after that it gets a little more bunched up. The top 3 would have to be
1)Richardson
2)Lattimore
3)Davis
The order could be debated but those 3 would have to be the favorites going in.
Behind them it gets a little harder
4)Ballard/Perkins - Not sure here due to Sherrod leaving and Ballard having to split time with Perkins. I think Perkins is going to have a much better year in 2011 as Mullen looks for more ways to get the ball in his hands. In fact I would say there's an outside shot that Perkins winds up with more yards than Ballard especially more all purpose yards. With the losses on our O-line I think we will have to turn a little more to screen plays and outside running which better suits Perkins. Ballard will no doubt have more touchdown runs at seasons end and I'm sure he will still get his fair share of rushing yards too. It will be interesting to say the least.
5)Dyer - Take into account the loss of Auburn's entire offensive line, couple that with the departure of Newton and I'm not sure Dyer will look very good at all. There's no doubt he's as talented as any of the backs in the SEC, but no other back will have to deal with the loss of personnel that Dyer will have to deal with. With defenses not having to worry about Newton they will be able to key on Dyer who won't find many holes with a totally revamped O-line. Auburn better find a passing game in a hurry for Dyer to have a shot a putting up big numbers.
Or
5)Bolden - Another tough one to call. One thing is for sure though, Ole Miss will need Bolden to have a big time year rushing the ball in order for them to be effective. While they are not in as bad a shape as Auburn, they will also need to sure up some issues with their O-line and settle in with yet another new qb in 2011. Bolden must find some running room to keep defenses at bay making them think twice about sending the house on every down. Personally I believe Bolden is good enough and will find those seams which is the only reason I will be picking Ole Miss to make to a small bowl next year.
On a side note, while there's no mention of the stable of running backs at LSU in this thread I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see someone have a breakout season for them. LSU is returning a lot of players and will be very good.
There is little to no doubt the SEC West will be the strongest division in college football once again. I believe every team in the west will be bowling in 2011 which should make for some great football to watch during the regular season. Not only that, but all the teams in the west will more than likely be leaning even more on running versus passing. I predict there will be a lot of helmets flying off of players heads come next fall.
Can't wait!
