South Carolina Gamecocks Football

SEC Power Rankings: If Mississippi State is Stock, I’m Buying It

Mississippi State shoots up the power rankings in this week’s poll

By thomasfloyd@thom_thebomb Sep 19, 2017, 7:05am EDT

NCAA Football: Louisiana State at Mississippi State

This week signaled in the start of competition in both sides of the SEC. Some teams performed past expectations, and some teams dropped the ball this week. The Homer in me isn't allowing me to put USC at the dweller of the SEC as you may expect, so please don't get your panties in a wad. Please remember, this list can change a lot week to week.

14. Missouri Tigers (LW: 13)

If anything sums up the last game for Missouri, it’s this picture. They lost 35-3 to Purdue at home, and the last time I checked Purdue hasn't been relevant in football since the days of Drew Brees. They just aren't stacking up against the least bit of competition. The Tigers better turn it around, before their head coach lands on the hot seat. Missouri just doesn't look too good right now.

13. Texas A&M Aggies (LW:14)

NCAA Football: UL Lafayette at Texas A&M

The Aggies went in to halftime against Louisiana-Lafayette down 21-14. I repeat, they were losing going in to the half against a cellar-dweller FBS school. I really think this is Kevin Sumlin’s last season, so don't be shocked when he catches the boot. The next six games for them are all SEC opponents, including Alabama. Should be a fun couple of weeks for them.

12. Ole Miss Rebels (LW: 10)

The Rebels’ two wins on the season have came against UT Martin and South Alabama. They lost this weekend on the road in California to play UC, and caught a fat L from the Golden Bears. Ole Miss went in to the half with a lead on 16-7; however, they were shut out in the second half. It probably doesn't help that the players’ internal clock definitely didn't have time to adjust to California. Altogether, I just don't think Ole Miss is going to have a very good season.

11. Tennessee Volunteers (LW: 9)

This last game practically proved to everyone what I already knew. Florida still has a pretty good defense, and Quinten Dormady isn't a very good QB. He threw for three interceptions. Against any defense, that’s bad. A 4th quarter shootout and a hail mary for them to lose, so Tennessee is still pretty good. How good depends on how the rest of their season goes.

10. Vanderbilt Commodores (LW: 12)

NCAA Football: Kansas State at Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt has done something a lot of people didn't think they could do: start out the season 3-0. They haven't faced an insane amount of competition with no SEC foes, yet. The Commodores have held their opponents to a combined 13 points, which is insanely good. I hesitate to move them any higher because I don't actually know the amount of competition they've truly faced. They have Alabama this weekend, so we’ll find out how good they are pretty quick.

9. Kentucky Wildcats (LW: 13)

NCAA Football: Kentucky at South Carolina

Being a South Carolina fan, this one hurts. Kentucky beat USC for the 4th consecutive time this previous weekend. They outplayed South Carolina from about half way through the first quarter on, and I would know considering I was at the game. I'm giving credit where credit is due, but it’s tough. They have the Gators coming in to town this weekend, so we’ll see how that one plays out.

8. Arkansas Razorbacks (LW: 7)

NCAA Football: Texas Christian at Arkansas

Arkansas didn't play last week, but they move back a spot because of the entrance of Mississippi State.

7. South Carolina Gamecocks (LW: 4)

This game hurt. South Carolina would've went in to the top 25 with a win over Kentucky, and obviously they're not there. Deebo Samuel could be out for the season. This would be an insanely huge loss for the team. The Gamecocks were outplayed from about seven minutes in the first quarter on, but they were within a TD with five minutes left in the game. This is what makes me hesitant to drop USC lower than this. If they lose to LA Tech this week, I’ll probably put them at 14 next week.

6. Florida Gators (LW: Same)

Florida proved something to all of us: their defense is very good. They recorded three takeaways against Tennessee and returned one of them for a touchdown. This was their third of the year, which is going to be a great stat for them if they keep it up. They most likely need to, considering Feleipe Franks and the Gator offense hasn't been great this year. The last play of the game showed why Franks is the QB, because he shot that ball out of a cannon. I’m not in love with the kid, but he is good at times.

5. LSU Tigers (LW: 2)

Geez, the Tigers seem to have been absolutely dominated by the Bulldogs this weekend. LSU was practically doubled up in every statistical category possible. MSU ran the ball down LSU’s throat all game, which isn't a good sign for when they have to play Alabama. Danny Etling had a QBR of 10 and the Bulldog defense held Derrius Guice to 76 yards, and those are both good signs for MSU for the rest of the season. LSU’s next challenge is Florida.

4. Georgia Bulldogs (LW: 5)

The Georgia Bulldogs play Samford this weekend. They actually did a pretty good job against their cupcake, and Jake Fromm had 3 TD’s and 186 yards on only eight competitions. Nick Chubb looked pretty good, averaging 8.2 yards on 16 carries. Georgia has Mississippi State this weekend, so I can promise you that will be a pretty great game.

3. Auburn Tigers (LW: 3)

Auburn had Mercer this previous weekend, which had a surprisingly close score of 24-10. Jarrett Stidham had his best game ever coming off of his worst game ever, throwing 364 yards on a 32-37 day. I don't love love Auburn right now, but their defense is good enough to keep them in the game regardless of the opponent.

2. Mississippi State Bulldogs (LW: 8)

I know what you're thinking: “Thomas, it’s only one game. There’s no way MSU is number two in the SEC!” I like this team a lot, and they pounded the crap out of the second or third best defense in the SEC. They held LSU to less than 300 yards of offense, which is great for College Football nowadays. Nick Fitzgerald looked pretty great and the Bulldog run game was really, really good. There is a lot to like about Mississippi State.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (LW: Same)

NCAA Football: Colorado State at Alabama

I’ll actually think Alabama has competition when someone shows it to me. Until then, they're going to stay at one. They’ll probably flick Vanderbilt back to their place this weekend.