FanNation - The Republic of Sport

 This past weekend showed why you can't put too much stock in a team's performance in any one game. Look for a lot of movement these first few weeks as we sort out the contenders from the pretenders.

SEC Power Ratings
(Sept. 10)

1. LSU (Last week 1) beat Virginia Tech 48-7
A dominating win against the preseason ACC favorite. LSU justifed its lofty rankings and looks ready to take on all comers. Next week: vs. Middle Tennessee State

2. Florida (2) beat Troy 59-31
Tim Tebow and the Gators were unstoppable in the first half, scoring touchdowns on every possession. A defensive letdown in the second half showed vulnerability that the Vols may be able to exploit. Next week: vs. Tennessee

3. Arkansas (5) bye
The Hogs picked a good week to be off, because the two teams ranked ahead of them last week both lost.  But it will take a win in Tuscaloosa to hold this spot.  Next week: at Alabama

4. South Carolina (7) beat Georgia 16-12
Steve Spurrier says the Gamecocks are ready to compete for the SEC East title, and the road win over the Dawgs was a huge step in that direction.  Next week: vs. South Carolina State

5. Tennessee (6) beat Southern Miss 39-19
The Vols looked shaky early, but pulled away in the second half to give the Vols some confidence heading to Gainesville.  They're going to need it. Next week: at Florida

6. Georgia (4) lost to South Carolina 16-12
As good as the Bulldogs looked in their first game, they looked that bad in their second. Georgia has now lost five straight SEC East games, and one more will severely hurt this year's title hopes. Next week: vs. Western Carolina

7. Alabama (9) beat Vanderbilt 24-10
A solid win in its SEC opener give the Tide a boost. They can make another leap in the ratings by taking down the Hogs. Next week: vs. Arkansas

8. Kentucky (8) beat Kent State 56-20
OK, time for the Wildcats to make a case. Saturday's game will show whether they can join the ranks of SEC East contenders. Next week: vs. Louisville

9. Auburn (3) lost to South Florida 26-23 (OT)
I guess that close win over Kansas State was not just opening-week jitters. Auburn's offense has got to pull it together or it will be a long season. Next week: vs. Mississippi State

10. Vanderbilt (10) lost to Alabama 24-10
The Commodores may never compete in the SEC East, but they can still beat those Mississippi schools. I think. Next week: vs. Ole Miss

11. Ole Miss (11) lost to Missouri 38-25
The Rebels have a rare chance at an SEC win this week, they need to take advantage of them when they come. Next week: at Vanderbilt

12. Mississippi State (12) beat Tulane 38-17
I thought about moving the Bulldogs up a spot for beating the Green Wave, but then I realized they'd just be right back here in a week, anyway. Next week: at Auburn.