SEC East:
1. Georgia. This is really a tough call, but it comes down to UGA's returning 7 starters on offense including their QB, and 10 on defense. They go to Tennessee and Auburn, but should have enough to win the SEC East.
2. Florida. The Gators return their QB and 8 starters on offense, but only 5 on defense. The problem is that the offense simply is not very good. The schedule gives them an edge over Tennessee.
Others. Tennessee returns 7 on both sides of the ball, but loses their QB and other key players. This team always falls short, and with games at Florida and Alabama, they will have a fight on their hands to win the East. Kentucky returns 8 on offense including their starting QB, and 9 on defense. Last season they won 7 out of their last 10 games after starting out 0-2. The schedule see them hosting Tennessee and Florida, and the two crossover games are against the Mississippi teams. A strong sleeper here.
SEC West:
1. Alabama. Who else? The Tide return their QB and 5 others on both sides of the ball, but they always just reload. The schedule is soft, with a game at Auburn being the only real conference challenge.
2. Auburn. The War Eagles return 8 on offense including their QB, and 7 on defense. They must take the next step and defeat some solid teams. They go to LSU and ARkansas, and get Georgia and 'Bama at home.
Others: Arkansas. They return 7 on offense including their QB and 6 on defense. This team has to learn how to hang on to leads. LSU. The Tigers return 6 on offense and 5 on defense. New HC O has his work cut out for him. Going to Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee is no help. A very tough schedule.