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In 2004, the Southeastern Conference experienced an unusual circumstance, an undefeated team from its highly regarded league being shutout of the national championship picture. Auburn rolled to 13-0 record a year ago, including an impressive 38-28 dismantling of Tennessee in the SEC title game, only to finish third in the BCS standings behind two other power conference unbeatens. It’s a scenario that probably won’t be seen again for long time, and one that commands more attention to a potential playoff system. It was still a remarkable season for the Tigers but one that might be remembered more for what didn’t happen on the field than for what did. Elsewhere, the Volunteers enjoyed a renaissance season behind a pair of freshmen quarterbacks, capped by a Cotton Bowl win, and Georgia said goodbye to an elite class of seniors by winning the Outback Bowl. It wasn’t so pretty at other schools though as LSU fell victim to a miraculous play by Iowa in the Capital One Bowl, and Alabama and Florida each lost their respective postseason contests. The most noteworthy incident though surrounded the season finale game between South Carolina and rival Clemson, in which a massive brawl ensued at the end of the contest, marring the coaching finale of Lou Holtz at USC. Both teams elected to withdraw from bowl consideration following the ugly incident.

For 2005, the SEC again figures to have at least three teams among the BCS contenders. LSU, Tennessee, and Florida are all coming back loaded and hungry for the upcoming season. LSU and Florida each welcome in new coaches, as Les Miles takes over Nick Saban in Tiger country and Urban Meyer gains control of the Gators. Ironically, those high profile changes pale in comparison to the coaching replacement for the Gamecocks, as the SEC welcomes back Steve Spurrier to the college ranks. His arrival has created a fan frenzy in Columbia, and made the contest between USC and Florida on November 12th one of the most intriguing, can’t miss games of the season. Finally, at Ole Miss, Ed Orgeron takes over as head coach for David Cutcliffe. From a player standpoint, look for QB Chris Leak of Florida, and Tennessee’s RB Gerald Riggs and QB Erik Ainge to grab most of the headlines not given out to the coaches. Instant replay will also be in play in the SEC for 2005.

East Division

Georgia

Play On: @ Vanderbilt 10/15

With the Bulldogs off a possible loss at Tennessee, Georgia bounces back knowing they have won 26 of 27 by double digits against Vandy. Expect much more of the same in the Music City.

Play Against: Florida 10/29

The world’s largest outdoor cocktail party has had Georgia fans drowning their sorrows with a 2-13 SU record and 4-11 ATS after the games. No reason to look for anything different in Jacksonville again.

Florida

Play On: Florida State 11/26

The Gators have more talent and are better coached under Urban Meyer. The straight up winner in this in-state rivalry is 22-1-1 ATS. Florida wins at home.

Play Against: @ South Carolina 11/12

The ol’ ball coach will have his boys revved up when Florida visits Columbia. The Gators are 5-8 ATS the last four years as road favorites.

Tennessee

Play On: @ Alabama 10/22

This long time SEC rivalry used to always be played on the 3rd Saturday in October. When the SEC expanded, that tradition went by the boards. One thing that has not changed in the visitor is 12-1 ATS in this contest.

Play Against: Mississippi 10/1

This is the middle game of a monstrous early season schedule for the Vols. This fits a natural letdown situation for Tennessee. The home team is 3-10 ATS.

South Carolina

Play On: Vanderbilt 10/22

The Gamecocks have owned the Commodores with a 10-3 against the spread record.

Play Against: @ Arkansas 11/5

With South Carolina off Tennessee and Florida on deck, Arkansas can cause a hog of trouble for the Gamecocks. The Razorbacks are 6-1 ATS vs. South Carolina.

Vanderbilt

Play On: Kentucky 11/12

Vandy will have a chance to put Kentucky out of its misery with a home win. The Commodores are 15-5 ATS including 7-2 in Nashville. The home favorite is 10-4 against the number in this battle of neighboring states.

Play Against: Georgia 10/15

Vandy has been less then dandy vs. the SEC East with a 1-19 SU record. The visitor is a lucrative 10-3 ATS.

Kentucky

Play On: @ Indiana 9/17

Coach Brooks has stated this is his best team at Lexington. The Wildcats are 9-1 SU and 7-3 ATS in this border SEC/Big10(11) contest.

Play Against: @ Georgia 11/19

Kentucky has been an underdog 27 straight times to Georgia. The Wildcats are 2-11 ATS in the last road game of the season.

West Division

LSU

Play On: @ Alabama 11/12

In this highly unusual series, the visitor failed to cover last year for the first time in a dozen tries. Things revert back to normal at Bama.

Play Against: Florida 10/15

In this highly anticipated game of ranked teams, the home squad is only 3-10 ATS.

Auburn

Play On: Mississippi State 9/10

The Tigers are a perfect 12-0 SU and 10-2 ATS in SEC openers. The “chalkâ€Â