By Southern Pigskin Staff
SouthernPigskin.com

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Southern Pigskin’s projections in the SEC East for the 2015 season.

1. Georgia — Though the Bulldogs have questions, they are the most complete team in the SEC East. Nick Chubb, fresh off over 1,500 yards as a true freshman, is college football’s best running back and the Georgia offensive line, a veteran bunch, is one of the game’s best. Chubb is a Heisman Trophy candidate. Defensively, coordinator Jeremy Pruitt will have options in year two; the Bulldogs have, perhaps, the league’s most versatile collection of linebackers. Expect Pruitt to mix and match accordingly. This Georgia team has a traditional, old-school feel, with big linemen and a deep collection of tailbacks.

2. Tennessee — With the most returning starters in the conference, this is likely the season potential turns into production for the Volunteers. Tennessee won four of five to end last season and has All-SEC-type talent at key positions, in addition to a very real confidence and optimism. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs brings stability, while defenders Derek Barnett and Curt Maggitt, 21 combined sacks in 2014, bring the pass rush. The ‘Vols believe they can make it to Atlanta.

3. Missouri — The back-to-back defending SEC East champions will undoubtedly be in the mix once again. Remarkably consistent under head coach Gary Pinkel, the Tigers simply find ways to win football games. With quarterback Maty Mauk and 1,000-yard rusher Russell Hansbrough returning, Missouri should be able to move the football. You have to assume the Tigers will have more edge rushers in place as well.

4. South Carolina — Top-to-bottom, there isn’t the star power of team’s past, but head coach Steve Spurrier may like the fact that the Gamecocks are being overlooked a little bit this pre-season. Defensive improvement must be made and the anticipation is that the unit, a year older and wiser, will be more stable. Wide receiver Pharoh Cooper is one of college football’s top true playmakers.

5. Florida — Step one for new head coach Jim McElwain will be developing an offensive identity; a lot of that will depend on quarterback play, with Treon Harris and Will Grier both vying for the starting job. The Gators are also very thin along the offensive line. The defense will be one of the better groups in the SEC. With a new staff in place, how long will it take Florida to gel and find consistency?

6. Kentucky — The overall talent base has improved in Lexington. That said, the Wildcats can’t quite match personnel with the top of the division. Quarterback Patrick Towles, 20 total touchdowns as a sophomore, gives the offense a spark. Strides will have to be made defensively as Kentucky tries to close out games.

7. Vanderbilt — At this point, the Commodores have more questions than answers; most notably, can their offense be productive? Vanderbilt ranked 125th nationally in total offense a season ago with just 288.3 yards per game. Familiarity could lead to better play in year two under Derek Mason.