With newcomer Texas A&M holding its spring football game April 28, spring practice is finally complete around the Southeastern Conference.
Now all that remains is to wait out the long, hot months until preseason practices resume in August, followed by the SEC opener between South Carolina and Vanderbilt on Aug. 30.
Here’s a look back at spring practice around the newly expanded SEC and for LSU’s four nonconference opponents, and a look at the season to come:
Sept. 1, Tiger Stadium
2011 record : 5-7, 4-4 Sun Belt.
Starters returning: 14 (9 offense, 5 defense, 2 kickers).
Letterwinners returning: 34.
Spring storylines: North Texas coach Dan McCarney suffered a stroke Feb. 12 while working out, but after being hospitalized was back in time for the start of spring practice in March. North Texas will be leaving the Sun Belt for Conference USA in 2013.
Address in August: North Texas’ secondary struggled through the spring and suffered a key blow when top cornerback Freddie Warner tore his ACL. He’s out until at least October. Four freshman defensive backs will get a chance to play right away.
Outlook: The Mean Green could be significantly improved and still win only five games. Surviving a tough early schedule mentally and physically will determine whether North Texas makes a run at .500 or not.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, at LSU; Sept. 8, Texas Southern; Sept. 15, at Kansas State; Sept. 22, Troy*; Sept. 29, at Florida Atlantic*; Oct. 6, at Houston; Oct. 16, Louisiana-Lafayette*; Oct. 27, at Middle Tennessee*; Nov. 3, Arkansas State*; Nov. 10, South Alabama*; Nov. 17, at Louisiana-Monroe*; Nov. 24, at Western Kentucky*
*-SBC game
Sept. 8, Tiger Stadium
2011 record: 7-6, 5-4 Pac-12.
Starters returning: 5 offense, 7 defense, 0 kickers.
Letterwinners returning: 40.
Spring storylines: Washington hired former Tennessee assistant Justin Wilcox to upgrade a defense that gave up a school-record 467 points last season. The Huskies will go primarily with a new 3-4 scheme. Because of a reconstruction project at Husky Stadium, Washington will play its home games at the Seattle Seahawks’ CenturyLink Field.
Address in August: The offensive line starters must be settled quickly in the fall, a matter complicated by the fact a starting guard, Colin Porter, was forced to give up football with chronic shoulder injuries.
Outlook: Steve Sarkisian, 19-19 in three seasons at U-Dub, thinks his team can truly take a step toward being a Pac-12 North contender. But a lack of offensive playmakers, a complete overhaul of the defense and a tough early schedule make seven or eight wins again likely.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, San Diego State; Sept. 8, at LSU; Sept. 15, Portland State; Sept. 27, Stanford*; Oct. 6, at Oregon*; Oct. 13, Southern California*; Oct. 20, at Arizona*; Oct. 27, Oregon State*; Nov. 2, at California*; Nov. 10, Utah*; Nov. 17, at Colorado*; Nov. 23, at Washington State*
*-Pac-12 game
Sept. 15, Tiger Stadium
2011 record: 2-10, 1-6 Western Athletic Conference.
Starters returning: 11 (5 offense, 4 defense, 2 kickers).
Letterwinners returning: 43.
Spring storylines: The defense, led by pass rusher Benson Mayowa, was ahead of the offense in the spring, an offense hampered by the absence of senior wide reciever Justin Veltung (turf toe).
Address in August: A choice remains at quarterback between juniors Dominique Blackman and Taylor Davis. Identifying the starting five offensive linemen to block for them is also a must.
Outlook: In a watered down WAC — no Fresno State, Hawaii or Nevada — Idaho has a chance to be more competitive. Of course, the Vandals are perhaps looking to land elsewhere themselves, possibly the Sun Belt.
2012 schedule: Aug. 30, Eastern Washington; Sept. 8, at Bowling Green; Sept. 15, at LSU; Sept. 22, Wyoming; Sept. 29, at North Carolina; Oct. 6 , New Mexico State*; Oct. 13, at Texas State*; Oct. 20, at Louisiana Tech*; Nov. 3, San Jose State*; Nov. 10, Brigham Young; Nov. 17, Texas-San Antonio*; Nov. 24, at Utah State*
*-WAC game
Sept. 22, Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.
2011 record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC.
Starters returning: 18 (7 offense, 9 defense, 2 kickers).
Letterwinners returning: 48.
Spring storylines: Auburn hired a pair of new coordinators — Scott Loeffler on offense, Brian VanGorder on defense. The Loeffler offense vows to have elements of the Gus Malzahn scheme but be more multiple. Shoring up the defensive line was VanGorder’s priority.
Address in August: Gene Chizik said not to read too much into the spring game rotation, but Kiehl Frazier definitely worked more with the No. 1 offense, and Clint Moseley worked more with the No. 2 unit. Will that be the depth chart come September? Another question is whether Mike Blakley, after an inconsistent spring, can hold off senior Onterio McCalebb at tailback.
Outlook: There may be improvement here, an upgrade there, but it’s still hard to see anyone besides an Auburn fan picking these Tigers to finish better than fourth in the SEC West behind LSU, Alabama and Arkansas.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, Clemson (Atlanta)@; Sept. 8, at Mississippi State*; Sept. 15, Louisiana-Monroe; Sept. 22, LSU*; Oct. 6, Arkansas*; Oct. 13, at Ole Miss*; Oct. 20, at Vanderbilt*; Oct. 27, Texas A&M*; Nov. 3, New Mexico State; Nov. 10, Georgia*; Nov. 17, Alabama A&M; Nov. 24, at Alabama*
*-SEC game
@-Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game
Sept. 29, Tiger Stadium
2011 record: 9-3, 7-1 Colonial Athletic Association.
Starters returning: 9 offense, 9 defense, 2 kickers.
Letterwinners returning: 42.
Spring storylines: Though the Tigers went from 1-10 to 9-3 last season, the defense gave up almost 35 points per game. An influx of BCS transfers — safety Jordan Love (Georgia), cornerbacks Ben Harvey (South Carolina) and Darrell Givens (Rutgers) — is upgrading the talent pool.
Address in August: Towson must find a starting right tackle. Strong competition continues between Jake McDowell and Cory Kirby, who can also play tight end.
Outlook: Likely to be ranked in the FCS preseason top five, Towson won’t be sneaking up on anyone. Despite early games at Kent State and LSU, nine wins (in an 11-game schedule) is again possible.
2012 schedule: Aug. 30, at Kent State; Sept. 15, William and Mary*; Sept. 22, St. Francis (Pa.); Sept. 29, at LSU; Oct. 6, at James Madison*; Oct. 13, Maine*; Oct. 20, Old Dominion*; Oct. 27, at Villanova*; Nov. 3, at Delaware*; Nov. 10, Rhode Island*; Nov. 17, at New Hampshire*
*-CAA game
Oct. 6, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Fla.
2011 record: 7-6, 3-5 SEC.
Starters returning: 19 (7 offense, 10 defense, 2 kickers).
Letterwinners returning : 55
Spring storylines: Charlie Weis left after one ill-fitting year to be head coach at Kansas, so Will Mushchamp brought in Brent Pease to call plays. Top pass rusher Ronald Powell tore an ACL in the spring and could miss the season, and almost certainly won’t be seaworthy in time for LSU.
Address in August: The Gators may go all the way to their season opener before deciding between sophomore quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel — if even then. Muschamp said he doesn’t want Florida to be a so-called “2 QB U,” but he’ll deal with it if necessary.
Outlook: Even without Powell, Florida should be very good on defense. It will have to be, covering for an offense with young quarterbacks and an anemic running back corps. It’s hard to picture Florida winning just seven games again, but just as hard to see the Gators getting past Georgia or South Carolina to the top of the SEC East.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, Bowling Green; Sept. 8, at Texas A&M*; Sept. 15, at Tennessee*; Sept. 22, Kentucky*; Oct. 6, LSU*; Oct. 13, at Vanderbilt*; Oct. 20, South Carolina*; Oct. 27, Georgia (Jacksonville, Fla.)*; Nov. 3, Missouri*; Nov. 10, Louisiana-Lafayette; Nov. 17, Jacksonville State; Nov. 24, at Florida State
*-SEC game
Oct. 13, Tiger Stadium
2011 record: 11-2, 6-2 SEC.
Starters returning: 13 (7 offense, 6 defense).
Letterwinners returning: 44.
Spring storylines: Confidence is high in Columbia after an 11-win season despite the loss of players like defensive end Melvin Ingram and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Connor Shaw, completed 75 percent of his passes in the Gamecocks’ last three games, and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney made some All-American teams as a true freshman.
Address in August: South Carolina’s top two tailbacks — Marcus Lattimore and Shon Carson — both tore ACLs last season and missed spring practice. Both are expected back 100 percent, but will need to round into shape for a tougher-than-usual opener at Vandy.
Outlook: The Gamecocks should be considered co-favorites in the East with Georgia, two very similar teams on paper. Their annual meeting (in Columbia this year) has moved from the second week to the sixth, serving only to heighten the anticipation.
2012 schedule: Aug. 30, at Vanderbilt*; Sept. 8, East Carolina; Sept. 15, UAB; Sept. 22, Missouri*; Sept. 29, at Kentucky*; Oct. 6, Georgia*; Oct. 13, at LSU*; Oct. 20, at Florida*; Oct. 27, Tennessee*; Nov. 10, Arkansas*; Nov. 17, Wofford; Nov. 24, at Clemson
*-SEC game
Oct. 20, Kyle Field,
College Station, Texas
2011 record: 7-6, 4-5 Big 12.
Starters returning: 15 (8 offense, 6 defense, 1 kicker).
Letterwinners returning: 51.
Spring storylines: The biggest of offseason transitions took place as A&M brought in new head coach Kevin Sumlin from Houston and prepared for its move into the SEC. Mark Snyder, the Aggies’ third defensive coordinator in the past five seasons, switched A&M from a 3-4 to a 4-3.
Address in August: The void left by first-round pick Ryan Tannehill at quarterback won’t be easily filled. Sophomore Jameill Showers and redshirt freshman Johnny Manziel dueled all spring, but Sumlin predicted early on the race wouldn’t be decided until fall and was proven correct.
Outlook: Excitement over joining the SEC is thrumming through in College Station, but it will quickly be tempered by reality of joining a conference akin to the NFC South. With new coaches, a new quarterback to break in and a defense that is wanting for playmakers and leaders, seven wins and finishing fourth in the SEC West looks like a lofty goal.
2012 schedule; Sept. 1, Louisiana Tech (Shreveport); Sept. 8, Florida*; Sept. 15, at SMU; Sept. 22, South Carolina State; Sept. 29, Arkansas*; Oct. 6, at Ole Miss*; Oct. 20, LSU*; Oct. 27, at Auburn*; Nov. 3, at Mississippi State*; Nov. 10, at Alabama*; Nov. 17, Sam Houston State; Nov. 24, Missouri*
*-SEC game
7 p.m. Nov. 3, Tiger Stadium (CBS)
2011 record: 12-1, 7-1 SEC.
Starters returning: 11 (5 offense, 4 defense, 2 kickers).
Letterwinners returning: 44.
Spring storylines: The loss of Dont’a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw, DeQuan Menzie, Dre Kirkpatrick, Mark Barron and others on defense will be tough to overcome, but a program as good as Alabama just reloads. Replacing Kirkpatrick and Menzie at cornerback was the biggest concern, but Dee Milliner moves over from nickel into one spot, junior-college transfer Deion Belue the other.
Address in August: Junior Eddie Lacy from Dutchdown missed the entire spring after surgery in January for a turf toe injury that limited him most of last season. Figuring out the running bck rotation that figures to include blue chip freshman T.J. Yeldon is a must.
Outlook: Similar to 2010, Alabama comes off a national championship saddled with a talented but inexperienced defense. How the Crimson Tide responds to that, and how its players handle the success they didn’t deal with well after the 2009 BCS title, will be intriguing. But assuming SEC West and SEC supremacy won’t come down to the Nov. 3 LSU-Alabama game in Tiger Stadium would be foolhardy.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, Michigan (Arlington, Texas)@; Sept, 8, Western Kentucky; Sept. 15, at Arkansas*; Sept. 22, Florida Atlantic; Sept. 29, Ole Miss*; Oct. 13, at Missouri*; Oct. 20, at Tennessee*; Oct. 27, Mississippi State*; Nov. 3, at LSU*; Nov. 10, Texas A&M*; Nov. 17, Western Carolina; Nov. 24, Auburn*
*-SEC game
@-Cowboys Classic
Nov. 10, Tiger Stadium
2011 record: 7-6, 2-6 SEC.
Starters returning: 13 (5 offense, 7 defense, 1 kicker).
Letterwinners returning : 54.
Spring storylines: With Chris Relf and Vick Ballard gone, the emphasis with Tyler Russell now at quarterbck turned to retooling the Bulldogs’ attack into a pass-first offense. State has three senior receivers and two newcomers, including redshirt freshman Joe Morrow, expected to help change the culture of the Bulldogs’ offense.
Address in August: Starting right guard Tobias Smith suffered a late-season ACL and missed spring practice. State brought in a pair of JC prospects for depth: center Dylan Holley and offensive tackle Charles Siddoway. Depth on the offensive line remains a major concern, as it was last season when protection frequently broke down and Russell got hurt.
Outlook: There was disappointment in Starkville last season going from nine to seven wins, and there is growing concern over whether Dan Mullen will ever beat anyone in the SEC West besides Ole Miss (he gets to start fresh with A&M). The schedule is accommodating to start — the Bulldogs could get off to 6-1 easily — but then next four are Bama, A&M, LSU and Arkansas. Fans want eight or nine wins, but seven is more realistic.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, Jackson State; Sept. 8, Auburn*; Sept. 15, at Troy; Sept. 22, South Alabama; Oct. 6, at Kentucky*; Oct. 13, Tennessee*; Oct. 20, Middle Tennessee; Oct. 27, at Alabama*; Nov. 3, Texas A&M*; Nov. 10, at LSU*; Nov. 17, Arkansas*; Nov. 24, at Ole Miss*
*-SEC game
Nov. 17, Tiger Stadium
2011 record: 2-10, 0-8 SEC.
Starters returning: 17 (9 offense, 6 defense, 2 kickers).
Letterwinners returning: 59.
Spring storylines: New coach Hugh Freeze said when he took over in December there were about 25 players with academic issues. Progress has been made, but there are still five or six question marks. “It would be totally unrealistic for me to sit here and expect all of them to make it,” Freeze said.
Address in August: Neither Barry Brunetti, one of three returning quarterbacks to start multiple games last year, nor JC transfer Bo Wallace won the job in the spring. Wallace had a better spring game, but Brunetti’s leadership and Wallace’ off-the-field baggage is keeping Brunetti in the race. Randall Mackey has been moved to wide receiver.
Outlook: Success for Ole Miss won’t be measured in wins and losses. They need to shoot for beating Central Arkansas, Tulane and UTEP and being competitive in the rest. Ending their 14-game SEC losing streak would at least give the Rebels hope for 2013, but finding that win is difficult. This is still easily the worst team in the West.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, Central Arkansas; Sept. 8, UTEP; Sept. 15, Texas; Sept. 22, at Tulane; Sept. 29, at Alabama*; Oct. 6, Texas A&M*; Oct. 13, Auburn*; Oct. 27, at Arkansas*; Nov. 3, at Georgia*; Nov. 10, Vanderbilt*; Nov. 17, at LSU*; Nov. 24, Mississippi State*
*-SEC game
Nov. 23, Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville Ark.
Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. (CBS).
2011 record: 11-2, 6-2 SEC.
Starters returning: 17 (9 offense, 6 defense, 2 kickers).
Letterwinners returning: 51.
Spring storylines: A guy. A girl. A motorcycle accident. A cover up. A pink slip. A new head coach who was on the Arkansas staff last year and returned, leaving his alma mater without having coached a game. You can’t make this stuff up.
Address in August: From all accounts, the Razorbacks had good practices this spring despite the Bobby Petrino-spawned distractions. Quarterback Tyler Wilson was outstanding, and running back Knile Davis practiced the entire spring after suffering a broken ankle last August, though without contact. Tenarius Wright moved from defensive end to middle linebacker out of need because Alonzo Highsmith tore a pectoral muscle right before spring practice began.
Outlook: Though the defense isn’t much improved, the Razorbacks possess top-10 talent and play LSU and Alabama at home. Interim coach John L. Smith held the entire staff together, but replacing Bobby Petrino’s brilliant play calling with that of his brother Paul will be like a photocopy of an original. Good, but not the same. Nine or 10 wins is the target here.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, Jacksonville State; Sept. 8, Louisiana-Monroe@; Sept. 15, Alabama*; Sept. 22, Rutgers; Sept. 29, at Texas A&M*; Oct. 6, at Auburn*; Oct. 13, Kentucky*; Oct. 27, Ole Miss*@; Nov. 3, Tulsa; Nov. 10, at South Carolina*; Nov. 17, at Mississippi State*; Nov. 24, LSU*
*-SEC game
@-at Little Rock, Ark.
2011 record: 10-4, 7-1 SEC
Starters returning: 15 (6 offense, 9 defense).
Letterwinners returning: 49.
Spring storylines: Steve Spurrier joked that he will miss playing Georgia in week two because the Bulldogs always have key players suspended, but in humor we find truth. Sitting cornerbacks Sanders Commings and Branden Smith, safety Baccari Rambo and linebacker Alec Ogletree will make that SEC opener at Missouri a lot tougher.
Address in August: Special teams are a concern. Georgia lost two veteran kickers — place-kicker Blair Walsh and punter Drew Butler — and will turn to newcomers Marshal Morgan at place-kicker and Collin Barber at punter.
Outlook: Tough trips to Missouri and South Carolina await, but with the schedules juggled by the addition of Mizzou and A&M, the Bulldogs somehow avoid having to play LSU, Alabama and Arkansas for the second straight year. Considering that and the return of Aaron Murray at quarterback, anything less than another 10-win season would be a major disappointment.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, Buffalo; Sept. 8, at Missouri*; Sept. 15, Florida Atlantic; Sept. 22, Vanderbilt*; Sept. 29, Tennessee*: Oct. 6, at South Carolina*; Oct. 20, at Kentucky*; Oct. 27, Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.)*; Nov. 3, Ole Miss*; Nov. 10, at Auburn*; Nov .17, Georgia Southern; Nov. 24, Georgia Tech
*-SEC game
2011 record: 5-7, 2-6 SEC.
Starters returning: 12 (6 offense, 5 defense, 1 kicker).
Letterwinners returning: 49.
Spring storylines: Trying to build momentum off its first win over Tennessee since 1984, Kentucky spent the spring searching for offensive playmakers to build around quarterback Morgan Newton after finishing last in virtually every SEC statistical category. Senior offensive guard Larry Warford will make a lot of preseason All-SEC teams.
Address in August: There are numerous need areas for the Wildcats, but defense and special teams stand out. Kentucky lost the SEC’s top two tacklers in linebcker Danny Trevathan and safety Winston Guy. Kentucky was also last in the conference in return yardage, not getting a single touchdown off special teams.
Outlook: LSU lost a road game in Lexington for one at Texas A&M — hardly an equitable trade. Unlike in basketball, Kentucky football will have to plug lots of new faces into key roles with little hope for success and lacks depth at key positions. The Wildcats appear destined for the bottom of the SEC East again, with four wins the over/under.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, at Louisville; Sept. 8, Kent State; Sept. 15, Western Kentucky; Sept. 22, at Florida*; Sept. 29, South Carolina*; Oct. 6, Mississippi State*; Oct. 13, at Arkansas*; Oct. 20, Georgia*; Oct. 27, at Missouri*; Nov. 3, Vanderbilt*; Nov. 17, Samford; Nov. 24, at Tennessee*
*-SEC game
2011 record: 8-5, 5-4 Big 12.
Starters returning: 15 (6 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers).
Letterwinners returning: 37.
Spring storylines: The buzz over joining the SEC has been tempered by concern over the torn labrum starting quarterback James Franklin suffered in his throwing shoulder the first week of spring practice. Franklin opted for surgery and isn’t expected to start throwing until July. Redshirt freshman Corbin Berkstresser ran the No. 1 offense most of the spring.
Address in August: The Tigers need to identify which of its newcomers can make an immediate contribution. All eyes will be on Dorial Green-Beckham, the nation’s No. 1 incoming wide receiver prospect, expected to produce right away. Missouri is especially thin at defensive tackle and could use a freshman or two to push for a job in the defensive line rotation.
Outlook: Mizzou’s hopes hinge on Franklin’s health and ability to run the Tigers’ constantly evolving spread offense. If he returns to form and Missouri’s offense proves puzzling for SEC defenses, the Tigers could contend right out of the blocks in the SEC East.
2012 schedule: Sept. 1, Southeastern Louisiana; Sept. 8, Georgia*; Sept. 15, Arizona State; Sept. 22, at South Carolina*; Sept. 29, at Central Florida; Oct. 6, Vanderbilt*; Oct. 13, Alabama*; Oct. 27, Kentucky*; Nov. 3, at Florida*; Nov. 10, at Tennessee*; Nov. 17, Syracuse; Nov. 24, at Texas A&M*
*-SEC game
2011 record: 5-7, 1-7 SEC.
Starters returning: 20 (10 offense, 8 defense, 2 kickers).
Letterwinners returning: 49.
Spring storylines: After several years of operating at a talent deficit in the trenches, the Volunteers again look like an SEC team on the offensive line. Derek Dooley’s early recruiting emphasis has been on linemen and it should pay dividends for quarterback Tyler Bray and what has devolved into one of the SEC’s worst rushing attacks.
Address in August: Justin Hunter returns from a knee injury and Da’Rick Rogers is back, but Tennessee will rely on four heralded wide receiver recruits to get up to speed quickly once they arrive in August to immediately provide depth.
Outlook: After losing to Kentucky to post a losing record, there is heat on Dooley to produce this fall. While the Vols won’t contend for the division title, Tennessee does figure to climb out of the SEC East cellar and at least make it back to the postseason. For this year, that will have to be enough.
2012 schedule: Aug. 31, North Carolina State (Atlanta)@; Sept. 8, Georgia State; Sept. 15, Florida*; Sept. 22, Akron; Sept. 29, at Georgia*; Oct. 13, at Mississippi State*; Oct. 20, Alabama*; Oct. 27, at South Carolina*; Nov. 3, Troy; Nov. 10, Missouri*; Nov. 17, at Vanderbilt*; Nov. 24, Kentucky*
*-SEC game
@-Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game
2011 record: 6-7, 2-6 SEC.
Starters returning: 18 (9 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers).
Letterwinners returning: 43.
Spring storylines: After replacing two assistant coaches who served as co-recruiting coordinators, coach James Franklin put the Commodores through a pass-oriented spring practice due in large part to a lack of healthy offensive linemen. Similarly, a lack of depth at linebacker had Vandy working on a lot of nickel packages.
Address in August: The blocking and discipline of a young offensive line remains a paramount concern on an otherwise seasoned offense, topping concerns over the field-goal unit and the Commodores’ run defense.
Outlook: It may sound strange for a couple of reasons, but these returning Vandy players have a good chance of becoming the first in school history to play in back-to-back bowl games. With Alabama off the schedule, there are potentially as many as eight wins for the Commodores, though that would take winning the fourth-quarter squeakers that eluded them in 2011.
2012 schedule: Aug. 30, South Carolina*; Sept. 8, at Northwestern; Sept. 15, Presbyterian; Sept. 22, at Georgia*; Oct. 6, at Missouri*; Oct. 13, Florida*; Oct. 20, Auburn*; Oct. 27, Massachusetts; Nov. 3, at Kentucky*; Nov. 10, at Ole Miss*; Nov. 17, Tennessee*; Nov. 24, at Wake Forest
*-SEC game
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