SECPreview : West

Written by Jason Brubaker | 01 September 2009

But wait...there's more! We've already taken a look at the SEC East, but we're still only halfway there. Today, we look at the West, which figures to be a tight race between Alabama, Ole Miss and LSU.

Like the East, the West has their own dynamic quarterback in Ole Miss' Jevan Snead, dominating defenders like Terrence Cody and Rolando McClain, big play receivers in Julio Jones and Brandon LaFell, big-name coaches like Nick Saban and Les Miles, and even some new coaches hoping to shake things up in Dan Mullen and Gene Chizik.

There's also no shortage of storylines. Can Ole Miss live up to their lofty preseason expectations? Will Alabama suffer a Sugar Bowl hangover? Can LSU play defense this year? Will Chizik turn Auburn's fortunes around?

We won't know the answers to those for a few weeks, but one thing we do know is that this is going to be fun. Here's a closer look at the predicted order of finish in the West.

Alabama: The Tide certainly didn't end the season on a positive note when they were drubbed by Utah in the Sugar Bowl, but let's not forget what a great season they had. Saban's teams always play great defense, and with most of their key players back, the Tide will again be tough to move the ball against. On offense, Greg McElroy takes over for the steady John Parker Wilson. Expect him to look to WR Julio Jones early and often. The offensive line has been rebuilt, but the running game should still be solid with Mark Ingram and talented freshman Trent Richardson. If the Tide can manage against a schedule that includes game on the road against Virginia Tech and Ole Miss, they should again win the West.

Key players: WR Julio Jones, LB Rolando McClain, DL Terrance Cody, LB Dont'a Hightower

Must step up: WR Mike McCoy

Newcomers to watch: RB Trent Richardson, DB Dre Kirkpatrick

Ole Miss: The Rebels are coming off of a 9-win season in which they upset eventual national champion Florida. They return their starting QB, projected by some to be a top-10 NFL pick. They return most of their skill players, a good portion of their defense, and their two toughest games will be at home. So why only second in the West? Well Houston Nutt's teams have a history of not living up to high expectations, and the Rebels certainly won't sneak up on anyone this year. Jevan Snead is among the best QB's in the country, and WR/RB Dexter McCluster is a valuable weapon in the Wild Rebel formation. On defense, Greg Hardy's return is huge, but the loss of Peria Jerry will hurt. However, if the Rebels can handle the bullseye on their backs, they could challenge the Tide for supremacy in the West.

Key players: QB Jevan Snead, WR Dexter McCluster, WR Shay Hodge, DE Greg Hardy

Must step up: LB Patrick Trahan

Newcomers to watch: Ol Bobby Massie, WR Pat Patterson

LSU: The Tigers stumbled badly last year, dropping five games, including blowout losses to Florida and Georgia. Erratic QB play and a shaky defense led to their demise, but things are again looking up for the Tigers this year, following a rout of Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. QB Jordan Jefferson hopes to follow a strong outing in that game and avoid the costly interceptions that plagued QB Jarrett Lee last year. He'll have plenty of weapons on offense, including RB Charles Scott and WR Brandon LaFell, as well as pint-sized speedster Trindon Holliday. On defense, the Tigers are hoping veterans like DE Rahim Alam and DT Al Woods can provide a consistent pass rush, while an improved secondary limits opponents' passing games. The Tigers have a ton of talent, but a tough schedule that includes road trips to Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss, as well as a home date with Florida, will keep them in third place in the West.

Key players: WR Brandon LaFell, RB Charles Scott, CB Patrick Peterson, DE Rahim Alem

Must step up: WR Terrence Tolliver

Newcomers to watch: WR Reuben Randle, S Craig Loston

Arkansas: Year two of the Bobby Petrino Era should be much better, thanks to the eligibility of QB Ryan Mallett. Mallett's strong arm should be a perfect fit in Petrino's high-octane offense, and the Hogs should put up plenty of points this year, with TE DJ Williams serving as one of Mallett's favorite targets. Petrino will also lean heavily on RB Michael Smith, who gained over 1,000 yards last year and who proved tough to tackle despite being only 5'8". On defense, DT Malcolm Spehpard and LB Wendel Davis lead a unit that badly needs to show improvement if the Hogs want to contend for a bowl berth.

Key players: RB Michael Smith, QB Ryan Mallett, WR London Crawford, TE DJ Williams

Must step up: C Wade Grayson

Newcomers to watch: CB Darius Winston, WR Ronnie Wingo

Auburn: The Tigers easily could leapfrog Arkansas in the West, but there are far too many unknowns heading into the season with a new coach and a new offense. Chris Todd will start at QB, but it remains to be seen how effective he will be in new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn's spread offense. RBs Ben Tate and Mario Fannin will get plenty of touches, especially with an inconsitent receiving core. The return of TE Tommy Trott will help. On defense, the Tigers should be stout despite the loss of nine starters. DE Antonio Coleman is one of the country's finest rush ends, and LB Josh Bynes is a playmaker all over the field. Safety Zac Etheridge leads a talented secondary that just needs to stay healthy. The Tigers have a lot of questions entering the season, but there's no question they have the talent to contend for a bowl.

Key players: RB Ben Tate, RB Mario Fannin, DE Antonio Coleman, S Zac Ehteridge

Must step up: QB Chris Todd

Newcomers to watch: WR DeAngelo Benton, RB Onterio McCalebb

Mississippi State: Somebody has to finish at the bottom, and that honor will go to the Bulldogs again. New coach Dan Mullen arrives with plenty of energy and a mastery of the spread offense, but this year's roster is ill-suited to make a big leap in the standings. QB Tyson Lee will start, but freshman Tyler Russell may push for time. The offense will rely heavily on RB Anthony Dixon, especially with no proven lead receiver. Defensively, the Bulldogs will follow the lead of LB Jamar Cheney a fifth-year senior who led the team in tackles in his last full season. The coaching staff also loves the potential of LB KJ Wright and DT Pernell McPhee, but overall, the defense isn't likely to scare many opponents. The Bulldogs may be on the way up with Mullen at the helm, but they aren't likely to challenge for a bowl this year.

Key players: RB Anthony Dixon, LB Jamar Cheney, WR Brandon McRae, DT Kyle Love

Must step up: QB Tyson Lee

Newcomers to watch: WR Chad Bumpis, QB Tyler Russell