SEC Football: Ranking the 5 Most Exciting Games to Watch in 2012

2012 will be another exciting and pulse-pounding season for Southeastern Conference football.

With teams like Alabama, LSU, Arkansas, Georgia and South Carolina projected to be top programs next season, the conference schedule should feature some exciting matchups for fans.

Here are the five most exciting SEC games to watch in 2012.

5. Florida vs. Texas A&M, Sept. 8

In the second week of the season, the Florida Gators will face off against the Texas A&M Aggies.

The reason this will be a game to watch is because it will be the Aggies' first conference game in the SEC and it will be hosted at Kyle Field.

Although the Aggies aren't projected to be a top-tier SEC team next season, it will be interesting to see how a prestigious program like the Gators fares in the environment of Kyle Field.

4. South Carolina vs. Georgia, Oct. 6

This game features two of the best teams in the SEC East in the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Marcus Lattimore will be back for the Gamecocks as USC attempts to retake its SEC East crown from the Bulldogs. And with Georgia returning so many players, this game figures to be featuring the two top teams in the SEC East next year.

Although it will take place in October, it's very likely this matchup could determine who will represent the SEC East in the SEC Championship game.

3. Arkansas vs. Alabama, Sept. 15

Arkansas and Alabama wasn't much of a contest in 2011, but 2012 should turn out much differently

With Alabama losing key leadership on their defense and Trent Richardson in the backfield, the Crimson Tide may not be as imposing on the Razorback team.

Tyler Wilson will have another year under his belt and Knile Davis will be back from injury. The offense will be even more explosive and the Razorbacks could be a dark-horse candidate to win the SEC next season.

It should be a great matchup between an outstanding defense and a potent offense.

2. Arkansas vs. LSU, Nov. 24

Arkansas was embarrassed last season against LSU. The Tigers defense was overpowering and Tyler Wilson never got comfortable against LSU.

Much like against Alabama, Arkansas will look to get revenge on their SEC West foes and LSU will once again be a tough opponent for the Razorbacks.

If Arkansas wants to be considered a serious contender in the SEC, they will have to start by beating teams like LSU.

1. LSU vs. Alabama, Nov. 3

It's a no-brainer at No. 1.

The 2012 matchup between Alabama and LSU will be all about revenge for the Tigers. The Crimson Tide spoiled LSU's chance at an undefeated national championship season and the Tigers would like to hand Alabama a loss in Baton Rouge.

LSU and Alabama will be two of the top teams next season, so this matchup could very well be another rematch of No. 1 and No. 2 in 2012.

Regardless, these two teams do not like each other and they are guaranteed to give the fans a physical and defensive football game. It should be one of the best games of the season.