I've noticed a lot of people putting Auburn as around the 5th best job. The fact that Auburn has someting like the 2nd or 3rd most wins in the SEC the past 4 years means that...wait...Tuberville is a good coach? Surely you guy's wouldn't admit that. :wink:
Its not at all a slight on Auburn. The top 5 schools are all extremely close. You could certainly make a case for anyone from 2-5 being flip flopped for another team. Here is why I rank the top 5. 1 Florida- Consistently a top program the last two decades. Major recruiting school, they get the pick of the litter. Florida may be the most talent rich state, Florida has 2 other major powers to battle but there is enough talent to go around. Plus they get out of state blue chippers. Legendary tailgaiting and atmospheres for college football. 2 LSU- Starting to become a consistent top tier program. LSU normally picks up at least 12 of the top 15 players from Louisiana. Which is probably the 5th in annual state talent. LSU is also emerging as a national power. The name and atmosphere is starting to bring in more top notch out of state talent. Nothing compares to saturday night in Tiger Stadium. 3 Georgia- Georgia is a traditional national power dating back to the early 80's with Herschel Walker. Outside of Bama, Georgia has the best tradition from the SEC. Georgia also recruits from IMO the 4th best state for HS talent. Georgia generally keeps the top talent from their state. Georgia recruits fairly well nationally. Another great college atmosphere. 4 Tennessee- Still living off of the Manning years when they became a serious national power. I have them above Auburn only because they recruit better on a nationa level. Tennessee isnt one of the better states talent wise, but Tn usually keeps its top talent. Tn also has a great following. 5 Auburn- The top team in Alabama, but they still have to split the states talent with Bama. Alabama has a lot of talent but not quite enough to be divied up. Auburn recruits decently nationally. Auburn is probably one of, if not the most consistent natinal power from the SEC this decade. Same as the other schools, Auburn has a great atmosphere. Florida is a definite number one. To say otherwise is ridiculous and bias. Teams 2-5 could easily be interchangable.
The only thing I could see keeping Florida out of the top spot is that fact that there are 2 other "big-time" schools in the same state. Makes recruiting a little tougher. The polar opposite is what make LSU extremely attractive, being the only show in town. 1. Florida 2. LSU 3. Auburn (doesn't appear to be too much pressure compared to others) 4. UGA 5. Tenn 6. Carolina 7. Ole Piss (fans still love them even though thet suck) 8. Arky (would be higher, just no love is ever give to the Hogs by anyone) 9. Vandy 10. Kentucky 11. Miss St. 12. Bama (until they bury the Bear, you have no shot at pleasing these people)
We are talking about SEC but I would guess, because of the number based on the geographical make-up that Texas would be ahead of them. For the same reason, the size, population of the State of Florida, you're probably right I didn't research # of HS athletes (Football players) but I know it's available. Don't forget the beaches/bikinis, nightlife,spring break, etc...... don't think that's not a draw for an 18 athlete.....all other things considered equal. I'm so glad we've done a good job sealing our boarders for the most part. Florida has that advantage of more recruits from their State and smaller needs to fill with going outside the State. It is amazing how many QB's come from Louisiana though....or maybe I just happen to notice more when they are from Louisiana.
Florida does have 2 other major colleges to contend with but Florida has exceptional amounts of talent. Florida has over 40 4 star players, compared to Louisiana that has 14 I believe. More than enough talent to go around. Besides that Florida recruits extremely well out of state. They are on almost every wish list. Outside of USC, Florida is probably the biggest out state recruiter in the country. So that makes up for any athletes that Miami and FSU may steal from them. Florida is a clear number one right now. LSU is the closest to being able to contend. LSU still needs a few years of elite program consistentcy. As well as consistently recruiting top talent from out of state. LSU is on its way to an elite program status.
