Projected finish

EAST DIVISION

1. South Carolina >> 9-4, 6-2

Division hopes rest on Marcus Lattimore’s healing knee.

2. Georgia >> 10-2, 6-2

One of nation’s top defenses gives Dawgs title hope.

3. Florida >> 7-5, 4-4

Gators still overcome mediocre recruiting years.

4. Missouri >> 7-5, 4-4

Offensive innovation meets defensive strength.

5. Tennessee >> 6-6, 3-5

Six or seven losses four straight years.

6. Vanderbilt >> 4-8, 1-7

Surprising bowl season, but tough to keep it going.

7. Kentucky >> 4-8, 1-7

Beating Louisville in opener would be huge.

WEST DIVISION

1. LSU >> 13-0, 8-0

They take turns in the SEC. It’s LSU’s turn.

2. Alabama >> 11-1, 7-1

One loss will keep Tide from title game this time.

3. Arkansas >> 10-2, 6-2

Third-best in division could be top-five in nation.

4. Mississippi State >> 8-4, 4-4

Tough time to have good team.

5. Auburn >> 7-5, 4-4

Offense could struggle without coordinator Gus Malzahn.

6. Texas A&M >> 5-7, 2-6

New league, new coach, but great O-line.

7. Mississippi >> 2-10, 0-8

Starting over again, this time with Hugh Freeze.

Bowl destinations

•  BCS title game: LSU

•  Sugar: Alabama

•  Capital One: South Carolina

•  Gator: Georgia

•  Cotton: Arkansas

•  Outback: Florida

•  Chick-fil-A: Missouri

•  Liberty: Mississippi State

•  Music City: Auburn

•  BVAA Compass: Tennessee

Three can’t-miss games

•  Sept. 8: Georgia at Missouri

Memorial Stadium will be ablaze for SEC opener.

•  Nov. 3: Alabama at LSU

Not necessarily elimination game for division and national-title hopes.

•  Nov. 23: LSU at Arkansas

If Razorbacks beat ’Bama early, division may be on the line.

Award winners

• Offensive player of the year: Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina.

• Defensive player of the year: Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia.