With Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow at the helm, the Gators will be the circle on almost every one of their opponent’s calendars this year. Urban Myer has reportedly asked for an offensive scheme that will curtail the amount of rushes by Tebow so that they can rely on up-and-coming running backs like Chris Rainey. Also in the arsenal is Percy Harvin who is easily one of the top wide receivers in the nation.
Prediction: There is some concern about the plans to keep Tebow in the backfield after watching his "pocket passer" performance against Michigan in last year's Capital One Bowl. It basically all comes down to the "World's Largest Cocktail Party" against the Georgia Bulldogs. The winner of that contest will win the SEC East and could play for a national title.
6. LSU (3) 12-2 1,163
The defending national champs are reloaded on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately, the off-season dismissal of QB Ryan Perrilloux from the team has left the Tiger ship somewhat rudderless.
The quarterback derby is between junior Harvard transfer Andrew Hatch, red shirt freshman Jarrett Lee, and true freshman Jordan Jefferson. No matter who wins the job, LSU will have a QB who has never started a single game in college football.
The rest of the offense, however, is packed with a stable of running backs and a virtual fleet of F-16's at wide receiver. The new quarterback will also have the luxury of being protected by the best offensive line in the nation.
LSU has become known as "Defensive U" and this season will be no exception. Despite losing decorated defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, as well as coordinator Bo Pelini, the Tigers once again boast the top defense in the SEC, and possibly, the nation.
Prediction: LSU's soft out-of-conference schedule turned out to be a gift this year considering their QB quandary. While they have many tough contests against perennial SEC foes, the rabid LSU fan base is no doubt most anticipating the return of Nick Saban to Tiger Stadium on Nov. 8. If the Tigers can use their home-field advantage to stop No. 1 Georgia, they may find themselves back in Atlanta for a rematch.
7. Missouri 12-2 1,143
There may not be a more complete quarterback in the nation than Chase Daniel. The senior gunslinger, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, looks to lead his Tigers to another Big 12 North championship.
This time he'll have to do it with more of a running back-by-committee situation, but Daniel still has many talented targets at wide receiver.
The success of the Mizzou Defense was somewhat overshadowed by the superstar offense last season, but returning 10 starters to the unit should prove to keep them at or near the top of the Big 12.
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