Predictions

SEC East

1. Florida
2. South Carolina
3. Georgia
4. Kentucky
5. Tennessee
6. Vanderbilt

SEC West

1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Arkansas
4. Auburn
5. Mississippi State
6. Ole Miss

A few thoughts:

* Alabama and Florida are still the two best teams in the SEC until proven otherwise.  The October 2^nd game in Tuscaloosa should be titanic.

* I’m not buying the hype on the Hogs.   Sure, they will put up a lot of points, but the defense is atrocious.  Even with a plus 15 turnover margin, Arkansas finished dead last in the league in total defense.

* No one will go undefeated in the league this year.  Florida and Alabama are 31-1 in the SEC the past two seasons.

* Georgia is a huge question mark this season.  One poll has them ranked third while others leave the Bulldogs unranked.  The September 11 game at South Carolina will be an elimination game for the chance to challenge the Gators for the East title.

*As usual, the media loves offense and thus gave a nod to Auburn over LSU in the West.  The problem is Auburn's defense stunk last season finishing 11^th in the SEC in total defense and 12^th in scoring defense.  What has changed to give the defense a boost?

The Magic Number is...?

I was recently asked how many wins Miles needs to keep his job.  This is a legitimate question that I will address.  However, I am frustrated by the fact that this question seems to be the primary interest for many LSU fans.  Not whether Jordan Jefferson will become the QB everyone wants him to be.  Not whether LSU will be able to run the ball this season.  Not even whether LSU’s defense can become the dominating unit it has been in the past.  The questions that raise the most interest involve Miles’ future (or lack there of) at LSU.

To answer the initial question, I think Miles needs to go 8-4 to retain his job.  If he goes 8-4 and the four loses are competitive, I could see him being given an ultimatum for the 2011 season, SEC Title, BCS game or 10 wins…or the door.  Miles looks to have a tremendous recruiting class coming in for 2011 and the team will be poised to make a strong run based on the 2011 schedule and the number of returning starters.  Those factors weigh in his favor.  Could they fire him if he goes 8-4, sure.  I just think he would be given one more year to try and recapture the success of his first three years at LSU. 

Give me your thoughts.  How many wins do you think Miles needs?

The Over Signing Issue

Miles is taking a lot of heat on the over signing issue.  My thought is this is well deserved but a little unfair as Saban is the worst offender.  The SEC or NCAA should step in and stop the practice.