With week one now behind us for all SEC teams, let's take a look at how the conference shakes out and power rank teams 1-16. The preseason power rankings can be found here.
SEC Power rankings: LSU moves quickly, but Georgia is still top dog until proven otherwise
16. Arkansas
There is no team in the conference that had a worse week one than the Razorbacks. Ryan Silverfield's debut for the Hogs was a complete dud against Northern Alabama that ended in a 31-14 win over the FCS squad. It may be a long first year in Fayetteville.
Last ranking: 16
15. Auburn
There was a good bit of hype over the offseason about the combination of Byrum Brown and Alex Golesh coming to the plains, but either Baylor is an elite defense, or that Auburn offense is not all it was cracked up to be. There's a ways to go for the Tigers, it looks like, though their defense acquitted themselves nicely.
Last ranking: 12
14. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is probably worse than Auburn, but I was so disgusted by that game, I had to put the Tigers in the basement. There's trouble brewing for the Commodores, too, if game one is anything to judge by: it feels like the ripcord will be pulled to put in Jared Curtis sooner rather than later.
Last ranking: 15
13. Kentucky
Youngstown State is one thing, but Alabama will be another. Will Stein has a couple of stiff tests coming up, and while this team looks at least capable, you need to be a lot more than that to succeed in the SEC. We'll see what they're made of against the Tide and then on a road trip to College Station.
Last ranking: 14
12. Florida
The Gator defense seemed like it may be the calling card for this team this year, but it was surprisingly shaky against FAU. It didn't matter, because Florida finally hired someone who realized he had Jadan Baugh on his roster, but it's worth noting going forward.
Last ranking: 11
11. Mississippi State
If you haven't heard Kamario Taylor's name by now, you will by the end of the season. Entering his first season as the starter, he looks poised to break out in a huge way for the Bulldogs— and his talent alone might be enough to win them some games they shouldn't.
Last ranking: 13
10. Tennessee
Tennessee looked about as expected; they were simply surpassed by two teams that looked better than expected. Faizon Brandon will be a problem for teams, especially late in the year, and even more especially with weapons like Mike Matthews and TK Keys at his disposal.
Last ranking: 8
9. Missouri
The combination of Austin Simmons with Eli Drinkwitz proved potent in game one, and the defense still looks pretty good for the Tigers. They should be undefeated headed into their October 10 showdown with Texas A&M, the first decisive game for them this year.
Last ranking: 9
8. South Carolina
Yes, it was a 57-0 win over Kent State, but how often have you seen Carolina win like that against a team they were supposed to be this much better than? LaNorris Sellers and Kendal Briles are an intimidating combination, and the defense looked okay even without Dylan Stewart.
Last ranking: 10
7. Alabama
The Tide had some pretty rough going in the first part of their game against ECU, but things eventually got straightened out. The defense looks good, not great (by Alabama standards, at least), and while you can see Keelon Russell's talent, there are clearly still plenty of things that need ironing out for him.
Last ranking: 5
6. Texas
Game one of the Will Muschamp era didn't do much to commend his defense, despite what the scoreboard says; the Texas State Bobcats didn't have too much trouble moving the ball. Arch was lucky he didn't throw more picks, and the offensive line has to concern Texas fans as well.
Last ranking: 6
5. Oklahoma
The Sooners maybe have the best defense in the conference, with only Texas A&M looking like they can rival them for that title. The offense looks better than last year, but it still may not be quite enough to get them back to that elite level.
Last ranking: 4
4. LSU
The Tigers are the talk of the nation right now thanks to their emphatic win over Clemson, but it will be very interesting to watch how it ages: Dabo Swinney may have a real stinker of a squad on his hands. All eyes are on week three for the Bayou Bengals, though, when they take a trip to Oxford, Mississippi, for one of the most anticipated games of the year.
Last ranking: 7
3. Ole Miss
A Sunday night snoozer turned pretty exciting in the second half for the Rebels, but the defensive issues on display had better get fixed quickly. Trinidad Chambliss continues to demonstrate why he's the best quarterback in the conference, and he'll need every bit of his talent for LSU's upcoming visit.
Last ranking: 2
2. Texas A&M
The only team more dominant on the defensive side than Oklahoma was the Aggies, putting out maybe their best performance on that side of the ball since joining the conference. Marcel Reed answered a lot of the big questions fans had about him in a very positive way— there's a lot to like about where things stand for A&M right now.
Last ranking: 3
1. Georgia
The Bulldogs coasted to a win over Tennessee State, as they should have. With apologies to Arkansas, Georgia has nothing but layups until Oklahoma comes to town at the end of the month.
Last ranking: 1
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