Sizing Up the SEC...
As the lazy days of summer set in, and we all try to maintain our respective productive measures (whether billable hours, sales figures or consecutive episodes of the Surreal Life), I submit that the best way to get our productive (and competitive) energies flowing is to begin talking about that one topic that exceeds all others, and for which we yearn its return: SEC Football.
Yes, gentlemen (and perhaps the occasional female passer-by), it is just about that time of year again. That time where young ladies and young men, dressed to the 9's, gather at their respective tailgating grounds (whether it is the Grove in Oxford, Denny Chimes in Tuschaloosa, the Cockabooses in Columbia or the Vol Navy in Knoxville) for their Saturday (and sometimes Thursday evening) pre-game libations. That time where the world seems to stand still and the greatest games ever played commence. Oh yes, that time of year where even those strange folks from Louisianna and Arkansas get to join in the games played by the refined folks of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Mississippi. And yes, even a school from a pure border state--Kentucky--gets to join in. However, I am sure that if you ask Kentucky fans, they would rather that their SEC Football season was traded in for 12 extra basketball games, or maybe this past year, 12 extra baseball games. And finally, it is that time of year where the Head Ball Coach (formerly the Ole Ball Coach), Steve Spurrier, begins poking fun at his round bellied buddy, Phat Phil. (Note, I am fond of old Phil and the Vols, but it is darn funny to see Spurrier get Phil madder than a wet hen with a simple offhand comment).
Therefore, I suggest we submit our respective picks for the upcoming SEC Football season. Preferably, each pick should be broken down by division (East and West), and should contain a pick for the SEC Championship Game as well. While there is no pecuniary prize, there is good old pride on the line.
So, gentlemen, start your picks.
(My picks are forthcoming).
W. Paul Whitt