Predicting how the SEC will finish

Published October 19, 2012 - 12:50pm

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We’re at the midway point of the season, and it’s going to be a very fun and exciting finish to SEC play, particularly in the East. Kevin and I are going to take a stab at how this regular season plays out, channeling our inner Nostradamus.

Jon’s SEC Predictions:

SEC East
1. Florida
2. South Carolina
3. Georgia
4. Tennessee
5. Vanderbilt
6. Missouri
7. Kentucky

Buzz: I’m not totally convinced Florida can beat both South Carolina and Georgia without a passing game, and the Gators have no game-breaking receivers on their receiving corps. Florida is 118th in passing offense and last in the SEC. But I’m sticking with them. The passing game is my only concern for Florida. South Carolina’s defense is just as good, if not better, than Florida, and they may a better passing game to offset the running game.  But with Marcus Lattimore limited, I think Florida wins this weekend. And if that happens, the Gators should roll on against Georgia.  It will make for an exciting finish.

SEC West
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Texas A&M
4. Mississippi State
5. Ole Miss
6. Arkansas
7. Auburn

Buzz: Alabama looks like they’re on a roll right now, but currently, the Tide hasn’t beaten any ranked teams. It’s going to be the same ole swan song in the West with Bama and LSU finishing one-two. But Texas A&M jumps up and claims third in the West, with losses to LSU and Alabama but having the head-to-head against Mississippi State. One of the best games of the year to watch will be MSU and Ole Miss.

SEC Champion:  Alabama

Kevin’s SEC Predictions:

SEC East
1. Florida
2. South Carolina
3. Georgia
4. Tennessee
5. Vanderbilt
6. Missouri
7. Kentucky

Buzz: The East will come down to this Saturday, and since I think Florida pulls out a tough win, Florida wins the east. Here’s the reality, however: South Carolina represents a better opportunity in my opinion for the East to knock off an SEC West champion. But, I think they stumble in Gainesville. I also think Florida beats Georgia in a huge game the following week. In another scenario, I could see Florida beating SC, then Georgia beating Florida – in such a case, Georgia could win the east since both UGA and FLA finish with one SEC loss and Georgia has the head-to-head win.

SEC West
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Texas A&M
4. Mississippi State
5. Ole Miss
6. Arkansas
7. Auburn

Buzz: I think Alabama is the best team in the West, but man, Baton Rouge at night is a tough, tough place to play. You better believe that the LSU football team will be fired up for some revenge after getting curbstomped in the BCS Championship Game last year. I think LSU rolls this weekend then has two weeks to prepare for Alabama. I think LSU pulls out a win at home against the top team in the land at home, under the lights on November 3rd.

SEC Champion:  LSU

Bold Predictions

Jon: Alabama loses one game during the regular season but still represents as a one-loss SEC Champion in the BCS National Championship.

Kevin: The best team from each division, Alabama from the west and South Carolina from the east, both fail to make the SEC Championship Game due to key losses. I admit I’m in the minority here, and I tend to hope that Alabama represents the SEC on the national stage to bring another title to the conference, but those crazy fans in Baton Rouge are going to spoil the plan.