SEC teams better not forget their homework

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SEC teams better not forget their homework

Monday, September 25, 2006

Huntsville Times

A first-year middle schooler we happen to know was attempting to explain a questionable grade on a progress report one day last week.

"What's the story in math?'' he was asked. "Forget to turn in your homework?''

"Well, just remember, this is only a progress report,'' he replied, a bit defensively. "It's not an official report card. I've still got time to pull it up.''

Same thing applies to the dozen Southeastern Conference teams. With only one-third of the season gone, there's still time for the stragglers to work their way up the standings - and likewise, there's still time for the leaders to lose ground.

That said, here's our annual late-September SEC progress report with 66 percent of the schedule still ahead. Just remember, this is only a progress report. The official report card doesn't come out until the last weekend in November.

In the West:

Auburn (4-0, 2-0 in SEC): The Tigers have been seriously tested only once and passed the test, beating LSU 7-3 in what might turn out to be the game of the year. A word of caution, though: South Carolina could be a tough test Thursday night. Still, it's hard to quibble with a No. 2 national ranking. Grade: A

LSU (3-1, 0-1 in SEC): Many believe LSU, despite the loss at Auburn, is still the best team in the conference. Grade: A-

Alabama (3-1, 1-1 in SEC): Although they lost at Arkansas, Shula's boys are still third best in the West. John Parker Wilson is a star in the making. Grade: B-

Arkansas (3-1, 2-0 in SEC): The Hogs gave up 50 points to USC in the opener, and survived Vandy and Bama thanks to kicks that went awry. Grade: C+

Ole Miss (1-3, 0-1 in SEC): The Rebels have been pretty bad thus far. Grade: D

Mississippi State (1-3, 0-2 in SEC): Ditto. But beating UAB pulled up an F. Grade: D

In the East:

Florida (4-0, 2-0 in SEC): Ignore those who say Urban Meyer's offense won't work in this league. The immediate problem, however, is a brutal schedule over the next four games - Alabama this weekend, followed by LSU, Auburn and Georgia. Grade: A-

Georgia (4-0, 1-0 in SEC): Who can explain that close call against lowly Colorado? But don't be fooled. The Bulldogs are stacked. Grade: A-

Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 in SEC): The Vols lost at home to Florida, but they're clearly on their way back: Grade: B

South Carolina (3-1, 1-1 in SEC): Steve Spurrier hasn't been very happy with his team's offense, but the Gamecocks seem to be improving. Thursday's Auburn game offers a great opportunity to make a statement. Grade: C

Kentucky (2-2, 1-1 in SEC): Rich Brooks, the beleaguered Wildcats' coach, may or may not make it long-term. But UK is definitely better this season. Grade: D+

Vanderbilt (1-3, 0-2 in SEC): The Commodores could've beaten both Alabama and Arkansas. Grade: D+