Florida’s dominance of the SEC East a year ago was not entirely a surprise even though more was expected of Tennessee and Georgia within the division. All three teams project to contend for a division title this season but the reality is that a lot needs to go right for SEC championship contenders and every single team has reason to worry about what can go wrong. Here is a look at potential pessimistic predictions for all seven SEC East teams lined up according to their order of finish in the division last season.
Florida
The Gators won the SEC East last year thanks in large part to their impressive 6-0 star but they lost three straight to end the season and there is reason for concern heading in to 2016. Florida lost quarterback Will Grier and the offensive line looked worn down towards the end of last year and there is reason to think they could have their share of setbacks after so much went right for them a year ago. Tennessee and Arkansas will provide tough tests along with a key rivalry game against Florida State and if they do falter against their SEC East competition then it will prevent them from living up to their potential as an SEC championship contender.
Tennessee
Tennessee has the potential to do some serious damage in the SEC East this season but Vols’ fans will be hesitant to crown this roster just yet. Tennessee football fans have their reasons for pessimism even though their team is projected to be a national player for the first time since 2007. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs has the potential to shine and if he can play at an elite level then the Vols will be dangerous. However, Tennessee will have some tough dates with Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M and Alabama in the loaded SEC so there will be plenty of opportunities for them to stumble as they look to contend in 2016.
Georgia
The Bulldogs have one of the easier schedules in the SEC but their worst case scenario has them overlooking North Carolina in their opener and then struggling to recover after stumbling out of the gates. Ole Miss, Tennessee, Florida and Auburn aren’t guaranteed wins even though Georgia should have a very good chance to win all four. The questions at quarterback with Greyson Lambert trying to hold on to the starting job ahead of true freshman Jacob Eason seems like a good think to have with both passers projected to be contenders to be the No. 1 but it could cause distractions if either one struggles early on.
Vanderbilt
There are plenty of question marks surrounding the Vanderbilt program heading in to 2016 including whether or not Kyle Shurmer can be the guy and whether or not he has enough weapons around him. The Commodores will have enough weapons on defense to keep them in most games but a .500 record might be the most realistic expectation with the potential for Vanderbilt to have another inconsistent year in which they struggle to consistently maintain a high level of play due to plenty of question marks on offense.
Kentucky
An optimistic Kentucky fan will hope for a 4-4 record in SEC play but the reality is that the Wildcats could very well go 0-8 against their conference rivals this season. Mark Stoops is on the hot seat after compiling just four SEC wins in three seasons at Kentucky and there is a good chance his team’s struggles continue in a tough SEC East division.
Missouri
Missouri is another team that could easily go 1-7 or 0-8 in SEC play depending on how their date with Kentucky plays out. The Tigers will face tough tests against West Virginia, Florida, Georgia, LSU, South Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas and there is a very good chance they will get swept in those games. Missouri will be better on defense but their offense still has plenty of question marks and even the most optimistic Missouri fan has to have their doubts heading in to 2016.
South Carolina
South Carolina could finish anywhere from 4-4 to 0-8 in SEC play depending on how they fare against Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Missouri but the constant theme remains the same here with the Gamecocks, Wildcats and Tigers all projected to struggle. True freshman quarterback Brandon McIlwain offers reason for optimism for the future but there will certainly be growing pains along the way at South Carolina this season.
