re: What does the East look like next year?

To me the east favorites will be Missouri. They earned my respect this year and with Mauck returning they should be preseason #1. They will have a lot to replace at the DL though, which was their only truly elite spot so they could slip off to 3rd or 4th possibly.

Next I think you'd have to go UGA and TN with TN having the slight advantage due to TN knowing who their QB will be and having UGA in Knoxville. But UGA will still have the overall talent advantage so it will be very close.

Then I think you have UF and USC who will both have QB and Coaching transition of some sort in the next tier. Who makes the best adjustments will determine which of these teams will join the other 3 fighting for the East title.

Kentucky will slightly improve and get to 6 wins.

Vandy will be a disaster yet again.