SEC Power Ratings: Week 3 | Gator Nation Report

Now this is SEC football. Great games in Lexington and Tuscaloosa, a big upset in Auburn and a blowout in Gainesville. Let's get right to it.

SEC Power Ratings
(Sept. 17)

1. LSU (Last week 1) beat Middle Tennessee St. 44-0
The LSU defense is the best in the nation through three games. The Gators will test that in a few weeks, but the Tigers need to keep focused on the task at hand until then. This week: vs. South Carolina

2. Florida (2) beat Tennessee 59-20
For a brief moment in the third quarter it seemed like the Vols were in the game. Then the scoreboard exploded. The Gators are the class of the East, but it's far from over. Next week: at Ole Miss

3. Alabama (7) beat Arkansas 41-38
Great last minute-comeback by the Tide erased a nearly devastating collapse late in the game. Alabama looks pretty good under Nick Saban, better than I expected so soon. Next week: vs. Georgia

4. South Carolina (4) beat South Carolina St. 38-3
Alabama jumped over South Carolina because USC's win over Georgia is a little more suspect now (see below). But if the Gamecocks can put up a fight in Baton Rouge, they might even move up with a loss. Next week: at LSU

5. Arkansas (3) lost to Alabama 41-38
The Hogs nearly pulled off the comeback, so don't write this team off yet. With that running game, they will compete with anyone. Next week: vs. Kentucky

6. Kentucky (8) beat Louisville 40-34
You knew the game was going to be a shootout, and Kentucky's big win gives them plenty of street cred out-of-conference. Let's see how they do against an SEC defense. Next week: at Arkansas

7. Georgia (6) beat Western Carolina 45-16
Georgia's supposedly impressive win against Oklahoma State doesn't looks so good now, considering the Cowboys got pasted Friday night by Troy. The Dawgs need a big SEC win, and will get that chance in Tuscaloosa. Next week: at Alabama

8. Vanderbilt (10) beat Ole Miss 31-17
Impressive win over the Rebs, but keep in mind it was just the Rebs. But they may still be the best team in the state. Next week: Bye

9. Tennessee (5) lost to Florida 59-20
The Volunteers have been blown out in two games now. The defense is giving up big plays, the offense is not controlling the ball, and special teams is falling down on the job. Other than that, things are great in Knoxville. Next week: vs. Arkansas State

10. Mississippi State (12) beat Auburn 19-14
The Bulldogs only beat Auburn to prove me wrong when I said they'd still be in last place in this week's ranking. Good win for Sly Croom, his hot seat got a little cooler. Next week: vs. Gardner-Webb

11. Auburn (9) lost to Mississippi State 19-14
What's up on the Plains? The Tiger offense looks horrible. Until they get better play out of the quarterback position, they are going to struggle. Next week: vs. New Mexico State

12. Ole Miss (11) lost to Vanderbilt 31-17
Hey, tough loss, but no big deal, just pick yourselves up and get ready for the next one. What's that? Who's coming to town? Oh well. Next week: vs. Florida