Alabama Football: Power Ranking the SEC after week three
By Ronald Evans
No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-1) Previous Week No. 2
Little explanation is needed, but I will say that not since the Mike Shula years have I been so disappointed in a Crimson Tide offensive performance. That includes the loss to ULM in 2007 when the Tide finding its bottom had to occur for the Saban reconstruction to move forward.
Next up: Ole Miss in T-Town
No. 4 Florida Gators (2-1) Previous Week No. 14
Clearly, I undervalued Florida’s potential. Getting to 2-1 after the opening loss to Utah is close to making the most of a tough schedule. The Gators physically whipped the Vols in The Swamp, and though Florida beating Tennessee at home is the norm, I thought Tennessee would overcome that history on Saturday.
Florida might not be the SEC’s fourth-best team, but with a strong running game and Graham Mertz leading the SEC in passing completion percentage at 75.3%, the Gators have earned some respect.
Next up: Florida hosts Charlotte
No. 3 Ole Miss Rebels (3-0) Previous Ranking No. 5
Forget the oddsmakers, I think Ole Miss is the favorite against Alabama on Saturday. That does not mean the Crimson Tide will lose, but Ole Miss QB, Jaxson Dart leads the SEC in Total Offense. The Ole Miss defense has stiffened with Portal additions. If Quinshon Judkins is 100%, the Crimson Tide defense will have to be outstanding to get a Bama win.
Next up: Ole Miss at Alabama
No. 2 LSU Bengal Tigers (2-1) Previous Ranking No. 3
LSU destroyed Mississippi State in Starkville. At this point, Jayden Daniels is the most dynamic quarterback in the SEC and the LSU offense is well-tailored to his skills.
It is too early for late November predictions, but LSU is a legitimate threat to return to Atlanta and win this time. Brian Kelly has a comparable roster to Bama and UGA and Kelly should not be underestimated.
Next up: Arkansas at LSU
No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0) Previous Ranking No. 1
Does Kirby Smart have a weakness at quarterback? Again, it is too early to pass judgment. The Dawgs don’t need a superstar at QB anyway, with a roster that is solid and deep at every other position.
Next up: UAB at Georgia
Next. Tide path to beating Ole Miss. dark
Rankings don’t much matter in September, but later in the season, the top two teams in the SEC may be much better than the other 12 SEC teams. Will Alabama Football be one of them?