Poll: Who Will Win The SEC East?

Let’s face it; the SEC East has seen better days. I’d like to think that Alabama will get to play in the SEC Championship game this year. Of course, LSU will be on our heels and as we all know, the SEC is tough and unpredictable. For the sake of this post, let’s assume that we do get the coveted spot at number one in the SEC West; who will we face off with in the East?

Georgia

I think it will come down to the Bulldogs and the Gamecocks. I tend to teeter on the side of Georgia, but I have changed my mind and will continue to do so until I actually see some action from them in the 2012 season. The best thing Georgia has going for them is their schedule, which conveniently doesn’t include play against the major teams in the SEC West.  South Carolina isn’t so lucky; they have to play LSU in Baton Rouge. Georgia has a lot of players coming back and ultimately I think it will be their turn to step up to the plate.

South Carolina

The Gamecocks have proven that they are no laughing matter in the SEC East and they could very well end up in Atlanta in December. Connor Shaw is developing as a leader and he will be looking to get to the big game. Not only is Shaw a key player but Marcus Lattimore will be returning as a force and if he runs to his full potential (which may not happen post-injury) could be a Heisman candidate.  If they can keep a strong defense, they most definitely may win their division. I have doubts that if they get to the game they can win, but that’s not the nature of this poll.

Missouri

Don’t count out the new kid on the block. Missouri will want to prove that they deserve to be in the SEC and that they can take the reins right away. Honestly, it doesn’t seem like there is a better time for them to swoop in and land a spot in the championship game. Now, I don’t think they have a chance of winning the SEC title, but if they can manage to power through Georgia (who they play at home) and South Carolina, the rest could easily fall into place.

Florida

The Gators did not have a great season in 2011 but have multiple returning starters and things are looking to go better than they did last year. They could be a dark horse, especially in a currently weak SEC East. Maybe Muschamp only needed one season to start rebuilding and they are going to surprise everyone. It will obviously be critical for them to beat both Georgia and South Carolina to stand a chance.

Other

Maybe you are one of the few that believes in football miracles. Could the programs at Kentucky, Tennessee or Vanderbilt pull off the unthinkable? I have serious doubts that any of these teams could walk away winning the East, but stranger things have happened. If you do think the Wildcats will become relevant, the Vols will pull a 180 or Vandy will decide not to be the world’s smartest choke artists, let us know.

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