Tim Brando believes there are teams in the SEC East that have potential, but don’t always get love from fans and media because of their brand. Many of those are in for a strong showing this season.

Schools like Kentucky, South Carolina and Missouri don’t get the preseason credit that they deserve because SEC media caters to big brands that sell a lot of product, Brando said.

“I’ll tell you right now, I think Kentucky finishes second to Georgia in the SEC East,” Brando said.

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For this season, Brando said the loss of Hendon Hooker is huge, and and while he has no problem with the Vols having a good team this season, he doesn’t see them as a contender.

“Tennessee, in my opinion, is going to be really challenged by the likes of Kentucky, by South Carolina, by teams in the East that are really good,” Brando said. “I think Kentucky, they are still a factor. A lot of people want to throw dirt on that team because they lack imagination. Last year, had their offensive line been a little bit better, I think they would have won 10 games. But (Will) Levis was running for his life a little bit back there.”

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