Over the next few weeks, we are going to give some predictions on some SEC accolades. The minds behind LOHD got together and did a roundtable – I know kind of scary. We also will be doing a podcast associated with this – HERE is yesterday’s so go now and listen.
For those that don’t want to listen to the best podcast yet, I mean seriously we had Big Angry drop in to drop some knowledge. Here is the predictions from Moose, General Malaise and Flounder.
More after the jump….
SEC Offensive Player of the Year
General Maliase – My offensive POY is Mark Ingram from Alabama. The defending Heisman trophy winner is the best player in the SEC, period. He is a powerful runner who did everything for Alabama during their championship season last year and should continue this year. Barring injury, the greatest threat to Ingram as the best offensive player in the Conference is his back up, Trent Richardson. If Ingram isn’t in New York in December, his season will be a disappointment.
Moose – Gotta go with Ryan Mallett, QB, out of Arkansas. There are a lot of offensive players in the SEC that could have great seasons but I have a feeling it will come down to one of these three: UGA’s A.J. Green, Bama’s Mark Ingram, and Arkansas Ryan Mallett. Mallett has the hype and an offense that he can strive in. Passing on the NFL draft was a gamble but should work out great for Mallett and the Razorbacks in 2010, if he can stay healthy. Mallett passed for 3,627 years and 20 touchdowns last year and I don’t see why he couldn’t improve on those numbers this year. Coach Petrino has the offensive talent to compete for the SEC West, but the schedule is not going to be easy with road games at Georgia, Auburn and South Carolina.
Flounder – Surprise pick here but have a feeling that Auburn’s Cam Newton (QB) will throw up silly numbers out of Auburn’s offense. The only thing is will he get the wins to support his case by the end of the season. He has good talent around him and a green light to let it fly.
SEC Defensive Player of the Year Prediction
Moose – Call me a homer but Cliff Matthews, DE, out of USC will be a stud in 2010. Matthews has a nonstop motor that will be nightmare for opposing SEC offenses. As a 2nd team All SEC last year he recorded 47 tackles including 25 solo tackles, and 10 tackles for losses including 7 sacks. Look for Cliff to have a great senior season that should get him some national talk about being a first round selection in next years NFL draft. USC will be returning 7 defensive starters from last year, so Matthews will be in good company as they play some of the best offensive teams in the country this season.
General Malaise – Defensive Player of the Year…There isn’t a clear standout defensive player in the SEC this year. Although I am tempted to pick Cliff Matthews from USC (and wouldn’t be crazy to do so), my defensive player of the year is Jerrell Powe from Ole Miss. Powe is a massive run stopping interior lineman for the Rebels. He has 15 ½ tackles for loss and should add to that total, maybe even matching it this year.
Flounder – My verdict is Patrick Peterson, CB, out of LSU. He was a second team All SEC last season with 52 tackles and 2 INTs. Loads of talent and could easily be the best cover man in the nation.
Thoughts from you the reader?
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