The SEC West

[Hogsmo Kramer]

I think State is better than ole miss.

I agree they are.

In fact I think they're quite a bit better.

[Huckleberry Pig]

Uhh... LSU has looked horrible against two top 5 ranked opponents (when the polls come out tomorrow). They're not horrible by any means, just horrible by SEC West standards.

I'm fairly convinced that any SEC West team would win the East with relative ease.

Other than Georgia I completely agree with you.  I know we haven't won an SEC game yet but neither has LSU this year, and that's all we should be focused on.  I think we look like a better team than LSU.  They are lost on offense and a soft defense.

Auburn
Miss St
Ole Miss
Bama
ATM
Arkansas
LSU


That was just weird to type

[redeye]

Arkansas is until they win an SEC game.

So LSU doesn't have to win a SEC game to be better?

Not to mention that LSU lost to Auburn worse then we did?

[FayArkFan]

So LSU doesn't have to win a SEC game to be better?

Not to mention that LSU lost to Auburn worse then we did?

Good point. But we both are pretty lousy in the SEC West until proven different. You are splitting hairs with this one.

[Calling All Hogs]

SEC West
1.Miss St
2. Auburn
3.Ole Miss
4.Alabama
5. Arkansas
6.TAMU
7.LSU

[iCalledThatHogBrotha!]

I'm not seeing 5 wins on this schedule unless we can beat lsu, unfortunately we lost our best chance of a win last week against tx am

We still get Georgia at home who lost to SC who lost to KY, and Mizzou on the road. Those and LSU at home are all very winnable. Plus there's always a chance to upset one of the other teams in the West. Even though they all look strong we all know anything can happen on any given Saturday.

[jimmur74]

Of the teams I saw in the west today here's how I would rank them. I can't believe I'm about to do this but...

1) univ of ms
2) aubbie
3) ms st
4) bama
5) Tx am
6) lsu
7) ar

I'm stunned by the success of the ms schools. I hate to see it because it only makes it harder on us to get recruits and publicity.  Murderers row and...we also get the top two teams in the east. I'm not seeing 5 wins on this schedule unless we can beat lsu, unfortunately we lost our best chance of a win last week against tx am

You would put LSU ahead of us? Did you even watch the games?

[Jek Tono Porkins]

The West is stupidly difficult this year. Nobody is going to come out unscathed. I think Auburn, Ole Miss, and Miss State will end up dropping games to someone.

What sucks is that we have to beat two of the following teams (assuming we beat UAB) to get to six wins and a bowl game
-Alabama
-Georgia
-Mississippi State
-LSU
-Ole Miss
-Mizzou

That's ridiculous! For the record I think our best shots out of those teams are Georgia, LSU, and Mizzou.

If we get to six wins and get a bowl berth, we are going to totally obliterate whoever it is we play. Last year, Miss. State got 6 wins and went to the Liberty Bowl to play Rice. Can you imagine what we would do to Rice? We'd probably hang 50 on them easy.

But this is what Bielema signed up for. It's sink or swim in this league.

[MissippHog]

1a. Auburn
1b. State
2. Ole Miss
3. Alabama
4. Texas A&M
5. Arkansas
6. LSU

Auburn and MSU play next weekend as well as Ole Miss and A&M.

[Mike_e]

1a. Auburn
1b. State
2. Ole Miss
3. Alabama
4. Texas A&M
5. Arkansas
6. LSU

Auburn and MSU play next weekend as well as Ole Miss and A&M.

Misstake has the QB to beat missy.  I don't know if they will but right now they are able.

Aubie needs one of their defensive guys to start eating gunpowder.

[razorbackchamps94]

So LSU doesn't have to win a SEC game to be better?

Not to mention that LSU lost to Auburn worse then we did?

LSU is not 0 and 10 in the SEC the past year and half ..

[EastMemphisHog]

I think State is better than ole miss.

I concur.

[rickm1976]

I think State is better than ole miss.

Me too.  I think MSU might end up winning the conference undefeated.  I don't think there's anyone in the east that can stay with them.  Auburn might be second, but not very close.

[scruf]

Only the 2014 season matters. LSU is the worst in the west this year in terms of product on the field.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I think State is better than ole miss.

I have to admit that I am shocked by how good both of the Mississippi teams look. I expected them both to be good this year, but not this good. As far as Alabama goes, I guess we aren't the only SEC team that can blow a second half lead.

[DLUXHOG]

LSU is not 0 and 10 in the SEC the past year and half ..

Seasons begin anew each year, ya know?   Or maybe you didn't....

[OneTuskOverTheLine™]

SEC West
1. Auburn/Arkansas/Ole Miss/MSU **(all with two losses at end of season)
5.Alabama
6.TAMU
7.LSU

[scruf]

This season's coaching carousel should level things back out, especially where the Mississippi schools are concerned. Here's what I could see happening:

1) Les Miles takes the Michigan job after Hoke is fired. Yes, I'm aware that Michigan has said he's their guy but they are going to can him.
2) Hugh Freeze takes the LSU job and OM gets another spread offense up-and-comer.
3) Will Muschamp gets the boot at Florida and MSU's Mullen takes the job. MSU hires another spread offense up-and-comer (of a lesser quality than OM).

[rljjr]

As long as we continue to rise I don't care, but it is interesting to watch.

If Lester is moving it will be after this season. If not, he's in there until they pry him loose.

[Torqued pork]

Miles is almost 62. With things getting sour in BR he may just want to retire to a SEC Network job or something similar.

[Hoggish1]

Your No. 1 item is not going to happen.  LSU is that dumb, but not Michigan.  Besides, we need Less to stay where he is, so the Corn Dogs continue their long slide to mediocrity.

[ChicoHog]

I don't think Freeze is going anywhere. 

[hoss cartrack]

i personally think mullens would like to stay at state and see how far he can take them.  however, i think he also knows it will be hard to sustain this....hard to get the best players to go to starkville.  jackie sherrill had some success...for a couple years....sly croom had some success for a couple years.  he may realize this and bolt.

who knows?   no one.

[go hogues]

Freeze is at his dream job.

Anyone with half a brain knew the MS schools would try and make a run this season. Both have the best QBs and are running the offense du jour. The balance of power will level out next year when Wallace and Prescott are gone.

[arkansasrazorback]

Freeze is at his dream job.

Anyone with half a brain knew the MS schools would try and make a run this season. Both have the best QBs and are running the offense du jour. The balance of power will level out next year when Wallace and Prescott are gone.

people don't seem to get this.  They think they are the next Auburn and Bama.  Not happening

[ErieHog]

Your No. 1 item is not going to happen.  LSU is that dumb, but not Michigan.  Besides, we need Less to stay where he is, so the Corn Dogs continue their long slide to mediocrity.

It has been a decade ; that slide to mediocrity is awfully danged slow.

Nobody likes Les;  pretty much everyone thinks he is an idiot-- it does not, however, make him a bad football coach.

For a Michigan squad staring a 8 or 9 loss season in the eyes, Miles will be a very attractive option.

[HSVhogfan2]

If Michigan can't get the SF Harbaugh, CBB will be their strong second choice. He's a big 10 guy, runs the offense they want, and is incredibly popular with the national media.

[hobhog]

If Michigan can't get the SF Harbaugh, CBB will be their strong second choice. He's a big 10 guy, runs the offense they want, and is incredibly popular with the national media.

Better bring a big check. His buyout is pretty high.

Muscamp gone replaced by Mullins only one that makes sense.

[Professor Psychosis]

Before anyone annoints the Mississippi schools as co-national champs, let's see how both of them respond this week.  State gets Auburn, OM travels to A&M.

[Großer Kriegschwein]

Better bring a big check. His buyout is pretty high.

Muscamp gone replaced by Mullins only one that makes sense.

Agreed.

I have a feeling that Michigan would pass on BB due to his buyout being astronomically high.

Don't think Miles leaves LSU though

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Agreed.

I have a feeling that Michigan would pass on BB due to his buyout being astronomically high.

Don't think Miles leaves LSU though

I doubt it as well, but you never know as some coaches grow nostalgic about their past and their heritage as they grow older and have had demonstrative success elsewhere.

Bottom line is, you don't have the pressure to recruit as well in the Big Ten to win as you do in the SEC and if he took some of his key staff with him, he could still effectively recruit the southeastern U.S. while at Michigan as their HC, which would give him a leg up in the Big Ten. Need that pipeline to the SE U.S. while maintaining the Midwest pipeline that comes natural to Michigan.

At this point I think that Michigan is desperate enough that they would pay almost any amount to land a proven winner from the SEC that had previously been, "a Michigan Man". I wouldn't be at all surprised if the ball wasn't already in Miles end of the court via his agent.

[Arkfan]

Im not sure BB would leave right now even with the buyout. He hasnt really proven anything yet.

Les on the other hand would be a shot in the dark as to what he will/wont do.

[Sow’sEar]

We may be in trouble if Miles leaves LSU.  They will go after Art Briles or Gary Patterson either one of which, in my opinion, would be a huge step up for them...

[ErieHog]

Agreed.

I have a feeling that Michigan would pass on BB due to his buyout being astronomically high.

Don't think Miles leaves LSU though

Keep in mind Michigan has long held to  'we don't pay buyouts'--  when they wanted Rich Rodriguez, they made him pay his own buyout.

[SemperFi]

Not sure that I can see Lester making a move from LSU to Michigan. I just think the guy is way to embedded right where he's at to leave now. Michigan has extremely deep pockets and might go after an NFL Assistant, maybe someone with Michigan ties in that regard. Can't think of any up and comer in the college ranks that would rate such a job. The only HC's that I can think of that might make that jump are Art Briles and Bobby Petrino. There might be others, but I just can't see Michigan going after anyone that isn't a proven winner. Bobby Petrino has no loyalty and might jump at the Michigan job if they offer and can throw enough money at him.

I can see Mullens at Florida. Let's face it, Miss St might be rocking and rolling now, but they will be unable to sustain it. History is against them being anything more than the occasional contender.

Hugh Freeze will not leave Ole Miss. That is his dream job. Ole Miss Boosters have deep pockets and will continue to support their recruiting efforts. I'm sure the Bama win will buy them another recruit or two.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Not sure that I can see Lester making a move from LSU to Michigan. I just think the guy is way to embedded right where he's at to leave now. Michigan has extremely deep pockets and might go after an NFL Assistant, maybe someone with Michigan ties in that regard. Can't think of any up and comer in the college ranks that would rate such a job. The only HC's that I can think of that might make that jump are Art Briles and Bobby Petrino. There might be others, but I just can't see Michigan going after anyone that isn't a proven winner. Bobby Petrino has no loyalty and might jump at the Michigan job if they offer and can throw enough money at him.

I can see Mullens at Florida. Let's face it, Miss St might be rocking and rolling now, but they will be unable to sustain it. History is against them being anything more than the occasional contender.

Hugh Freeze will not leave Ole Miss. That is his dream job. Ole Miss Boosters have deep pockets and will continue to support their recruiting efforts. I'm sure the Bama win will buy them another recruit or two.

Just keep in mind that Michigan tends to covet a "Michigan Man". Kinda like Arkansas covets and more highly values any recruit from Arkansas, whether he is a better player than another at the same position or not.

[ErieHog]

We may be in trouble if Miles leaves LSU.  They will go after Art Briles or Gary Patterson either one of which, in my opinion, would be a huge step up for them...

Briles is a Texan through and through;  he isn't leaving-- and frankly,  Michigan can't pay much more.   Hoke makes $50K more than Briles-- and Briles has a $5M buyout and 9 more years under contract.

Oh-- and they get to pay Hoke $3M to just go away.

[ErieHog]

Not sure that I can see Lester making a move from LSU to Michigan. I just think the guy is way to embedded right where he's at to leave now. Michigan has extremely deep pockets and might go after an NFL Assistant, maybe someone with Michigan ties in that regard. Can't think of any up and comer in the college ranks that would rate such a job. The only HC's that I can think of that might make that jump are Art Briles and Bobby Petrino. There might be others, but I just can't see Michigan going after anyone that isn't a proven winner. Bobby Petrino has no loyalty and might jump at the Michigan job if they offer and can throw enough money at him.

I can see Mullens at Florida. Let's face it, Miss St might be rocking and rolling now, but they will be unable to sustain it. History is against them being anything more than the occasional contender.

Hugh Freeze will not leave Ole Miss. That is his dream job. Ole Miss Boosters have deep pockets and will continue to support their recruiting efforts. I'm sure the Bama win will buy them another recruit or two.

The Miles buyout is odd, at LSU;  they have to pay him, for firing without cause, but there is nothing released on what he would have to pay them to get out of his last few years.

[NaturalStateReb]

This season's coaching carousel should level things back out, especially where the Mississippi schools are concerned. Here's what I could see happening:

1) Les Miles takes the Michigan job after Hoke is fired. Yes, I'm aware that Michigan has said he's their guy but they are going to can him.
2) Hugh Freeze takes the LSU job and OM gets another spread offense up-and-comer.
3) Will Muschamp gets the boot at Florida and MSU's Mullen takes the job. MSU hires another spread offense up-and-comer (of a lesser quality than OM).

Miles isn't going to Michigan and Freeze has his dream job.

Mullen won't be in Starkville next season. He could even be back in Gainesville.

[LRRandy]

It has been a decade ; that slide to mediocrity is awfully danged slow.

Nobody likes Les;  pretty much everyone thinks he is an idiot-- it does not, however, make him a bad football coach.

For a Michigan squad staring a 8 or 9 loss season in the eyes, Miles will be a very attractive option.

how many national championships has Miles picked up on his slide into mediocrity?

[Locutus_of_Boar]

Miles is almost 62. With things getting sour in BR he may just want to retire to a SEC Network job or something similar.

Yup SEC Network and national spokesman for Fertilome.

[ErieHog]

how many national championships has Miles picked up on his slide into mediocrity?

As many as Nick Saban won at LSU-- while playing for a second.

[redeye]

The only one of those I think could happen is the 3rd and I'm not so sure Mullen is ready to abandon everything he's built at MSU.  Florida may be a top job, but Mullen has put a lot into MSU, seems happy there and is on the verge of proving that you can win it all in Starkville.  Why give all that up to start over and at a program that's struggled with coaches recently?

Miles and Freeze aren't going anywhere.

[ErieHog]

The only one of those I think could happen is the 3rd and I'm not so sure Mullen is ready to abandon everything he's built at MSU.  Florida may be a top job, but Mullen has put a lot into MSU, seems happy there and is on the verge of proving that you can win it all in Starkville.  Why give all that up to start over and at a program that's struggled with coaches recently?

Miles and Freeze aren't going anywhere.

A better talent pool, weaker competition, more money.....three reasons off of the top of my head.

[Augustus]

Does anyone have links to Mullins or Freeze's non-compete clauses as part of their contracts?  I looked for a bit, but couldn't find any details.

Do we know if Mullins or Freeze can go to another SEC school? Especially a SEC West school?

LOL I read somewhere the other day that Sumlin's contract still has a non-compete against Big12 schools? And hasn't been updated after A&M joined the SEC (even after post-SEC extensions)? If that's true... well, that just confirms all of our previous opinions about the Aggies.

[Oklahawg]

When Les leaves for Michigan look for Mike Gundy at Okie State to try to get his name in the hat.

Briles is at Baylor until probation robs him of his recruiting $kill$.

Mullen will be somewhere. If Les doesn't go to Michigan is Mullen a candidate? Only if Mullen isn't in Gainesville next year.

Freeze would be an idiot to stay but I get the connection. Better for him to be at OM where he is beatable most years vs somewhere even more imposing.

[Oklahawg]

Who replaces the Old Ball Coach at USC-E when he steps down?

[Smokehouse]

A better talent pool, weaker competition, more money.....three reasons off of the top of my head.

Florida also has maintained good recruiting while not winning games. You've got to think there are a bunch of guys on that roster being underutilized by the current regime.

[ErieHog]

Who replaces the Old Ball Coach at USC-E when he steps down?

Skip Holtz.  If only to see mass suicides among the Gamecock faithful.

I kid.

I figure they reach for a good coach at a smaller program.  Maybe Red Ruffin from ECU?

[Bubba's Bruisers]

Briles is at Baylor until probation robs him of his recruiting $kill$.

So who isnt cheating?