UGA Could Have the Last Bark About the SEC East Pecking Order

Is there anybody who hasn't anointed Florida as not only the SEC East Champion but the SEC Champion? If there is, I haven't met them.

It's been said by many men, much smarter than this author, that it is the hardest thing to repeat, rather than win the first one.

Though there is no reason for me not to jump to same conclusion, and I will, I want to warn the Florida Gators that sleeping dogs lay quiet, but they wake up quick.

The Florida Gators may be my pick as well, but I could see a scenario or two that could see Georgia jump them and stun the football world. 

Would the Florida Gators be the 'Mighty Gators' without Tim Tebow? I can't imagine that being the case.

The wheel of fortune spins every year when it comes to injuries. Alabama and Florida were among the fortunate few in the SEC last year that didn't have many. Both appeared in the SEC Championship Game.

Should fate not smile upon Florida with injuries again this year, Georgia could very well be in position to shake things up in the East.

The reasons worth considering are straightforward. The Dogs have lightning in a bottle with a true freshman named Branden Smith. The freshman could be a kick and punt returner that could be a game changer. Think a Percy Harvin or Javier Arenas-type returner and you pretty well have the picture.

Matthew Stafford and Moreno may be gone but that may not be the end of productivity. Joe Cox, a first year starter and fifth year senior at QB, knows the offense as well as any coach and could be the SEC East's big surprise.

He will have A.J. Green to throw to on one side and Marlon Brown on the other. Everybody knows Green, and they will get to know Brown soon. Though a freshman, he has great hands and ability and could be just as productive as Green was his first year.

New starting running back Richard Samuel could be a productive back and Carlton Thomas is a Trindon Holliday/Jeff Demps kind of running back. Thomas is a potential home run every time he touches the ball. The Dogs also have returning running back Caleb King to rely on for an experienced back.

This offensive line was so hobbled last year they never quite got in sync. Now all return healthy, and if they shake the injury bug this year, this could be a very solid group.

With a lot of injured players coming back on defense, they should be able to stay in any game against any opponent. 

Shaun Chapas may be one of the best fullbacks in the SEC. He reads blitzes well, can pound for short yardage and is dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield. He will once again be a very important part of this offense.

With less reliance on just two big stars, this offense will spread it around and could be a lot more productive and a lot less predictable.

Plus, let's remember that the last time Richt had success winning the SEC, they were supposed to be in this same kind of rebuilding year. In that respect, he reminds me of Houston Nutt in his ability to surprise people the most when less is expected.

This is a dog with a bite and while Tennessee and South Carolina are still rebuilding and Kentucky is not set to be contender just yet, the Bulldogs are not just strong competition, but the only competition for Florida in the East.

And if they wind up being top dog, it wouldn't surprise this author very much.

UGA, maybe the cutest mascot in the SEC, may wind up having the last bark in this debate.