Feb. 17, 2009

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LSU is the favorite to capture the 2009 Southeastern Conference crown in voting by the league’s head coaches and released by the conference office.

For the overall title, LSU earned 10 of a possible 11 votes. Georgia and Ole Miss each received one vote.

The Tigers are also the heavy favorite to win the Western Division. LSU received 10 first-place votes and 65 points. Ole Miss had the other two first-place votes and 54 points for second, followed by Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn and Mississippi State.

Georgia earned the top spot in the Eastern Division with 10 first-place votes and 62 points. Florida placed second with a pair of first-place votes and 52 points, followed by Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky.

The 2009 campaign begins Friday, Feb. 20, with LSU and South Carolina christening new stadiums. The conference schedule starts March 13. The SEC Tournament will be Mary 20-24 at newly-renovated Regions Park in Hoover, Ala.

SEC Preseason Poll

Eastern Division

1. Georgia (10) 62

2. Florida (2) 52

3. Vanderbilt 40

4. South Carolina 37

5. Tennessee 28

6. Kentucky 27

Western Division

1. LSU (10) 65

2. Ole Miss (2) 54

3. Alabama 44

4. Arkansas 38

5. Auburn 28

6. Mississippi State 18

SEC Champion: LSU (10), Georgia (1), Ole Miss (1)