Last season, it was, of course, Alabama and Florida playing for the SEC Title in December with Alabama riding the Ingram train all the way to the SEC and National Title. Does anyone expect it to be any different this year? Alabama is simply loaded and expected to contend for any kind of championship available. In fact, I see them competing for the ACC Title as well!
Returning for the Crimson Tide is Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and quarterback Greg McElroy to go along with a host of other talented returning starters. Oh yeah, they have that coach, what’s his name? Yeah, that’s it, Nick Saban.
The early season pundits already have Arkansas challenging the Tide for the West title thanks to the return of Ryan Mallett and his cast of merry men at wide receiver. In the East, the question remains who can challenge Urban Meyer’s dynasty which will not have the services of Tim Tebow for the first time in four years. Georgia seems to be the opinion for most.
Top Ten Players to Watch
- Mark Ingram–Alabama
The Heisman Trophy winner is back for his Junior season. Will he be the workhorse for the Tide again this year, or will he yield carries to his backfield mate Trent Richardson? - Ryan Mallett–Arkansas
Few players in the history of the Razorback program has had as much pre-season hype, especially at quarterback. Mallett has the potential to be a top ten draft pick in the NFL and have among the best numbers among quarterbacks this season. He does need to improve on 55% passing completion, however. - John Brantley–Florida
Next to Mallett (see above), no QB will be as scrutinized as Brantley. Brantley replaces three year hero-starter Tim Tebow at quarterback for the Gators. Brantley showed signs of being really good when Tebow was hurt last season. - Randall Cobb–Kentucky
Cobb is a converted QB that had over 1,300 all purpose yards for the Wildcats last year. He can line up as a QB, WR or a RB and returns punts. Cobb may be the most electric player in the SEC. - AJ Green–Georgia
The Bulldog is a budding star at 6-foot-4. He is capable of leaping over any defender in the SEC and he extremely hard to defend. He has blazing speed and great hands to go along with his size. His quarterback, McElroy will be a second year starter, so look for him to go to Green more often. - Justin Houston–Georgia
Leading returner at tackles-for-loss and sacks. - Chris Marve–Vanderbilt
Leading returner for total tackles at 121 for 2009. - Kelvin Sheppard–LSU
Sheppard returns for the Tigers as the second leading returner in tackles in the SEC. - Mark Barron–Alabama
Barron is the number one returner in the secondary. He had 11 pass-break-ups and seven interceptions in 2009. - Wes Bynum–Auburn
Bynum was money for Auburn as the place kicker. Bynum made 15 out of 16 field goals with a long of 49 yards.
