Alabama Crimson Tide: Week Six SEC Power Rankings
By Ronald Evans
No. 11 – LSU Bengal Tigers (3-3); (1-2 in SEC); Last week No. 11; Predicted regular season ceiling – 5 wins; Next Game, home for Florida
It was a grand time in Lexington for the Wildcats and their fans. Kentucky had a dominating and joyous win over an LSU team that is crumbling on defense. A more physical Kentucky team rushed for 329 yards. The Cats threw just 17 passes because they had no need for more. The Wildcats had a 21-0 lead before LSU scored. The Bengal Tigers scored 14 meaningless points in the fourth quarter. Key LSU players, Kayshon Boutte and Ali Gaye were injured during the game and their status for next week is not known. Final Score: Kentucky 42 – LSU 21
No. 10 -Tennessee Volunteers (4-2); (2-1 in SEC); Last week No. 10; Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins; Next Game Ole Miss in Knoxville
The Vols made another SEC defense look like a Big 12 team. As was stated last week, Josh Heupel’s offense might be so strong, the Vols are undervalued. The problem in evaluating the Vols is against Missouri the Vols did not face a competent defense and against South Carolina, Tennessee went against a weak offense. Hendon Hooker is playing sensational football for Tennessee and along with the Vol rushing attack, Heupel’s offense is probably in the top half of the SEC. Final Score: Tennessee 45 – South Carolina 20
No. 9 – Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-2); (1-1 in SEC); Last week No. 8; Predicted regular season ceiling – 7 wins; Next Game Alabama Crimson Tide in Starkville
Mike Leach has successfully made the Bulldogs a potent Air Raid team. The version of the Alabama Crimson Tide defense seen in College Station would have a difficult challenge from the Air Raid. The only reason to drop State in this week’s ranking is they were open last week. And there is a history of inconsistency from Mike Leach’s teams.
No. 8 – Florida Gators (4-2); (2-2 in SEC); Last week No. 7; Predicted regular season ceiling – 8 wins; Next Game at LSU
On Saturday, the Gators worked on making Emory Jones more of a passing threat. He rushed only five times. His passing numbers were good, but they were boosted by one long touchdown reception and run by running back Dameon Pierce. Vandy is so bad, the game was not as demanding for the Gators as a team scrimmage. Final Score: Florida 42 – Vanderbilt 0