Saban, SEC 2010, and Perspective

[utgibbs]

Depending on how long Saban sticks around, I think he may go down as one of the best ever. He certainly has done enough to get in the Top Five already.

However, this year gives us some truly great perspective on college football beast. Saban and Bama came in ranked #1, returning NC with returning H-trophy winner, unbeaten in forever at home, etc. A "dynasty" in the making. It didn't happen. It was, by all measures, a disappointing follow-up.

I would also say it didn't happen against a backdrop of the weakest the conference has been in a long time. I doubt Auburn wins it all, and it may be tainted anyway.

Is the SEC down this year? How far down? What are some comparable years? Do you think the SEC will struggle in the bowl season? I do. I'm even worried about our Vols in the MBC.

What's the verdict? How far down is the SEC this year overall? Is it just lacking that one dominant team (while Auburn still has a chance to keep the streak alive until NCAA steps in)?

 

[kbutler]

I personally believe the SEC is better this year than last. Last year seemed to have been the weakest in a while and this year has been a move in the right direction as a conference.

 

[zjcvols]

It's not like Saban had everybody returning. He had 9 starters on defense lost.

 

[zjcvols]

I personally believe the SEC is better this year than last. Last year seemed to have been the weakest in a while and this year has been a move in the right direction as a conference.

I think the top 3-4 teams aren't as strong. I think UF/Bama last year kills Auburn.

 

[tvolsfan]

I think the top 3-4 teams aren't as strong. I think UF/Bama last year kills Auburn.

Agreed.

 

[milohimself]

Im just a bit saddened that team with an all around poor defense as auburn is likely going to run the table in the sec.
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[utgibbs]

I think the top 3-4 teams aren't as strong. I think UF/Bama last year kills Auburn.

I agree with the above strongly.

I disagree the conference was weaker last year. It's not even close, IMHO. Last year had one of the greatest college football players ever in his Sr season; a NC from SEC; another BCS bowl winner.

 

[kptvol]

2004 was worse. Maybe 2007, too.

 

[utgibbs]

2004 was worse. Maybe 2007, too.

2004 saw an Auburn team that certainly in the Top Two of the SEC over the last 20 years.

2007 saw an SEC team at #1 and #2 in the final polls.

Not sure about that assessment, but I know why you picked them. I admire your consistency, if nothing else.

 

[kptvol]

2004 saw an Auburn team that certainly in the Top Two of the SEC over the last 20 years.

2007 saw an SEC team at #1 and #2 in the final polls.

Not sure about that assessment, but I know why you picked them. I admire your consistency, if nothing else.

One good SEC team does not make up for atrocious Bama and Florida teams and an underachieving UGA team.

The 2007 BCS Champion is in contention for worst NC team of all time. The rest of the SEC was down, including Florida and Georgia. The representative from the East division was soundly beaten by a .500 Pac-10 team.

 

[utgibbs]

One good SEC team does not make up for atrocious Bama and Florida teams and an underachieving UGA team.

The 2007 BCS Champion is in contention for worst NC team of all time. The rest of the SEC was down, including Florida and Georgia. The representative from the East division was soundly beaten by a .500 Pac-10 team.

I'll have to review, but I think the SEC in 2004 had a sick Bowl record, like 80%. It wasn't a "good" SEC team; it was either #1 or #2 SEC team in the last two decades.

Given we had the #1 and #2 team in the final poll, I would say your assessment actually testifies to the STRENGTH of the conference that year. Your assessments fit ideology, but not the real world I'm afraid.

 

[kptvol]

I'll have to review, but I think the SEC in 2004 had a sick Bowl record, like 80%. It wasn't a "good" SEC team; it was either #1 or #2 SEC team in the last two decades.

Given we had the #1 and #2 team in the final poll, I would say your assessment actually testifies to the STRENGTH of the conference that year. Your assessments fit ideology, but not the real world I'm afraid.

UGA would have been smashed to pieces had they played a real opponent in their BCS bowl. They lost to South Carolina, barely beat a .500 Bama squad, and got way too much credit for beating up on a mediocre Florida team. Look at how UGA did in 2006 and 2008 with virtually identical teams. 2007 just wasn't that great of a year.

And no way was that Auburn squad #2 in the last two decades. They were plenty good, but if they'd played in another year, they likely don't make it through the season without a loss. In fact, without a questionable personal foul, they don't get by LSU to start the SEC schedule.

 

[tvolsfan]

Agreed. Florida was just having a down year between national titles, which made UT and UGA's accomplishments look much more impressive than they really were.