Sep 22, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Justin Hunter (11) against the Akron Zips during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee defeated Akron 47-26. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE
8. Tennessee Volunteers (3-2, 0-2) Prior Rank 8- The Vols stay put as they just experienced a bye week. Last time we saw them, they were hanging with the then #5 team in the country. Now that Georgia has been exposed, we have to rethink Tennessee a bit. They are winless in the SEC and will be going on the road to play an undefeated Mississippi State team. It’s going to be interesting to see if they can defeat a team with some talent. Next Game at #19 Mississippi State: Saturday October 13th, 9:00 PM
9. Ole Miss Rebels (3-3, 0-2) Prior Rank 10- Yes they moved up even after a loss, but this is not last year’s Rebels. They fought #22 Texas A&M to the bitter end and lost by only three points to a team with a good defense and an even better offense. The Rebels are on a two game losing streak but they have a chance to bounce back this week against a struggling Auburn squad. Next Game vs. Auburn Tigers: Saturday October 13th, 12:21 PM
10. Vanderbilt Commodores (2-3, 1-2) Prior Rank 12- James Franklin’s season has been a major disappointment but his team managed to win an ugly one on the road at Missouri. But hey, a win is a win. Vadny’s defense is serviceable, allowing 20.6 points a game. But their offense is awful with Jordan Rodgers at quarterback. Their taste of victory will be short lived as they travel to the Swamp into the teeth of the Gators. Next Game at #4 Florida Gators: Saturday October 13th, 6:00 PM
11. Arkansas Razorbacks (2-4, 1-2) Prior Rank 13- Hey, they won one! Coach John L. Smith must have felt like it was Christmas as his team steamrolled the Auburn Tigers on the road. Their passing offense led by Tyler Wilson is starting to click and running back Dennis Johnson rushed for two touchdowns. This team still has a ton of talent and they have three winnable games in a row against Kentucky, Ole Miss and Tulsa. Could the Razorbacks be 5-4 and one game out of bowl eligibility in a couple of weeks? It’s entirely possible. Next Game vs. Kentucky Wildcats: Saturday October 13th, 7:00 PM
12. Missouri Tigers (3-3, 0-3) Prior Rank 9- The Tigers are not finding much welcome in their new conference home. They just experienced a home loss against one of the worst teams in the SEC by losing to Vanderbilt. Offense used to be their calling card, but this is no longer the Big 12 and their new opponents play lights out defense. It’s going to get uglier for the Tigers as they are traveling to Tuscaloosa to take on the cream of the crop. Playing Oklahoma at this point would be a welcome gift. Next Game at #1 Alabama: Saturday October 13th, 3:30 PM
13. Auburn Tigers (1-4, 0-3) Prior Rank 11- Gene Chizik’s head must be reeling as he is now firmly on the hot seat just two years removed from a BCS Championship. He also needs to call Cam Newton and thank him for delivering him that title, because without one of the best college football players in our lifetime, I doubt Auburn would have that title. Getting drummed 24-7 by Arkansas was embarrassing. But it won’t be as embarrassing as losing to Ole Miss. Next Game at Ole Miss: October 13th, 12:21 PM
14. Kentucky Wildcats (1-4, 0-3) Prior Rank 14- When will it stop? Kentucky is a walking medivac unit with all of the injuries on defense and the quarterback position. Patrick Towles came in and wowed us for one series before going down with an ankle injury in the very next series. Jalen Whitlow is performing admirably, but until Randy Sanders opens up the playbook, he will struggle. And let’s not even talk about all the players we are missing on defense. What once seemed like a winnable game in Fayetteville is looking to be another dismal loss. Next Game at Arkansas: Saturday October 13th, 7:00 PM