Experience in the SEC is usually a recipe for success. Having guys who have been in close games against elite competition certainly improves teams’ odds.

Yes, there’s a talent factor, but inexperienced talent doesn’t always beat experience.

In his latest blog, college football analyst Phil Steele breaks down the returning starters in the SEC. Florida returns the most starters in the conference, and in fact, 19 is tied for the most in college football with Michigan State and Kansas.

Interestingly, Alabama and LSU return the fewest starters in the SEC. No doubt, though, both are loaded with talent.

Here’s Steele’s complete breakdown:

Rank Team Total Offense Defense
1 Florida 19 10 9
2 Arkansas 17 9 8
2 Mississippi State 17 9 8
4 Missouri 16 9 7
4 Texas A&M 16 8 8
6 Ole Miss 15 8 7
6 Kentucky 15 7 8
8 South Carolina 14 8 6
9 Auburn 13 6 7
9 Georgia 13 8 5
11 Tennessee 12 6 6
11 Vanderbilt 12 7 5
13 Alabama 10 7 3
13 LSU 10 5 5