SEC Preview: East

Written by Jason Brubaker | 23 August 2009

It's always a good idea to save the best for last. And with three straight BCS national champions, it's tough to argue against the SEC these days as the best all-around conference in college football.

There's Florida, the defending national champion and the preseason favorite to hoist another crystal ball. There's Georgia and Ole Miss, who each produced two first-rounders last year. There's LSU, winner of two national titles since 2003. There's Alabama, led by a plethora of future NFL defenders like Rolando McLain and Terrence Cody. Even UK and Vanderbilt are coming off bowl wins last year. And we haven't mentioned Tennessee and Auburn, two proud programs who are coming off down years but still are stocked with talent.

It's been a long off-season full of excitment, and controversy. The league has welcomed three new coaches in Lane Kiffin, Dan Mullen and Gene Chizik, with one making his entrance a little louder than the others. We've endured Tebowgate at the SEC Media Days. We've seen UK's Jeremy Jarmon, an All-SEC player, lose his eligibility for using a banned substance. We've said goodbye to familiar faces like Matthew Stafford, Percy Harvin, Jasper Brinkley, Knowshon Moreno, Andre Smith, Arian Foster, DJ Moore, John Parker Wilson, Demetrius Byrd and Glen Coffee, and welcomed a host of talented newcomers, like Bryce Brown, Andre Dubose, DJ Fluker, Ryan Mallett, Reuben Randle, Trent Richardson, Jon Bostic, Russell Shepard, Aaron Murray and Morgan Newton.

We've had nearly eight months of talking, speculating, predicting and prognosticating. But the time to talk is over. Let the games begin!

EAST

Florida: What hasn't been said about Florida already? They return QB Tim Tebow, a host of skill players and their entire starting defense, as well as 10 backups from a year ago. They brought in a top-15 recruiting class and have one of the best coaches in the country in Urban Meyer. In short, anything less than a second straight title will be unacceptable in Gainesville this year.

Key players: QB Tim Tebow, RB Jeff Demps, LB Brandon Spikes, DE Carlos Dunlap

Must step up: WR David Nelson

Newcomers to watch: WR Andre Debose, LB Jon Bostic

Georgia: The Bulldogs lost a pair of first-rounders, but don't shed any tears just yet. Senior QB Joe Cox isn't spectacular, but will get the job done. The Dawgs have a host of tailbacks to fill in for Moreno, and WR AJ Green is one of the nation's best. On defense, the Dawgs struggled at times last year, but will be led by hard-hitting LB Rennie Curran and tackles Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins. After failing to live up to their 2008 hype, the Dawgs will exceed expectations this year. Look for a another 10-win campaign.

Key players: WR AJ Green, QB Joe Cox, LB Rennie Curran, DT Geno Atkins

Must step up: RB Caleb King

Newcomers to watch: RB Washaun Ealey, QB Aaron Murray

Tennessee: Lane Kiffin has certainly made his presence known since taking over in Knoxville, reeling in a top-10 recruiting class and ruffling the feathers of some of his fellow coaches with barbs through the media. On paper, the Vols appear to have enough talent to head to a bowl. Their defense, led by All-American safety Eric Berry, will be stout. Offensively, the Vols will pin their hopes on erratic QB Jonathan Crompton and a shaky offensive line. The Vols may take some lumps this year, but look to be on the right path for the future.

Key players: S Eric Berry, DE Chris Walker, DT Dan Williams, RB Montario Hardesty

Must step up: QB Jonathan Crompton

Newcomers to watch: RB Bryce Brown, WR Nu'Keese Richardson

South Carolina: Say it with me this time...the Gamecocks could be a threat this year if they get good QB play. As has been the theme of Spurrier's tenure in Columbia, the season will hinge on how effectively Carolina can move the ball. QB Stephen Garcia has talent, but he's been wildly inconsistent, and makes poor decisions. It also doesn't help that they lost their two best targets in Kenny McKinley and Jared Cook. Defensively, the Gamecocks wil follow the lead of LB Eric Norwood, although the loss of Jasper Brinkley and Emmanuel Cook will hurt. While a bowl isn't out the question, the Gamecocks are probably looking at a fourth-place finish in the East.

Key players: QB Stephen Garcia, LB Eric Norwood, TE Weslye Saunders, DE Clifton Geathers

Must step up: WR Moe Brown

Newcomers to watch: RB Jarvis Giles, CB Stephen Gilmore

Kentucky: The Wildcats enter the season seeking their fourth consecutive bowl win - a first for the program. To do it, they'll need improved play from the offense, which sputtered last year. QB Mike Hartline appeared lost last season, eventually losing most of his snaps to the versatile Randall Cobb. Now that Cobb has been moved to WR, Hartline would be wise to look for him often. On defense, the Cats return All-SEC players Micah Johnson and Trevard Lindley, but the loss of DE Jeremy Jarmon up front will hurt. If the offense can pick up the pace a little this year, the Cats could make history. Look for them to find their way to another bowl.

Key players: CB Trevard Lindley, LB Micah Johnson, WR Randall Cobb, RB Alfonso Smith

Must step up: QB Mike Hartline

Newcomers to watch: QB Morgan Newton, WR Chris Matthews

Vanderbilt: The Commodores are coming off their first bowl win in 53 years. To make it two in a row, they'll have to be even better this year, since the bar has been raised in the conference. On offense, the 'Dores will rely on QB Larry Smith's versatility and RB Jared Hawkins hard-charging style to offset a lack of experience at receiver. Defensively, the Commodores will have to replace CB DJ Moore and S Reshad Langfordbut the return of DT Greg Billinger will help. Look for CB Myron Lewis to try to fill Moore's shoes in the secondary. Coach Bobby Johnson has done some terrific things at Vandy, but look for them to come back to reality a bit this year. Another bowl trip seems unlikely.

Key players: CB Myron Lewis, RB Jared Hawkins, TE Brandon Barden, SS Ryan Hamilton

Must step up: QB Larry Smith

Newcomers to watch: DB Eric Samuels, RB Wesley Tate