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How about them Dawgs! Take a look at the mighty Georgia Bulldogs. NBCSports.com

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WEST DIVISION
AUBURN
Key players: RB Ben Tate, Jr.; CB Jerraud Powers, Jr.; DE Antonio Coleman, Jr.; Tray Blackmon, Jr. Returning starters: 9 offense, 7 defense.

Notes: Tailback U is switching to a fast-paced spread offense under new coordinator Tony Franklin. Either Chris Todd or Kodi Burns will be running it. ... The defense should be formidable again under new boss Paul Rhoads, led by linemen Coleman and Sen’Derrick Marks and LB Blackmon.

LSU
Key players: WR Demetrius Byrd, Sr.; OT Ciron Black, Jr.; DT Ricky Jean-Francois, Jr.; LB Darry Beckwith, Sr. Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: Les Miles still has a talent-laden roster, but plenty of uncertainty at quarterback. Andrew Hatch and Jarrett Lee are vying for job. ... Defense can just reload despite losing Glenn Dorsey and other stars. Doug Mallory and Bradley Peveto are co-defensive coordinators, replacing Bo Pelini.

ALABAMA
Key players: QB John Parker Wilson, Sr.; RB Terry Grant, So.; S Rashad Johnson, Sr.; MLB Rolando McClain. Returning starters: 7 offense, 6 defense.

Notes: Year 2 for coach Nick Saban will feature a veteran quarterback and offensive line. Other positions will need help from youngsters, especially receiver and linebacker. ... Focus will be on finishing games and the season better after losing last four regular-season games in 2007.

MISSISSIPPI STATE
Key players: S Derek Pegues, Sr.; RB Anthony Dixon, Jr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 8 defense.

Notes: Coach Sylvester Croom finally has a year to build on, including a bowl win. He also has experienced Wesley Carroll at quarterback. ... Top three tacklers are back on defense, plus Pegues.

MISSISSIPPI
Key players: QB Jevan Snead, So.; DE Greg Hardy, Jr.; DT Peria Jerry, Sr.; OT Michael Oher, Sr.

Notes: New coach Houston Nutt inherits a team that won only three league games in Ed Orgeron’s three seasons ... Snead is a Texas transfer.

ARKANSAS
Key players: QB Casey Dick, Sr.; C Jonathan Luigs, Sr.; DT Ernest Mitchell, Sr. Returning starters: 6 offense, 5 defense.

Notes: The Razorbacks made an NFL trade: Coach Bobby Petrino for backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, first-round draft picks. ... Games at Texas and Auburn don’t help Petrino’s cause.

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CFT: SEC's Slive no fan of plus-one playoff model

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