As I look over the entire conference, it appears to me that the regular season champion of the SEC would win it outright with only 4 total in conference losses. To my eyes, Auburn (once again) has the easiest conference slate out of the title contenders. I can see Auburn and Tennessee both with only 5 losses. However, something is gnawing at me about the Vols. I don't think they are as good as everyone thinks they are this year. I'm expecting to see them with a minimum of 6 conference losses. Ole Miss, maybe joining them with "only" 6 conference losses.
Which brings us to Kentucky.
I think we can get out of the schedule with only 4 losses and win the regular season title. Maybe share it with Auburn, if they can hold it to 4 losses as well. Overall, I like our chances at running the entire schedule with 4 more losses in total. SEC tournament championship, too.
To me, that seems like it puts us squarely in the picture for a #1 seed, #2 at the worst. That is, provided, of course, that is how it all plays out.
The Big 12 this year is the most interesting conference to see how it shakes out. Normally, we'd all be handing Kansas the trophy already, but BYU, Houston, and the regular assortment of others are going to make the Big 12 conference an interesting thing to see how it pans out.
For my money, it's still Kansas with a marked advantage ( AKA - Allen fieldhouse) and the inside track to the regular season title. So how will the Big 12 impact the top NCAAT seedings this year?
Presumably, Arizona and Purdue look to finish tops in their leagues. Which would place them as 1 seeds. Tops in the Big 12, should get another 1 seed. Leaving 1 #1 seed left. Will it be UConn ? Someone else in the SEC if it isn't Kentucky? I dunno.
But I think our Cats can - and will - rise up to claim that #1 seed. 4 conference losses isn't much off from 5 conference losses total, but it can be done. And if we don't nab that #1 seed, #2 is quite obtainable.
Eyes on the prize. Let's do the best we can night in, night out, and take them one game at a time.
Starting with Florida.
Let's go get 'em !
Go Big Blue !