Top SEC Offensive Lines

As the old saying goes "The game is won and lost in the trenches" and in the SEC nothing is more true. The college football season is drawing near 21 days to be exact. Today I look at the "Hoggies" of the SEC and break down which team has the best O-line unit.

  Top SEC Offensive Lines

14. Ole Miss: This offensive line will struggle to open up holes or provide much time for Bo Wallace. Their best lineman Matt Hall left the team in the spring, and they will have to rely on some JUCO help. Huge Freeze will have his work cut out for him as he rebuilds that group.

13. Vanderbilt: The 2012 recruiting class for the Commodores brings in six linemen who will provide some much needed depth up front, but the Dores will have an experience problem this season. 

12. Kentucky: The Wildcats offensive line was horrible like the rest of the offence in 2011. Replacing three of them for 2012 might not be such a bad thing. The bright spot is Larry Warford who is one of the best lineman in the SEC and with a good center Matt Smith next to him should make for a solid interior line. 

11. Georgia: If the Bulldogs don't make a return trip back to the SEC Championship then the offensive line could be one of the reasons why. I think this unit will progress overtime, but Aaron Murry might be forced to hurry some of this throws as they try to figure things out up front.  

10. Mississippi State: This line will get better as they go though the season, but they will have to bring in three new starters in 2012. The line will be lead by 6'4" 320 Gabe Jackson who is a beast up front.

9. Missouri: The Tigers lose three experienced lineman from 2011, but their backups still have a lot of playing experience that will help this group make their transition into the SEC. The reason I'm not ranking them higher is I don't think they are built to handle SEC defensive lines just yet.

8. Auburn: The Tigers are really young and have lots of depth up front, but I think they are a year away from becoming one of the top lines in the SEC. They return three starters from last season, but they will still be mixing in a lot of Freshman as they try to figure out the best combinations.  

7. Florida: The Gators struggled up front in 2011, but I think they will be the most improved O-line in 2012. They return four starters who will benefit greatly from another year under belt.

6. Tennessee: They have a lot of depth and experience, but the talent hasn't always been that good. Their run blocking was horrific in 2011 and I'm not sure it will improve all that much, but the The Vols will have a pass first attack, and I think this group will allow Tyler Bray just enough time.

5. South Carolina: The Gamecocks will have solid run blocking to open up holes for Lattimore and Shaw again in 2012. They do lose a couple of guys from 2011, but I think will be able to build around the big 6'6" 331lbs RS Freshman Brandon Shell. 

4. Arkansas: Its only natural for the Razorbacks (Hogs) to have some really good hoggies up front. Alvin Bailey is one of the best guards in the league, and Knile Davis will surly be running behind him in 2012. If this unit can jail together and stay out of jail like their starting Jason Peacock then they should be one of the best groups in the SEC. 

3. Texas A&M: I think the Aggies un like Missouri enters the SEC with a offensive line that is built to handle SEC defencive lines. A&M has two of the top lineman in Jake Matthews and Luke Joeckel who will hold their own while making the transfer into the league. They have experience everywhere else on the line, but are a little lacking in depth. 

2. LSU: Once again LSU and Alabama seem to be on a whole different playing field than everyone else. The Bayou Bengal Tigers are loaded up front returning four starters from the world movers of last year. Both 6'6" 325 Chris Faulk and 6'6" 340 Alex Hurst are two of if not the two best OT in the SEC.

1. Alabama: With three Pre-Season All SEC lineman one could make the argument that this unit has the potinal at being the best O-Line in SEC history. The 2011 Outland Trophy winner (Top O-Lineman) Barrett Jones turned down the NFL and returned for another year at Alabama; Jones will move to center for his senior year. Chance Warmack is rated by most to be the top SEC guard, and the big guy 6'6" 335lbs DJ Fluker has finally lived up to his five star hype. The only spot where experience is lacking is at the other tackle spot where former five star Cyrus Kouandjio will be looking to make it back from his season ending knee injury from 2011.

-Patrick Pierce

Follow me on Twitter @Patrickp13

2012 Alabama Football Preview

We are now 27 days to the kickoff of collage football and 29 days from the start of Alabama's season. As every Friday I reveal the next team in my SEC Power Poll and today's team is #1"A" The Alabama Crimson Tide. I know I have Alabama ahead of LSU in my NCAA Football Top 25  but a power poll is a poll of talent, and I think its pretty safe to say the talent level at Alabama and LSU is second to none. Because of the equals between the two teams I have ranked them #1"A" and #1"B".


#1 Alabama Crimson Tide



 Last season wasn't perfect as the Tide split its two games with LSU, but they won the most important of the two and came away with the crystal ball. A good chunk of the 2011 team has now moved on to the NFL, but the Tide should be able to reload and not rebuild. One of the main obstacles they will have to overcome is the same thing that bit them in 2010 as they got extremely complacent after winning the 2009 National Championship.

Back to the talent on the Field in 2011 Bama's Defence was maybe if the not the best defence to ever play collage football, but only 4 official starters return for 2012. That number is a little bit misleading because players like Nico Johnson have started and have lots of player experience along with Dee Milliner. I think the defence will have some learning  to do because you can't just lose 3 first round players and expect the same results. The 2012 defence will still be one of the tops in the SEC with major players on all three levels of the defence Jesse Williams AKA "The Monster" will anchor down the defensive line; CJ Mosley and Nico Johnson are two Preseason All SEC Linebackers; Robert Lester is one of the best safeties in the nation leading the Tides secondary.

Offence will need to find new skill players with Trent Richardson, Marquis Maze, and Darius Hanks are all now gone. Alabama does return its QB AJ McCarron and they have some very talent skill players who have been waiting their turn with Eddie Lacy, Kenny Bell, and Kevin Norwood. They're also a par of 5 star running backs in Dee Hart and TJ Yeldon who are expected to make an impact. The real strenght of this offence is what could be the Tides best Offencive line ever. They're lead by Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones who will now be at center, also on that line is preseason All SEC DJ Fluker, and Chance Warmack. Even with Trent and Maze gone I think this years offence has the chance to improve on last years offencive numbers.

Returning Starters (13)

Offensive: 7

Defence: 4

ST: 2

Schedule and Predictions

• Michigan ? W
• Western Kentucky W
• @ Arkansas ? W
• Florida Atlantic W
• Ole Miss W
• @ Missouri W
• @ Tennessee W
• Mississippi State W
• @ LSU ????
• Texas A&M W
• Western Carolina W
• Auburn W

I see three games that the Tide could have trouble with. Game one VS Michigan in Jerry World; I think Bama will be a little to much for Michigan to handle. I don't think Michigan is ready for the power of a top SEC team, but it is game one and the Tide could come out a little sluggish. At Arkansas is always a scary game especially with the high powered offence of the Razorbacks, but Arkansas might be a headcase this year. Then there is At LSU "Game of the Century part 3" who will win that game is any ones guess. I think Bama will go 12-0 or at worst 11-1. 

 -Patrick Pierce

Follow me on Twitter @Patrickp13

Top 14 SEC Wide Receivers

We are now just weeks away from the start of college football and for my next position break down I will be looking at the top wide receivers in the SEC.

 Top 14 SEC WR

14. Kenny Bell, Alabama: With Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks now gone it opens up the door for Kenny Bell to have a bigger year in 2012. Last season Bell had 255 yards receiving and 2 TD, but I projecting him and Kevin Norwood to more than double their 2011 numbers.

13. Ace Sanders, South Carolina: The Gamecocks will be looking to replace their go to guy Alshon Jeffery, and Sanders at 5'7" isn't a natural replacement, but he's a solid slot WR and will be a weapon early for the Gamecocks while they look to fill Jefferys shoes.

12. La'Rod King, Kentucky: In 2011 King had 40 receptions for 598 yards and 7 TDs which is not bad when you look at the Quarterbacks he had throwing him the ball. If the 6'4" King had some decent QB play then I think King could be a top 10 SEC WR.

11. Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss: With new HC Huge Freeze spread attack and Bo Wallace at QB I think the Rebs will have a much improved passing attack. Moncrief pulled in 454 yards and 4 TD last season, but those numbers will go up in 2012.

10. Malcolm Mitchell, Georiga: He's a standout WR and one of the best in the SEC, but during the off season has moved to DB, but Richt said he will still play some WR and go both ways! I think Mitchell will make a progression back to WR once Georgia gets some other players going at DB.

9. Andre Debose, Florida: I think Debose is the Gators best offencive weapon, but last years offense was horrific. This season will be better for Gators offence which will lead to better numbers from Debose. If Florida can find some good QB play this year then I think Debose could be one of the leading WR in the SEC.

8. Odell Beckham, LSU: If Zack Mettenberger does open things up in the passing attack for LSU then the very talented true sophomore Beckham could come close to doubling his 475 yards from year ago, but I'm not fully buying in to this hype of LSU really opening up their offence this year. Yes I think they will pass it a little more, but at the end of the day Miles is going to keep this a run first power offence.

7. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt: Last year when going up against Florida who had one of the best defense in the SEC Matthews showed why he's one of the top SEC WR catching 9 passes for 170 yards! The Junior for Madison Alabama will be looking for an even bigger numbers in the second year of Franklins system.

6. Emory Blake, Auburn: Was another SEC WR who was plagued with bad QB play in 2011, but still manged to rank up 613 yards and 5 TDs. Its still an unknown to what kind of QB play he will get in 2012, but Blake will put up solid numbers either way. 

5. Tavarres King, Georgia: With Mitchell now at DB for at least some of the time it will make King the go to guy for Aaron Murry. Last season King pulled in over 700 yards and 8 TDs this season I project he will be 1000 yard WR. Also with Crowell gone from the team I look for Georgia to pass it more which will also add to Kings numbers.

4. Da'Rick Rogers, Tennessee: In 2011 with QB injurys to Tyler Bray Rogers still pulled in over 1000 yards and 9 TDs which says a lot about the talent of the 6'3" WR. If Rogers can focus on just playing football then I think he could have another 1000 yard season even with the return of Justin Hunter.

  

3. Ryan Swope, Texas A&M: Last season Swope had big year pulling in 89 receptions for 1207 yards, but now facing SEC defences and a new QB I look for his numbers to decline some, but with Kevin Sumlin's passing attack I still think Swope will be one of the top stats leaders in 2012.

2. Justin Hunter, Tennessee: His season was cut way short last year by injury, but before the injury Hunter was lights out. In only two games Hunter had racked up over 300 yards! The 6'4" Target will have to share with Rogers, but I think both could have close to a 1000 yard season.

1. Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas: The past few seasons the Razorbacks have been loaded at WR, but now it Hamilton turn to be their leader. Hamilton is a good sized target at 6'3" 209lbs should easily get over 1000 years this season and lead the SEC in most stats.

  

-Patrick Pierce

Follow me on Twitter @Patrickp13

Top 10 SEC Tight Ends

The Tight End is one of the most important skill positions on the Field, but is often over shadowed by the other skill positions such as quarterback, running back, and wide receivers. To be a good effective tight end you need to be able to block well enough to handle a blitz off the end as well as the ability to run routes and catch passes. Here is my top 10 tight ends in the SEC:

SEC Top 10 Tight Ends

10. Chase Clement, LSU: The Tigers don't have a lot of experience at TE this season, but Clement should be very capable of moving into the starting roll. Clement is a big TE at 6'5" 251 and should provide a lot of help in trenches opening up holes for LSU running backs.

9. Nehemiah Hicks / Michael Lamothe / Hutson Prioleau, Texas A&M: The Aggie's are very deep at TE as you can see with three guys that could all be starters in the SEC. All three guys had over 100 yards receiving last year as they split duties. Not sure how the new coaching staff at A&M will handle them all, but I'm sure they will utilize them.

8. Jamal Mosley, Ole Miss: A good sized TE at 6'4" 260lbs who had 12 receptions for 166 yards last season. In new HC Huge Freeze offence Mosley is expected to have an even bigger role in 2012.  

7. Malcolm Johnson, Mississippi State: Last year the 6'2" 230lbs freshman proved he can play in the SEC. I think by the time Johnson is a senior he will be one of the top TE in the SEC as long as he don't have the "sophomore slump". 

6. Justice Cunningham, South Carolina: The Gamecocks have a couple good TE's, but 6'3" Cunningham is the Gamecocks top option. Last year Cunningham hauled in 18 reception for 142 yards.

5. Mychal Rivera, Tennessee: Everyone is looking the Tennessee and Tyler Bray to really open it up and sling it around this year. Bray will surly be looking to hit his 6'3" 244lbs TE early and often. Last year Rivera was Tennessee second leading receiver and I look for him to stay on that track.  

4. Micheal Williams, Alabama: The big 6'6" 269lbs TE will become a bigger target in 2012 as Brad Smelly has moved on to the NFL. In 2011 Williams and Smelly split duties as Williams caught 16 passes for 191 yards. Alabama loves to throw their TE and with Williams now being the main man look for him to more that double his 2011 numbers. 

3. Jordan Reed, Florida: Look for the very athletic 6'3" 239lbs TE to be very active in 2012 as one of the Gators top targets. We don't know which QB will get the starting job, but what we do know is it will be a true sophomore who will be looking to play it safe and dumping it down to Reed will be a good options as they grow in the offence.

2. Chris Gragg, Arkansas: At 6'3" 236lbs he's not the biggest TE, but he's fast, sure handed, and will be a big player maker this year for the Razorbacks. Gragg easily beat linebackers who try to cover him in 2011 as he racked up 518 yards on 41 receptions. Now that the hogs are thinner at WR I look for Gragg to really increase his receptions

1. Phillip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn: His name almost doesn't fits on his jersey, but the 6'5" 250lbs TE is a major threat in the red zone catching 7 TD passes last season. Lutzenkirchen is the only TE in the SEC that I would consider the leader of his offence as most everything the tigers do on offence seems to some way flow through him.



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-Patrick Pierce

Follow me on Twitter @Patrickp13

Georgia Preview

We are now only 34 days from the kickoff of the college football season, and its time to preview our #3 team in our SEC Power Poll. Last years SEC East Champions the Georgia Bulldogs look to be on the path to return to the Georgia Dome.

#3 Georgia

Last season started off extremely rough losing their first two games all be it to two top ten teams, but Mark Richt was already on the hot seat from his 6-7 2010 campaign. Most teams would have folded up after that 0-2 start, but Georgia had a little more fight in them than that winning their next 10 games and going to the SEC Championship. Now the expectations are extremely high with a lot of that talent returning in 2012.

On Offence QB Aaron Murry threw a whopping 35 TD's last season while racking up over 3000 yards passing. One of their key WR Malcolm Mitchell has moved to defence, but Tavarres King is one of the SEC's top go to guys and 6' 5" Marlon Brown should finally become a good target for Murry. The offence suffered another loss at RB during the off season with All SEC Freshman Isaiah Crowell getting removed from the team. They do have a capable back in Ken Malcome, but I think the Bulldogs lean on the passing attack this year. The weakness will be in the trenches as Georgia offencive line will be lacking in experience. 

As good as Murry is the strength of the the team will be its defence. Last year they ranked 5th in total defence only giving up 277 yards per game and in 2012 they return 9 starters. The only depth issues coming in is their secondary, but with the move of WR Malcolm Mitchell to CB will help in that department. I really like what DC Todd Grantham has done with this 3-4 defence. 

   Returning Starters (15)

Offence: 6

Defence: 9

ST: 0

Georgia 2012 Schedule and Preview

• Buffalo W
• @ Missouri W
• FAU W
• Vanderbilt W
• Tennessee W
• @ South Carolina ? L
• @ Kentucky W
• Florida ? W
• Ole Miss W
• @ Auburn ? W
• Georgia Southern W
• Georgia Tech ? W

I have Georgia going 11-1 and in a tight battle with South Carolina for the SEC East, both teams have no room for mistakes. I think Georgia is a slightly better team, but playing @ South Carolina is the reason I'm picking the Gamecocks in that one. Games that could be trick is their rivalry games VS Florida, @Auburn, and Georgia Tech. Any one of these games could become losses for the Bulldogs.

-Patrick Pierce

Follow me on Twitter @PatrickP13 

Top 14 SEC Quarterbacks for 2012

The SEC looks to maybe have it's best Quarterback class from top to bottom in years. The SEC is not known as a strong QB conference, but this year could be the exception. A few weeks ago I ranked the top QBs in the nation: Top College Quarterbacks for 2012 today I turn my focus to the SEC QBs

TOP 14 SEC Quarterbacks

14. Max Smith / Morgan Newton, Kentucky: Last year Kentucky had horrible QB play from start to finish. It started with Morgan Newton who was %47.7 passing before getting injured. That gave Max Smith a chance to run the offence, Smith was slightly better at %54.9 but had 4 INT's to go along with his 4 TD's.

13. Jameill Showers, Texas A&M: Its a good thing Showers has a solid RB to hand the ball off to, because entering the SEC with no real experience can be a daunting task for anyone. The 3 star will try to fill the shoes of NFL first round pick Ryan Tannehill.

12. Clint Mosley / Kiehl Frazier, Auburn: Much luck Kentucky in 2011 Auburn never got good play from any of their quarterbacks. They enter 2012 with a QB battle between Mosley and Frazier, by the numbers Mosley is the more experienced passer 66 out of 108 that's %61.0 for 800 yards with 5 TD's and 3 INT's. Mosley can run the ball some, but Frazier is clearly the better runner rushing for 327 yards in 2011, but was only 5 of 12 passing for 34 yards.

11. Bo Wallace, Ole Miss: Ole Miss is trying to turn a new leaf with new HC Huge Freeze who brings the NJCAA player of the year with him to Ole Miss in Bo Wallace. The 6'5" junior college transfer has worked with Freeze in the past and will not have much of a learning curve. The issue for Wallace and Freeze is will there be enought talent around them to win some games their not supposed to? 

10. Jacoby Brissett / Jeff Driskel, Florida: Both Brissett and Driskel where thrown in to action unexpectedly in 2011 and there numbers showed that. Both players where big time blue chippers out of high school, and with the whole off season to really learn the offence will show in 2012 for who ever wins the job. I look for Florida to make major improvements on offence this year. 

9. Zack Mettenberger, LSU: Les Miles and all the offencive coaches at LSU seem to be all grins when Mettenberger name comes up. There has been a lot of buzz coming out of swamps saying this is the year that LSU really opens up it's passing attack. Mettenberger looked good in the spring game, but he still hasn't faced a full slate of SEC defenses and until he does his skill set will be an unknown. 

8. Jordan Rodgers, Vanderbilt: The Rodgers family has the gene poll for making good QBs as little brother Jordan Rodgers tires to get out of big brother Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers shadow. Jordan seems to have all the physical skills to be a big time QB, but he threw 10 INT's last year and only 9 TD's a stat he needs to flip flop. 

7. Tyler Russell, Mississippi State: Now as the full time QB in Dan Mullan system should improve Russells numbers in 2012. Last year Russell started the last half of the season going 69 of 129 %53.5 for 1034 yards. The one thing he will be missing is the mobility usually needed for Mullans offence. 

6. Tyler Bray, Tennessee: At 6'6" Bray stands tall in the pocket and is a pure passer. Last season before missing four games with injury was 147 of 247 %59.5 for 1983 yards. If he doesn't go down with injury then he could have easily been a 3000 yard QB which is where I project him in 2012.

5. Conner Shaw, South Carolina: The under rated duel threat QB really took to the ole ball coaches offence as he came in mid season for struggling Gracia. Shaw threw for 1448 yards hitting %65.4 of his passes and also added 525 yards with his legs. In 2012 Shaw will have an entire season to work with, and could very easily become one of the top QB's in the SEC. 

4. James Franklin, Missouri: Clearly the best duel threat QB in the SEC throwing for 2865 yards and rushing for 981 in 2011 and accounting for 36 TD's, but that was facing Big 12 defense. In the SEC thing won't come as easy for Franklin, and I would be shocked if he reached the same numbers he set in 2012. 

3. AJ McCarron, Alabama:  The Junior is fresh off a National Championship and in that Title game AJ was solid hitting 24 of 34 passes %67.6 for 234 yrds and had six games where his accuracy was over %70. In 2011 McCarron 219 of 328 %66.8 for 2634 yards with 16 TD's and only 5 picks. In 2012 I look for McCarron to be able to open it up a little more, and get very close to the 3000 yard mark.

2. Aaron Murry, Georgia: The junior two year starter from Georgia is looking to take his team back to another SEC Championship game. Now with out RB Isaiah Crowell gone I look for Murray to take this team on his back, and put up huge numbers. In 2011 as a sophomore Murray was 238 of 403 %59.1 for 3149 yards with 35 TD's and 14 INT's.

1. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas: If Wilson was in any other conference besides the SEC then he would have thrown for over 4000 yards in 2011, but he will have to settle for 277 of 438 %63.2 for 3638 yards with 24 TD's and 6 INT's. The tricky part of 2012 will be figuring out how much all the coaching change over will affect them. With Paul Petrino now calling the plays I think Wilson will be just fine and get very close to the 4000 yard mark. 

-Patrick Pierce

Follow me on Twitter @Patrickp13

Penn State might be on life support, but they are not dead.

It's not the happiest of times in Happy Valley PA as the NCAA has slammed Penn State with the worst penalty since SMU got the death penalty in the 80's. Everything about the Penn State case was unprecedented the crime, cover up, Freeh reports, and the way the NCAA handled it all.

Penn States Punishment:

• $60,000,000 Fine
• 4 year bowl ban
• 40 scholarships lost (10 a year for four years)
• 5 years of probation
• Wins vacated from 1998 until 2011 (112 wins)

Some say this is worst than the death penalty in which I completely disagree. The death penalty would have shut the football program down for two years. Everyone knows that the football program is the money maker for the athletics programs, and if you shut it down your not talking about a $60,000,000 fine your talking hundreds of millions in losses. Also no football means in two years you have to start all over getting players basically having an all freshman team taking you at least five years to get back up to a full roster. It took SMU 20 years just to get back to being competitive and there still not were they where before the death penalty
Over the past few years USC and Alabama have been hit very hard by the NCAA, but not to the same level as Penn State, but it's the closest thing we have to draw comparisons too. It took Alabama a few years, but there stronger than ever. USC might still have some down years ahead, but right now there in the hunt to be a national title contender. Penn State will take double the amount of time that it took Alabama, but they will come back from this even if it takes 10+ years.

New head coach at Penn State Bill O'brien put out a statement today that was very telling of his character, and I think he will really help this program move forward.

Bill O'Brien

 "Today we receive a very harsh penalty from the NCAA and as Head Coach of the Nittany Lions football program, I will do everything in my power to not only comply, but help guide the University forward to become a national leader in ethics, compliance and operational excellence. I knew when I accepted the position that there would be tough times ahead. But I am committed for the long term to Penn State and our student athletes. I was then and I remain convinced that our student athletes are the best in the country. I could not be more proud to lead this team and these courageous and humble young men into the upcoming 2012 season. Together we are committed to building a better athletic program and university."

Although it might be faint, but Penn State still has a heart beat, and in ten years the football powerhouse will be back on the national level.

-Patrick Pierce

Follow me on twitter @Patrickp13