The reigning champions of the East return with a lot of talent and optimism. Having a running back like Marcus Lattimore and a receiver like Alshon Jeffery helps make the up-and-down quarterback of Stephen Garcia have an easier job. Adding to the talent, signing the number one player in the nation in Jadeveon Clowney really made Steve Spurrier believe that they have a chance to do big things.
However, as Coach Spurrier pointed out, the Gamecocks are not sure who will be the starting quarterback for their first game, and having a coach that coaches the position suspended really makes it a tough challenge on Spurrier.
But with all the uncertainty at quarterback, the Gamecocks are seemingly the favorite to win the East, but with the talent level down, it still remains open.
With new head coach Will Muschamp in charge, there is a lot of questions about this year’s Gator team. While transitioning into a pro-style offense from the spread will be somewhat difficult, there are still those five-star players on the depth chart.
Hiring former Notre Dame head coach and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Charlie Weis will help bring more offensive explosion than they had a year ago. Nevertheless, John Brantley is more suitable for the pro-style, but I don’t think this is the year that he shines with the kind of athletes that remain left on the roster.
But with so many down teams in the East, you never know what can happen.
Is Isaiah Crowell the answer for the Bulldogs? According to Mark Richt it’s not. Recently the Bulldogs’ coach told reporters that “we don’t really expect a freshman to come in and carry our program.”
However, signing big name guys might test Coach Richt on his word. Going on with running backs, losing two big time guys from a year ago really hurts the Bulldogs. As the head coach said, “We’re one guy short.” But who will fill that role?
After the departure of both Caleb King and Washaun Ealey, the ‘Dogs were forced to move a linebacker back to his true position, leaving them with backups to fulfill the last part of the rotation.
With all that said, how will Aaron Murray respond to all of his hype? Losing A.J. Green is a real blow to the offensive production, but having Orson Charles will give Murray a go-to target.
Going back to depth issues, Coach Richt said he feels the o-line will be okay if there are no injuries. What if there are? The eleven year veteran did not answer that question, and leaves a thought on how will injuries effect this team throughout the year.
Their true test will come when the Boise State Broncos come to the Georgia Dome September 1st.
