It’s time to unveil the 1st ever GSN SEC Rankings…

1. Florida Gators

With 11 returning members of the starting defense, and the return of Tim Tebow, how can anyone question their team. Besides the leadership of Tebow and Linebacker Brandon Spikes, the Gators have one of the best coaches in the nation, Urban Meyer. While the players execute the plays, the coaches are the ones who set the players up, and Florida has arguably the best staff in the SEC. Combine all of this with a favorable schedule and the Gators have a great shot at back-to-back National Championships.

Projected Record: (13-0)

Toughest Game: @LSU

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

Despite the loss of starting QB John Parker Wilson and offensive linemen Andre Smith, the Crimson Tide still have the top WR in the SEC, Julio Jones. The offense might struggle early with a new QB and no Glen Coffee, but QB Greg McElroy will do his best to keep the Bama passing game steady. The strongest part for the Tide is their defense. Led by Defensive Tackle Terrance Cody, the defense will look to knock out opponents and hold the fort down to help out their offense.

Projected Record: (10-2)

Toughest Game: @Ole Miss

3. Ole Miss Rebels

With quite possibly the best QB in the SEC, behind Tim Tebow, Jevan Snead will look to prove to the nation that he is a legit Quarterback. The Ole Miss offense is the strongest asset, it’s the defense that must step up. With Safety ballhawk Kendrick Lewis, the Rebels must be able to hold off the SEC offenses. Their schedule is kind to them, with home games against Alabama and LSU, and no Florida on their either.

Projected Record: (9-3)

Toughest Game: vs. LSU

4. LSU Tigers

The Tigers have a great running game, led by Charles Scott and Trindon Holliday. With questions at Quarterback, and many key losses on the defensive line, the Tigers will need their running attack to prove lethal this season. Safety Harry Coleman should have a terrific season in 2009, and will probably become an elite talent. We all know that Les Miles is a smart coach, and will always have something up his sleeve.

Projected Record: (9-3)

Toughest Game: vs. Florida

5. Georgia

The Bulldogs have lost many big time players, including QB Matthew Stafford and RB Knowshon Moreno. The UGA defense returns 9 starters, with Junior LB Rennie Curren who amassed 115 tackles last season. The offense will struggle with a new QB, but they do have great depth at Running Back, with Caleb King and Carlton Thomas competing for carries. The Bulldogs have an experience head coach, Mark Richt, who will do his best to plug in the pieces to get the team clicking.

Projected Record: (8-4)

Toughest Game: vs. Florida

6. Tennessee – Projected Record (7-5)

7. South Carolina – Projected Record (6-6)

8. Arkansas – Projected Record (7-5)

9. Vanderbilt – Projected Record (5-7)

10. Kentucky – Projected Record (4-8)

11. Arkansas – Projected Record (4-8)

12. Mississippi State – Projected Record (3-9)

There you have it, the Official GSN SEC Rankings. The conference is very competitive, and anyone from 5-12 could defeat each other, so the SEC conference will be a battle throughout the 2009 season.