Monday, August 28, 2000
SEC East overview
1. Florida
Last year: 9-4, 7-1.
The Gators finished with three straight losses for the first time in Steve Spurrier's 10 years as coach. They go into 2000 unsettled at quarterback and a bit perturbed that many magazines favor Georgia.
The Gators have question marks. The biggest is at quarterback, where Spurrier must decide between returnee Jesse Palmer and newcomers Rex Grossman and Brock Berlin. Only four starters return on offense, but nine are back on defense.
2. Georgia
Last year: 8-4, 5-3.
Jim Donnan's fifth team returns eight starters on offense, including scintillating quarterback Quincy Carter. The line is deeper and more mature, a pair of freshman receivers promise to add the deep ball and the running game is expected to improve.
All but one starter returns on defense. The line is anchored by a pair of All-American candidates in tackles Richard Seymour and Marcus Stroud. Kendrell Bell and Boss Bailey make a talented tandem at linebacker.
3. Tennessee
Last year: 9-3, 6-2.
Can you say “rebuilding year?” Phil Fulmer doesn't want to.
“I see this team as being in transition,” said Fulmer, who has coached the Volunteers to a 76-14 record, two SEC titles and a national championship in eight years. Eight players off last year's team went in the NFL draft, including five underclassmen. Only 10 starters return.
4. Vanderbilt
Last year: 5-6, 2-6.
It's been 17 years since the Commodores had a winning record, but coach Woody Widenhofer's team returns 18 starters, half of them from a defense that held Florida to 13 points and limited Kentucky to 141 passing yards.
Said Widenhofer: “I think our football team grew up a lot last year, and I think they know now that they can play with the big boys in the league and win.”
Greg Zolman returns at quarterback, but he'll be pushed by Florida transfer Tim Olmstead.
5. South Carolina
Last year: 0-11, 0-8.
It doesn't take a motivational speaker like Lou Holtz to realize the Gamecocks have nowhere to go but up after the first 0-11 record in SEC history.
After scoring just eight TDs all last season, the Gamecocks enter 2000 with the nation's longest losing streak (21 games) and a new offensive philosophy.
Kentucky's fate in young QB's hands
Kentucky Scouting Report
SEC East overview
SEC West overview
Other college football previews
