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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) - South Carolina has been picked to finish third in the SEC East by the conference's coaches.

The 2013 SEC Preseason Coaches' Poll, released Tuesday, has South Carolina and Kentucky tied for third place in the poll.

The Gamecocks won the SEC East last season and tied for first place and the SEC championship in 2011. South Carolina has finished in the top three of the SEC East in 16 of 21 seasons since joining the league.

Arkansas has been pegged to win the 2013 SEC championshipm, while the leageu's coaches have chosen Vanderbilt to win the SEC East.

South Carolina opens the 2013 season on Friday with a three-game series against Liberty at Carolina Stadium.

2013 SEC COACHES PRESEASON POLL RESULTS

Eastern Division 

1. Vanderbilt

2. Florida

3. South Carolina

Kentucky

5. Georgia

6. Tennessee

7. Missouri

Western Division

1. Arkansas

2. LSU

3. Mississippi State

4. Ole Miss

5. Texas A&M

6. Alabama

7. Auburn