Spring practice is wrapping on campuses around the country, but it is never too early to project how teams will do when the season kicks off in late August. Here is an early look at the SEC East including projected records. As you will see scheduling can be just as important as talent.
Georgia Bulldogs
Projected Record: 9-3 (7-1)
It is not too often that a freshman quarterback would lead a team to an SEC East division title, but that is what many feel is going to happen down in Athens. Five star recruit Jacob Eason is expected to do big things. It will sure help that a monster, two-headed running attack will carry the load until he’s acclimated. One of their main advantages this year is definitely scheduling though. They have an easy schedule, which is sure to help.
Florida Gators
Projected Record: 9-3 (6-2)
The Gators are still trying to figure it out at quarterback after Will Grier was suspended/decided to switch schools, but the overall talent level is high enough that they can be competitive against pretty much anyone. If they do figure it out at that most important position on the field, they have a great chance of being a sleeper for the playoffs. Similar to Georgia, their schedule helps them too. Whoever wins their annual tilt with the Dawgs takes the division.
Tennessee Volunteers
Projected Record: 9-3 (5-3)
The Vols might be the most talented team in the division thanks to an established offensive backfield that few – if any in the league – can top. Unfortunately the schedule is not very kind this year thanks to their crossover games which include a visit to Texas A&M and a visit from Alabama. It’s possible that Texas A&M is still in rebuilding mode, but visiting Kyle Field is never easy. And with Alabama, they do get to host that matchup, but it is Alabama. And don’t forget that both games come right after a trip down to Athens to take on the Dawgs. If the Vols are for real – as many people say – then they should win at least one, if not two of these games. If they can pull all three, they might be the top team in the SEC East.
Kentucky Wildcats
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6)
The Wildcats have some lightweights on their schedule in New Mexico State and Austin Peay, but within the SEC it is going to be really tough for this team. Their visit to Alabama might be the biggest blowout in the league this year and if they weren’t hosting Vanderbilt and South Carolina, it might have been a donut for the conference season. This team is always challenged.
Missouri Tigers
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6)
The Tigers were great upon initially joining the SEC, but they are in transition now. In a competitive league like this, it never helps to have to get a coach unexpectedly. The quarterback play has been inconsistent – also due to off field issues – and top recruit May Mauk never panned out. This year’s schedule is tough too, but thankfully they get to host Kentucky and Vandy.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6)
The Gamecocks are another team that is going through transition as Steve Spurrier is no longer pacing the sidelines. Many people aren’t sure about the direction the program is going and some feel they’d rather see an up and comer as his replacement. There is something to getting a coach who is not intimidated by the SEC, but the Gamecocks are going to have a tough time in 2016 regardless. If they don’t win the opener at Vandy, it will get real ugly real fast.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Projected Record: 2-10 (0-8)
From time to time, the Commodores might be decent, but more often than not, they are going to be in the basement of the SEC East. Everything has to break right for this program and that is not the case this season. The only wins they’ll probably get will be outside of league play. Tennessee State looks like a gimme and it’s possible they get either Western Kentucky or Middle Tennessee State just for the SEC intimidation factor. But that’s about it.
Want to give your comments about this article? You can either leave them here or you can join us on the Get More Sports Forum and talk about this article and many more! Brag about your favorite team, argue about an athlete’s performance or tell us about a game you saw. Join a new community of sports fans who live and breathe sports and sports entertainment. It’s free! Join now!
