WBN SEC Football Power Rankings: 09-01-2013 Edition
By Wayne
8. Auburn Tigers (1-0; 0-0) Last Game vs. Washington State 31-24 Win: First game back at his old school and it looked like Gus Malzhan never left. Auburn relied heavily on the ground and return game to put Washington State away. And they’ll have to rely on those feet early and often while they are grooming QB Nick Marshall who was only 10-19 for 99 yards and no TD’s. Nevertheless, Tre Mason can do it all as he ran one in, returned one for 100 yards and the score. He’s got help, though, by way of Corey Grant who broke a TD run of 75 yards. There’s no shortage of big plays here. Next Game: vs. Arkansas State on Saturday, September 7th @ 7:30 PM
9. Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0; 0-0) Last Game vs. Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns 45-0 Win: Playing a cupcake team is a good advantage to have for a first year coach and Bret Bielema needed this. He had great success at Wisconsin but that’s the Big Ten, not the SEC. It also helps having a decent QB in Brandon Allen who threw for 3 scores. Next Game: vs. Samford on Saturday, September 7th @ 7:00 PM
10. Missouri Tigers (1-0; 0-0) Last Game vs. Murray State Racers 58-14 Win: The rout was on early in this one as Tigers QB James Franklin only played three quarters but threw for nearly 350 yards and 3 scores. Their bread and butter was on the ground where they amassed 258 yards on 45 carries and five TD’s. Tough to gauge their D since this was an FCS school but 14 points is still only 14 points so they could be worse. Next Game: vs. Toledo on Saturday, September 7th @ 3:30 PM
11. Tennessee Volunteers (1-0; 0-0) Last Game vs. Austin Peay Generals 34-14 Win: No Tyler Bray, no problem. Justin Worley threw for three TD’s and Rajion Neal ran for one en route to 141 yards on the day. Their D was stout enough to hold Austin Peay scoreless, forcing and recovering one fumble and collecting two picks. Tennessee might be alright. Butch Jones could have been the right hire. Next Game: vs.Western Kentucky on Saturday, September 7th @ 12:21 PM
12 Mississippi State University (0-1; 0-0) Last Game vs. Toledo Rockets 24-10 Win: Dan Mullen needs to find an offense…fast. A defense wouldn’t hurt either. Listen, most people predicted Mike Gundy and OK State to win this game but MSU only managing a FG is disappointing by any standard. Neither Descott or Russell put the offense in much of a position to score. They accounted for the only two MSU turnovers with each throwing a pick. They’re going to have a long, long season. Next Game: vs. Alcorn State on Saturday, September 7th @ 3:30 PM
13. Vanderbilt Commodores (0-1; 0-1) Last Game vs. Ole Miss Rebels 39-35 Loss: Last week’s talk of James Franklin and consistency proved only half true. After throwing a donut in the first quarter, they exploded in the second for 21 the only a TD in the third and fourth quarters. Franklin should be very pleased with his new QB Austyn Carta-Samuels. He took care of the ball, threw two TD’s and no picks. Jordan Matthews was a beast but that D is still spotty. Gotta work that out. Next Game: vs. Austin Peay on Saturday, September 7th @ 7:30 PM
14. Kentucky Wildcats (0-1; 0-0) Last Game vs. Western Kentucky Hill Toppers 37-27 Win: Mark Stoops’ first game didn’t go as planned against Western Kentucky but do not panic. I repeat. Do. Not. Panic. Sure the D seemed a little rusty and the two QB system wasn’t spectacular but everything is new for everyone involved and there is tremendous upside. All will be well. Next Game: vs. Miami (OH) on Saturday, September 7th @ 12:00 PM