Way-too-early SEC Projection

[Fan701]

Based on the few games I've seen so far, I don't think Kentucky is the team to beat in the SEC this year.  My way-too-early guess is that it will come down to Florida, Arkansas, and A&M.  Florida should be the favorite to win the league with Arkansas and A&M having a shot at it.  Unless Kentucky improves drastically by league play, they'll be middle of the pack this year.

[BannerMountainMan]

Texas A&M
Florida
Arkansas
Kentucky
Alabama
Missouri

[mizzouman]

Based on playing just 2 games?  Let's let the non-con games finish out first.

[Fan701]

Based on playing just 2 games?  Let's let the non-con games finish out first.

That's why I called it "way-too-early projections."

[Youngsta71701]

That's why I called it "way-too-early projections."

I was about to type the same thing...

[mizzouman]

That's why I called it "way-too-early projections."

Then what's the point?

[Hawg Red]

Then what's the point?

Just this little thing called "fun."

[Fan701]

Then what's the point?

My "point," as I thought was clear, was to make some "way-too-early projections" for the amusement of the people who visit here, and see what they might have to say on the subject.  I can tell that you're not amused.

[PonderinHog]

My "point," as I thought was clear, was to make some "way-too-early projections" for the amusement of the people who visit here, and see what they might have to say on the subject.

7:00 AM is too early.  Next time, try 7:00 PM.

[Atlhogfan1]

Agreed.  UK has taken a step back.  Need to find perimeter shooting.

[mizzouman]

Just this little thing called "fun."

I know, me too.

[mizzouman]

My "point," as I thought was clear, was to make some "way-too-early projections" for the amusement of the people who visit here, and see what they might have to say on the subject.  I can tell that you're not amused.

No, I'm am.  Just giving you a little grief.

[mizzouman]

Agreed.  UK has taken a step back.  Need to find perimeter shooting.

Years of one and done can take a toll on a program.  I'm serious.

[Atlhogfan1]

Years of one and done can take a toll on a program.  I'm serious.

They go through cycles too.  Down cycles don't last long with new impact players each year.  I think we have seen something similar with LSU football where they have had so much talent leave early.  You just can't rebound from it in a year in football like UK and Duke can in basketball. 

[Letsroll1200]

Missouri is playing really good without Michael Porter Jr. They are really going to be good when he returns. I didn't think they would be this good but they have added some good pieces to their roster.

[snf6278]

Unless it all comes together for Kentucky, this could be another 2012-2013 season. I know it's early but they are struggling mightily against some weaker teams.

[ShadowHawg]

They go through cycles too.  Down cycles don't last long with new impact players each year.  I think we have seen something similar with LSU football where they have had so much talent leave early.  You just can't rebound from it in a year in football like UK and Duke can in basketball.

This is absolutely correct.

I am not so sure something else isn't at play also. In the past, the guys he got were goal oriented with their immediate goal being to win championships.

I feel like Cal has been building a perception that going to Kentucky will get you drafted higher than going to other schools and it works. But it also develops a culture where these kids really are making "business decisions" instead of a decision based on college experience.

These kids start their year working out for pro scouts. Everything being sold to these guys points toward the NBA now.

What I see as I watch their team so far is a team full of guys trying show their "skills" off for scouts. They aren't serious about playing defense as a team at all.

I think he is reaping what he has sown.

[HF#1]

If the Hogs are as good as I and others think they might be, we have as good of a shot at winning the league and the tournament as anyone.

[Tony Perkis]

A&M
Kentucky
Florida
Arkansas
Mizzou
Bama.

Kentucky will turn it on and I wouldn't be surprised if they win the league.

[hawgball40]

This is absolutely correct.

I am not so sure something else isn't at play also. In the past, the guys he got were goal oriented with their immediate goal being to win championships.

I feel like Cal has been building a perception that going to Kentucky will get you drafted higher than going to other schools and it works. But it also develops a culture where these kids really are making "business decisions" instead of a decision based on college experience.

These kids start their year working out for pro scouts. Everything being sold to these guys points toward the NBA now.

What I see as I watch their team so far is a team full of guys trying show their "skills" off for scouts. They aren't serious about playing defense as a team at all.

I think he is reaping what he has sown.

Music to my ears too. Seeing him whine about how good vermont was and barely beating, them, man that was priceless. dude is a shameless self promoter and he will eventually be exposed.

[mizzouman]

Missouri is playing really good without Michael Porter Jr. They are really going to be good when he returns. I didn't think they would be this good but they have added some good pieces to their roster.

Not sure when he's going to return.  Apparently something serious with his back or leg.  No one really knows for sure.

Anyway, you play with who you have.

[AugustaHog]

This may be the most wide open the league has been in quite some time.  I wouldn't write UK off just yet.  They have talent and that snakeoil salesman has proven adept at getting those guys to come together over time.  Obviously, 12-13 was a different story but I expect them to compete for the conference.  I think the previous lists of TAMU, Mizzou, Hogs, UF, UK, and maybe Bama show just how deep the conference has become.  I think all will be on the bubble or better.  It's just too hard to say how that group is going to shake out.  The unbalanced schedule will affect that too.  I don't think we did too bad in that regard though.  Our home/home games are AU, OM, LSU, Mizzou, and TAMU.  Those last two will be fun series, but we should expect to take at least 5 games off those first three teams.  We get UK, UT, USC, and Vandy at home.  The road slate is tougher to me with trips to UF, UGA, Bama, Miss St.  I think we should expect a little tougher road this year in conference, but I think the schedule will be even more respected come committee time.

[secthundahog]

UK def guna lose a few conference games..... But so will everyone else. UK, UF,TA&M, UARK, MIzooo my order for top 5. aint no way around that kentucky recruiting class

[ShadowHawg]

UK def guna lose a few conference games..... But so will everyone else. UK, UF,TA&M, UARK, MIzooo my order for top 5. aint no way around that kentucky recruiting class

You haven't watched them if you really believe that. Teams can get all the way to the rim at will against this bunch.

[Atlhogfan1]

You haven't watched them if you really believe that. Teams can get all the way to the rim at will against this bunch.

Seems like this is always Cal's problem at some point in a season: getting his team to play with defensive intensity. 

[Fan701]

UK def guna lose a few conference games..... But so will everyone else. UK, UF,TA&M, UARK, MIzooo my order for top 5. aint no way around that kentucky recruiting class

Maybe.  But my guess is that they're going to lose quite a few conference games this year.  Watch them tonight against Kansas.  I wouldn't be surprised if they are beaten badly.  At this point, they don't look like a top ten team.  Maybe they will be later in the season.

[razorhead94]

1.  Florida
2.  Texas A&M
3.  Kentucky
4.  Arkansas
5.  Missouri
6.  Alabama

[secthundahog]

You haven't watched them if you really believe that. Teams can get all the way to the rim at will against this bunch.

Not surprising a starting lineup with four freshman and a SO are getting scored on beginning of the season

[Paul]

UK looks bad so far.  Florida's backcourt could carry them a long way.  A & M is my darkhorse to compete for the conference championship

[MountieDawg]

Not surprising a starting lineup with four freshman and a SO are getting scored on beginning of the season

You havent been watching either...They have started 5 freshman in both games....  They have some definite defensive issues in the Man to Man... They played and amazing zone in their 1st game and went on about an 18 point run with the change.  But Cal took them out of the one after that and they havent played it since.  He says he is cheating his players by not playing man to man because it doesnt prepare them for the NBA...  This team is far from a Top 10 team right now, but its 5 freshman and they will get better.

[HogFoo]

This UK team looks like a McDonald's all American team game, where its  all offense and not much defense played.  Definitely no TEAM defense. They will win by trying to outscore a team instead of trying to put shutdown defense on the floor to stop the other team.  As someone else mentioned, every time a player gets the ball it's like they are trying to showcase their individual talents.  What's the saying there is no "i" in team, but there is in division.  They are not a team group.  Now in past for the most part Cal has been able to get them to play unselfish team ball.  Looks like his job will be much harder this season.

Which, that all works out great for the Hogs.  Let them come at us.  I wish we played them right now, I think we'd blow up UK by 40! No joke either!  They all look like they trying to stand around and just outtalent to get wins.  Any team with some talent and great chemistry is going to give them fits right now unless they change quickly.  Which, I hope they lose every game.  I also hate duke , unc, florida, mizz  miss st (who really hate now) and we'll every other team in SEC. Hate them all, and want Hogs to kick all their azzes!   Which, haha, I think the Hogs will..   

In a different note, I had thought kevaughn Allen had went into the draft.  Didn't know he was still playing for UF till I turned on the tv and saw his huge head on.  I thought, that guy looks like Allen, except he had lost his headband.  But then I saw it was him.  So, now I really want to k8ck UFs ads too!  Mucho hate for all these schools who have guys who turned us down for business reasons!  Or because their dad was supposedly sick and they got Adidas money to go there. Hate them!

[Youngsta71701]

This UK team looks like a McDonald's all American team game, where its  all offense and not much defense played.  Definitely no TEAM defense. They will win by trying to outscore a team instead of trying to put shutdown defense on the floor to stop the other team.  As someone else mentioned, every time a player gets the ball it's like they are trying to showcase their individual talents.  What's the saying there is no "i" in team, but there is in division.  They are not a team group.  Now in past for the most part Cal has been able to get them to play unselfish team ball.  Looks like his job will be much harder this season.

Which, that all works out great for the Hogs.  Let them come at us.  I wish we played them right now, I think we'd blow up UK by 40! No joke either!  They all look like they trying to stand around and just outtalent to get wins.  Any team with some talent and great chemistry is going to give them fits right now unless they change quickly.  Which, I hope they lose every game.  I also hate duke , unc, florida, mizz  miss st (who really hate now) and we'll every other team in SEC. Hate them all, and want Hogs to kick all their azzes!   Which, haha, I think the Hogs will..   

In a different note, I had thought kevaughn Allen had went into the draft.  Didn't know he was still playing for UF till I turned on the tv and saw his huge head on.  I thought, that guy looks like Allen, except he had lost his headband.  But then I saw it was him.  So, now I really want to k8ck UFs ads too!  Mucho hate for all these schools who have guys who turned us down for business reasons!  Or because their dad was supposedly sick and they got Adidas money to go there. Hate them!

Come on man, tell us how you really feel.

[Dugann]

All I got to say is "Buckle your seat belt"  "Buckle your seat belt"

[NWAHog479]

Has anybody had a chance to watch Tennessee play? Won big the other night and Barnes is a good coach.

[upperdeck_hawg]

They just took Kansas down to the wire with a bunch of guys that were playing their 3rd game removed from high school. They will improve and win the conference. That's what they do.

[Youngsta71701]

They just took Kansas down to the wire with a bunch of guys that were playing their 3rd game removed from high school. They will improve and win the conference. That's what they do.

Maybe Kansas is not as good as in years past? Neither one of them impressed me.

[Hawg Red]

They just took Kansas down to the wire with a bunch of guys that were playing their 3rd game removed from high school. They will improve and win the conference. That's what they do.

I think a lot of it is Kansas just not being that good. Some national folks think this is the year that KU maybe doesn't win the Big 12. But I'm almost certain Kentucky won't be very good. I'm guaranteeing it (like that means anything but still) right now that they don't win the SEC. 100%.