Now that Edward Aschoff, previously of The Gainesville Sun and a wonderful addition to our SEC coverage at ESPN.com, has joined us, I put the question right to you, Edward: Convince me that Alabama wouldn’t be the champion if we had an SEC playoff next season in football. Then again, maybe you agree with me that the Crimson Tide are poised to take home another crown. Granted, this would be a little different format … March Madness in the fall, if you will. But imagine the intrigue if you had four straight weekends of tournament football in this league with that lose-and-you-go-home specter hanging over every game the way it does in hoops.

Edward Aschoff: First off, what a welcome to the blog. Immediately starting with a great debate like this is always fun. But I have to disagree with you on your champion. While I think Alabama might be the best team in the country, I like LSU to take home the inaugural SEC tournament title. When I look at Tigers, the only area that really concerns me is the quarterback position. Jordan Jefferson didn't have the best year statistically, but the Tigers still went 11-2 and blew out Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl. Jefferson proved he's a leader, but if he starts to struggle, coach Les Miles has transfer stud Zach Mettenberger waiting in the wings. Plus, LSU might have the most talented defense in the league. The Tigers are replacing a lot, but this year's group won't miss much of a beat. If Jefferson struggles, the defense will be the difference in the tournament. LSU's defense will frustrate and outlast Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron and that offense in the title game.

Chris Low: Both defenses will be worth the price of admission next season, and getting back a healthy Sam Montgomery at end will be big for the Tigers. LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis doesn’t think they were ever the same defensively after Montgomery went down in the Tennessee game with his season-ending knee injury a year ago. The same goes for safety Brandon Taylor. Go back and look how much LSU missed Taylor in that loss to Arkansas to end the regular season. His return next season will again make that secondary one of the best in the league despite losing all-world cornerback Patrick Peterson. But here’s the big question: Is it Jefferson or Mettenberger quarterbacking that team when LSU reaches the final?

Edward Aschoff: Jefferson wasn’t spectacular last year and everyone knows it. That’s why he’s working even harder this spring, and he’ll have the benefit of learning a thing or two from new offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe. Being right in the thick of the BCS hunt until losing to Arkansas at the end of the regular season motivates Jefferson. And so does having Mettenberger breathing down his neck. Jefferson never put up gaudy numbers, but he won 11 games last season. He’s a senior leader, and LSU’s defense will put him in good situations, limiting his chances of making mistakes. Let’s not forget he’ll have the luxury of hard-nosed running back Spencer Ware with him in the backfield. I expect Jefferson to carry LSU on this run.

Chris Low: I’m sure I’ll endear myself to a lot of fans in South Carolina with my pick of Mississippi State upsetting the Gamecocks. It’s tough to pick against the Marcus Lattimore-Alshon Jeffery tandem, but have you seen South Carolina’s record lately in anything remotely resembling a postseason game? It ain’t pretty. Plus, I’m just not sure about that quarterback situation at South Carolina. Of course, I’m not sure the Head Ball Coach is, either. If I had a better feel for how that whole Stephen Garcia-Connor Shaw thing was going to work out, the Gamecocks might be my surprise pick in this tournament. Who would be your darkhorse pick, Edward?

Edward Aschoff: Well, like you, I also have the Gamecocks bowing out in the second round to Mississippi State, so I’m not starting off too well with that fan base, either. Since I picked Mississippi State (my No. 6 seed) to make a run to the Final Four, I’ll go in a different direction and talk about a potential darkhorse. I have Georgia as my No. 7 seed, but this group of Bulldogs could make a strong run, as well. Aaron Murray is a budding star, and while young, the defense is talented. The wide receiver spot is still a question mark and a running back has to step up this fall, but if Georgia knocks off LSU in Dallas, the Bulldogs will basically be playing a home game in Atlanta. So, Chris, who do you see being the most invaluable player to his team in this tournament?

Chris Low: That’s easy ... Trent Richardson. I think he has a monster season in 2011. He was never really healthy last season and simply didn’t get a lot of carries (112). You just don’t find a lot of guys with his blend of power and speed. The guy bench-presses 500 pounds and has run a 10.5 in the 100 meters. He’s healthy now and rest assured that the Crimson Tide will ride him now that Mark Ingram is gone. We’ve seen great players carry teams through tournaments in all kinds of sports. Richardson has been a guy with great talent who’s had moments of greatness his first two seasons at Alabama. During this tournament, he establishes himself as a great player, and everybody else in crimson hops on board that championship train. Since you’re the new guy, Edward, I’ll give you last word.

Edward Aschoff: How kind of you, Chris. I have to agree with you on Richardson having the most value for his team. Alabama can really put every game on his shoulders. However, LSU wins this one by committee, sending Richardson home with only one piece of hardware -- the MVP trophy. Also, don't be surprised if we have a few unforeseen upsets along the way. If it happens every year in March, it's bound to happen in the fall. While it may look like a few teams are outmatched on paper, playing it out on the field is a completely different situation. It's the SEC. No team is safe.