Front Porch FootballWay Too Early Predictions
Often times throughout the late spring and early summer, college football pundits and experts give these “way too early” pre-season predictions. They predict who is going to win the Heisman. They predict which coach is going to be on the “hot seat.” They predict who is going to win Division titles, Conference titles, and the National Title. They predict when Nick Saban is going to eat his next Little Debbie snack, or when Jim Harbaugh is going to wear an outfit that does not involve khaki pants, or when the next time Will Muschamp brings up how attractive his wife is (looking at you Musburger). They predict anything and everything about college football and to be honest, these predictions are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.
But, in the spirit of these useless predictions (and so we can infuriate as many of you as possible) here are Front Porch Football’s pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-pre-pre season predictions.
Who wins the East?
Chris: Tennessee. This is about as tough a question that can be posed to a man. There are three teams that have a chance, I think, in Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. While I don’t think it will be Florida, they definitely have enough talent on the defensive side of the ball to keep things interesting. That leaves me with Tennessee and Georgia. I’m going with Tennessee. The cupboard is finally stocked and I think this is as good a chance for Tennessee to win the East as there has been in close to a decade. Georgia is going to be right there with them though, and if Chubb comes back and plays like a Heisman contender and the quarterback play is good enough to not lose Georgia games, the race for the East could be decided in Athens October 1st.
Brendan: Georgia. Because Chris picked Tennessee. Just kidding, but this is really going to be a toss up between the two. Georgia could potentially go undefeated in the regular season. Their toughest games will be at Ole Miss (who will be coming off a physical game against Alabama), and when they host the Tennessee Vols. However, Georgia has great talent and great coaching this year. The only question is if first time head coach Kirby Smart can maximize the Dawgs’ potential this early in his time at Georgia.
Who wins the West?
Chris: Alabama. Until the champion is dethroned, Alabama is the king of the SEC. I think they will definitely be challenged when they travel to Tiger Stadium (they always are), and visiting Ole Miss and Tennessee are going to be no picnic either. But, Alabama, yet again, has the best defensive line in the nation, one of the best linebacking and defensive back corps in the conference, and a receiving corp and backfield that is full of future NFL players.
Brendan: Alabama. Ole Miss has the toughest schedule in the SEC and will more than likely lose two games. LSU also has an unforgiving schedule and they will more than likely lose two, as well. The likelihood of Alabama losing to either Ole Miss or LSU is high, but they will not lose both.
Who wins the SEC?
Chris: Alabama. While Tennessee is much improved, and will have its second shot at Alabama in the SEC Title game, the Vols (and the Gators and the Bulldogs) are still a few years away from consistently competing with Bama for conference championships.
Brendan: Alabama. The Tide is equivalent to “that kid” who had completed puberty by 5th grade and was twice as big as everyone else. This kid was never fun to play with during recess and everyone secretly resented him, unless of course he was on your team. Even then it wasn’t as fun as when everyone was at the same level. Come on Nick, let the other kids play.
HEY BOYS, LONG-TIME READER, FIRST TIME COMMENTER HERE CHRIS I THINK YOU ARE RIGHT ON ABOUT THE VOLS. THIS IS OUR YEAR CBJ IS GOING TO LEAD US TO THE HOUSE. BRENDAN I THINK YOU’RE ABOUT AS WRONG AS KETCHUP ON A HOT DOG ABOUT GEORGIA. I JUST WANNA CLOSE BY SAYING LANE KIFFIN IS A CROOK. I’LL HANG UP AND LISTEN TO YOUR ANSWER AND GO VOLS
VOLFAN1998 – This is why we do what we do. Your passion for the Tennessee Vols gets us fired up for this upcoming season. To my defense I did say it was a toss up between the two, however it is July and a lot can happen before opening kickoff. -Brendan Paschal
If this isn’t Tennessee’s year to win the East then I don’t know when it will ever be. Georgia with a new coach, Florida with unproven talent at some skill positions, and South Carolina and Mizzou will be way down this year.
I would have to disagree about Tennessee winning the East, although my Gamecocks certainly don’t have much of a shot. I believe Georgia is the pick, they have top-notch recruiting classes every year and a coach who has been learning from the best for years.
Brendan: Griffin I always knew you were a smart man. If SEC Media was any indication on how well Kirby Smart is doing at Georgia they will do great things.
Boys, the total disrespect for Vanderbilt football on this site is appalling… I mean, I get it, we’ve been 7-17 over the past two years, but this will be the year Derek Mason brings us to the promised land. Tennessee might have all the tradition, athletes, and papa john’s pizzas, but what those cross-eyed, sister kissin’ hill people in Knoxville don’t have is heart. Well, that and a literacy level over 50%. I believe it was Thucydides who once said “The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.” He’s practically describing the current situation of Commodore football. We know the deck is stacked against us, yet we will rise to meet the challenge. We’re on a collision course with greatness, the only variable is time. Here’s to a .500 season.
Anchor freakin’ down,
MrCommodore1873