SEC Rankings - Week 2

Each week, the Blawg House will look at how the SEC faired in its weekend's games, and we'll try to give our perspective as to who we feel is at the top of the nation's top conference.

September 6th, 2011

1. Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0)
While it would be easy to slip LSU into the top spot after what they did to Oregon, Alabama was just solid in a lot of areas of the game. McCarron seems to be playing a little better than Sims - although both of them tossed a pair of picks in the game. Richardson is just a stud, and I'm sure they were holding him out to keep him fresh vs. PSU. The QB's better protect the ball this weekend, because Penn State will definitely take more advantage of 4 picks than Kent St. did. 

2. LSU Tigers (1-0)
T-A-L-E-N-T: That is what the Bayou Bengals' defense is made of. The Tigers made the most of the 3rd ranked Ducks' turnovers and pulled away late in the game. Defense may win championships, but your offense better be prepared to score some points. While the tandem of Ware and Ford got it done this weekend, Lee better start being more efficient (10/22 for 98 yards) with the ball if he wants to lead this team to the BCS.

3. South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0)
Was this a scare or a message by the Evil Genius? You have to wonder if Spurrier wanted to send a message to Garcia by sitting him at the start of the game for Shaw. However, when he did get in, the offense steam rolled ECU. Garcia was 7/15 for 110 yards and a score & added 2 more on the ground. Combine that with Lattimore's 100+ yards and 3 scores, and you've got one dangerous offense. Georgia better get ready.

4. Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0)
If you haven't seen Arkansas' Joe Adams' two punt returns, you need to youtube them right now! This one is just incredible. Tyler Wilson, Mallett's successor, was very efficient and successful, throwing for 260 yards and 2 TD's as Arkansas romped over Missouri State 51-7.

5. Florida Gators (1-0)
Chris Rainey said after the game that the pro offense was the best thing that had ever happened to him. I'd say the same thing after seeing his and the rest of the Gators' stats: 197 yards rushing and 271 yards passing. Brantley was successful throwing the ball, something he struggled with a lot last year under Urban Meyer's offense. We'll see how they do against some real competition.

6. Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-0)
This team is quickly becoming my 2nd favorite bulldogs. Dan Mullen's offense had a ton of explosive plays in their destruction of a pretty awful Memphis team by a score of 59-14. Relf, Ballard, and Lewis helped the Maroon and White Dogs march up and down the field all night. They could play an interesting role in the West. 

7. Georgia Bulldogs (0-1)
Ugh... it was a rough showing. They'll have a little shot at redemption this weekend vs. the Gamecock's & their high powered offense. 

8. Auburn Tigers (1-0)
Man, really, Utah State. I was impressed with the late drives and onside kick late in the game, but I have a feeling it is going to be a long year on the plains. 

9. Tennessee Volunteers (1-0)
Dooley's team took a step out of the SEC cellar with their performance against a rather weak Montana team. Ball protection has to be a focus after having 6 in the game - luckily none were lost. 

10. Ole Miss Rebels (0-1)
Big fumble in the end helped BYU turn around a 13-0 Ole Miss lead in the 4th. Houston Nutt and the Rebels get a break with Southern Ill coming to town. 

11. Vanderbilt Commodores (1-0)
Ok, ok it was Elon, but not bad Vandy - who was considered to be the worst team in the SEC before... 

12. Kentucky Wildcats (1-0)
... Kentucky played a terrible game against WKU. Pretty awful night from an offensive standpoint - less than 100 yards rushing and passing.