Diagnosing 2009: SEC                                         Breaking Down The SEC                                           By Charles Drake/ThaRinger.Com

Top 10 Players 1. Tim Tebow QB/Florida 2. A.J. Green WR/Georgia 3. Eric Berry S/Tennessee 4. Julio Jones WR/Alabama 5. Rolando McClain LB/Alabama 6. Carlos Dunlap DE/Florida 7. Jevan Snead QB/Ole Miss 8. Brandon Spikes LB/Florida 9. Greg Hardy DE/Ole Miss 10. Ciron Black OT/LSU On The Rise William Vlachos C/Alabama Craig Stevens LB/Auburn Randall Cobb WR/Kentucky Frankie Hammond WR/Florida Carlton Thomas RB/Georgia Rico McCoy LB/Tennessee Myron Lewis S/Vandy Kentrell Lockett DE/Ole Miss Robby Green S/Alabama Jacob Cutrera LB/LSU Brandon Bolden RB/Ole Miss Joe Adams WR/Arkansas Michael McNeil S/Auburn Jason Barnes WR/South Carolina Gerald Jones WR/Tennessee Jordan Jefferson QB/LSU Ahmad Black S/Florida John Jerry OT/Ole Miss Jerrell Powe DT/Ole Miss Marquis Maze WR/Alabama Chris Walker DE/Tennessee Rahim Alem DE/LSU Jamar Chaney LB/Miss State Chris Rainey RB/Florida Cliff Matthews DE/South Carolina Justin Houston DE/Georgia Immediate Impact Bobby Massie OL/Ole Miss Stephen Gilmore DB/South Carolina Andre DeBose WR/Florida Nico Johnson LB/Alabama NuKesse Richardson WR/Tennessee D.J. Fluker OT/Alabama Tyrik Rollison QB/Auburn Chad Bumphis WR/Miss State Onterio McCalebb RB/Auburn D.J. Fluker OL/Alabama Darius Winston CB/Arkansas Alex Washington WR/Vandy Orson Charles TE,WR/Georgia Patrick Patterson WR/Ole Miss Jon Bostic LB/Florida Rueben Randle WR/LSU Bryce Brown RB/Tennessee Pernell McPhee DL/Miss State Collin Ashley WR/Vandy Marlon Brown WR/Georgia DeAngelo Benton WR/Auburn Aaron Murray QB/Georgia Trent Richardson RB/Alabama Jarvis Giles RB/South Carolina

Florida Coach: Urban Meyer Returning Starters: 18(7 offense/11 defense) Most Important Player: Tim Tebow/QB Breakout Player: Ahmad Black/S Waiting In The Wings: Frankie Hammond/WR Position Grades QB: A+ / Tim Tebow is arguably the most decorated collegiate football player in the past 25 years. John Brantley isn't a bad second option w/ a great arm and immense talent. RB: B / Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps will supply a lot of big runs, but will Emmanuel Moody be durable enough to supply the tough runs. Of course, Tebow will be there in 3rd/4th and short sneak plays. WR: A- / The Gators will have some questions on the outside, but plenty of depth and talent to answer them. Deonte Thompson, Carl Moore, David Nelson, and ultra athletic Frankie Hammond will be counted on to progress. TE Aaron Hernandez will be a great weapon down the seam and on screens. True Freshman Andre Debose should contribute as well. OL: B / The interior of the line is fine w/ the Pouncey twins leading the way. The tackle spots must be shored up though. True Freshman Xavier Nixon might see some action. DL: A / With Lawrence Marsh anchoring the middle and Carlos Dunlap/Jermaine Cunningham coming off the edge, the Gators front four should be formidable.   LB: B+ / Brandon Spikes is one of the top MLB's in the nation, but I don't trust the combo of Dustin Doe/A.J. Jones on the outside. True Freshman Jon Bostic might supplant one of the two before the UT game. DB: A- / Janoris Jenkins and Joe Haden on the outside is as good as it gets in college football. Ahmad Black is an absolute ballhawk who should prove to be a 1st round type talent. Major Wright will knock your head off, but also has limitations. Finding some quality CB depth will be a key and redshirt Freshman Adrian Bushell should help. SPT: B+ / Brandon James is just explosive.... Chas Henry will handle the punting duties w/ Jonathan Phillips on field goals and Caleb Sturgis on kickoffs. Schedule Sept. 5, 2009 Charleston Southern Sept. 12, 2009 Troy Sept. 19, 2009 Tennessee Sept. 26, 2009 at Kentucky Oct. 10, 2009 at LSU Oct. 17, 2009 Arkansas Oct. 24, 2009 at Miss. State Oct. 31, 2009 Georgia Nov. 7, 2009 Vanderbilt Nov. 14, 2009 at South Carolina Nov. 21, 2009 Florida Int'l Nov. 28, 2009 Florida State Best Case: 14-0 Worst Case: 12-2 Georgia Coach: Mark Richt Returning Starters: 13(7 offense/6 defense) Most Important Player: Joe Cox/QB, Aaron Murray/QB Breakout Player: Carlton Thomas/RB Waiting In The Wings: DeAngelo Tyson/DT Position Grades QB: B- / Joe Cox looks to be the starter heading into the summer, but that shouldn't last long w/ the more talented true Freshman Aaron Murray waiting. RB: A- / Carlton Thomas is an explosive playmaker that will prove to be quite a weapon this year. Caleb King should garner a boatload of carries and Richard Samuel will help in the backfield too. WR: B / A.J. Green is a monster, but the Bulldogs are in desperate need of a #2 WR. Michael Moore and Tavarres King will attempt to be the answer. True Freshmen Orson Charles and Marlon Brown should help some. OL: A / IF HEALTHY, this could be the best O-Line in the SEC. Getting Trinton Sturdivant back at OT should help. DL: B+ / The D-Line should be a strength with spring star Justin Houston applying pressure from the outside and the rotation of Geno Atkins/DeAngelo Tyson/Kade Weston/Jeff Owens clogging the middle.  LB: A / A deep LB corps is led by Rennie Curran who is coming off a Butkus finalist year and Akeem Dent splits the gap faster than most LB's. DB: B / The safety spots are manned by an All American candidate in Reshad Jones and a converted corner in Bryan Evans. Prince Miller leads a deep corner position. SPT: B+ / With Carlton Thomas on kickoffs and Prince Miller on punts, teams will think twice before kicking the ball. Kicking duties will fall on Blair Walsh(15-23 field goals in '08) and new punter Drew Butler. Schedule Sept. 5, 2009 at OK State Sept. 12, 2009 South Carolina Sept. 19, 2009 at Arkansas Sept. 26, 2009 Arizona State Oct. 3, 2009 LSU Oct. 10, 2009 at Tennessee Oct. 17, 2009 at Vanderbilt Oct. 31, 2009 at Florida Nov. 7, 2009 Tennessee Tech Nov. 14, 2009 Auburn Nov. 21, 2009 Kentucky Nov. 28, 2009 at Georgia Tech Best Case: 11-2 Worst Case: 8-5 Vanderbilt Coach: Bobby Johnson Returning Starters: 18(9 offense/9 defense) Most Important Player: Larry Smith/QB, Mackenzi Adams/QB Breakout Player: Alex Washington/WR Waiting In The Wings: DeAndre Jones/LB Position Grades  QB: C / With Larry Smith probably the starter, the Commodores season rests on how well the QB position plays. RB: C+ / Solid group led by Senior Jared Hawkins and Junior Kennard Reeves. A lot of solid backs, but no game changers. WR: B / Alex Washington is a playmaker and Terence Jeffers is a nice #2. Lots of talent and depth. OL: C / After QB, this is the biggest question mark. Needs to be more consistent than '08. DL: B+ / Should get a great surge as all 4 starters return from a front four that was pretty good last year. LB: B+ / Chris Marve is a NFL player and Brent Trice/Patrick Benoist bring experience and leadership. DB: B- / Replacing D.J. Moore won't be easy, but Myron Lewis is a nice start. SPT: C / Punter Brett Upson is the only sure thing on the special teams at this point. Schedule Sept. 5, 2009 Western Carolina Sept. 12, 2009 at LSU Sept. 19, 2009 Miss. State Sept. 26, 2009 at Rice Oct. 3, 2009 Ole Miss Oct. 10, 2009 at Army Oct. 17, 2009 Georgia Oct. 24, 2009 at South Carolina Oct. 31, 2009 Georgia Tech Nov. 7, 2009 at Florida Nov. 14, 2009 Kentucky Nov. 21, 2009 at Tennessee Best Case: 8-5 Worst Case: 4-8 South Carolina Coach: Steve Spurrier Returning Starters: 13(7 offense/6 defense) Most Important Player: Stephen Garcia/QB Breakout Player: Cliff Matthews/DE Waiting In The Wings: Stephen Gilmore/DB Position Grades QB: C / Just a complete unknown. What are you going to get w/ Stephen Garcia? The kid that looks like an All American talent or the guy that throws into coverage way too often? RB: B- / True Freshman Jarvis Giles might be special and should take over the starting spot by the end of summer. Junior Brian Maddox should also contribute. WR: C+ / A solid group w/ a lot of depth, yet lacks the big play ability needed against tough SEC defenses. Moe Brown has to step up and be the deep threat.  OL: C / The O-Line has to improve on a disappointing '08 campaign. Three starters return.  DL: B / Cliff Matthews and Clifton Geathers should provide good pressure on the QB and Nathan Pepper is solid in the middle. LB: B / Eric Norwood is the leader of the defense and the LB spot has some very nice talent w/ Rodney Paulk and LB/S hybrid Darian Stewart. DB: C+ / A lot of holes were left by 4 secondary members moving on. True Freshman Stephen Gilmore might be the most special recruit Steve Spurrier has ever brought to USC. Chris Culliver must step up and play to his potential. SPT: B- / Replacing Ryan Succop won't be easy. Punter Spencer Lanning will try to also handle the PK duties, but didn't look to confident in the spring. Schedule Sept. 3, 2009 at NC State Sept. 12, 2009 at Georgia Sept. 19, 2009 Florida Atlantic Sept. 24, 2009 Ole Miss Oct. 3, 2009 South Carolina St. Oct. 10, 2009 Kentucky Oct. 17, 2009 at Alabama Oct. 24, 2009 Vanderbilt Oct. 31, 2009 at Tennessee Nov. 7, 2009 at Arkansas Nov. 14, 2009 Florida Nov. 28, 2009 Clemson Best Case: 8-5 Worst Case: 5-7 Tennessee Coach: Lane Kiffin Returning Starters: 12(7 offense/5 defense) Most Important Player: Nick Stephens/QB, Jonathan Crompton/QB Breakout Player: Chris Walker/DE Waiting In The Wings: Bryce Brown/RB Position Grades QB: F / Just horrible. RB: B+ / Lots of depth, lots of talent, and various styles. If defenses have to respect the pass just a little, this stable of backs can make you pay. WR: B / Gerald Jones is a playmaker, Quintin Hancock is a solid route runner that is improving by the day, and speedy Denarius Moore can stretch the field. Austin Rodgers and Brandon Warren should provide solid depth and experience. OL: B / Potential 1st round pick Josh McNeil will lead an O-Line that should be helped by an easier blocking scheme in '09. DL: B- / Depth will be a concern on the D-Line, but UT does have some good talent w/ Chris Walker primed for a double digit sack season and Wes Brown/Dan Williams a nice tandem in the interior. LB: C+ / Lightning fast Rico McCoy leads a LB group that has speed to burn. Lots of questions and depth concerns. The smallish group will be helped by the great DT duo. DB: A- / Eric Berry is an amazing talent that will patrol center field once again for UT. Art Evans and Dennis Rogan are solid DB options and the Vols have plenty of good talent and depth in the secondary. Watch out for Prentiss Waggner. SPT: B / Good options all all 4 levels of the special teams unit. Dennis Rogan should handle kickoff returns and Gerald Jones will take the punts. Britton Colquitt is gone and that could be hard to replace. Schedule Sept. 5, 2009 W. Kentucky Sept. 12, 2009 UCLA Sept. 19, 2009 at Florida Sept. 26, 2009 Ohio Oct. 3, 2009 Auburn Oct. 10, 2009 Georgia Oct. 24, 2009 at Alabama Oct. 31, 2009 South Carolina Nov. 7, 2009 Memphis Nov. 14, 2009 at Ole Miss Nov. 21, 2009 Vanderbilt Nov. 28, 2009 at Kentucky Best Case: 9-4 Worst Case: 5-7 Kentucky Coach: Rich Brooks Returning Starters: 14(9 offense/5 defense) Most Important Player: Randall Cobb/WR Breakout Player: Sam Maxwell/LB Waiting In The Wings: Ryan Mossakowski/QB Position Grades QB: C / Nice depth, but no stand out talent w/ Mike Hartline looking like the starter. True Freshman Ryan Mossakowski could be the answer in the future. RB: C+ / Lots of capable bodies at the RB position, but again no super talent. Moncell Allen, Derrick Locke, and Alphonso Smith will share the carries. WR: B- / Some nice talent here. Converted QB Randall Cobb will be the wildcard and maybe the dangerous playmaker this offense needs. OL: C+ / A underrated group of nice talent that will be led by OT Zipp Duncan. DL: B / Good mix of experience and youth w/ Seniors Corey Peters and Jeremy Jarmon doing the heavy lifting. Jarmon has NFL level talent.  LB: B / Steady play at the LB spot is headed by Micah Johnson and the ultra talented Sam Maxwell. DB: B+ / Trevard Lindley has the talent to be the first corner taken in the 2010 NFL draft and Randall Burton improves everyday. Calvin Harrison is a capable safety and Matt Lentz has the look of a future star. SPT: C / Randall Cobb should handle most of the kick returning duties and Lones Seiber is a decent option at PK. Ryan Tydlacka will try to replace All-SEC punter Tim Mashtay. Schedule Sept. 5, 2009 at Miami-OH Sept. 19, 2009 Louisville Sept. 26, 2009 Florida Oct. 3, 2009 Alabama Oct. 10, 2009 at South Carolina Oct. 17, 2009 at Auburn Oct. 24, 2009 La.-Monroe Oct. 31, 2009 Miss. State Nov. 7, 2009 Eastern Kentucky Nov. 14, 2009 at Vanderbilt Nov. 21, 2009 at Georgia Nov. 28, 2009 Tennessee Best Case: 8-5 Worst Case: 5-7 Alabama Coach: Nick Saban Returning Starters: 13(4 offense/9 defense) Most Important Player: Greg McElroy/QB Breakout Player: Robby Green/S Waiting In The Wings: Trent Richardson/RB Position Grades QB: B- / I think McElroy is actually an upgrade over John Parker Wilson. His leadership and intangible qualities will need to be proven, but talent wise in understanding a defense is the better option. Ultra athletic backup Star Johnson continues to struggle in the pro-style offense. RB: B / The emergence of Mark Ingram will be key here, but if he falters the Tide have incoming Freshman Trent Richardson to turn to. Roy Upchurch and Terry Grant add to depth. WR: B+ / Superstar wideout Julio Jones is a given, but he needs help. Speedster Marquis Maze has amazing big play ability and might be the answer. Mike McCoy and Earl Alexander should also help on the outside w/ Georgia Tech transfer Colin Peek being the best pass catching option at TE. OL: B- / The biggest key to how efficient Bama will be on offense falls squarely on the offensive line. William Vlachos should be a good replacement for Antoine Caldwell at the center spot. Replacing Andre Smith at tackle will be up to True Freshman D.J. Fluker and incoming JUCO player James Carpenter.  DL: B+ / NT Terrance Cody has shed some weight in hopes to be an every down player. Lorenzo Washington is primed for a breakout season and Brandon Deaderick is solid. Could this be the season Luther Davis breaks through? LB: A+ / LOADED... Rolando McClain is a monster and Cory Reamer, Don'ta Hightower, Eryk Anders, Brandon Fanney are all above average players. Jerrell Harris and Nico Johnson are amazing talents as well. DB: A- / Robby Green has shot up the depth chart and should be the replacement for Rashad Johnson. Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson on the outside is a nice tandem. This defense could be the best in the SEC. SPT: A / Leigh Tiffin is still the kicker, P.J. Fitzgerald is the punter, and Javier Arenas will return the kicks. Arenas and UF's Brandon James are the two best returners in the SEC. Schedule Sept. 5, 2009 at Virginia Tech Sept. 12, 2009 Florida Int'l Sept. 19, 2009 North Texas Sept. 26, 2009 Arkansas Oct. 3, 2009 at Kentucky Oct. 10, 2009 at Ole Miss Oct. 17, 2009 South Carolina Oct. 24, 2009 Tennessee Nov. 7, 2009 LSU Nov. 14, 2009 at Miss. State Nov. 21, 2009 Chattanooga Nov. 27, 2009 at Auburn Best Case: 13-1 Worst Case: 10-3 Mississippi Coach: Houston Nutt Returning Starters: 14(6 offense/8 defense) Most Important Player: Jevan Snead/QB Breakout Player: Kentrell Lockett/DE Waiting In The Wings: Patrick Patterson/WR Position Grades QB: A / Jevan Snead is perhaps the best pocket passing QB in the SEC.  RB: B / Hybrid Dexter McCluster will handle some of the carries, but the RB position will be determined by how much Sophomore Brandon Bolden progresses. Cordera Eason and Enrique Davis will also get some carries. WR: B+ / Shay Hodge and McCluster lead the receiving corps. Both bring dynamic playmaking ability to the table. True Freshman Patrick Patterson should make an immediate impact. OL: B / The Ole Miss O-line is deep in talent and potential, but outside of John Jerry and Daverin Geralds there are no real proven commodities. Bradley Sowell, Rishaw Johnson, and Bobby Massie all have the talent to be All-SEC type players. DL: A / Deep group up front w/ the ability to sack the QB from every position on a regular basis. Greg Hardy and Kentrell Lockett will provide constant heat in the backfield while Jerrell Powe and Lawon Scott man the middle. Powe is an interesting prospect and if he lives up to potential will be a beast inside. LB: B / The depth is a little suspect, but the starting group is solid. Johnathan Cornell is the glue guy in the middle w/ spring star Patrick Trahan and the amazingly athletic Allen Walker on the outside. Trahan's progression will be a key and backup Lamar Brumfield should help the top 3. DB: C+ / The whole secondary can run...FS Kendrick Lewis and SS Johnny Brown are solid as the last line of defense. The corner spot is short on depth and will have to be protected. SPT: B+ / Joshua Shene is coming off an All-SEC year at PK. Finding a replacement for Mike Wallace on kickoff returns will be key. Brandon Bolden, Lionel Breaux, and Cordera Eason are the top candidates. Marshay Green is solid on punt returns. Punting duties will be performed by Preston Powers or Justin Sparks and could be a weakness. Schedule Sept. 6, 2009 at Memphis Sept. 19, 2009 SE Louisiana Sept. 24, 2009 at South Carolina Oct. 3, 2009 at Vanderbilt Oct. 10, 2009 Alabama Oct. 17, 2009 UAB Oct. 24, 2009 Arkansas Oct. 31, 2009 at Auburn Nov. 7, 2009 Northern Arizona Nov. 14, 2009 Tennessee Nov. 21, 2009 LSU Nov. 28, 2009 at Miss. State Best Case: 11-2 Worst Case: 8-5 LSU Coach: Les Miles Returning Starters: 13(7 offense/6 defense) Most Important Player: Jordan Jefferson/QB Breakout Player: Rahim Alem/DE Waiting In The Wings: Russell Shephard/ATH Position Grades QB: B+ / I really like Jefferson... He's a good decision maker w/ a willingness to learn. True Freshman Russell Shephard and Sophomore Jarrett Lee back-up. RB: B+ / Nice depth and solid talent. Charles Scott has the ability to be special and Keiland Williams/Richard Murphy are a nice tandem of reserves. WR: C+ / Brandon LaFell has proven he's a player; no one else has... A ton of talent will get the opportunity led by Terrance Tolliver, Trindon Holliday, Jared Mitchell, and true Freshman Rueben Randle. OL: B / Getting Ciron Black to come back to school was key. T-Bob Hebert looks like a solid replacement for Brett Helms and depth is there. DL: B / Three new starters, but having Rahim Alem coming off the edge should help. Al Woods, Drake Nevis, Lazarius Levingston, and Chase Clement should contribute nicely, but depth is a concern. LB: B / Replacing Darry Beckwith won't be easy, but the Tigers have the depth to do it. Jacob Cutrera is a nice prospect at MLB and the combination of Ryan Baker/Harry Coleman/Perry Riley/Kelvin Sheppard should be solid. DB: B / Chad Jones and Jai Eugene were highly thought of recruits and in 2009 they need to step up. SPT: B- / Losing both kicking specialists won't help, but Josh Jasper and JUCO transfer Derek Helton try to fill in. Schedule Sept. 5, 2009 at Washington Sept. 12, 2009 Vanderbilt Sept. 19, 2009 Louisiana-Laf. Sept. 26, 2009 at Miss. State Oct. 3, 2009 at Georgia Oct. 10, 2009 Florida Oct. 24, 2009 Auburn Oct. 31, 2009 Tulane Nov. 7, 2009 at Alabama Nov. 14, 2009 Louisiana Tech Nov. 21, 2009 at Ole Miss Nov. 28, 2009 Arkansas Best Case: 12-2 Worst Case: 9-4 Arkansas Coach: Bobby Petrino Returning Starters: 17(8 offense/9 defense) Most Important Player: Ryan Mallett/QB Breakout Player: Joe Adams/WR Waiting In The Wings: Darius Winston/DB Position Grades QB: C+ / Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett takes over the quarterbacking duties and while he has an amazing arm he still has multiple question marks. Sophomore Tyler Wilson is a solid backup. RB: B+ / Senior Michael Smith is a great playmaker and should be near the top of the SEC in rushing. The depth is nice w/ USC transfer Broderick Green and Sophomore DeAnthony Curtis. WR: B+ / Joe Adams is a star waiting to happen. Tight End D.J. Williams is one of the best pass catching TE's in the nation. Depth is pretty good w/ London Crawford, Ben Cleveland, Greg Childs, and Jarius Wright. OL: C / Along w/ QB, the O-line is the key to the Arkansas offense. The big uglies up front must step up if Arkansas is to compete w/ the SEC's best.  DL: B- / Pass rush is a big key. Last year, the Razorbacks lacked pressure on the QB and stability in stopping the run. DT Malcolm Shephard leads the way up front on a unit that returns all four starters. LB: C+ / They return all 3 starters to an undersized, speedy group that struggled against the run in 2008. Senior Wendal Davis must step up.  DB: D+ / The Razorbacks have some very nice talent coming in w/ Winston/David Gordon and JUCO transfers Rudell Crim/Anthony Leon. SPT: D / Can't get much worse than 2008. New special teams coach John L. Smith should help. Schedule Sept. 5, 2009 Missouri State Sept. 19, 2009 Georgia Sept. 26, 2009 at Alabama Oct. 3, 2009 at Texas A&M Oct. 10, 2009 Auburn Oct. 17, 2009 at Florida Oct. 24, 2009 at Ole Miss Oct. 31, 2009 Eastern Michigan Nov. 7, 2009 South Carolina Nov. 14, 2009 Troy Nov. 21, 2009 Miss. State Nov. 28, 2009 at LSU Best Case: 7-6 Worst Case: 5-7 Auburn Coach: Gene Chizik Returning Starters: 14(6 offense/8 defense) Most Important Player: Kodi Burns/QB, Neil Caudle/QB Breakout Player: Craig Stevens/LB Waiting In The Wings: Tyrik Rollison/QB Position Grades QB: C- / Kodi Burns is the better leader, Neil Caudle is the better passer. Both should be backups once Tyrik Rollison gets his shot. RB: B- / Pretty good depth at the position w/ Mario Fannin, Ben Tate, Dontae Aycock, Brandon Jacobs, and Onterrio McCalebb. With the way OC Gus Malzahn's offense is run, all should see action at some point. WR: D+ / Newcomers DeAngelo Benton and Emory Blake might get some substantial playing time when they step off the bus. The AU WR corps is lacking in depth and playmaking ability. Darvin Adams could surprise after a solid spring.  OL: B- / Lee Ziemba is a player! The Tigers are loaded w/ experience up front and the OL coupled w/ a solid stable of RB's should lead the way on offense. DL: B / An experienced defensive group is led by DE Antonio Coleman. The line should be solid as Michael Goggans looks primed for a breakout season and Jake Ricks is a good option at DT. LB: B / Solid depth and playmaking ability. Josh Bynes is an extremely reliable player and Craig Stevens could be the next star at LB for AU.  DB: B+ / Great talent in the secondary that goes 2 deep at every position. Mike McNeil is a stud. SPT: B / Wes Bynum returns to handle the kicking duties and Chizik has placed special teams play as a priority. Schedule Sept. 5, 2009 Louisiana Tech Sept. 12, 2009 Miss. State Sept. 19, 2009 West Virginia Sept. 26, 2009 Ball State Oct. 3, 2009 at Tennessee Oct. 10, 2009 at Arkansas Oct. 17, 2009 Kentucky Oct. 24, 2009 at LSU Oct. 31, 2009 Ole Miss Nov. 7, 2009 Furman Nov. 14, 2009 at Georgia Nov. 27, 2009 Alabama Best Case: 8-5 Worst Case: 5-7 Mississippi State Coach: Dan Mullen Returning Starters: 12(7 offense/5 defense) Most Important Player: Anthony Dixon/RB Breakout Player: Pernell McPhee/DL Waiting In The Wings: Chad Bumphis/WR Position Grades QB: D / Tyson Lee heads into the summer as the starter, but true Freshman Tyler Russell should take over in due time. RB: A / Anthony Dixon is a horse and one of the best RB's in the SEC. WR: C- / Solid talent will be coming in, but the upperclassman depth is lacking. Chad Bumphis and Leon Berry could make an immediate impact.  OL: D+ / A young group that must live up to promise if Mississippi State is to survive in the SEC.  DL: C+ / The interior of the line should be solid w/ JUCO transfer Pernell McPhee coming in and Kyle Love back. The DE position must be figured out. LB: B / The LB position is loaded w/ talent and depth. Should be the strength of the team on defense. DB: C- / Some good athletes that must learn the nuances of the game. Depth is a concern. SPT: C / Replacing both kickers should actually help as incoming JUCO transfers Heath Hutchins and Sean Brauchle look to be an upgrade. Replacing Derek Pegues on returns will be a key. Bumphis could be a factor. Schedule Sept. 5, 2009 Jackson St. Sept. 12, 2009 at Auburn Sept. 19, 2009 at Vanderbilt Sept. 26, 2009 LSU Oct. 3, 2009 Georgia Tech Oct. 10, 2009 Houston Oct. 17, 2009 at Middle Tenn. Oct. 24, 2009 Florida Oct. 31, 2009 at Kentucky Nov. 14, 2009 Alabama Nov. 21, 2009 at Arkansas Nov. 28, 2009 Ole Miss Best Case: 5-7 Worst Case: 3-9