SEC Power Rankings Week 2: Changes abound in muddled SEC

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Week two was much kinder to the SEC than, week one. Some teams had easy wins, others had to sweat it out. Here are the SEC Power Rankings after week two.

An easy slate of matches for the majority of teams in the SEC, made for a much different weekend than week one for SEC teams. The level of intrigue was muted, while in anticipation for the huge matchup in week three between Ole Miss and Alabama. While there wasn’t much intrigue in week two, the wins by Arkansas on the road against TCU and Tennessee over Virginia Tech, provided quality wins for the SEC.

While there wasn’t huge changes in the rankings from week one and week two, the bottom of the SEC changed the most significantly due to in conference matchups , while other teams responded from poor week one outings. Here is how the SEC shapes up after the second week of the college football season.

Sep 10, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops looks on against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

14. Kentucky

Last week rank: 11

Week 2 result: (0-2) 45-7 Loss to Florida

How long before Mark Stoops is out at Kentucky? The 2016 Wildcats sure do look like a team headed towards a change in head coach at some point in the season.

Kentucky never could get anything working against Florida and were soundly beaten 45-7. The offense fluttered, picking up where it left off after the Southern Miss game. Drew Barker looked lost, making some, myself included, wonder why Patrick Towles was basically driven out of Lexington. The defense might as well have not been on the field. Florida hasn’t been known for a great offense in a few years, but they sure did look good against Kentucky.

Kentucky has cemented itself as the bottom feeder of the SEC, they’ll look to get their first win next week against New Mexico State.

Next game: Saturday, September 17, vs New Mexico State 4:00 ET SEC Network

Sep 10, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA;South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Brandon McIlwain (11) runs the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

13. South Carolina

Last week rank: 10

Week 2 result: (1-1) 27-14 Loss to Mississippi State

After a great opening week victory against Vanderbilt, South Carolina regressed on offense and lost to the Bulldogs in Starkville.

South Carolina’s Perry Orth, who seemed to have turned a corner and looked ready to lead the offense never could get the offense going against the Bulldog defense and gave way to Brandon Mcllwain later in the game and lead the offense to a couple of touchdowns. South Carolina’s defense overall did well in particular in the second half, holding Mississippi State to 3 points.

South Carolina has the potential to be a decent team and make a bowl game, the defense seems to be there, but the offense will have to get going and score more than just 13 or 14 points if South Carolina wants to make noise this season.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, vs East Carolina 4:00 ET SEC Network

Sep 10, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ralph Webb (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Middle Tennessee Blue during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

12. Vanderbilt

Last week rank: 12

Week 2 result: (1-1) 47-24 Win against Middle Tennessee State

A team that needed a bounce back from an ugly loss was Vanderbilt. The Commodores responded and got a resounding victory over Middle Tennessee State.

A lack of offense set back the Commodores in week one against South Carolina but Ralph Webb had a day against the Rough Riders, rushing for 219 yards and two touchdowns to go with it. Webb is the heart of the Vanderbilt offense, when he gets going, its hard to beat Vanderbilt. Middle Tennessee is a good team, the defense seemed to give up more points than most would have though before the game, but credit to Middle Tennessee.

Vanderbilt and head coach Derek Mason needed a victory after the failure against South Carolina, they got just that and added a little momentum headed into week three.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, at Georgia Tech 12:30 ACC Network

Sep 10, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (7) drops back in the pocket during the second quarter of the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

11. Mississippi State

Last week rank: 13

Week 2 result: (1-1) 27-14 Win against South Carolina

The embarrassing loss to South Alabama was as bad a way to start a season as a team could achieve. With all due respect to South Alabama, Mississippi State should not be losing to them.

With that said, Mississippi State proved that they could respond from such a loss and found an offense against South Carolina. Nick Fitzgerald was the spark the Mississippi State offense needed, throwing for 178 yards and 2 TDs. The Bulldog defense did well until Brandon Mcllwain entered the game for South Carolina and tossed 2 TDs himself, but the Bulldogs tightened things up and did not relinquish the lead.

A dose of confidence was what the doctor ordered for Mississippi State as they head into week three in their second SEC game of the season at LSU.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, at LSU 7:00 ET ESPN2

Sep 10, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Drew Lock (3) hands off to running back Ish Witter (21) during the first half against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

10. Missouri

Last week rank: 14

Week 2 result: (1-1) 61-21 Win against Eastern Michigan

Is Missouri that good on offense or is Eastern Michigan that bad on defense?

Missouri fans haven’t seen an offensive explosion like that in a long time. Drew Lock looked poised and was highly efficient, throwing for 450 yards and 5 TDs in the game in which Missouri appeared to be able to play some football after a bad offensive performance against West Virginia in the opener. If Lock and the Tigers can keep it up, they could make some noise in the lousy SEC East.

Missouri has a great defense, the offense was always the question mark. After a 61 point effort, the Tigers have some confidence headed in to week three.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, vs Georgia 7:30 ET SEC Network

Sep 10, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles congratulates Russell Gage (39) after a tackle against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Jacksonville State 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

9. LSU

Last week rank: 8

Week 2 result: (1-1) 34-13 Win against Jacksonville State

No Leonard Fournette, no problem for LSU right? Well, maybe only against FCS team Jacksonville State.

The Tigers had no trouble scoring this week after a slug fest loss against Wisconsin to open the season. Tigers’ quarterback Brandon Harris was pulled after two straight lousy series by the offense in favor of Danny Etling. Etling looked efficient, albeit against an inferior opponent, but the offense appeared to have some life even without their best player. Etling could be the starter next week when Mississippi State comes to town.

LSU will need Leonard Fournette back as soon as possible, he wasn’t needed for Jacksonville State but he will be needed as the competition gets better. In the mean time, LSU will have to ride its defense.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, vs Mississippi State 7:00 ET ESPN2

Sep 10, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Tajhea Chambers (32) drags down Auburn Tigers quarterback John Franklin, III (5) during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Red Wolves 51-14. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

8. Auburn

Last week rank: 7

Week 2 result: (1-1) 51-14 Win against Arkansas State

Did Auburn find an offense? It sure looked like it against the Arkansas State Red Wolves.

After a very impressive performance in a loss against Clemson, Auburn came out firing on all cylinders and never look back. Sean White was impressive in a 3 TD performance and the entire offense appeared to have some life. If Auburn can keep that performance up, then this team can make noise in the SEC West. The Tigers’ defense was great, picking up where they left off against Clemson and never really allowed Arkansas State in to the game.

Gus Malzahn needed his team to show improvement and that they were capable of moving the football and scoring. Auburn showed that, albeit against Arkansas State, this game was as important as the game against Clemson in establishing stability for the offense, as well as confidence. Auburn faces Texas A&M in week three, and will need all the offense they can get against the explosive Aggie offense.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, vs Texas A&M 7:00 ET ESPN

Sep 10, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs the ball against the Nicholls State Colonels during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Nicholls State 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

7. Georgia

Last Week rank: 2

Week 2 result: (2-0) 26-24 Win against Nicholls State

Want to fall down in the power rankings really quickly? Play how Georgia played against Nicholls State. The only way it could be worse would have been for the Bulldogs to lose.

Georgia looked incredible in week one. That quickly reversed course in week two as the Bulldogs struggled against Nicholls State and squeaked out a win in the end. Jacob Eason showed that he is indeed a freshman. But the biggest worry was that the ground game really failed to get anything going. Nick Chubb only had 80 yards rushing against a type of team he would normally run over and through. Georgia, as a team, seems to still have a long way to go.

Georgia will need to find its offense as they face a strong Missouri defense in week 3, with both teams seeking their first conference victory of the season.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, at Missouri 7:30 ET SEC Network

Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) runs the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half at Bristol Motor Speedway. Tennessee won 45 to 24. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

6. Tennessee

Last week rank: 6

Week 2 result: (2-0) 45-24 Win against Virginia Tech

With over 155,000 people watching, Tennessee looked like it was going to lose to Virginia Tech. Then the Volunteers turned it around and looked like the team many thought they would be headed into 2016.

Down 14-0 headed into the second quarter, someone must have finally woke the Volunteers up. Tennessee responded with 24 points in the second quarter. The offense finally looked explosive, if not outright unstoppable at times. The defense for the Volunteers looked great, as it should. The Volunteers showed definite improvement from last week, the verdict is still out on how Tennessee will look against a top 25 team. Time will tell.

Tennessee faces Ohio in week 3, the Volunteers have to show up and play and then get ready to face Florida in week 4.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, vs Ohio 12:00 ET SEC Network

Sep 10, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Luke Del Rio (14) drops back against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Florida

Last week rank: 5

Week 2 result: (2-0) 45-7 Win against Kentucky

Florida has made its case to be a contender in the SEC East.

The victory over the Kentucky Wildcats, not only gave the Gators an early SEC victory, but it also provided a look at how good the Gators can be and that they can challenge Tennessee for the East division crown. Luke Del Rio looked efficient in the game, throwing for 340 yards and 4 TDs. Florida showed that it once again has a dominate defense to be reckoned with. Essentially, it couldn’t have been a better outing for the Gators and Florida looks to be a challenger in what was supposed to be Tennessee’s year.

Florida has a week three game against North Texas and will then turn their attention to Tennessee, looking to beat the Volunteers for the 12th year in a row.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, vs North Texas 7:30 ET ESPNU

Sep 10, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (8) celebrates with fans after the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

4. Arkansas

Last week rank: 9

Week 2 result: (2-0) 41-38 Win against TCU

Well. Arkansas certainly made up for that 21-20 win against Louisiana Tech in week one.

Essentially, don’t play Arkansas to overtime. You’ll lose. Ole Miss and TCU can attest to that. Arkansas looked like a world beater in their incredible performance against the Horned Frogs. Austin Allen looked almost identical to his brother, Brandon. The Arkansas running game was clicking and the defense made the necessary stops it needed to in a shootout to get the win. Arkansas looked like the team that they normally look like in November, which is good news for Brett Bielema’s squad.

In a loaded SEC West, Arkansas looked capable of making some noise.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, vs Texas State 7:30 ET SEC Network

Sep 10, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Trevor Knight (8) attempts a pass during the second quarter against the Prairie View A&M Panthers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

3. Texas A&M

Last week rank: 4

Week 2 result: (2-0) 67-0 Win against Prairie View

It was Prairie View that A&M was playing, but man does this team look improved.

Trevor Knight has looked masterful in the offense in the first two weeks. More importantly, Texas A&M appears to have a pretty stout defense outside of Myles Garrett, we already knew that he was a man among boys. With a conference matchup looming against Auburn, A&M took care of business and got a chance to see what they had headed into week three.

With Auburn up next, Texas A&M looks like a different football than in 2015. Trevor Knight appears to be the spark that was needed. Lets see how they do against a much tougher defense.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, at Auburn 7:00 ET ESPN

Sep 10, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) throws the ball during the first half against the Wofford Terriers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ole Miss

Last week rank: 3

Week 2 result: (1-1) 38-13 Win against Wofford

After a heartbreaking loss to Florida State, in which Ole Miss lead 28-6 at one point, the Rebels needed a sure win against an inferior opponent to get some confidence.

Ole Miss surely found that against Wofford. The game could not have come at a better time as it gave the Ole Miss coaching staff a chance to elevate what they have after some key injuries and get the Rebels ready to face Alabama in week three. The defense looked good, although they did face a triple option offense, so the secondary was not near as tested as perhaps the coaching staff would have wanted. Either way, Ole Miss presents a challenge to the Crimson Tide.

Ole Miss has a chance to right the loss to Florida State in week 3 if they can get a victory against Alabama. The Rebels have won the last two in the series and have the experience at key positions that you need headed into such big games.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, vs Alabama 3:30 ET CBS

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban looks back at Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) during the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

1. Alabama

Last week rank: 1

Week 2 result: (2-0) 38-10 Win against Western Kentucky

Alabama did what Alabama does, and that is to beat up on inferior teams and win.

While Nick Saban might no think the Crimson Tide looked good, the Tide did look dominate in their victory against the Hilltoppers. Jalen Hurts looked great again in a 3 TD, 287 yard day through the air. The concern for Alabama lies within the run game. Alabama isn’t used to not having at least one dominate running back, but as of now that man doesn’t seem to have stepped up yet. As a team, Alabama rushed for 124 yards. Problems with the run game extend to an offensive line that has not looked dominate either so far in the season. Offensive line problems are not what Saban and Alabama need headed into the matchup with Ole Miss and their strong defensive line.

Alabama continues to lead the SEC, but they face a true test against an eager Ole Miss team, looking to make up for their loss against FSU. One of the games of the year is almost here.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, at Ole Miss 3:30 ET CBS