By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

10 Key Storylines to Watch for Week 8

The national and regional debate over college football’s best conference happens every season. The criteria for this argument tends to sway towards your favorite conference (fans) or your target audience (many in the media). Should it be based on national title contenders, number of above-average teams, or strength from top to bottom? That’s part of the fun and frustration each year. The SEC has won five national titles in a row and is generally considered the best, but many across America are claiming the Big 12 is best after the first half of the season.

By Mitch Light (@AthlonMitch on Twitter)

At the midpoint of the 2011 season, it's time to take a look at the first half and predict how the second half will turn out in the SEC.

First-Half Review

The South Carolina Gamecocks have struggled on offense this year but still stand at 6-1. Preseason All-America wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will have to lead the way down the stretch with star running back Marcus Lattimore lost for the season with a knee injury. Jeffery has 30 catches for 451 yards and five touchdowns in seven games on the year. That’s not bad, but it is nowhere near the pace of last season’s 88 receptions for 1,517 yards and nine scores. Meanwhile at Clemson, five-star freshman Sammy Watkins is lighting up opponents.

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

Post-Week 7 SEC Power Rankings

Check out all of our college football rankings.

There seems to be a constant debate in the college football world over the best player in the country. Is it the best performer on a top team, the player with the best statistics, or the best pro prospect?

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

As we hit the midpoint of the college football season, it's time to take a conference-by-conference look at where things stand in realignment/expansion. 

ACC

Added: Pittsburgh, Syracuse
Lost: None

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

South Carolina’s SEC title hopes suffered a significant setback, as running back Marcus Lattimore suffered a season-ending knee injury in Saturday’s game against Mississippi State. The Gamecocks managed to hold on for a 14-12 win, but it came at a major price.

By Steven Lassan (@AthlonSteven on Twitter)

10 Key Storylines to Watch for Week 7

December 6, 1982.