Preseason: SEC rankings

As we have already mentioned, it is way too early for preseason predictions. But since we started here's our look at the SEC.

East
1. Florida
Key players: QB Tim Tebow, LB Brandon Spikes, DE Carlos Dunlap, CB Joe Haden, RB Jeffery Demps, S Dorian Munroe, OT Omar Hunter
Predicted record: 12-0
This is easy. The Gators are the most imposing team in the SEC, if not the nation. UF's defense is faster and more talented than last year's group that manhandled the offensive juggernaut Oklahoma in the national title game. Even the special teams look better. I don't see Florida losing any games during the regular season and then winning the SEC Championship. The only possible loss is a matchup with USC or Texas in the title game.

2. Georgia
Key players: WR A.J. Green, QB Joe Cox, OL Clint Boling, OT Trinton Sturdivant, LB Rennie Curran, DT Geno Atkins, DE Justin Houston
Predicted record: 9-3
When expectations are high in Athens it's best to pick against the Bulldogs. When expectations are down bet on UGA. Mark Richt has his work cut out for him, but this is when he's at his best. A.J. Green needs someone else to step up at receiver to help cut down on the double teams, and replacing first-round picks Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno is important. The offensive line should be able to open holes, though. A weakness last season, the line is a strength in 2009.

3. Tennessee
Key players: QB Jonathan Crompton, S Eric Berry, TB Bryce Brown, DT Montori Hughes, DL Chris Walker
Predicted record: 7-5
Tennessee wasn't as bad as their 5-7 record of last season. The defense should be stout again this fall, and if Jonathan Crompton can play within the system the Volunteers should win a few more close games than they did last year. If first-year coach Lane Kiffin can coach as well as he verbally spars UT could win 8 or 9.

4. Vanderbilt
Key players: CB Myron Lewis, WR Terence Jeffers, RB Jared Hawkins
Predicted record: 6-6
The Commodores were the talk of college football through six weeks last season. Vandy could be bowl eligible again this season and that would be a major accomplishment for coach Bobby Johnson. This is still a team of unknowns outside of Nashville, but they won't sneak up on any SEC team this year.

5. South Carolina
Key players: QB Stephen Garcia, CB Stephon Gilmore, OLB Eric Norwood, DT Ladi Ajiboye
Predicted record: 6-6
The Ol' Ball Coach didn't realize winning outside of Gainesville could be so tough. His South Carolina teams have been mediocre at best. The interesting thing is the Gamecocks have been great on defense during the Steve Spurrier years, and sluggish on offense. Spurrier has settled on Stephen Garcia at quarterback and that could pay dividends this season.

6. Kentucky
Key players: CB Trevard Lindley, LB Micah Johnson, DE Jeremy Jarmon, QB Mike Hartline, RB Moncell Allen
Predicted record: 3-9
I'm not as high on the Wildcats as others are around the nation. Some are saying Kentucky is a seven- or eight-win team. I don't see it. I like the Wildcats defense, but the offense could struggle to score all season. Mike Hartline had a nice spring and should provide stability.

West
1. Alabama
Key players: QB Greg McElroy, WR Julio Jones, LB Rolando McClain, NG Terrence Cody, CB Javier Arenas, LB Dont'a Hightower
Predicted record: 11-1
The Tide are loaded on defense and the unit is led by lineman Terrence Cody. This is why I think they'll edge out Ole Miss in the West. Plus I can't pick against Nick Saban. Greg McElroy may actually be an upgrade over John Parker Wilson at quarterback, but Alabama needs to find some offensive lineman to protect him.

2. Ole Miss
Key players: QB Jevan Snead, RB Dexter McCluster, OT John Jerry, DE Greg Hardy, DT Jerrell Powe, DE Marcus Tillman
Predicted record: 10-2
Jevan Snead may be the second-best quarterback in the conference and could lead the Rebels to the SEC championship game. Right now I see Ole Miss just missing that game. The Rebels real strength will be the defensive front, possibly the best in the SEC. Even if they don't make the SEC title game, a 10-win season is nothing to frown about in Oxford.

3. LSU
Key players: QB Jordan Jefferson, OT Ciron Black, RB Charles Scott, WR Brandon LaFell, S Chad Jones
Predicted record: 9-3
Uncharacteristically, the Tigers struggled on defense last year. That has to be a concern this season unless first-year coordinator John Chavis can turn this unit around. Count on it. LSU is also one of the more athletic teams in the SEC, maybe second to Florida. The West is stacked when you consider the Tigers could win this division.

4. Auburn
Key players: DE Antonio Coleman,
Predicted record: 7-5
I'd feel much better about Gene Chizik's first season on the Plains if he had found a quarterback during the spring, especially when you're trying to run the spread (see Michigan 2008). However, the Tigers defense is solid and should get them a few more wins than they had in Tommy Tuberville's final campaign.

5. Arkansas
Key players: QB Ryan Mallett, WR Joe Adams, WR Jarius Wright, TE D.J. Williams, RB Michael Smith, DT Malcolm Sheppard
Predicted record: 6-6
The Razorbacks are a popular pick to really move up in the SEC this fall. They have offensive genious Bobby Petrino and Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett at quarterback. But it's tough to put the Hogs anywhere else because of their untested defense.

6. Mississippi State
Key players: RB Anthony Dixon, WR Chad Bumphis, DT Pernell McPhee, WR Brandon McRae
Predicted record: 3-9
Don't expect too much in the first season for coach Dan Mullen. The Bulldogs will be counting on plenty of newcomers to step up this season and that is just too much to survive in the SEC. Better luck in 2010.