SEC PRE SEASON RANKINGS (2 OF 4)
Article By: 9. OKLAHOMA – Feels weird putting the Sooners at nine…with so many Sooner fans in the
league, the SEC Media expects some hate mail and even a death threat or two. Coach
ShadyNasty takes over in Soonerland after a successful stint at Cincinnati in his original NDL
season. With a 9-4 regular season and a 14-5 overall record, I’m leaning to the over on the
seven wins. Like a few others in the conference, we need to see proof on the field of play. OU
is a talented team on both sides of the ball and it will take a coach like SN to pull it together to
bring the once-proud Boomer nation back to their feet.
Player to Watch: Sophomore RB Gavin Sawchuk. This RB can separate from any defender
but does not have the strength to power through you. He’ll be a focus of defenses – no doubt.
Prediction: 7-5 (torn here on how good this team could be versus do they crap out and
struggle)
10. MISSOURI – This is one team the SEC Media is worried about getting dinged hard in
upcoming roster updates. Until that happens, if it happens, coach hugme49 will work with what
he has. Coach enters his 10 th season with an overall record of 77 – 60. He’ll have a very nice
offensive line as his anchor point and in the SEC you need to have that line. Mizzou made the
CFP last season and I won’t put pressure on this team to repeat that performance. They have
talent in key spots and I’d even argue “SEC ready.” We may have them a little low but let’s give
them some time on the field to see how they operate.
Player to Watch: Junior WR Luther Buren III. This guy has seven badges, can fly, is strong,
and can catch the ball. With a stout OL protecting the QB all he needs to do is involve this WR
for some big plays.
Prediction: 7-5
11. FLORIDA – Let’s be honest, BIGmike didn’t show up in Gatorland because they didn’t want
him. Instead the Gators pulled the coup and hired the man they wanted in coach MarionCounty.
MC enters his sixth NDL season with an overall record of 63 – 19. He’s coming off a 9-4
campaign at Tulsa. MC spent two seasons at Tulsa with a 21-5 mark. It’s well worth noting
coach has one national title under his belt. UF is talented but their O and D lines are not the
most gifted groups and that can spell trouble on both sides of the ball. MC has proven he can
win it all and this might be the biggest test he’s faced in his brief stint in the NDL.
Player to Watch: As a Badger fan I have love for Graham Mertz. This Gator team has to lean
on super frosh DJ Lagway to get it done. He provides a more athletic and dynamic presence to
the Gator O.
Prediction: 7-5 (the opening game against the Canes will dictate his entire season)
12. AUBURN – War Eagle baby! I’d hate to be in the stands and get shat on by an eagle – 90%
of us would still finish our beer before springing into action. Speaking of action, coach
Clevenole will try to make an impression on some legendary NDL coaches. Last season was
coach's first in the NDL and he took Utah State on an amazing run finishing at 8-5 and finished
with an overall record of 9-8. The Tigers do have some spotty talent on the roster – this isn’t the
Cam Newton-led Auburn team. They’ll be in the hunt for bowl eligibility throughout the season
but make no mistake – they’ll need an upset or two or three along the way.
Player to Watch: Senior TE Rivaldo Fairweather. When you’re not super talented you get your
studs the ball and it should be raining balls to Fairweather all season.
Prediction: 6-6 (don’t get all judgy with them playing Notre Dame in week one).
-TStep
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