2016 SEC Football Projections

[jbcarol]

ESPN Way-too-early SEC 2016 power rankings

1. Bama
2. LSU
3. Tennessee
4. Ole Miss

5. Arkansas

The Hogs' impressive offense took a huge hit with underclassmen Alex Collins, Hunter Henry and Denver Kirkland all joining senior quarterback Brandon Allen and offensive guard Sebastian Tretola in the draft pool. That will leave second-year offensive coordinator Dan Enos with a lot of holes to fill after an impressive showing in his first year on the job. Most everyone from a young defensive unit in 2015 will return.

6. UGa
7. UF
8. AU
9. A&M
10. MS
11. UK
12. MU
13. SC
14. VU

[jbcarol]

 Brett McMurphy ‏@McMurphyESPN 3h3 hours ago

2016 @LVSuperBook title odds Bama 6-1 Clem/OU 7-1 OhSt 10-1 Bay 12-1 FSU/LSU/Mich/ND/Tenn 15-1 MichSt/OleMiss/Stan 20-1 Aub/Ga/TCU/UCLA 30-1

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 24h24 hours ago

SEC teams that could break through in 2016 http://es.pn/1P7jQiM

Arkansas: Can Bret Bielema's boys finally put an entire season together? The past two years have seen two completely different teams for two halves of their respective seasons. Quarterback Brandon Allen is gone, but his younger brother Austin is early favorite to replace him. But don't forget about former USC signee Ricky Town, who transferred before the start of the 2015 season.

Just about everyone is back on defense, but the offense must replace tight end Hunter Henry, running back Alex Collins and three starting offensive linemen. Bielema thinks he has the tools needed to reload, but will his team have the wins to start the season that have evaded this team the past two seasons?

[jbcarol]

 Clay Travis ‏@ClayTravis 14h14 hours ago

Opening week 2016 @5dimes LSU -3 vs Wiscy, FSU -5.5 vs OleMiss, A&M -3 vs. UCLA, Clem -7 vs AU, ND -4 vs Texas, UGa -5 vs UNC, OU -5.5 vs UH

[jbcarol]

 ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 2h2 hours ago

Which SEC programs are ready to make the jump to elite status? http://es.pn/1Ot2NbN

NEXT IN LINE

Arkansas

Intangibles: Loyal fan base, Bielema's bravado, strong administration.

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC Jan 13

Early look at 2016 skill-position situations for each SEC program http://es.pn/1Or4TJ3

This includes running backs, wide receivers and tight ends.

Arkansas: Losing tight end Hunter Henry hurts, but juniors Drew Morgan, a breakout player in 2015, and junior-college transfer Dominique Reed bring their 1,378 combined yards and 16 combined touchdowns back in 2016. Athletic Jeremy Sprinkle should step right in at tight end and the Hogs will get top receiver Keon Hatcher back from a foot injury that cost him most of his season. Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams are both gone, but Kody Walker (394 yards, six touchdowns) and Rawleigh Williams (254 yards, one touchdown) will be back.

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/ESPN_SEC/status/687373798580944896

Arkansas: If losing Sebastian Tretola and Mitch Smothers wasn't bad enough, starting left tackle Denver Kirkland declared early for the NFL draft. The good news is Bret Bielema has made the offensive line a point of emphasis in recruiting since he arrived. Look for former ESPN 300 recruit Brian Wallace to emerge at one of the tackle spots opposite Dan Skipper, and the Razorbacks also get back starting guard Frank Ragnow.

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 24h24 hours ago

Early look at 2016 front seven situations for SEC West programs http://es.pn/1OtFheL

Arkansas: The Razorbacks only lose one defensive lineman on their two-deep, senior DeMarcus Hodge. Seniors-to-be Jeremiah Ledbetter (7.5 tackles for loss), Taiwan Johnson (five tackles for loss) and Deatrich Wise (eight sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss) and junior-to-be Tevin Beanum (seven tackles for loss) all return. All linebackers return, led by Brooks Ellis, the team's leading tackler (102), and Dre Greenlaw, who was an SEC All-Freshman team choice.

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC Jan 14

Early look at 2016 secondary situation for each SEC program http://es.pn/1OtBqOA

Arkansas: The Razorbacks ranked last in the SEC in passing yards allowed (275.2 yards per game, 116th in the FBS), but that young group returns almost everyone except senior safety Rohan Gaines. Safety Josh Liddell and cornerback D.J. Dean, who tied for the team lead with two interceptions apiece, will return along with experienced cornerbacks Jared Collins and Henre' Toliver. Underclassmen Kevin Richardson, Santos Ramirez and Ryan Pulley all played in 2015 and will be in the mix moving forward.

[jbcarol]

2016 college football rankings: Combining 13 way-too-early top 25s into one 

So yeah, what you're looking at below is just about the same thing you'll be looking at eight months from now.

2  Bama
6  LSU
10 UT
14 OM
22 UGa
23 UF
25 Arkansas

[jbcarol]

Ralph D. Russo ‏@ralphDrussoAP Jan 12

Heat Check: How teams in final AP Top 25 look for next season. http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/heat-check-how-teams-final-top-25-look-next-season ...

Congrats to Ole Miss fans for being the first of the new season to be overly sensitive about a non-critical line about their team my story.

A look at the final Top 25, where those teams are headed and where they might be ranked in the 2016 preseason poll.

No. 1 Alabama (14-1)

The Tide will lose several juniors to the draft and must break in a new starting quarterback, but Alabama has won three national titles with first-time starting quarterbacks.

Heat check: Alabama should start every season no worse than third.

No. 10 Mississippi (10-3)

QB Chad Kelly returns and we'll see what life for the Rebels after the 2013 recruiting is like.

Key losses: DT Robert Nkemdiche; WR Laquon Treadwell; OT Laremy Tunsil.

Heat check: End of an era for the Rebels, but enough momentum to start next season ranked.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC  5h5 hours ago
Ranking the SEC West schedules for 2016 http://sec.news/1U9LOz4

Arkansas

Five toughest games: vs. Alabama, at TCU, vs. Ole Miss, vs. LSU, at Texas A&M

The Razorbacks have arguably the most manageable set of conference road games for an SEC West team with Alabama, Ole Miss and LSU all coming to Fayetteville, Ark., but they also have possibly the toughest non-conference game, a true road game against a Big 12 contender.

[jbcarol]

AL.com sports ‏@aldotcomSports 3m3 minutes ago

Take a look at what the #Auburn offense will look like in 2016: http://ow.ly/XmKfs 

Proposed 2016 offensive depth chart at link

Auburn loses its two best offensive linemen in tackles Shon Coleman and Avery Young, and 1,000-yard runner Peyton Barber also declared for the NFL. The offensive line took the biggest hit, but the receivers will need new stars to step up, too.

Position   First team                            Second (Third?) team
QB    John Franklin III OR Sean White    Jeremy Johnson
RB    Jovon Robinson                             Roc Thomas OR Kerryon Johnson

[jbcarol]

http://247sports.com/Gallery/Way-Too-Early-Top-25-for-2016-42259586

'Way-too-early' look at what a Top 25 poll could look like next year, with several college staff members issuing ballots. The result of those ballots is the Top 25 listed below. The key returner and key loss players were used by estimating which players will stay or go pro, while the player to watch is somebody — a non-recruit — who appears ready to take a major step forward in 2016.

[jbcarol]

 Ross Dellenger ‏@RossDellenger 24h24 hours ago

AM | From @RabalaisAdv: Chance for 'special' year lured #LSU juniors back for senior seasons - http://bit.ly/1nfkF2P

Christian LaCouture, his left arm sporting a thick red scar where he broke it in the Texas Bowl, threw down the gauntlet Friday like he would an enemy running back on a Saturday.

"Anything less than a national championship is going to be unacceptable," said the LSU defensive tackle, one of six key Tigers who decided to return for their senior seasons. "We have to work toward it, of course, but all the pieces are in place.

"We should have a special year."

Every senior wants a special year, to go out as undisputed champs. What's unusual about this LSU team, this LSU program, is that not long ago, it was undisputed champ of the early pro football departure. The inventor of the slogan, "Give us three years, and we'll give you the riches of the NFL."

LaCouture, along with middle linebacker Kendell Beckwith, defensive end Lewis Neal, offensive lineman Ethan Pocic, cornerback Tre'Davious White and wide receiver Travin Dural — who didn't attend Friday's news conference because of a family emergency — decided to put off pro ball for another year. Put it off for a chance to come back and be part of something special.

[jbcarol]

AL.com sports ‏@aldotcomSports  52m52 minutes ago
Do you think #Alabama's defense could be better in 2015 than it was in 2016? http://ow.ly/XrtGc 

There's no way a team that loses three likely first-round draft picks from its front-seven will be as good the next year. That's simply not the way things work.

[jbcarol]

John Clay ‏@johnclayiv  1h1 hour ago Kentucky, USA
Southern Miss, UK's first 2016 FB opponent, loses head coach. Todd Monken named Tampa Bay Bucs offensive coordinator http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/bucs-hire-southern-miss-coach-todd-monken-as-new-oc/2262610 ...

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 3h3 hours ago

Arkansas' best 2015 win, most intriguing 2016 game http://es.pn/1Pwn6Li

Arkansas' best 2015 win: There are a few games to choose from but we'll go with the Razorbacks' 53-52 overtime win against Ole Miss on Nov. 7. That included one of the most memorable plays of the 2015 season, the fourth-and-25 conversion that included Hunter Henry's wild lateral to Alex Collins to keep the Hogs alive in overtime. The win was important for several reasons: It was Arkansas' third consecutive win at that point, helping them go over .500 after a 1-3 start, it was over an Ole Miss team ranked 18th at that moment and it had an impact on the SEC West race, giving Alabama control of the division. Most importantly for the Hogs, it was one of several quality wins in their second half, where they won six of their last seven games to finish 8-5 overall.

Most intriguing 2016 game: The Razorbacks have several compelling matchups in 2016 but it might be their Sept. 10 game at TCU that provides the most intrigue.

[jbcarol]

OddsShark: Alabama Crimson Tide are the 6/1 betting favorite to defend their College Football Playoff national championship in 2017
6. LSU 13/1

6. Tennessee 13/1

6. Baylor 13/1

12. Ole Miss 25/1

12. Michigan State 25/1

14. UCLA 30/1

14. Georgia 30/1

14. Auburn 30/1

14. TCU 30/1

20. Oklahoma State 50/1

20. Florida 50/1

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 2h2 hours ago

Three reasons why Alabama won it all and why it could happen again http://es.pn/1QD9XyQ

1. A powerful running game
2016 outlook: For as good as Henry was, the offense could have used a change of pace at times. Well, with the tandem of Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough ready to take over, Alabama could have that threat next season.

2. A dominant (sic) front seven
Yes, there will be some questions about how Alabama's defense will stop the run now that Ragland, Robinson and Reed are gone...

3. Options at receiver...

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 5h5 hours ago

Take Two: Which non-bowl SEC team will make a bowl in 2016? http://es.pn/1PEXxaI

For this week's Take Two, we ask which of those four teams – Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina and Vanderbilt – is most likely to play in a bowl game this coming season?

Sam Khan: I think it's Kentucky.

Greg Ostendorf: I actually agree with you that the Wildcats will make a bowl game. Their schedule sets up better than any of the teams mentioned above. But joining Kentucky in the postseason will be Vanderbilt.

[jbcarol]

Florida's hopes of repeating as champions of the SEC East next season will require the Gators to quickly find some new contributors on offense. No team in the division returns less skill position talent for 2016.

3. UGA

Percentage of passing yards returning: 99%
Percentage of rushing yards returning: 86%
Percentage of receiving yards returning: 57%

UGA will have plenty of experience returning for next season, but that statement should come with the following caveats: While last year's starting quarterback — Greyson Lambert — is back, almost no one expects him to beat out true freshman Jacob Eason, a five-star recruit in high school, for the starting duties in 2016. Plus, the severity of the knee injury suffered by rising junior running back Nick Chubb is still somewhat unknown, ...

7. Florida

Percentage of passing yards returning: 58%
Percentage of rushing yards returning: 36%
Percentage of receiving yards returning: 60%

Florida may not be bringing back a lot from 2015, but it will get some help from some incoming players that could contribute right away...

[jbcarol]

Bruce FeldmanVerified account
‏@BruceFeldmanCFB
Former #Tulane starting QB Tanner Lee tells @FoxSports that he will transfer to #Nebraska.

Ross Dellenger ‏@RossDellenger  2h2 hours ago
Ross Dellenger Retweeted Bruce Feldman
Had visited #LSU. 

[GoHogs1091]

Clay Travis ‏@ClayTravis 14h14 hours ago

Opening week 2016 @5dimes LSU -3 vs Wiscy, FSU -5.5 vs OleMiss, A&M -3 vs. UCLA, Clem -7 vs AU, ND -4 vs Texas, UGa -5 vs UNC, OU -5.5 vs UH

Clemson probably will win against Auburn by more than 7 points.

Clemson will probably have a "bad taste left in their mouth" from the CFP National Championship Game, and Clemson will probably be wanting to send a message to the State of Alabama that if Alabama and Clemson match up again in the NC game, Alabama won't be in a close enough position score wise during the game while playing Clemson for a trick play to matter.

[jbcarol]

SEC West teams that look to have a legitimate shot at keeping Alabama from winning its third straight SEC title:

LSU

Remember the first half of LSU's season in 2015? The Tigers were undefeated through seven games and Leonard Fournette looked like he'd be high-stepping his way to a Heisman trophy. All along, though, the naysayers were pointing out just how backloaded the Tigers' schedule was, with trips to Tuscaloosa and Oxford required in two of their last four games. They, of course, lost both of those away games along with a home fixture to Arkansas, dropping three in a row down the stretch.

Les Miles has almost all of his key talent returning to Baton Rouge in 2016, including Fournette, and he's bringing in a whole lot more. LSU by all accounts has what's sizing up to be a top-3 recruiting class in 2016 and, unless they get bitten on National Signing Day Wednesday, the quality of Miles' incoming talent is so high that it could legitimately have an immediate impact.

Considering the talent he was able to both retain and reel in, it's not too difficult to foresee Miles' defense –– which ranked in the top 10 nationally –– improving. You could expect the same from junior quarterback Brandon Harris. And finally, LSU will be the host of their bouts with Alabama and Ole Miss this season.

Big question marks: The Tigers may be too dependent on incoming recruits, especially in their front seven. They're quite fortunate to have Kendell Beckwith returning, but the depth chart is likely to have the names of several first-year players in key defensive line and linebacker spots. Harris, meanwhile, will need to develop into a more efficient signal caller to better complement Fournette's abilities out of the backfield.

Ole Miss...

[jbcarol]

SEC title odds (5Dimes)

Alabama 2-1

LSU 4-1

Tennessee 5-1

Ole Miss 7-1

Georgia 10-1

Arkansas 12-1

Florida 12-1

[jbcarol]

SEC Network ‏@SECNetwork 15h15 hours ago

SEC West returning starters: http://bit.ly/1L2ZvKP

LSU 18
Arkansas 14
Texas A&M 13
Miss St 13
Alabama 11
Auburn 11
Ole Miss 10

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 39m39 minutes ago

Post-signing day SEC Power Rankings  http://es.pn/1PM2z3o

6. Arkansas: The defense led the way in 2014, the offense took the lead in 2015, and the back and forth could continue next season. With Alex Collins, Hunter Henry and Brandon Allen gone, and almost everyone back on defense, plus an impressive crop of new defensive linemen entering the fold, it looks like it's defensive coordinator Robb Smith's turn in the spotlight...

SEC-East anchors down the bottom four spots

[jbcarol]

Heather Dinich ‏@CFBHeather 4h4 hours ago

Oh c'mon, it's almost Valentine's Day. You know you love FPI. So does LSU ... LSU sits atop Preseason FPI 1.0 http://es.pn/1Xg1e6v

1. LS

5. Vols
6. Bama
7. OM
9. UGa

14. A&M

21. AU
22. MS
23. UF

27. Arkansas

39. SC

50. VU
51. MU
54. UK

[jbcarol]

Bruce Feldman ‏@BruceFeldmanCFB 2h2 hours ago

CFB natl title odds: #Bama 6/1; #OU & #Clemson 7/1; #OhioState 10/1; #Baylor & #Michigan 12/1; #ND; #FSU, #LSU & #Vols 15/1 via LVSportsBook

[jbcarol]

Ross Dellenger ‏@RossDellenger 17h17 hours ago

#LSU has a "national championship team," but, still, there are holes. A replacements primer with spring 3 weeks away http://bit.ly/2130KCV

Tigers are projected by many to start next season in the top five nationally. They lost just one underclassman early to the NFL draft (left tackle Jerald Hawkins) and are missing only three other starters from a team that finished 9-3 in 2015.

They have the key pieces — a Heisman Trophy favorite running back (Leonard Fournette), a veteran middle linebacker poised to be a first-round pick (Kendell Beckwith) and a stock of highly touted defensive backs and receivers.

Sounds good, right?

"National champs. Easy," former LSU defensive back Jalen Mills said last month. "It's a national championship team. I think the world knows it."

Still, there are holes to fill with the Tigers three weeks away from the start of spring football. Who's in line for replacement duty for Alexander, Hawkins, linebacker Deion Jones and Mills?

[jbcarol]

A contrarian's guide to refuting Bovada's SEC best-bet picks for the national title in 2016

ALABAMA — 7/1 ODDS

REASONS TO HATE

1. The Crimson Tide (four national titles since 2009) have trips to Tennessee (Oct. 15) and LSU (Nov. 5) on the docket —

LSU — 14/1 ODDS

REASONS TO HATE

1. It's hard to envision LSU losing to Alabama at home this fall ... and still rallying to capture the SEC West title. For the Tigers, it's an absolute must-have game.

2. In that vain, the Tigers are 4-4 in their last eight SEC games after Alabama.

TENNESSEE — 14/1 ODDS

REASONS TO HATE

1. The numerous off-field allegations levied against the Vols program may serve as a huge distraction once the season begins.

OLE MISS — 22/1 ODDS

REASONS TO HATE

1. The Rebels must press on without...

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 19m19 minutes ago

Strongest/weakest positions for SEC contenders: Alabama http://es.pn/1XxEz61

Position of weakness: We know what you're thinking, right? It has to be quarterback. Jake Coker was a senior and unproven contenders like Blake Barnett, Cooper Bateman and others are about to take center stage.

That notion might be correct, but focusing on quarterback (or to a lesser degree, cornerback) is taking the easy route. Let's examine another position group that faces questions this spring: the defensive line.

Position of strength: There are also questions at linebacker with the departure of seniors Reggie Ragland, Denzel Devall and Dillon Lee, although that position group is still loaded with impact players.

Reuben Foster was second on the team last year with 73 tackles, while Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson combined for 16.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss off the edge. You also have former hotshot recruits like Rashaan Evans, Christian Miller and Shaun Dion Hamilton ready to make some noise, plus ESPN's No. 1 linebacker prospect Ben Davis will arrive this summer...

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC Feb 17

Strongest/weakest positions for SEC contenders: LSU Tigers http://es.pn/1QlYlvj

The quarterback competition will draw the most attention until the Tigers prove they have a consistent starter. However, the position group that ranks as LSU's biggest question mark is on the other side of the ball: linebacker.

Position of strength: It's tempting to pick running back here since Leonard Fournette might be the best player in college football and Derrius Guice is no slouch himself. But let's go with cornerback.

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 45m45 minutes ago

Strongest/weakest positions for SEC contenders: Ole Miss Rebels http://es.pn/1XzZ95K

Position of weakness: Take your pick between linebacker, offensive line and running back.

Position of strength: Look around the SEC. How many of the other teams have a proven option at quarterback?

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC Feb 22

Chasing Alabama: Arkansas Razorbacks http://es.pn/1XI76Wq

Razorbacks have steadily improved under coach Bret Bielema and gave Alabama all it could handle last season in Tuscaloosa. Arkansas led until late in the third quarter, when Alabama finally buried the Razorbacks with a late scoring run. In fact, it was the second straight season that Robb Smith's defense gave Lane Kiffin's offense serious problems. Smith worked with a largely inexperienced defense last season and still had his bunch ready to stifle Derrick Henry and Co. for most of the night. The vast majority of Smith's starters will be back this fall, so don't be surprised if the Hogs give Alabama fits again in its return trip to Arkansas. That's the way this series has gone of late.

[jbcarol]

Former LSU lineman Jerald Hawkins thinks the pieces are in place for the power balance to shift back toward Baton Rouge.

"Honestly, I believe they're on that level," Hawkins told media Wednesday during the NFL scouting combine. "We've just gotta make sure we can finish. That's been the main thing for the past four years. We're always in the game, but we just have to finish the thing."

Easier said than done, especially against an Alabama team that has won four of the past seven national titles.

"It's a mindset," Hawkins said. "You've gotta have the mentality. As long as everybody has that, they're gonna be well off."

The Baldwin, La., native had another year of eligibility left at LSU, but he decided to go pro despite the NFL advisory committee's recommendation that he stay in school another year.

[jbcarol]

A&M Aggies, a team full of potential the past couple years but with nothing to show for it.

For two years in a row, Texas A&M has come out of the gates fast and started 5-0 only to see the season wither away in the second half. For two years in a row, the Aggies have lost every game to Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss. Why can't they finish the season and win signature games in October and November? Maybe it's coaching. Or maybe the fast starts dupe us all into thinking they're a legitimate threat to win the SEC when really they're not good.

ex-Sooner, Keith Ford? The former ESPN 300 star sat out last season after transferring, but he's the early favorite to replace Carson as the team's starting running back. In 2014, He rushed for 392 yards on 71 carries and scored six total touchdowns with the Sooners. He's flown under the radar a bit since then, but that could all change if he becomes the lead back for the Aggies.

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 56m56 minutes ago

Vanderbilt hopes to make a leap in Year 3 under Derek Mason http://es.pn/1OIEaXm

"The first year they sleep, the second year they creep, the third year they leap."

As Derek Mason heads into his third year at Vanderbilt, he's hoping that common gardening phrase also holds true for his football team.

His first year didn't go so well. The Commodores went 3-9 and failed to win an SEC game. There was improvement from Year 1 to Year 2, though, as they won two conference games and finished 4-8 overall. But 2016 is their year to take the next step and leap.

It was no surprise then that the team had a little extra bounce in its step when spring practice began last week. The momentum gained at the end of last season has carried over.

"Last year there was just so much work to get done," Mason told reporters prior to the first practice. "Now there's work to get done, but you have a better sense of the work that needs to be done."

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 37m37 minutes ago

Alabama's Nick Saban on 2016 season: 'We're gonna be the target for a lot of teams' http://sec.news/1TM0Mij

"This team's gotta create their own identity," Saban told SEC Network. "What last year's team did will have nothing to do with how we do next year. All it did was create the fact that we're gonna be the target for a lot of teams because we had success. I think our players need to be ready for that challenge."

[jbcarol]

Phil Steele ‏@philsteele042 23h23 hours ago

All 128 FBS teams Opp record for 2016
3. Ole Miss 102-52
10. Florida St 96-61
18. Michigan St 90-61
92. Baylor 72-77
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2016/MAR16/DBMar14.html ...

Now let's turn our attention to 2016. I decided to see what the NCAA method would come up with for toughest opponents faced. Below is a chart of the top 25 teams ranked by highest percentage of opponent wins (or toughest schedule). The opponent wins, losses and win percentage are the NCAA's method -- not mine. The chart also shows the number of opponents each team will face that finished the season ranked in the top 25, the number of teams that had a winning record last year, and number of opponents that made the postseason.

1. LSU
2. Arkansas

[jbcarol]

 Heather Dinich ‏@CFBHeather Mar 17

Good talk with @BretBielema today. "We've got a good chance," he said. "We built this baby up." Said it's as deep as they've been on d-line.

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 2h2 hours ago

Filling out our fictional 2016 SEC tournament bracket http://es.pn/1T7yrBw

No. 6 Arkansas vs. No. 11 Kentucky: Arkansas might be breaking in a new quarterback and running backs, but offensive coordinator Dan Enos will know exactly how to get Austin Allen's arm working against a Kentucky defense with so many new faces in its front seven. Stanley "Boom" Williams will make some plays against Arkansas' front, but a late Drew Barker interception will keep the Hogs away from the early upset. Arkansas 27-17.

No. 3 Ole Miss vs. No. 6 Arkansas: The Rebels are the better team in this one, and Kelly will have early success against Arkansas' defense. However, the breakout player is Arkansas running back Kody Walker. With Rawleigh Williams still out after neck surgery, Walker makes play after play through the middle to wear down Ole Miss' defense and help the Hogs pull the second-round upset. Arkansas 23-20.

[jbcarol]

Miles says LSU is talented, capable and 'we'll be better'

"The defensive line is probably playing pretty good," he said. "I liked Arden Key. Christian LaCouture played pretty well today. I think (fullback David) Ducre is getting better. We made a couple of nice catches, nice throws, so a nice day."

As the team prepares for a brief intermission, Miles believes the defense is showing some strong signs at each level.

The coach offered praise for the linebackers, including those filling in for the injured Kendell Beckwith, as well as the defensive backs stepping up in place of injured veterans Donte Jackson and Kevin Toliver II.

"I think there's enough speed to play at linebacker," Miles said. "Devin White looked pretty good. Duke (Riley) continues to improve and Arden Key is having a really nice spring. I think Saivion Smith is going to be a really nice player."

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 15m15 minutes ago

Returning Alabama stars know they have a chance 'to be special' in 2016 http://sec.news/22ye5HE

When some of Alabama's top juniors were making their decisions on whether to stay in school or leave for the NFL, Crimson Tide linebacker Ryan Anderson said they didn't consult each other during the process.

But once they realized who all was coming back, they began talking about how good the team could be if they put in the effort.

Of the players who could have left on defense, Anderson, outside linebacker Tim Williams, safety Eddie Jackson, linebacker Reuben Foster and defensive end Jonathan Allen all chose to return and defend Alabama's latest SEC and national championship. Tight end O.J. Howard's decision to stay..

[jbcarol]

Mark Schlabach ‏@Mark_Schlabach Mar 23

The 68-team CFB bracket project: Sweet 16, Elite 8 picks http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/15046967 ...

1-seeds: Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, Baylor

2-seeds: Clemson, LSU, Oklahoma, Stanford

3-seeds: Notre Dame, Ohio State, Houston, Tennessee

4-seeds: Ole Miss, Michigan State, TCU, USC

5-seeds: Iowa, North Carolina, Georgia, Oregon

6-seeds: UCLA, Oklahoma State, Washington, Florida

7-seeds: Boise State, Utah, Louisville, Washington State

8-seeds: Miami, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Pitt

9-seeds: Auburn, Nebraska, Arkansas, Texas

10-seeds: Mississippi State, West Virginia, Arizona, Penn State

11-seeds: BYU, Virginia Tech, South Florida, Texas Tech

12-seeds: Arizona State, NC State, Northwestern, Duke

13-seeds: Kansas State, Georgia Tech, Cal, Western Kentucky

14-seeds: San Diego State, Temple, Indiana, Western Michigan

15-seeds: Minnesota, Appalachian State, Air Force, South Carolina

16-seeds: Navy, Georgia Southern, Cincinnati, Marshall

Last four in: Northern Illinois, Utah State, Bowling Green, Southern Miss

South region

Schlabach's bracket:

(1) Alabama Crimson Tide over (4) TCU Horned Frogs

Katz's bracket:

(1) Alabama over (4) TCU

East region

Schlabach:

(3) Ohio State Buckeyes over (2) LSU Tigers

Katz:

(2) LSU over (3) Ohio State

Midwest region

Schlabach:

(2) Clemson Tigers over (3) Tennessee Volunteer

Katz:

(2) Clemson over (3) Tennessee

Schlabach's breakdown: Teams from the Big Ten (three) and SEC (four) make up nearly half of my Sweet 16 field...

Katz's breakdown: Mark and FPI "agreed" on the majority of the first two rounds, but the Sweet 16 is where the man and metric go their separate ways. FPI expects LSU's experience (18 returning starters) to trump Ohio State's youth (six returning starters), and Oklahoma's balance (top 5 in predicted offense and defense) to expose Notre Dame's defensive weaknesses (35th in predicted defense). Given each team's preseason ratings, LSU, Alabama, Florida State and Oklahoma are FPI's heaviest favorites to advance to the Elite 8.

FINAL FOUR MATCHUPS

Schlabach

Alabama vs. Stanford

Florida State vs. Clemson
Katz

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State

LSU vs. Clemson

[jbcarol]

David Morrison ‏@DavidCMorrison 22h22 hours ago

In the paper: Despite 2015 success, MU defense strives for more- http://m.columbiatribune.com/sports/mu_football/despite-success-mu-defense-strives-for-more/article_c2fb8a33-d46c-5d64-a5ba-c283885755fc.html ...

Tigers finished fifth in the nation in points allowed per game and sixth in yards allowed per game last year. They are returning eight starters off that defense, including second-team All-Southeastern Conference defensive end Charles Harris, freshman All-American defensive end Walter Brady and fellow freshman All-American Terry Beckner Jr., who was a part-time starter at defensive tackle.

They are bringing back the architect of that fearsome defense, coordinator Barry Odom, with the notable exception that he's the head coach now.

They could have continued doing what worked. But last year wasn't good enough for them.

"That got us five wins and on the couch in January," senior middle linebacker Michael Scherer said. "That's not where we want to be."

It's an oversimplification that ignores factors that Missouri's defense couldn't control — chief among them, playing with one of the nation's least productive offenses —

[jbcarol]

 Paul Finebaum ‏@finebaum 3h3 hours ago

"Who's more talented than LSU? I don't think anyone in this conference." @SECbooger http://bit.ly/1MCizWs

[jbcarol]

 ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 2h2 hours ago

Arkansas hopes its defense can limit big plays in 2016 http://es.pn/1To8ZrL

[jbcarol]

 Patrick Brown ‏@patrickbrownTFP 23h23 hours ago

How Tennessee's offense won yesterday's situational scrimmage, plus Saturday's standouts. http://bit.ly/1qoSoIR