Looking forward to 2015: SEC

This year could be an interesting one for the SEC, as the luster of the past decade seems to finally be wearing off.

Here are the games that are most intriguing to us.

East
Florida - With a new coach, the Gators could go either way this season.  And while they continue the tradition of not leaving the state of Florida for a non-conference game, this year they have invited East Carolina to town.  We find this one interesting because it's a Power 5 school outside of Virginia Tech (and the ACC) to play the Pirates.

ECU at Florida, September 12.

Georgia - The annual rivalry game with Georgia Tech could be real interesting this year.  After the ACC swept their SEC counterparts in the final week of the regular season, Georgia will be among the teams looking for revenge.

Georgia at Georgia Tech, November 28.

Kentucky - After a close overtime loss last year, Kentucky is still looking to break a near 30 year streak of losing to Florida.  This year's game could determine bowl eligibility for either team.

Florida at Kentucky, September 19.

Missouri - The last two meeting against South Carolina have been so bizarre, we just can't wait to see how this one ends.

South Carolina at Missouri, October 3.

South Carolina - It's always fun to see a marquee non-conference game on the schedule that just feels like it makes sense, even though it's not played so often.  The flagship schools of these border states will be playing for only the third time in 23 years.

North Carolina vs South Carolina in Charlotte, September 3.

Tennessee - The Vols' only Power 5 non-conference foe is a good one as the Sooners come to town.  However, the narrative after the game could be win-win for the SEC either way.  If Tennessee wins, it'll be "SEC is GREAT!".  If they lose, it'll be "well, they're in the SEC East, and that sucks anyway."

Oklahoma at Tennessee, September 12.

Vanderbilt - The Dores will want to know immediately if they're improving, and they're first opponent know how to beat lower-end SEC teams.

Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt, September 3.

West
Alabama - Another season, another neutal site opener.  At least the Tide gets to start this season where they wanted to finish last season.

Alabama vs. Wisconsin in Dallas, September 5.

Arkansas - The Razorbacks are looking to take that step up in the SEC, after being perpetually stuck in the middle of the division for years.  They took a close loss from the Tide last year, and will be looking to avenge that.

Arkansas at Alabama, October 10.

Auburn - Again, I'll go with the only Power 5 non-conference team on the schedule.

Louisville vs. Auburn at the Georgia Dome, September 5.

LSU - LSU travels up to the Carrier Dome.  There's gotta be a basketball connection here, because I haven't seen such a strange non-conference matchup since Alabama traveled to Duke.

LSU at Syracuse, September 26.

Ole Miss - They're going to try for two Egg Bowl wins in a row, and the first in enemy territory in a long time.

Ole Miss at Mississippi State, November 28.

Mississippi State - Defending their home territory is vital in a year that could see the SEC redefined.

Ole Miss at Mississippi State, November 28.

Texas A&M - Their opening game will be critical for the SEC narrative.  Many think that the balance of power will be shifting to the Pac-12, and an early season matchup with an up and coming team in that conference could help shape that perception.

Texas A&M vs. Arizona State in Houston, September 5.