**2009 SEC Conference - Preseason Preview**

The SEC will seek their 4th straight National Championship this season. The SEC’s dominance has headlined the college football stories for the fast few years. The conference takes perhaps more pride than any for their accomplishments on the field and they will try to back up their achievements again in 2009. Leading the way will be the Florida Gators who will seek a record 3rd National Championship in 4 years this season. Tim Tebow will be a leading candidate to win his 2nd Heisman Trophy and the Gators will be the team to beat in the SEC. The Gators lost Percy Harvin, but with Tebow behind center and talented group of wide outs there is not much worry in Gainesville. The Georgia Bulldogs look to be the only team to challenge Florida in the East Division. However, the Bulldogs lost key players on offense and will have to overcome inexperience at the quarterback position. Tennessee is under the command of new coach Lane Kiffin, but they will be in the rebuilding stages.

In the West Division, Alabama will try to back up an undefeated season from 2008. The Crimson Tide had a perfect season before losing to Florida in the SEC Championship. The Crimson Tide lost running back Glen Coffee and QB John Parker Wilson. However, they will have some young explosive talent led by sophomore WR Julio Jones. The Ole Miss Rebels had the breakout story of the year last season behind new coach Houston Nutt. The Rebels went from 3-9 in 2007 to an impressive 9-4 including a big win over Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl. QB Jevan Snead possesses one of the best arms in the conference and will have the Rebels poised for success again this season. The LSU Tigers fell off the radar last season after inconsistency behind center and an offense that could not find any rhythm. The Tigers defense will be one of the premier units in the league. The offense will assumingly be under the control of sophomore QB Jordan Jefferson. The passing game will be the biggest concern heading into 2009 and if they will have the fire power to return to dominance considering the defense is already there.

The story in the SEC this season will be ultimately defense. The main reason the SEC performs well during the Bowl Season is how well their teams play defense. All of the top teams in the league have incredibly stout defenses and it will be interesting to see if thee conference can produce another National Champion.