SEC Power Rankings following Week Five of 2019: Bye didn’t help Vols

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 07: An 'SEC' logo is seen on an end zone pylon before the Missouri Tigers take on the Auburn Tigers during the SEC Championship Game at Georgia Dome on December 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 07: An 'SEC' logo is seen on an end zone pylon before the Missouri Tigers take on the Auburn Tigers during the SEC Championship Game at Georgia Dome on December 7, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

Very few teams are being as disrespected as the Florida Gators right now. They are 5-0 after a 38-0 win over the Towson Tigers and have beaten three Power Five schools. But those are ugly victories over the Miami Hurricanes and Kentucky Wildcats and an unimpressive performance in dominating the Tennessee Vols. Still, Miami was at a neutral site while Kentucky was on the road.

Looking ugly in those and the easiness of facing UT while also facing two FCS schools is enough for us to put them as the worst team in the top tier of our SEC Power Rankings for now. Dan Mullen has a top 10 program, but these guys clearly have a lot to prove at this point.

Kyle Trask having to replace Feleipe Franks meant they needed time to get things right, though. And this team is getting criticized for its offense, but the defense is beyond elite. It is giving up an average of just under nine points a game, and the pass rush has been brutal. This is the week these guys finally get a chance to prove something.

In fact, this month is a chance for the Gators. They first host the Auburn Tigers. Then they visit the LSU Tigers. Playing the South Carolina Gamecocks on the road is no cakewalk. Finally, after a bye, they have to face the Georgia Bulldogs. Coming out of this undefeated or with just one loss will keep this team in the playoff hunt.