Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

This year, we'll break down the Southeastern Conference power poll both by division and offer a compilation combining the divisions.

SEC West
1. LSU — If Zach Mettenberger can lead and really has the arm and accuracy he's supposed to possess, the Tigers wll get what eluded them last year: a national championship. Schedule is easier this time.

2. Alabama — Eventually, Nick Saban will have this Crimson Tide on a higher level even than last year, if that's possible. Defense needs time to gel.

3. Arkansas — The offense should pile up numbers and records, but how can the defense be better with personnel issues at linebacker and safety?

4. Auburn — Can a coordinator really make fast but average defenders into a better unit? Aubies think so. Defense will have to carry the day this year.

5. Texas A&M — Kevin Sumlin still hasn't had a chance to see just how different SEC defenses will look compared with Conference-USA. He also needs more defensive players at College Station.

6. Mississippi State — Outside of receivers and a fair quarterback, just what do the Bulldogs possess to make people think they'll move up?

7. Ole Miss — Most Football Championship Subdivision teams have better scholarship numbers than the Rebels do. If Rebs don't beat UCA, it could get awful in Oxford.

SEC East
1. Georgia — Again, the schedule is right for the Bulldogs. They really need to take care of South Carolina though. Can a running back surface?

2. South Carolina — Lots of people believe Gamecocks defense will be better even with the personnel losses to the NFL. Why? It's the offense that should be better.

3. Missouri — Tigers could claim to have the best overall quarterback in the league, and that's what's needed in this league, along with power running and solid defense.

4. Florida — The talent is there, but is the discipline in place?