2007 SEC East Preview

So many question marks in the East:

* How will Florida fare with nine new starters on defense and Tim Tebow under center?

*Can the Vols win their first SEC Championship since the 1998 season?

*Will the Bulldogs bounce back from a sub par 2006?

*Is this the season Spur Dog gets the Gamecocks to Atlanta?

*Can Kentucky build on last season’s 8-5 record?

*When will the Commodores get the 6 wins necessary to play in the post season?

This may be Tennessee’s year to make it back to the SEC Championship game. Seven seniors start on a defensive unit that should improve over last season. The Vols play at Florida but get Georgia, South Carolina and Arkansas at home. Erik Ainge should be one of the top QB’s in the SEC while serving his second season under David Cutcliffe. Don’t forget the importance of senior leadership at the quarterback position. The last 3 SEC Champs all had Sr. QB’s at the helm.

Last season, Ohio State returned only two starters on defense yet went 12-0 and played Florida for the National Championship. This season, the Gators return only two starters on defense and look to defend their title. The big difference between the 2006 Buckeyes and 2007 Gators, OSU lined up senior QB and eventual Heisman winner Troy Smith behind center. Tim Tebow may eventually reach that lofty perch, but trips to LSU and South Carolina plus a visit by Tennessee will keep the Gators from a repeat visit to Atlanta.

This may be Steve Spurrier’s best team yet at South Carolina, but an absolutely brutal schedule awaits the Gamecocks. USC plays at Georgia and at LSU then has a three-week stretch of at Tennessee, at Arkansas then the Gators visit Columbia. Another mid-level bowl may be the best USC fans can hope for. But don’t be surprised if Spurrier pulls a few surprises this season. Blake Mitchell (QB), is a senior this year and Spurrier, at least in my mind, is the best coach in the league. He will win a few he shouldn’t.

Georgia is probably one year away from making a run at the top of the division. The Dawgs starting QB, Matthew Stafford is only a sophomore and the defense must replace studs off last year’s line.

Kentucky and Vanderbilt have improved over the last few years, but by playing in the SEC East, their achievements are completely overshadowed. Expect UK to make another run at a bowl game. Vanderbilt will be knocking on the door again, but much like South Carolina, the Commodores have a rough midseason three-week stretch of at Auburn, home versus Georgia and at South Carolina.

SEC EAST

1. Tennessee
2. Florida
3. South Carolina
4. Georgia
5. Kentucky

6. Vanderbilt