We are streaming Swampcast live from the front lawn of The Swamp Restaurant. Pat Dooley and Robbie Andreu review each game, preview what's next for the Gators and give their opinions about the SEC.
University of Florida sophomore gymnast <b>Marissa King</b> has been named to England's 2010 Commonwealth Games team. The Cambridge, England native will head to Delhi, India for the October 3-14 games to compete for her country.
GatorZone.com Senior Writer Scott Carter had the chance to catch up with Gator Great Errict Rhett on Wednesday when he represented UF at the Nike Pro Combat Uniform Launch Event in New York City.
Under new linebackers coach D.J. Durkin, all the linebackers are learning and working at all three linebacker positions. Apparently, senior A.J. Jones is the first to master all three. (Photo by Doug Finger/Staff)
Not as shifty as Brandon James, Jeff Demps hopes the track speed that has made him college football's fastest man will make him just as deadly returning kicks. (Photo by Doug Finger/Staff)
Fightin Gators (Scout) » Nothing can really compare to the rigors of warfare, but when playing and coaching football in the SEC, you want to have guys you can trust and by your side. Earning that trust is huge and Florida defensive
Gator Bytes » All that’s left for Florida before Saturday’s game against Miami (Ohio) is a walk-through.After Thursday’s practice, Gators coach Urban Meyer made his final media appearance before the
Throughout the sports world, Miami has the unique reputation as the “Cradle of Coaches.” Legendary football coaches such as Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, Ara Parseghian, Weeb Ewbank, Paul Brown and Sid Gillman all had roots at Miami, and the impact they left on the college football landscape can still be felt today.
Florida Gators (Official Site) » University of Florida sophomore gymnast <b>Marissa King</b> has been named to England's 2010 Commonwealth Games team. The Cambridge, England native will head to Delhi, India for
We continue our season preview, "Gators Rebuilding 2010." Until kickoff on Sept. 4 against Miami-Ohio, we will have a series of posts on players, positions and factors that will determine the Gators' success or failure this season. For all previous posts tagged as "Gators Rebuilding 2010" click here.
For the first time since 2001, Charlie Strong will not be coaching the Gators defense. Gone is a man who spent 16 years at UF, the last eight as coordinator. In his place is Teryl Austin, who might as well have come to UF off the side of a milk carton. He has never been a coordinator, but has coached defensive backs at major colleges and the NFL.
We don't know what to make of Austin yet. With Strong, his defenses were based on the talent he had. That's why UF was so good in 2006, 2008 and 2009 when they had older players, but nearly awful in 2005 and 2007 in rebuilding mode. Will Austin look at the talent around him, mostly in the secondary, and rely on their speed? Or will it be something else?
Austin hasn't committed to a 4-3, 3-4 or 3-3-5, which is exactly how Strong worked. At times, Florida's front seven rotation made it seem as if they were running a 3-4, when they were a 4-3 team. The 3-3-5 is a 3-4 with a monster back. I would think Austin would at least start the same way.
What will be interesting to see is how much reliance is placed on who ever wins the middle linebacker position. We remember the struggle Brandon Spikes had in 2007, but forget that he also had Ryan Stamper, who was seen as the Gators' smartest defensive player. With Jelani Jenkins and Jon Bostic, they will have elder statesmen on the outsides, but MLB is still the motor of the defense. How much will Austin protect his players by making as many calls from the sideline as possible?
The two remaining position battles at MLB and cornerback (Moses Jenkins and Jeremy Brown) will sort themselves out. But we will have to wait a few games to see if the personality and style of the defense has changed at all.
Gator Bait (Rivals) » Shaquille Stokes wants to focus on the upcoming school year and not concern himself with rumors. The rising senior combo guard from Abraham Lincoln HS in Brooklyn, NY was just as surprised as anybody
Only Gators » 1 When out-of-conference opponents speak about the Southeastern Conference or the Florida Gators specifically, speed is usually one of the factors that noticeably separate them from the pack. Miami (OH)
Gator Bait (Rivals) » Omarius Hines defined his role, Jaye Howard described what it's like playing defensive tackle and Teryl Austin explained why he likes players to cross train. In today's quick hitters, we discus those topics
Gator Bait (Rivals) » Richmond (Va.) Hermitage five-star Curtis Grant leads a group of standout Mid-Atlantic region linebackers with long lists of potential colleges. The group is featured in Mid-Atlantic Whispers.
Gainesville Sun » Not as shifty as Brandon James, Jeff Demps hopes the track speed that has made him college football's fastest man will make him just as deadly returning kicks. (Photo by Doug Finger/Staff)
The third annual Gators Canned Goods Challenge for Kids will kick off this Saturday at the first home football game against Miami University, the University of Florida announced Thursday.
Just like last season, we are presenting our best and worst case scenarios for each SEC team. Since it is impossible to accurately predict what 12 teams will do, this is tongue-in-cheek. That should seem obvious, but I have to mention it in case Mississippi State fans freak out when I make a joke about Starkville.
Follow us after the jump.
We're going in alphabetical order and by division. I wanted to mention that in case Mississippi State fans freak out when they are listed last and don't know why.
SEC East
Florida
Best Case: The Gators complete an Impossible Dream season. UF loses to Alabama, but wins the rematch in the SEC Championship Game. The win secures a berth in the BCS Championship Game following Nebraska's upset of undefeated Texas. The Gators blow out Boise State to win their fourth National Championship.
Worst Case: John Brantley is not ready for primetime. After struggling to defeat USF and a stunning loss at Tennessee, Brantley is limited to handing the ball off to UF's backs. The Gators defense cannot make enough plays and UF loses to Alabama, LSU, Georgia and FSU, finishing the regular season at 7-5.
Georgia
Best Case: Mark Richt moves off the hot seat with impressive wins over Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech. Led by quarterback Aaron Murray, the Bulldogs are finally defeated by Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. UGA wins the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame.
Worst Case: The Dawgs begin the season 6-0. Before the Vanderbilt game, UGA VIII is introduced and interim mascot Russ is retired. Vandy stuns the Dawgs, 17-13. Georgia then loses at Kentucky, to Florida and at Auburn. The Dawgs recover in time to defeat Georgia Tech, but Mark Richt is fired and the Curse of Russ is born.
Kentucky
Best Case: The Wildcats begin the season 3-0, but drop to 4-5, including losses to Florida, Auburn and Georgia. UK runs the table, defeating Tennessee in Knoxville, to give Joker Phillips a 7-5 record and Liberty Bowl bid.
Worst Case: Kentucky boosters are investigated by the NCAA for allegedly paying recruit Anthony Davis. The morose feeling on campus even puts the football team in a tailspin, as the Cats finish with a losing record. John Calipari quits in April to join the New Jersey Nets.
South Carolina
Best Case: With no clear leader in the SEC East, South Carolina's game at Florida becomes the de facto SEC East title game. Quarterback Connor Shaw takes the Gamecocks into overtime at UF. The Gators' attempt at a tying field goal is blocked, as Cliff Matthews erases the memory of Jarvis Moss in 2006. The Cocks win the SEC East, but lose to Alabama in the SEC title game.
Worst Case: Neither Shaw or Stephen Garcia assert themselves enough to become the starter as Steve Spurrier begins aging in dog years. The Gamecocks defense loses their 2009 form and allows 31 points per game. Following a losing season capped by a loss at Clemson, Spurrier quits.
Tennessee
Best Case: Matt Simms leads the Vols over Oregon and Florida to make Tennessee a top-15 team. Tennessee loses to LSU and Alabama, but clinches the SEC East with tiebreakers over UF and Georgia. The Vols go to the Sugar Bowl following their loss to Alabama in the SEC title game.
Worst Case: After upsetting Oregon, a report leaks that NCAA investigators are prepared to level heavy sanctions on the Vols due to recruiting tactics during Lane Kiffin's time as coach. The report becomes a distraction as UF rolls the Vols. While prepping for LSU, the NCAA announces the Vols will lose scholarships and some recruiting privileges, with Kiffin himself getting most of the punishment. Tennessee finishes the season 6-6 and sees several players transfer out of Knoxville.
Vanderbilt
Best Case: Robbie Caldwell is named National Coach of The Year, as Vandy finishes the season 7-5, including wins over Northwestern, Ole Miss and Wake Forest. Vandy defeats FSU in the Music City Bowl.
Worst Case: Injuries to Warren Norman and Zac Stacy submarine the Commodores' season. Vandy goes 1-11, defeating only Eastern Michigan.
SEC West
Alabama
Best Case: The Crimson Tide run the table and win their second consecutive National Championship. Auburn has a losing record and Urban Meyer retires following three consecutive blowout losses to the Tide.
Worst Case: The undefeated Tide face one-loss Auburn to determine the SEC West winner. The Tigers stun Alabama 17-13, with the winning touchdown scored on a 90-yard, three minute drive. After two-loss Florida beats Auburn in the SEC Championship Game, Bama claims they should be in the National Championship game. Instead, undefeated Boise State is picked, and loses to one-loss Texas.
Arkansas
Best Case: Ryan Mallett finishes third in the Heisman voting as Arkansas ends the regular season 9-3. The Hogs defeat Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl.
Worst Case: The Razorbacks lose their first three SEC games before getting back above .500 with wins against Ole Miss and Vandy. But Mallett never reaches his potential as the Hogs drop 3 of their last 4. Their 6-6 record is good enough for the Papa John's Bowl.
Auburn
Best Case: Cam Newton becomes the Black Tim Tebow. The Tigers enter the Alabama game with only one loss to LSU. Behind Newton's 100 yards rushing and 250 yards passing, Auburn upsets Alabama on the road. Auburn wins the SEC, but once again misses out on playing for a National Championship when Boise State and Texas remain undefeated.
Worst Case: The Tigers choke in big games, losing to Clemson, LSU, Georgia and Alabama. Auburn wins the Outback Bowl over Purdue, but will be never invited back after their fans start a series of drunken fights in South Tampa the night before.
LSU
Best Case: Les Miles and the Tigers roll over an NCAA decimated UNC in the opener. In October, LSU defeats Tennessee, who also suspended players due to NCAA investigations. They lose at Florida, but defeat Alabama, to set up a rematch with the Gators in Atlanta. LSU wins the SEC and defeats an overwhelmed Boise State in the Sugar Bowl.
Worst Case: LSU wins the SEC and faces Boise State in the Sugar Bowl. The Broncos take the early lead, but LSU comes back for a 23-20 advantage. With 20 seconds left, Boise attempts a 31-yard field goal on 4-and-4. Miles, not realizing LSU has used all three timeouts, runs out onto the field to get the officials attention for a timeout. The officials blow the play dead, and give LSU a five-yard sideline warning penalty. With a second chance, Boise scores a touchdown for the 27-23 win.
Mississippi
Best Case: Jeremiah Masoli wins his appeal in time for the Alabama game. The Rebels still lose, but Masoli looks good in the loss. The Rebels finish the regular season 9-3, and defeat Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.
Worst Case: Masoli loses his NCAA appeal. Faced with either enjoying Southern hospitality or staying in school, Masoli picks neither and goes on a two-state crime spree. He is arrested at Graceland trying to steal a guitar.
Mississippi State
Best Case: Transfixed by the incredible natural beauty of Starkville, road teams struggle against the Bulldogs, who go undefeated at home. Money Magazine comes to Starkville and picks the city as the 2011 Best Place to Live. Starkville becomes known as "The Paris of The Deep South, Minus The Pinko Liberal Socialists Of The Real Paris."
Worst Case: Dan Mullen still doesn't have the talent to run the spread. The Bulldogs go 4-8. The ghost of Johnny Cash tells Starkville townspeople how much he hates their town, ending the only interesting Starkville had going for them.
With Aaron Hernandez headed to the pros, the Florida Gators offense is in desperate need of a capable tight end to create mismatches over the middle of the field.
With playmakers ready to step in all over the field, this may be the biggest key to the offense this seasons.
The gatorsfirst.com (http://gatorsfirst.com) team is back for another exciting year of college football picks. Like last season, we will be picking the winners of EVERY FBS game each week. We've weighted games that feature two top-25 teams higher that other games.
This week we have G1 co-founders James Brown, Chris Canada, Brian Lewis, Jesse Colston, G1 contributors Henry Testet (CFB 365 (http://cfb365.blogspot.com/)), G1 wife Mrs Brown, as well as our friend Ritch from the South Carolina blog Leftover Hotdog (http://www.leftoverhotdog.com/).
We aren't bookmakers, so if you plan on using these picks for your own personal financial gain, take caution. (I'd stick with mine, heh...)
For the first time since 2001, Charlie Strong will not be coaching the Gators defense. Gone is a man who spent 16 years at UF, the last eight as coordinator. In his place is Teryl Austin, who might as well have come to UF off the side of a milk carton.
The expanded Big Ten will place Ohio State and Michigan into different divisions. The conference announced its divisional breakdown Wednesday night, though neither division has been named.
Drum roll, please ... On college football-mas eve, Dennis Dodd is finally here with his last preseason Top 25. The top two? The only teams that went undefeated last season, naturally.
These resources were too good for me not to include them in one easily-bookmarkable post.
Ever wonder about Florida Gators in the NFL? What about how many Florida Gators have made it to the NBA? How many are currently in those leagues? How many Florida Gators are playing in MLB?
Wonder no more. Just come right back here, and use these resources:
The next in my look at each BCS Conference's fantasy prospects is the Big Ten. Click here (http://gatorsfirst.com/index.php/florida-gators-sports-news/college-football/2010-college-fantasy-football-draft-guide.html) to see the other conferences.
Next up in my look at each BCS Conference's fantasy prospects is the Pac-10. You can see all the rest of the conferences here (http://gatorsfirst.com/index.php/florida-gators-sports-news/college-football/2010-college-fantasy-football-draft-guide.html).
Veteran football beat writer Robbie Andreu offers a prediction on who UF's top 10 offensive playmakers will be this season (not including quarterback).
Nike released a Gator-themed Pro Combat football uniform that will be worn at the game against the Georgia Bulldogs on October 30. (Photos by The Associated Press)
Former Gator All-American running back Errict Rhett introduces Florida's Nike Pro Combat Uniforms, to be worn when the Gators take on the Bulldogs on October 30th.
Amid all the concern and chaos, ambulance emergency lights and a resignation that turned into a leave of absence. Shelley Meyer knew one thing about Urban Meyer: “Something had to change.” (Photo by Doug Finger/Staff)
The NFL is investigating an explicit video of former UF star linebacker Brandon Spikes for a possible violation of the league's personal conduct policy. "We are looking into it," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told The Boston Herald.
The helmet: While it is orange and has the Gators script, the striping is removed. Instead is an alligator scales pattern. Verdict? Stupid.
The jersey: The alligator scales continue to the numbers. Also, Albert's logo on the left chest is replaced by the basketball team's word mark in the center chest. The collar patch looks like the patch on the Gator basketball jersey. The sleeves have shoulder numbers and another set of Gator scales with random flourishes. Verdict? Stupid.
The pants: If these were solid blue pants, it would be ok. Instead, there is an orange stripe that begins as solid then becomes an alligator print, then fades out. Verdict? Stupid.
Florida will wear these uniforms against Georgia on October 30.
Obviously, I am a uniform traditionalist, so the only way I would have liked this is if it was a throwback. Instead, they want the football team to look like the basketball team.
What do you think?
Poll
Are Florida's Nike Pro Combat uniforms good or stupid?
Good
Stupid
We continue our season preview, "Gators Rebuilding 2010." Until kickoff on Sept. 4 against Miami-Ohio, we will have a series of posts on players, positions and factors that will determine the Gators' success or failure this season. For all previous posts tagged as "Gators Rebuilding 2010" click here.
Florida's loss of Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap, combined with a stacked freshman class, was sure to create a lot of challenges on the defensive line. The challenge is one that a rebuilding team wants; finding playing time in the first two games to figure out a proper rotation.
Line coach Dan McCarney sees a 10-12 man rotation against Miami-Ohio on Saturday. If Florida flips between a 3-4, 4-3 and 3-3-5, a deep rotation will keep the team fresh for a 12pm kickoff and save some energy. Inside, Omar Hunter and Jaye Howard will be switched with Brandon Antwine, Sharrif Floyd and Lawrence Marsh. The key there is not for any of those linemen to be studs, but to hold their ground. We saw in the SEC Championship Game how Alabama ate up Florida's front, limiting the chances of UF's backers and secondary. Watching the next few games, look to see who is best at taking up a double team and holding the line. Getting in the backfield is a bonus.
The ends is where UF will be tested early. Justin Trattou and Duke Lemmens haven't shown the freakish ability that Cunningham and Dunlap had. That's not to say they won't. But I think most of us would agree that Ronald Powell and Dominique Easley would fit that mold. Plus, if UF goes to a 3-4, Powell and Easley become frighting outside linebackers. The Gators won't have their pass rush tested much this season (Alabama probably being the first good passing team), and part of this season is building to 2011.
The Gators may also try including Powell and Easley inside, as well as Jon Bostic and Neiron Ball as a stand-up nose. With this much youth, and a lack of knowing exactly who plays where, expect to see multiple looks and maybe a New York Jets-style defense that relies on confusion.
Drum roll, please ... On college football-mas eve, Dennis Dodd is finally here with his last preseason Top 25. The top two? The only teams that went undefeated last season, naturally.
It's finally here! Months of waiting, reading, waiting, trying to find other sports to fill the football void, disliking other sports for failing to fill the football void, waiting, and above all, months of speculating over things that couldn't be proven until September finally rolled around are over.
Football starts this week. I'm sure I didn't need to remind you of that though. For the Florida Gators, Saturday is the first game of a new era, game one, PT (Post-Tebow).
It's also game one, Post-Pouncey twins; game one, Post-Spikes; game one, Post-Haden; game one, Post-Dunlap; and game one, Post-everyone who caught a pass last season. Beyond all of that, this is the first time in two years that uncertainty has crept into the Florida depth chart.
On Friday Kasen Williams, a Top Five wide receiver from the 2011 recruiting class committed to Washington, staying in-state to attend the school both of his parents obtained their degrees from.
The No. 4 ranked Florida Gators begin the post-Tim Tebow era Saturday when the Miami Ohio RedHawks come to town. Tebow may go down as the best college football player of all-time, but Florida figures to be alright without him. All you have to do is look at Urban Meyer's record. The guy is 96-18 as a head coach, including 57-10 at Florida.
John Brantley admitted there will probably be some butterflies when he runs out of the tunnel of Florida Field for the first time as UF's starting quarterback.
Urban Meyer felt compelled to send Brantley's father, former UF quarterback John Brantley III, a text message. (Photo by Doug Finger/Staff photographer)
Tim Tebow's ill-fated dart into the end zone earlier this month sparked quite the conversation among his devotees and his haters alike: Can the former Florida star survive in the NFL if he doesn't tone down his bruising running style?
A new season is beginning. Tim Tebow will not be on the Florida sideline for the first time since the Outback Bowl victory over Iowa.
ESPN's Sunday Conversation with John Brantley (http://search.espn.go.com/s/overlay/video?searchString=sunday%20coversation''Tebow'' during one of our games, you may wind up seriously harmed (note: G1 does not recommend this. For anyone.)
With all that in mind, let's link all the Tebow-centric material we've posted over the years in one place, and all agree to move on.
Of course, when he does something amazing, or a statue of him is erected in Gainesville or something, we'll bring that news to you, too. And we'll link it right here in this post. But it is time to move on to the 2010 team, so let's get this out of the way...
We continue our season preview, "Gators Rebuilding 2010." Until kickoff on Sept. 4 against Miami-Ohio, we will have a series of posts on players, positions and factors that will determine the Gators' success or failure this season. For all previous posts tagged as "Gators Rebuilding 2010" click here.
Urban Meyer has said repeatedly that the Gators will look more traditional, a movement which actually began last season. The Gators in the last two seasons have been a fast backfield and great offensive line. We may want to throw the ball downfield, but the Gators will have a lot easier time of moving the ball in 5-6 yard bursts from the backfield.
Jeff Demps might be the benefactor of the Gators' throwback style. While Florida is likely to spread it around with Emmanuel Moody and Mike Gillislee, neither of them is the dynamic back that Demps is. Demps' world class speed can make him the difference maker for UF.
In his previous two seasons, Demps has averaged about 7.5 yards per carry. He has also moved from 78 to 99 carries (95 and 109 touches) from freshman to sophomore years. Here's the thing with Demps; at 5'8", 190 does he have the body for 125-150 touches? If Demps becomes the hot hand, will UF stick with him?
Aside from Percy Harvin and Aaron Hernandez, there has not be a UF player under Meyer that was seen as a hot hand. Those players, no matter the situation, were given a chance to make a play either by design or by Leak/Tebow. At running back, Meyer has rolled his players like a hockey line. Meyer will likely do that again. However, Demps has to be a focus.
If Demps becomes a star worthy of his talent, UF will win a lot of games. If the Gators get to the midway point as a running team, it will open up the offense and allow time for John Brantley and his receivers to develop. Florida will score in bunches and it will be from Demps becoming a star in Florida's offense.
For Florida volleyball fans looking to attend the second day of the Campus USA Credit Union Invitational and avoid parking shortages, the University Athletic Association will be offering free shuttle service to and from the matches from the Garage IX Parking Lot.
Next in my series looking at each BCS conference's fantasy options is the SEC. Click here (http://gatorsfirst.com/index.php/florida-gators-sports-news/college-football/2010-college-fantasy-football-draft-guide.html) to view the rest.
In August, I ranked the SEC's QBs here (http://gatorsfirst.com/index.php/florida-gators-sports-news/college-football/fantasy-rankings-for-the-sec-s-starting-qbs.html). Now, on to the sleepers...
GatorZone.com will be in New York on Wednesday to cover Nike's release of a Gator-themed Pro Combat uniform that will be worn for at least one game during the 2010 season.
This is the next in a series of looks at each BCS conferences' fantasy prospects. Check out all the rest here (http://gatorsfirst.com/index.php/florida-gators-sports-news/college-football/2010-college-fantasy-football-draft-guide.html).
Kelly Murphy was named the Sports Imports/American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Week for her outstanding performance at the Runza/AVCA Showcase, it was announced Tuesday by the Lexington, Ky., based organization.
Here are some links to help your Tuesday fly by a little quicker. Each of these links will help you improve your tailgate for the 2010 Season and probably make you salivate thinking of what Saturday holds and what Saturdays for the past 9 months haven't. Only 3 days and 23 hours till kickoff...
Once again, we will have an Alligator Army college football pick'em. To sign up, go to Yahoo college football pick'em private group and enter league ID: 20234 and password: army.
If you played last season, you should have received an invite for this season. Our prize for the pick'em champion is the "Gridiron Gators" DVD. One change from last season is that we are using the Yahoo default games (notable weekly games) and SEC games. This way, you will be picking every Florida game this season. Of course, we are picking with the spread.
When the players' votes were tallied, safety Ahmad Black, center Mike Pouncey, defensive ends Justin Trattou and Duke Lemmens, and linebacker A.J. Jones, all seniors, were named the captains of the 2010 Gators.
The selections of Black and Pouncey are no surprise considering they have been a couple of the media's go-to guys for interviews this summer.
As for Trattou and Lemmens, these two are shouldering a lot of responsibility for Florida both on and off the field this season as they try to replace Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap as the starting defensive ends.
The SEC Power Poll returns with a look at how stylish the SEC is. Rather than a poll based on who is the best team or which quarterback looks most like an idiot because of his Bama Bangs (sorry John Brantley), we're picking who will look the best on Saturday.
12. Arkansas: A traditional football school deserves a traditional jersey. Instead, Arkansas has arm piping and pit stains (comparison by Paul Lukas). The pit stains go up the back, too. The pants are not traditional either; the sides say "RAZORBACKS" with the Hog logo on the hip. This is the result of a new deal with Nike, but you would think someone in Arkansas would have stopped those pants from being made. As for the road jersey, it doesn't look good.
11. South Carolina: We won't even consider that they are hijacking "Carolina" from North Carolina and "USC" from Southern Cal. We will consider the terrible shoulder stripes, collarbone piping, uneven pant stripes and knee tusks. This uniform was designed by someone who didn't know when to quit. The piping should be removed and the shoulder striping should be traditional. The pant stripes need to match the garnet-black-garnet of the helmet stripe. The helmet is the only thing SC got right.
10. Mississippi State: You can't do much with maroon and black, but the Bulldogs did themselves no favors. The shoulder piping is unnecessary, especially when it wraps around. The jerseys don't need alternate color side panels either. Mississippi State could also use a cool Bulldog logo for their uniform.
9. Vanderbilt:Black suits look good. Black football uniforms do not. Vandy's black-on-black desperately needs pants striping. Actually, all of their pants could use striping. The jersey piping needs to go, since it wraps around to the back. However, Vandy does get points for the coolest logo.
8. Kentucky: Aside from random side panels, Kentucky has a traditional design. (The Wikipedia page notes shoulder piping, which is really how the jersey is cut, not an alternate color.) The pants are also a traditional design, with white-blue-white stripes on the blue pants and blue-white-blue on the white pants. The look could be improved with a helmet stripe. Overall, a solid traditional look.
7. Tennessee: My problem with Tennessee isn't the shade of orange. It's allowing black to become a part of the jersey. From black socks (comparison by Paul Lukas), to the black borders and black lettering, it is as if the Vols are Orange, Black and White. Get rid of the black and look like the Tennessee teams of old. As for the orange-on-orange look, I like it. Like the 1984 Padres, orange-on-orange is so ugly, it is cool.
6. Georgia: Georgia has a great uniform. The silver pants are a nice accent to bring out the black and white in the uniform, which is a classic look. The only problem is the traditional "G". Outside of the South, the "G" is for Green Bay. The Georgia "G" was made in 1964, three years after the Packers.
5. Florida: I have always thought UF looked awesome in blue-on-blue and white-on-white, especially when UF goes monochrome for big games (Tennessee, Georgia, LSU and FSU was blue-on-blue; Alabama, SC were white-on-white). I like that Urban Meyer canned the orange pants too. However, the helmet is cheesy. The script "Gators" is iconic now, but I would like to see this at least once a year.
4. Ole Miss: Between the navy and red, gray pants that are just enough of a reminder of their Confederate past and the shoulder stripes, Ole Miss has an awesome uniform set. My one critique would be the "Ole Miss" script on the helmet. I think a block "M" or a smaller "Ole Miss" so the logo isn't stacked would look good.
3. Auburn: Aside from tailoring changes and a modernized word mark, the Auburn uniform is the same as it was 40 years ago. The helmet logo is still the interlocking AU and the jersey is uncluttered. The simple set is classic.
2. Alabama: One of the simplest uniforms is also one of the best. Although, I would love to see Alabama wear a throwback white helmet with their white-on-white set. Bama, like UF, will wear a Nike Pro Combat uniform this season. However, the Bama set is supposed to be traditional looking.
1. LSU: The Tigers have the best uniform in the SEC. The shoulder striping, the helmet stripe that matches the pants stripe, the classic "LSU" helmet with the Tiger head, and always wearing white make this set the best. No team does more with less. There is no alternate jersey or white pants, either. The additions of the fleur de lis and Louisiana state flag to the LSU helmet in recent years are a nice touch, too.
