Something from Ed Aschoff’s post today on SEC spring preview questions:
8. Are any teams in the SEC really pegged for a national championship run?
The SEC has a handful of contenders, but none of them are polished to this point. Two favorites to watch? How about Auburn and Georgia? The Bulldogs still need to find a quarterback but might be the most complete SEC [sic] otherwise. Running back Nick Chubb seems willing to carry the offense, while the defense should fill its current holes nicely this spring.
That’s quite an assumption, isn’t it?
I mean, Pruitt did a good job last season masking the deficiencies in the secondary. As mentioned earlier today, he’s got some real talent to work with at outside linebacker. I’m also a believer in second-year improvements. But he’s got a monumental job replacing a lot of experience on the defensive line. He’s also got to replace two inside linebackers who, despite their flaws, were mainstays for the defense.
At least he’s got experienced players to plug the gaps created with the departures of Herrera and Wilson. On the defensive line, though, he’s got to find some freshmen who can, if not start, at least shore up the two-deep significantly. How realistic do you think Aschoff is being here?