ESPN.com: College Football Nation

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Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

A tour around the SEC as Arkansas, Auburn and Mississippi State all open their spring practices Tuesday:

• Beat writer Evan Woodbery of The Mobile Press-Register takes a look at five key questions facing Auburn as the Tigers open spring practice.

• Tony Barnhart of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution picks the five quarterback battles in the league he will be watching the closest.

• Beat writer Jeremy Fowler of The Orlando Sentinel offers five themes to watch this spring for defending national champion Florida. The Gators open spring practice on Wednesday.

• The Tennessee running back stable is bursting at the seams thanks to late signees Bryce Brown and David Oku, but senior Montario Hardesty says the real race will be for the backup job. Hardesty intends to be the starter.

• Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino says he expects the Hogs to make "huge strides" this season.