SEC Media Days is just over a weekaway and we will be there for three live shows on July 17th, 18th and 19th. Here are some of the storylines that we will all be tracking when we get to Hoover, Alabama.
-Conference Expansion
- How will Missouri and Texas A&M impact the race in 2012?
-Schedule Expansion
- How much longer before we go to a nine game schedule?
-College Football Playoff
- Does it make it easier for the SEC to get two teams in or just easier for the league to get 3 BCS NCS spots?
-Can the league win its seventh BCS title in a row and who will be the leading candidate?
-Which coaches are feeling the most heat going into 2012?
-Is the SEC television network on the horizon?
Of course there will be more.. There will also be plenty ofdiscussion about LSU vs. Alabama part 3 coming up in November. Can Les Miles plug the swag back in the Tigers after the meltdown in the BCS title game? Nick Saban seems to have a machine going, but this will be the first year in a long time without Mark Ingram or Trent Richardson in backfield. Can Georgia survive the loss of Isaiah Crowell? Can Arkansas survive the loss of Bobby Petrino? Will Marcus Lattimore and Knile Davis return from injury and are they as good as new? Will Muschamp and Derek Dooleyneed to win the enthusiasm back from their fan bases, is 2012 the year? Is James Franklin for real and can Vanderbilt take the next step? CanDan Mullenget a win versus the Westelite this year? Joker Phillips bought himselfsome time with the win over Tennessee, but can they go bowling again? Hugh Freeze has a project on his hands with Ole Miss; can he get the Rebels to a bowl game this season?
Here are five regular season SEC games that are must see in 2012
-Florida at Texas A&M (Sept 8) The Gators have not left the southeast for a game since going to Syracuse in 1991 and losing 39-28. They may only be heading to the Southwest, but this is the first SEC game for Kevin Sumlin and the Aggies. Expect a contrast in styles with the Aggie high paced offense taking on the strong Gator defense.
-Alabama at Arkansas (Sept 15) This game will decide the Razorback season. I think if Petrino was there they might win this one, but the confidence will be fragilewithout him. The Tide will already have played a tough non-conference battleagainst Michigan and should be ready.
-Georgia at South Carolina (Oct 6) Game is later in the season and could decide the East champion. Aaron Murray needs a big performance on the road, while Marcus Lattimore will look to duplicate last seasons big fourth quarter. Spurrier will always have his team ready for Georgia and this kicks off October in style.
-Alabama at LSU (Nov 3)The Tigers looks for payback and respect after the BCS debacle. The matchup could be AJ McCarron who ripped the nations best secondary in January versus the Honey Badger. Tiger offense will have to find a way to score more than the two game total (2011 versus Alabama) of nine points from last season.
-Auburn at Alabama (Nov 24) Throw out the records when these two bitter rivals meet in theIron Bowl. Auburn will have a new look offense and defense, but still has players and plenty to sneak up in the West. The Tigers get LSU and Georgia at home so don't be surprised if they have a shot for the the division when they headto Tuscaloosa.
