As I mentioned in my recap of the weekend, don’t look now but it sure seems like the SEC might be coming back to earth, at least just a bit. I know, I know – it’s just one week and there’s plenty of time for teams to grow and learn and…wait, we aren’t here for measured thinking. This here column is for knee-jerk reactions, and after one week, we have to call them like they are.
Sorry, Gators.
1. Alabama (last week: 2)
We’re going to bump Bama to the top spot after that 56-7 demolition of MTSU. More than anything, I think they deserve this spot because of how commanding Jalen Milroe looked. Forget any quarterback controversy for the Tide. This week they have a real test in Texas.
2. Georgia (last week: 1)
The Dawgs didn’t do anything wrong, per se, to get dropped from the top spot. Despite beating UT-Martin by 41 points, the Dawgs were not sharp, on either side of the ball. And for all the talk about Carson Beck’s arm and passing ability, his play didn’t inspire much confidence. For that matter, neither did the play calling from OC Mike Bobo. Or the run defense. Perhaps the Dawgs are just warming up? If so, they better get cooking.
3. Tennessee (last week: 4) – Is Joe Milton ready for the world? He missed more than a couple of wide-open receivers against Virginia, but it wasn’t always his fault…
Joe Milton has the BEST ARM in CFB & ITS NOT CLOSE!! Easy gas. WR has to come down with this pass. pic.twitter.com/sPCHFBCaei
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) September 2, 2023
Most impressive to me was Tennessee’s running game, finishing with 287 yards.
4. Texas A&M (last week: 5)
I still don’t know what to make of the Aggies. Yes, they crushed New Mexico, and QB Conner Weigman threw for 5 TDs (on only 18 completions, lol). So, I’ll dutifully move them up the chart and we’ll see if they’re able to sustain once the schedule heats up.
5. LSU (last week: 2)
I feel like LSU being the highest-rated one-loss team on here is about right. They had flashes against FSU, but things fell apart as the game went along, and their red zone failures were notable. Also, what if it turns out the best way to slow down LSU defensive ace Harold Perkins is just to let Brian Kelly coach him?
6. Arkansas (last week: 6)
I still love the KJ Jefferson/Rocket Sanders backfield, and as long as Jefferson can stay healthy they’ll have a chance against anyone. I just still don’t know what to make of the Hogs’ defense.
7. Ole Miss (last week: 8)
They pounded poor Mercer last week – more like Mercy, amirite? – and pretty much everyone who played put up crazy stats. This week they play at Tulane, which should be a much more appropriate test and will give us a better idea of how good Ole Miss might be this season.
8. Auburn (last week: 11)
What a difference a coach makes. I especially liked the way Coach Freeze used Robby Ashford and Payton Thorne in tandem against UMass. Let’s see if he can keep that from being predictable as the season rolls along.
9. Mississippi State (last week 9)
I’m just going to leave Miss State here at nine, mostly out of deference to QB Will Rogers, and because coach Zach Arnett seems like he could get really physical if he got mad.
10. Kentucky (last week: 10)
I was monitoring this game by phone and when Ball State led 7-3 after the first quarter, I thought Kentucky’s offense was going to do Kentucky things. They eventually woke up, but I need to see more from them.
11. South Carolina (last week: 6)
I knew USC had a lot of turnover on the roster, but didn’t think the offensive line would be as awful as they were. Rattler threw for 353 yards, but he was also sacked 9 times. Shane Beamer blamed the loss on the chain crew eating hot dogs, so there’s that…
South Carolina lost bc the chain crew was eating a hot dog pic.twitter.com/CtkMIblfEs
— Vols Big Orange Podcast (@BigOrangePod) September 3, 2023
12. Missouri (last week: 13)
Looks like Brady Cook sewed up the starting job? Let’s see what they do this week against the same MTSU team that Bama smacked down.
13. Vanderbilt (last week: 14)
The Commies are 2-0! They’ll get a good test this week at a solid Wake Forest team. (With a 10 a.m. Central start time! Brunch and football!)
14. Florida (last week: 12)
I’m not sure what else to say here. I guess my main takeaway from the loss to Utah was just how uninspired the Gators seemed – they played almost completely swaggerless and uninspired football, and that lack of confidence does not bode well going forward.