The Goal in 2014

The battle for number one begins August 28 with the SEC contest between Texas A&M at South Carolina. South Carolina could be a contender but Coach Steve Spurrier can not afford to lose to Coach Kevin Sumlin’s Aggies in the opener. Auburn and Alabama kick off the season on the following Saturday. They both will be in the mix to go to the “final four”. However, Auburn plays at least eight teams that could beat the Tigers. Alabama only plays two teams with a legitimate chance to beat the Tide, LSU and Auburn. So, even though the teams are virtually even now, by the end of the season, one will have had better schedule luck and injury luck. Alabama has the easiest road to the play-offs.

Oklahoma is loaded with talent again this year. Only Baylor and Texas stand in the way of the Sooners getting to the play-offs. Coach Bob Stoops usually “blows” at least one game each year. This year he can’t afford it.

Florida State could repeat as national champions, but they can’t afford a let down against Clemson, Notre Dame, Miami and Florida. Wisconsin, Oregon, Auburn, Michigan State, South Carolina, Iowa and UCLA could slip in the back door by winning eleven games, which is very possible. Ohio State will coast to the “Big Ten” championship game but will go no further.

Wisconsin is my surprise team of 2014. Coach Gary Anderson is in his second year leading the Badgers. He is a very impressive young coach. His Utah State teams were always salty even though outmanned most of the time. His record last year was 9-4. He can beat LSU in the opener. If he does, only Iowa stands in his way to the top.

Georgia could surprise by making the SEC championship if they knock off Clemson at Athens, South Carolina at Columbia and Auburn at Athens. All three are doable but not likely. That is why Georgia is not in my top ten.

LSU will struggle to win ten games this year with no experienced quarterback and many players lost to the NFL. But, Coach Les Miles always surprises. Maybe he can do it this year. He must beat Wisconsin in Houston in the opener, then Auburn in Auburn and Alabama at home.

BYU, Notre Dame, Clemson, LSU, Stanford and Baylor are in a log jam. Any one of these teams could finish in the top five, but that will be like taking your sister to the homecoming dance. It will not mean much this year.

We hope your team will make the final four. It is going to be an exciting season...War Eagle!...Roll Tide!