SEC Football: Who Is the Team To Beat Now?

The narrative to the 2010 SEC season was shaping into a simple one: It's Alabama and then everybody else.

With South Carolina trouncing the Tide, plus LSU and Auburn eking out victories on Saturday to remain undefeated, the race for the SEC title has become wide open.

At the midway point of the season, six of the conference's 12 teams still have a realistic shot of getting to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta on Dec. 4.

Here are the six teams and their chances to win the SEC title, starting with the East Division squads then the West Division.

Florida Gators 4-2 (2-2)

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GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 09: Andre Debose #4 of the Florida Gators returns a kick for a touchdown during the game against the Louisiana State University Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenw

Despite the controversial lost to LSU, the Gators are still in the hunt for the SEC East crown.

The are only one game behind South Carolina and still have to play the Gamecocks at hone.

The severity of QB John Brantley's ribs and thumb injuries are a major concern. Are they fractured as have been reported, or sprained as coach Urban Meyer claimed?

The Gators defense should also worry Meyer, giving up 33 points to a mediocre LSU offense. Florida has the longest shot of returning to the title game.

Important Remaining Games: Georgia — Oct. 30; South Carolina — Nov. 13

Chances of Winning SEC: 5%

Arkansas Razorbacks 4-1 (1-1)

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FAYETTEVILLE - SEPTEMBER 25: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks passes the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Alabama won 24-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Get

Ryan Mallett may lost his shot at the Heisman, but he still leads a high-powered offense.

Unfortunately, Arkansas's offense is starting too struggle just as they will be facing some of the nation's best defenses.

At least Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino must be impressed that his defense is improving weekly.

Because of the lost to Alabama two weeks ago, Arkansas must win out and hope the Tide lose again to get to their fourth SEC title game. That's a lost to ask for.

Important Remaining Games: at Auburn — Oct. 16; at South Carolina — Nov. 6; vs. LSU — Nov. 27

Chances of Winning SEC: 10%

South Carolina Gamecocks 4-1 (2-1)

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COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 9: Wide receiver Alshon Jefrey #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks grabs a touchdown pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide October 9, 2010 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Image

The Ole Ball Coach just pulled off his most important win in his six years at South Carolina. Now can Steve Spurrier avoid the big letdown?

Every year the Gamecocks win a game people didn't think they could, but they also lose a game they should have won (Vanderbilt in 2007 and '08, Tennessee in '09).

Gamecocks QB Stephen Garcia played the game of his life against Alabama. Let's see if he can play at that high level the rest of the season.

The defense is better than anticipated. Holding Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram to 64 rushing yards might be the most defensive feat in college football this season.

They can definately win the east division, but seeing them claim the conference title is a little harder.

Important Remaining Games: Arkansas — Nov. 6; at Florida — Nov. 13

Chances of Winning SEC: 15%

Auburn Tigers 6-0 (3-0)

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LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 09: Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the SEC game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Where is the Cameron Newton for the Heisman campaign? He has accounted for 1,810 yards and 21 TDs.

There is a legitimate concern that Auburn is too dependent on Newton for its offense, but hasn't stopped them from finding ways to win.

Auburn's the defense has looked vulnerable the past three weeks. Coach Gene Chizik might want to straighten that out before Saturday's game against Arkansas.

The Tigers have not put together a complete game yet. If they do, they have a great shot at winning the SEC.

Important Remaining Games: Arkansas — Oct. 16; LSU — Oct. 23; at Alabama — Nov 26

Chances of Winning SEC: 20%

LSU Tigers 6-0 (4-0)

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GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 09: Punter Josh Jasper #30 of the Louisiana State Tigers runs a fake punt for yardage past Ahmad Black #35 and Janoris Jenkins #1 of the Florida Gators during the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Gainesvill

LSU's chances of winning the SEC depend on how you view Les Miles as a head coach.

Is The Mad Hatter just fortunate and about to have his luck run out, or an unconventional thinker who catches his opponents off guard?

I learned years ago not to bet against Miles or try to explain his logic. He has 15 fourth quarter comeback victories as Tigers coach.

LSU can count on its fourth-ranked defense and solid running game to keep them in every game. The back-and-forth between Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee at quarterback is a less than desirable situation. But for now, it seems to be working.

LSU would seem like an unlikely SEC champ, but every week their chances get better and better.

Important Remaining Games: at Auburn — Oct. 23; Alabama — Nov. 6; at Arkansas — Nov. 27

Chances of Winning SEC: 20%

Alabama Crimson Tide 5-1 (2-1)

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COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 9: Running back Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns a kick against the South Carolina Gamecocks October 9, 2010 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Alabama and QB Greg McElroy made so many uncharacteristic mistakes in their 35-21 loss to South Craolina. The offensive line got pushed around, and Ingram and Richardson were contained.

It looks like losing eight defensive starters from last year's squad finally caught up with the Tide. But, Alabama is still the most talented team in the SEC.

I have a feeling coach Nick Saban will turn this week's practices into a military boot camp. But can he reinstall the players' confidence after such a beatdown? Once the aura of invincibility is gone, you don't get it back.

Julio Jones' broken hand is worrisome. He keeps safeties from creeping up to the line of scrimmage.

Alabama's toughest games are ahead of them, so they still have good shot to correct their errors and get back to the SEC Championship Game.

Important Remaining Games: at LSU — Nov. 6; vs. Auburn — Nov. 26

Chances of Winning SEC: 30%