Alabama: Quarterback play hampers the Tide all season long. A dominant defense keeps them in contention, but not for a national title. They lose 2 or 3 games this season.

Arkansas: Bielema's defense plays better than expected, but the offense remains ponderous. The Hogs win 5 or 6 games but play close contests most of the season.

Auburn: Malzahn's high powered offense gets off the ground but not without hick-ups. Replacing Tre Mason proves to be the missing piece of the formula. The Tigers start slowly but figure things out before Kansas State. Thank goodness the early schedule is not the strongest part of the competition but if the defense isn't improved it could be a tough start.

Florida: Muschamp is the problem, a new offensive coordinator helps but this is the final season at the Swamp for the head coach.

Georgia: Murray is gone. Georgia will be good but not championship quality.

Kentucky: Stoops has them playing competitively but they will be 1 year away from a good, but not great, bowl.

L.S.U.: Miles is due for another run, if they start well this could be it.

Mississippi: Strong offensive play and a decent defensive effort help the Rebels contend, but depth becomes an issue down the stretch. It will still be a good year for Hoddy Toddy.

Mississippi State: Mullen has a good year, but the SEC West while not the powerhouse 4 team deep division this year still is way above average and MSU makes it to another minor bowl.

Missouri: Mauk is a good quarterback but defense will be an issue for the Columbia Tigers this year. Still playing in the East Mizzou makes a good bowl.

South Carolina: I think it's Spurrier's year to win the East, but they don't go undefeated.

Tennessee: The Vols do play better as a team, and have a surprising win or two, but talent is light on this squad.

Texas A&M: They will need time to mature another great quarterback prospect, so Sumlin's defense better be greatly improved. A middling year for the Aggies.

Vanderbilt: A decent nucleus remains but I don't think the outcome will be as positive as expected.

Wild Speculations in general:

During bowl season realignment rumors of significant proportions arise again, prior to the formalization votes on autonomy at the January meeting of the NCAA.

The rise of conference networks do spur further realignment and consolidation but we do not wind up with a P3, but rather the strengthening of the SEC, Big 10, and PAC and the creation of a new 4th conference.

There will be another conference draft on the SEC board next year.

Enjoy the season.

And by the way Florida State will not win the National Championship, they may not even be undefeated after their first game.