Alabama Football: Week Three SEC Power Rankings

No. 10 Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-1); Last week No. 9; Predicted regular season ceiling – 6  wins

The Bulldogs scored more legitimate points than did the Memphis Tigers. Benefitting from officiating mistakes, Memphis won the game 31-29, on a 94-yard punt return.

Leave nothing to doubt is a sound plan in every game. State could have downed the ball in advance of the official’s error. Mississippi State fought back with two more touchdowns around a Memphis field goal. Two two-point PAT attempts failed. MSU remains a tough team to predict.

No. 9 Missouri Tigers (2-1); Last week No. 8;  Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins

The Tigers have an offense that is hard to stop. They have a chance to reach No. 4 in the SEC East. To continue Eli Drinkwitz’s rebuild of the Tigers, the defense must improve. If not, the win ceiling is going to drop from seven to six. Allowing Southwest Missouri State to score 28 points was troubling. The final score was Missouri 59 – SEMO 28.

No. 8  Arkansas Razorbacks  (3-0); Last week No. 7; Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins

No slight intended to Steve Sarkisian, but Arkansas has not yet played a strong team. The Longhorns were overrated. The two other opponents, Rice and Georgia Southern should have been easy wins for the Hogs. Sam Pittman has made Arkansas better and their upward trend may continue. Saturday’s game against the Aggies will show a lot for both teams.

No. 7 Auburn Tigers (2-1); Last week No. 10; Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins

Despite the 28-20 road loss Penn State, Auburn impressed. They are a better team than I thought and could possibly become a strong SEC West team. Bo Nix is not consistent enough passing for Auburn to compete with Alabama Football or Georgia. The Florida, and Ole Miss games are likely losses, but this week their win ceiling is increased to seven. Tank Bigsby remains one of the best running backs in the nation and Jarquez Hunter looked good against Penn State.