11. Tennessee
I see the Vols finishing fifth in the East this year, though that assumes two things. First, that Mizzou doesn’t have a let-down year after nearly winning the conference last year. And second, that Butch Jones’ young team plays like (get this) a young team.
Look for some puzzling moments this year courtesy of the Vols’ youth and their inexperienced lines. But also look for flashes of promises as that youth and those lines mature before your very eyes. Don’t let the low ranking fool you. Tennessee is on the right track and will deliver plenty of exciting moments to Vol Nation in 2014.
10. Missouri
Missouri has lost a ton of talent. Defensive lineman Kony Ealy, running back Henry Josey, quarterback James Franklin and, of course, activist Michael Sam to name but a few. OH. And Dorial Green-Beckham who the NCAA just ruled ineligible to play for the Oklahoma Sooners. Making me wonder if DGB is thinking that the, um, grass was greener on the other side. But they should still be pretty good thanks, in part, to quarterback Maty Mauk who played very well in relief of Franklin last year. And whose name is just an “e” away from being that of a pirate.
9. Florida
The coaching landscape is littered with the next can’t miss Wunder-Coach. One of the million dollar questions in the SEC this year is whether or not Will Muschamp will be one such coach. The talent returning is enough for some to pick them as a divisional favorite. But that and a dollar gets you a dollar. If Florida gets off to a strong start, they could move up that list. But if they stumble, say, in Knoxville? Things could get ugly in Gainesville. Fast. And if they do, Muschamp’s seat won’t be hot by season’s end.
It’ll be gone.
