SEC Power Ratings: Week 1 Results | Gator Nation Report

Opening weekend had a little bit of everything, some blowouts, some nail-biters, and a few unexpected results. Let's see how our preseason rankings fared one week in.

SEC Power Ratings
(Sept. 2)

1. LSU (Last week, 1) beat Mississippi State, 45-0
The Tigers mauled MSU, as expected, but LSU's offense took a while to get going. It will be worth watching to see if it was just opening week jitters. Next week: vs. Virginia Tech

2. Florida (2) beat Western Kentucky, 49-3
The potent Gator offense scored TDs on its first four possessions. The young defense gave up a long drive early, but nearly posted a shutout. Only the weather kept this from being a bigger blowout. Next week: vs. Troy

3. Auburn (3) beat Kansas State, 23-13
Auburn was outplayed most of this game, but I'm not inclined to drop them based on the way the team rallied for the win. Auburn will have to play better to hold this spot. Next week: vs. South Florida

4. Georgia (7) beat Oklahoma State, 35-14
An impressive out-of-conference win gives Georgia a big boost in the ratings. QB Matthew Stafford looked good, and the Bulldogs may have the makings of a contender. Next week: vs. South Carolina

5. Arkansas (6) beat Troy, 46-26
Impressive win against a good out-of-conference opponent merits a step up. Next week: Bye

6. Tennessee (4) lost to California, 45-31
A disappointing performance for the Vols defense and special teams. Ainge played well despite the pinkie injury. Next week: vs. Southern Miss

7. South Carolina (5) beat Louisiana-Lafayette, 28-14
Teams that hope to contend for a division title shouldn't beat directional schools by only two TDs. Next week we'll know if the Gamecocks really are ready to play with the big boys. Next week: at Georgia

8. Kentucky (8) beat Eastern Kentucky, 50-10
This is how you treat a directional school. Keep playing like this and the Wildcats will start moving up the board. Next week: vs. Kent State

9. Alabama (9) beat Western Carolina, 52-6
Another impressive out-of-conference showing, the Tide could make a move up with a win over the Commodores. Next week: at Vanderbilt

10. Vanderbilt (10) beat Richmond, 41-17
Vandy used to struggle in its non-conference games. Not any more. Can they make some noise in the SEC by beating Bama at home? Next week: vs. Alabama

11. Ole Miss (11) beat Memphis 23-21
The Rebels got up big early, but let Memphis nearly tie it at the end. The games only get tougher from here. Next week: vs. Missouri

12. Mississippi State (12) lost to LSU, 45-0
The only good news for Bulldog fans is they won't drop any lower in the rankings. Next week: at Tulane