WBN SEC Power Rankings: 9-23-12 Edition

Sep 22, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) catches a touchdown pass against the Akron Zips during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee defeated Akron, 47-26. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE

8. Tennessee Volunteers (3-1, 0-1) Prior Rank: 7- After losing to Florida, the Vols let Akron hang around for most of the game before putting them away 47-26. There must have been a bit of a Gator hangover as the teams were tied at 23 at halftime. Tennessee finally woke up in the fourth quarter and scored 17 unanswered points. Tyler Bray continued his stellar play by putting up 401 yards and four touchdowns. UT’s Rajian Neal ran for 151 yards and Justin Hunter had eight receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown. The offense put up a total of 633 yards. That’s a wow number. Let’s see if they can wow the Bulldogs next. Next Game: at #5 Georgia, Saturday September 29th, 3:30 PM

9. Ole Miss Rebels (3-1, 0-0) Prior Rank: 11- One year removed from Houston Nutt’s tenure and the Rebs have already improved in the win column. They have yet to play an SEC game and got rolled by Texas, but they are 3-1 at the moment and are in the thick of things in the West. They defeated Tulane yesterday 39-0. They did it with defense as they held the Green Wave to 159 yards of total offense. The Rebels also piled on 304 rushing yards on the offensive side of things. It’s about to get real for Ole Miss as their next eight opponents are SEC teams. And the first of that streak is the best of them all. Next Game: at #1 Alabama, Saturday Sepetmber 29th, 9:15 PM

10. Missouri Tigers (2-2, 0-2) Prior Rank: 9- Missouri is finding out that they aren’t in the Big 12 anymore and that the teams in their new conference take pride in team defense. They got drubbed again in their second SEC game, this time they were defeated 31-10 by South Carolina. Their offense was limited and unable to capitalize on two Gamecock turnovers. Mizzou was held for just 255 yards, which is unheard of for them. They get a break from conference play as they head to face UCF. Next Game: at UCF, Saturday September 29th, 12:00 PM

11. Auburn Tigers (1-3, 0-2) Prior Rank: 12- The Tigers can’t catch a break. It looked as if they were going to beat LSU but failed, going down 10-12. They are now 1-3 just two years after Cam Newton led them to a national title. Quarterback Kiehl Frazier was supposed to be the next big thing in the SEC but has failed to live up to the hype. He has 546 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions on the year. Those numbers are more Morgan Newton than Cam Newton. The Tigers need a quick fix as their schedule continues to get tougher. It’s looking more and more like Cam Newton was a one man team. Next Game: vs. Arkansas, Saturday October 6th, time TBD

12. Vanderbilt Commodores (1-3, 0-2) Prior Rank: 10- And Vandy is Vandy once again. The ‘Dores ran into the Bulldog buzz saw in Athens and were humiliated 48-3. Jordan Rodgers is looking less and less like his older brother as the games go on. Running back Zach Stacy was the star for his team last season but he is and did his part by rushing for 83 yards. But he was unable to find the end zone. It’s looking like Franklin was selling fools gold. Now watch the recruits drop like flies.Next Game: at Missouri, Saturday October 6th, time TBD

13. Arkansas Razorbacks (1-3, 0-1) Prior Rank: 13- SMILE! John L. Smith! You just got beat by Rutgers on your home field. There isn’t much to say here. This is a disaster. Smith may not have a job on Monday. The Razorbacks have top 10 talent and bottom 10 coaching. More and more fans are asking why Bobby Petrino was fired. The next man to go after Smith might be the AD. And it isn’t certain that Charlie Strong is the answer as Louisville was almost upset by North Carolina and 1-3 FIU. Next Game: at Texas A&M, Saturday September 29th, 12:21 PM

14. Kentucky Wildcats (1-3, 0-1) Prior Rank: 14- Kentucky should get comfortable down here. Joker Phillips has the hottest seat in the country other than John L. Smith, and it looked like his team gave up on him in the second half of a 38-0 beat down in the Swamp. There are so many questions that I’m not sure where to start. One thing is for sure, the team better come out with the passion they showed out at the beginning of the Florida game when they play South Carolina instead of the apathy they showed at the end. Next Game: vs. #6 South Carolina, Saturday September 29th, 7:00 PM