I just can't see ARK being much of a threat this year. In my opinion they lost too many of the complimentary pieces (especially now with Monk being sidelined) and are going to have a rough time. If I turn out to be wrong on this it will likely be because they figured out how to effectively use their 2nd RB alongside McFadden to keep the D guessing enough to open up some space (probably shjould have said more effectively as they did a good job at times last year).
On the other hand, if they would have come out against AL last year with a pound it out gameplan (like they learned to do shortly thereafter)I don't think it would have been near as close. Perhaps having an all or nothing game plan will prove to be effective.
Whwen it is all said and done, I think NS can handle this one. It is some of the more balanced teams that will force him to take chances here and there that could swing a game either way.
Looking at our schedule, I think Arkansas will be our biggest win. We're catching them at the right time with a new coordinator, injuries, and new players at many positions and I think Saban's defense will be able to stop a team who you know is only capable of doing one thing no matter what kind of talent they have with that "one thing". Jones and McFadden are great, but last year was a perfect storm for Nutt more than anything else.
My Predictions:
Western Carolina - W
Vanderbilt - W
Arkansas - W
Georgia - L (Upset potential, UGA's first road test)
Florida State - L
Houston (HC) - W
Ole Miss - W
Tennessee - L (Upset potential, Rivalry all-bets-off sort of thing)
LSU - L
Mississippi State - W
Louisiana-Monroe - W
Auburn - L (Upset potential, again a Rivalry)
Final Regular Season Record: 7-5
I think we have three games that we
should lose but could win because of the circumstances behind the game. I think FSU and LSU are pretty solid Ls. FSU's defense will be able to cause enough problems that our defense will get exploited. LSU is a far superior team. Vandy is our early season landmine game, but I think our offense will win in a shoot-out.