SEC Power Rankings following Week Five of 2019: Bye didn’t help Vols
841. . 2-3 (1-1). Previous: . Rebels . 10. team
Looking good late against the Alabama Crimson Tide is not going to be something to move the Ole Miss Rebels up in our SEC Power Rankings if other teams prove something. They still lost 59-31, allowed Tua Tagovailoa to toss seven touchdowns, and managed to get burned by DeVonta Smith for 274 yards and five touchdowns.
That could be attributed to their focus on Jerry Jeudy, but Jeudy still had eight receptions for 84 yards. So that’s a pretty rough way to handle somebody you’re focusing heavily on, and it’s indicative of just how bad Matt Luke’s defense is this year. These guys clearly have a ton of work to do if they want to take a step up from last year.
Is there good news? Well, John Rhys Plumlee’s mobility is one, as he rushed for 109 yards to supplement his passing game. That could be useful in the future if Ole Miss is to try to figure out a way to make a bowl game. Right now, they are our bottom team in the middle tier.
This week, the Vanderbilt Commodores at home is a must-win. After that, though, they visit the Missouri Tigers, host the Texas A&M Aggies and visit the Auburn Tigers. With New Mexico State later on the schedule, upsetting one of those three teams gets them to five wins. Then their season finale against this next team could get them to a bowl.