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SEC East - as always, in predicted order to finish.

1. Florida

Optimist says: The Gator offense has more going for it than any element on any team in this division. Receiving corps is ridiculously talented, led by Percy Harvin. Offensive line returns plenty of talent and experience.

Pessimist says: Defense will be the youngest in the country. The potential is there, but there is no question they will suffer some growing pains.

Overview: There’s no telling whether Tim Tebow will actually be a better fit in a full-time role than Chris Leak was. Assuming Tebow can handle the offense every down, Florida will be an absolute nightmare for defensive coordinators. However, when it comes to the BCS picture, it’s extremely doubtful that the defense can hold up their end of the bargain. There’s enough balance and explosiveness on offense to expect Florida to overcome the diminishing returns of the defense in regards to the division title.

Degenerate Ramblings: Their performance against the number will depend on how quickly the talented defense grows up. They should be involved in plenty of shootouts throughout the season.

2. Georgia

Optimist says: Closed last season on a 3-game winning streak capped by a comeback win over Virginia Tech. QB Matt Stafford improved a great deal as the season progressed, particularly by cutting down on turnovers. He appears to have the skill set to be a star. Defense has been remarkably consistent under Mark Richt.

Pessimist says: Offensive line is a Titanic-like abortion at this point. They may have to resort to open tryouts. Defense is extremely young, particularly in the front seven.

Overview: Georgia is unfathomably young in a lot of areas, but there’s something to be said for the program’s consistency under Richt and for the way they closed out last season after a rough beginning. Like Florida, the defense will have some teeth, but extreme youth will lead to some regression. If the offensive line can get the running backs any room at all, UGA should be in the championship equation.

Degenerate Ramblings: Georgia has a lot of questions marks. Until they are addressed this isn’t a team I’ll actively be seeking to wager on. If the offensive and defensive lines remain in limbo, there’s no question that they’ll perform poorly against the spread.

3. South Carolina

Optimist says: Return a senior quarterback and everyone on defense. Offense was in the zone at the end of last season, and even without Sidney Rice they return plenty of speed and skill talent. This season presents a great opportunity for the Cocks to rise above the Big Three as on paper this is the worst this division has looked in years.

Pessimist says: Offensive line lost three of five starters and they’re driving Spurrier batshit in practice. Defensive front seven was pushed around by the elite running games they faced last season, and unless ’06 injury casualty Marque Hall and/or incoming Clifton Geathers immediately represent the upgrade their recruiting hype suggests, there’s no real reason to believe that this trend will change.

Overview: This season seems to be the perfect opportunity for Spurrier to take advantage of the numerous weaknesses of divisional foes. I’m still unconvinced that there’s enough talent and depth in the trenches–particularly the offensive line–to truly push this team over the top. One of the reasons Spurrier came off so brilliantly at times last season was that he kept his team close in big game losses even though they were so obviously overmatched and couldn’t hope to run straight or protect the quarterback for any extended amount of time. That he was able to produce some kind of running game from perfectly-timed draws, screens, and misdirections is to the OBC’s credit, but not generally the kind of display of strength one looks for in a potential division winner.

Degenerate Ramblings: Since Spurrier’s arrival, the Cocks have had some trouble putting away lesser competition, but they’ve performed admirably in the underdog role, particularly last season. They have plenty of tough road games this season where they should be underdogs, and I expect them to perform well against the number in these games. When in doubt, don’t bet against the Ol’ Ball Coach.

4. Tennessee

Optimist says: Return senior QB Erik Ainge who has demonstrated some learning from youthful indiscretions and has continued to progress under QB guru David Cutcliffe.

Pessimist says: Offensive line has been a shell of the typical Tennessee goliaths over the past two seasons. Their one promising running back, LaMarcus Coker, has been suspended for the Cal opener and will probably remain in Fulmer’s doghouse. Secondary is extremely young and may start three true freshmen. The front seven was uncharacteristically pushed around last season and had problems getting to the quarterback.

Overview: I have a lot of reservations about this team defensively. Stopping the run could remain an ongoing problem in addition to the problem of rushing the passer, all to the distress of the sketchy secondary. Ainge is basically the ONLY proven commodity on either side of the ball. The Vols still should expect to compete for the division title as long as their quarterback remains upright. But unless the offensive line can turn their recent struggles around, the margins in this division are too small to put the chips on so much uncertainty elsewhere.

Degenerate Ramblings: As stated above, this team has numerous issues, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vegas give them too much credit early. If the offensive line can give the running backs some room to work with I’ll be a little more optimistic about their consistency.

5. Vanderbilt

Optimist says: Junior Chris Nickson is the most dangerous running quarterback in the conference and will work behind a wholly intact line. Earl Bennett has developed into the SEC’s most reliable receiver. Ton of returning starters and experience on the defensive side of the ball.

Pessimist says: Vanderbilt has a football team?

Overview: This was a competitive Vanderbilt team last season. They played Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida close, and they beat Georgia. On paper, it looks like they should expect their best season in decades. I expect them to pull a major upset somewhere along the way, but there’s still not enough talent and depth here to warrant any more than six wins.

Degenerate Ramblings: I’m still not sure I trust this team in any kind of favorite role. But, like last season, they should have value in specific situations as an underdog, especially on the road.

6. Kentucky

Optimist says: The offense is high-octane and enjoyable to watch, everything a dangerous and moderately fun upstart should be. QB Andre Woodson is the best returning passer in the league. Team has a top-notch receiver in Keenan Burton and a versatile, effective threat out of the backfield in Rafael Little.

Pessimist says: Offensive line was overwhelmed by basically every good defense it faced. Defense was an embarrassment (118th overall) against the run and the pass.

Overview: I feel bad slotting Kentucky this low. Behind Woodson’s arm, this offense can really go. As long as Little is healthy, they will scare the shit out of everyone on their schedule. But, of last season’s seven 1-A wins, six can be directly traced to turnovers. I’ll believe the Wildcats’ staying power when I see it.

Degenerate Ramblings: Offense was extremely under-appreciated last year so the team remained a good bargain throughout the season. It will be interesting to see if that continues, but as I noted above, I’m afraid this team will fall flat on it’s face at some point. However, the offense could continue to make them a frisky underdog.

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