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Power ranking the SEC after week 2: UT into second place, pass rush lifts SC

Here's how the SEC power rankings shake out after a quite eventful week 2 in the conference.

By Graham Harmon

Aug 31, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Dante Reno (10), quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) and tight end Joshua Simon (6) celebrate after a touchdown against the Old Dominion Monarchs in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Aug 31, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Dante Reno (10), quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) and tight end Joshua Simon (6) celebrate after a touchdown against the Old Dominion Monarchs in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images / Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
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Power ranking the SEC after week 2: #2 Tennessee

. 534. b. . . . 2. . Previous ranking: 3.

UT has had a meteoric rise in estimation over these first two weeks, thanks in large part to the elite play of their quarterback, Nico Iamaleava. No. 8 for the Volunteers is getting some early Heisman buzz thanks to his big numbers and big arm, and it looks to be well-earned.

After a bit of a slow start, the Vols kicked it into fifth gear after the half against an overmatched NC State team, eventually pulling away to win 51-10. It’s not only the offense that has looked elite, though that’s the facet of the team most associated with Josh Heupel-coached squads.

No, the defense for the Volunteers has more than looked the part as well so far. They’ve absolutely shut down everything that’s been thrown at them so far this year, and although Chattanooga and NC State are nowhere near the top tests they’ll face this season, they look to be in a good spot.

A visit to Norman should be a ranked matchup, even though OU has yet to really show that they’re worthy of a top-25 designation. For now, though, it looks like the games against the Tide and Bulldogs are what this season will come down to for the Vols. Even an 0-2 mark in those should be enough to get them into the CFP—and they’re looking like a safer bet to do so with each passing week.

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