I don't see Florida falling to number 3 in the east, Chip. Despite popular perception, Florida has recruited the best in the SEC for the last four years, not LSU. They are loaded. I agree Tebow has a lot to prove, but Leak proved that a green QB can come in and win.
Both Tebow and Stafford were true-freshman this year. It took Stafford half of the season to really get on track. Stafford ended the year with a record of 7-2 as a true freshman starter beating 3 ranked teams in a row to finish the year. He beat Auburn 37-15. Meanwhile, Tebow has not really had much of a chance to run the full Florida offense. At one point during the season Meyer referred to him as a gorilla trying to play QB. But if anyone will come out of the blue next year, it will be Chris Smelley at South Carolina. That is why I am giving South Carolina a chance to tie for the SEC East.
With the kind of talent Florida has surrounding Tebow he won't have to carry the offense but only manage it. He'll catch on fast... Florida (going by recruiting) owns the east for a while.
I think Kentucky is a team to watch out for. They have an excellent young QB. Coming off of a big bowl win will have them energized. Im not predicting them to contend for the SEC East, but they could be a spoiler. Pulling an upset or two. South Carolina is always capable of a big win with Spurrier. I think they will have a good year, but they finish no better than 3rd in the East. Im stil undecided between Georgia and Florida for the East. Georgia has an exceptional secondary. It all depends on how good their O is, plus they have to replace two big time DEs. Florida should have another good team. Tebow will play well, but will struggle at times. They have the playmakers though to make up for his lack of reads. They will keep it simple, getting the ball to players like Harvin. Despite losing a lot of talent, Im sure they will put together another decend D with all the athletes they recruit. LSU will of course take the West and the overall SEC title. Nuff said. Auburn is a team for LSU to becareful with. Auburn is returning a lot of talent. They should have pretty strong O and D. I dont think they are explosive enough to stay with LSU though.
SEC West: LSU Auburn Arkansas Alabama Miss State Ole Miss SEC East: Florida Georgia South Carolina Tennessee Kentucky Vandy LSU over Florida in SEC Championship with winner in NC game. LSU and Florida both make BCS bowls games again this year. 9 teams in bowls again, everyone but Vandy in East and Miss St. and Ole Miss in West.
