Some things are arguable. Some things are not. There are only a few certain things in life – Death, Taxes, and the SEC winning the Mythical National Championship. The SEC expanded this season to include Missouri and Texas A&M. Both schools will struggle with the traditional powerhouses of the SEC, but in the long term these schools will be made stronger and in turn will also strengthen the conference.

If college football was equated to World Cup Soccer the SEC West is the Group of Death. It will be impressive should one team in that division get through the season unscathed.

East – projected order of finish

Georgia – The Bulldogs offseason problems were lost in the wake of the Penn State scandal. This team has enough talent to win the MNC. Quite frankly with the rabid fan base anything less than an appearance in the MNC title game will be a failure.

South Carolina – The Gamecocks will not make it easy for Georgia. Hosting the Bulldogs in week 6 could decide the direction of the East division. Steve Spurrier will have have his team ready for a run as well. The Bulldogs just have more talent.

Florida – The Gators are probably a year away, but with the talent on hand they may be ready to make the leap this season. Schedule is no favor to anyone in the SEC, but the East is a bit more favorable than the West currently.

Missouri – The Tigers are fortunate to be in the East division. Not quite ready for prime time, a couple of years recruiting should make them a contender.

Vanderbilt – The Commodores probably have the schedule to thank if they have a winning season, as they manage to avoid Arkansas, Alabama, and LSU this year. Should make a bowl appearance.

Tennessee – This team has tremendous upside, or could fall flat on its face, or anywhere in between. This team is similar to the Cal Bears. Anything is possible.

Kentucky – The Wildcats barely missed going bowling last year. They have enough talent to make it to a bowl this season. Not a team to be overlooked at all, but will not be in the hunt for conference bragging rights.

West – Projected order of finish

Alabama – The Crimson Tide gets the nod here, but just barely. They lost a host of talent, but returning quarterback AJ McCarron probably makes the difference against LSU. Circle 3 November on the calendar as that is the night that Bama will be at LSU. The winner of that game probably decides the West.

LSU – The Tigers have most of the talent to make a run at the MNC. Losing Tyrann Matthieu this preseason will not help. The fortunate thing is that they host Bama.

Arkansas – This was going to be the Razorbacks year. The talent on the field is the best that Arkansas has probably every had, unfortunately there was that motorcycle wreck that cost Bobby Petrino his job. If the Razorbacks can put that behind them, they may challenge Bama and LSU.

Texas A&M – The Aggies were on their way to a great season last year, but second half collapses became the norm. New coach, new conference and new quarterback may cause some struggles. This team has some talent but will not contend for a few years.

Mississippi State – The Bulldogs have beaten most of the teams that they should have over the last few years, but 1-15 against Bama, LSU, Auburn, and Arkansas in the last 4 years has been the problem. The talent gap is too large to overcome.

Auburn – The Tigers face a difficult schedule and are in the midst of rebuilding. The offense will move the ball, if the defense stays strong Auburn could be a surprise.

Mississippi – The Rebels face a similar situation as Kentucky. There is some talent, could be bowling, new coach could lead this team to be a big time spoiler.