The real question is as follows?
Is winning the SEC East in 2006 something to be desired?
Here are some scenarios to ponder, regular season SEC losses in paranthesis:
UT (1), UF(2)
Do you believe that we would actually beat Auburn in the SECCG? If not, we drop from the Top 10, drop to at least 3rd in the SEC final standings, and end up in the Cotton Bowl or Outback Bowl.
UT (2), UF(3)
Definitely do not beat Auburn in Atlanta. That loss drops us most likely out of the top 20, and we finish 4th or 5th in the final SEC standings. We end up playing in the Peach Bowl.
UF (0), UT (1)
Florida wins the SECCG and plays for the National Championship. We would most likely qualify for a BCS Bowl Game as an at-large (5 BCS bowl games now), finish 2nd in the Final SEC standings, and if we win the Bowl game, finish 2nd or 3rd in the nation.
UF(1), UT(1)
Citrus Bowl
UF (2), UT (2)
Cotton Bowl
As much as I would like UT to play in Atlanta, I do not believe we have a real shot at winning in Atlanta, therefore, we are most likely better off not winning the SECE (no banners for the East Champions.)
Just my two cents. Realistically, though, I still think Florida will drop their next 3.