East Division

Florida is gunning for its seventh SEC championship under Steve Spurrier, and it might not even matter who is pulling the trigger for the Gators.

Rex Grossman made some All-SEC teams last year as a freshman, but he was pushed in the spring by Brock Berlin. Neither was overly impressive ... yet, whoever starts figures to be just fine.

Elsewhere in the Gator offense, receiver Jabar Gaffney is poised for a huge sophomore season. Running back Earnest Graham is underrated by many, and Florida is blessed with depth at his position. Mike Pearson is a standout tackle.

Florida's defense, inconsistent a year ago, should be improved ... and tougher.

Florida plays Tennessee in Gainesville, and the Gators haven't lost at home to the Vols since 1971. That alone gives Spurrier the inside track this season.

Elsewhere in the East, Tennessee returns 16 starters, including talented sophomore quarterback Casey Clausen and Outland Trophy winner John Henderson, a defensive tackle. The Vols' offensive line should be much improved, but the receiving corps lacks its usual talent and depth.

UT must find a durable running back, a big-play receiver and help in the secondary to compete with Florida.

With 16 starters back, South Carolina is better on paper. But can the Gamecocks recapture the chemistry that led to an eight-win season? Troubled tailback Derek Watson is the key. Watson, suspended for the bowl game and in hot water during the spring, is the leading returning rusher in the SEC (1,066 yards) and led the league in all-purpose yards (1,834 yards).

The defense, which led the SEC in fewest points allowed features linebacker Kalimba Edwards and the secondary is strong. But the schedule will make it hard for USC to go better than 4-4 in the SEC.

Georgia returns 13 starters for first-year coach Mark Richt, but quarterback Quincy Carter's decision to turn pro a year early raises questions about the offense. The Bulldogs have a nice collection of linebackers and the secondary is strong. But the defensive line will miss tackles Marcus Stroud and Richard Seymour.

Vanderbilt returns its quarterback, leading rusher and top receiver. Look for the Commodores to score more points after averaging an SEC-worst 17.5. But the defense will once again have trouble stopping opponents.

Kentucky ousted unorthodox coach Hal Mumme, but Guy Morriss promises to still run a wide-open attack after quarterback Jared Lorenzen set a half-dozen NCAA passing records for a freshman, including 3,687 passing yards. The defense can't stop anybody, however.

West Division

Mississippi State is seldom picked to win the West, but the Bulldogs always contend.

Quarterback Wayne Madkin doesn't overwhelm you with stats; he just wins. Running back Dicenzo Miller gained 1,005 yards last year, and backup Dontae Walker is none too shabby, either.

The defense was inconsistent last year but is plenty nasty and should be better, led by two All-American candidates -- linebacker Mario Haggan and safety Pig Prather.

Alabama went from first to worst in the West Division and fired 1999 SEC coach of the year Mike DuBose. Would you believe a worst-to-first scenario this season?

Well ... almost.

New coach Dennis Franchione, hired from TCU, is sharp and hardnosed. He has a history of turning around programs. At 'Bama, he also inherits a lot of talent.

The Tide has seven starters back from an underachieving offense. Receiver Freddie Milons and quarterback Andrew Zow must return to 1999 form. The defensive front seven rates with the best in the nation. Alabama gets to play expected top west contenders Mississippi State and LSU at home, which is a big advantage.

LSU might have the best personnel in the West, but it also has the toughest schedule. The Tigers play Florida and Tennessee from the East, and play at Alabama and Mississippi State. Quarterback Rohan Davey is the key. If he's healthy, he could deliver LSU's first SEC title game appearance. Last year, he was brilliant against Tennessee and in the Peach Bowl win over Georgia Tech.

Don't be surprised if Ole Miss sophomore quarterback Eli Manning makes an all-SEC team. He had a terrific spring. The Rebels offense could rank among the top three in the SEC. Problem is, the Rebels defense might rank among the worst three.

Auburn lost three key offensive players to the NFL early: tailback Rudi Johnson, fullback Heath Evans and receiver Ronney Daniels. The Tigers' hope is that their defensive line can keep games close.

Arkansas is counting on tailback Cedric Cobbs, who missed most of last season, to have a monster season. He's capable of that, but he's one of the Hogs' few offensive weapons. Defense delivered late, but two outstanding linebackers are gone.

Lindy's Football Annuals (National, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, ACC, plus Pro) are available at newsstands regionally, or can be ordered as a set at www.lindyssports.com, or by calling 1-205-871-1182.