SEC East

Any discussion of the SEC East must begin with Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators. Florida returns ALL ELEVEN starters from last year’s National Championship defense. Offensively, the only real loss is Percy Harvin. But the core of the offensive line is back and of course, so is Tebow. The toughest game of the season will probably be the Gator’s trip to Baton Rouge. Tebow has called the loss at LSU in 2007 the toughest of his career, so look for an inspired effort on October 10. I expect the Gators to go 13-0 and win the BCS Title Game. Too much defense and Tebow will NOT let these guys lose. (Don’t be surprised if some NFL owner throws a bunch of money at Meyer at the end of the season.)

Georgia will be a step behind the Gators but not as much as some may think. The entire offensive line returns and senior QB Joe Cox will do a fine job all year. The bigger questions for me are on the defense. Last season Georgia gave up 41 to Alabama, 49 to Florida, 38 to LSU, 38 to Kentucky and 45 to Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs must get better on that side of the ball to have any chance at the SEC East or possible BCS Bowl. The schedule is manageable with LSU, Auburn, South Carolina and Kentucky at home. Road games are at Vandy, Arkansas and Tennessee.

I write this every year; I like Steve Spurrier. While he will not bring a division title to South Carolina this season, the Gamecocks should be competitive again and can look to make a run next season. This season’s schedule is pretty tough. 4-4 in the SEC would be an accomplishment.

Rich Brooks has done a really good job at UK. The Wildcats have won three consecutive bowl games and have wins over LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, Clemson and Florida State since 2006. Kentucky will be solid once again and will battle for third spot behind Florida and Georgia.

Lame Kiffin’s antics at UT have changed the perception of Al Davis as a crazy old dude to a legitimately upset NFL owner. Davis stated in part upon firing Kiffin:

I realized when I hired you [Kiffin] that you were young and inexperienced and that there would be a learning process for you. Your mistakes on player personnel and coaches were overlooked based on our patience with you, but I never dreamt that you would be untruthful in attempts and in statements in the press as well as so many other issues. Your actions are those of a coach looking to make excuses for not winning rather than a coach focused on winning.

When the beatings and losses start adding up, I am curious to see how this plays out. On the field, the defense will be very good. But offensively, UT will struggle. Add Kiffin’s off season jabs at some of the best coaches in the game Meyer, Saban, Richt and Spurrier, don’t be surprised to see starters on the field long after the game has been decided. With road games at Florida, Alabama, Kentucky and Ole Miss, Kiffin will be lucky to go 2-2. Home games against Carolina, Vandy, Auburn and Georgia will all present real challenges. If it’s not clear, I think the Vols took a HUGE risk hiring Kiffin. One word comes to mind in looking at this guy, IMMATURITY.

Vandy won a bowl game in 2008! That is impressive in itself, but who they beat is an even bigger deal. Boston College won their division in the ACC and played in the ACC Championship Game for the second consecutive year. Behind a strong defensive effort Vandy was able to defeat BC 16-14. Vandy will once again be right there for a second consecutive bowl appearance but will have to steal two games along the way. The schedule is not favorable, but don’t be surprised by another 6-6 regular season.

SEC East

Florida
Georgia
South Carolina
Kentucky
Tennessee
Vanderbilt