NFL/NCAA Conference Battle: SEC vs Everyone Else

Jun 6, 2016
4 min read

The ACC and the Bigs have all moved on to the next round. It is now time for the final battle of the first round. Fans of the SEC will say, "We're the best college football conference" and "We put out the best talent." Really? Then let's put them up against every other school that has not been mentioned. All of those nobody schools that they are sure to roll over. Like Buffalo. Who did they produce?

Khalil Mack

Uh oh...

SEC

Other

Offense

Starting with the SEC, we have the reigning MVP, Cam Newton. He is one of the best players in the league (clearly) and has a great leadership mentality. Adding in Todd Gurley and Mark Ingram to his backfield makes this run game even scarier. Running a triple-option offense would be this team's specialty. But who needs that when you have that amazing receiving core. You have the most reliable tight end over the past five years along with three of the top ten receivers today. The offensive line could be a little younger at the tackles and not have two second year players at guard, but this is still a solid line.

As for the Other teams, they are led by two-time Super Bowl Champ Ben Roethlisberger. He has been one of the best players in the last decade with his team never slipping below .500. Going to the running backs, they are decent at best. Crowell has been splitting carries with Duke Johnson in Cleveland and Woodhead is more of a pass-catching back. Though he did lead the Chargers in touchdowns last year. Receiving wise, this is a solid group. The only problem is that these are all very small guys. They do seem to make it work though. All of these guys are playmakers in their own right. As for the line, it is a little old. Most of these guys have been around the block a few times but they still provide good protection for their quarterback.

The group of Other schools has a decent offense, but the SEC's offensive skill positions are just too strong. These guys would crush any and all competition.

Advantage: SEC

Defense

Back to the SEC, their line is very solid. Atkins, Jackson, and Richardson are all amazing players. They all contributed to stellar defense this past year and combined for 30.5 sacks. The the linebackers combine for 22.5 sacks. This linebacker core includes two of the most vicious outside linebackers who love to get to the quarterback. Let's also not forget 10 interceptions made by this secondary. They have one of the most explosive safeties in Tyrann Mathieu along with the Comeback Player of the Year, Eric Berry. They alone got eight of those turnovers. This is a very difficult defense.

But so is this one. Wanna see more sacks? Try one more. This defensive line had 31.5 sacks last season. While the bulk of this did come from the defensive ends, they are two of the top five defensive ends today. The linebackers are seasoned, but still make a lot of noise. Harrison has been a force from day one. Along with a healthy Robert Mathis, this is a solid group. Skuta could use some work, but he was the only linebacker of merit that fit the "Other" category. The safeties could be better, but why should they with an All-Star cornerback group? Norman is coming off of his best season. Grimes is always in the top five after years of playing the position. Rollins was looked at as being one of the best five corners that came from last year's draft class with Peters, Randall, Darby, and Jones.

The SEC has a better set of safeties and linebackers. The Others have the better line and corners. I am in a firm believer that great corners make better safeties and great linemen make a linebacker stronger. For these reasons, I have to give a slight edge to the Others.

Advantage: Others

Most Intriguing Match-up: Odell Beckham Jr. vs Josh Norman

This is the most intriguing match-up because we have seen this play out. We have seen these two go at it in a brutal way. In that game, Odell Beckham ended with six catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. He scored that touchdown while being covered by Josh Norman. He also fumbled the ball, but it went out of bounds. Norman caused the fumble. When Norman covered Beckham, Odell was flagged twice for Unnecessary Roughness. He lost his cool. He would be very likely to do it again. For this, the win goes to Josh Norman.

Advantage: Others

X-Factors: Cam Newton vs Antonio Brown

These guys were both the best at their positions last year. Both of them have been the top guy on their team as well. But who do you trust more to take the game into their hands? The MVP quarterback who took his team to the Super Bowl? Or the wide receiver who can make a play from nothing? I tried not to ever put the quarterback in this part because clearly, they would win it just like he does here. While you may be more prone to drafting Brown higher in your fantasy league, I want Newton with the ball in a two-minute drill.

Advantage: SEC

Weakest Position Group: SEC Cornerbacks vs Others Halfbacks

This is not a very difficult decision here. The corners may be the weakest position, but they are still stronger than a halfback core lead by Isaiah Crowell and Danny Woodhead. If you can't run, you cannot win. Plain and simple.

Advantage: SEC

By the skin of their teeth, the SEC wins it 3-2. The Bracket currently stands right now as the following: