2012 SEC Football Schedule: Predictions for Next Season's Most Intriguing Games

The 2012 SEC football schedule was just released and there are several intriguing games for college football fans to circle on their newly unwrapped calendars. Below are three games that will go a long way in shaping not only the SEC championship picture, but the national title picture as well.

Georgia at South Carolina (Oct. 6)

Georgia edged South Carolina by one game in the SEC East this season and both teams should be in contention once again in 2012. Aaron Murray and Isaiah Crowell will return to boost a Bulldogs offense that should continue to improve with another year of experience under their belts.

South Carolina is expecting to get Marcus Lattimore back at full strength. Losing him to injury derailed a very promising season for the Gamecocks. As long as their defense continues to make positive strides during spring practice and the non-conference slate, they could be a serious BCS sleeper.

Prediction: South Carolina 31, Georgia 24

Alabama at LSU (Nov. 3)

A BCS National Championship rematch is almost always must-see television. Both squads will lose key players, but it's the ability to replace those stars which make these two programs annual title contenders and next season is shaping up to be no different.

Since defense is the name of the game when these two teams battle, you have to like the Tigers chances since Tyrann Mathieu will be back to showcase his talents for at least one more season.

If Eddie Lacy can flourish in what's likely to be an increased role, though, the Tide can't be counted out.

Prediction: LSU 17, Alabama 13

LSU at Arkansas (Nov. 24)

Arkansas had an opportunity to crash the national title party in this year's regular-season finale and came up short. There's a good chance the Razorbacks will face the same fate in 2012. Tyler Wilson will return to lead the conference's most potent offense. He just needs a little bit more help from the defense.

The biggest concern heading into next season for LSU will be quarterback. Both Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee are seniors, which means a new signal-caller, such as Zach Mettenberger, will need to step up to fill the void.

If there's no problems in the transition, the Tigers will be in the hunt again.

Prediction: Arkansas 27, LSU 24