When you mention the SEC, what comes to mind? Perhaps Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson? Maybe Bear Bryant? The Swamp?

Oh, maybe Rupp’s Runts. Possibly Dominique Wilkins. Pistol Pete, perhaps? How about Florida’s back-to-back national champions?

Yes, the SEC does have a basketball heritage, an excellent one at that, but it is still widely perceived as a football-first league.

That’s why Tennessee (22-2, 9-1 SEC) could do wonders for the league by running out the remainder of its schedule and claiming a No. 1 seed at the NCAA Tournament.

Since the NCAA began seeding in 1979, the SEC has received exactly 14 No. 1 seeds (nine by Kentucky, two by LSU and one each for Arkansas, Auburn and Florida).

Which major conference has claimed the greatest total of No. 1 seeds? Here are the standings:

* ACC—26

* Big Ten—18

* Big 12—14

* Big East—14

* SEC—14

* Pac-10—13

In a season when Florida has taken a step back, when Kentucky has clearly slipped and when no one else has stepped forward, it’s up to Tennessee to carry the league’s banner.

This should be the best Tennessee team of all-time, maybe one that surpasses 30 victories and goes deep into the tournament. Getting a No. 1 seed would be significant, a first for the Volunteers’ men’s program and a historical indication that Tennessee will be a factor well into March Madness.

Since the seeds began in 1979, there have been 116 teams seeded No. 1—and 99 of those reached the Sweet 16. That’s a pretty good success rate. There’s more than prestige at stake when you earn a No. 1 seed. It puts you that much closer to the Final Four. That’s why Tennessee’s finishing kick—road games with Memphis (Feb. 23) and Florida (March 5) will be fascinating—bears watching.