So, I owe you guys an apology. Last week, I deprived you from your weekly SEC Power Rankings. I apologize to both of you that read this. I found myself lost in a busy week of house hunting and groomsman duties. (Side note. The guy who got married is a weekly reader and supporter of this article. Congrats on the wedding to you and Sarah. If you’re reading this while on your honeymoon, I’ll be both flattered and a little disappointed.)
It looks like I’m back just in time to help you through two crazy weeks in college football. Les Miles is gone from LSU, Tennessee finally ended the streak, and Alabama survived at Ole Miss. After four weeks, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of who the real contenders are in the SEC. Let’s have a look.
1. Alabama – The Tide survived a scare in Oxford two weeks ago to stay at the top. After rolling over Kent State, Bama has another lopsided game coming up against Kentucky. Then it’s Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas A&M in a row. Getting Tony Brown back will help solidify the secondary heading into that gauntlet.
2. Texas A&M – The Aggies certainly look like the scariest team in the SEC. With a clinical beating of a solid Arkansas squad, A&M is the main challenger for the West against Alabama. Boasting a fast and brutal defense that compliments a solid run game, the Aggies look poised to make a lot of noise. They visit a lackluster South Carolina team this weekend.
3. Tennessee – I live in Nashville and I could hear the party in Knoxville from here. That’s right, the Vols took down Florida to end the streak. After a shaky start that saw UT down by 21 in the first half, the Vols rallied to an exciting 38-28 win in Neyland Stadium. Tennessee looked like the team we heard about all preseason in the second half. Now UT will look to notch another solid win against Georgia this weekend.
4. Ole Miss – Yes, they’re 2-2, but they could just as easily be 4-0 right now too. After losing a close game to Alabama, the Rebels bounced back with a clubbing of Georgia. And hey, wouldn’t you know it, they didn’t give up a 21 point lead! Now the Rebels will take this momentum into the rest of their SEC schedule. But first, they welcome an undefeated Memphis.
5. Arkansas – Let’s face it, Arkansas had a bad game and was outplayed by A&M. Are they a bad team? No. They’ll still give teams fits for the rest of the season. The real story here is that the Razorbacks defense is suspect, especially in stopping the run. Arkansas will get back on track against Alcorn State this weekend.
6. Florida – Ouch. Talk about a second half collapse. The Gators made no adjustments after halftime and allowed the Vols to throw the ball all over the field. The stout defense the Gators boast looked lost. Now Florida can’t afford any mistakes if they hope to win the East.
7. Auburn – Coach Malzahn managed to dodge a bullet, and in doing so, sent Les Miles packing. An ugly game that ended twice, Auburn held on to keep Malzahn employed. The Tigers needed to gain momentum, and taking down LSU was the first step. Auburn hosts Louisiana-Monroe this weekend.
8. Missouri – 79 points? Did anyone even think that was possible? Now this LSU/Mizzou game has gotten interesting. I have absolutely no idea what will happen.
9. LSU – Everyone knows the actual story here. LSU won. Then LSU lost. It was the perfect ending to the Les Miles era. Now with Ed Orgeron at the helm, we have an uncertain future. Time will tell.
10. Georgia – Each week, Georgia gains more question marks. After getting bludgeoned by Ole Miss, the Bulldogs have to get ready for a rolling Tennessee team. Coach Kirby Smart needs to bring the offensive line together, or it’ll be a long day down in Athens.
11. Vanderbilt – Seriously guys, you need to figure it out. Be good or bad. Quit being both. That was a quality win over Western Kentucky. The Commodores showed a lot of heart and earned a hard fought victory while rallying in the 4th. Now is the time for Coach Mason to score a major upset when hosting Florida.
12. Mississippi State – Another mind boggling team, the Bulldogs scored a win against UMass, but not before allowing 35 points. Dan Mullen’s crew has been tough to figure out. The Bulldogs continue to be mediocre at best. They head into a bye this weekend. Maybe they can pull it together?
13. Kentucky – Well, look who got their first conference win. If they win again this week, they call that a “winning streak.” It’s happened before. Who do they play again?……..Nevermind.
14. South Carolina – Kentucky is terrible. You lost to Kentucky. Welcome to the basement.
Have a good week everyone. Raise a glass to the Mad Hatter. We’ll miss you Les.
Bill Griffin is the lead SEC contributor for the SoBros Network, and serves as our resident expert on the human anatomy, fixin’ stuff, and tomatoes. Follow him on Twitter @Winter_Griffin
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