Breaking Down The SEC: The Eastern Division

In part two of our installment, we take a look at the eastern division of the SEC. Florida enters 2009 as the team to beat in the SEC. Can anyone else challenge them in the east?

1). Florida Gators

The Gators have won two of the last three national championships, and there's no reason to believe they won't be contending for one again in 2009.

Senior Tim Tebow, the All-American quarterback, returns for his final season in the swamp. During his career, Tebow has accounted for 6,390 yards and 67 touchdowns. He has proven he is the best college player in the game today.

Scatback Jeff Demps returns to lead the rushing attack. Demps, a 5'8", 183-pound runner, amassed over 600 yards and seven touchdowns for the Gators in 2008. Chris Rainey and Emmanuel Moody will be part of the mix as well.

Pearcy Harvin is gone, but the Gators return a decent group of receivers led by senior David Nelson, whose contributions were huge in the SEC Championship game last season. If any position on the Gator team is questionable this year, wide receiver may be it.

On the offensive line, both All-SEC guards return, but junior Carl Johnson must step into the left tackle position vacated by Phil Trautwein. In all, three new starters must step up on the offensive line. This is another position that could need some time to build chemistry.

The Gators return one of the best defenses in college football. Jermaine Cunningham leads the defensive line with 52 tackles and six sacks last season. All-American Brandon Spikes returns for his senior year as the heart and soul of the defense.

Expect Florida to repeat as champions in the east and follow the road to Atlanta.

2). Georgia Bulldogs 

Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno are gone. They will not be easily replaced.

Senior Joe Cox enters fall camp as the favorite to replace Stafford. Cox may not possess the big arm that Stafford had, but he is a smart player who can manage the offense. Parade All-American Aaron Murray is in the fold now, but starting a freshman in the SEC is risky business.

Sophomore Caleb King is the favorite to replace Moreno. King had a disappointing freshman season and sophomore Richard Samuel is thought of as a serviceable back. The rushing attack from the Bulldogs may be very ordinary this season.

Freshman All-American receiver A.J. Green leads the receivers. Beyond Green, things aren't quite so clear. Coaches look to senior Michael Moore to step up and fill the spot opposite Green. Moore has disappointed in his efforts to this point. Incoming freshman Marlon Brown will have an opportunity to step in right away.

Trinton Sturdivant returns at left tackle, after missing the 2008 season with injury. Center Ben Jones returns and is a solid SEC starter. Chemistry on the line is a must if Georgia is to compete for the east this year.

Defense is thought to be a questionable area, especially in the secondary.

3). South Carolina Gamecocks

Head coach Steve Spurrier enters this season with a 15-17 SEC record at South Carolina. Spurrier has brought in several new coaches to help revamp the offense.

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