« on: October 10, 2010, 03:38:09 PM »
Power Rankings...
4. Auburn 6-0
Last Week: W, at Kentucky 37-34
Next Up: Arkansas
Why The Ranking Should Be Higher: Half of the Tigers’ perfect mark has come against SEC teams, including a win over the same South Carolina squad that knocked off top-ranked Bama. The offense is rolling behind QB Cam Newton, who accounted for 408 yards and four scores in the escape in Lexington.
Why The Ranking Should Be Lower: Yeah, Kentucky has weapons, but this defense continues to be a big concern for Auburn. It now stands at No. 91 nationally against the pass after looking shaky versus Wildcat Mike Hartline. Fine, so Auburn might not be playing like the fourth best team in America, but it has to be ahead of South Carolina at the moment, and it has to be ahead of the Tide.
5. South Carolina 4-1
Last Week: W, Alabama 35-21
Next Up: at Kentucky
Why The Ranking Should Be Higher: The ‘Cocks had their way with No. 1 Alabama, snapping its 19-game winning streak. In a dominant all-around effort, South Carolina held Heisman winner Mark Ingram to 41 yards and sacked Greg McElroy seven times. Maligned QB Stephen Garcia got off the hot seat, throwing as many touchdowns—three—as incompletions.
Why The Ranking Should Be Lower: While the Gamecocks were near perfect on Saturday, they can be maddeningly inconsistent. The line has issues in pass protection, and it’s only a matter of time before Steve Spurrier contemplates benching Garcia in favor of rookie Connor Shaw again.
6. Alabama 5-1
Last Week: L, at South Carolina 35-21
Next Up: Ole Miss
Why The Ranking Should Be Higher: Good or bad, one game can never define a program. The Tide still possesses a wealth of defensive talent and the best combination of backs in the country. Plus, its only loss on the resume was a road game against a highly-ranked opponent.
Why The Ranking Should Be Lower: ‘Bama didn’t just lose in Columbia, it got exposed, rushing for only 36 yards, allowing seven sacks, and giving up 35 points for the first time in three years.
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