The SEC East up for Grabs in 2012

By Joe Phelps
Founder/Staff Writer

2011 was full of surprises for the SEC East. Georgia, who started off the 2011 season 0-2 and talk of Richt getting fired spread like herpes at a 1960's "Love In". The Bulldogs lost to South Carolina in the 2nd game of the season...at home mind you, but somehow outlasted the Gamecocks...the HEAVILY favored to win the SEC East Gamecocks.

With the addition of Missouri (because the Ozarks just scream Dixie), the geographically challenged SEC East is truly up for grabs. Georgia is the early favorite, and rightfully so. But even the Bulldogs are not immune to playing the role South Carolina did last year.

Georgia- They are my early favorite. Aaron Murray continues to develop into a clutch playmaker and the returning talent is enough to make them serious contenders. Add in their recruiting class and the fact the Mark Richt's job is secure, the Bulldogs will be playing loose and aggressive on both sides of the ball.

Odds: 2:1

South Carolina- Steve Spurrier is at his breaking point and South Carolina. The Stephen Garcia ordeal took a lot out of him and the frustration of being the typical Gamecocks by not finishing strong and not being dominant is wearing thin. This is when Steve is his most dangerous. Unfortunately, Connor Shaw has not proven much yet and Alshon Jefferies has left for the NFL. How does Lattimore return from his injury? Too many questions to make them a favorite.

Odds 3:1

Missouri- Yes, the newcomers to the SEC East are actually in the conversation. They have talent and are well coached (well, Bart Doan will disagree about the latter). James Franklin is an exciting playmaker and the Tigers have a solid ground attack with his legs and one Henry Josey. The Tigers will need to shore up their defense to win the East and one has to wonder how the team will hold up physically and mentally while playing an SEC schedule.

Odds 3:1

Florida- "Over the last two years, the University of Florida is 15-11. We need for everyone to adjust their mind set to that. We are rebuilding at the University of Florida." That's direct from Will Muschamp...and very true. There is talent at Florida and this could be the year it shines through. The defense will be littered with Juniors and Sophomores that have had 2-3 years of playing experience. Muschamp is hoping that new offensive coordinator Brent Pease can keep the defense off the field more than what they did in 2011. Will it be true Sophomores Brissett or Driskel starting under center? Is Hunter Joyer and Matt Jones the backs UF needs to run between the tackles? Tons of questions and many answers will rely on Freshmen...that's never a good thing.

Odds 4:1

Tennessee- The pressure is on this year for Derek Dooley. The Vols marginally improved last year, but to be honest, the last two year are not tolerated in Knoxville. Tennessee only won one conference game in 2011. 5 or 6 years ago you would have NEVER imagined this.The Vols are undersized, inexperienced, and bitten by the injury bug. 2012 is a new year...and Tyler Bray should settle in and be the player the Vols need to make the turnaround. Justin Hunter returns from injury, which is great news for the Vols. Big question marks about the running game and the offensive line must be answered in the spring and in the first few weeks of camp. They are in a little bit worse situation than Florida is in both programs rebuilding process.

Odds 4.5:1

Vanderbilt- Whatever happened to speak softly but carry a big stick? Coach Franklin is really into this bad publicity is better than none philosophy to task. One has to admit, he kind of shocked everyone by the competitiveness the Commodores exhibited throughout 2011. He took them to a bowl game. They lost to Arkansas by 3, Florida by 5, Georgia by 5, and Tennessee by 6. Quite admirable, but not a reason to give SEC East teams bulletin board  material in FEBRUARY! Let's get real. 4-0 out of conference beating Elon (FCS), UConn, Army, and Wake Forest. Their two conference wins were against Kentucy (5-7) and Ole Miss (2-10). Oh...and they lost the bowl game. So, while Vanderbilt may be improved and having Franklin working the mic like a WWE star does not take away from the fact that they are still Vanderbilt.

Odds 7-1

Kentucky- Anthony Davis is a complete monster. He is a force down low and is an incredible defender. With Marquis Teague dishing the rock, the Wildcats should have no problems that would keep them from being ranked in the top 5 throughout the season. Enjoy basketball season Wildcat fans.

Odds Off Line

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