Football talk

West:
Fortunes rising:
Auburn -- preseason favorite LSU stumbles, looks much less formidable than last year, opening the door wide for AU to go to ATL; but 31 points against ULM may be a little worrisome. Can't tell until they open up the offense against an SEC opponent.
Alabama -- looked considerably more polished than last year -- few penalties and vastly improved special teams -- significant upgrades at skill positions -- and Brodie is looking healthy and stronger than ever; but defensive line looked suspect against a poor Utah State team.
Arkansas -- after losing 18 starters, took care of business against non-conference opponent.
MSU -- any win is a good win.

Fortunes falling:
LSU -- quarterback is going to be a serious problem. Randall is just as bad as he was two years ago, and Russell isn't ready (but shows some promise). Will not repeat as NC, and will have a fight on its hands for the SECW.
OM -- back to reality for Ole Miss -- defensive line was dominated (from what I'm told) -- and QB is in a different league (like Pee Wee) than Manning.

East:
UT -- freshman QBs looked surprisingly polished, but didn't UNLV look terrible on D?
SC -- will be a much tougher team than most have predicted, IMO.
Vandy -- remains Vandy. Bottom line: you cannot compete in the SEC unless your school is willing to go all-out for football success.
UK -- what probation is supposed to do to a program.