Kentucky football: Power Ranking the SEC after week one

A bit more promise:

• No. 11 – South Carolina Gamecocks (0-1)

What’s the difference between Florida and South Carolina, you ask? Both teams got beat by better competition, but the Gamecocks have a star QB in Spencer Rattler. The future NFL Draft pick passed for a game-high 353 yards. Of course, that’s at least when he wasn’t getting sacked NINE times. The ‘Cocks have to improve the offensive line, but as a team, they have some hope thanks to a star quarterback.

• No. 10 – Auburn Tigers (1-0)

While Auburn may not have gotten much love in the SEC preseason poll, the Tigers did crush UMass, 59-14. That’s at least worth something, given the Minutemen did beat New Mexico State in week 0. Auburn plays at Cal this week, and if the Tigers can follow up a 289-rushing yard day against UMass with a similar game against the Golden Bears, a 2-0 start is definitely in the cards.

• No. 9 – Vanderbilt Commodores (2-0)

Don’t look now, but Vanderbilt is 2-0! It hasn’t been overall pretty – the Commodores survived Hawaii by 7 points and took down Alabama A&M, 47-13. But it doesn’t matter how you got there, as long as you’re getting the wins. Vandy’s offense has looked sharp, and the defense played the way you’d expect it to against an FCS opponent in week 2. Vanderbilt is on the road this week in Wake Forest, which will be a very good test to try and get to 3-0.

• No. 8 – Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0)

Another team that only played an FCS school in week 1, Arkansas came into the season with some promise. The Razorbacks’ QB, KJ Jefferson, had strong seasons in 2021 and 2022 and is now back for one more year at Arkansas. He had no trouble carving up the WCU defense, finishing with 246 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Razorbacks only let up 64 yards on 30 carries. A dominant rush defense and a top-notch QB have Arkansas fans excited for this season.