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

The Georgia Bulldogs finished last season with a number two national ranking and they return 17 starters from that 11-2 Sugar Bowl champion team.  Mark Richt's Dawgs were as hot as any team in America down the stretch of 2007 and look to ride that wave of momentum into the 2008 season.  Georgia running back Knoshon Moreno is a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender entering 2008, as he is coming off a spectacular freshman year in which he rushed for 1,334 yards and 14 touchdowns.  Junior quarterback Matthew Stafford, one of the SEC's most talented signal callers, has exhibited signs of greatness, but has yet to live up to lofty expectations.  Defensively, Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens provide strength up front and will be the anchors on what could be the best defensive line in the conference.  Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and cornerback Asher Allen both have All-SEC talent and are expected to have big years in 2008.  Georgia's talent and depth is extraordinary at nearly every position.  However, this team, who may very well be improved from last season's team, may not enjoy as much success due to a brutal conference road schedule.  The Dawgs will travel to South Carolina, LSU and Auburn in conference play, not to mention home games with Tennessee and Alabama, and, of course, that yearly neutral field battle with the Gators in Jacksonville.  On paper, it looks like this Georgia team should be the team to beat.  While this team is talented enough to beat any team in America, the high expectations and the unbelievably difficult schedule will be too tall of a task for UGA. 

That brings us to the mighty Gators.  Urban Meyer's squad is athletic, fast, versatile and deep.  Oh, and they also a have pretty decent guy under center.  In fact, junior quarterback Tim Tebow is truly one of the most special athletes the college football world has seen in decades.  The defending Heisman Trophy winner has a great chance to win a second Heisman, as he plays in a system that will allow him to compile impressive statistics and he plays for a national title contender in the highly exposed SEC, which will enable him to showcase his skills in several nationally televised games that will undoubtedly involve national title implications.  The Gators also return sensational receiver/running back Percy Harvin, who rushed for 764 yards and also hauled in 858 receiving yards in 2007.  Plus, Tebow will reap the benefits of a more traditional running game this year, allowing him to be more rested and healthier down the stretch in 2008, as the Gators' ground game will add sophomore transfer from Southern Cal, Emmanuel Moody and speedy redshirt freshman Chris Rainey, who was spectacular in Florida's spring scrimmage.   

Overall, the Gators return 16 starters, thus, the inexperience that limited the Gators on defense last season will not be as big of a factor in 2008.  Junior linebacker Brandon Spikes recorded 131 tackles and 14.5 tackles for loss last year and will be the catalyst for a young and fast defensive unit that will be greatly improved.  Defensive ends Carlos Dunlap and Jermaine Cunningham will ensure that Florida's pass rush returns to form, but depth at tackle may be a legitimate concern.  This season, the x-factor will be the combination of an improved defensive unit and the fact that the Gators have all-world quarterback Tim Tebow running the show.  Pressure will be taken off Tebow in the ground game, which will result in a more complete and dangerous offensive gameplan.  The Gators get both LSU and South Carolina in the Swamp, and will play the Dawgs in neutral territory.  Additionally, the Gators have a favorable West division schedule, as both Auburn and Alabama are off the board this season.  For these reasons, Tebow and a lightning fast defense will guide the Gators to Atlanta, and, in turn, position themselves for a potential return to the BCS title game.

The SEC has once again distinguished itself as the best conference in college football.  The coaches, athletes, traditions and gameday environments are unmatched.  Florida, Auburn, LSU and Georgia are all legitimate BCS title contenders.  But, at the end of the day, Florida and Auburn look to be the cream of the crop.  Both teams return a high number of proven, experienced talent, and, most importantly, both teams will enjoy a home-field advantage over the LSU Tigers - which could be the deciding factor in pushing both to the Georgia Dome.  The edge goes to Urban Meyer and the supremely talented Florida Gators.  With Auburn and Florida appearing to be evenly matched, one must look at the the playmakers - of which Florida has more.  The impact of a more seasoned Tim Tebow cannot be understated.  The Florida Gators will win the SEC title and have an excellent chance to make it to Miami to play for the BCS title.                     

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