The Las Vegas bookmakers have pegged Alabama as the favorite to win the Southeastern Conference. I know - shocking, huh?
Here's another one: Vegas has Florida as a close second to win the SEC. Again, it's a stunner, right?
The divide between the Crimson Tide and the Gators and the rest of the league in the eyes of the bookmakers is startling, however.
According to sportsbook.com, Alabama is a +120 to defend its SEC title, meaning that if $100 was bet on the Tide, the payout would be $120 - or mathematically a 6-to-5 pick. The Gators are +140 or 7-to-5.
The next closest team is Georgia at 9-to-1, followed by Arkansas, Auburn and LSU at 10-to-1. South Carolina is next at 25-to-1 and Ole Miss is 40-to-1.
Tennessee is listed at 75-to-1 - tied with Mississippi State and ahead of just Kentucky (300-to-1) and Vandy (500-to-1).
These are preseason forecasts, of course, and any number of things from injuries to intrigue can affect the outcome.
There are predictions and projections, though, and then there are odds and lines. Predictions are made by everyone; odds are made by people who are vested in the outcome. And if you think oddsmakers are not in tune, well, who do you think pays for all those new casinos being built around the country?
So, despite Alabama having to replace nine defensive starters and Florida retooling its offense and image after Tim Tebow's graduation, those two programs are still considered far and away the class of the league.
While it appears difficult to unseat the favorites, here are three ways a surprise team in the SEC could cash in:
Youth is served: If freshman quarterback Aaron Murray is serviceable early - especially in Georgia's SEC opener at South Carolina - the Bulldogs could be special on offense with 10 returning starters, including arguably the league's top player in A.J. Green.
Get on the Gus Bus: Auburn has defensive questions, but offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has a talented array of options. My money has the Tigers leading the SEC in points scored, and with an offensive that unpredictable there is an extreme upside.
Cheer-y Garcia: South Carolina has experience and talent. The Gamecocks have a future star in running back Marcus Lattimore and a defense that could be dynamite. If enigmatic quarterback Stephen Garcia can swing the talent gauge toward productive rather than potential, Steve Spurrier's team could be special.
Whether the rest of the of the league closes the gap this year will be known in the months ahead. But Alabama and Florida will get everyone's best shot - that you can bet on.