1. Alabama (2-0)
The Crimson Tide throttled past Western Kentucky, 35-0, in its home opener. Surprise, surprise.
The loss of running back Jalston Fowler to a season-ending knee injury is a cause for concern for coach Nick Saban. I watched the Tide’s opener versus Michigan and much of Alabama’s success in the running game was because of the holes created by Fowler’s punishing blocks.
It won’t cripple them by any means, but it’s something to watch for as the season progresses.
2. LSU (2-0)
The Tigers put together another dominant performance in Week 2, taking down Washington, 41-3. The LSU defense only allowed 26 rushing yards to the Huskies and made quarterback Keith Price run for his life all game.
All the Tigers have to worry about against Idaho on Saturday is the Vandals reeking of potatoes.
3. Georgia (2-0)
Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones rudely welcomed Missouri to the Southeastern Conference.
After Mizzou led at halftime, Jones forced two turnovers on two consecutive fourth-quarter possessions, sealing a 41-20 Georgia victory. The Dawgs won’t be challenged again until Tennessee visits “Between The Hedges” in Week 5.
4. South Carolina (2-0)
No one watching the Gamecocks’ and East Carolina would have noticed the starting quarterback was on the bench.
Backup signal caller Dylan Thompson stole the show Saturday, throwing for 330 yards and three touchdowns as South Carolina rolled to a 48-10 win. With starting quarterback Connor Shaw’s status for the Gamecocks’ game Saturday in limbo, let’s see if Thompson can continue his hot start.
5. Tennessee (2-0)
Georgia State was no match for the Vols’ high-octane passing attack, as Tennessee rolled over the Panthers, 51-13.
Quarterback Tyler Bray only had two incompletions and wide receiver Justin Hunter racked up video game numbers, hauling in eight receptions for 146 yards and three scores.
If the Vols take down Florida on Saturday, they’re a serious contender for the SEC East crown.
6. Florida (2-0)
After coming out of the gates slowly against Bowling Green in Week 1, coach Will Muschamp has to be happy with the Gators’ defensive effort in their 20-17 win against Texas A&M. Florida shut out the Aggies in the second half.
I don’t hate the Gators’ new offense, which primarily utilizes the ground attack. At least not as much as I despise former Florida coach Urban Meyer.
7. Arkansas (1-1)
The Hogs lost to Louisiana-Monroe.
Have fun with Alabama. At least Arkansas coach John L. Smith can swap stories with coach Saban about losing to the Warhawks.
8. Mississippi State (2-0)
Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen deserves a pat on the back after finally beating an SEC West team not named Ole Miss.
As bad as Auburn looked Saturday, I came away impressed with the Bulldogs’ quarterback Tyler Russell.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see them undefeated when they host Tennessee in Week 6.
9. Missouri (1-1)
There’s one lesson Mizzou can take away from its first taste of the SEC — it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. They could not hold its halftime lead over the Dawgs after opening strong.
The Tigers can’t take a week off as Arizona State comes to town this weekend.
10. Texas A&M (1-1)
The Aggies might have a new coach, but they’re still the best team in the country at giving away games in the second half.
They wasted their time coming out of the locker room after halftime, as Florida blanked them in the second half.
11. Auburn (0-2)
Quarterback Kiehl Frazier is the anti-Cam Newton.
ULM is next up on the slate for the Tigers. Can the Warhawks beat two SEC teams in a row?
12. Vanderbilt (0-2)
The Commodores could only muster 13 points for the second straight week, falling to Northwestern 23-13.
I know coach James Franklin hopes they put up a few more on the scoreboard against Presbyterian this week.
13. Kentucky (1-1)
The Wildcats recovered from a sloppy performance against Louisville to blow out Kent State at home, 47-14. I wonder if the Golden Flashes returned any punts for Kentucky like they did against Towson?
If you haven’t seen Kent State’s botched punt return, YouTube it. Now.
14. Ole Miss (2-0)
Don’t let the 2-0 start fool you. The Black Bears will get back to their losing ways this weekend as they travel to take on No. 14 Texas.
