My money is on Florida State. Because they have a lot of money and can do just about anything.
Not to downplay the importance of the whole money thing, but it's not as though the FSU team isn't doing fundraising or paying dues. The generosity of Coach Harkins will certainly go a long way to help the team prepare for and meet the challenges necessary to make another trip to the Conference and National tournaments. But more important than the money is the experience and consistency that FSU has on the sidelines. The 'Noles have had skilled players for years, but until Coach Harkins came on board, were not able to take the program to the next level.
I think GA Tech will be as dangerous as last year, even without Oakley. Ken Lovic is the type of coach to quietly overachive and be in position to win late in games. He and his staff are as consistent as any in the SELC and I would venture to guess, the MDIA as a whole. Look for Tech to be in the mix and play at Nationals as well.
Florida and VA Tech are also teams that should not be taken lightly, and should expect to have a good shot at going to Nationals.
And let's not forget the only team in the SELC that FSU has never beaten...Tennessee. For the last three years, FSU has looked way better on paper, but has either taken the Vols too lightly, or just allowed too many breakdowns...whatever you want to say, effort and talent cannot replace results.
Vandy is an unknown factor until they get a few away games under their collective belt. Obviously, the school attracts a ton of northern talent every year. If they have truly found a consistent presence on the sidelines, then look out for the Commodores, as well.
At some point, the Hope Scholarships in GA will really begin to give UGA a solid baseline of homegrown talent, especially now that Lax is a sanctioned Varsity sport. More teams will develop, and the fallout can only be good for the Dawgs.
I think the real question will be how mentally tough the 'Noles are this year. Their schedule is a good bit harder than last year, and they still have a bad taste in their mouths from the loss the GA Tech at the SELC tournament. Will this be enough for them to yet again step it up? I'd love to see it. They're a hard bunch to pick against. What I'd love is to see FSU and GA Tech face off in the Finals this year.
Best of luck for a safe and successful season to all.