College Football Rankings: SEC Top-5 Power Rankings
By Joe Wedra
Be honest — you miss college football down south in the SEC just like the rest of us. You’re not fooling anybody. You’re craving college football rankings just like we are. Especially, SEC power rankings.
It’s early. We get it.
Is it ever too early for SEC talk, though?
No. The answer is no.
Join us, won’t you? Fall is just a season away. You need to be prepared, and we have you covered. Let’s do this thing. First up? The clear favorite.
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1. Auburn Tigers
Auburn lost a lot on offense to the NFL Draft, but pieces are in place to make more electric than when Nick Marshall was at the helm. QB Jeremy Johnson appears to be ready for the SEC spotlight, and he’ll have a balanced rushing attack to help him along.
Not to mention, the defense will have undergone a major overhaul that now places Will Muschamp at the controls. If Carl Lawson can return to his pre-ACL tear form, he can establish himself as one of the best — if not the top dog — in the conference. Remember, expactations were through the roof before 2014. There’s no reason to believe he can’t build on his past success in a major way.
It’s too early to project anything, but this Tigers team looks to be the favorite in an ever-changing SEC.
2a. Ole Miss Rebels
Oh, the classic “well, there’s no quarterback” debate will spark up on this one.
Here’s the bottom line: there are too many pieces in place for a monstrous year for this Ole Miss team to struggle, no matter the signal-caller. Injuries are lingering at the moment, there no denying that. There’s also no contesting that if healthy, this team can make strides very quickly.
At the moment, it sure appears Chad Kelly is the guy, barring more off-field issues. If ready to take on a leadership role, he’ll possess the shoulders for Rebel fans to rely on — hopefully, not to cry on.
2b. Georgia Bulldogs
It’s difficult to stick Georgia down on the list much farther than Ole Miss. The two are made up fairly similarly at this point — both possessing major strengths and weaknesses on both sides. With that, you have a potential for inconsistency that can’t be ignored.
The spotlight will almost certainly center around RB Nick Chubb, who is ready to break out of the Todd Gurley shadows and carve his own corner into the Georgia record books. With almost 1800 yards of total offense in 2014 in his possession, expectations are high. He should be ready; it’s on the coaching staff to find the quarterback of the future.
He’ll be on the back of everyone’s radar, but look out for Sony Michel to break out behind Chubb. Believe me, Georgia fans are aware of what this kid can bring — he’s ready to break out as well.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide
You didn’t think we could leave out Alabama, did you?
This team will be fun to watch yet again, if nothing else other than the fact that there’s so much turnaround in several key spots.
Is Jake Coker really the answer to the QB issue? Some would argue he’s not ready. Others (looking at you, ‘Bama fans) are convinced he’s the answer. Down the road, that’s the burning question. Derrick Henry is ready to take the #1 spot and shine at the top of the depth chart. On the other side of the ball, there’s little doubt things are going to go swimmingly.
Now? They’re ranked at 4. At the end of the year — if Coker can face the SEC with poise — a trip to the Playoff could be calling.
5. Tennessee Volunteers
Let’s give the Vols some credit. Defense and a running game can win you a whole lot of games in the SEC. For now, it appears pieces are shaping up to follow that in 2015.
We know the running game is going to step up, but what about Josh Dobbs? All signs point to him filling the leadership role under center. If he can get going, the sky is the limit.
They’re a sleeper pick at this point, but a future role in the top-25 doesn’t seem out of reach.