SEC Power rankings after Week 3: Steve Sarkisian's Texas sees major surge while Billy Napier's Florida dips
Week 3 of SEC football featured some significant jumps and dips. Georgia and Missouri were nearly upset while Florida and Mississippi State weren't even almost competitive. Texas was great, as was Tennessee, but neither played serious competition. Here are our SEC Power Rankings after Week 3.
SEC Power Rankings after Week 3
16. Vanderbilt (2-1)
Even after two good games, Vanderbilt's margin for error was still thin. Losing to Georgia State destroyed the Commodores' bowl hopes.
15. Mississippi State (1-2)
Likewise, it's not shocking that State lost, but losing 41-17 to a team from the MAC says this isn't a team that the SEC needs to take seriously.
14. Florida (1-2)
The game that could have pulled the cart out of the ditch for Billy Napier instead became the game highlighted by his puzzling choice to ride a quarterback who has yet to beat a good team at UF instead of a freshman coming off a 456-yard passing game.
13. Auburn (2-1)
Not a bad week, but that Cal loss is still something of a stinking carcass hanging around Auburn's season. It will take some good work to get over that.
12. Kentucky (1-2)
Kentucky hung tough against Georgia but likewise dug themselves a big hole with a dog of a game against South Carolina.
11. Arkansas (2-1)
Arkansas could easily be 3-0 but also struggled to get past UAB at home.
10. South Carolina (2-1)
The question for Carolina is whether LaNorris Sellers is okay or not. If he's good to go, Carolina could legitimately be 7th. If not, they could be 12th. He is a difference-maker in the offensive capability of this team.
9. Oklahoma (3-0)
The good news is that the Sooners are 3-0. The bad news is that compared to other 3-0 teams in the SEC, they have been by far the least impressive of the bunch.
8. Texas A&M (2-1)
A bounce-back win over Florida firmly established A&M as a team in the middle of the SEC pack. That's also probably at the bottom range of the top 25.
7. LSU (2-1)
LSU won but they were severely taxed by USC who seemed likely to have won the game had their QB not been hurt. The Tigers' defense is what separates them from the six teams ahead of them.
6. Missouri (3-0)
The Tigers played an ugly, undisciplined game against Boston College. Missouri has a relatively favorable SEC schedule and a legitimate shot at the college football playoff. They just haven't been all that impressive yet either.
5. Tennessee (3-0)
On the other hand, the Vols have been very impressive, but also haven't really played anybody. NC State was supposed to be good but clearly isn't. If Tennessee's level of play is consistent within league play, the Vols will end up in the CFP themselves.
4. Ole Miss (3-0)
Everything that could be said of Tennessee could also be said of Ole Miss. Great performance, iffy competition and a need to prove themselves in the SEC are the only issues. The Rebels are one of six SEC teams likely to contend for three CFP spots.
3. Alabama (3-0)
It hasn't always been smooth for Kalen DeBoer's team, but Alabama is getting it done and is getting better. A handful of league games will define the season, but so far, Alabama is solid.
2. Georgia (3-0)
Good Georgia destroys top 25 teams. Bad Georgia eeked out a win at Kentucky. The Bulldogs offense isn't yet where it needs to be and injuries have hurt them. That said, they're probably not a team to write off until losses start happening. Until then, Georgia remains at or near the top of the mountain.
1. Texas (3-0)
The win over Michigan wasn't necessarily a world-beater, but Texas has looked like a CFP contender from day one of this season. If the whole Ewers/Manning QB situation doesn't blow things up, Texas looks incredibly dangerous.
How do you think the teams of the SEC stack up? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!