Ranking the SEC: The West

We've gathered some of FanHouse's finest sportsblogging minds in an effort to get a better grip on how the SEC will shake out this year. Mssrs. Pete Holiday, Andy Katzer, and Yours Truly represent the Southeastern conference, and we've also brough in non-southern fried free thinkers Adam Jacobi, Bruce Ciskie and John Radcliff. Together, we've ranked the SEC West.

Talent reigns in the SEC, but questions haunt the West. Questions like: who'll step up at QB for Auburn and LSU? Can Nick Saban take his #1-ranked recruiting class and make an impact in his second year at Alabama? What about Bobby Petrino and Houston Nutt's do-sa-do in Arkansas in Mississippi?

#6: Arkansas - Average rank: 5.5

Petrino's an offensive wizard, but he's building his passing attack around Casey Dick, who suffered mightily in conference play last year. John Radcliff: "The people of Arkansas probably don't deserve this, but Bobby Petrino does. And I'm going to enjoy ever last second of it!"

#5: Mississippi State - Average rank: 4.83

Several of our bloggers thought highly enough to place Mississippi State at 4th, which in an odd way is a testament to head coach Sly Croom. Andy Katzer: "The Bulldogs' bowl appearance last year either shows huge strides by Croom & co., or proves that there are wayyy too many bowl games. It'll be interesting to see if MSU continues improving their improvement. Or something."

#4: Ole Miss - Average rank: 4.67

FanHouse is generally positive about Houston Nutt taking over Rebel pride. Jacobi wonders "HOWDEYGAWNREPACEADACOACHO?" but Ferguson calls for fans to remain calm: "Don't understimate Houston Nutt with Jevon Snead under center. Ole Miss will steal a win or two they're not supposed to get."

#3: Alabama - Average rank: 2.17

Bama was edged ever so slightly by Auburn -- something Tide fans are all too familiar with in recent years. FanHouse thinks better times are ahead thanks to Saban and his top-ranked recruiting class. Ferguson and Radcliff both ranked Bama as #1 in the West. Bruce Ciskie, who placed them 3rd, says: "Controversy aside, it's hard to outcoach Saban. Watch out as he continues to acquire top talent."

#2: Auburn - Average rank: 2.00

Pete Holiday notes there are "lots of question-marks on this team, and Tuberville is due for some let downs. Expect them to lose some close SEC contests." Adam Jacobi points out that Auburn controls the division race thanks to schedule: "Here's the thing: you do not want to play at Jordan-Hare. This year, Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU all must. In other words, barring total anarchy in the standings, a spot in the SEC title game necessarily goes through Auburn. I'm not sold on Kodi Burns yet, though."

#1: LSU - Average rank: 1.83

The Bayou Bengals have backups that are NFL-bound, and despite returning only 11 starters, FanHouse still thinks highly enough of Les Miles and his crew to rank them #1 in the west... yet again. Andy Katzer: "Front 7 on D is awesome, and on the other side I'm lovin' some Keiland Williams." Ferguson agrees: "Despite questions at QB, they have the best front five on O and front seven on D. You win SEC battles in the trenches."

So there you have it - it was close between LSU, Auburn, and Alabama, but FanHouse projects LSU as the SEC West champion two years running. Up next: the SEC East.