SEC Football: Week 5 Contenders and Pretenders
By Thomas Watts
September 29, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) throws a pass against the Towson Tigers during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
Contenders and Pretenders shift to a power ranking the week before Separation Saturday. While Alabama enjoys a bye week, the rest of the higher ranked teams face off in games that will inevitably shape division races.
1. Alabama – Ranked #1 in the country and fresh off a 33-14 win over Ole Miss, Alabama gets a bye. While the Tide has been the most impressive team thus far, the season ending injuries to Dee Hart and DeAndrew White force new players into the spotlight. The bye is the perfect time to solve that problem. Next game: 10/13 @Missouri
2. LSU – Yes, LSU looked putrid against Auburn and lowly Towson gave the Tigers a game, but in order to be the man, you must beat the man. If Zach Mettenberger is able to put together a complete game, the man will be difficult to beat. The weakness of LSU’s early schedule will be washed away as the Bayou Bengals take a trip to the Swamp to face #11 Florida. Next game: @Florida
3. Florida – Florida has been trending up further and further throughout the first half of the season. Jeff Driskel’s developing abilities will dictate whether the Gators are still a year away, or if they’re back. A visit from LSU, a team surrounded by questions, could solidify the Gators in the SEC East race. Next game: LSU
4. Georgia – Georgia’s defense was shredded to the tune of 44 points by the Tennessee Volunteers. Luckily, Georgia’s offense, led by dynamic freshman tailbacks Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, scored 51 on the Vols defense to carry the day. The Dawgs travel to South Carolina in what would be a statement game for Mark Richt. Does Richt pull a Mark Richt and shoot himself in the foot? Next game: @South Carolina
5. South Carolina – South Carolina had to fend off a first half surge by Kentucky before they took control and won 38-17. The Fightin’ Steve Spurriers can ill afford to give up such a surge when Georgia comes to town this week. If Connor Shaw shows up like he did against Missouri, it’ll be rough going for Georgia. Whoever wins this game is the clear SEC East favorite. Next game: Georgia
6. Tennessee – Any team that can put up 44 points on what was thought to be an elite SEC defense deserves some credit. Late turnovers sank the Volunteers upset bid, but their play did earn the Vols some notice throughout the league. Tennessee has a bye this week, but a trip to Starkville and a date with the Dan Mullen iteration of the Bulldogs looms. Next game: 10/13 @Mississippi St.
7. Mississippi State – How can top-25, and undefeated, Mississippi State be ranked below 3-2 Tennessee? It is what happens when State has played 1 team in the Auburn Tigers that has a chance of being labeled a contender. The rest of the schedule is a laugh. Bully did give up nearly 600 yards to Troy several weeks ago. This week will continue to tell us nothing about Mississippi State as the Bulldogs travel to Kentucky. Next game: @Kentucky
8. Ole Miss – The talent gap between Ole Miss and Alabama made the Grand Canyon look like a divot. The Rebels still gave the Tide its toughest test to date in a 33-14 loss in Tuscaloosa. Ole Miss played hard throughout for first year head coach Hugh Freeze. The Aggies come to Oxford in a game that is sure to feature a whole bunch of points on both sides. The award for “Most NCAA Video Game like” resides in Oxford this weekend. Next game: Texas A&M
9. Texas A&M – Quarterback Johnny Manziel set school records in a 58-10 thrashing of hapless Arkansas. First year head coach Kevin Sumlin found a gem in Manziel and has the Aggies playing well on offense. A&M goes to the Grove for a high scoring shootout this weekend. If you’re a bettin’ type, take the over and run. Next game: @Ole Miss
10. Missouri – Missouri surprised when they beat favored Central Florida 21-16 in week 5. Still, the fact UCF was favored over Missouri shows the state of the team. The Tigers get a tune up from Vanderbilt this week before #1 Alabama comes to town. Next game: Vanderbilt
11. Auburn – Auburn was on a bye this past week. The Tigers sit at 1-3 on the year, but luckily get the Arkansas Razorbacks at home this week. Roasting pigs is an excellent way to reach 2-3. Next game: Arkansas
12. Arkansas – The Razorbacks got nuked 58-10 by Texas A&M. The team had preseason national title hopes, and now they simply hope to win another football game. Arkansas travels to Auburn for what could be considered the “Dumpster Fire Bowl” this year in the SEC. Next game: @Auburn
13. Vanderbilt – Vanderbilt enjoyed a bye this past week, but now they face a Missouri team that can score a lot of points in a hurry. The Vanderbilt offense has been stuck in neutral most of the season. The Commodores are a disappointment after a strong year last year. Next game: @Missouri
14. Kentucky – Kentucky actually led South Carolina at the half. Then the Gamecocks woke up and realized there was a game to be played and stomped Kentucky 38-17. Kentucky gets undefeated Mississippi State this week at home. Joker Phillips could certainly use a win to build a case to keep his job. Next game: Mississippi State
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