1. Georgia: A fairly young, but immensely talented Bulldog team returns this year and high expectations are in order down in Athens. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno are legitimate Heisman contenders and big things are expected from each. Moreno rushed for over 100 yards six different times in the thirteen games he played in last season and both should be more matured and refined going into this season. There is also a ton of youthfulness and talent everywhere along the offensive line. The receiving corps is fairly young, but two seniors, Kenneth Harris and Mohamed Massaquoi return and will make solid targets for Stafford. Despite all of these pieces, the key might just be returning senior fullback Brannan Southerland. Southerland has been the heart and soul of the Bulldogs offense for the last few years and is the epitome of SEC-style football. On the defensive side, Dannell Ellerbe is one of the better returning linebackers in the SEC and as always, defenses will have a tough time getting it past Georgia's talented secondary. The only question mark for the Bulldogs may be who's going to play defensive end opposite of Roderick Battle. Jeremy Lomax and Jarius Wynn are both talented players in the running for the spot.

2. Florida: The defense is so young, but talented. The Gators strength is their offense, which includes dynamic weapons like Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin, and rising stud Chris Rainey.

3. Tennessee: The Volunteers defense bared their teeth last season and showed the nation what they're capable of. Another season's experience could only help. Tennessee also has some very talented receivers for Jonathan Crompton to work with in his first year as the starting QB.

4. South Carolina: The Gamecocks have a lot of questions to answer at the quarterback position, but Chris Smelley should be the starter once all is said and done. The strength of this team is their tenacious secondary, which could possibly be the best in the SEC.....now that's saying something.

5. Kentucky: Rising program or one hit wonder? It looks to be the latter as the Wildcats lost a ton of weapons on offense including Rafael Little, Jacob Tamme, Steve Johnson, Keenan Burton, and quarterback Andre Woodson....all of whom left for the NFL. Aaron Boyd is a very talented freshman receiver and could see playing time immediately to help the team out.

6. Vanderbilt: Like Kentucky, the Commodores lost a ton of weapons, mostly on defense. Starting QB Chris Nickson is back, however, and Vandy is always a tough out with their "never say die" attitude.

SEC West

{mosimage}1. Auburn: I have one word for Auburn fans and why they should be excited once again....ATHLETES. As is usually the case, the Auburn Tigers are once again loaded with top-notch athletes. The battle for QB will be an interesting one to watch as both Kodi Burns and Chris Todd are capable players who bring different things to the table. I have a strange feeling that Todd might win out simply because he has such a high ceiling and throws a really nice ball whereas Burns could be used as more of a change-of-pace type QB. However, don't count out Burns. As I mentioned, Auburn is loaded with pure athletes and their receivers are a prime example of that. Tim Hawthorne, Chris Slaughter, James Swinton, and Rod Smith are all capable of being big time playmakers and Robert Dunn is one of the best kick/punt returners in the SEC. Add to that a backfield that is able to go 4-deep if needed and you have yourself an SEC title contender all the way. Sen'Derrick Marks and Antonio Coleman head one of the better defensive lines in the country and Tray Blackmon is a great linebacker when he is on his game. The defensive backs are very young, but already have some experience under their belt, too. Head coach Tommy Tubberville has a knack for finding just the right position for all of the athletes at his disposal. Look out SEC West because the Tigers could be scary good.

2. LSU: The Tigers won't be sweating the loss of Ryan Perrilloux for too long. Jarrett Lee is a young, improving quarterback who could be the future leader for the program and on defense, their front seven can still hang with anyone in the SEC despite losing Glenn Dorsey and Ali Highsmith.

3. Alabama: Quarterback John Parker Wilson holds the keys to the Crimson Tide wagon this season. After an up-and-down first year for head coach Nick Saban, Tide fans should be able to look forward to more wins this year as the program is rising faster than ever. Also, there won't be any losses to teams like Louisiana-Monroe this season.

4. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs mix talented youth on offense (quarterback Wesley Carroll, running back Anthony Dixon, and wide receiver Co-Eric Riley) with proven leadership on defense (cornerback Derek Pegues, and cornerback Keith Fitzhugh) and should see improvement once again this season under head coach Sylvester Croom.

5. Ole Miss: Jevan Snead, a transfer from Texas two years ago, will attempt to re-energize Houston Nutt and an Ole Miss program that has been a bit woozy ever since "little brother" Eli Manning left for the NFL. Also, running back Cordera Eason may be a name many people recognize by season's end.

6. Arkansas: Bobby Petrino has a team that is massive along the trenches and they will need to help carry the load this season as the Razorbacks top three rushing options are now in the pros. The future is very bright, but Arkansas must struggle through this upcoming season first.

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