Alabama Crimson Tide: Week Five SEC Power Rankings
By Ronald Evans
No. 3 Ole Miss (3-1); (0-1 in SEC); Last week No. 3; Predicted regular season ceiling – 9 wins
Two things were learned about Ole Miss. The defense, while better than last season, still has serious flaws. The other thing is more complicated because it applies to Lane Kiffin being smart, but not smart enough. Kiffin was correct that his team could not frequently stop the Crimson Tide offense. He was wrong thinking fourth-down boldness was a solution. Kiffin’s biggest mistake was presuming he could outsmart Nick Saban. Ole Miss is good enough on offense to win nine games, but it is also bad enough on defense to only win seven. Final Score: Alabama Crimson Tide 42 – Ole Miss 21
No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (5-0); (3-0 in SEC); Last week No. 2; Predicted regular season ceiling – 12 wins
Georgia’s defense is outstanding and has the potential to hold down any offense in college football. The offense has enough weapons. Even without J.T. Daniels, the Bulldogs have enough firepower. If Daniels is ever healthy, and if he is 70 percent of the talent, Georgia football fans believe he is – the Bulldogs can beat any team.
Alabama Crimson Tide Stays On Top Again
No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0) (2-0 in SEC); Last week No. 1; Predicted regular season ceiling – 12 wins
Give Bill O’Brien and Nick Saban credit. There is no shortage of potential explosiveness in the Alabama Football offense. But teams using the trendy three down linemen and eight guys in coverage scheme – beware. The Alabama Crimson Tide will run straight at that defensive formation. Like it was in The Swamp, it will be harder in the noise of Kyle Field. The Aggies’ defensive front will provide more resistance than did Ole Miss. But the Tide offense has many ways to be successful and fans maligning the defense after the Florida game was an overreaction.
Next. What losing SEC coaches said after Saturday games.. dark
Week six is huge in the SEC. Tough matchups are the norm with only Missouri hosting North Texas to mar the slate. The Alabama Crimson Tide trip to College Station will be interesting.