Why You Can Expect Each Team to Win the SEC...and Why Not

It is never too early to be thinking about why each conference team will have a chance to win the SEC this year. Here is a reason for every fan to have hope.

For balance, you will also find a reason why each group of fans should not expect to lift the conference championship trophy in Atlanta this December.

Alabama

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ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 05: Dont'a Hightower #30 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a defensive stop against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Georgia Dome on September 5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/

Why? Defense!

Why not? Quarterback is not the only offensive position without a clear answer. There is also the question of who the eventual Tide QB will throw to. 

Arkansas

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AUBURN - OCTOBER 16: Wide receiver Greg Childs #85 of the Arkansas Razorbacks catches a pass behind defensive back Neiko Thorpe #15 of the Auburn Tigers during the game at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. The Tigers beat the R

Why? Best group of receivers in the nation.

Why not? It is hard to win the SEC without proven cornerbacks.

Auburn

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers runs the ball for a 37-yards late in the fourth quarter during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo

Why? All it took was Cam Newton last year…is there another one year wonder on the horizon?

Why not? New starters will dominate the lineup.

Florida

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GAINESVILLE, FL - APRIL 9: Coach Will Muschamp of the Florida Gators takes the field before the Orange and Blue spring football game April 9, 2010 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Why? Roster has plenty of talent.

Why not? Will Muschamp is in his first year as a head coach.

Georgia

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Aaron Murray #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Why? Best returning starter in conference at QB with Aaron Murray.

Why not? Winning to keep Mark Richt’s job will be too much for the Bulldogs to overcome.

Kentucky

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HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats shouts from the sidelines against the Connecticut Huskies during the National Semifinal game of the 2011 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship at Reliant Stadium on April 2

Why? As expected, the Wildcats once again feature one of the nation’s best recruiting classes.

Why not? Oops….that is the Kentucky basketball roster that restocked with future pro talent. 

LSU

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Les Miles of the Louisiana State University Tigers runs on to the field during pregame before playing the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Tiger Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chr

Why? Les Miles is a brilliant coach.

Why not? Les Miles is crazy.

Mississippi State

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Coach Dan Mullen of the Mississippi State Bulldogs directs play against the Alabama Crimson Tide November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Why? Dan Mullen can coach.

Why not? Just not enough talent and depth on the field.

Ole Miss

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Houston Nutt of the Ole Miss Rebels against the Louisiana State University Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Why? Houston Nutt seems to do his best coaching when expectations are low.

Why not? Houston, we have a problem. Lack of talent on offense, defense and special teams. 

South Carolina

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COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 11: Tailback Marcus Lattimore #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks runs with the ball during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. The Gamecocks beat the

Why? Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery give the Gamecocks a solid one two punch at RB and receiver.

Why not? Stephen Garcia…is he in or out? Which is better for the Gamecocks?

Tennessee

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COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 30: Tyler Bray #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Why? Tyler Bray has all the tools to be the next great Vol quarterback.

Why not? Defense will be suspect, with only six starters returning. 

Vanderbilt

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Rico McCoy #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers breaks up a pass intended for tight end Brandon Barden #87 of the Vanderbilt Commodores during the game at Vanderbilt Stadium on November 22, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Why? The Commodores have the smartest players in the SEC.

Why not? The Commodores have the smartest players in the SEC.