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SEC capsules

By ANTONYA ENGLISH

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 30, 2001

FLORIDA

COACH: Steve Spurrier, 12th season (112-25-1; 167-57-2, 17 seasons).

2000 RECORD: 10-3, 7-1 SEC (lost 37-20 to Miami in Sugar Bowl).

KEY RETURNEES: QB Rex Grossman (1,866 yards, 21 TDs); OT Mike Pearson; WR Jabar Gaffney (71 catches, 1,184 yards, 14 TDs); WR Reche Caldwell (49 receptions, 760 yards, 6 TDs); DE Alex Brown (7.5 sacks, 1 INT); FS Todd Johnson (102 tackles, 5 INTs); DB Marquand Manuel (83 tackles); PK Jeff Chandler (97 points).

KEY LOSSES: DT Gerard Warren; OT Kenyatta Walker; QB Jesse Palmer.

NOTES: Florida is the definitive preseason No. 1, garnering the honor in the coaches and writers polls. Defensive end Clint Mitchell will be sorely missed while serving a suspension that might extend through six games. Despite the hoopla, all is not perfect in Gainesville: Florida still has two quarterbacks vying for one spot, the running game is ranked among the league's worst and the defense struggled to get opponents off the field last season. Still, with 53 lettermen back, the Gators could have a big season if injuries don't catch up to them at key spots, like the offensive and defensive lines.

GEORGIA

COACH: Mark Richt, first season.

2000 RECORD: 8-4, 5-3 SEC (defeated Virginia 37-14 in Oahu Bowl).

KEY RETURNEES: OT Jon Stinchcomb; WR Terrence Edwards (53 catches, 704 yards, 4 TDs); CB Tim Wansley (6 INTs, 2 TDs); WR Damien Gary (36 catches, 552 yards, 5 TDs); C Curt McGill;, G Kevin Breedlove; RB Musa Smith (330 yards, 5 TDs).

KEY LOSSES: QB Quincy Carter; RB Brett Millican; OT Jonas Jennings; DT Richard Seymour; DT Marcus Stroud; MLB Kendrell Bell.

NOTES: It's all new in Athens. New coach. New quarterback. New offensive scheme. What the fans hope is the result will be new, too. The Bulldogs haven't won an SEC title since 1982. Despite the loss of Carter, Richt has four players vying for quarterback, two seriously. Unlike Spurrier, Richt said he'll have a set starter by the season opener -- the last thing he needs in his first season is a quarterback controversy. With Richt's reputation for high-powered offenses, Edwards could be primed for a huge season. Even tight end Randy McMichael is expected to get into the act. As for its defense, new coordinator Brian VanGorder has arrived, meaning the Bulldogs will have to adjust to their fourth defensive coordinator in four seasons.

TENNESSEE

COACH: Phillip Fulmer, 10th season (84-18 overall).

2000 RECORD: 8-4, 5-3 SEC (lost 35-21 to Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl).

KEY RETURNEES: RB Travis Stephens (359 yards, 7 TDs); QB Casey Clausen (1,473 yards, 15 TDs); LT John Henderson; ML Dominique Stevenson; DE Will Overstreet; PK Alex Walls.

KEY LOSSES: RB Travis Henry; WR Cedrick Wilson; DE DeAngelo Lloyd, SL Eric Westmoreland, P David Leaverton.

NOTES: The Vols return 17 starters, including quarterback Casey Clausen, who took over midway through last season and won six games as a freshman. Many expect him to rival former Vol Peyton Manning, if his offensive line improves. Outland Trophy winner John Henderson turned down the NFL and returns to anchor the defensive line. Tennessee signed two Parade All-America linemen, who are expected to challenge for the spot left vacant by Henry. With the loss of Leaverton, punting and kickoffs could be a weakness. If Overstreet stays healthy, he could be one of the conference's best.

VANDERBILT

COACH: Woody Widenhofer, fourth season (10-23; 22-54-1, seven seasons).

2000 RECORD: 3-8, 1-7 SEC.

KEY RETURNEES: QB Greg Zolman (2,441 yards, 13 TDs); WR Dan Stricker (994 yards, 5 TDs); LB Antuian Bradford; LB Nate Morrow.

KEY LOSSES: LB Jamie Winborn; K John Markham; RB Jared McGrath; LB Matt Stewart.

NOTES: Improving the running game is of utmost importance to the Commodores, who averaged just over 96 rushing yards per game last season (3.1 yards per carry). The loss of four solid defensive players means some young players, including sophomore Brett Beard, must step in and produce. Zolman was second-best in the league in passing last season and the top Vandy quarterback since 1988, but the receivers need to improve to give him the option of making the long pass.

KENTUCKY

COACH: Guy Morriss, first season.

2000 RECORD: 2-9, 0-8 SEC.

KEY RETURNEES: QB Jared Lorenzen (3,687 yards, 19 TD); OT Antonio Hall; DE Dennis Johnson; DT Dewayne Robertson; TE Derek Smith (716 yards, 5 TDs).

KEY LOSSES: WR Quentin McCord; LB Marlon McCree; FS Willie Gary; WR Derek Homer.

NOTES: A new coach takes over with the threat of serious NCAA sanctions looming. The Wildcats expect a verdict in September. Morriss said the players won't be distracted, no matter what. Expect the passing game to continue to dominate with perhaps a slimmer Lorenzen at the helm. The freshman teetered on 300 pounds last season. Kentucky threw 124 times more than any other SEC team. But Morriss said he knows Kentucky must improve on its rushing average of 110 yards. Under new defensive coordinator John Goodner, the Wildcats will try to bolster what had been a pitiful defense. Kentucky gave up 34.8 points and 405 yards per game last season. If the Wildcats continue that way, they will be in for another long SEC season.

SOUTH CAROLINA

COACH: Lou Holtz, third season (8-15; 224-110-7, 29 seasons).

2000 RECORD: 8-4, 5-3 SEC (defeated Ohio State 24-7 in Outback Bowl).

KEY RETURNEES: QB Phil Petty (2,110 yards, 7 TDs); CB Sheldon Brown; LB Kalimba Edwards; RB Derek Watson (1,066 yards, 11 TDs); FB Andrew Pinnock (373 yards, 7 TDs); OT Melvin Paige.

KEY LOSSES: WR Jermayle Kelly; C Scott Browne; TE Thomas Hill; LB Andre Offing.

NOTES: Watson missed the bowl game and spring and summer workouts due to a disciplinary suspension. His return is a big boost for the Gamecocks. Kelly's departure leaves a hole in Holtz's receiving game, which means James Adkisson and Brian Scott need to emerge as the big-time players they have been projected to be. The Gamecocks also could find themselves in trouble if anything happens to Petty. Dondrial Pinkins has shown glimpses of being a stellar backup, but he also has shown he has lots to improve upon after five interceptions in the spring game. The Gamecocks defense, which allowed the fewest touchdowns in the conference last season (17) and grabbed 18 interceptions, should be solid again.

ALABAMA

COACH: Dennis Franchione, first season

2000 RECORD: 3-8, 3-5 SEC.

KEY RETURNEES: WR Freddie Milons (287 yards, 1 TD); LB Saleem Rasheed (81 tackles); QB Andrew Zow (1,561 yards, 6 TDs); RB Ahmaad Galloway (659 yards).

KEY LOSSES: DE Kenny Smith; C Paul Hogan; FB Dustin McClintock.

NOTES: Franchione plans to use Zow and Tyler Watts at quarterback, depending on the situation. Alabama fell apart in the middle of a coaching firing and NCAA investigation last season, finishing with five straight losses. The defense was one of the main culprits, giving up 40, 30 and 29 points in three consecutive games. Franchione's offense will use Milons a lot more, hoping to create some excitement, but the Tide lost 12 starters and there will be an adjustment period in the new regime.

ARKANSAS

COACH: Houston Nutt, fourth season (23-13; 59-35, eight seasons)

2000 RECORD: 6-6, 3-5 SEC (lost to UNLV 31-14 in Las Vegas Bowl).

KEY RETURNEES: RB Fred Talley (768 yards, 5 TDs); RB Cedric Cobbs (291 yards, 4 TDs); OT Shannon Money; FS Ken Hamlin; P Richie Butler (42.8 avg.).

KEY LOSSES: SE Boo Williams; LB Quinton Carver; FL Michael Snowden; RT Gary Hobbs.

NOTES: Nutt was thrilled his team was picked to finish last this year in the West. He has been surprising prognosticators for years. But the Hogs have major concerns on defense. The running game and quarterback Robby Hampton could make things interesting for some of the West opponents.

MISSISSIPPI

COACH: David Cutcliffe, third season (16-9).

2000 RECORD: 7-5, 4-4 SEC (lost to West Virginia 49-38 in the Music City Bowl).

KEY RETURNEES: RB Joe Gunn (382 yards, 2 TDs); WR Omar Rayford (19 catches, 229 yards); DB Syniker Talor (67 tackles, 3 INTs); LB Eddie Strong (72 tackles; 3.5 sacks); OT Terrence Metcalf.

KEY LOSSES: QB Romaro Miller; RB Deuce McAllister; WR Grant Heard; LB Shawn Johnson.

NOTES: The last time Cutcliffe had a Manning at quarterback the results were fairly impressive at Tennessee. This time, he's hoping Peyton Manning's younger brother, Eli, can be equally impressive in his first starting assignment. Gunn should have a big season, finally in the role as the No. 1 tailback. Taylor is an NFL-caliber defensive back. The secondary should be a strong suit.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

COACH: Jackie Sherrill, 12th season (67-48-2; 172-93-4, 23 seasons).

2000 RECORD: 8-4, 4-4 SEC (defeated Texas A&M 43-41 in Independence Bowl).

KEY RETURNEES: S Pig Prather (78 tackles); LB Mario Haggan (132 tackles); QB Wayne Madkin (1,908 yards, 8 TDs); RB Dicenzo Miller (1,005 yards, 10 TDs); RB Dontae Walker (795 yards, 9 TDs); WR Terrell Grindle (31 catches, 436 yards).

KEY LOSSES: OT Pork Chop Womack; CB Fred Smoot; LB Eugene Clinton; WR Larry Huntington.

NOTES: The Bulldogs were in contention for an SEC championship until a late-season slide, and the major part of the offense returns. Madkin could be the best quarterback in the conference for what the Bulldogs need in a versatile run-passer. The big concern is rebuilding a defense that lost most of its front and secondary.

LSU

COACH: Nick Saban, second season (8-4; 51-30-1, seven seasons).

2000 RECORD: 8-4, 5-3 SEC (defeated Georgia Tech 28-14 in Peach Bowl).

KEY RETURNEES: QB Rohan Davey (577 yards, 7 TDs); WR Josh Reed (65 catches, 1,127 yards, 10 TDs); RB LaBrandon Toefield (682 yards, 5 TDs); PK John Corbello (63 points); LB Trev Faulk (113 tackles); LB Bradie James (110 tackles); S Ryan Clark (99 tackles, 2 INTs).

KEY LOSSES: QB Josh Booty; CB Fred Booker; FB Tommy Banks; C Louis Williams.

NOTES: When Davey is healthy, the Tigers could be the best team in the West. Reed had a monster season last year and could duplicate. The defense returns 10 starters and should be solid.

AUBURN

COACH: Tommy Tuberville, third season (14-10; 39-30, six seasons).

2000 RECORD: 9-4, 6-2 SEC (lost to Michigan 31-28 in Citrus Bowl).

KEY RETURNEES: WR Tim Carter (21 catches, 271 yards, 24.3 yards per kickoff return); K Damon Duval (43.2 yards per punt, 14-of-18 FG, 76 points); OT Kendall Simmons; DE Javor Mills (36 tackles); WR Marcel Willis (27 catches, 352 yards); DT DeMarco McNeil (67 tackles, 5 sacks).

KEY LOSSES: QB Ben Leard; WR Ronney Daniels; RT Colin Sears; TB Rudi Johnson; FB Heath Evans; LB Alex Lincoln; CB Rodney Crayton.

NOTES: The Tigers must replace their top receiver (Daniels), top running back (Johnson) and their quarterback (Leard). Take a wild guess what Tuberville is worried about this fall. The defense returns five of its top six tacklers. The linebackers are outstanding, but the secondary could be full of holes.

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