UT is the strongest team in the east, and most likely will win the East.
However, I spend much of my time telling this to my own fanbase, and it doesn't hurt to be repeated. There is a long way to in a basketball season. Last year, up until the final third of the season, the UT fanbase had written off last years team. Lo and behold, they go to the elite 8 after coming together at the right time.
It can go the other direction just as fast when conference play starts.
Although, there is no chance in hell UT finishes 4th in the east.