2018 SEC football predictions: How Tennessee Vols could move up to fourth in East

The day after one college football season ends always seems like an appropriate time to look ahead to the next one. And when you look ahead to the SEC East, the view won’t change.

Picking Georgia to win the SEC East as obvious as picking Alabama to win the West. Here’s my early, early take on how the division could play out in 2018.

Georgia

The Bulldogs will suffer significant losses on defense and lose leading rushers Nick Chubb and Sony Michel as well. But they will return seven starters on offense, including four in the offensive line and quarterback Jake Fromm.

And don’t underestimate how well coach Kirby Smart has recruited. He just signed two of the top three running backs in the 2018 class. They will join D’Andre Swift, who got enough carries as a freshman to look like a future star.

West opponents: At LSU, Auburn.

South Carolina

The Gamecocks will return nine offensive starters, including quarterback Jake Bentley. Those returning starters don’t include dynamic wide receiver and kick returner Deebo Samuel, who is expected to come back for his senior season after suffering a season-ending injury in 2017.

Despite the loss of seven defensive starters, the progress of younger players in 2017 should pay off next season. The Gamecocks have become tougher and more resourceful in coach Will Muschamp’s two seasons as coach, as evidenced by their comeback bowl victory over Michigan.

West opponents: Texas A&M, at Ole Miss.

Florida

New coach Dan Mullen says he will adjust his offense to fit his players’ skills. But no matter of adjusting is apt to make returning starter Feleipe Franks a good fit in a system whose success has been achieved mostly with dual-threat quarterbacks, like signee Emory Jones.

Overall, the Gators could return as many as 18 starters, including what should be the SEC’s best secondary. However, the offensive line is overrated, and there’s still a giant question mark at quarterback.

West opponents: At Mississippi State, LSU.

Tennessee

New coach Jeremy Pruitt, regarded as one of the nation’s top defensive coordinators, surely will improve the defense, which will return eight starters. A comeback from injured offensive tackle Chance Hall would be a huge plus.

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Sophomore-to-be Ty Chandler could be a capable replacement for John Kelly, who chose to turn pro early. But the Vols will enter the 2018 season just as they did this past season, unsure who the quarterback will be.

West opponents: At Auburn, Alabama.

Missouri

The Tigers’ six-game winning streak to close the regular season was misleading in that it was accomplished mainly against bad teams that were at their worst.

But if quarterback Drew Lock returns for a senior season, a high-scoring offense could return intact. The defense won’t be nearly as well stocked but received a big boost when defensive tackle Terry Beckner decided not to turn pro.

West opponents: at Alabama, Arkansas.

Kentucky

Running back Benny Snell Jr. is one of the league’s best players, and the defense should be better. But the Wildcats need to find a competent replacement for quarterback Stephen Johnson and improve their passing game.

Otherwise, defenses will stack the line against Snell more than ever.

West opponents: Mississippi State, at Texas A&M.

Vanderbilt

The Commodores will lose seven starters from a defense that didn’t play up to expectations in 2017. And how can they hope to be as good at running back without Ralph Webb, who carried their offense for much of the past four seasons?

At least, Vanderbilt will have a proven quarterback in Kyle Shurmur and a veteran offensive line to protect him.

West opponents: At Arkansas, Ole Miss.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: Twitter.com/johnadamskns.