In this SEC Power Poll, The Daily Mississippian’s Sports Editor Dylan Rubino ranks 14 Southeastern Conference teams.
1. Auburn– With most of the ranked teams ahead of them falling, Auburn made a strong statement Saturday in a 41-7 blowout win at home against LSU. Quarterback Nick Marshall proved he’s capable of dominating with his arm along with his feet. It doesn’t get easier for the Tigers as they travel to Starkville to play Mississippi State in an SEC West showdown.
2. Ole Miss– The magnificent Saturday for the Magnolia State was capped off by the Rebels, as they upset former 3rd ranked Alabama at home 23-17. Quarterback Bo Wallace was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week with his three touchdown passes, two of them in the fourth quarter. The defense only gave up three points in the second half, continuing their impressive stretch over the course of the season. Ole Miss travels to Texas A&M Saturday night.
3. Mississippi State– The Bulldogs started the SEC takeover for the Magnolia State with an impressive offensive showcase, defeating then 6th ranked Texas A&M 48-31. Quarterback Dak Prescott continues to be a Heisman candidate with his arm and legs, showing he is a complete player. The defense will need to improve against Auburn and try to limit the amount of yards gained.
4. Alabama– A loss was a possibility for Alabama in their schedule, but Crimson Tide fans never expected it would be to Ole Miss. Turnovers was the deciding factor in their loss to Ole Miss and Alabama made crucial turnovers late in the ball game. Another tough game looms as they travel to Arkansas Saturday.
5. Georgia– The Bulldogs remain at the top in a weak SEC West and had no problems against Vanderbilt Saturday, winning 44-17. Running back Todd Gurley seems to be unstoppable. Georgia travels to Columbia to play 23rd ranked Missouri Saturday afternoon.
6. Texas A&M– Quarterback Kenny Hill and the Aggie offense could not do enough to keep up with Mississippi State. The problems that plagued the defense last season seem to be arising this season. The Aggies can bounce back in a big way with a win at home against Ole Miss.
7. Missouri– The bye week came at the right time for Missouri, as they have an extra week off to prepare for 13th ranked Georgia coming to town. The Indiana loss three weeks ago can be erased with a win Saturday.
8. Arkansas– The Razorbacks competed in both of their losses, even though they lost by 24 to Auburn in the season opener. The running game will keep Arkansas in close football games and they’ll need it to compete against Alabama and Georgia in the next two weeks.
9. Kentucky– Isn’t this crazy? The Wildcats are one triple-overtime game away from being 5-0 and 3-0 in conference play. Upsetting South Carolina at home may be a program changer for Mark Stoops. Kentucky is making strides.
10. LSU– What a no-show for Les Miles and the Tigers. The offense showed no life against the Auburn defense and the the LSU defense couldn’t get the crucial stop to cut momentum in the game. The offense will need to make changes if they want to beat Florida Saturday.
11. South Carolina– A 3-3 record is something that Steve Spurrier could not have visioned to start the season. The popular pick to win the SEC East has given up more points than points scored. The Gamecocks will need to regroup in their bye week.
12. Florida– The Gators had to chomp their way to a victory, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter to defeat Tennessee 10-9. The passing game only totaled 76 yards and the offense only accumulated 232 total yards. Offense is not in the forecast when they play LSU at home saturday.
13. Tennessee– Three straight losses is never a good thing. However, the Volunteers stayed competitive in their last two losses and lost both games by a combined four points. A win against Chattanooga could make things feel better in Knoxville.
14. Vanderbilt– The Commodores remain at the bottom of the SEC totem poll. Scoring 17 points against Georgia’s defense is a step in the right direction. Vanderbilt has no easy task Saturday as 5-0 Charleston Southern comes to Nashville.
