I think Grier wins the starting job...but Harris will give him a run for his money. Other than those two, it's pretty scary (as far as depth/talent). The OL is going to be the biggest issue in Gainesville this year. If the OL can come together they have a chance to win 8 games...if not, it'll be a 6-6 or 7-5 season (if that). I'm predicting 7-5, but can easily see them at 5-7 or 6-6 if injuries hit...and the ball doesn't bounce their way. Fortunately the D will be very good. It's going to take another year (or longer) for UF to be back where they can compete for the East regularly and 10 win seasons again. I hope McElwain is the man for the job....but who knows?
I think Grier wins the starting job...but Harris will give him a run for his money. Other than those two, it's pretty scary (as far as depth/talent). The OL is going to be the biggest issue in Gainesville this year. If the OL can come together they have a chance to win 8 games...if not, it'll be a 6-6 or 7-5 season (if that). I'm predicting 7-5, but can easily see them at 5-7 or 6-6 if injuries hit...and the ball doesn't bounce their way. Fortunately the D will be very good. It's going to take another year (or longer) for UF to be back where they can compete for the East regularly and 10 win seasons again. I hope McElwain is the man for the job....but who knows?
Georgia
Since 1992, Georgia has won just two SEC Championships and failed to play for the national title. Coach Mark Richt's detractors will point out that during that same time frame, SEC East rival Florida has seven conference titles and won three national championships. Alabama has five SEC crowns, four national titles and could be playing for another this season. Their cross border rival Auburn, has three titles under three different head coaches, won a national championship and played for another. LSU has been more successful as well: four SEC crowns, played for three national championships and twice was the nations top team. Even Tennessee has won the same number of conference championships since 1992 as Georgia has. Richt has been at Georgia since 2001 and has won 135 games while losing only 48, but has not won an SEC title since 2005. If Richt can find the right quarterback, the Dawgs figure to be the SEC East favorites this year. The supporting cast is there for a run at the league title and just maybe something beyond ...........
Since 1992, Georgia has won just two SEC Championships and failed to play for the national title. Coach Mark Richt's detractors will point out that during that same time frame, SEC East rival Florida has seven conference titles and won three national championships. Alabama has five SEC crowns, four national titles and could be playing for another this season. Their cross border rival Auburn, has three titles under three different head coaches, won a national championship and played for another. LSU has been more successful as well: four SEC crowns, played for three national championships and twice was the nations top team. Even Tennessee has won the same number of conference championships since 1992 as Georgia has. Richt has been at Georgia since 2001 and has won 135 games while losing only 48, but has not won an SEC title since 2005. If Richt can find the right quarterback, the Dawgs figure to be the SEC East favorites this year. The supporting cast is there for a run at the league title and just maybe something beyond ...........
Who do you think protested? Every liberal in America! There was some asshole from Connecticut (or somewhere in the NE) that had a website and it was his personal mission.
That side of town used to be "old Jacksonville". It's where Lynerd Skynerd got their start (they went to Robert E. Lee HS....which is still in Jacksonville)...but when Forrest opened in the mid/late 60's most of the students came from over-crowded Robert E. Lee. Now, that side of town is trash....and that's putting it mildly. When I was a professional firefighter for JFRD we called it "The Wild Westside". I'd go on 15-20 calls in a 24 hour shift! It was unreal!
Georgia certainly cannot be the favprite to win the SEC this season. IF they do win the SEC, either they have a super team or the SEC champ has two or more losses. Three things hinder UGA. First, they do not have anything that resembles a passing game. They must replace their QB and most of their starting WR corps.
Next is the schedule. Their crossover games are against Alabama and at Auburn, the probable two best teams in the West. They also go to Tennessee, a team that they barely got by at home last season. Tennessee should be improved. They also play Missouri and Florida, who ripped them 38-20 last season. I can't see them with less than two losses out of that group.
Finally there is Mark Richt himself. Certainlhy a very good HC, but a HC who has not won an SEC title since 2005. That is a long time. Too long if you ask me. Georgia has had way too much talent over the years for that to have happened.
On another note, you can tell that this is the garbage time of year when CBS Sports main football story is about a 3 star OL who flippped from Ohio State to Georgia because he had an academic issue that kept him from enrolling at Ohio State. Who gives a crap? 3 Star OL's are a dime a dozen. All CBS and ESPN do these days is talk about recruits. Again, I say who gives a crap? 90% of these guys never pan out. If ESPN and CBS have nothing worthwhile to report, then just keep quiet. I want to know what teams have this season, not what some dumb wanna be sports reporter thinks they may have next season, or later on.
Next is the schedule. Their crossover games are against Alabama and at Auburn, the probable two best teams in the West. They also go to Tennessee, a team that they barely got by at home last season. Tennessee should be improved. They also play Missouri and Florida, who ripped them 38-20 last season. I can't see them with less than two losses out of that group.
Finally there is Mark Richt himself. Certainlhy a very good HC, but a HC who has not won an SEC title since 2005. That is a long time. Too long if you ask me. Georgia has had way too much talent over the years for that to have happened.
On another note, you can tell that this is the garbage time of year when CBS Sports main football story is about a 3 star OL who flippped from Ohio State to Georgia because he had an academic issue that kept him from enrolling at Ohio State. Who gives a crap? 3 Star OL's are a dime a dozen. All CBS and ESPN do these days is talk about recruits. Again, I say who gives a crap? 90% of these guys never pan out. If ESPN and CBS have nothing worthwhile to report, then just keep quiet. I want to know what teams have this season, not what some dumb wanna be sports reporter thinks they may have next season, or later on.
I can't disagree. They have the second best roster (as far as talent) in the SEC. The D is stout and they can control the clock w/ that running game. They should look at Bama's offenses of 2009-2011 and mimic it as best they can. If the QB can "manage the game" (I hate that expression because a lot of good QBs get this label undeserving) they'll be in every game they play....and they lucked out getting Bama at home (for their 1st regular season game in almost a decade (which is complete bullshit...but that's another story).
Richt has taken some hits among the Georgia faithful over the years. With high expectations for 2015 but not overly high because of the quarterback situation and a defensive line that is very questionable. Might just be the year Mr. Richt gets himself an SEC championship.
Who the hell knows how the ball bounces but I have Alabama and Georgia playing in the SEC showdown. Of course I'm picking Bama, but picking and winning are two different things.
Who the hell knows how the ball bounces but I have Alabama and Georgia playing in the SEC showdown. Of course I'm picking Bama, but picking and winning are two different things.
Yes, Richt has taken some hits from the die-hards. Of course there's always the "but he's such a good guy" type of fans....Honestly, if they got rid of him who would be better? Smart would likely get the job....but he's unproven. He could easily end up being another Muschamp.
I've been saying this for years....one of these days, the stars are going to align for UGA and Richt. And what better year than 2015? Only thing is...if your prediction comes true they will re-match w/ Alabama in the SECCG. Unless they lose the regular season game, a rematch is always a scary thing.
if UGA had a known entity at QB they would be a top 3 team and favorite to win the SEC. That Oline is insane (think Bama 2012), RB group is one of best in nation, and talent all over the defense (and finally a DC equal to the talent). and as that thread posted yesterday pointed out the schedule is as favorable as possible with 8 home games. But it's UGA so I'll have to see it to believe it
Georgia is not breaking the bank on travel expenses. All 12 games are played within the state or in an adjoining state – the longest road trip is 300 miles to Nashville to play Vanderbilt. A potential 13th game in the SEC championship game would also be in the Peach State. A victory there could put the Bulldogs in Florida for an Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal. Thus if the season goes ideally for Georgia, its 15th and final game – the national championship game in Arizona – would be the only one that required leaving the Southeast.
Georgia is not breaking the bank on travel expenses. All 12 games are played within the state or in an adjoining state – the longest road trip is 300 miles to Nashville to play Vanderbilt. A potential 13th game in the SEC championship game would also be in the Peach State. A victory there could put the Bulldogs in Florida for an Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal. Thus if the season goes ideally for Georgia, its 15th and final game – the national championship game in Arizona – would be the only one that required leaving the Southeast.
I believe that Georgia has enough to win the SEC East, but one never knows. No one picked Mizzou to win it twice in the past two seasons. If Georgia makes it to the SEC Championship game, it will be a rematch with Auburn, not Alabama. Auburn has the better team and a huge schedule break over Alabama. Alabama has been unable to stop the Auburn offense in the past two years, and with Muschamp coming on board to be their DC, Auburn will have enough to beat Alabama in November in Auburn.
2014 Average Attendance by Conference
1. SEC, 77,694, (+2020) over 2013
2. Big Ten, 66,869, (-3562)
3. Big 12, 58,103, (-797)
4. Independents, 52,882, (+12,120)
5. Pac 12, 52,702, (-917)
6. ACC, 50,291, (+309)
7. AAC, 29,193, (-4519)
8. Mt. West, 25,254, (-826)
9. Conf USA, 20,455, (-1055)
10. Sun Belt, 18,294, (-1565)
11. MAC, 15,431, (-1308)
*Take away Vanderbilt's 34,258 average and the SEC would have a much higher average. The Vandy stadium only seats 40,535 and they can't fill it.
Teams with best home average:
1. Ohio State, 106,296
2. Texas A&M, 105,123
3. Michigan, 104,909
4. LSU, 101,723
5. Penn State, 101,623
6. Alabama, 101, 534
7. Tennessee, 99,754
8. Texas, 94,103
9. Georgia, 92,746
10. Nebraska, 91,249
11. Auburn, 87,451
Worst in FBS was Akron at 9,170. Terry Bowden left Division II North Alabama a couple years back where the Lions average around 11,000 per game for a Division I school who couldn't fill up some high school stadiums here in Alabama.
*Notice Texas A&M out drawing mighty Texas.
*Nebraska fan may have not liked Bo but they love their Huskers.
*Look for Michigan's average to jump during Jimmy's first year. Stadium holds 109,991.
1. SEC, 77,694, (+2020) over 2013
2. Big Ten, 66,869, (-3562)
3. Big 12, 58,103, (-797)
4. Independents, 52,882, (+12,120)
5. Pac 12, 52,702, (-917)
6. ACC, 50,291, (+309)
7. AAC, 29,193, (-4519)
8. Mt. West, 25,254, (-826)
9. Conf USA, 20,455, (-1055)
10. Sun Belt, 18,294, (-1565)
11. MAC, 15,431, (-1308)
*Take away Vanderbilt's 34,258 average and the SEC would have a much higher average. The Vandy stadium only seats 40,535 and they can't fill it.
Teams with best home average:
1. Ohio State, 106,296
2. Texas A&M, 105,123
3. Michigan, 104,909
4. LSU, 101,723
5. Penn State, 101,623
6. Alabama, 101, 534
7. Tennessee, 99,754
8. Texas, 94,103
9. Georgia, 92,746
10. Nebraska, 91,249
11. Auburn, 87,451
Worst in FBS was Akron at 9,170. Terry Bowden left Division II North Alabama a couple years back where the Lions average around 11,000 per game for a Division I school who couldn't fill up some high school stadiums here in Alabama.
*Notice Texas A&M out drawing mighty Texas.
*Nebraska fan may have not liked Bo but they love their Huskers.
*Look for Michigan's average to jump during Jimmy's first year. Stadium holds 109,991.
Wow, Akron! The Terry Bowden hire has been a bust so far. He's probably on a really hot seat. I think I read where they built a new stadium and the University President said they regret spending the money on it.
The Will Muschamp Era dropped UF out of that top 10. The stadium seats around 90K and they filled it every week until Wll came along. He set some new lows while at UF: ended the streak vs. Vandy (25+ years), lost to a 1AA team (had never happened), first losing season since 1979, only D1 team to hold an opponent to under 200 yards of offense and lose....and he did it twice!, total offense ranked in the 100's in 3 of 4 seasons, I could go on and on...
The Will Muschamp Era dropped UF out of that top 10. The stadium seats around 90K and they filled it every week until Wll came along. He set some new lows while at UF: ended the streak vs. Vandy (25+ years), lost to a 1AA team (had never happened), first losing season since 1979, only D1 team to hold an opponent to under 200 yards of offense and lose....and he did it twice!, total offense ranked in the 100's in 3 of 4 seasons, I could go on and on...
Northern Illinois
The NIU football program is one of only two teams in the country to win eleven or more games in each of the last five seasons and the future is still bright. Despite the thumping in the Baco Raton Bowl to Marshall, the Huskies did win their third MAC Championship in four years and will try to use the large number of veterans to build on yet another winning season. Head Coach Ron Carey, who took over before the 2013 Orange Bowl has a 23-6 record with NIU and another solid season should be accomplished during 2015. Northern Illinois does have a challenging road non-conference schedule by playing back-to-back at Ohio State and Boston College. Fortunately, the Huskies possible toughest conference game is at home against Western Michigan. Expect NI to compete yet again for a MAC title and an upset on the road could lead to even more.
*If you like to play totals...NI may be a good UNDER play again this season. The Huskies love to run the ball and eat clock. The 3-9 over/under last year attest to that.
UNLV.....Murray State.....@Ohio State.....@Boston College.....@Central Michigan.....Ball State.....@Miami,Oh.....Eastern Michigan.....@Toledo.....@Buffalo.....Western Michigan.....Ohio
The NIU football program is one of only two teams in the country to win eleven or more games in each of the last five seasons and the future is still bright. Despite the thumping in the Baco Raton Bowl to Marshall, the Huskies did win their third MAC Championship in four years and will try to use the large number of veterans to build on yet another winning season. Head Coach Ron Carey, who took over before the 2013 Orange Bowl has a 23-6 record with NIU and another solid season should be accomplished during 2015. Northern Illinois does have a challenging road non-conference schedule by playing back-to-back at Ohio State and Boston College. Fortunately, the Huskies possible toughest conference game is at home against Western Michigan. Expect NI to compete yet again for a MAC title and an upset on the road could lead to even more.
*If you like to play totals...NI may be a good UNDER play again this season. The Huskies love to run the ball and eat clock. The 3-9 over/under last year attest to that.
UNLV.....Murray State.....@Ohio State.....@Boston College.....@Central Michigan.....Ball State.....@Miami,Oh.....Eastern Michigan.....@Toledo.....@Buffalo.....Western Michigan.....Ohio
SEC New Coordinators
This offseason, as is the case from time to time, saw quite a bit of coaching turnover among the SEC coordinator ranks, including at Auburn, where former Florida head coach Will Muschamp comes in to revamp the Tigers' beleaguered defense. There was plenty of turnover among West division defensive coordinators, with John Chavis leaving LSU for Texas A&M and former linebacker coach Kevin Steele leaving Alabama to take the reigns at LSU. Georgia, the likely SEC East favorite, enters the 2015 season with first time college coach Brian Schottenheimer taking over for longtime Bulldog coordinator Mike Bobo, who replaced new Florida coach Jim McElwain at Colorado State. McElwain brought in former Alabama/Michigan offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier to lead the Gator offense and ex-Mississippi State defensive coordinator Geoff Collins to do the same defensively. Will the new coordinators be able to repeat the quick success Lane Kiffin hand in his first year guiding Alabama's offense. It'll certainly be something to keep an eye on throughout 2015. Especially at Auburn and Texas A&M.
This offseason, as is the case from time to time, saw quite a bit of coaching turnover among the SEC coordinator ranks, including at Auburn, where former Florida head coach Will Muschamp comes in to revamp the Tigers' beleaguered defense. There was plenty of turnover among West division defensive coordinators, with John Chavis leaving LSU for Texas A&M and former linebacker coach Kevin Steele leaving Alabama to take the reigns at LSU. Georgia, the likely SEC East favorite, enters the 2015 season with first time college coach Brian Schottenheimer taking over for longtime Bulldog coordinator Mike Bobo, who replaced new Florida coach Jim McElwain at Colorado State. McElwain brought in former Alabama/Michigan offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier to lead the Gator offense and ex-Mississippi State defensive coordinator Geoff Collins to do the same defensively. Will the new coordinators be able to repeat the quick success Lane Kiffin hand in his first year guiding Alabama's offense. It'll certainly be something to keep an eye on throughout 2015. Especially at Auburn and Texas A&M.
