1. Alabama- They are here by default. Will have elite talent but have some growing to do on defense. They should be playing like a top five team at the end of the season. Doesn't Arky get them early? Hmmm...

2. Auburn- It's all about the schedule here. They get State, Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Alabama on the road. They'll likely end up going 3-1 on their road trips. That's good enough to make a run at things. I will note I'm not sure what to expect of Auburn though. Anywhere between 2-5 wouldn't be completely shocking to me.

3. Arkansas- Don't fret piggies, I'm thinking you'll have the same record as Auburn in SEC play, just lose to them on the planes. We know about the offense, which will likely be the best in the SEC and one of the better offenses in the country. I'd just like to see a defense to go with it.

4. LSU - LSU has the talent to be in the mix in 2010, but this is a bet against Les here. It's rare to see coaches get in hot water and actually climb their way out of it. I'm expecting another frustrating year on the Bayou forcing a coaching change. Sorry Tigers, 2011 is the year to wait for.

5. Ole Miss - The offense should be absolutely putrid next year. The defense stands to be one of the better units in the conference. I'm expecting (more like hoping) Powe will make a big splash this year. The Rebels will win ugly...but they'll be able to win enough to stay out of the basement.

6. Mississippi State - Mullens has this program showing signs of life for the first time in a couple of years. The problem is, going on the road to Oxford (Egg Bowl has been good to the home team recently), Tuscaloosa, Baton Rouge, and Gainesville.

Schedule doesn't set up right for the upstart bulldogs.