Conference Previews: The SEC

2005 Standings

East	Conf	Overall
Georgia	6-2	10-3
Florida	5-3	9-3
South Carolina	5-3	7-5
Tennessee	3-5	5-6
Vanderbilt	3-5	5-6
Kentucky	2-6	3-8

West	Conf	Overall
LSU	7-1	11-2
Auburn	7-1	9-3
Alabama	6-2	10-2
Arkansas	2-6	4-7
Mississippi	1-7	3-8
Mississippi State	1-7	3-8

Gerry's Pick: The SEC has been the most competitive conference in football for years now. One could make a case for a half dozen teams this year. In the East, Georgia and Florida are powerful, while Tennessee is loaded with talent. South Carolina has Steve Spurrier, for whatever that's worth. In the West, LSU and Auburn are both top-5 caliber programs, while Alabama is building steam and Arkansas is primed for a big year. That being said, I could see Georgia, Florida, LSU, or Auburn walking away with it this year (which is the way it's been for years now). This conference is impossible to predict, so here's my shot in the dark: Geaux Tigers. LSU

Gerry's Predicted Conference Standings

East	West
Georgia	LSU
Tennessee	Auburn
Florida	Arkansas
South Carolina	Alabama
Vanderbilt	Mississippi
Kentucky	Mississippi State

Chris' Pick: The two hot hires from last year were Charlie Weis and Urban Meyer. Weis has certainly made his presence known in South Bend, leading the Fighting Irish to a Fiesta Bowl appearance last year. But I am predicting that Urban Meyer is going to be the hot name this season, bringing Florida to an SEC championship. Sure, Chris Leak is not the most accurate quarterback in the country and Urban's offense is relying on his shaky arm, but remember that Meyer made that spread offense work with Alex Smith at the helm in Utah (and the 49ers are still curious how). A great recruiting class from last year will add the needed depth to make the team a real contender. Watch out boys, the Gators are loose. Florida

Chris' Predicted Conference Standings

East	West
Florida	Auburn
Tennessee	LSU
Georgia	Arkansas
South Carolina	Alabama
Kentucky	Mississippi
Vanderbilt	Mississippi State