Florida Head Coach Will Muschamp can’t be thrilled with the way things are going with his offense and quarterback situation or the way the defense gave up 181 rushing yards to Trent Richardson.

But the Alabama game is behind the Gators and they have a new opponent to worry about.

Led by the nation’s best defense, the top-ranked Tigers look to frustrate the 17th-ranked Gators, who are expected to start freshman Jeff Driskel at quarterback for the injured senior John Brantley on Saturday in Baton Rouge.

LSU is 5-0 and is on top of the poll for a second straight week after easily beating Kentucky 35-7 last Saturday. Incumbent QB Jordan Jefferson made his season debut after being suspended for the first four games following an arrest on a felony battery charge in connection with an Aug. 19 bar fight.

A grand jury reduced the charge to a misdemeanor last Wednesday, leading Miles to reinstate Jefferson as a backup to Jarrett Lee.

Jefferson scored on his first play back, diving over the goal line on an early fourth-and-goal to put the Tigers up 7-0.

Miles has yet to give Jefferson his starting job back but envisions his return adding a new wrinkle to the offense. He passed for 1,411 yards with seven touchdowns while running for 450 and seven scores last season.

“We will use Jefferson in a variety of ways,” Miles said. “At different times in the season, we will need every skill and every collective attribute of our team.

“We are excited about this season right now.”

The Gators who are 4-1, are likely not quite as optimistic after the way things played out last weekend.

Brantley injured his right leg on a sack late in the first half of last Saturday’s 38-10 loss to then-No. 3 Alabama, Florida’s worst home defeat since falling 36-7 to LSU in 2002. He was helped to the locker room and did not return, and Muschamp said Monday the injury won’t require surgery but will keep the senior sidelined at least a week.

Brantley, who has thrown for 942 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions, had started 18 consecutive games. His injury opens the door for Driskel, but the highly touted freshman looked shaky last week.

Driskel completed 2 of 6 passes for 14 yards, fumbled a snap and was sacked twice as the Gators gained just two first downs with him under center.

“I’ve got a lot of faith in him,” running back Chris Rainey said. “He’ll be ready to go, ready to take that challenge.”

It would certainly help Driskel if the running game can get on track, but that could be difficult.

The Gators entered last week’s game leading the SEC in rushing at 259.0 yards per game but finished with 15. The Crimson Tide lead the FBS in rush defense with an average of 39.6 yards allowed, and LSU is almost just as stingy, ranking third at 60.4.

“Again, we’ve got our work cut out for us,” said Muschamp, who served as LSU’s defensive coordinator from 2002-04. “You got to get that taste out of your mouth. There’s no better opportunity than going to Baton Rouge and playing LSU.”

The Tigers have won 13 straight home games since losing 13-3 to Florida in 2009. The Gators were the top-ranked team at the time while LSU was No. 4.

This is the fifth time in six meetings one of the teams is ranked in the top 5, with No. 12 LSU defeating No. 14 Florida 33-29 last October being the lone exception.

Like the Gators, the Tigers also rely heavily on the ground game that could see a boost if Jefferson is inserted to run the option. LSU is averaging 172.6 yards a game and is second in the SEC with 14 rushing touchdowns.

LSU’s top tailbacks, Spencer Ware and Michael Ford, had subpar performances last week, but Miles was encouraged with what he saw from his backups.

Sophomore Alfred Blue had a career-best 72 yards on 16 attempts, while freshman Terrence Magee accounted for 38 yards on 12 rushes. Ware, who has a team-best 323 rushing yards, had four carries for five yards before leaving the game with a hamstring injury.

Miles is hopeful that Ware will be healthy enough to return to the running back rotation.

“We’ll have the opportunity to run the ball again with a number of guys,” Miles said.

LSU’s depth at running back could pose problems for Florida, which allowed Alabama to rush for 226 yards - the same number it allowed in its first four games combined.

This will be the toughest road test the Gators will face all year. Question is; can they answer the bell?

This Saturday, the Gators and the Alabama Crimson Tide will continue their rivalry when the Gators host Alabama at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

Last year, Alabama hosted Florida in Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. and defeated Florida to a crushing score of 31-6. This year, the tables have turned in this rivalry and the game will be played in Gainesville. As many SEC opponents know, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is one of the most difficult venues to play in for any team. This Saturday, it will be one of the few challenges No. 3 Alabama must overcome to defeat one of the SEC's surprise teams.

It isn't too often the words "Florida Gators" and "surprise teams" are placed in the same sentence. However, with last year's disappointing record of 8-5, quarterback problems, turnover issues and an identity crisis on offense, the Florida Gators have struggled to make strides toward relevance. This year, the Gators have been pleasant to watch.

John Brantley seems to be more comfortable as the starting quarterback and has completed 64 percent of his passes, while throwing four touchdowns and two interceptions. Florida is also ranked 10th in the nation in rushing offense, rushing for more than 250 yards per game. Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps have spearheaded the Gator offense with a combined 731 rushing yards, 284 receiving yards and eight touchdowns total.

Gone is the Gator offense of last year, which utilized the spread option under former coach Urban Meyer. The new pro-style offense implemented by Will Muschamp and Charlie Weis has been more effective this year, and the Gators have scored on 16 straight red-zone trips. What is even more impressive is the fact UF has scored in 15 of 16 quarters this season.

As of Week 5, Florida boasts the 15th-ranked offense in the NCAA at 40.25 points per game. They are also doing much better on the other side of the ball as well, boasting the 20th-ranked pass defense in the NCAA at 175.25 passing yards per game. Perhaps the best stat for the Florida Gator defense is the fact their defense is allowing fewer than nine points per game.

However, Florida will face their toughest challenge this season when they face the Crimson Tide, who are ranked second in overall defense. As of Week 5, Alabama is only allowing a total of 184 yards per game.

On the other side of the ball is AJ McCarron, who has been more than suitable in the Crimson Tide's "game manager position" with a 66 percent completion percentage, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Alabama also hosts the two-pronged rushing attack of Trent Richardson and Eddy Lacey, who have run over opposing defenses for a total of 806 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns.

Needless to say, this should be the Gators biggest test yet. This is becoming a heated rivalry, with both of these teams ranked in the Top 15 and two schools who essentially mirror each other in skill set and statistics. This game also has SEC Title implications and very possibly National Championship implications.

If you're in Gainesville for the game, you will certainly see a bunch of crimson shirts and feaux "Bear" Bryant hats, as Alabama fans are known for traveling to the ends of the earth for their school.

Will Alabama "Roll" out of The Swamp, victory in hand? Or will they just become "Gator Bait" to a Florida team hungry for revenge and on the brink of greatness?

Conference realignment. Also known as The Great War of the B.S. Conferences.

Yes, B.S. Conferences. Not BCS.

The playground battle between greedy school children continues to bother college football fans from Miami, Florida to Seattle, Washington.

Enough is enough.

It is time for Father NCAA to step in with a belt in hand and whip some sense back into the circus-loving conference commissioners who seem to have eyes bigger than their stomachs.

Nobody wants the madness to settle until 64 teams have lobbied, bullied and bribed their way into power so a "national champion" can be crowned in a 4-team conference champions' playoff.

The desperation is laughable.

Oklahoma regents meet on Monday to take their school into a conference that references the Pacific Ocean in its name.

TCU will be playing in a league that houses its closest neighbor nearly 900 miles away.

Texas is forgetting that Austin does not touch an ocean. Even if it did, the Gulf of Mexico is not a stone's throw away from the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific for that matter.

Give me a break.

Every realignment prediction out there projects that Boise State is left outside in the cold come New Years bowl game season. How then can we be sure that the winner of a 4-team playoff would truly be our nation's champion when an undefeated Boise team would not even be invited to the party?

Does anybody care about that slight oversight?

If Boise, Idaho were located four or five states further east, the injustice of the mere suggestion would have already gone before a Supreme Court judge—not a far-out prediction considering Baylor's recent litigation threats.

Apparently, the senseless NCAA is going to sit back with a bag of popcorn while Mike Slive and Larry Scott lie their way to the high throne of college football where ESPN will crown them with an inscribed 14-carrot golden hat, "Bow Down to the Worldwide Leader."

But in the words of the great coach, Lee Corso...

"Not so fast my friend!"

Here's my solution......

Bye Bye BCS.

Order is restored in my just and fair daydreams.

Ever logical, I have replaced the hapless NCAA president and the first thing I have done is destroy the BCS and reconstruct every FBS conference.

Mike Slive and Larry Scott are welcome to reapply for positions as conference commissioners, but based on their track records of "doing what's best for the student athletes" their chances for rehire are slim.

BUT WAIT!!! YOU WANT FOUR SUPER-CONFERENCES?

Ok...Wish Granted!

All 96 Teams are eligible for the Championship.

While I may not agree, I listen to the cries from the majority and grant you your wish.

Each conference consists of 24 teams split up into Tier A and Tier B divisions. Anyone familiar with European soccer leagues?

The 12 teams in Tier A of each conference will compete to send their champion to the beloved 4-team playoff to determine the national champion.

The 12 teams in Tier B of each conference will compete to send their champion into Tier A, replacing the school in the higher division with the most losses on the season.

Any school placed in a Tier B division of its conference, therefore, has the right to compete for a national championship within only one year. Win your conference and you move up with the Tier A boys. Lose your conference and you move down to Tier B.

48 teams will compete for the national championship in a given year. 96 teams are considered Division I, FBS, or whatever you want to call it.

The 48 teams playing in Tier B divisions play with the hope of a promotion into Tier A.

Take Colorado for example. After considering your past few seasons, I have placed you in the Tier B division of the Pacific Conference.

Are you going to cry about it?

Simply win your Tier B division and you earn the right to play with USC, Oregon and Arizona State again.

Be careful what you wish for, though. Losing eight conference games in a Tier A division will place you right back where you started, unable to compete for a national championship the following year while playing in the Tier B division.

Now, a message to the schools not included in my 96-team league. Utah State, New Mexico State and Toledo, that means you.

Any team performing consistently at the bottom of its Tier B division can be challenged by a Division II (FCS) program. In the challenge, the performance of both programs over a five-year period of time will be reviewed and considered.

Louisiana Tech, I have included you as one of my last selections in the 96-team league. If you consistently lose games and play at the bottom of the Tier B South Conference, someone will challenge you and you'll be booted from the league.

You will have your 4 Conferences.

Do not be shocked when you see the Big 12, ACC, SEC and Big East all broken up between conferences in the following slides. After all, I did say I used logic in creating the league. Rivalries, geography and tradition were the major factors considered in creating each conference.

Pacific Conference, Midwest Conference, South Conference, and East Conference.

Consider this hypothetical league a foundation of reason amid the mayhem and chaos of the disgusting politicking swarming around college football this season.

What would this season play out like with a strong structure holding it all together?

Which four teams would we see playing for the championship? Which four teams would earn a spot into a Tier A division by winning a Tier B league?

Sigh.

A structure this reasonable is not going to happen for college football. We can expect to see Bobo The Clown take over as the official college football mascot.

Bobo will also wear a BCS t-shirt.

Thank you, BCS, for placing college football in a ridiculously unjust state that has both AQ and non-AQ schools scrambling for a better solution. All signs indicate the problems will get much worse before they get better. (Florida State is proposing it is a fit for the Big Ten?!?)

NCAA, I have no words to describe your incompetence while college football destroys itself. Please prove me wrong by doing something proactive and take control.

Two traditional SEC rivals collide as the Florida Gators host the Tennessee Volunteers in The Swamp.

The Will Muschamp era is off to a perfect start in Gainesville and while the Florida Gators have played less than SEC caliber competition, they have handled them easily. Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis’ system appears to agree with Gator QB John Brantley who struggled last season but appears to be in a groove this year as UF has outscored their opponents 80-3 in the first two games. The Gators have a two headed monster at running back as Chris Rainey has run for 207 yards and two touchdowns and Jeff Demps has run for 123 yards and two TD’s. The Gators have a stable of talented receivers who haven’t been called on much this season but Deonte Thompson has five catches for 67 yards and Adre Dubose has five catches for 64 yards. The Florida defense is generally inexperienced this season but they have allowed just three points and 349 yards combined in two games. This will be the Gators first big test of the year as while they have dominated the Vols of late, this isn’t a game to be taken lightly no matter what has happened in recent years.

The Tennessee Volunteers have gotten off to a 2-0 start in 2011 and Derek Dooley’s team will get a chance to see exactly where their progress is in their hopes to return to being a relevant team in the SEC landscape. Tyler Bray has looked sharp at QB for the Vols completing 78.5 percent of his passes for 698 yards and seven touchdowns and Tauren Poole is a reliable running back rushing for 199 yards thus far and Marlin Lane has scored twice gaining the tough yards. Justin Hunter already has 16 receptions for 302 yards and two touchdowns and Da’Rick Rogers has 15 catches for 200 yards and three TD’s. Austin Johnson leads the team in tackles with 10 while Daryl Vereen, Brent Brewer, and Jacques Smith each have nine. The Tennessee defense allowed 23 point against Cincinnati but most of them were early and once the Volunteers settled in they were tougher than we have seen them in a while.

Prediction:

Florida has too many weapons and the noise in The Swamp will be unbearable for young Tyler Bray and the young offensive line, so expect several false starts for Tennessee.

Gators win 31-17

This year’s Gators look like a different team.

New attitude.

New plays.

New swagger.

After an impressive offensive display by both players, the 18th ranked Gators take on UAB in Gainesville on Saturday night on Charter Cable.

Florida won its first four games last season but finished 8-5 as Brantley struggled to follow in Tim Tebow’s footsteps and Rainey ran into trouble off the field.

Rainey was a significant contributor for the Gators in ’08 and ’09, combining for 1,227 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. However, Rainey was suspended for five games last year after being arrested for aggravated stalking and was limited to just 366 yards and two touchdowns in 8 games.

Rainey looks as though he’s put the drama behind him. In Saturday’s 41-3 victory over Florida Atlantic, he became the third player in the nation since 1996 to have a rushing touchdown, a receiving touchdown, and a return for a touchdown in the same game.

“I thank God all the time that I’m still here,” said Rainey, who returned a blocked punt for 21 yards. “I stayed here one more year, and that’s the best thing that ever happened to me. It’s a pro offense, I’m made for it.”

Rainey, who touched the ball 18 times in all, is referring to coach Will Muschamp bringing in former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Charlie Weis to lead the offense, which ranked eighth in the SEC last year with 29.8 points per game.

Although the Gators weren’t facing elite competition, the Gators finished with 468 yards of offense, scoring on their first four drives. FAU’s lone score came after an interception by true freshman quarterback Jeff Driskel, who entered late in the first half.

Coach Muschamp told the media after Saturday’s game, “I think we need to be realistic here, we’ll face better opponents throughout the season……We didn’t face as much adversity as we had hoped for, but I’m very pleased with the effort and energy of our players.”

Brantley looks like he’ll benefit from playing under Weis’ system. Florida ranked 88th in the FBS with 184.3 passing yards per game in 2010, with Brantley throwing nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

His performance was more promising last Saturday. Although he had two interceptions, Brantley went 21 of 30 for 229 yards and a touchdown. Last season he passed for more than 200 yards only four games.

Rainey said after the game, “Looked like the old John Brantley you saw in high school, being the leader, taking over, he’s got all his confidence back.”

Brantley’s confidence should be high Saturday with fullback Trey Burton and receivers Deonte Thompson and Omarius Hines expected to play after suffering injuries last week.

The Gators likely won’t face much more adversity against UAB, which opens its season after going 4-8 last year.

Tropical Storm Lee forced the Blazers to move the location of their practices earlier this week, but they are eager to face the Gators, even knowing they will be heavy underdogs.

UAB quarterback Bryan Ellis is back after starting the final nine games of 2010. He finished with 2,940 yards passing, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Pat Shed also returns for the Blazers after rushing for a team high 847 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also had 471 yards receiving and four TD’s.

UAB scored 31 or more points five times last season and played close games against Tennessee and Mississippi State, losing by a combined eight points.

The two teams’ only previous meeting was a Florida 51-3 victory in 2002 in the Swamp.

The day we've all been waiting for! Day 12...the last day in my segment which culminates with; The University of Florida Gators. Very appropriate that SEC Media Days opens in Hoover, Alabama today.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...the last six years for the Gator football program under the direction of head coach Urban Meyer have been mostly the first. Last season however saw his youngsters finish an uncharacteristic 8-5 campaign that left many wondering just where the direction of this team was headed. Coaches could not decide between one of three quarterbacks and the passing game was a struggle with every snap. This was the 10th best offense in the SEC. The times they are a changin'...and how. Urban Meyer resigned and an entirely new coaching staff has been hired.

So what exactly changes in The Swamp on Saturdays?

After the Spring Game there were alot of questions.

The Gators played a spring game, with little positives to talk about. It was kind of ugly. Quarterback John Brantley was 4-14 for just 45 yards and started the game with five straight incomplete passes.

Brantley threw a gorgeous deep ball early in the game that was dropped by Quinton Dunbar, in which after, Brantley dropped his head and walked back to the huddle. If Brantley wants to be successful he has to gain more of a leader's confidence.

Running back Chris Rainey had some explosive plays and freshman tight end A.C. Leonard had two nice catches. Redshirt freshman Tyler Murphy started the game for the orange team and went 7-11 for 68 yards and threw one touchdown and one interception that was tipped by a receiver.

I think I speak for most who were present like myself that the best part of the day was probably at halftime, when the Gators honored the three Heisman trophy winners Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow.

The blue team went on to defeat the orange team with a un-inspired score of 13-10.

For those following recruiting, clamoring how much top-tier talent resides on this roster is just stating the obvious. Florida will be better than last year talent wise but it's also still exceedingly young.

The offense has to improve.

Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis has installed a true pro-style offense. Senior John Brantley will line up under center while seniors Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps take the majority of the handoffs from deep in the backfield giving the running backs more time to read the gaps and plan cutback lanes. There will be plenty of play action, a concentration on throwing the ball deep and much more use out of tight end Jordan Reed, one of last year's rotating quarterbacks.

The new coaching staff will be implementing new schematics in an effort to overcome the shortcomings in the Gators passing attack. Consistency and dropped balls routinely handcuffed this offense last year. The new pro-style offense will call on bigger receivers. Five of the seniors in this unit are all 5'11 or shorter. In Meyer's spread offense these smaller types were often utilized. That won't be the case with Weis, at least on the outside, so look for a few of the younger guys to take advantage of this situation.

While sophomore Quinton Dunbar has been making a splash as a big playmaker, junior Frankie Hammond is proving to be the most consistent. Both possess great speed. Kick return specialist Andre Debose has talent to be a factor if he can stay healthy and absorb the playbook.

With key losses on the Offensive Line with the departure of All-American, Mike Pouncey and OT Marcus Gilbert. Guys like Xavier Nixon, Jonotthan Harrison, James Wilson, and Jon Halapio will have to step up and fill some big shoes.

Nixon was a part-time starter a year ago but supposedly has dropped about 30 pounds this off-season. He will need to gain that weight back before summer ends. Halapio and Harrison have the most secure staring jobs at this point. The rest could be anyone's guess.

This year's Gators defense is interesting.

With the loss of All-American cornerback Janoris Jenkins, there is only one senior on the defensive starting depth chart.

All the players in defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's defense say he and Will Muschamp, who was previously the defensive coordinator at Texas, have been swapping back and forth between the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes early and often. The versatility of the Gators' personnel makes it easy for the defense to have its two faces. Essentially, the switch between a three-man front and a four-man front can be as simple as linebacker/defensive end Ronald Powell walking up to the line and putting his hand down. Fortunately for this Gator team, the defensive line is utterly stacked with future NFL Pro Bowl talent, yes a reach of a prediction but nonetheless quite logical given the accolades of these sophomore studs up front. Easley, Floyd and Powell...for those that have not heard these names yet, you soon will.

The defense is full of high school All-Americans who are young and have yet to prove they can dominate in college like they did on the prep level.

But the potential definitely is there. Remember, prior to the 2010 season, who really had heard of Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley?

Is there a Fairley or two (or three or four...) on the Florida roster? We will definitely find out.

The schedule doesn't set up well for the Gators, with that October stretch that includes Alabama, LSU, Auburn and Georgia four times in a row with only the Alabama game being played at The Swamp. The non-conference schedule outside of normal rival Florida State is a breeze. But that's the Gator calling card when addressing the difficulty of the SEC grind stone and who can blame them? Considering that Florida failed to finish in the Top 25 a year ago makes it impossible to hand them their usual Top 5 or even Top 10 ranking to start.

If the Gators do in fact finish the season 10-2, there is no question they will be in the Georgia Dome playing for the SEC title. The hire of offensive coordinator Charlie Weis was huge, and I think it will pay dividends not only this season but for years to come.

I don't think a BCS bowl game is expected this year but it could very well happen in a very sub-par SEC East. I believe in the end, that Florida goes 9-3 in the regular season and misses out on the SEC championship game to a very good South Carolina team.

Regardless of the final record, the Gators are a team that is moving in the right direction and should be a national championship contender once again in no time. "I say it's Great to Be a Florida Gator!"

Grade: B+

My SEC Championship predictions:

LSU vs. South Carolina

LSU wins 28-24

Day 11 of the "12 Teams in 12 Days" segment, takes us to the Bayou in Baton Rouge, where I am breaking down the Lousiana State University Tigers.

The LSU Tigers certainly overcame expectations last season and managed an 11-2 record in 2010. Their only losses were on the road to then-No. 5 Auburn 17-24 and then-No. 12 Arkansas 23-31. The Tigers would beat Texas A&M 41-24 in the Cotton Bowl. LSU now has a ton of momentum heading into 2011.

Head coach Les Miles owns a 90-38 record and a national championship in his six years at LSU. He is thought by most to be a very underrated coach, and may have his best team of his career at LSU heading into the fall. The Tigers welcome back 15 starters and 54 lettermen.

The only big questions surrounding LSU and the few things seperating them from a Natonal Championship this year is.....

Their offense.

Can new offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe make that much of a difference? It was a complete and total miracle that LSU won 11 games with the nation’s 107th ranked passing game, 92nd in passing efficiency, and 11th in the SEC in total offense. The team might be good enough to challenge for the SEC title as is, but if it wants to play for the national title, and that’s a realistic expectation, the attack can’t stink. Kragthorpe isn’t looking to rebuild the machine, but he’s looking to simplify how it works by making the reads easier for the quarterbacks. The moves have worked so far as Jordan Jefferson has thrown well in early practices, while the coaching staff has said it likes what Jarrett Lee and Zach Mettenberger were doing. With eight starters returning, including the entire offensive line, the expectations are for the production to start to come.

The Tigers do lose RB Stevan Ridley, who carried the load with 1,147 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Jefferson was their second-leading rusher, and their No. 3 was Michael Ford. Ford is back, but he’ll likely have to watch from the bench as electric sophomore Spencer Ware gets the bulk of the carries.

LSU loses their top wideout Terrance Toliver, who had 41 catches for 579 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. They bring back their No. 2 and No. 3 receivers in juniors Ruben Randle and Russell Sheppard, respectively. Look for sophomore Kadron Boone to step in and take Toliver’s place. They also add in freshman WR Jarvis Landry, one of the top recruits in the country.

With the exception of second-team All-SEC LT Joseph Barksdale, who was drafted in the third round by the Oakland Raiders, the offensive line returns intact.  They have nine of their top ten linemen back in all.  Sophomore Chris Faulk will battle it out with redshirt freshman La’el Collins for the starting left tackle job.  Both were top ten recruits along the offensive line coming out of high school.

Their defense on the other hand is one of the best in the business.

Only one year since Miles has taken over have the Tigers allowed more than 19.9 points/game.  LSU is coming off a 2010 season in which they gave up just 18.2 points and 307 total yards per game.  They bring back seven starters on defense and should be just as dominant in 2011.

The defensive line is the biggest concern, where they lose two starters.  Second-team All-American DT Drake Nevis and DT Lazarius Levingston were each selected in the NFL Draft.  Senior DE Kendrick Adams and sophomore DE Sam Montgomery return.  The Tigers add in freshman DT Anthony Johnson, a top five recruit.

LSU welcomes back five of their top six linebackers from last season, but lose their best one.  MLB Kevin Sheppard has departed after earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2010.  Senior Linebackers Ryan Baker and Stefoin Francois each return to their starting positions.

The secondary was a team strength a year ago as the Tigers surrendered only 170 passing yards per game and 57 percent completions. They lose CB Patrick Peterson, who earned the Jim Thorpe and Bednarik Awards.  He was also named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and was drafted No. 5 overall by the Arizona Cardinals.  The Tigers bring back eight of their top 12 defensive backs, including seven very highly touted players. CB Morris Claiborne earned second-team All-SEC honors and is their top cover corner. This figures to be one of the best secondaries in the land despite the loss of Peterson.

LSU's schedule this season opens up with a huge game against the Oregon Ducks in Dallas. Then the Tigers travel to Mississippi State to face a very good Bulldog team, followed by an out-of-conference game in Morgantown against the West Virginia Mountaineers. But what is key for LSU, is, they get Florida, Auburn, and Arkansas at home in Tiger Stadium. But have to face Bama in Tuscaloosa for what will most likely be for the SEC West and a trip to Atlanta.

The Tigers have the makings of a National Contender this year. Their defense is better and their offense is better. The winner of the LSU/Alabama game will be going to Atlanta, and I have the Tigers winning that game in OT. LSU has not only the best team in the SEC this year; they hae one of the best teams in the nation. LSU and the "Lucky Les" squeak out some close wins and go 11-1 in the regular season and they give the SEC a chance to have 6 back-to-back champions.

Grade: A+

On Day 10 of "12 Teams in 12 Days" we go to Tuscaloosa, where I will be breaking down th University of Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Alabama Crimson Tide came into the 2010 season with big expectations.

They were coming off a national title and were the No. 1 team in the country.  The Tide held that No. 1 ranking through a 5-0 start, but would then lose to South Carolina, 35-21.

They went on to fall to LSU and Auburn in a couple of heart-breakers for a 10-3 campaign overall.

Alabama welcomes back 17 starters this season and will once again be listed as one of the favorites to win not only the SEC, but a National Championship as well.

Will the team play harder now with a sense of duty to the fans and a city still trying to rebuild after the devastating tornado that killed many in April? Will there be more pressure because so many people are looking for something positive again to rally around?

The tornado and the inspirational stories that emerged in the aftermath of the crisis will make for easy pieces on the pregame shows, and of course the players and coaches will feel a sense of responsibility to not let anyone down after all the town has been through. However, it’s impossible for there to be any more pressure or any more focus on a football program than there is on Alabama, and it’s impossible for any team to be under the microscope even more. It’s the SEC: there’s pressure 24 hours a day, 365 days a year no matter what.

The Tide welcomes back seven starters from an offense that put up 35.7 points and 444 total yards/game a year ago.

They do lose some key players from that team, including QB Greg McElroy, RB Mark Ingram, and WR Julio Jones.

The offense isn’t going to be the dominant force it was two years ago, but the ground game should be terrific with Trent Richardson working behind a veteran line that gets four starters back. The passing attack might not be as explosive without Julio Jones, but Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze are good enough to balance out the attack and quarterbacks A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims have more pure talent than McElroy.

Handing it off to Trent Richardson will only go so far; A.J. McCarron, the likely starter, will be tested early and he’ll have to stretch the field. Remember, though, that the big question in 2009 was whether or not McElroy could step in and shine in place of John Parker Wilson, and everything turned out fine.

On the defesive side of the ball. Dont’a Hightower and C.J. Mosley are ultra-active, ultra-talented linebackers who should be all over the field and should crank out huge numbers as the cleaners for the run defense, while hybrid Courtney Upshaw is a dominant pass rusher who can work like an end or a fourth linebacker. The secondary is even more loaded with stars led by safety Mark Barron and corner Dre Kirkpatrick, who might be first round draft picks next year and could each be the best in the nation at their respective positions. Safety Robert Lester led the team with eight picks, the corner combination of DeQuan Menzie and Dee Milliner will be fantastic on the other side of Kirkpatrick, and top safety recruit Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix could be the team’s most talented defensive back when he first walks on to the field.

Assuming Auburn isn’t the Auburn of last year, and assuming that the Gators are still in a bit of a rebuilding mode, the slate isn’t all that bad. Going to Happy Valley to face Penn State is hardly fun, but Bama is the far better team and it should be heavily favored. In conference play, going to Gainesville is gonna be a huge challenge, but the home layup against Vanderbilt and missing South Carolina and Georgia helps. A home game against Tennessee the other battle against the East and that comes before a week off before the likely showdown for the West against LSU. November is a bear with the date with the Tigers to open, a sneaky-nasty trip to Mississippi State to follow, and then a week off against Georgia Southern before the Iron Bowl at Auburn. Last year it seemed like every team had a week off before facing the Tide, and while Ole Miss and Vanderbilt getting an extra week to prepare isn’t a big deal, LSU gets an off-week before going on the road to face the Tide.

The Crimson Tide are head and shoulders above the competition talent-wise—this could be a better team than Saban's 2009 Tide.

They aren’t going to give an inch on defense, and their offense should be explosive, even with a new quarterback.  That’s because they return one of the best offensive lines to pave the way for Richardson and have a talented receiving corps for McCarron to target.

In a power-laden SEC West....the Tide will "Roll" on to a 10-2 regular season record and miss out on the SEC title game to a slightly better and luckier Les Miles LSU team.

Grade: A+

It's been six years since the Georgia Bulldogs have played in a SEC title game and it's been over two years since the Bulldogs have won 10 or more games in a season.

And if the Bulldogs win the SEC Championship, they could have a inside track on the national title.

It would be great for UGA fans to see the Bulldogs have a big year because it would be the dream season they have waited years for.

But what other scenarios would make this a dream season? What are some things that have to happen that would make the 2011 season a major success?

Well, you can count out Caleb King and Washaun Ealey to help the Dawgs. King was ruled academically ineligible for the season and Ealey transferred from UGA back in May.

In 2010, King rushed for 430 yards and Ealey rushed for 811 yards while the two combined for 13 touchdowns; 11 for Ealey and two for King. That means Georgia must find a way to replace 1,241 yards and 13 touchdowns from a true freshman, In Isiah Crowell and Carlton Thomas who rushed for 272 yards in 2010.

Fair or not, all the attention for Georgia comes down to Isiah Crowell who was expected to compete for the starting job even with King and Ealey in the backfield. Now, Crowell has all the pressure in the world and will be expected by Georgia fans to come in and do what South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore did last year. Regardless of the hype, it is unfair to think that Crowell can replicate what Lattimore did in his true freshman year where he was third in the SEC in rushing with 1,197 and 17 touchdowns.

Also, the Georgia running game was to be a strength due to the loss of All-American wide receiver A.J. Green, so there will be more added pressure on quarterback Aaron Murray. Georgia must establish a running game of some sort just so that they do not become one-dimensional. Even without King and Ealey, Georgia will be tough to beat this season.

Grade: A-

After a few weeks on vacation, I'm back to finish my "12 Teams in 12 Days" segment. And today we travel to Oxford, Mississippi to break down the Ole Miss Rebels.

The Rebels are an interesting storyline in the SEC.

After back-to-back Cotton Bowl wins, the Ole Miss football program fell on hard times in 2010. A small senior class, a lack of leadership and some off-the-field issues, among other things, resulted in a 4-8 campaign and a rude awakening for all involved.

Last year's final game for the Ole Miss Rebels pretty much summed up their performance throughout the season. It wasn't the fact that they were lacking in talent because that was not the case. It just seemed as though they were flat, and couldn't make the plays when they needed to.

It clearly did not help things that transfer quarterback Jeremiah Masoli tried to do everything himself all the time. But even with Masoli trying to carry the Rebel squad on his shoulders throughout the season, the Rebs scored points.

The offseason was highly productive, physically and mentally, and the Rebs went into spring training with a different mindset, led by junior outside linebacker D.T. Shackelford.

But spring had its share of setbacks as well. Head Coach Houston Nutt promised a physical spring to bring back the toughness he felt his team lost in 2010. While completely necessary, the price paid was a rash of spring injuries to some key players, including Shackelford, who will most likely miss the 2011 season after tearing an ACL. Fortunately, D.T. is the only one of the wounded not expected back when fall camp rolls around in August, but some younger players who will be counted on missed valuable time and reps.

On offense, the coaches seem optimistic about the offensive line, led by senior left tackle Bradley Sowell and junior right tackle Bobby Massie. There’s a healthy mix of experience, leadership, depth and talent, albeit some of the players vying for quality time are on the young side. In spring, the run blocking was a plus while the pass protection improved.

Another “strength” area on offense is at running back. Look out for Brandon Bolden, who just missed 1,000 yards rushing as a junior; and senior power runner Enrique Davis, who had an impressive spring.

Although the staff is pleased with the quarterback candidates, nothing ironclad was settled in spring training among junior Randall Mackey, a dual-threat performer; transfer sophomore Barry Brunetti, cut from the same cloth as Mackey; and JUCO transfer Zack Stoudt, a taller, bigger pro style signal-caller. All three showed signs of being able to lead the team in spring, but none are finished products at this point in time.

On defense, where the Rebs struggled last season, the loss of Shackelford was a blow, but when all 11 starters are healthy, the Rebs should show improvement due to better chemistry, more athleticism, a more determined attitude and the return of sixth-year senior leader Kentrell Lockett at defensive end will anchor this seasons defensive line.

The linebackers, despite being young and most likely without Shackelford, will be faster, bigger and, from the looks of spring, hungrier. They were the most prolific playmakers in spring training.

The good news is the Rebels should be a “better” team than in 2010. The bad news is the schedule will be tougher. The Rebels open SEC play on September 17th in Nashville against the Vanderbilt Commodores. The remainder of Mississippi’s conference schedule includes Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, at Auburn, at Kentucky, LSU and at Mississippi State.

Overall the Rebs improve. But not that much. Ole Miss goes 5-7 in the regular season and misses a bowl game for the second year in a row.

Grade: C

After a few days off, I return with my "12 Teams in 12 Days" segment. Today we travel to Columbia, where I will be breaking down the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

Pretty much known as "The most mediocre program" in college football history. The number one question mark when it comes to the 2011 Gamecocks is which Stephen Garcia will show up this season. It has been a tenure of ups and downs at South Carolina for Garcia. His play on the field is generally full of ups, but when he is away from the field, his life features many downs.

Earlier this year, Garcia received an indefinite suspension following an incident, where Garcia showed up intoxicated at a mandatory offseason event for the football team. But was reinstated just about a month or so ago.

Garcia is third all-time at South Carolina in passing yards (6,753), completions (528), attempts (903), and passing touchdowns (43). He has started 28 consecutive games and has made a team-high 30 career starts overall.

Garcia needs to show that he is capable of learning, maturing, growing and being part of something that has the potential to be very good this year. Because I believe the Cocks are not the same team without him.

The Gamecocks bring back one of the SEC’s best offensive duos in national Freshman-of-the-Year running back Marcus Lattimore and All-America wide receiver and Biletnikoff Award finalist Alshon Jeffrey.

These two gave defenses fits last season.

Lattimore and Jeffery will remain the focus of the offense this season. Last year as a freshman, Lattimore notched the third-best single-season rushing total in Carolina history when he rushed for 1,197 yards and 17 touchdowns. Jeffery set single-season school records in both receptions (88) and receiving yards (1,517) while leading the SEC in receiving yards per game (108.4).

Both superstars should have more depth complementing them than a season ago. Junior running backs Kenny Miles and Eric Baker both had big springs and will be joined by highly-touted recruit Shon Carson in the backfield as the trio will be asked to take some pressure off of Lattimore.

The biggest loss on offense could prove to be Patrick DiMarco who served as both a fullback and tight end and was quietly one of the Gamecocks’ best players. Justice Cunningham will replace DiMarco at tight end this season.

Defensively, Carolina loses a leader in defensive end Cliff Matthews but adds the nation’s top-ranked prospect in the 2011 class in defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney will receive much of the fan attention but Devin Taylor, Travian Robertson, and Melvin Ingram will all return from a defensive line that finished fifth in the county a season ago with 41 sacks.

This year, not only will South Carolina be the favorite to win the East, but they will be among the SEC's elite.

Bank on that.

While it remains to be seen how good they can be, it is clear that this isn't your average Gamecocks team that we remember. This is a new team, with a great recruiting class, a bit of swagger, which is something the Gamecocks have not had in a while. This years Gamecocks team will look to improve on a 9-5 record.

Let's look at the Gamecocks 2011 schedule. It sets up so favorably. The toughest matchups are at Georgia and Mississippi State, with Auburn and Florida coming to Columbia.

I see an 8-4 regular season record would be worst-case scenario.  Even though people still don't want to admit it, this team, on paper is one of the most talented in the conference.  As I said before, as long as the quarterback play is solid, they could be in the hunt for the SEC title again, and we all know what potentially comes with that........a possible chance at a national title.

It is all there, with the coaching and talent, it is more than a pipe dream. South Carolina has improved in every area, didn't lose a great deal of major talent and had another solid recruiting class.

I believe the Cocks and the Ole' Ball Coach go 9-3 in the regular season and are in the hunt for an SEC title shot.

Grade: A

Day 5 of my "12 Teams in 12 Days" segment takes us to the reigning National Champions, the Auburn University Tigers.

The best news that Auburn received this offseason is that they were able to keep their most valuable player around at least one more season. No, not Cam Newton or Nick Fairley but offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. While the expectation might be low for many outsiders, this team will be a threat to win any game they play in because of the offensive schemes of Malzahn.

Despite several key losses on both sides of the ball, the running game looks to be potent once again. The dynamic duo of Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb are back for another season and expect them to terrorize SEC defenses once more.

In fact, I will go on record as saying, barring any injury to either Dyer or McCalebb; with Coach Malzahn calling the plays, these two backs will beat Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams' 2004 rushing totals by several hundred yards. This dynamic duo is good for a minimum of 2,000 yards this year.

I can't help but shake my head at people who think that Alabama has stockpiled all the talent in their respective state and Auburn is sitting on a one-deep roster. Auburn is as deep with talent and has as much potential as Alabama has at most positions. However, this talent has to gain experience, and this will be the case with Auburn this season. Talent is not an issue. You are looking at an offensive line that one day soon might be the very best in all of college football. However, they are going to miss some key blocks this season. They are going to get confused on different blitzing schemes. They are not going to be perfect but instead they are going to be growing on the job.

Make no mistake about it, there is plenty of offensive line talent to go around. What remains to be seen is how long will it take before their potential becomes a reality. Last season, all the focus was on Cam Newton's ability to run the football. However, most people fail to realize he was taking on more linebackers and safetys than he was defensive linemen..The line did a great job of holding up blockers and allowing the running backs and Newton to make plays.

This will not be Auburn's season to win the West, but with enough experience this year and a favorable schedule next season, contention is just around the corner for Auburn and Coach Chizik.

There are definitely harder schedules in the SEC than the one Auburn will play. However, those teams will not be breaking in the amount of new players that the Tigers will. The first tough game of the season is Week 2, against a potentially very good Mississippi State team. The next week they have to go to Clemson who will be playing for their head coach's job. I know historically Auburn has owned Clemson, but this is a new era and a new staff. After that, they have one of the toughest stretches in all of college football in October with games against South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU and Florida. What do they have waiting for them as their reward for making it through that stretch? Games against Georgia and Alabama.

This season will have its ups and downs for this young Tigers team. Regardless of their record, they will be competitive and tough for any team to beat. On paper, I don't think this team finishes better than 6-6. However, if there is one thing we have learned about this team, it's that the paper doesn't tell the whole story.

I think the Tigers start the season strong at 4-0. However, October will be a rough month. Right now I have them finishing 7-5 in the regular season. But in the SEC, who knows. A break here and a break there and a few really good games by the Auburn defense, and they could be right back in the SEC West title race.

Grade: B+

Today in my "12 Teams in 12 Days" segment, I will be focusing on the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

I honestly can call the Vols an interesting case study on how to try to rebuild a once powerhouse.

Tennessee’s situation is almost a mirror image of Michigan’s. The Vols were among the elite for a long, long time under Phil Fulmer, broke through and won a national title in 1998 – like Michigan was able to put it all together to win a share of the title in 1997 – flirted with a championship appearance in 2004 – like Michigan did in 2006 – and then things fell off the map. Way, way off the map.

Sometimes programs do need to rebuild, and if Alabama can go from mediocrity to greatness with one big coaching hire, and if Florida and LSU can be steadily terrific, and if Auburn can catch fire in the right year with Gene Chizik at the helm, then why can’t Tennessee become Tennessee in the next few years under Derek Dooley? Tennessee doesn’t have to win it all right now, but this needs to be the season that shows that Dooley is worthy of being the coach who’ll be at the front and center when the program rebounds.

Dooley played a ton of True Freshmen last season, and the offense this season will likely start just one senior. QB Tyler Bray, top wideouts Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers, and four extremely talented starters on the offensive line are all just sophomores. A mere four seniors are projected to start on the defensive side, a few true freshmen are likely to step up and produce in some way at linebacker, and the young depth is strong after a few good recruiting classes. Redshirt freshman Michael Darr was considered the nation’s top punting prospect last year, and placekicker Michael Palardy is just a sophomore.

One word describes this team from top to bottom......YOUNG.

Tennessee’s offensive line couldn’t block anyone last year, there were too many interceptions from Tyler Bray, and the secondary found ways to give up chunks of big yards to just about everyone who could throw a forward pass. Even with all the problems, the Vols still rallied late in the year and got to a bowl game where it battled North Carolina in a double overtime classic.

This 2011 Volunteers should be decent. The 2012 Volunteers should be great. By then, maybe the Vols will be good enough to meet Michigan in a New Year’s Day bowl.

There really is no single star I can point out on this team. But I can promise you that the Vols will have a good year if the running game can be a little bit better. Tauren Poole did everything possible to do his part, running for 100 yards or more six times, but the ground game was held in check far too often with 514 of the 1,420 yards came in the first two games and five of the 14 rushing touchdowns came in the first six quarters. It would be nice if QB Tyler Bray didn’t have to carry the offense by throwing all over the place and forcing things, but he has the talent and ability to do it. After averaging 109 rushing yards per game and 255 passing yards, there needs to be more balance.

One player to look out for is Junior OT Dallas Thomas. The offensive line is going to be good, and it could be very good with a little bit more time, but it still needs a veteran presence. Thomas started every game last year and has been a part of the equation for the last two seasons, but the Louisiana native hasn’t been consistent in pass protection. At left tackle, and protecting Tyler Bray’s blindside, he has to stand out.

There are enough winnable games this year against teams like Montana, Buffalo, Middle Tennessee and Vanderbilt to provide a nice base of wins, and if the program is going to take any sort of a step forward, then it has to be good enough to beat teams like Cincinnati and Kentucky. But Tennessee will be favored in those games, and while winning the ones it’s supposed to will be nice, the season needs a signature W. Whether it’s at Florida, against LSU at home, or at Alabama, or over South Carolina, the program needs to start beating the better teams and not just compete well against them.

Sooner than later we will see Tennessee return to greatness and rise back up as an SEC power. But for right now, they are too young at key positions. Tennessee will upset South Carolina in Neyland Stadium in late October and the Vols finish the season 7-5 this year.

Grade: B-

The next stop on my "12 teams in 12 days" segment is in Fayetteville. Where I will be previewing the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.

Why can't Arkansas be the new Auburn? Why isn't the team getting the preseason respect Alabama and LSU are receiving? The Hogs are loaded with depth, talent, and excellent options ready to step in and take over in key spots. If everything goes to plan, it might just take two key victories to win the SEC title.

So what does Arkansas have to do to become this year’s Auburn?

Well, Head Coach Bobby Petrino has rebuilt the Hogs pretty quickly after Houston Nutt’s era started to flatline, and now the program is at a high enough level to be just fine, and possibly better, despite losing a Mackey Award-winning tight end in D.J. Williams, a pro-style big arm in Ryan Mallett, both starting offensive tackles, and two great tacklers in linebacker Anthony Leon and safety Rudell Crim.

The key to the Hog’s success, like most every team, will start with their offensive line.

As I said, they have to replace three starters and the importance of that must not be downplayed, but Petrino grabbed his former assistant coach, Chris Klenakis, from Nevada for a reason. There is no better coach suited to take the Arkansas Offensive Line where Coach Petrino wants it to go.

This year lookout for Junior RB Knile Davis. Arkansas has had a phenomenal recent history of running backs from Darren McFadden to Peyton Hillis to Michael Smith to Felix Jones. Davis might have the best all-around skills of the bunch as long as he can hold on to the ball. At 6-0 and 230 pounds he has the size, he has the hands as a receiver, and he has the raw speed with sub-4.4 wheels. After not doing much over the first four games of the season, he blew up with 82 yards or more in each of the final nine games with 110 yards or more in six of the final seven games while finishing with 13 touchdowns. With so much talent in the Hog backfield, Davis doesn’t have to be the workhorse, but he will be.

Former QB Ryan Mallett won't be easy to replace. But new starter Tyler Wilson, who performed very well against Auburn when Mallett went down last year, is a very solid quarterback. I think he'll step in this year and do very well in the established system.

In fact, the Hogs could be better off this year as Wilson has the potential to be a much better game manager than Mallett ever was.  He knows how to run the offense and may prove less likely to make the game changing mistakes that Mallett made at times

The Razorbacks 2011 in-conference schedule is about as tough as it gets. In out of conference play, Troy might put up some points, but realistically, the Hogs get a three-week exhibition season to kick things off with Missouri State, New Mexico, and Troy at home before opening up the SEC season with a date at Alabama. If Arkansas can pull off the win in Tuscaloosa, it might be national championship or bust. The most dangerous dates for the Hogs come against Auburn, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi State all at home, and the one decent non-conference game, Texas A&M, in Dallas.

The Hogs have enough talent on hand to make another run at the SEC this year if they get the O-Line on board early and catch a break or two along the way.

LSU and Bama are clearly the favorites for the SEC West title, but Arkansas could cause fits for both teams. In the end though I believe the Hogs in-conference schedule is just too good. Arkansas goes 9-3 in the regular season and adds another bowl game for the SEC.

Grade: A

The second team on my "12 teams in 12 days" segment is the University of Kentucky Wildcats.

If South Carolina, one of the most mediocre programs in college football history, can rise up and win the SEC East, then why can't the WIldcats?

Okay, so Kentucky isn’t as talented or as good as South Carolina was last year, and it’s probably the fifth best team in the SEC East, but the program has found ways to get the most out of what it has to get to five straight bowl games. While being regulars in the Music City and Liberty Bowls of the post-season world would be cause to can coaches at places like Florida and Alabama, they’re badges of honor at Kentucky. Despite years of being occasionally undermanned, or decimated by injuries, the program has managed to be respectable. Head coach Joker Phillips, in his second year, is fighting to make Kentucky a player.

There is some interesting thing I can say about the upcoming season for UK. And it is alot of "If's". If the Wildcats do this...If the Wildcats do that.

The season will be a success If...the Cats win seven games. 1984 was the last time the program won more than eight games, and while this team might not be a world-beater, the schedule is just easy enough to come up with a great year if everything falls the right way. Even so, a winning season would be a success. If UK takes care of business at home, it should be able to beat WKU, Central Michigan, a rebuilding Louisville, and Jacksonville State. Beating Vandy on the road is a must, and coming up with an upset over Mississippi State would be needed to flirt with seven wins or more. Throw in a winnable home game against Tennessee, and the chances will be there if everything breaks the right way.

The Wildcats' offensive line is full of veterans and should be among the best in the SEC. The receivers are big, but inexperienced, and the backfield is fast, but also lacking tested stars. QB Morgan Newton is a good-looking prospect who has to play up to his prep credentials, and some playmakers have to quickly emerge to make up for the losses of RB Derrick Locke and WR Randall Cobb.

The defense has the potential to be terrific if it can start to get into the backfield. Danny Trevathan is one of the nation’s best linebackers, and Winston Guy is a tone-setting safety who’ll lead an excellent secondary. With nine starters back, there’s no reason to expect a slip from last year’s group that finished sixth in the conference in total Defense.

Overall the Wildcats have an uphill battle to contend with SEC East powers like the Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, and Gamecocks. Kentucky finishes 6-6 in the regular season and creeps back into a bowl game no one really cares about.

Grade: C+

Starting tomorrow, I will be breaking down each individual SEC school one by one. Giving you key losses and key gains for each team. I will break down depth charts and individual players. I will dissect a new team with each day and give you my predictions on their upcoming season. I will give my SEC Title game matchup prediction and the overall SEC champion in 2011. Stay tuned, It's gonna be fun.

As much as Gator Nation likes to see anything Ohio State fail. I really wouldn't wish this on anyone.

On Tuesday, Terrell Pryor, along with his agent Drew Rosenhaus made a public apology to his former coach Jim Tressel for all he did to cost him his job. I don't know about you, but I thought Pryor's apology was actually pretty heartfelt and sincere. The problem I have, is that Terrell Pryor apologized "for" his coach more than he did "to" his coach. Listen T.P., as much as I and everyone with any sense think you messed up with your greediness, you definitely did NOT cost your former employer, I mean coach, his job. Jim Tressel lost his own job when he found out what you were doing and instead of walking down the hall to the compliance director, he called your mentor and notified him that he knew and he would protect you.

According to reports, Tressel talks to Pryor several times a day. Don't you think Tressel would do all he could to make Pryor believe that he was not at all responsible for him departing Ohio State. Did Pryor really have the guilt on his mind of that? Tressel is an adult and seems like he cannot or will not take responsibily still to this day for what he did or did not do. Listen Jim, we all know that your players think you are stand up guy and you are a "father figure" for all your players. But as a "father figure" isn't your duty and your responsibilty to make sure your players are doing the right things and that includes following the rules? I know my father instilled good values in my life and told me it was despisable and wrong to break the law, whether or not I agree with it.

Don't get me wrong, Pryor is partially to blame for what is happening to Ohio State right now. But the lion's share falls on the adult, the grown up, the "father figure" that not only was breaking the rules along with Pryor by covering everything up, but was protecting his legacy. Yes I said it, Jim Tressel, you were in a National Title hunt this year and you knew that losing several of your starters, including your star QB, would overall cost you a chance at hoisting the crystal ball.

Mr. Pryor, I am pleased at your apology. I actually think you helped yourself a little bit. But I am not pleased at your former coach, the one who deserves 75% of the blame. Where is his apology? Why did we see him stand on the podium back in the early spring and pretty much make himself look like a noble guy protecting his players (or should I say, protecting his season). Does Tressel just have a Jekell and Hyde personality? Some see the good and others see the bad? Guess most of us just do not know.