennessee’s chances at home. The Vols may be down, but their fans are as passionate (and loud) as ever.
Florida at LSU (Oct. 10)
(Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
The Tigers are one of the few SEC teams that actually have enough talent to challenge the Gators, who should be favored in each of their games this season. Les Miles seemed to have his squad turned in the right direction by late last season, and LSU can make a real statement by knocking off the defending national champions in early October. Death Valley will be rocking for this one. Florida better be ready for a battle.
LSU at Alabama (Nov. 7)
(Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
‘Bama figures to take a step back after losing several of its top 2008 contributors to graduation and the NFL, but this game still looks like the SEC West championship. The Tigers and Tide played a classic last season and this one, just like most games in the great 'Bama-LSU series, might prove to be just as good.
LSU at Ole Miss (Nov. 21)
(Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
There are some out there who believe Ole Miss could walk away with the SEC West title in 2009. I’m not among that group—though the program made impressive strides under coach Houston Nutt, they simply don’t have the same kind of talent that LSU and ‘Bama have—but the Rebels could prove me wrong with a win here against their old rivals from Baton Rouge. Two talented signalcallers (Jevan Snead at Ole Miss, Jordan Jefferson at LSU) could make this one an SEC rarity: An offensive shootout.
Alabama at Auburn (Nov. 28)
(Doug Benc/Getty Images)
These are good days for Tide fans in Alabama. Nick Saban has the Tide riding high, Auburn has sunk to mediocrity and few believe new Tiger coach Gene Chizik—a failure in his short tenure at Iowa State—has any chance of sparking a revival On The Plains. But if Chizik can just find a way to beat ‘Bama in his first Iron Bowl? Well, it might go down as one of the greatest days in Auburn football history.
