Florida and Tennessee: the tale of two former SEC East powers who have fallen into hibernation.

In the 90s, these two programs would compete for the division and conference championships, but Florida has seized control of the series — the Gators have won the last 10. This fall presents another opportunity for Tennessee.

Both programs are desperately clawing to return to power in the SEC East. Tennessee looks like the program to watch this year, but what will the future hold?

Which team will win the SEC East first, Florida or Tennessee?

Brad Crawford (@BCrawfordSDS): Tennessee

Tennessee’s in a better situation this year with a more talented roster overall. Thanks to back-to-back Top 10 recruiting hauls, the Vols are loaded with athletes. Florida’s in a more dire situation since NFL draft exits crippled the Gators’ situation along the offensive line. I expect Tennessee to compete for a divisional championship this seaon, but Florida is still a couple years — 2017 maybe? — away from doing so.

Ethan Levine (@EthanLevineSDS): Tennessee

I believe Jim McElwain will get the Gators turned around and back to contending for championships in a matter of years, but Tennessee earns an edge here because it is simply further along in its rebuilding process. While the Gators are just starting to lay the foundation for what McElwain wants his program to become, Butch Jones has already been building up his program for two-plus years in Knoxville. The Vols have a wealth of young talent on their roster, and unlike Florida, which gravely lacks a quarterback at the moment, UT appears to have its quarterback of the present (Joshua Dobbs) and of the future (freshman Quentin Dormady), and in football that can make all the difference.

Jon Cooper (@JonSDS): Florida

How long has it been since Tennessee beat Florida? A decade? Until the Vols take down their SEC East nemesis, it’s just tough to see Tennessee winning the East. Yes, Butch Jones has the Vols’ program on a much quicker path to revival than Florida’s current situation, but let’s remember, with such a fertile recruiting ground, the Gators could perhaps return to power quicker than any program in the country. I love what Coach Jones is doing at Tennessee, but until he beats Florida (0-2) — and Tennessee ends its drought, let’s hold on the Tennessee hype. 2015 is a defining year for the Vols, and the Gators get Tennessee in The Swamp. I still say Florida returns to power quicker.

Christopher Smith (@CSmithSDS): Tennessee

As the initial emotions of Jim McElwain’s hiring have worn off and we’ve gained perspective, it’s clear that Florida is not going to compete for an SEC championship in ’15, and may not be ready in ’16. There are too many questions to answer. The team is going to need at least two years to rebuild a good offensive line. Quarterback remains a question mark. Depth at many spots, including linebacker, is troublesome. The team needs to identify some more offensive playmakers. Meanwhile, it wouldn’t be a complete shock if Tennessee competed with Georgia and Missouri for an SEC East title this year. But by ’16, expect the Vols to enter the fall as division favorites.

Brett Weisband (@WeisbandSDS): Tennessee

While Florida wasn’t set anywhere near as far back by its last head coach, Will Muschamp, as Tennessee was by Butch Jones’ predecessor, Derek Dooley, the Volunteers are still far closer to contention than the Gators are. The Vols still have a way to go — they still don’t have a true signature win in the SEC under Jones — but they have foundational pieces on both sides of the ball that should have them near the top of the division this year, and the team is in position to contend for the next few years thanks to Jones’ recruiting.