re: Tony Barnhart just picked Gators for east

People wrote off UF last year too and yet there they were at the end of the year in Atlanta. McElwain has done an impressive job given his lack of talent at QB and a patchwork Oline 2 years ago. If Zaire dials it in under Nuss they could be really good this year. Good WRs, a strong RB, experience on Oline is a good recipe for success.

I mean until someone knocks UF off you have to like them in preseason. Especially since their offense should be a little more composed this year. If the defense only manages to take half a step back, I agree 11-1 or 10-2 could be on the horizon which would put them in Atlanta again.

UT has a new QB, RBs and some replacements to make on D. Also a new OC. And Butch Jones just hasnt shown me that his teams have that edge to win in a tight game. I thought they turned the corner vs. UGA last year with the tough comeback on the road but fell off later in the year. Lots of lockerroom distractions as well with the whole Hurd debacle.

UGA should be very strong on the front 7 but their DB's were only serviceable at times last year. Obviously RB is set but until their Oline proves they have improved the RB combo should be discounted. Perhaps a couple new freshmen could step up but until they prove it as well you cant possibly predict greatness without taking a snap of SEC football. Eason also needs to do some improving. Also Cheney...a handicap that AR fans warned about that absolutely proved he hasnt changed his propensity to abandon the run.