2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: Vanderbilt

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. Morehead State
vs. Illinois
vs. Middle Tennessee State***
vs. Central Arkansas – Cancun Challenge (Nashville, Tennessee)
vs. Drake – Cancun Challenge (Cancun, Mexico)
vs. New Mexico/VCU – Cancun Challenge (Cancun, Mexico)***
vs. Illinois-Chicago
@ Georgia Tech
vs. Alabama A&M
vs. USF – SEC/Big East Challenge (Nashville, Tennessee)
vs. Tennessee Tech
vs. Furman
vs. Saint Francis (PA)
@ Massachusetts***
———-
@ Kentucky
vs. Georgia
@ Mississippi State
vs. Tennessee
vs. Florida
@ South Carolina
@ Auburn
vs. Alabama
vs. Ole Miss
@ Tennessee
vs. Kentucky
@ Florida
@ Georgia
vs. South Carolina
@ LSU
vs. Arkansas

The ‘Dores’ non-conference schedule will spin up the ol’ hype machine, but the team’s RPI will be very weak. I’ve got them going (24-6) and (9-7) and around a 4 or 5 seed in the tournament…possibly lower considering the RPI.

2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: Tennessee

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. Chattanooga
vs. UT-Martin
@ Middle Tennessee State
vs. Siena – Old Spice Classic (Orlando, Florida)***
vs. UNC-Asheville
@ Temple***
vs. Marquette – SEC/Big East Challenge (Nashville, Tennessee)***
vs. Belmont
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
@ Kansas
vs. Gonzaga***
———-
@ Georgia
vs. Kentucky
vs. South Carolina
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Memphis
vs. LSU
vs. Florida
@ Arkansas
@ Auburn
vs. Georgia
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Ole Miss
@ Kentucky
vs. Mississippi State
@ Florida
@ South Carolina
vs. Alabama

The Vols are in for another huge season, and their fans are hoping for a deep run into the NCAA’s this year. I’ve got the orange going (25-5) and (13-3), and around a 2 or 3 seed in the tournament.

2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: South Carolina

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. Jacksonville State
vs. Winthrop***
vs. USC-Upstate
vs. Gardner-Webb
@ College of Charleston***
@ Princeton
vs. Furman
vs. UNC-Central
vs. The Citadel
vs. Presbyterian
vs. Clemson
@ Baylor
vs. Wofford
———-
vs. Auburn
@ LSU
@ Tennessee
vs. Florida
vs. Ole Miss
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Kentucky
@ Florida
vs. Georgia
@ Alabama
@ Mississippi State
vs. Arkansas
vs. Kentucky
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Tennessee
@ Georgia

USC looks to challenge LSU as the SEC’s breakout team, predicted to finish (19-10) and (8-8) overall, although an extremely weak RPI could hold the Gamecocks to a 1 or 2 seed in the NIT.

2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: Ole Miss

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. Arkansas State
vs. South Alabama***
vs. Utah – Glenn Wilkes Classic (Daytona Beach, Florida)***
vs. Marshall – Glenn Wilkes Classic (Daytona Beach, Florida)
vs. UCF
vs. Morgan State
vs. West Virginia***
@ New Orleans
@ New Mexico
vs. Alabama State
vs. Louisville – SEC/Big East Invitational (Cincinatti, Ohio)
vs. Florida A&M
@ Southern Miss***
vs. Nicholls
———-
@ Florida
vs. Arkansas
vs. LSU
@ Alabama
@ South Carolina
vs. Kentucky
@ Mississippi State
vs. Auburn
@ Vanderbilt
@ LSU
vs. Tennessee
vs. Georgia
@ Auburn
vs. Alabama
@ Arkansas
vs. Mississippi State

A solid performance for a team that loses nearly every frontcourt producer, the Rebels look at (17-13) and (7-9), likely enough for a 3 or 4 seed in the NIT, although a win in the league tournament would help the team’s cause.

2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: Mississippi State

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. Centenary
vs. Louisiana-Monroe
vs. North Alabama – Legends Tournament (Starkville, Miss.)
vs. Fairleigh Dickinson – Legends Tournament (Starkville, Miss.)
@ St. Bonaventure
vs. Washington State – Legends Tournament (Newark, N.J.)***
vs. Pittsburgh/Texas Tech – Legends Tournament (Newark, N.J.)***
vs. Alabama State
vs. Charlotte***
vs. South Alabama
@ Cincinatti – Big East vs. SEC Challenge
vs. Nicholls State (Jackson, Mississippi)
vs. San Diego
vs. Houston
vs. Western Kentucky
———-
@ Arkansas
vs. Alabama
vs. Vanderbilt
@ LSU
@ Georgia
vs. Ole Miss
@ Kentucky
vs. Arkansas
vs. LSU
@ Auburn
vs. South Carolina
@ Alabama
@ Tennessee
vs. Auburn
vs. Florida
@ Ole Miss

The Bulldogs are looking at (21-10) and (8-8) overall, another solid year and enough to ride alongside the Tigers as a 9 or 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: LSU

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. Jackson State
vs. Alcorn State – LSU Invitational (Baton Rouge, LA)
vs. Northwestern State – LSU Invitational (Baton Rouge, LA)
vs. Centenary – LSU Invitational (Baton Rouge, LA)
vs. Troy – LSU Invitational (Baton Rouge, LA)
vs. Cal State Fullerton
vs. Grambling
vs. Nicholls State
@ Texas A&M
vs. McNeese State
vs. Washington State***
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. Southeastern Louisiana
@ Utah***
vs. Xavier
———-
@ Alabama
vs. South Carolina
@ Ole Miss
vs. Mississippi State
vs. Xavier***
@ Tennessee
vs. Arkansas
@ Georgia
vs. Alabama
@ Mississippi State
vs. Ole Miss
@ Arkansas
vs. Auburn
vs. Florida
@ Kentucky
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Auburn

The Tigers should take a huge step forward this season, with an extreme amount of experience and talent (although, the depth is lacking) in a weak Western division. I’ve got the Tigers going (21-10) and (8-8), good enough to squeak into the NCAA Tournament as a 9 or 10 seed with a solid RPI.

2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: Kentucky

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. VMI
@ North Carolina
vs. Deleware State – FTLV Invitational (Lexington, Kentucky)
vs. Longwood – FTLV Invitational (Lexington, Kentucky)
vs. Kansas State – FTLV Invitational (Las Vegas, Nevada)
vs. West Virginia/Iowa – FTLV Invitational (Las Vegas, Nevada)***
vs. Lamar
vs. Miami***
vs. Mississippi Valley State
vs. Indiana
vs. Appalachian State (Louisville, Kentucky)
vs. Tennessee State
vs. Florida Atlantic
vs. Central Michigan
@ Louisville
———-
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Tennessee
@ Georgia
vs. Auburn
@ Alabama
@ Ole Miss
vs. South Carolina
vs. Mississippi State
vs. Florida
@ Arkansas
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Tennessee
@ South Carolina
vs. LSU
vs. Georgia
@ Florida

This would be a step up for the Wildcats overall at (22-8) and (11-5), although the conference record is slightly worse after losing so much backcourt firepower. That would be enough for a solid 5 or 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, considering their impressive strength of schedule.

2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: Georgia

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. USC-Upstate
vs. Loyola-Chicago – NIT Season Tip-Off (West Lafayette, Indiana)
vs. Presbyterian
@ Western Kentucky***
@ Illinois***
vs. Virginia Tech
vs. Wofford
vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
vs. N.C. A&T
vs. Kennessaw State
vs. Missouri
@ Georgia Tech
———-
vs. Tennessee
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Kentucky
vs. Mississippi State
@ Florida
@ Alabama
vs. LSU
@ South Carolina
@ Tennessee
vs. Florida
vs. Auburn
@ Ole Miss
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Arkansas
@ Kentucky
vs. South Carolina

This would give the Dawgs a (15-13) and (5-11) record, again leaving UGA out of the postseason and escorting Felton out the doors.

2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: Florida

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. Toledo
vs. Bradley
vs. Southern Utah
vs. Syracuse – TBA (Kansas City, Missouri)***
vs. Missouri-Kansas City (Orlando, FL)
vs. Florida A&M
@ Florida State***
vs. Florida-Gulf Coast
@ UCF
vs. Georgia Southern
vs. Winthrop (Sunrise, FL)
vs. Stetson
vs. N.C. State
vs. Longwood
———-
vs. Ole Miss
@ Auburn
vs. Arkansas
@ South Carolina
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Georgia
@ Tennessee
vs. South Carolina
@ Kentucky
@ Georgia
vs. Alabama
vs. Vanderbilt
@ LSU
vs. Tennessee
@ Mississippi State
vs. Kentucky

The Gator sophs stand at (25-5) and (12-4), enough for a 2-3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, depending on their performance in the league tournament.

2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: Auburn

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. Missouri State
vs. Mercer
vs. George Washington
vs. Bethune Cookman
vs. Dayton***
vs. Northern Iowa***
@ Xavier
vs. LA-Monroe
vs. Tuskegee
@ Virginia***
vs. Alabama State
vs. Alabama A&M***
vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. Tulane
———-
@ South Carolina
vs. Florida
vs. Alabama
@ Kentucky
@ Arkansas
vs. Texas-Pan American
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Ole Miss
vs. Tennessee
vs. Arkansas
vs. Mississippi State
@ Georgia
@ LSU
vs. Ole Miss
@ Mississippi State
@ Alabama
vs. LSU

The Tigers from the plains look to go (14-17) and (3-13), at the bottom of the SEC again. This should be Lebo’s final year at the helm.

2008-09 SEC Schedule breakdowns: Arkansas

Wins in bold, losses in italics, and toss-ups are marked with asterisks.

vs. Southeastern Louisiana***
vs. UC-Davis
@ Missouri State
@ South Alabama
vs. Florida A&M
vs. Texas Southern
vs. UNC-Central
Austin Peay – Jim Thorpe Classic (Fayetteville, Arkansas)***
Stephen F. Austin – Jim Thorpe Classic (Fayetteville, Arkansas)***
vs. Northwestern State
vs. Oklahoma
vs. North Texas (North Little Rock, Arkansas)
vs. Texas
———-
vs. Mississippi State
@ Ole Miss
@ Florida
vs. Auburn
vs. Alabama
@ LSU
vs. Tennessee
@ Mississippi State
@ Auburn
vs. Kentucky
vs. LSU
@ South Carolina
@ Alabama
vs. Georgia
vs. Ole Miss
@ Vanderbilt

This puts the Razorbacks at (14-15) and (5-11), rebuilding after losing a significant amount of talent and without a postseason bid.

2008-09 Schedule breakdowns: Alabama

Some notes as we get started with these…

These non-conference picks take into account MANY things, including schedule placement (before or after a big game), home or away, loss of players, amount of leaders on the team, and even a bit of randomness as well. So if your team is predicted to lose a game that you believe they won’t – understand it’s not because I don’t think your team is better, but that every team loses games they shouldn’t because of random variables.

Conference-wise, my plan was to get a general feel beforehand about the record each team would achieve, and take that as an idea towards my picks, but not as a solid rule.

There may be (hopefully not) a few mistakes in games’ locations. If you catch one, please let me know and I’ll correct it. Also, I will not be predicting games in which at least the team’s opponent is one of two teams, such as in-season tournament finals and such.

Overall records reflect just regular-season games, and not postseason games nor the previously mentioned games in which the opponent isn’t at least one of two teams. Thus, they will not be entirely accurate in the amount of total games.

Lastly, please feel free to ask questions and give your predictions or opinions as comments, I’ll be sure to respond quickly!

Wins are in bold, losses are in italics. An asterisk is for toss-up games, and I did not classify SEC games as tossups because nearly every game would be one.

These for Alabama.

vs. Mercer
vs. Florida A&M
vs. Oregon – Maui Invitational (Maui, Hawaii)
vs. North Carolina/Chaminade – Maui Invitational (Maui, Hawaii)
vs. TBA – Maui Invitational (Maui, Hawaii)
vs. Alabama A&M
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. Texas A&M***
vs. Tennessee State
vs. Chattanooga***
vs. Yale
vs. Quincy
vs. Georgia Tech
@ Clemson
———-
vs. LSU
@ Mississippi State
@ Auburn
vs. Ole Miss
vs. Kentucky
@ Arkansas
vs. Georgia
@ Vanderbilt
@ LSU
vs. South Carolina
@ Florida
vs. Mississippi State
vs. Arkansas
@ Ole Miss
vs. Auburn
@ Tennessee

This gives the Tide an (18-11) record overall and (8-8) in the conference. UA would likely need a win or two in the SEC Tournament to bolster their NCAA resume, otherwise the squad would end up as a 1-2 seed in the NIT.

SEC Schedules: Vanderbilt

vs. Morehead State
vs. Illinois
vs. Middle Tennessee State
vs. Central Arkansas – Cancun Challenge (Nashville, Tennessee)
vs. Drake – Cancun Challenge (Cancun, Mexico)
vs. New Mexico/VCU – Cancun Challenge (Cancun, Mexico)
vs. Illinois-Chicago
@ Georgia Tech
vs. Alabama A&M
vs. USF – SEC/Big East Challenge (Nashville, Tennessee)
vs. Tennessee Tech
vs. Furman
vs. Saint Francis (PA)
@ Massachusetts
———-
@ Mississippi State
@ Auburn
vs. Alabama
vs. Ole Miss
@ LSU
vs. Arkansas

Granted Vanderbilt has lost some huge pieces, and none larger than SEC Player of the Year Shan Foster, but this schedule is barely better than South Carolina’s embarassment. Only a trip to the Cancun Challenge presents any real trouble, although a trip to UMass could be trouble if the team isn’t focused.

The Commodores’ schedule versus the West is average, with trips to MSU and LSU, but Alabama and Ole Miss at home.

SEC Schedules: Tennessee

vs. Chattanooga
vs. UT-Martin
@ Middle Tennessee State
vs. Siena – Old Spice Classic (Orlando, Florida)
TBA – Old Spice Classic (Orlando, Florida)
TBA – Old Spice Classic (Orlando, Florida)
vs. UNC-Asheville
@ Temple
vs. Marquette – SEC/Big East Challenge (Nashville, Tennessee)
vs. Belmont
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
@ Kansas
vs. Gonzaga
vs. Memphis
———-
vs. LSU
@ Arkansas
@ Auburn
@ Ole Miss
vs. Mississippi State
vs. Alabama

Apparently trying to surpass Kentucky as the SEC’s most insane scheduling year in and year out, and undoubtedly perturbed about missing a top seed a year ago, coach Bruce Pearl has absolutely gone over the top with this year’s schedule. Some of the nation’s top mid-major names are mixed in with heavyweights like Kansas and Memphis to provide a schedule that would simply burn most any other team upon first sight.

The Vols’ schedule against the West is as close to perfect as it can come. What could be the top three teams from the West all visit Knoxville while the West’s weaker teams are all on the road.

SEC Schedules: South Carolina

vs. Jacksonville State
vs. Winthrop
vs. USC-Upstate
vs. Gardner-Webb
@ College of Charleston
@ Princeton
vs. Furman
vs. UNC-Central
vs. The Citadel
vs. Presbyterian
vs. Clemson
@ Baylor
vs. Wofford
———-
vs. Auburn
@ LSU
vs. Ole Miss
@ Alabama
@ Mississippi State
vs. Arkansas

This scheduling is possibly the most ridiculous thing I’ve seen in a long while. Apparently ignoring any chances of a post-season berth or what impact this schedule may have on the team’s RPI, there are only three semi-decent games on the non-conference slate. Way to rack up some meaningless wins, I suppose. While USC should be a decent team this season, the non-conference could supply as many as 12 wins.

USC’s schedule against the West isn’t great, with trips to both Tuscaloosa and Starkville on the horizon.

SEC Schedules: Ole Miss

vs. Arkansas State
vs. South Alabama
vs. Utah – Glenn Wilkes Classic (Daytona Beach, Florida)
vs. Marshall – Glenn Wilkes Classic (Daytona Beach, Florida)
vs. UCF
vs. Morgan State
vs. West Virginia
@ New Orleans
@ New Mexico
vs. Alabama State
vs. Louisville – SEC/Big East Invitational (Cincinatti, Ohio)
vs. Florida A&M
@ Southern Miss
vs. Nicholls
———-
@ Florida
@ South Carolina
vs. Kentucky
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Tennessee
vs. Georgia

Andy Kennedy has packed out Ole Miss’ non-conference slate, seeming to increase with intensity as the season progresses. Utah could be a sleeper with a ton of talent returning, West Virginia could be ranked as could Louisville, and trips to Southern Miss and New Mexico both should be very tough battles. Ten wins before the conference slate would be a huge accomplishment for this young Rebel team.

The conference schedule looks grueling for the Rebels also, with trips to both Florida and Vanderbilt.

SEC Schedules: Mississippi State

vs. Centenary
vs. Louisiana-Monroe
vs. North Alabama – Legends Tournament (Starkville, Mississippi)
vs. Fairleigh Dickinson – Legends Tournament (Starkville, Mississippi)
@ St. Bonaventure
vs. Washington State – Legends Tournament (Newark, New Jersey)
vs. Pittsburgh/Texas Tech – Legends Tournament (Newark, New Jersey)
vs. Alabama State
vs. Charlotte
vs. South Alabama
@ Cincinatti – Big East vs. SEC Challenge
vs. Nicholls State (Jackson, Mississippi)
vs. San Diego
vs. Houston
vs. Western Kentucky
———-
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Georgia
@ Kentucky
vs. South Carolina
@ Tennessee
vs. Florida

Surprisingly, Stansbury has put together a very challenging non-conference schedule for a team that lost three starters and the best inside-outside tandem in the conference. While Stansbury usually under-schedules a bit, this lineup could make or break this young squad. The final rounds of the Legends Classic should be difficult games, while South Alabama took down last year’s talented MSU squad and State rounds out the non-conference slate with three-straight high-profile mid-majors.

MSU’s lineup against the East is decent, with trips to Kentucky and Tennessee serving as major obstacles. Florida and Vanderbilt at home should help.

SEC Schedules: LSU

vs. Jackson State
vs. Alcorn State – LSU Invitational (Baton Rouge, LA)
vs. Northwestern State – LSU Invitational (Baton Rouge, LA)
vs. Centenary – LSU Invitational (Baton Rouge, LA)
vs. Troy – LSU Invitational (Baton Rouge, LA)
vs. Cal State Fullerton
vs. Grambling
vs. Nicholls State
@ Texas A&M
vs. McNeese State
vs. Washington State
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. Southeastern Louisiana
@ Utah
vs. Xavier
———-
vs. South Carolina
@ Tennessee
@ Georgia
vs. Florida
@ Kentucky
vs. Vanderbilt

The Tigers haven’t exactly put together a competitive non-conference schedule, highlighted by a joke of a mid-season tournament. Trips to Utah and Texas A&M are decent games, while Xavier at home should easily be the most challenging non-conference game. Considering the improvement LSU should make this season, the Tigers could escape with only 1 loss outside of the conference.

LSU’s matchups against the East are about as favorable as physically possible considering the divisions’ lack of parity, with home games against Florida and Vanderbilt.

SEC Schedules: Kentucky

vs. VMI
@ North Carolina
vs. Deleware State – FTLV Invitational (Lexington, Kentucky)
vs. Longwood – FTLV Invitational (Lexington, Kentucky)
vs. Kansas State – FTLV Invitational (Las Vegas, Nevada)
vs. West Virginia/Iowa – FTLV Invitational (Las Vegas, Nevada)
vs. Lamar
vs. Miami
vs. Mississippi Valley State
vs. Indiana
vs. Appalachian State (Louisville, Kentucky)
vs. Tennessee State
vs. Florida Atlantic
vs. Central Michigan
@ Louisville
———-
vs. Auburn
@ Alabama
@ Ole Miss
vs. Mississippi State
@ Arkansas
vs. LSU

Typically Kentuckian, this schedule features three of the most prominent teams in America – including a road trip to North Carolina who will be heavily favored to win the National Championship. The FTLV Invitational will provide a challenge before a home game against Indiana, which has fallen apart in the off-season. A road trip to Louisville will prep the Wildcats for the SEC season. Per the usual, Kentucky sports one of the most challenging non-conference schedules in the SEC.

Gillespie’s matchups against the West are tough, with trips to Alabama, Arkansas, and Ole Miss with home games against the West.

SEC Schedules: Georgia

vs. USC-Upstate
vs. Loyola-Chicago – NIT Season Tip-Off (West Lafayette, Indiana)
vs. TBA – NIT Season Tip-Off (West Lafayette, Indiana)
vs. Presbyterian
@ Western Kentucky
@ Illinois
vs. Virginia Tech
vs. Wofford
vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
vs. N.C. A&T
vs. Kennessaw State
vs. Missouri
@ Georgia Tech
———-
vs. Mississippi State
@ Alabama
vs. LSU
vs. Auburn
@ Ole Miss
@ Arkansas

Possibly an Auburn-esque case of over-scheduling, the Bulldogs will face a brutal schedule during the non-conference. After the Preseason NIT and a decent field, there is an almost-immediate three-game stretch where the ‘Dawgs will be lucky to win a single game. Missouri and a trip to Georgia Tech caps the non-conference slate, both teams of which should heavily overmatch UGA.

Fortunately, Felton faces a somewhat favorable schedule against the Western division, with home games against LSU and Auburn possible wins, and State at home a longshot. Also similar to Lebo, this should be Felton’s last season at Georgia.

SEC Schedules: Florida

vs. Toledo
vs. Bradley
vs. Southern Utah
vs. Syracuse – TBA (Kansas City, Missouri)
vs. TBA – TBA (Kansas City, Missouri)
vs. Missouri-Kansas City (Orlando, FL)
vs. Florida A&M
@ Florida State
vs. Florida-Gulf Coast
@ UCF
vs. Georgia Southern
vs. Winthrop (Sunrise, FL)
vs. Stetson
vs. N.C. State
vs. Longwood
———-
vs. Ole Miss
@ Auburn
vs. Arkansas
vs. Alabama
@ LSU
@ Mississippi State

In typical Billy Donovan fashion, the Gators leave the state of Florida only once before SEC play, and are up against only Bradley and (to a lesser extent) Syracuse as challenges. A trip to Florida State should be a win, but could be competitive if the Gators don’t show up.

Considering the expected weakness of the Western division, only a game against Alabama at home and a trip to Starkville to face the Bulldogs look interesting for the Gators.

SEC Schedules: Arkansas

vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. UC-Davis
@ Missouri State
@ South Alabama
vs. Florida A&M
vs. Texas Southern
vs. UNC-Central
Austin Peay – Jim Thorpe Classic (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Austin Peay/Stephen F. Austin – Jim Thorpe Classic (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Stephen F. Austin – Jim Thorpe Classic (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
vs. Northwestern State
vs. Oklahoma
vs. North Texas (North Little Rock, Arkansas)
vs. Texas
———-
@ Florida
vs. Tennessee
vs. Kentucky
@ South Carolina
vs. Georgia
@ Vanderbilt

Interesting choice by Pelphrey to go with two very challenging road games early in the non-conference slate, and although there are only three participants in the Razorbacks’ mid-season “tournament”, both Austin Peay and Stephen F. Austin won their conferences and could defeat a rebuilding Arkansas squad. A home game against Texas should be a blowout loss, but it also provides an opportunity to the ‘Backs to take down a national power. Very solid non-conference schedule.

Against the East, the Razorbacks are afforded no favors with trips to Vanderbilt and Florida which should both be losses. Home games against Tennessee and Kentucky will both also be tough wins to come by.

SEC Schedules: Alabama

Apologies for the absence, but we’re back to begin breaking down the SEC teams’ schedules. We’ll begin with Alabama. Keep in mind only the SEC games versus the opposing division are posted, because the games versus the same division don’t change.

vs. Faulkner
vs. Belhaven
vs. Mercer
vs. Florida A&M
vs. Oregon – Maui Invitational (Maui, Hawaii)
vs. North Carolina/Chaminade – Maui Invitational (Maui, Hawaii)
vs. TBA – Maui Invitational (Maui, Hawaii)
vs. Alabama A&M
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
vs. Texas A&M
vs. Tennessee State
vs. Chattanooga
vs. Yale
vs. Quincy
vs. Georgia Tech
@ Clemson
———-
vs. Kentucky
vs. Georgia
@ Vanderbilt
vs. South Carolina
@ Florida
@ Tennessee

The Crimson Tide are the overwhelming favorite to win the Western Division this season, but their SEC schedule will be brutal, with trips to possibly the top three teams from the East.

As for the non-conference slate, Gottfried layered the schedule with home games, so the Tide could be artificially inflated in the polls approaching SEC play. The Maui Invitational has a great field this season, and if the Tide can get past the Ducks, they’d be forgiven for falling to UNC. If Alabama could somehow take down the Tarheels, the excitement might be warrented. A trip to Clemson will serve as the most difficult game for the Tide outside of the mid-season tournament.

Schedule Breakdown: Vanderbilt

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Austin Peay
@ Toledo
vs. Valparaiso
vs. Utah State – South Padre Island Shootout
vs. Iowa or Bradley – South Padre Island Shootout
vs. South Alabama
vs. Georgia Tech
vs. Wake Forest
vs. Lipscomb
@ DePaul
vs. Tennessee State
vs. Tennessee-Martin
vs. Iona
vs. Rice
vs. Massachusetts
————————-
vs. South Carolina
@ Kentucky
@ Tennessee
vs. LSU
@ Florida
@ Ole Miss
vs. Auburn
@ Georgia
@ South Carolina
vs. Kentucky
vs. Florida
vs. Georgia
vs. Tennessee
@ Arkansas
vs. Mississippi State
@ Alabama

This would put the Commodores at (19-12) and (7-9) on the year, good enough for a high NIT bid, around a 1 or 2. With a win in the SEC tournament, Vandy could squeak into the NCAA’s.

So, there ya have it – preseason predictions for every SEC team and every game. Once the season blesses us with its coming, I will be making weekly predictions on every game (along with scores and spread coverage) and tallying my results.

There’s much more to come, so stay tuned!

Schedule Breakdown: Ole Miss

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Mississippi Valley State
vs. South Alabama
vs. Lamar
vs. Louisiana-Monroe
vs. Troy
vs. New Mexico
@ UCF
vs. Winthrop – Jackson, MS.
vs. DePaul – San Juan Shootout (San Juan, Peurto Rico)
vs. LaSalle – San Juan Shootout (San Juan, Peurto Rico)
vs. Clemson – San Juan Shootout (San Juan, Peurto Rico)
@ Southern Miss
vs. Alabama A&M
———————
@ Tennessee
vs. LSU
vs. Florida
@ Auburn
@ Mississippi State
vs. Vanderbilt
vs. South Carolina
@ Arkansas
vs. Presbyterian College
@ Alabama
vs. Auburn
vs. Mississippi State
@ LSU
@ Kentucky
vs. Alabama
vs. Arkansas
@ Georgia

A rebuilding year should put Ole Miss around (13-17) and (3-13), along with no postseason bid.

Schedule Breakdown: Mississippi State

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Louisiana Tech
vs. Clemson
vs. Tennessee-Martin
vs. UC-Irvine – Anaheim Classic (Anaheim, CA)
vs. Southern Illinois/Chattanooga – Anaheim Classic (Anaheim, CA)
vs. TBA – Anaheim Classic (Anaheim, CA)
vs. Murray State
vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. Miami (FL)
@ South Alabama
@ Loyola Marymount
@ Texas A&M Corpus-Christi
vs. Missouri
vs. Lafayette College – Jackson, MS
————————————
@ LSU
vs. Georgia
vs. Kentucky
@ Alabama
vs. Ole Miss
@ Arkansas
vs. Tennessee
vs. Alabama
@ Auburn
vs. Arkansas
@ Ole Miss
@ South Carolina
vs. Auburn
@ Florida
@ Vanderbilt
vs. LSU

After close research, I’ve come up with a (26-4) and (13-3) record for the Bulldogs. State’s schedule suits them extremely well this coming season, only travelling to USC, a rebuilding Florida, and a Byars-less Vanderbilt while owning home-court advantage to a Kentucky team MSU played to a four-point game in Lexington a year ago, SEC-favorite Tennessee, and an improved Georgia team.

The schedule suits up well for MSU, and the Bulldogs should be challenging Tennessee for the SEC title as well as a seed in the NCAA Tournament as high as a 1-3 seed.

Schedule Breakdown: LSU

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. McNeese State
vs. Oklahoma State – Maui Invitational (Maui, HI)
vs. Marquette/Chaminade – Maui Invitational (Maui, HI)
vs. Nicholls State
vs. Southern
@ Villanova – Big East vs. SEC Challenge
vs. Northwestern State
@ Wichita State
vs. Oregon State
vs. Washington
@ Tulane
@ Texas A&M
—————————
vs. Mississippi State
@ Ole Miss
vs. Auburn
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Arkansas
@ Auburn
@ Alabama
vs. Tennessee
@ Florida
vs. Kentucky
@ Arkansas
vs. Ole Miss
@ South Carolina
vs. Georgia
vs. Alabama
@ Mississippi State

This scenario sees LSU going (11-18) and (3-13) on the season, with the bottom falling out in Baton Rouge and Brady likely being ushered out the door. Poor scheduling and an unfavorable SEC draw will cost the Tigers dearly this season. This would obviously leave LSU without a postseason bid.

Schedule Breakdown: Kentucky

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

TBA – 2K Sports College Hoops Classic (Lexington, KY)
TBA – 2K Sports College Hoops Classic (Lexington, KY)
TBA – 2K Sports College Hoops Classic (New York, NY)
TBA – 2K Sports College Hoops Classic (New York, NY)
vs. Liberty
vs. Texas Southern
vs. Stony Brook
vs. North Carolina
@ Indiana
vs. UAB
@ Houston
vs. Tennessee Tech
vs. San Diego
vs. Florida International
vs. Louisville
————————–
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Mississippi State
@ Florida
vs. Tennessee
vs. South Carolina
@ Georgia
@ Auburn
vs. Alabama
@ Vanderbilt
@ LSU
vs. Georgia
vs. Arkansas
vs. Ole Miss
@ Tennessee
@ South Carolina
vs. Florida

This record would put the Wildcats at (23-8) and (11-5) on the year, easily placing into their hands a NCAA Tournament at-large bid – around a 3 or 4 seed considering their very strong RPI.

Schedule Breakdown: Georgia

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Jacksonville State
vs. Grambling State
vs. Elon
@ Wisconsin
vs. Deleware State
vs. Augusta State
vs. Wake Forest
vs. East Tennessee State – Rainbow Classic (Honolulu, HI)
vs. Presbyterian College
@ Gonzaga
vs. Georgia Tech
—————————–
@ Mississippi State
vs. Alabama
vs. Arkansas
@ Tennessee
@ South Carolina
vs. Kentucky
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Florida
vs. South Carolina
vs. Tennessee
@ Kentucky
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Florida
@ LSU
@ Auburn
vs. Ole Miss

This count would set the Bulldogs at (16-11) and (7-9) in the SEC. Keep in mind there should be 1 or 2 more games in the Rainbow Classic, which could boost the Dawgs up near 17 or 18 wins. With a weak overall RPI, this should set Georgia up with an NIT bid, near a 3 or 4 seed.

Schedule Breakdown: Florida

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. North Dakota State
vs. Tennessee Tech
vs. UNC-Central
vs. Rutgers
vs. North Florida
vs. Florida State
vs. Stetson
vs. Vermont – Tampa, FL
vs. Jacksonville
vs. Florida A&M
vs. Georgia Southern – Jacksonville, FL
@ Ohio State
vs. Temple – Sunrise, FL
vs. High Point
—————————-
@ Alabama
vs. Auburn
@ Ole Miss
vs. Kentucky
@ South Carolina
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Arkansas
@ Tennessee
vs. Georgia
vs. LSU
@ Vanderbilt
vs. South Carolina
@ Georgia
vs. Mississippi State
vs. Tennessee
@ Kentucky

This would put the Gators at (21-9) and (8-8) on the season. A very weak RPI would still grant Florida with a NCAA bid, around a 10 or 11 seed.

Schedule Breakdown: Auburn

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

@ Tulane
vs. Kennesaw State
@ Alabama State
@ Charleston Southern
vs. George Washington – BB&T Classic (Washington D.C.)
vs. West Virginia – Big East vs. SEC Invitational (Birmingham, AL)
vs. Southern – Coors Classic (Mobile, AL)
vs. Mercer
vs. Alabama A&M
vs. Towson
vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi
vs. Xavier
——————————-
vs. Arkansas
@ Florida
@ LSU
vs. Ole Miss
vs. Presbyterian College
@ Alabama
vs. LSU
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Kentucky
vs. Mississippi State
@ Ole Miss
@ Tennessee
vs. Alabama
@ Mississippi State
vs. South Carolina
vs. Georgia
@ Arkansas

I have the Tigers at (19-10) and (8-8) for the season. This would put them just squarely on the bubble for the NCAA’s, possibly making the cut as a 10-11 seed.

Schedule Breakdown: Arkansas

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Wofford
vs. College of Charleston – Puerto Rico Tipoff (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
vs. Providence/Temple – Puerto Rico Tipoff (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
vs. TBA – Puerto Rico Tipoff (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
vs. Deleware State
vs. Missouri
vs. Oral Roberts
vs. Missouri State
vs. Texas-San Antonio
@ Oklahoma
vs. Northwestern State
@ Appalachian State
vs. Louisiana-Monroe
@ Baylor
—————————
@ Auburn
vs. Alabama
vs. South Carolina
@ Georgia
@ LSU
vs. Mississippi State
vs. Florida
vs. Ole Miss
@ Tennessee
@ Mississippi State
vs. LSU
@ Kentucky
@ Alabama
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Ole Miss
vs. Auburn

This scenario gives the Razorbacks an overall record of (25-5) and (12-4). This would easily provide Pelphrey’s squad with an at-large NCAA bid – around a 4 or 5 seed due to the below average strength of schedule out of conference.

Schedule Breakdown: Alabama

Here’s how it will work. The schedule will be listed again, this time a complete schedule with all the SEC games, with wins being bolded and losses being italicized. None of those sissy “toss-up” games…I’ll call it either a “W” or an “L”. At the end, you’ll see a total for regular-season wins and losses, as well as SEC wins and losses predicted.

With that said, I’ll work down the list of SEC schools alphabetically, meaning Alabama is first! Here goes.

vs. Troy
@ Mercer
vs. Belmont
vs. Southern Mississippi
@ Texas A&M
vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. Georgetown – Birmingham, AL
vs. Nicholls State
vs. Wofford
vs. Texas Pan American
vs. Missouri State – Las Vegas, NV
vs. Purdue or Iowa State – Las Vegas, NV
vs. George Washington
vs. Clemson
vs. Chicago State
——————————————–
vs. Florida
@ Arkansas
@ Georgia
vs. Mississippi State
vs. Auburn
vs. Tennessee
vs. LSU
@ Mississippi State
@ Kentucky
vs. Ole Miss
@ South Carolina
@ Auburn
vs. Arkansas
@ Ole Miss
@ LSU
vs. Vanderbilt

This would put the Crimson Tide at (19-12) and (7-9). That would put Alabama just outside the NCAA bubble, with a 1 or 2 seed in the NIT.

Next up: Arkansas.

Mississippi State releases schedule…

And FINALLY we are done…

vs. Louisiana Tech
vs. Clemson
vs. Tennessee-Martin
vs. UC Irvine – Anaheim Classic (Anaheim, CA)
vs. Southern Illinois or Chattanooga – Anaheim Classic (Anaheim, CA)
vs. TBA – Anaheim Classic (Anaheim, CA)
vs. Murray State
vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. Miami-Florida
@ South Alabama – Coors Classic (Mobile, AL)
@ Loyola Marymount
@ Texas A&M Corpus Christi
vs. Missouri
vs. Lafayette College (Jackson, MS)
————————————–
vs. Georgia
vs. Kentucky
vs. Tennessee
@ Vanderbilt
@ South Carolina
@ Florida

Mississippi State’s pre-conference slate is relatively unimpressive. The Anaheim Classic could provide a couple of intruiging matchups versus Southern Illinois and USC, and hosting Missouri should be a decent game.

The Bulldogs couldn’t ask for a better matchup versus the East. Stansbury’s squad will host each of the three teams picked to finish 1st-3rd in the division, and will host the others.

With the released schedules, a detailed analysis of each team’s schedule and predicted win/loss record will be up very soon. Stay tuned!

Arkansas releases schedule…

Second-to-last…

vs. Wofford
vs. College of Charleston – O’Reilly Puerto Rico Tipoff (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
vs. Providence/Temple – O’Reilly Puerto Rico Tipoff (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
vs. TBA – O’Reilly Puerto Rico Tipoff (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
vs. Deleware State
vs. Missouri
vs. Oral Roberts
vs. Missouri State
vs. Texas-San Antonio
@ Oklahoma
vs. Northwestern State
@ Appalachian State
vs. Louisiana-Monroe
@ Baylor
————————
vs. Florida
vs. South Carolina
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Kentucky
@ Tennessee
@ Georgia

The Razorbacks’ non-conference slate is relatively weak, with a trip to Oklahoma being their biggest challenge. The championship game of the Puerto Rico trip could be tough, assuming the ‘Backs make it that far, depending on who Pelphrey’s squad is paired up against.

As favorable as Mississippi State’s schedule versus the East may be, Arkansas’ is equally as difficult. The Razorbacks must travel to each of the supposed toughest three out of the Eastern Division – Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia.

Alabama releases schedule…

Here’s who the Tide will be playing…

vs. Troy
@ Mercer
vs. Belmont
vs. Southern Mississippi
@ Texas A&M
vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. Georgetown – Birmingham, AL
vs. Nicholls State
vs. Wofford
vs. Texas Pan American
vs. Missouri State – Las Vegas, NV
vs. Purdue or Iowa State – Las Vegas, NV
vs. George Washington
vs. Clemson
vs. Chicago State
————————–
vs. Florida
vs. Tennessee
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Georgia
@ Kentucky
@ South Carolina

Gottfried has pieced together a solid schedule for the upcomimg campaign. Two true road games is acceptable, plus a decent assumed matchup in the finals of the Las Vegas tournament. A trip to College Station will be an intruiging matchup of possible Top 25 teams, and Georgetown/Clemson will both be challenging games.

The Tide’s schedule versus the East doesn’t favor them very much, with trips to both Georgia and Kentucky on the horizon. Hosting SEC-title-favorite Tennessee will help tremendously, as that game is a must-win for Alabama to seriously challenge the Vols.

Only waiting on two now, Arkansas and Mississippi State.

Vanderbilt releases schedule…

Here is the Commodores’ schedule this season.

vs. Austin Peay
@ Toledo
vs. Utah State – South Padre Island Shootout (South Padre Island)
vs. Iowa or Bradley – South Padre Island Shootout (South Padre Island)
vs. South Alabama
vs. Georgia Tech
vs. Wake Forest
vs. Lipscomb
@ DePaul
vs. Tennessee State
vs. Tennessee-Martin
vs. Iona
vs. Rice
vs. Massachusetts
———————–
vs. LSU
vs. Auburn
vs. Mississippi State
@ Alabama
@ Arkansas
@ Ole Miss

The Commodores will face a relatively challenging non-conference schedule, highlighted by assumed match-up versus either Iowa or Bradley. A trip to DePaul will prove difficult, and Georgia Tech could be Top 25 by game-time. This pre-conference slate should be a great measure of how deep Stallings’ crew can run into the SEC schedule.

The matchups versus the West will also challenge the ‘Dores, with trips to both Alabama and Arkansas looming on the horizon. Auburn and Mississippi State at home helps a bit, but how much is yet to be seen.

Now waiting for Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi State.

Georgia releases schedule…

Here’s the Bulldogs’ schedule…

vs. Jacksonville State
vs. Grambling State
vs. Elon
@ Wisconsin
vs. Delware State
vs. Augusta State
vs. Wake Forest
vs. East Tennessee State – Rainbow Classic (Honolulu, HI)
vs. Presbyterian College
@ Gonzaga
vs. Georgia Tech
————————–
vs. Alabama
vs. Arkansas
vs. Ole Miss
@ Mississippi State
@ LSU
@ Auburn

The Bulldogs’ schedule is a matter of extremes. A trip to Wisconsin should be a loss, but Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, and Gonzaga all should be good games. The record versus the West should be favorable, hosting both Alabama and Arkansas – a trip to Mississippi State will be a challenge.

Now waiting on Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt.

Auburn releases schedule…

Here’s how it shapes up…

 @ Tulane
vs. Kennesaw State
@ Alabama State
@ Charleston Southern
vs. George Washington – BB&T Classic (Washington D.C.)
vs. West Virginia - Big East vs. SEC Invitational (Birmingham, AL)
vs. Southern – Coors Classic (Mobile, AL)
vs. Mercer
vs. Alabama A&M
vs. Towson
vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi
vs. Xavier
vs. Presbyterian College
—————————————-
vs. Kentucky
vs. South Carolina
vs. Georgia
@ Florida
@ Tennessee
@ Vanderbilt

A very respectable schedule, one that should certainly challenge the Tigers before the SEC rigors without destroying their chances at a solid season. George Washington, Xavier, and West Virginia are all solidly challenging games that Lebo’s ultra-experienced group will have a shot at. But someone, please…who is Presbyterian College?!?

Auburn’s schedule versus the East isn’t too brutal, as they host Kentucky and Georgia. Trips to Florida and Tennessee will be uphill climbs, however.

We now wait only on Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt to release their schedules.

LSU releases schedule…

Here’s how it shapes up…

vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. McNeese State
vs. Oklahoma State – Maui Invitational (Maui, Hawaii)
vs. Marquette or Chaminade – Maui Invitational (Maui, Hawaii)
TBA – Maui Invitational (Maui, Hawaii)
vs. Nicholls State
vs. Southern
@ Villanova – Big East vs. SEC Challenge
vs. Northwestern State
@ Wichita State
vs. Oregon State
vs. Washington
@ Tulane
@ Texas A&M
————————-
vs. Tennessee
vs. Kentucky
vs. Georgia
@ Florida
@ Vanderbilt
@ South Carolina

This is quite an impressive schedule, especially considering Brady’s performace – or lack thereof – last season. The Maui Invitational will quickly give the nation a view of whether or not the Tigers will be contenders this season. Trips to Texas A&M and Wichita State will be matchups to watch, as will Washington at home.

The Tigers’ matchup versus the East couldn’t be better, as they will host what should be the top 3 teams from the division.

South Carolina releases schedule…

The Gamecock’s schedule looks like this…

vs. South Carolina State
vs. Southern California
vs. Penn State – Old Spice Classic (Orlando, FL)
vs. Campbell
@ Clemson
vs. Providence – Big East vs. SEC Challenge (Philadelphia, PA)
vs. Baylor
vs. College of Charleston
vs. UC-Irvine
vs. Radford
vs. UNC-Asheville
—————————–
vs. Alabama
vs. Mississippi State
vs. LSU
@ Arkansas
@ Auburn
@ Ole Miss

I must say, I’m severely disappointed with the scheduling of the SEC coaches thus far. Not that Odom’s schedule is particularly weak this season, but that the Gamecocks compete in only one true road game before the SEC schedule. Southern Cal at home will be a huge challenge, as will a trip to Clemson.

USC’s schedule versus the West is relatively favorable, with both Alabama and Mississippi State playing in South Carolina. Playing in Fayetteville will be brutal, however.

Tennessee releases schedule…

Here’s a look…

 vs. Temple
Legends Classic – Will host first two rounds
vs. Middle Tennessee
Legends Classic – Final two rounds in Newark, NJ.
vs. North Carolina A&T
vs. Louisana-Lafayette
@ UT-Chattanooga
@ Western Kentucky
vs. UNC-Asheville
@ Xavier
@ Gonzaga
vs. Ohio State
@ Memphis
————————-
vs. Ole Miss
vs. Arkansas
vs. Auburn
@ Miss. State
@ Alabama
@ LSU

Now this is what I call a schedule. Pearl has assured the team will be ready for the SEC schedule, playing four very competitive teams on the road in the pre-conference slate. At Mempis could be a top-five showdown, and Ohio State at home could prove to be a Top-25 matchup.

The Vols’ pairing versus the West is not necessarily favorable, as they must travel to MSU and Alabama, but are provided the opportunity to welcome Arkansas at home.

This looks to be a very entertaining schedule, and Tennessee will be challenged greatly this season.

Florida’s schedule released…

Here’s how it looks.

vs. North Dakota State
vs. Tennessee Tech
vs. UNC-Central
vs. Rutgers
vs. North Florida
vs. Florida State
vs. Stetson
vs. Vermont – in Tampa, FL
vs. Jacksonville
vs. Florida A&M
vs. Georgia Southern – in Jacksonville, FL
@ Ohio State
vs. Temple – in Sunrise, FL
vs. High Point
————————————–
vs. Auburn
vs. LSU
vs. Mississippi State
@ Alabama
@ Arkansas
@ Ole Miss

Now, I’ll be the first to tell you the value of playing an easier schedule when you’re rebuilding. But this is absolutely shameful. The Gators will play only one true road-game during the non-conference slate, and that game will be the team’s only trip outside their home state. Florida State and Vermont should be decently challenging games, and Ohio State will pose a heavy challenge despite losing a great deal themselves. If Billy Donovan’s squad has any NCAA hopes whatsoever, the Gators can’t afford to lose more than one game before SEC play, and likely will need a 9-7 record in the conference.

As for the schedule versus the West, this year’s draw isn’t particularly favorable. Florida must travel to both Alabama and Arkansas, but is afforded the opportunity to avoid the Hump in Starkville.

More schedule updates as they are released.

Schedules seeping through the cracks…

This time of year is that exciting (okay, maybe not entirely exciting) phase in college basketball when the recruiting period is wrapping up and schedules for the upcoming season begin to filter out of the programs.

Here is a look at some SEC schedules that have been released. Particularly interesting games have been bolded, and only schedules versus the opposite division have been included, because all inter-division teams play home-and-home series.

 KENTUCKY

2K Sports College Hoops Classic – Will host first 2 rounds
2K Sports College Hoops Classic – Final 2 rounds in NYC
vs. Liberty
vs. Texas Southern
vs. Stony Brook
vs. North Carolina
@ Indiana
vs. UAB – In Louisville
@ Houston
vs. Tennessee Tech
vs. San Diego
vs. Florida International
vs. Louisville
————————–
vs. Alabama
vs. Arkansas
vs. Ole Miss
@ Auburn
@ LSU
@ Miss. State

Kentucky’s schedule is relatively challenging. Most of the non-conference consists of cupcakes, but the three “big games” could all end up being Top-10 opponents. Their SEC West schedule is favorable, with both Alabama and Arkansas at home. At Mississippi State and at Tennessee could be the two toughest games in their conference schedule.

OLE MISS

vs. Mississippi Valley State
vs. South Alabama
vs. Lamar
vs. Louisiana-Monroe
vs. Troy
vs. New Mexico
@ UCF
vs. Winthrop – In Jackson, Miss.
@ New Orleans
San Juan Shootout
vs. Southern Miss
vs. Alabama A&M
——————————-
vs. Florida – Home
vs. South Carolina – Home
vs. Vanderbilt – Home
@ Kentucky
@ Georgia
@ Tennessee

Ole Miss’ non-conference schedule is a complete joke. With only two true road-games versus nobodys, their only challenge will be against Winthrop and at the San Juan Shootout. Their schedule versus the East is brutal, however. All three teams they must travel to should be the top 3 teams from the division. Look for the Rebels to have a gaudy record approaching conference play before slamming back down to Earth come January.

These are the only two teams to release their schedules at the moment. Look for updates throughout the off-season.