Alabama Football: SEC Power Rankings heading into week four
By Ronald Evans
No. 4 Auburn Tigers – 63 points (last week 64 points)
Gus was able to go deep into his roster and at least for a week allow the questionable Auburn offensive line to look like bulldozers. JaTarvious Whitlow rushed for 135 yards but did not get over-worked. Not wearing Whitlow down and as a result, keeping him healthy should be a primary goal for Gus.
The Tigers did the Crimson Tide a favor in week one in beating Oregon on a big stage. A favorable outcome may not come as easy next Saturday in College Station.
No. 5 Texas A&M Aggies – 58 points (last week 58 points)
Crushing Lamar was no challenge. If Jimbo is to get the Aggies into the upper tier of the SEC his team must beat either Auburn or takedown Alabama football in mid-October.
Jimbo has a talented QB in Kellen Mond and the roster is stronger than last season. But there are weaknesses at running back and linebacker. True freshman running back, Isaiah Spiller must come up big for the Aggies. Mond is very good but will be less good if the Aggies are one-dimensional on offense.
No. 6 Florida Gators – 57 points (last week 56 points)
The Florida Gators are still rated high by the national polls, holding inside the top 10 at No. 9. They were lucky to win Saturday in Lexington when a very makeable Kentucky field goal was just, wide-right late in the fourth quarter.
Losing QB Feleipe Franks is a major problem for Dan Mullen. Kyle Trask played well in replacing Franks but can he be enough for a long haul? Todd Grantham’s defense may have to carry the Gators in a time when defenses no longer dominate.