South Carolina Gamecocks picked last in SEC Media Preseason Predictions

As it does every year, SEC Media Days culminated with the release of the preseason conference predictions by the media. It seems that the media doesn't exactly love the South Carolina Gamecocks chances this coming season...not that Coach Muschamp cares what the media thinks.

#SECMD16 SEC East Predictions:

1. Tennessee
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Kentucky
5. Vanderbilt
6. Missouri
7. South Carolina

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) July 14, 2016

#SECMD16 SEC West Predictions:

1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Ole Miss
4. Texas A&M
5. Arkansas
6. Auburn
7. Mississippi State

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) July 14, 2016

South Carolina will be taking on the Vanderbilt Commodores, picked to finish 5th in the East, and the Mississippi State Bulldogs, picked to finish last in the West, in the first two games of the season. While both of these games are on the road, I do believe both of these matchups to be very winnable. The results of each respective game will go a long way in determining what kind of season the Gamecocks have.

Personally, I think the media got it wrong in picking the Gamecocks last. The defensive front 7 is better than they've played the last couple of seasons and, with the right coaching, the offense can be effective enough. With the Gamecocks being under the direction of better coaching, I would've picked South Carolina to finish either 4th or 5th on my ballot, but maybe that's just my bias speaking.

Also, the Gamecocks even got a first place vote. I'm with Eric on this one.

At least the media can't accuse Muschamp and Co. of failing to meet expectations...only way to go is up.