Florida, Georgia vying for SEC title

Georgia’s got the two star running backs and an experienced defense. Florida has the intriguing transfer quarterback and has won 19 games over the past two seasons under coach Jim McElwain.

Together, the two programs arguably represent the best programs the Southeastern Conference’s Eastern Division has to offer.

It is still unclear if one can finally push past the West and win a league crown.

Florida has been the East’s representative the past two years before running into a brick wall named Alabama. The Gators lost 29-15 in 2015 and 54-16 last season.

Despite the lopsided nature of last year’s game, Florida safety Duke Dawson believes the Gators can close the gap in a hurry.

“It’s small details,” Dawson said. “Coach Mac always preaches to us about the little things. I might be a step away from breaking on a ball that could change the game ... it’s just little things like that.”

Florida has an intriguing quarterback situation after adding Notre Dame graduate transfer Malik Zaire in June. Zaire, who threw for 122 yards and a touchdown last season in a backup role, joins a competition that includes Feleipe Franks and Luke Del Rio.

McElwain didn’t give many clues about who would win the job.

Georgia’s chances for success this season could largely rely on its star running backs — seniors

Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. Chubb ran for 1,130 yards eight touchdowns last season while Michel ran for 840 yards and four touchdowns.

“This is our chance to try to lead our team and lead them to something great,” Michel said.

OU, OSU players named to watch lists

Oklahoma redshirt junior Mark Andrews is one of 55 players on the John Mackey Award watch list.

Andrews, up for an award given to the nation’s top tight end, was a first-team All-Big 12 tight end selection last season and ranked second on the team with seven touchdown catches. He finished the 2016 season with 489 yards on 31 total receptions.

OU redshirt senior center Erick Wren and Oklahoma State center Brad

Lundblade are among the 70 players on the Rimington Trophy watch list. The Rimington Trophy is annually presented to the country’s most outstanding center.

Both Wren and Lundblade are former walk-on players with their respective schools.

Vandy ready to rock?

Vanderbilt has some momentum after making a bowl game in 2016 for the first time in Derek Mason’s three-year tenure.

Mason has nine starters returning on offense, including Ralph Webb, who ran for 1,283 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. The defense has seven starters back, giving the team a veteran feel.

“I couldn’t wait to be a junior-senior football team in this conference,” Mason said. “Now, I’m not having to wait anymore. We’re here.””