So what if the Randy Sanders led Kentucky Wildcats and Bat-Shit Crazy Ed’s Ole Miss Mascotless don’t meet in the regular season?   I want to be the first to predict that these two blind squirrels (that find the occasional nut)  will meet in the SEC-CG this year and the winner will ultimately play the Big East Conference winner for the National Championship.  Of course the BCS NC game will have to be played on a Thursday, on ESPN2 to accomodate the Big East Team.

1.) UK- They’ve already taken the first step (which is probably the hardest). Plus they return a lot of players from last years team to keep the momentum going. Yeah, Ole Miss has recruited better than them..but while UK isnt in quite as fertile recruiting grounds, they also dont have as many schools close by to compete with. If they can get to another bowl game their recruiting will improve, and if Louisville falters even slightly with their new coach it will help the Cats even more. The East is getting uncomfortably crowded, but UK is still better than the other three bottom feeders at this point.

2.) Ole Miss- I give them the edge over Miss. St. for a few reasons. One is their recent recruiting success. They are already bringing in the type of players needed to stay competetive in the SEC, now they just have to come up with the gameplans. I know, easier said than done right? Still, the best gameplan in the world doesn’t matter if you dont have at least decent talent and depth(which is why Vandy is at the bottom..but more on that later). Orgeron should be able to turn the defense into a force, now they just need the offense to keep the defense refreshed and under less pressure. Kinda the exact opposite of the boat UK’s in. Another thing that puts the Rebels ahead of State is that Orgeron hasnt been there as long, which should give him a longer leash. If Croom has another 3 win season he should be gone, which will set the program back a little farther. Gotta go with Ole Miss as 2nd most likely to rise.  Jerrell Powe’s Reading is Fun Program will provide the decisive edge for the  Ole Miss Mascotless.

3.) Miss State- Croom has had time, and if it wasnt for a win over a bad Bama team he would probably already be gone. He doesn’t have the talent in Starkville and everyone else seems to be moving up. He may be a good coach, but if he is I cant tell. He seems to be a good motivator, but motivation will only take you so far before you have to rely on talent. I kinda feel bad for him…but such is the nature of the beast. Anyways…he’s had a decent amount of time (granted he came in when the program was at a very low point), but going 9-25 in 3 seasons isnt going to cut it…especially when your signature victory is over a 6-6 team. If he only wins three games this year it will mean 4 straight years of 3 win seasons. He hasnt shown any reason to believe he will win more this year…and if he doesnt he will probably be gone and it will set State back even further unless they can pull off a great hire.

4.) Vandy- Just too hard to recruit the type of talent and depth to this school thats needed to remain competitive in the SEC. They have a good (perhaps great) coach, but without the players therers only so much he can do from the sidelines. Plus as soon as a coach at this school “gets it done” he will be offered from another school and probably take the offer…leaving Vandy to try again. I just cant see this team becoming competitive in football consistently. Whoever heard of an SEC school without an Athletic Director anyway??  How good would Bama or Tennessee be if Bobby Johnson coach at either school? 

 (HT Bama Perry and thanks to TY for the UK Photo)