Predicting the SEC

HOOVER, Ala. — The 2007 Pre-season All-Southeastern Conference Football Poll and All-SEC team just came out this morning.
Here’s how I picked the SEC East and West to play out:

EAST
1. Florida -- The Gators lost the teeth of last season's defense, but I think they will plug the holes adequately. I also think quarterback Tim Tebow can do more than run to his left.
2. Georgia -- Last year's performances against Kentucky and Vanderbilt represent an aberration. The closing wins against Auburn, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech showed that QB Matthew Stafford is starting to get it. The Dogs will miss NFL supplemental draft pick Paul Oliver.
3. Tennessee -- Coach Phil Fulmer and offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe righted the ship last season. Defense should be solid with LB Erik Mayo and DB Jonathan Hefney.
4. South Carolina -- The Head Ball Coach says this is the year to challenge for the East title. I'm thinking he's off by one year.
5. Kentucky -- The Wildcats will be better than last season, but you might not see it in the record.
6. Vanderbilt -- QB Chris Nickson and WR Earl Bennett are dynamic, but that’s not enough to get the Commodores to a bowl game.

WEST
1. LSU -- Coach Les Miles doesn't get much respect, but he's 22-4 since arriving. The defense will be nasty, thanks to Glenn Dorsey and Ali Highsmith. The offense will have an abundance of speed.
2. Auburn -- There are questions about the wide receivers, the offensive line and the kicking game. But the Tigers have learned how to win close games and win ugly. The defense should be more aggressive now that defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is in his second year.
3. Alabama -- A potential surprise time. Love the combo of John Parker Wilson and DJ Hall. Andre Smith will be a dominant force up front, but these guys are a year away from really scaring folks.
4. Arkansas -- Sure, they have D-Mac and Felix Jones in the backfield. Check this out: The Razorbacks ranked 108th nationally in passing last season.
5. Ole Miss -- Coach O has upgraded recruiting. This program could make strides.
6. Mississippi State -- I think Sylvester Croom is a better coach than perceived, but it's tough to win here. Limited recruiting base and one of the two smallest athletic budgets in the league.

SEC Champion: LSU

Here's how the media vote actually went:

EAST
1. Florida (41 first place votes)
2. Tennessee (16)
3. Georgia (12)
4. South Carolina (11)
5. Kentucky
6. Vanderbilt

WEST
1. LSU (63 first place votes)
2. Auburn (5)
3. Arkansas (5)
4. Alabama (7)
5. Ole Miss
6. Mississippi State
SEC champion: LSU (54 votes), Florida (7), Arkansas (5), Auburn (4), Alabama (3), South Carolina (3), Tennessee (2), Georgia (2).

Feel free to contribute your own SEC rankings to the Blog discussion.