Does SEC Champion Wear the Same Crown This Year?

Within recent history, the victor of the Southeastern Conference has had little argument as to why they are the best in the country.  This year the Tide has risen and the Gators stayed upstream.  All others tried to merely ride the surf.

Let me break it down.

Georgia began as the "top dawg," grabbing the focus of every team and media outlet.  This was before Georgia was riddled with 18 season-ending injuries.  Moreno and Stafford attempted to remain vigilant. However, with little help from a battered offensive line and a defense which allocated Alabama 41 and Florida 49 points, this feat is impossible.

This Bulldog team, with numerous injuries and sporadic defense, has managed to grab my No. 3 spot in the SEC = to No. 1 Big Ten.

LSU, a team which also started out highly touted, has managed to disappoint in a variety of fashions.  Issues range from quarterback play to inadequate defense (allowing Georgia to throw up 52)—oh, and let us not forget the referee feeling the need to step in and make a hit.  LSU comes in No. 4 in the SEC = to a tie with everyone else for No. 1 in the ACC.

South Carolina/Vanderbilt/Ole Miss have all played to higher than average expectations.  South Carolina's defense has kept them in games, Vanderbilt has taken advantage of the weakened SEC, and Ole Miss...hey, they beat Florida.  However, the tie for fifth could be considered = to vying for seventh in the Big 12.

Kentucky started out better than anyone predicted and has managed to become bowl eligible.  With the loss of a star quarterback, the Wildcat defense filled the void.  However, the injury bug has managed to spread throughout Kentucky, yet hope still remains for breaking the nation's longest losing streak to one team (Tennessee). Kentucky comes in at No. 8 = to a field goal loss to Appalachian State.

Tennessee/Auburn/Arkansas/Miss. St.—are they even playing football? The appearance of one of these teams on your schedule is the equivalent of a DIV. I-AA.  All of these schools have one thing in common: zero offense.  My bottom four alternate depending on which team's last loss was worse.

All in all, the road traveled this year to the SEC Championship game is much less threatening week in and week out.  My final prediction is No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Alabama.