2010 SEC West Preview

The wave of the future
The defending national champion Tide are ready to roll again, while the Gators remain the favorite in the wide-open East

Written by SETH EMERSON
semerson@thestate.com

Posted on 01.21.10

Beginning Of Story and SEC East Preview Available On The SEC East Section Of This Website. This Is a Continuation Of That Same Article...

WEST

1. ALABAMA

The offense returns quarterback Greg McElroy, Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, his sterling backup Trent Richardson and star receiver Julio Jones.

The defense must replace three All-Americans, but Nick Saban's great recruiting the past few years should make up for those losses.

2. ARKANSAS

The moment Ryan Mallett decided to return to school, the Razorbacks became the chic choice to make a jump next season, which will be coach Bobby Petrino's third in Fayetteville.

Defense will be the primary question for the Razorbacks. If they improve even a little on that side of the ball, it could lead to a big season.

3. LSU

A few years ago, Les Miles was king of the world - a national-title-winning coach turning down his alma mater. Now some are wondering whether Miles coasted off Saban's recruits.

Quarterback Jordan Jefferson needs to improve. The defense was better in 2009 but still doesn't meet its 2007 form.

4. AUBURN

The Tigers hope their quarterback position is ironed out with the addition of Cameron Newton, a highly touted junior-college transfer once thought to be the heir apparent to Tim Tebow at Florida.

But there has to be improvement on defense, which gave up the most points among league teams and ranked eighth in total defense.

5. MISSISSIPPI

Jevan Snead, Dexter McCluster, Greg Hardy and All-SEC offensive lineman John Jerry are gone. So the Rebels need a new quarterback and star skill-position player, and must identify plenty of other key contributors.

Rebuilding year, here they come.

6. MISSISSIPPI STATE

People in Starkville are optimistic, even though tailback Anthony Dixon and linebacker Jamar Chaney, the team's two top players, are gone. It will be coach Dan Mullen's second year, and most other key players return.

But the Bulldogs will have a redshirt freshman quarterback in Tyler Russell.