UGA blog finds new home
Morning all. As I’ve said a couple of times this week, we’re converting this blog over to a WordPress platform and it will be a permanent move the first of next week.
Those of you who are regulars probably know that I’m not what you’d call techno-wizard when it comes to these things. But from what I understand the technology offered in this new format should make the blogging and commenting experience better for all. Of course, I’ll be learning as we go along, too. But I’m hoping to provide more pictures and video and things like that which should bring the blog more to life.
Of course, this blog is nothing without all you guys so I want to heartily invite (read: beg) you to come over to the new site by CLICKING HERE ON THE NEW ADDRESS and save it in your browsers. As of Monday, Feb. 23rd, this will be the permanent home of the UGA blog you so love or, in the case of some of you, love to loathe. If you’d prefer to copy and paste or just memorize, the new address is: http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/.
See at the new place!
AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 10
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
SEC East a beast in 2007
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The calendar has barely rolled over to 2007 and the Gators are still celebrating their BCS national championship but it’s never too early in this blog to start speculating about next season.
Now I’ve hardly done a bunch of in-depth research but it doesn’t take but a cursory glance to realize that the SEC Eastern Division will again be a beast next season, thanks to Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. Picking a winner out of those three is tough, tough, tough.
Here’s some quick facts about the trio and you guys can argue among yourselves which should be the favorite heading into nest season.
First the Dogs:
Georgia returns 13 starters overall (one less than the other two), 6 on offense, 6 on defense and place-kicker Brandon Coutu (big deal) on special teams. The Dogs look particularly strong at running back, quarterback, wide receiver, in the secondary, and in the interior defensive line. They look weak on the O-line and will be rebuilding at linebacker. Tough schedule with non-conference foes Okie State and Georgia Tech and they get ’Bama, Ole Miss and Auburn from the West, the latter two at home.
Now the defending champs:
Florida returns 14 starters overall, 6 on offense, the punter and place-kicker and 6 on defense (provided junior Reggie Nelson, Brandon Siler and Jarvis Moss don’t turn pro). The Gators will be rebuilding on the D-line and, of course, will replace QB Chris Leak with Tim Tebow. They only lose one offensive lineman and return most of the secondary. Schedule is favorable as Florida State is only tough non-conference and UT and Auburn come to the Swamp. Have to travel to LSU.
As for the Vols:
14 starters back, including 7 on offense, but word Wednesday was WR Robert Meachem was turning pro. Otherwise they’d return leading rusher, passer and receiver. Also 6 on defense and their punter. Ainge back at quarterback is probably biggest deal. Sked is not too tough other at Cal. They get Arkansas, Miss. State and Alabama from the West, the latter two on the road.
What’s my take? I tend to look at quarterback and D-line more than any area. I think losing Leak could be a bigger deal to Florida than a lot of folks might be thinking. Tebow’s obviously special but we haven’t seen him yet as an every-down QB and especially as a passer. If the O-line gels and Matthew Stafford gets protection, the Dogs could be real good on offense. That’s a big if. Tennessee could be real tough on offense but I’m not sold on their D.
So who represents the East in the SEC championship: Georgia, Florida or Tennessee? I know it’s hard but try to think objectively.
Heading over to Stegeman for the big tilt against South Carolina. You Atlantans can leave now and make the 7:30 p.m. tip. C-ya!
