While I'm not a big Vol fan I think they should be there! I think this is a backlash from the past years when the selection committee took some heat because the SEC was given (I think earned) more spots than any other conference. While the high profile SEC does offer many advantages to the players and their teams there are times this high profile can also hurt. I think Tennessee being passed over is one example. The tough conference games knocks the wind out of some very strong teams. When the SEC conference games open up you see many of those teams with national ranking struggle just to pick up some wins against their SEC opponents. There are also some VERY good players that are passed over in conference honors simply because there are other players that are just a “tad” better. JP Arienciba, Tennessee’s fine catcher (.330 8HR 15 doubles) relegated to a second stringer and Auburn’s Josh Donaldson (.349 11 HR 19 doubles) passed over completely because Ed Easley, the dominating catcher out of Mississippi State (.373 12 HR and 15 doubles) really stood out this year. As I look back I see how lucky my son was to make SEC first team a few years back.
Fungo