With weeks 0 and 1 of the College Football season in the books and the new AP poll released early Tuesday, it’s time to break down where Tennessee Football and each SEC team sits in our Conference Power Rankings.
All of the SEC has now played a game, so it’s time to kick off our first power rankings going into week 2 and discuss where we think each of them sits in the conference this early in the season. Most of the SEC was able to win over this past weekend, but three teams failed to and have to start the season off 0-1.
#14) Vanderbilt Commodores (2-0)
Previous Game:
Vanderbilt 47, Alabama A&M 13
Vanderbilt Recap according to SEC Network:
"“Sheppard has matched his start to the 2022 season. His two receiving touchdowns equaled his total from the previous week against Hawaii and gave him four for the season.Now, the challenge is to finish better.The senior wide receiver became the first Commodore since Earl Bennett in 2005 to have two touchdown receptions in back-to-back games when he did it in the first two contests of 2022. Sheppard had seven through the first four games but finished with nine for the season, which left him second in the SEC behind Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt (15).With 17 career touchdown catches, Sheppard has tied Bucky Curtis (1947-50) for seventh in program history. Allama Matthews (1981-82) is in sixth with 18.”"
#13) Missouri Tigers (1-0)
Previous Game:
Missouri 35, South Dakota 10
Missouri Recap according to SEC Network:
"“It was a tough night for the Tigers on special teams. Their only big return was called back by a penalty, and Harrison Mevis, who had been 85% for his career on field-goal attempts, missed both of his tries against the Coyotes.”"
#12) Florida Gators (0-1)
Previous Game:
Florida 11, Utah 24
Florida Recap according to SEC Network:
"“Generating offensive momentum proved to be a chore for the Gators. Florida totaled only 8 yards in the second quarter, averaging 0.7 yards per play. The Gators also went 0 of 9 on third down before finally converting one early in the fourth quarter.”"
#11) South Carolina (0-1)
Previous Game:
South Carolina 17, North Carolina 31
South Carolina Recap according to SEC Network:
"“The offensive line is going to need some big-time help if the Gamecocks are to make some noise in the SEC. They gave up nine sacks and didn’t give QB Spencer Rattler enough of a chance to make plays. Rattler threw for 353 yards on 30-of-39 passing.INJURIESThe Gamecocks lost CB Nick Emmanwori (hamstring) and OT Cason Henry (lower body) to injuries in the first quarter. They did not return.”"
#10) Mississippi State (1-0)
Previous Game:
Mississippi State 47, SE Louisiana 7
Mississippi State Recap according to SEC Network:
"“The Bulldogs were breaking in a new head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator and it looked that way in the first quarter. As the game went on, the Bulldogs asserted their will the rest of the ball game and had an impressive final three quarters”"
#9) Auburn Tigers (1-0)
Previous Game:
Auburn 59, UMASS 14
Auburn Recap according to SEC Network:
"“The Tigers struggled to pass and stop the run early, which were both problems from last season. But second-half improvement in both areas – and the overall success of the rushing attack without Hunter – were positive signs.”"
#8) Arkansas Razorbacks (1-0)
Previous Game:
Arkansas 56, W Carolina 13
Arkansas Recap according to SEC Network:
"“The Razorbacks need to get the running game untracked when they play tougher competition but otherwise looked good for a season-opening game.”"
#7) Kentucky Wildcats (1-0)
Previous Game:
Kentucky 44, Ball State 14
Kentucky Recap according to SEC Network:
"“Kentucky’s defense overcame a slow start to deliver big hits and takeaways in the second quarter to shift momentum before making a huge goal-line stand in the fourth. The highly-touted debuts of Leary and Davis, not to mention Liam Coen’s return as OC, didn’t fill the stat sheet as expected but were generally solid. Most importantly, the offensive line allowed just one sack after giving up 47 last season.”"
#6) LSU Tigers (0-1)
Previous Game:
LSU 24, Florida State 45
LSU Recap according to SEC Network:
"” Kelly has plenty to fix defensively as the Tigers move forward. They surrendered 494 yards and were ineffective on third down, allowing the Seminoles to convert 9 of 14 on the all-important down.”"
#5) Texas A&M Aggies (1-0)
Previous Game:
Texas A&M 52, New Mexico 10
Texas A&M Recap according to SEC Network:
"“The Aggies looked good against a lesser opponent Saturday but have a much tougher test next week with a trip to visit the Miami Hurricanes, who beat Miami-Ohio 38-3 in their opener Friday. “"
#4) Ole Miss Rebels (1-0)
Previous Game:
Ole Miss 73, Mercer 7
Ole Miss Recap according to SEC Network:
"“Seamless and impressive. Despite a sizable influx of transfers, a new defensive coordinator and two kickers swapping duties on kickoffs, extra points and field goals, the Rebels dominated their home opener. Lane Kiffin’s reputation for transfer portal success was enhanced by the record-breaking performance from Harris and an acrobatic interception by Liberty transfer safety Daijahn Anthony.”"
#3) Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0)
Previous Game:
Alabama 56, MTSU 7
Alabama Recap according to SEC Network:
"“Showed the offense remains in good hands with Milroe at quarterback, even though the QB situation may not be truly settled until a big game against No. 11 Texas. A defense replacing Will Anderson pitched a shutout.”"
#2) Tennessee Football (1-0)
Previous Game:
Tennessee 49, Virginia 13
Tennessee Football Recap according to SEC Network:
"“Tennessee: The fastest and top-scoring offense in the nation last season worked through some kinks in the first half after opening with a TD drive that took 2:47. Ramel Keyton dropped a deep pass from Milton that hit his hands, and Milton overthrew Keyton on another long pass with plenty of room to run.”"
#1) Georgia Bulldogs (1-0)
Previous Game:
Georgia 48, UT Martin
Bulldogs Recap according to SEC Network:
"“The Bulldogs took advantage of their depth at wide receiver and running back. Mews played a prominent role on offense and returns as WR Ladd McConkey (back) was held out. Running back Daijun Edwards, Georgia’s leading returning rusher, did not have a carry while recovering from a knee injury. Kendall Milton (hamstring) started and had nine carries for 53 yards. Freshman Roderick Robinson II gave Georgia a 31-0 lead with his 2-yard touchdown run in the third. Georgia’s third quarterback, Gunner Stockton, led a field goal drive late in the game.”"
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