Once again the SEC looks like it will be the best conference in the nation. In fact, it is not inconceivable to believe that the top 3 teams in the entire nation are from the SEC (LSU, Georgia, and Florida). The SEC East is home to two of those teams, and it will be a heated battle when they meet on the field November 1^st.

It is prediction time.

1. Florida (5-3, 9-4): Yes, I am taking Florida over Georgia. I know the game between these two is in Georgia, but I just think Florida has too much team speed and Tim Tebow is the best offensive player in the nation. Of course, I would not be surprised if Georgia finished first, but I have to pick one. Emmanuel Moody and a better defense will be the reason for Florida’s improvement over last year.

2. Georgia (6-2, 11-2): Georgia is loaded and will challenge for the national championship, but they have to get out of the SEC first. I don’t think they will. They have some great skill players, but I don’t like their offensive line and I don’t think they have the overall team speed of Florida, LSU, or even Auburn—all of whom they must play.

3. Tennessee (6-2, 10-4): I don’t see Tennessee winning 10 games this season. They don’t have to play LSU, but they simply can’t match up to Auburn, Florida, or Georgia. They will be a solid team, and could conceivably upset one of the top teams. With a new QB and a new offensive coordinator, it is hard to gauge just how good they will be.

4. South Carolina (3-5, 6-6): South Carolina just may challenge Tennessee for the number 3 spot. Tommy Beecher may be a quarterback that Spurrier stays with for a whole season, and the defense should be improved. The schedule is brutal because of their conference, and they also play NC State and Clemson. In all reality, they will probably have the same record as last year.

5. Kentucky (3-5, 8-5): Kentucky started off last season like gangbusters. Andre Woodson is gone and so are a few other key players. If it is possible the SEC may be tougher than last year and this is not good news for Kentucky. They could be a pretty good team in any other conference, but they will finish near the bottom of the SEC.

6. Vanderbilt (2-6, 5-7): The traditional whipping boy of the SEC will play that role once again. The SEC is no place for Vanderbilt to build a winning tradition. They can bring in a few good recruits, but not enough to compete. It will be the same old same old for Vandy.

These teams are going to beat each other up all season, but it is surely a great time watching games in the SEC. I don’t know the numbers, but I think the most overtime games are played in the SEC. It is time to get going on this season and see just how good the SEC is going to be.