Five Biggest Surprises from the Media’s SEC Predictions

Nov 22, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Cameron Sutton (23) and Missouri Tigers tight end Kendall Blanton (11) battle for a pass during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Missouri won 29 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

3. Tennessee Picked Ahead of Missouri

Sorry Vol fans, but let’s face reality for a minute. Under Gary Pinkel the last two years, the Missouri Tigers have proven that they clearly have a solid program that can win games even in the rugged SEC. And after reeling off back to back SEC Eastern Division titles, Tennessee has not done nearly enough yet on the field to be picked ahead of them in a conventional sense.

The Vols have lost to Missouri all three years since they have joined the SEC, and the Tigers return enough starters to be good again. Tennessee has to go to Missouri this year as well.

This is not to say that Tennessee does not deserve recognition as a dark horse SEC East candidate, but being ahead of the Tigers makes no sense when you consider what has been accomplished by them so far.

And on top of that, Missouri receives no points in SEC Champion predictions, but Tennessee receives three? Again, that does not make much sense.

The Vols have certainly improved and have everybody excited about this upcoming season, but they have not done enough yet to have a consensus putting them ahead of Missouri.

Next: #2: Tennessee Ahead of Texas A&M