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With week one in the books, here’s how I see it...
1. LSU – I was tempted to go with Georgia at number one this week, but LSU played well enough in the second half against Mississippi State to hold on to the top spot. A word of warning to LSU: your offensive line got whipped in the first half.
2. Georgia - Just like Boise State a few years ago, the Dawgs dismissed the upset talk early and manhandled Oklahoma State. Something tells me this Georgia team is going to be formidable in the SEC East.
3. Florida – We still don’t know a lot about the Gators. Beating Western Kentucky in the ground is hardly impressive. But at least they won. Right Michigan?
4. Auburn – Do you think that’s too high? Maybe. But Auburn gets credit for opening the season against a quality opponent. Kudos to Tommy Tuberville for putting it all on the line in early September.
5. Arkansas – The Razorbacks win over Troy was a quality one. The Trojans have a good football team and one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Running back Darren McFadden looked solid and even threw for a touchdown.
6. South Carolina – The Cocks looked sluggish to say the least. A 28-14 win over Louisiana-Lafayette is hardly the way to start the year. Starting quarterback Blake Mitchell sat out due to suspension. We’ll know more this week when they travel to Georgia.
7. Tennessee – The Volunteers had every opportunity to win Saturday night at Cal. Their defense is a nightmare. Scoring 31 points on the road should always equal a win. The seat starts to warm for Phillip Fulmer.
8. Alabama – As with Florida, we still no zero about Alabama. Saturday’s blowout of Western Carolina was little more than a continuation of April’s A-Day game. There’s nothing wrong with playing these opponents sometimes, but they don’t get you ranked.
9. Kentucky – See Alabama notes. I miss the Labor Day match-up with Louisville. It actually makes Kentucky football interesting – for a week.
10. Ole Miss – Strike up the band for Ed Orgeron’s crazy bunch in Oxford. They went over to Memphis and squeaked out a win over the Tigers. They bring Missouri to visit this weekend.
11. Vanderbilt – Coach Bobby Johnson has done more with less than any coach I know. They cruised to an easy 41-17 win over Richmond this weekend. They welcome the Crimson Tide on Saturday. Something tells me Saban will prevail.
12. Mississippi State – Sylvester Croom’s Bulldogs put up a good fight during the first half against LSU. Unfortunately, the Bulldog offense is the worst in the SEC.