Odds to Win SEC

GEORGIA BULLDOGS

2012 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Starters Returning: 9
QB Aaron Murray (3,149 pass yds, 35 TD, 14 INT) is back, along with a wealth of talent at WR. But Georgia’s offensive line is inexperienced, and the dismissal of top-tier RB Isaiah Crowell leaves the running game in flux. The Bulldogs’ defense brings back nine starters and could be the nation’s best unit. Georgia has an easy schedule for an SEC team, and could make another trip to the SEC title game.

FLORIDA GATORS

2012 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Starters Returning: 9
As it has since Urban Meyer left, Florida’s offense will struggle. QBs Jacoby Brisset and Jeff Driskel both look decent, but underachievers will surround whoever starts under center. Speed and versatility hasn’t yet translated on on-field production for several top recruits. The Gators’ strength will again be their defense as they return a plethora of NFL talent. Their deep and explosive D-line might be the nation’s best.

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

2012 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Starters Returning: 6
This could be the best team Steve Spurrier has had since arriving at South Carolina. QB Connor Shaw proved to be solid last season (65.4% completions, 14 TD, 6 INT; 8 rush TD in final six games) and RB Marcus Lattimore (818 rush yds, 5.0 YPC, 10 TD) should be fully recovered from his knee injury and ready for a Heisman campaign. The team is confident in its group of receivers, and the offensive line should be a lot better than it was last year. If the Gamecocks get consistent play from their secondary, they should be at least as good as they were a year ago. Sophomore DE Jadeveon Clowney (8 sacks) has superstar potential and should make this defense among the best in the land.

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

2012 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 10
Defense: Starters Returning: 8
Tennessee is looking to climb back up the ranks of the SEC. Former NFL and Alabama assistant Sal Sunseri takes over as defensive coordinator and is going to have to bring out some untapped potential in his defensive line and secondary. On offense, the Vols return QB Tyler Bray (283 passing YPG, 17 TD, 6 INT) and stud WR Justin Hunter, who totaled 302 receiving yards in the only two full games he played before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. The running game should improve too, as Tennessee is getting back every offensive lineman it had last year, and there is enough talent at running back to make up for the loss of departed senior RB Tauren Poole. The best of the lot should be sophomore Marlin Lane, who had just 75 carries as a freshman.

MISSOURI TIGERS

2012 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 6
Defense: Starters Returning: 7
The Tigers are lucky to have most of their starters back at skill positions. Dual threat QB James Franklin (2,865 pass yds, 21 TD; 981 rush yds, 15 TD) gets back outstanding targets in WRs T.J Moe (649 rec yds, 4 TD) and Marcus Lucas (414 rec yds, 5 TD). RB Henry Josey (1,168 rush yds, 9 TD) is likely out for the year with a knee injury, but Kendial Lawrence (566 rush yds, 5 TD) is a capable replacement. This offense will be able to put up points in a hurry if the offensive line holds up. On the defensive side, the Tigers bring back an experienced secondary, but their top linemen, DE Brad Madison and DT Sheldon Richardson, both missed the spring with shoulder injuries. They’ll need to get healthy and have big years for Missouri to be competitive in the SEC.

KENTUCKY WILDCATS

2012 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 6
Defense: Starters Returning: 5
Last season was definitely one to forget for the Wildcats, whose offense had trouble scoring in the worst of ways (15.8 PPG, 4th-worst in FBS). Things should be a little better in 2012 mainly because the team has finally decided to stick with one quarterback. Maxwell Smith struggled at times as a freshman, but he did show signs of promise with a 283-yard, two-TD game against Ole Miss in November. This team will need guys to step up around him though. Defensively, they couldn’t stop any of the SEC powerhouses, and although they have some starters returning and some promising new recruits, it’s likely going to be another tough year for this defense.

VANDERBILT COMMODORES

2012 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 9
Defense: Starters Returning: 7
This has the look of a promising season for the Commodores as their top three offensive players return in QB Jordan Rodgers (1,524 pass yds, 9 TD, 10 INT), RB Zac Stacy (1,193 rush yds, 14 TD) and WR Jordan Matthews (778 rec yds, 5 TD). The success of this team is ultimately going to come down to the defense, which loses several key players from a unit that overachieved by allowing just 323 total YPG (18th in nation) and ranking 29th in FBS in points allowed (21.6 PPG). Yet the Commodores still finished only 2-6 in SEC play, beating only Ole Miss and Kentucky at home for their two conference victories.

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