WBN SEC Power Rankings: 9/16 Edition
By Wayne
1. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0, 1-0)- Arkansas could have had Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at RB and it would have not helped one bit. Bama dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and their overall D, in particular their secondary, dictated every move John L. and the Razorbacks made. What sets Bama apart is Nick Saban coaching regardless of the score. 100% effort and execution, 100% of the time. He gives it and demands it. Next Game vs. Florida Atlantic: Saturday, September 22nd @ 5:00 PM Prior Rank #1
2. #5 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0)- It’s as if Mark Richt wants to see who he can play without and still get a win. No Jarvis Jones? No problem. With Murray throwing for a career high 342 and 2TD; and Gurley running like a man possessed (10 rushes for111, and one TD), LSU may be the only team standing between them and the SEC Championship game. Grown Man Team indeed. Next Game vs. Vanderbilt: Saturday, September 22nd @ 7:45 PM Prior Rank #2
3. #2 LSU Tigers (3-0, 0-0)- Defense is King in Baton Rouge. 4 INT’s with 2 Pick Six’s is as strong a statement as there is in the SEC. Oh and that running game I keep saying is absolutely necessary to compete in the SEC, well they have it with Hilliard (11-116, 2 TD), Hill (10-61, 2 TD), and Blue (10-46). As Zach Mettenberger continues to improve (17-22, 2TD), 1 INT), this team will be beastly of the Alabama caliber. Next Game at Auburn: Saturday, September 22nd @ 7:00 PM Prior Rank #3
4. #7 South Carolina Gamecocks (3-0, 1-0)- It’s clear that Dylan Thompson is comfortable after throwing 2 TD’s en route to the demolishing of UAB, but he hasn’t convinced Spurrier yet. It also appears that Lattimore is gaining steam after last year’s knee surgery (though he hasn’t had a 100 yd game yet) and that D is putting teams on notice. The East is stacking up to be the West of 2011.Next Game vs. Mizzou: Saturday, September 22 @ 3:30 PMPrior Rank #4
5. #14 Florida Gators (3-0, 1-0) Evidently Florida likes coming from behind because they did it again Saturday night against Tennessee, going on a 24-0 run. Yes, we’re still talking football. Driskell was very accurate and Gillislee was a beast, but their D was clearly the difference. Tyler Bray came in to this game on fire but completed only 50% passing and 2 TD. Without a running game, Tennessee didn’t stand a chance. Next Game vs. Kentucky: Saturday, September 22nd @ 12:21 PM Prior Rank #5
6. #23 Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0)- Troy must have rolled up on MSU in a horse because the Bulldogs never saw them coming. Mullen’s team had their hands full all game. Thanks to the big play connection of Russell to Bumphis (TD’s of 72, 58, and 25 yds), MSU was able to hold on. Darius Slay came up big on their D with 2 picks which gives him 4 on the season. They need to tighten the rest of the D up for conference play. Next Game vs. South Alabama: Saturday, September 22nd @ 7:00 PM Prior Rank #6
7. Tennessee Volunteers (2-1, 0-1)- Last week the question was “are the Vols for real?” This week the answer is…maybe. They looked good in the first half but had a complete melt down in the second. Essentially Bray got knocked down and didn’t respond well after the Gators pick at the 30 yd line. They need to develop a running game quick or their SEC East season will be miserable. Next Game vs. Akron: Saturday, September 22nd @ 7:30 PM Prior Rank #7