SEC Football: Florida, Alabama, or Some Team New for 2010

In 2010, I think the Southeastern Conference will look completely different. I will list each team, and why I feel this way, later in this article. While I think the conference will look different for 2010, I also think it will be stronger and the top teams better.

First, I will simply say that the SEC Eastern Division will not be as strong as their counterparts in the west. This is simply due to rebuilding of the eastern teams normally at the top. 

The following teams are listed in the order I expect them to finish in the SEC. This is a simple process based on statistics from last season coupled with players lost, anticipated recruiting, and player development. All fans are encouraged to comment and place their projections in the comments.

LSU

You can see their 2009 final statistics here .

LSU lost four games in 2009 by a total of 24 points. They have more talent depth on the team than any other SEC team with four great recruiting years behind them. They did not lose much in the way of stars. Most of the players leaving will be easily replaced from within the current roster.

Their pitiful offense can't help but get better. The defense was good and will likely stay that way. To me this makes them the front runner. They also have a favorable schedule.

Auburn

The Auburn final 2009 statistics are available here .

Auburn lost five games in 2009. They have managed to get upgrades for every position that needed to be replaced. The offensive line returns and will be one of the two most experienced in the SEC for 2010. 

Auburn has the most favorable schedule in the SEC West and could pull off an upset. They will field the most talented offense in the conference in 2010. The problem is they will be young on both sides of the ball.

The biggest improvement for 2010 will be special teams. The second most improved aspect of the team will be the defense. The defensive line will be much stronger in 2010 and this was the weakest point in 2009.

Alabama

The final 2009 Alabama statistics are available here .

This is a team that will be rebuilding in 2010. They will have a new kicker. The defense took a massive hit from graduation and NFL defectors. They took massive hits in special teams.

Alabama is a rushing team, and the offensive line took another hit. They will have one of the least experienced offensive lines in the SEC for 2010. They do return all of the major ball-handling players.

Alabama is a defensive-oriented team. The heavy losses on the d-line and linebacker corps will be absorbed well. The losses in the defensive backfield will hurt. The corner position will especially be of concern. There will be no player with any game experience at corner.

To add agony to the list of obstacles in front of the defending champions, they have the most difficult schedule, by far, in the conference. They play six SEC games after an opponent bye week.

Georgia

Georgia's 2009 statistics can be viewed here .

Georgia returns one of the most experienced offensive lines in the conference for 2010. They also have an upgrade coming at quarterback with a redshirt freshman. With five good running backs and one of the best receivers in the SEC, the offense will be adequate.

Georgia has hired a new defensive coordinator who plans to switch to the 3-4 defensive set. They are stoked with defensive talent, and this should be a year of great defensive improvement.

Georgia has the most favorable schedule in the SEC East. They have a great recruiting class. They were stoked with talent from four years of great recruiting prior to this year.

Florida

Statistics for the 2009 Gators can be viewed here .

Florida has to rebuild the entire team for 2010. The good news is that they have the players to do it. They have benefited from several years of top recruiting. While this will be a sub par year compared to recent Gator teams, this will still be a formidable team in 2010. They could shock the nation and win the SEC East once again if the stars align in their favor.

Arkansas

2009 team statistics can be viewed here .

This team lost little from a successful 2009 team. The problem is they look to improve very little from recruiting talent. Most, if not all, improvement from the Arkansas team will be through current player development. 

Arkansas will have the best passing offense in the SEC for 2010. They could make a run at the SEC West. The problem standing in their way is a leaky passing defense. Either way for teams with a substandard pass defense this will be a formidable foe.

South Carolina

2009 team statistics can be viewed here .

South Carolina in 2009 will be about like South Carolina in 2010. They are a good team with a stout defense. They have a good passing offense with little or no rushing balance. The offensive line will be improved for 2010. 

While some are predicting this to be the year for South Carolina, it does not appear to be that improved an outlook. They will be a formidable foe; they will also face formidable foes in their schedule.

Mississippi State

2009 team statistics can be viewed here .

This was a team headed in the right direction for 2009, and they will continue to improve for 2010. They do not have all the pieces yet but are putting what they have together well.

Ole Miss

The 2009 season statistics are here .

There are many holes to patch for this team in 2010. It does not appear all of the essential players are available to step up from within the team. I think there will be a slight downturn for Ole Miss this year.

Tennessee

2009 team statistics can be viewed here .

Tennessee has a new coaching staff two years running and a loss of many key players. 2010 is a rebuilding year for the Vols.

Kentucky

2009 statistics are here .

With a new head coach and many positions to fill, the 2010 season is a question mark for this team.

Vanderbilt

2009 statistics are available here .

This team should improve this year. 

These are my picks for the SEC finish for 2010. The top four teams are closer than at any time in the last five years. This is what I think, please let me know what you think below.