Gators predicted second in SEC East

The Southeastern coaches predicted that Florida will finish second in the SEC East this year behind Vanderbilt. Even with all the talent lost, there is still a lot of respect for the team the Gators will field starting on Friday at 7 p.m. against Duke.

The SEC coaches predicted that Arkansas would win the SEC championship, coinciding with the Razorbacks’ No. 1 spot in the preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Razorbacks bring back five starters in the field and 10 pitchers from last year’s College World Series team.

Vanderbilt was predicted to win the SEC East. Florida was predicted to finish second while Kentucky and South Carolina were predicted to tie for third in the East. Kentucky and South Carolina each received one first place vote while Florida did not.

The Gators will open the season on Friday by hosting Duke at 7 p.m. in a game that will be televised by Sun Sports.