The goal of every season for every team in the SEC is to make it to the SECCG. The first of many goals anyway. The second is win the SECCG. It's a guaranteed trip, or almost, to the NCG. The third goal is to retain dominance as the #1 conference in America. That begins by winning the OOC games scheduled. UGA vs. OKST, UT vs. UCLA, UF vs. F$U, etc. They are important, even if your team isn't a contender for the SEC title game.

The Florida Gators have been primed to win it all in the SEC in 2009. However, they have a few obstacles to overcome. The first is the realization that this is truly Tim Tebow's last season and before the season is over Urban Meyer has to put a plan together for next season. Will we see another "Leakbow" style tandem QB effort this season to ready Tebow's successor? Or will the run-n-gun freak of nature bring the pain all his own? The second obstacle is the threat of injury and the art of the surprise upset. No one saw Ole Miss taking the Gators for a ride, but sure enough, it happened. The third obstacle is the Georgia Bulldogs. Be prepared UF. This is probably your deciding game for 2009. Prediction: 11-1 (Loss to UGA)

The Dawgs were set up and pegged by the media and pollsters to take the SEC by force in 2008. Then they lost to the Tide and fell into a slump. They never fully recovered from the loss. This year is not a rebuilding year for UGA, it's a rebounding year. They are basically bouncing back to almost full strength and have the talent to carry themselves past the Gators and to the SEC title game. Will they? We shall find out. UGA faces the threat of a loss to the poised-for-greatness Gators and a possible upset against Spurrier and the Gamecocks. OKST poses a slight threat, being OOC and the first game of the season, it may change the momentum for the rest of 2009. Prediction: 11-1 or 12-0 (Possible upsets likely - SC, OKST. I'm picking the Dawgs to beat UF)

The South Carolina Gamecocks are looking at a 4-4 record in the SEC. With UF and UGA atop the hill of the SEC East, the Cocks are faced with steep competition. Let's also not forget about Clemson, an OOC match up, Ole Miss and Bama, SEC West match ups, and the opener against OOC NCST. With two big OOC matchups, SC has to find a way to open and close the season with a big win. Games at UF, UGA, Ole Miss, and Alabama are likely and probable. If SC can manage an upset over one of these four, the they may salvage what looks like an already grim season. Especially with their schedule.
Prediction: 8-4 (They will win their OOC games but suffer losses to the Gators, Dawgs, Rebs, and Tide. The most likely upset would occur against OM)

The Kentucky Wildcats are trying to make themselves heard in the East. With the first two games being out of conference against less than stellar teams (Miami-OH and Louisville) you can bet the Kats start the season off on a good note at 2-0. Then they hit the meat of their schedule with games against Florida and Alabama at home and SC and AU on the road. The SC game will be close. I ultimately see SC winning. Of course they do have the potental to beat the Tigers. Don't expect excellence from the Kats in 2009. Maybe one or two surprises, but nothing fancy. UK could win seven or eight games at best: Miami-OH, UofL, AU, La-Monroe, MSU, Eastern Kentucky, Vandy, and UT. Prediction: 7-5 with a loss to either MSU or UT.

Lane Kiffin, the man for the job? Maybe. Experts (SECTalk members ) say NO! Kiffin is probably not going to pan out in the SEC. My guess is he'll be at UT for about three years and then they get rid of him after two crappy seasons and a somewhat decent one. He can't be as bad as "The Big O" was at OM. Or can he? I'm gonna give the guy a chance. If he can conjure up seven wins, he'll be good to go for the next three years. If not, then he's done in 2011. With teams like SC, UF, UGA, Bama, UCLA and Ole Miss, it doesn't seem likely that the Vols are going to have a successful season. That's six losses right there. Sorry, potential losses. Prediction: 5-7 or 6-6 (SC, UGA, Bama, UF, Ole Miss, and UCLA are the losses, and then they still have to play AU too. UT and AU are about even - Toss Up)

Vandy, Vandy, Vandy. Come on guys. The Commodores need to make their mark in the East. If they can upset the likes of UK and UT, maybe even SC (not likely) then finishing dead last won't be an issue. Western Carolina, MSU, Rice, and Army should all be victories for Vandy. MSU is on the same level, but Vandy has the guts to take them on in their own home and win. With those wins and upsets over UK and UT, the Commodores are looking at a 6 win season with a possible bowl appearance. I don't expect Vandy to beat GT this season. But hey, it's college football. Anything can happen.
Prediction: 4-8 (I don't see them beating UK and UT, but it's likely)

All in all, the SEC East looks strong. Not as balanced as the West, but strong. The competition comes from the top three: UF, UGA, and SC. The surprises will come from the bottom, but nothing that will determine the outcome of the SEC East race. It'll be either UGA or UF pitted against either Bama, Ole Miss, or the longshot LSU or the SEC Crown.

Happy reading, happy posting, and be safe tonight so you can enjoy the festivities tomorrow folks. Please be careful.