We are heading the heart of college football. The big, bad SEC. The conference that had its BCS Championship streak snapped last year. Florida State may be #1 in the polls, but who would be shocked if 2 SEC teams are represented in the new playoff format.

EAST DIVISION

SOUTH CAROLINA - I think the Ole Ball Coach gets it done here. He does lose his QB and some defense, but still has 14 starters back off an 11-2 season. Speaking of 11-2, that is now 3 straight seasons posting that record. I could put Georgia here. I feel that these are the 2 top teams in the East. But I don't ever underestimate Steve Spurrier. Plenty of depth and balance on both sides of the ball. They also get Georgia at home. They don't do it flashy in Columbia, but the do get wins. I think they get to the SEC Title Game.

GEORGIA BULLDOGS - As I mentioned above, I think these guys are good. They have a beast RB in Todd Gurley. He will take some pressure off of new QB Hutson Mason, a senior replacing prolific passer Aaron Murray. Mark Richt has 8 starters back on defense, 14 total and should improve off an 8-5 season. The talent is there. It is always there. But unlike the coach above him, Richt hasn't had that signature win. It wouldn't shock me to see Georgia represent the East. We will find out early, September 13th, who is in the drivers seat.

FLORIDA GATORS - Hot seat alert. I thought Will Muschamp would really have this team contending for titles. Granted, the injury bug riddled this group last year. These guys were 4-8 and lost to Georgia Southern. 14 starters are back to avenge some losses. They do have a tough schedule visiting Alabama and Florida State. If I am the coach, I think I need a bowl win to keep my job.

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS - Going with the Vols here. Butch Jones was 5-7 his first year, but does have 10 starters back. Still, the schedule looks pretty tough in my eyes. At Oklahoma, Georgia and South Carolina plus a home game vs Alabama. Anything more than 6 wins will be a successful season.

MISSOURI TIGERS -I can confidently say the Tigers won't win 12 games this year. I do like what I saw of QB Maty Mauk briefly last year. I just think they lost too much from last years team. I can see these guys being 0-3 in their first 3 SEC games. The rest of the SEC schedule is a little soft.

KENTUCKY WILDCATS - If this was CBB, well, we could just flip this upside down. The football team has a way too go to get to that level. Can't go anyplace but up after b2b 0-8 SEC seasons going 2-10 overall in both years. 2nd year HC Mark Stoops will need some time to get these guys bowling.

VANDERBILT - New HC Derek Mason takes off a 9-4 with 10 starters back and I don't think they will be better than Kentucky. They have to replace their QB and basically their top WR. This is Vandy football. Not known for huge depth at the skill position. Then we have them bringing in new coordinators and new schemes. We know how this works. The new cooks need to find their ingredients.

WEST DIVISION

ALABAMA - Putting Nick Sabean and his troops at the top here. Come on. Do we really think Auburn can bottle the magic of last season. Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa to see who is in the Championship mix.

AUBURN - What an amazing first year for Gus Malzahn. I sure as heck didn't see that coming. Plenty of talent back and really no reason they can't dream of a title. But the sole reason they are behind 'Bama is because they will be on the road for this years season finale.

OLE MISS REBELS - Yeah. I put LSU behind these guys. I like what Hugh Freeze has going on down in Oxford. 15 starters back, plenty of experience on that defense. Senior QB Bo Wallace could be the difference maker in an upset of the two teams above Mississippi. Schedule shapes up nicely as they miss the top dogs out of the East.

LSU TIGERS - Les Miles just wins games. I can't lie. So that is why I have them here. Tough to say rebuilding and LSU football together, but that is how I see it. He has 12 starters back, but the offense looks to be a major hurdle. You lose your QB and top WRs, you are going to have problems. LSU is a perennial top recruiter, but I don't like the mix here.

MISSISSIPPI STATE - Dan Mullen has 16 starters back from a 7-6 team. I like QB Dak Prescott. The problem is that he gets banged up. If he is healthy, so go the Bulldogs.

TEXAS A&M - No Johnny Football for HC Kevin Sumlin, but he does have 9 starters back on defense. Problem is that unit finished last in total defense in the SEC. I think they improve there this year though. We will find out pretty early, like next Thursday how these guys are going to fare as they visit South Carolina.

ARKANSAS - The rebuild is on for 2nd year man Bret Bielema. 0-8 in SEC play, 3-9 overall. Now they face probably the toughest schedule in the country. Yikes. Open at Auburn. Hopefully they have enough in the tank to beat Nichols State the next week. They do have 14 returning starters. I won't be shocked when they have 3 wins again.

Be sure to check out all of my COLLEGE and NFL Previews - SEAN HIGGS
 

Paul Chirimbes
	ALL Access Pass ALL SPORTS Money Plays Chip Chirimbes the 'Big Game Player' and Three-time Handicapping Champion is offering SEVEN full days of ALL SPORTS winners for only $149. Take advantage now with the HOTTEST HANDICAPPER in the Nation as his RED HOT streak continues. - $149.00

Click here to view all of today's premium picks.