SOUTHERN FRIED FOOTBALL
with CLAUDE CLEATS

With the season opener only eight days away (South Carolina at Mississippi State), SEC fans are getting nervous. Let's preview the conference race.

SEC East

(1) Florida - Picking a winner in this division is difficult, but Urban Meyer's teams have traditionally "turned it on" in his second season. The talent is rich on defense, but only one interior lineman returns on offense.

(2) Tennessee - The Vols are still stinging from last year's losing season. David Cutcliffe returns as offensive coordinator and QB Erik Ainge has the smarts and physical ability to run Cutcliffe's offense. Tennessee could go all the way to the top in the East.

(3) Georgia - Joe Tereshinski is a tough, gutsy QB who would flourish in Vince Dooley's system. Unfortunately, Dooley retired several years ago. Still if Georgia gets by Carolina early, the Dawgs are capable of making a run at the divisional title.

(4) South Carolina - "Darth Visor" is at least a year away from contending in this division.

(5) Vanderbilt - Were it not for a rugged schedule, the Commodores would be a good bet to go bowling.

(6) Kentucky - If Coach Brooks finds a steady QB, the Wildcats could easily move up. If he doesn't he will probably be looking for a job in November.

SEC West

(1) Auburn - The Tigers (a/k/a War Eagle and Plainsmen) have the fire power on offense and speed on defense to win the toughest division in college football.

(2) LSU - Bengals have a wealth of talent, but a treacherous road schedule. Also, don't believe reports that there is no QB controversy in Baton Rouge.

(3) Alabama Shula has done a wonderful job in bringing the Tide back from mediocrity and probation. If new QB Watson learns quickly, Bama could wind-up in the SEC title game.

(4) Arkansas - The Hogs have 19 returning starters! Suffice it to say that Arkansas will be a dangerous opponent.

(5) Mississippi - With talented, but troublesome, Brent Schaeffer at QB, the Rebs could be potent on offense. Schaeffer will need all of his mobility since Ole Miss returns only three offensive starters.

(6) Mississippi State - This could be a year when Coach Croom proves his mettle. It could also be the beginning of the end for him. SEC fans don't want to miss the opener vs. South Carolina on ESPN a week from today.

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