Alabama Crimson Tide: Week Four SEC Power Rankings
By Ronald Evans
No. 10 – Missouri Tigers (2-2); Last week No. 9; Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins
Missouri lost in overtime, on the road to Boston College. Connor Bazelak threw for over 300 yards but had two interceptions, including one in overtime. Boston College remains undefeated at 4-0. The Tigers have enough offense to win most games, but, still need to become stronger on defense. Final Score: Boston College 41 – Missouri 34
No. 9 – LSU Bengal Tigers (3-1); Last week No. 11; Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins
The Bengal Tigers have stumbled to three wins despite not playing a solid game in 2021. The defense, especially without Derek Stingley Jr., is not special. Against Mississippi State, the Bengal Tigers produced a rushing average of 2.3 yards. The Tigers’ offense relies on QB, Max Johnson, plus receivers Kayshon Boutte and Brian Thomas Jr. On Saturday, LSU showed the most poise along with a perhaps improved defense. The talent is there for LSU to play better. The coaching is a question. Final Score: LSU 28 – Mississippi State 25
No. 8 – Auburn Tigers (3-1); Last week No. 7; Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins
Auburn was impressive in last week’s loss to Penn State. The Tigers were decidedly unimpressive Saturday, hosting Georgia State for Homecoming. Last week we pointed out Bo Nix not being consistent enough to compete with top teams. On Saturday on the Plains, Nix was benched for former LSU QB, T.J. Finley. The Tigers came close to losing, trailing 27-24 with less than three minutes remaining. Finley led the Tigers on a 98-yard drive for the winning score. Even with Finley’s heroics, without a blocked punt touchdown and four field goals, Auburn would have lost to a Sun Belt team. Bryan Harsin now officially has a quarterback controversy. Final Score: Auburn 34 – Georgia State 24
No. 7 – Kentucky Wildcats (4-0); Last week No. 6; Predicted regular season ceiling – 8 wins
Kentucky’s hot passing attack was not so hot Saturday. Without 144 yards on the ground by Chris Rodriquez Jr., the Wildcats might not have held off South Carolina. Mark Stoops’ team must correct its turnover problems in order to compete with the SEC’s best teams. Final Score: Kentucky 16 – South Carolina 10