BamaOnLine.com - SEC Power Poll

October 29, 2009

Travis Reier
BamaOnLine.com Senior Analyst

SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE POWER RANKINGS
RANK	LW	TEAM
1	1	Florida Gators Record: 7-0 (5-0 in SEC) The good news: Even without linebacker Brandon Spikes and defensive linemen Lawrence Marsh and Jaye Howard, the defense continues to dominate. Unfortunately for Georgia, all three injured players are expected to return to action this week. The bad news: Georgia Tech's "outdated" offense threw for 266 yards against Mississippi State. Florida's "futuristic attack" aired it out to the tune of 127 yards in Starkville. Next game: vs. Georgia, Oct. 31 (3:30 p.m. CT/CBS).
2	2	Alabama Crimson Tide Record: 8-0 (5-0) The good news: Leigh Tiffin's 20 field goals rank second nationally. The bad news: Eleven of those field goals -- including six from inside 26 yards -- have come in the Tide's last three games. Perhaps the off week will rejuvenate a slumping passing game that now ranks 84th among FBS teams. Next game: vs. LSU, Nov. 7 (2:30 p.m. CT/CBS).
3	3	LSU Tigers Record: 6-1 (4-1) The good news: It took seven games, but former mega-recruits Russell Shepard and Rueben Randle showed up in the Tigers' win over Auburn. Shepard ripped off a 69-yard touchdown run, while Randle had a 31-yard reception in the romp. The bad news: Shepard and Jordan Jefferson were LSU's top two rushers against AU. Meanwhile, tailbacks Charles Scott and Keiland Williams combined for just 24 yards on 11 carries. Next game: vs. Tulane, Oct. 31 (7 p.m. CT/PPV).
4	4	South Carolina Record: 6-2 (3-2) The good news: After dropping two straight to Vanderbilt, the Gamecocks got over the hump with a home win over the Commodores. The bad news: The offensive numbers (Stephen Garcia: 312 passing yards, 2 TDs; Alshon Jeffery: 161 receiving yards, TD; Kenny Miles: 102 rushing yards) last week looked like those of a previous Steve Spurrier team. Everywhere, that is, except for the scoreboard (14 points). Next game: at Tennessee, Oct. 31 (7:45 p.m. ET/ESPN).
5	7	Ole Miss Rebels Record: 5-2 (2-2) The good news: In knocking off Arkansas, the Rebels piled up 500-plus yards of offense for the second week in a row. The bad news: Three more giveaways for a team that ranks 11th in the SEC in turnover margin. Next game: at Auburn, Oct. 31 (11:21 a.m. CT/SECN).
6	8	Georgia Bulldogs Record: 4-3 (3-2) The good news: Despite dropping 16 of their last 19 meetings to rival Florida, the Bulldogs still lead the series, 46-38-2. The bad news: They'll lead the series, 46-39-2, after Saturday. Next game: vs. Florida, Oct. 31 (3:30 p.m. ET/CBS).
7	5	Arkansas Razorbacks Record: 3-4 (1-4) The good news: How do I know Arkansas will snap its two-game losing streak on Saturday? Anytime your opponent doesn't have a Rivals.com site, chances are a W is in the bag. Such is the case for Eastern Michigan. The bad news: Those high school kids in Hattiesburg do a better job of hanging on to Brett Favre fastballs in the summer than the Arkansas receivers did in dealing with Ryan Mallett missiles in the Razorbacks' loss to Ole Miss. Next game: vs. EMU, Oct. 31 (6 p.m. CT/ESPNU).
8	6	Tennessee Volunteers Record: 3-4 (1-3) The good news: In his last two starts, Jonathan Crompton has thrown for 575 yards and five touchdowns. The bad news: Lane Kiffin has more SEC reprimands than SEC wins. Next game: vs. South Carolina, Oct. 31 (7:45 p.m. ET/ESPN).
9	9	Kentucky Wildcats Record: 4-3 (1-3) The good news: Randall Cobb is to Kentucky's offense what Hines Ward was to Georgia's. The bad news: After tearing the MCL in his right knee in the win over Louisiana-Monroe, oft-injured linebacker Micah Johnson has been sidelined once again. He's listed as doubtful for Mississippi State. Next game: vs. Mississippi State, Oct. 31 (7 p.m. ET/FSS).
10	10	Auburn Tigers Record: 5-3 (2-3) The good news: The Tigers are one win away from bowl eligibility, which puts them a year ahead of where I thought they would be in Gene Chizik's first season. The bad news: The good news this week is the same as it was last week ? and the week before that ? and the week before that. Next game: vs. Ole Miss, Oct. 31 (11:21 a.m. CT/SECN).
11	11	Mississippi State Bulldogs Record: 3-5 (1-3) The good news: In a respectable showing against Florida, State's defense outscored its offense. The bad news: The offense scored six points. Next game: at UK, Oct. 31 (7 p.m. ET/FSS).
12	12	Vanderbilt Commodores Record: 2-6 (0-5) The good news: In falling 14-10 to South Carolina, the Commodores stayed within double-digits of an SEC opponent for the first time this season. The bad news: Apparently, even the league office isn't paying a lot of attention to Vandy, as evidenced by coach Bobby Johnson's remarks on the officiating in Columbia not drawing a response from Mike Slive. If Army ran for 222 yards against the Commodores defense, how many will Georgia Tech pile up in Nashville Saturday? Next game: vs. Georgia Tech, Oct. 31 (6:30 p.m. CT/CSS).