2008 SEC Outlook: Tebow's Gators poised for another championship run

The SEC East race is headlined by the usual suspects, with Florida and Georgia as the early frontrunners.  The traditional cellar dwellers in the SEC East have made progress over the past few seasons, with Vanderbilt flirting with bowl eligibility in each of the past three seasons under head coach Bobby Johnson.  Vandy returns only three offensive starters and will have to replace their leading rusher and receiver.  A quarterback controversy between Chris Nickson and Mackenzie Adams will only compound the Dores' problems, resulting in yet another year at the bottom of the East. 

The Kentucky Wildcats are coming off a season to remember, that included a win over eventual BCS champion LSU, an 8-5 record and a bowl victory over Florida State.  Capable junior quarterback Curtis Pulley will take the reigns following the departure of All-SEC performer Andre Woodson.  Pulley will be surrounded by offensive weapons such as Dicky Lyons, Jr. and Derrick Locke.  The Cats return eight defensive starters, including talented defenders such as Micah Johnson and Trevard Lindsey.  The experienced defense will not be enough to overcome a schedule that includes traditional East division contests with Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.  The Cats will likely assume their usual position - one notch above lowly Dores.

The old ball coach returns 17 total starters and is fortunate to have a schedule that requires the majority of South Carolina's toughest conference opponents to travel to Williams-Brice Stadium.  The Gamecocks return 10 of 11 defensive starters, led by star linebacker Jasper Brinkely, who will be coached up by new defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson, a former head coach at the Citadel.  The offense will be anchored by top-notch receiver Kenny McKinley, who reeled in 77 catches last season, totaling 968 yards and nine touchdowns.  South Carolina's success will depend on the consistency and stability of the quarterback position, with rising redshirt sophomore Chris Smelley being given the keys to the car.  Spurrier's son, Steve Jr., will be taking over the playing calling duties in 2008 - but, don't expect any major differences, as the visor throwing Spurrier remains USC's offensive coordinator.  The Gamecocks' experienced defense will be their strength, however, the lack of overall balance will dash any hopes of contending for a division title.

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