'08 SEC West Predictions

T1. Alabama
Predicted record: 8-4 Conf. record: 5-3

Best Offensive Player: OT Andre Smith, Jr.
Best Defensive Player: S Rashad Johnson, Sr.

Offense: Another year, another offensive coordinator as Jim McElwain comes over from Fresno State looking to kickstart a mediocre and inconsistent attack. There will be more running, more use of the tight ends, and quicker, shorter passes from veteran QB John Parker Wilson. Nick Walker and Travis McCall are good tight end to keep things moving. The backfield of Terry Grant, Glen Coffee and Roy Upchurch is good, but they have to stay healthy. The line, led by LT Andre Smith and C Antoine Caldwell, will be the strength, while the receiving corps needs uber-recruit Julio Jones to be a star right away.

Defense: The defense was solid last season and was all set to take another step forward this year until the linebacking corps took a hit. Ezekial Knight was forced to quit football thanks to a heart condition, Jimmy Johns was booted for allegedly selling cocaine, and Prince Hall was suspended for violating team rules. Fortunately, Rolondo McClain is back while the recruiting class should bring in instant help from Jerrell Harris and Courtney Upshaw. The line in the 3-4 is fine, but nothing special without Wallace Gilberry and his 10 sacks and 27 tackles for loss. A pass rusher has to emerge. FS Rashad Johnson leads a fast secondary that'll get a boost from freshmen Mark Barron and Alonzo Lawrence.

2008 CFN SEC Predictions and Team-by-Team Thumbnail Views