Analyzing the SEC (for kicks)
In seasons where I have an interest (ie when we have a team that doesn't completely suck), I often take a look at the competition to try and gauge where we seem to fit in. With only a couple of games left before conference play kicks off (and because this is one of those years of.... interest), I wanted to take a look at the SEC teams and take a stab at where everyone stands. I have watched at least one game with each of these teams except for Vandy, Georgia, and MO. Based on current records, I will go in order:
TIER 1 competing for SEC Title
Auburn, TN, Kentucky
TIER 2 darkhorse for SEC Title
Alabama, MO
TIER 3 NCAA Tourney likely
Arkansas, Georgia, A$M, Texas, Florida
TIER 4 Will win a few they shouldn’t, but not likely to be consistent, NCAA Bubble
OM, MSU
TIER 5 Not their best year this time around
LSU, Vandy, SC
This is all just my opinion of where things appear to stand currently, and by no means absolute. Many factors can change the pecking order. Injuries. Attitude. Chemistry coming together. I am a little jealous that Kentucky did a complete roster rebuild, and kind of looks better this year than they did last year. This league has gotten so much better. 10 or more years ago, the same teams in Tier 3 would have been contenders probably. The transformation is incredible.
In seasons where I have an interest (ie when we have a team that doesn't completely suck), I often take a look at the competition to try and gauge where we seem to fit in. With only a couple of games left before conference play kicks off (and because this is one of those years of.... interest), I wanted to take a look at the SEC teams and take a stab at where everyone stands. I have watched at least one game with each of these teams except for Vandy, Georgia, and MO. Based on current records, I will go in order:
- Florida 9-0 This team has zero games against Quad 1 in the NET rankings, and only 2 games in Quad 2. Still, they are ranked number 8 in the NET. They rebound really well. Not sure what to think of them. They could boom or bust.
- Oklahoma 9-0 44th ranked OK has 1 Q1 win to go with their 2 Q2 wins. I’m thinking NET is GIGO right now, and a bit surprised it is still this far off after 9 to 10 games under the belt.
- Tennessee 9-0 I believe TN deserves top 10 status right now, but number 1 ranked? Probably a stretch. They have 2 Q1 wins, lead the nation in FG%, and their offense is consistently deadly. Definitely a contender.
- Kentucky 9-1 Q1 games are 2-1 with all 3 being ranked. Impressive, especially with it being a complete roster overhaul. They vacuum up rebounds like a machine. SEC title contender.
- Vandy 9-1 Only 1 game against a lower Q1 team, and they blew it. Not one of the stronger Vandy teams of late.
- Auburn 8-1 Q1 record is 4-1 with 3 of those ranked. They look dangerous on TV, but so does TN and Kentucky. If they win against ranked Purdue on 21st, slight advantage for SEC title. They look good.
- Georgia 8-1 Georgia shoots well, but not enough evidence to take them seriously yet. They will upset someone here and there.
- LSU 8-1 Really weak schedule so far, and they shoot like crap. They will likely be one of the few breaks for NCAA bound SEC teams.
- MS 8-1 Lost a close game against ranked Purdue. Very weak schedule otherwise. Another upset for contenders to look out for.
- MSU 8-1 2-0 vs Q1, but no ranked wins and they lost to a Q2 team. Ouch.
- MO 8-1 This team shoots well, and since the 1st game loss at Memphis by 8, they keep getting better. Beat Kansas by 9 in their last outing. Darkhorse material that could climb the ladder to contender, or fall down. Not sure what their bench depth is.
- Arkansas 8-2 After a somewhat slow start, this team has steadily improved and risen to 17th nationally in shooting. The game at TN on Jan 4th will be big. If they figure out how to defend the 3, and consistently shoot well, they could climb to darkhorse quickly.
- Texas 8-2 Decent performance, shoots well, but Q1 is 0-2. 5 of their wins are Q4. When I watched them, they look average to slightly above.
- A$M 8-2 Plays Purdue next. Maybe Purdue wants in the SEC? This team looks okay on TV. Probably going to NCAA Tourney.
- Alabama 7-2 Has some impressive and athletic players, but doesn’t look like the same Alabama teams that have been recently successful. A lot of upside, though.
- SC 6-3 Not a good team right now. Could play their way up, but I don't expect it this year.
TIER 1 competing for SEC Title
Auburn, TN, Kentucky
TIER 2 darkhorse for SEC Title
Alabama, MO
TIER 3 NCAA Tourney likely
Arkansas, Georgia, A$M, Texas, Florida
TIER 4 Will win a few they shouldn’t, but not likely to be consistent, NCAA Bubble
OM, MSU
TIER 5 Not their best year this time around
LSU, Vandy, SC
This is all just my opinion of where things appear to stand currently, and by no means absolute. Many factors can change the pecking order. Injuries. Attitude. Chemistry coming together. I am a little jealous that Kentucky did a complete roster rebuild, and kind of looks better this year than they did last year. This league has gotten so much better. 10 or more years ago, the same teams in Tier 3 would have been contenders probably. The transformation is incredible.
