The SEC secured its fourth straight national title last year, and Alabama marked the third team to do it. Add to that Auburn’s unbeaten and uncrowned team in 2004, and you have the markings of a dynasty conference. Until proven otherwise, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt, but there are spring questions about the two leadership positions, quarterback and coach, at a lot of places in this league.

After a brief soap opera before the Sugar Bowl that had him retiring and unretiring, Urban Meyer has dropped the Brett Favre routine and is back coaching Florida. He’s got a lot to replace, with Tim Tebow being just the biggest personnel loss. Tennessee is on its third coach in three years, as Derek Dooley comes up from Louisiana Tech to replace the flamboyant and mediocre Lane Kiffin. And Kentucky and Vanderbilt aren’t without storylines. The Wildcats bring in a new coach in Joker Phillips, while Vandy’s offense may be led by Jordan Rodgers, the brother of the Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron. By comparison, Georgia is quiet. The Bulldogs are just putting in a 3-4 defensive scheme to improve a woeful unit, but that might be the change with the biggest impact on the football field this fall.

Alabama isn’t basking the glow of its national title. They have a lot of rebuilding to do, but they do return the passing combination of Greg McElroy and Julio Jones. Arkansas brings back the explosive Ryan Mallett and his key receivers. Like Georgia, the Hogs need to focus on defense as the key to improvement. Rebuilding is also going on at Ole Miss and LSU. The Rebels lose Jevan Snead, who disappointed in his senior year at quarterback, and running back Dexter McCluster, who was most definitely not a disappointment. The Tigers have to rebuild both trenches, putting a lot of pressure on athletic, but inconsistent quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

On Wednesday, we'll look at the Big 12.