SEC Power Rankings: Alabama, Texas A&M, Florida, South Carolina and Georgia All in the Title Hunt

November 3, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback

(6) runs with the ball as Missouri Tigers linebacker

(25) defends during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Florida Gators

Last Season: 11-2 (7-1)

Key Addition: Daniel McMillian

Key Word: Offense

Outlook:

The Gators are built on an elite defense and a solid ground game (and also not being in the same division as Alabama and LSU). Repeating as an elite defense is still a possibility even with the loss of Sharrif Floyd, Jon Bostic, and Matt Elam. And the running game should still be good, too, with Matt Jones returning to the backfield and a solid offensive line.

Receivers and the quarterback position are a different situation. Florida brought in two five-star freshmen in Demarcus Robinson and Ahmad Fulwood, both whom are expected to be involved in the offense as freshmen. How they perform and if Jeff Driskel can get them the ball are going to be the two biggest questions for Florida.

Should Florida develop a solid passing game then the SEC East could be theirs. Florida doesn’t have Alabama or Texas A&M on their schedule, and they get in-state rival Florida State at home to end the season. Additionally, Florida gets Georgia at home – a game that may decide the SEC East.