Van's Quick Early SEC EAST PREDICTIONS

(SEC WEST to follow soon)

Oh the headaches that arise when trying to assess the SEC East.

The "Big Three" (Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee) all have things that argue against them... and for them.

Will Florida play to its strengths? Can they win in places like Jordan-Hare?

Can UGA replace so many pieces, and survive a potential QB controversy?

Can the fractured and fractious UT squad put last year's debacle behind them and come together?

And then there's the mystery of South Carolina and the Evil Visored Chikin-Wrangler.

And two other teams play here, as well... but best not to dwell upon them, lest we sink with them into their melancholy funk of post-hoops depression.

It's really a toss-up to me--the East could easily resemble those years in the West where LSU, Auburn, and Arkansas all finished 9-2 and two good teams were left out of the Dome. But...

1. Florida.
They have the talent, and I think Urban Legend will set his ego aside and run an offense this year that takes advantage of his personnel and their strengths, moreso than last year. Plus they get an automatic "W" for the UGA game, which certainly helps.

2. Georgia and Tennessee.
While the Gators get to the Dome, I think these two will end up tied for second. UT won't have two awful years in a row. Florida gets in by virtue of beating both head-to-head, but Florida will also lose to Auburn and maybe one other team. Richt will have the Dawgs competitive. I hate it, but he's a very good, very solid coach.

4. South Carolina.
The Mighty Chikins go maybe 6-6 or 7-5 in the Coop, but will be very impressive in their losses.

And how funny would it be if the Chikins end up in the Chik-Fil-A Bowl?

5-6. Who cares? Though I do want to see Kentucky perform, given that they have more players on the preseason All-SEC team than bama does!!