Georgia Bulldogs

Let’s face it. Nobody ever has a bad signing class.

Can you imagine a coach standing up at his post-signing day news conference and proclaiming that that particular class simply didn’t measure up?

However, according to the ESPN Recruiting team, none of the 14 SEC schools finished with lower than a B- this year. Not only that, but seven schools received an A or A-.

So, somebody’s doing something right in this league.

Here’s a look back at a few superlatives from signing day:

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The SEC has the reputation of being the toughest conference to play/coach in. But what is it like to be in charge of one of these high-profile programs?

That's where we come in. As we take a deeper look into programs around the country this week, we're looking at how each program stacks up in every conference. In the SEC, there's always a fierce arms race going on, and getting left behind can be dangerous.

Today, we're ranking each coaching job in the SEC. We considered a lot of factors, including location, tradition, support, fan bases, facilities and recruiting access.

Here's how we ranked all 14 SEC jobs.

1. Florida: For starters, Florida is all about location, location, location. It's in a state that produces some of the country's top talent and it's a state that players around the country will flock to. Thanks to Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, Florida has become a national brand like Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame and Texas. Recent significant facility upgrades and a tremendous fan base have only helped this be the top job in the SEC.

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ESPN’s GatorNation brings you the 30 things you need to know about Florida’s upcoming 2012 season. For 30 weekdays, we’ll preview games, talk about trends, spotlight players and positions, and give you pretty much everything you need to know to be ready for the season before the Sept. 1 opener against Bowling Green.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Let’s face it, the Florida-Georgia rivalry had gotten boring.

Florida’s lopsided victories in the 1990s and relatively uneventful games in the early 2000s had turned what was once one of the most bitter rivalries in college football into just another game.

But things have heated up again over the past five years -- thanks in part to some questionable actions -- and now the rivalry between the SEC schools is as intense as ever. Players danced, eyes were almost gouged, and the infamous choke sign made an appearance.

Oh, yeah, and there’s the matter of Florida’s coach having played at Georgia, too.

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It's Moving Day No. 2 on the blog network today, and the Aggies are following Missouri out the door into the SEC blog today. We introduced the Aggies to the SEC earlier, but now it's time to debate.

The Aggies' move to the SEC was more about having the program grow in brand-new soil, whereas Missouri's move was more about conference stability.

Will the Aggies thrive? SEC blogger Chris Low and Big 12 blogger David Ubben go head to head to find out.

Chris Low: OK, David, let's not tiptoe around. This is a big-boy conference in the SEC with big-boy stakes. I know everything is supposedly bigger in the state of Texas, but do the Aggies really know what they're getting themselves into? For one, they tend to play all four quarters in the SEC. Judging by what I saw from the Aggies last season, somebody might want to remind them that there is a second half. Come to think of it, that's not very hospitable of me. I take that back. But, honestly, how do you think the Aggies will handle the grind of this league?

David Ubben: Now, now, Chris, that's not very nice. The Aggies are ...

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We’ve picked nearly 100 football games this season, and we’re dead even.

I’m 83-14 for a .856 percentage, and so is my soccer-loving colleague, Edward Aschoff. You know him best as the ATL Kid.

There was a time, not long ago, that he held a three-game lead. Something says you’re already well aware of that given how much he crowed about it.

But that was then, and this is now.

It’s bowl season, meaning it’s time to separate the pretenders from the contenders … and the rookies from the veterans.

Edward has fought the good fight. He’s learned not to pick his alma mater, Florida, every week, and he’s not basing his picks solely on how his Xbox games turn out anymore.

Hey, he’s picked enough games now that he’s no longer a rookie. We don’t use youth as an excuse on the SEC blog like some coaches in this league have been known to do.

We’ll kick off our picks with the non-BCS bowls and will come back in a week or so with our prediction in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game.

Enough talking, though. It’s showtime:

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Dec. 30)

Mississippi State (6-6) vs. Wake Forest (6-6)

Edward Aschoff: The Bulldogs didn't exactly have the year they expected, as offensive-line injuries and offensive inefficiency doomed them. They also enter this one with quarterback issues. Wake Forest started hot, but lost four of its final five, including a 41-7 defeat to Vanderbilt. Mississippi State's defense surprised most this year and will be the difference. ... Mississippi State 20, Wake Forest 17

Chris Low: Both teams just did squeeze into the postseason, but Wake Forest was really wobbling there at the end. The Deacons' only victories since the second week of October came over Duke and Maryland. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, were playing their best defense when the regular season ended, and that will be the difference in Nashville. … Mississippi State 31, Wake Forest 17

AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Dec. 31)

Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6)

Edward Aschoff: Vandy enters its first bowl game since 2008 with some nice momentum. James Franklin has turned the Commodores into a pretty tough team with some attitude. It looks like the Bearcats will have starting quarterback Zach Collaros back from his broken ankle, but while Cincinnati won a share of the Big East championship, this Vandy defense will be too jacked up and aggressive for the Bearcats. ... Vanderbilt 27, Cincinnati 21

Chris Low: It looks like Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros will be back for the bowl game after breaking his ankle in November. The Commodores’ defense will be ready no matter who lines up under center, and an improved Vanderbilt offense will make enough big plays to carve out only the third bowl victory in school history. … Vanderbilt 28, Cincinnati 24

Chick-fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31)

Virginia (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5)

Edward Aschoff: These teams mirrored each other at times this season. Both won close games and were loaded with youth. However, Auburn's youngsters hit the wall at the midpoint of the season, while Virginia almost made the ACC title game. Coach Gene Chizik is now coaching Auburn's very subpar defense and star running back Michael Dyer is suspended. Advantage Cavaliers. ... Virginia 31, Auburn 17

Chris Low: It’s been hectic around the Plains lately. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof left for the same job at UCF, meaning Gene Chizik is running the defense for the time being. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is leaving for the Arkansas State head job after the bowl, and the Tigers’ only consistent offensive threat during the season, sophomore running back Michael Dyer, is suspended. The Cavaliers smell blood in the water, but Chizik loses bowl games about as often as he loses close games. … Auburn 27, Virginia 21

TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl (Jan. 2)

Ohio State (6-6) vs. Florida (6-6)

Edward Aschoff: All anyone will be talking about in this one is Urban Meyer ... and he isn't even coaching. His former team (Florida) takes on his future team (Ohio State). Both teams really struggled on offense this season, but the Gators' defense ranks ninth nationally. Florida should be motivated to play the Buckeyes, but even with a new man calling the offensive shots, nothing tells us the offense will look any different. ... Ohio State 20, Florida 13

Chris Low: There’s no truth to the rumor that Urban Meyer will conduct the coin toss. In fact, he’s not even supposed to be at the game. He will be in spirit, though. Both teams have had forgettable seasons, although the Gators’ defense deserved better. At the end of the day, it’s Ohio State vs. an SEC team in a bowl game, and we all know how that movie ends. … Florida 21, Ohio State 17

Outback Bowl (Jan. 2)

Michigan State (10-3) vs. Georgia (10-3)

Edward Aschoff: The Bulldogs were one of the hottest teams in the country before getting blasted by LSU in the SEC championship game. Michigan State was also a victory away from the Rose Bowl. Both sport top-five defenses and fun offenses. This one could be one of the top bowl games of the year and should come down to the very end with Georgia squeaking by. ... Georgia 27, Michigan State 24

Chris Low: If you like rock-solid defense, this is your game. Georgia is ranked No. 3 nationally in total defense, Michigan State No. 5. The question is: Which offense can find a way to move the ball and score some points? The Spartans averaged 38.6 points over their final five games, and the Kirk Cousins-to-B.J. Cunningham connection was lethal. But Aaron Murray has an array of targets and will use them all in this game. … Georgia 30, Michigan State 21

Capital One Bowl (Jan. 2)

Nebraska (9-3) vs. South Carolina (10-2)

Edward Aschoff: The Gamecocks haven't been very good in bowl games, losing three straight. While Nebraska had its own bowl issues last year, barely showing up in the Holiday Bowl. Both teams really know how to run the ball, but South Carolina's defense has fed on offenses for most of the year. With all those athletes up front, the Gamecocks will end their postseason woes against the Huskers. ... South Carolina 27, Nebraska 20

Chris Low: It’s always risky to pick the Gamecocks in a bowl game, especially when you consider that they’ve lost their past three and didn’t come close to playing a decent game in any of the three. But the Head Ball Coach is doing things at South Carolina that have never been done before, and he has a defense that’s capable of dominating games. The Gamecocks will find a way to grind it out and accomplish another first – winning 11 games in a season. … South Carolina 24, Nebraska 20

AT&T Cotton Bowl (Jan. 6)

Kansas State (10-2) vs. Arkansas (10-2)

Edward Aschoff: Both of these squads looked BCS-worthy, but didn't make it to the party. Still, this game should have people glued to their TV sets. The Razorbacks and the Wildcats know how to move the ball, while their defenses had a lot of bend in them this year. There shouldn't be any shortage of points, but if this one turns into a shootout, Arkansas is better equipped when it comes to talent. ... Arkansas 34, Kansas State 28

Chris Low: Both of these teams feel like they should be playing in a BCS bowl game, although it doesn’t get much better than Cowboys Stadium and the Cotton Bowl. The Hogs’ big problem this season was that they happened to be in the same division as Alabama and LSU. Kansas State was one of the surprise stories of the college football season, but the Wildcats won’t be able to keep up with the Hogs. … Arkansas 38, Kansas State 24

Slowly but surely, I’m creeping back into it.

You don’t make up a three-game deficit in a week, not in this league.

You might in the ACC, but not in the SEC.

The Kid (you know him as Edward Aschoff on the SEC blog) had a good first half of the season. I’ll give him his due. He’s probably had one too many soccer balls bounce off his head, but his picks were on the money those first six weeks.

But these next six or seven weeks are when you win championships. They don’t award any trophies for what you do the first half of the season.

You would have thought that his mentor, Urban Meyer, would have taught him that.

I mean, come on. The Kid is celebrating like he just won Game 7 of the World Series. I bet he already has the champagne in his Atlanta apartment. He probably even has his furniture covered with plastic.

I just hope he hasn’t already invited all his friends over (Yes, Meyer is on the invite list) and paid for all the hors d’oeuvres.

Last week, I was 6-0 and The Kid was 5-1. He missed on Georgia’s 20-12 win over Tennessee.

For the season, The Kid is 44-7 (.863) and I’m 42-9 (.824).

Two other points before we turn our attention to this week’s picks: From now on, he will be known simply as “The Kid.” It’s the same as Dan Mullen referring to Ole Miss as the “school up north." Also, the NCAA’s investigation of Auburn might have concluded, but don’t let The Kid fool you. The NCAA has already rented out an apartment right around the block from where The Kid lives in the ATL and is still asking a lot of questions.

Let’s pick some football:

No. 2 ALABAMA at OLE MISS

Edward Aschoff: This is another game that has that trap-game feel, but like LSU, Alabama isn't going to give in. When Nick Saban is your head coach, thinking ahead isn't a possibility. Ole Miss has struggled on offense and Alabama's defense has suffocated all in its path. And the Rebels are bad at stopping the run, and Trent Richardson is one of the best running backs around. It could be a long day for the Oxford faithful. ... Alabama 38, Ole Miss 7

Chris Low: Ole Miss has had an extra week to prepare for this game. But, then, the Rebels could have three or four extra weeks, and it wouldn’t matter with the way Alabama is playing right now. The Crimson Tide are suffocating on defense and equally dominant in their offensive line. That’s a scary combination for everybody they play. … Alabama 31, Ole Miss 3

GEORGIA at VANDERBILT

Edward Aschoff: Georgia is riding a four-game winning streak and has rediscovered the impressive defense we expect to see from the Dawgs in the process. The Bulldogs are right back in the East race and can't afford to slow down now. Vanderbilt is still trying to figure out a way to get the offense going and entering this game with quarterback drama isn't a good start. ... Georgia 35, Vanderbilt 10

Chris Low: Georgia will be without big-play receiver Malcolm Mitchell, who has a hamstring injury. So you can bet that Vanderbilt will load the box and dare the Bulldogs to beat them deep. The Commodores are good enough defensively to keep this game close at home, but haven’t scored a touchdown since Sept. 17. The Bulldogs are at the top of their game defensively right now and will see to it that their winning streak extends to five in a row. … Georgia 24, Vanderbilt 10

No. 1 LSU at TENNESSEE

Edward Aschoff: LSU is fresh off of clobbering Florida and its backup quarterback and runs into another team throwing its backup into the fire in Tennessee. With the Vols banged-up on offense, you would think this game would wreak of the stench of a letdown for the Tigers, but this team is too focused on its championship goals ahead to slip up in Knoxville. ... LSU 31, Tennessee 14

Chris Low: Tennessee quarterback Matt Simms had to play against all of the tough teams last season and was then benched in favor of Tyler Bray when the Vols got to the softer part of their schedule. With Bray injured, Simms gets another shot … against LSU this week and Alabama the next. The Vols can’t run the football at all, which plays right into the Tigers’ hands. … LSU 34, Tennessee 13

No. 15 SOUTH CAROLINA at MISSISSIPPI STATE

Edward Aschoff: The Gamecocks head to Starkville with their new quarterback in Connor Shaw. They also head in with clear minds now that Stephen Garcia is gone. These players had his back until the end and now they can go on without him. Expect this team to be more than ready for a struggling Mississippi State team with its own quarterback issues. ... South Carolina 31, Mississippi State 13

Chris Low: It’s been an eventful week at South Carolina. Stephen Garcia was kicked off the team, and Steve Spurrier went off on a columnist from The State newspaper. The Head Ball Coach can only hope his team is as fired up Saturday as he was on Tuesday. It’s Connor Shaw’s first start in an SEC road game, and that’s always tough. Plus, Mississippi State is due to finally play a good game against somebody that counts. The Bulldogs are better than they’ve been playing and will find a way to break through against the Gamecocks. … Mississippi State 28, South Carolina 24

FLORIDA at No. 24 AUBURN

Edward Aschoff: This game could make or break both of these teams. A win for either could mean the difference between a six-win season and an eight-win season. Florida's offense has been a shell of its former self in the past two weeks, while Auburn is looking for yet another defensive rebound after Arkansas' passing game went off last week. Having home-field advantage at night will give the Tigers the edge in the end. ... Auburn 23, Florida 17

Chris Low: Auburn is sticking with junior Barrett Trotter at quarterback, and Florida is trying to decide between a pair of true freshmen – Jeff Driskel or Jacoby Brissett. What this game is going to come down to is key defensive stops in the second half, and nobody is better at winning close games and getting it done in the fourth quarter than Auburn. … Auburn 24, Florida 21