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Phil Steele, one of the more knowledge and accurate college football prognosticators in the business, has released his predictions for the AP Top 25 preseason poll for the 2015 season on his website: PhilSteele.com.
Steele expects the SEC to be well represented in the preseason poll, as he projects the AP to have nine teams in their initial poll.
#3 - Alabama Crimson Tide
Despite only returning four offensive starters from a season ago, including key losses at quarterback, wide receiver and running back, the Tide look to again be the team to beat in the conference. With so much talent on the roster and annual success under Nick Saban, they deserve any benefit of doubt entering the season.
#9 - Auburn Tigers
The hiring of Will Muschamp is expected to return the defense to respectability and compliment Gus Malzahn's high-powered offense in 2015. Despite losses at quarterback and receiver, Malzahn's track record of offensive wizardry is nearing legendary status. If the defense can catch up, the Tigers could make the playoff next season.
#10 - Georgia Bulldogs
The heavy favorites in the East, Georgia will have to break in a quarterback for the second season in a row. The Dawgs have three running backs, lead by sensational sophomore Nick Chubb, that should help ease the transition in Athens. Year two in Jeremy Pruitt's defense should result in an improved defense, which returns several starters from last season.
#12 - Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels may have the most elite talent in the nation but inexperience at quarterback and subpar offensive line play could hold them back in 2015. If Ole Miss can generate positive play from both areas, they could easily make the playoff this season. If they whiff at both, they could just as easily finish last in the West.
#14 - LSU Tigers
Are the Tigers currently waiting in the weeds, looking to pounce on any team that sleeps on possibly the best roster from top to bottom in the nation? Quarterback play killed the team last season and could again if they don't find an answer this offseason. How will the defense look in Kevin Steele's first season as defensive coordinator?
#19 - Missouri Tigers
At this point it's almost foolish to count out the Tigers in the East, especially with a returning quarterback in tow. Entering 2015, Mizzou has won an incredible 10 consecutive SEC road games. If they finish undefeated on the road yet again, expect them to capture the East title for the third season in a row.
#20 - Arkansas Razorbacks
Hard to believe this team had lost 17 consecutive league games until beating LSU 17-0 late last season. Now the Hogs are one of the hottest teams in the nation lead by an outstanding rushing attack and possibly an even better defense. If Arkansas can carry last season's momentum into 2015, expect them to compete for the SEC title.
#21 - Mississippi State Bulldogs
The Bulldogs shocked many by winning 10 games a season ago and leading the inaugural college football playoff poll for several weeks. Dan Mullen finally has his program humming in Starkville and returns the best quarterback in the league this season. Has the team developed the depth to compete on an annual basis in the SEC, or will they prove to be one-year wonders?
#24 - Tennessee Volunteers
Perhaps the fastest rising program in the nation, Tennessee finished out 2014 on a 4-1 swing including a dominant bowl victory over Iowa. The Vols return nearly every player of significance from a season ago and have added yet another top recruiting mix to the fold. With talent again brimming in Knoxville, how long before the young Vols punch through in the East?
(h/t Phil Steele)
