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Posted: Monday August 02, 1999 05:31 PM

If it can survive against Tennessee and Florida, Quincy Carter could lead Georgia to its first SEC crown since 1982. Scott Halleran/Allsport

Over the last few weeks, CNN/SI asked users to forecast their favorite conference. In the SEC, fans agreed on only one thing: Like CNN/SI's Trev Alberts, they think it's clear the SEC is the toughest conference in the country. As for who will emerge victorious from it, those opinions vary.

Everyone knows who the contenders in the East will be: Florida and Tennessee, like they are every year. However, Georgia will surprise some folks, as they have a plethora of starters returning, including quarterback Quincy Carter.

In the West, watch out for the dark horse, Alabama. They will be methodical on offense, and if they can get some younger players to step up and fill the void at linebacker, who knows how far they could go? Ole Miss coach [David] Cutcliffe, in his first year, will see maximum success as he attempts to build a dynasty at the once mighty, Southern football stronghold in Oxford.
-- Brendan R. Hogan, Birmingham, Ala.

Definitely look for the Vols to repeat as SEC champions, and hopefully as national champions! They have a great mix of experience and youth, and are surrounded by great talent. Florida will always be a challenger, but this year the VOLS invade the Swamp!! Alabama could possibly be the best team in the West, right above Arkansas. Lou Holtz will be a great addition to the SEC and South Carolina, I just don't see him making any great progress just yet. I don't see any huge sleepers in the conference this year.
-- Brian Hollomon, Maryville, Tenn.

In the SEC, Tennesee's glory days are over. Florida is back. You don't keep Steve Spurrier down for long. Once again there is no room for Georgia at the top. Are there any other teams in the East? In the West, it is wide open. The popular pick is Alabama, but be aware that the revenge-minded LSU Tigers learned some hard lessons last year and will be out for blood this year. They have Florida at home, and Tiger stadium will be a very tough place to play this season. Arkansas won't do much but maybe beat Tennessee. Auburn may ruin a couple of teams' seasons with an unexpected loss, and Mississippi will be middle of the pack teams as usual.
-- Chris Broughton, Shreveport, La.

Contenders: Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama.
Pretenders: Mississippi State, LSU, Georgia.
Surprises: Auburn beats Ole Miss, but loses to Alabama at home for first time. South Carolina beats Georgia on heart alone. Alabama beats Florida at the Swamp, loses to UT at home, wins UGLY against UT in the championship.
-- Chris Van Steenberg, New York City

The surprise contender for the national championship will be the Arkansas Razorbacks. Arkansas almost shocked the world last year when it stubbed its toe at Tennessee, but with the skill players the Razorbacks have, no one will outscore them.
-- Eric Feltner, Columbia, Mo.

Georgia will come out on top in the SEC. Alabama will win the West, but UT and UF rank No. 2 and No. 3 in the SEC. UGA and UT will go to the BCS, while Florida goes to the Citrus and 'Bama goes to the Outback. LSU and Arkansas can make a run but will come up short.
-- James Westbrook, Shady Dale, Ga.

"SEC Haiku predictions"
East:
Gainesville's fetid swamp
Spurrier slams his visor
Volunteers rejoice

West:
Nutt says sooey pig
Bama's rising Crimson Tide
Bengal tigers mew
-- John Overholt, Nashville, Tenn.

I think any of the teams, except Auburn, could win the West. I think the one team that has not received enough attention is Mississippi State. MSU's schedule plays a big factor. Also, though they lost several starters on offense, the starters this year saw significant playing time last year.
-- Marc Wyatt, Brandon, Miss.

LSU is going to be the surprise team of the SEC. The defense will be the most improved in the league, and the offense will benefit from the fierce competition at the QB spot, where Josh Booty could very well be the starter. The running game will be great once again as the Tigers welcome powerful runner LaBrandon "Running with Abandon" Toefield to go with Rondell Mealey. LSU is the hungriest team in the league and have much more talent than their 4-7 record indicated. It should be a bounce back year.
-- Marty Giacone, Orlando, Fla.

The Vols and Gators once again look to take care of business; however, the Bulldogs are poised to knock off the two perennial favorites and reestablish themselves again as a dominant force in the SEC. If the 'Dawgs can get productivity out of a talented but unproven running corps, they should fare well. The West seems to be a toss-up. I look for 'Bama to be a factor as well as the Razorbacks. If QB Romaro Miller can continue on his path, the Rebels will have something to cheer for. Who won't be there at the end of the year: Sorry, Mr. Tuberville, you have a ways to go before straightening out that mess at Auburn.
-- Thomas Thompson, Jacksonville, Fla.

 

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