WBN SEC Power Rankings: 8-31-12 Edition

6. #10 Arkansas Razorbacks: (11-2, 6-2 in 2011)- Arkansas will need a huge year from Tyler Wilson if they hope to salvage a season riddled with the scandalous departure of Bobby Petrino. Their two SEC losses in 2011 were to Bama and LSU on the road. If they can beat them at home this year the future is bright. Their young Paul Haynes led D should be flying around all over the field. If Smith and Wilson can bring Cobi Hamilton along as a top WR, they could have something but their weak running game will make that very tough in the SEC West. Next Game: vs. Jacksonville State, Saturday September 1st 7:00 PM.

7. Texas A&M: (7-6, 4-5 in 2011 in the Big 12)- Welcome to the SEC, Aggies. Texas A&M has a proud football tradition and a proud fan base. With that, they should right in with the other teams in the SEC. But this isn’t the big 12 where offense is king and defense is secondary (n0 pun intended). The Aggies could score last season, but the problem was that their defense allowed more points that their offense was putting up. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill left for the NFL and former head coach Mike Sherman was fired and now works as Tannehill’s offensive coordinator in Miami. This could be a rough first year in the SEC. Next Game: vs. #23 Florida Gators, Saturday September 8th 3:30 PM

8. Missouri (7-6, 5-4 in 2011 in the Big 12)- Gary Pinkel and his Mizzou Tigers are about to get a taste of real football in the SEC and it could be bitter. Bringing his spread attack from the Big 12 against these superfast SEC defenses could prove costly. Their D-line is decimated with Brad Madison being the lone returning player. With four returning on their O-Line, James Franklin should have the protection he needs. Franklin is brash and comes complete with the arm (2800 yds passing), wheels (981 yds passing) and penchant for scoring (15 TD’s) that will be necessary to succeed in the SEC. And with TJ Moe and Marcus Lucas on the receiving end of those passes, SEC defenses better be ready for the adjustment. Next Game: vs. Georgia, Saturday September 1st, 7:00 PM.

9. #23 Florida Gators: (7-5, 3-5 in 2011)- Last season was a nightmare for the Gator faithful as Will Muschamp guided their beloved football team to a losing record in the SEC. Gone is offensive coordinator Charlie Weis as well as starting quarterback John Brantley and speedy running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. The Gators have many weak spots on offense but their defense should be as tough as any in the SEC. Next Game: vs. Bowling Green, Saturday September 1st, 3:30 PM

10. Mississippi State: (7-6, 2-6 in 2011)- Dan Mullen’s seat may well be too hot to sit in as the 2012 season begins. Coming off a miserable 2011 campaign, Tyler Russell will be called on to right the ship. Don’t hold your breath Bulldog fans because your best offensive players are QB Tyler Russell (1034 yds, 8 TD, 4 INT in 2011), WR Chad Bumphis (342 yds, 3 TD’s), and the combined running of LaDarius Perkins and Nick Griffin (530 yds, 3 TD’s). Luckily the defensive backfield of Jonathan Banks and Corey Broomfield should keep opposing QB’s honest. Next Game: vs. Jackson State, Saturday September 1st, 7:00 PM)

11. Kentucky Wildcats: (5-7, 2-6 in 2011)- This is the year the Wildcats are facing hostile fans as well as hostile opponents. Head coach Joker Phillips is feeling the heat on his seat whether it be fair or not. The ‘Cats will start Max Smith over Morgan Newton at quarterback and the defensive backfield is full of youth and inexperience. Many expect a face paced, up tempo offense to replace the sometimes plodding pro-style offense of the past. It may be a make or break year for Phillips. Next Game: at #25 Louisville Cardinals, Sunday September 2nd, 3:30 PM

12. Vanderbilt Commodores: (0-1, 0-1)- Thanks to a sign of life in the 2011 campaign, and the sweet video (sarcasm) presentation of a scholarship to walk-on FB Mark Fanu, people are at least talking about Vandy without using the term “nerd.” After their battle with South Carolina Thursday night, it looks like Jordan Rodgers (13-23, 214, 1 TD) to Jordan Matthews (8 Rec, 147 yds, 1 TD) connection will test some defensive backfields. I’m not sold on their backfield but Zac Stacy is going to need bigger shoulders to carry that load. A repeat of last year’s success would be monumental, but I wouldn’t bank on it. Keep your noses in the books kids. As we saw last night, Vandy is still up to their old tricks as they lost their season opener to South Carolina. Next Game: at Northwestern, Saturday September 8th, 8:00 PM.

13. Tennessee Volunteers: (5-7, 1-7 in 2011)- Derek Dooley looks to be on his way out in Tennessee. The embattled coach has been awful thus far in Knoxville and may were calling for his head after losing to Kentucky in the last game of the 2011 season. Many are predicting that UT will be back to some prominence this season and they even received some votes for the top 25. With the dismissal of Da’Rick Rogers and an inconsistent offense/defense, the Volunteer love makes zero sense to me. This will be Dooley’s swan song. Next Game:  vs. NC State, Friday August 31st, 7:30 PM

14. Ole Miss Rebels: (2-10, 0-8 in 2011)- What is there to say about Ole Miss when both Kentucky and Vanderbilt are besting them in SEC Power Rankings? Taking a page from Tennessee’s playbook by bringing in Hugh Freeze from Arkansas State is a huge gamble. And with all the transitions taking place from small division school (Arkansas St.) to the SEC, installing new schemes for the O-Line to learn while protecting QB Bo Wallace, the outcome doesn’t look good. Jeff Scott better have some broad shoulders (and stay academically eligible) because he is about all they have. Their 13 sacks in 2011 say everything about their need for improvement on D but that will likely come in 2013. Do not be surprised to see another 0-fer in the SEC in 2012. Next Game: vs. Central Arkansas, Saturday September 1st, 7:00 PM.