PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
EAST
1) Georgia 10-4, 7-1; lost in Outback Bowl
Platform: If the Bulldogs get good play on their offensive line and from their freshman specialists, they will be favored in all 12 regular-season games. The trip to Missouri on the second weekend is tricky, but Georgia has a very favorable schedule overall and a defense that will either dominate games or keep the Bulldogs within reach if they experience the occasional offensive struggle.
2) South Carolina 11-2, 6-2; won Capital One Bowl
Platform: Steve Spurrier has the Gamecocks as talented as any team in the East, and there is now a winning mentality following the division title two years ago and last year’s 11-win campaign. Whether Marcus Lattimore will be back at 100 percent is a big question, and crossover games against LSU and Arkansas leaves Georgia as the more sensible pick in this year’s division chase.