We should be better than last year (not a high standard to meet) if only because of the defense. Last year's defense was one of the worst we've had recently, only a little better than the 2008 unit. This year we have a better coordinator so the unit should improve despite the continuing lack of depth and top-tier talent in the front seven.

Offensively...well, we can't get any worse. Special teams should be about the same as last year.

So, I suppose the reasoning is that with a better defense, even if we don't improve anywhere else, we should be better. I have no idea where anyone is getting 11-1 or 12-0 from or any chance whatsoever against Alabama or Arkansas. I guess just chalk that up to normal fan delusion.

Even though we should be at least as good and probably better than last year, I don't expect a better record. Florida and Auburn on the road are much tougher than at home like we had last year. It doesn't matter where we play Alabama and Arkansas because we always lose to Alabama and are always complete garbage the next week for whoever the lucky beneficiary is (Arky again). Wisconsin is also a much tougher OOC opponent than Syracuse was last year. We at least have a chance against Ole Miss this year because they probably aren't as good as last year and we play them before the Alabama game instead of after, but that will still be a very difficult game. All things considered, I would guess we lose four games instead of three this year even though we may have a better team than last year.