Alabama Crimson Tide: Week Five SEC Power Rankings
By Ronald Evans
No. 10 -Tennessee Volunteers (3-2); (1-1 in SEC); Last week No. 12; Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins
The Vols made the Missouri defense look like a Sun Belt team. The Tennessee rushing attack was the proverbial hot knife through butter. If this was an indication of what to expect from Josh Heupel’s offense, the Vols are undervalued here. The 458 rushing yards would be impressive against almost any defense. Hendon Hooker was efficient in a limited passing attack the Vols didn’t need to win. Final Score: Tennessee 62 – Missouri 24
No. 9 -Texas A&M Aggies (3-2); (0-2 in SEC); Last week No. 6; Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins
Last week it was stated the Aggies might be the SEC’s most disappointing team. This week the same sentence can be used without ‘might’ included. The Bulldogs only rushed for 30 yards, but Mike Leach’s Air Raid produced 408 passing yards. Aggies’ DC, Mike Elko had no answer for Makai Polk who caught 13 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Zach Calzada was inconsistent passing and the Aggies could not ride Isaiah Spiller enough to pull out a win. Final Score: Mississippi State 26 – Texas A&M 22
No. 8 – Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-2); (1-1 in SEC); Last week No. 11; Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins
In fairness to Mississippi State, the A&M game might not have been a major upset. Leach has the Air Raid working and it is possible they could take some of the teams ranked above them in this week’s Power Rankings. Predicting how a Leach team will perform in any game is always difficult.
No. 7 – Florida Gators (3-2); (1-2 in SEC); Last week No. 5; Predicted regular season ceiling – 8 wins
The Gators losing in Lexington was not the upset national media has made it out to be. Mark Stoops knows how to coach defense and Dan Mullen may have locked in on Emory Jones too much. Though it could not be seen against the Crimson Tide, the Gators need a more open offense, with Jones or some QB providing more of a passing threat. Final Score: Kentucky 20 – Florida 13