2010 SEC East Preview..

The wave of the future
The defending national champion Tide are ready to roll again, while the Gators remain the favorite in the wide-open East

Written by SETH EMERSON
semerson@thestate.com

Posted on 01.21.10

Looking to the 2010 college football season, one thing about the SEC is certain: The league that has produced the past four BCS champions has one of the favorites to make it five in a row. And it happens to be the team that won the most recent one.

After Alabama, however, things are more of a mystery. The East is wide open for a change, and it remains anybody's guess who might make a run at Alabama in the West.

An early projection of how the nation's premier league will shake out next season:

EAST

1. FLORIDA

The Gators lose a bunch of players, including a quarterback whose name escapes us at the moment. Coach Urban Meyer's situation is murky, and Charlie Strong, who ran an outstanding defense, is gone after accepting his first head coaching job, at Louisville.

But we're still talking about Florida, which has years of impressive recruiting classes to fall back on. John Brantley has been groomed to be the new quarterback, and playmaking tailback Jeff Demps is back.

Most important, the rest of the East have questions. It wouldn't be surprising to see someone else win the division - but who deserves such a vote of confidence? Stick with the champ.

2. GEORGIA

The Bulldogs return 10 starters on offense, but the new one will be at quarterback, and no one knows who that will be. They also will have a new defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham, and scheme (a 3-4).

So why the optimism? People in Athens hope the new quarterback and defensive coach are upgrades. Plus, whoever is throwing passes will have star wideout A.J. Green on the receiving end. Coach Mark Richt's job status probably doesn't rest on this season, but his seat would get hotter if the team fails to improve.

3. SOUTH CAROLINA

The Gamecocks have the division's most experienced quarterback, improved talent at the skill positions (especially if Marcus Lattimore signs), good, young players on defense, and a favorable schedule.

Still, this is a team that lost four of its final five this past season. The offensive line remains a question, and the defense loses All-American Eric Norwood.

Stephen Garcia, Alshon Jeffery, Cliff Matthews and Stephon Gilmore could be the key players in a breakthrough season. But long-suffering Gamecock fans will need to see it before they believe it.

4. TENNESSEE

How much of a setback, if any, is the departure of the Kiffin family will present. (Monte might be the bigger loss, considering what he did with the defense.) Derek Dooley is unproven, and having a third coach in three seasons will not help.

Plus, the Volunteers need to find a quarterback and replace star safety Eric Berry, who left early for the NFL. It likely means the Vols will not contend for a division title.

5. KENTUCKY

Unlike Lane Kiffin, Kentucky coach Rich Brooks made a smooth exit, handing over power to his designated successor, Joker Phillips. There is talent in Lexington: Quarterback Mike Hartline was named third-team All-SEC by the coaches, and receiver Randall Cobb is the team's top playmaker.

Still, the defense must replace a lot of talented players, including cornerback Trevard Lindley and linebacker Micah Johnson. And the offensive line has holes.

6. VANDERBILT

The Commodores have a dynamic tailback in Warren Norman, who will be a sophomore. The problem is the passing game, which has been an issue since Jay Cutler left.

Coach Bobby Johnson's team might not go winless in the SEC again, but getting back to a bowl will be tough.

The Article Continues With The West. You Can Find It Under The SEC West Heading On This Website....

WEST

1. ALABAMA

The offense returns quarterback Greg McElroy, Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, his sterling backup Trent Richardson and star receiver Julio Jones.

The defense must replace three All-Americans, but Nick Saban's great recruiting the past few years should make up for those losses.

2. ARKANSAS

The moment Ryan Mallett decided to return to school, the Razorbacks became the chic choice to make a jump next season, which will be coach Bobby Petrino's third in Fayetteville.

Defense will be the primary question for the Razorbacks. If they improve even a little on that side of the ball, it could lead to a big season.

3. LSU

A few years ago, Les Miles was king of the world - a national-title-winning coach turning down his alma mater. Now some are wondering whether Miles coasted off Saban's recruits.

Quarterback Jordan Jefferson needs to improve. The defense was better in 2009 but still doesn't meet its 2007 form.

4. AUBURN

The Tigers hope their quarterback position is ironed out with the addition of Cameron Newton, a highly touted junior-college transfer once thought to be the heir apparent to Tim Tebow at Florida.

But there has to be improvement on defense, which gave up the most points among league teams and ranked eighth in total defense.

5. MISSISSIPPI

Jevan Snead, Dexter McCluster, Greg Hardy and All-SEC offensive lineman John Jerry are gone. So the Rebels need a new quarterback and star skill-position player, and must identify plenty of other key contributors.

Rebuilding year, here they come.

6. MISSISSIPPI STATE

People in Starkville are optimistic, even though tailback Anthony Dixon and linebacker Jamar Chaney, the team's two top players, are gone. It will be coach Dan Mullen's second year, and most other key players return.

But the Bulldogs will have a redshirt freshman quarterback in Tyler Russell.