SEC - Florida

Florida
Skinny - Coming off a National Championship always puts a target on a team, but with the return of superman himself, Tim Tebow, the Gators remain the best team in the land. The entire defense is back for Florida, a defense that I might add held Sam Bradford and the balanced and explosive Oklahoma offense to 14 points in the game's biggest stage. Florida will again have to play a rigorous SEC schedule, but if they maintain focus they can definitely repeat as MNC champs.

Strength - Quarterback
There are so many choices here its hard to come up with a final answer. A member from each defensive unit last year made my first team All-SEC list (Black, Dunlap, and Spikes), the Pouncey twins return to anchor the offensive line, and the speed at running back is undeniable. But this team feeds off, not just the incredible play of Tebow, but the passion and firepower he instills in the team. His speech last year after the Ole Miss loss summarizes why he is so important to the team. He willed the team to a National Championship after the team's lone loss and beat two very good teams Alabama and Oklahoma in consecutive games to end the season on the highest note. Tebow loses his sidekick Percy Harvin this season, so it should be interesting to see how he is replaced. Jeff Demps has the speed to replace Harvin, but will he be as big an influence in the passing game as he is more a running back than Harvin's hybrid?

Weakness - Wide Receiver
This isn't so much of a weakness, but more a place the team must prove themselves. Aaron Hernandez will probably lead the team receiving from the tight end position, which there is nothing wrong with that considering Hernandez's abilities but to compliment the running game there must be legimitate outside threats. Carl Moore and Riley Cooper, both seniors, will join sophomore Deonte Thompson in the quest to replace Louis Murphy and Harvin. Cooper and Thompson had respectable backup numbers last year 18/261/3 and 18/269/3, respectively, but they take that number 1 and number 2 role for the Gators' offense to be as productive as last season.

Key Game - 10/10/09 @LSU
I almost put the SEC championship game considering Florida gets lucky avoiding Alabama and Ole Miss from the west division. I believe Jordan Jefferson will have control of the QB position by this time for LSU and Charles Scott may be the best back in the SEC. Playing a night game in Death Valley could be a tough task for the Gators if they are not prepared.

Key Player - Deonte Thompson
The sophomore wide receiver has the chance to become the Gators next star receiver for years to come. The Glades Central alum has good speed, but lacks big time game experience. He didn't accumulate stats in Florida's three biggest games last year against Ole Miss, Alabama, and Oklahoma. Thompson needs to give Tebow a threat to compliment Hernandez.

Impact Freshman - Andre Debose

Predicted SEC finish - 1st (East)

Top 5 Players
1. QB Tim Tebow
2. LB Brandon Spikes
3. DE Carlos Dunlap
4. S Ahmad Black
5. TE Aaron Hernandez

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