The SEC had a strong week overall, winning 14 of 16 games this week. Most teams had cupcakes last Saturday, but the Sooners and Commodores won key non-conference games, and the Florida Gators suffered a crushing loss to USF that has destroyed Gator Nation’s confidence in coach Billy Napier.
Turn to EasySportz for all the best coverage of college football. Here are the Big 12’s, ACC’s and the Big Ten’s Week 3 power rankings.
1) LSU Tigers (2-0): The Tigers overcame a stiff Louisiana Tech defense in a 23-7 victory, showcasing resilience and a balanced attack early in the season. LSU hosts the reeling and desperate Florida Gators at Death Valley. A convincing win could mean the end for Gators head coach Billy Napier.
2) Georgia Bulldogs (2-0): Georgia handled Austin Peay 28-6, but offensive hiccups near the goal line highlight areas for improvement in a otherwise solid defensive outing. A date in Knoxville against the Vols will let us know how good the Dawgs really are.
3) Oklahoma Sooners (2-0): A statement 24-13 win over ranked Michigan proves the Sooners are thriving in their second SEC year, with strong defense leading the way. QB John Mateer has completely changed the OU offense, and they should roll over Temple this week in Norman.
4) Tennessee Volunteers (2-0): Tennessee exploded for a 72-17 rout of East Tennessee State, demonstrating elite offensive firepower and depth. Things get considerably tougher on Rocky Top, as Georgia comes to town, the one team that has absolutely owned the Vols and coach Josh Heupel.
5) South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0): The Gamecocks needed two punt return touchdowns to shake off a slow start against South Carolina State, but remain undefeated. They host a frisky Vanderbilt team this week in Columbia in what could be a critical game this season.
6) Auburn Tigers (2-0): Auburn cruised to a convincing 42-3 win over Ball State, building momentum with strong play on both sides of the ball. The Tigers will roll over South Alabama before facing 4 straight ranked SEC foes.
7) Ole Miss Rebels (2-0): A come-from-behind win over Kentucky keeps them perfect, though quarterback Austin Simmons’ uneven performance raises questions about consistency heading into tougher matchups. The Rebels host Arkansas this week.
8) Texas A&M Aggies (2-0): Dominated Utah State 44-20, with notable improvements in the trenches and EDGE Cashius Howell shining with three consecutive sacks. A massive visit to South Bend to face the Fighting Irish could be the game of the week.
9) Missouri Tigers (2-0): Quietly efficient in non-conference play, earning a spot in the AP Top 25 with steady performances against lesser opponents. The Tigers should handle Louisiana easily this week.
10) Texas Longhorns (1-1): Rebounded from a Week 1 setback with a solid victory, maintaining high expectations despite the early loss. The Longhorns have two straight cupcakes before entering their SEC slate.
11) Alabama Crimson Tide (1-1): Adjusting to life post-Saban era has been bumpy, with an unexpected loss putting pressure on the new staff to right the ship quickly. The Tide should be able to handle Wisconsin at home Saturday, but then a trip to Athens to meet a revenge-minded Georgia team awaits.
12) Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-0): Pulled off a thrilling 24-20 upset over Arizona State, capped by a late 58-yard TD pass, signaling a quick turnaround under Jeff Lebby. Enthusiasm is high in Starkville, as the Bulldogs will like be 4-0 before hosting #15 Tennessee.
13) Arkansas Razorbacks (2-0): Handled Arkansas State convincingly, but questions linger about their ability to compete against top-tier SEC talent. Those questions will be answered this week in Oxford against #17 Ole Miss.
14) Vanderbilt Commodores (2-0): A comeback win in Blacksburg over Virginia Tech shows how far the Commodores have come under coach Chuck Lea. A tough road game against #11 South Carolina is the next test.
15) Florida Gators (1-1): Suffered an embarrassing 16-18 home loss to South Florida, intensifying scrutiny on coach Billy Napier’s 20-20 overall record. Things don’t get any easier, as they play @ LSU, @ Miami, host Texas and @ Texas A&M this month. A 1-6 start could doom embattled coach Billy Napier.
16) Kentucky Wildcats (1-1): Extended their SEC losing streak to seven games with a loss to Ole Miss. Pressure is mounting in Lexington.
