According to ESPN,

[AWK]

We are only better than Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt...

SEC power rankings

By Chris Low and Edward Aschoff

We have spent months analyzing players, schemes and coaches, but we are finally here.

In just a couple of days, the 2011 college football season will begin (thank you Mississippi State and Kentucky).

To kick off game week, we at the SEC blog have constructed our own power rankings to lead you into the season. This is an outlook on the season after taking into consideration a number of team items, including talent, experience and injuries.

Each week we'll bring you our thoughts on the state of the SEC's teams and things will no doubt change each week. Play well and your stock goes up. Drift under potential and you'll see yourself fall in our rankings.

Without further ado, here are our first batch of SEC power rankings for the 2011 season:

1. Alabama: The Tide enter the season as one of the most complete teams in the nation. Ten starters are back on defense and it’d be hard to find a better secondary and linebacker unit. It’s Trent Richardson’s time at running back and while Alabama’s quarterback options are young and inexperienced, they are both very talented and ready to lead.

2. LSU: This team could have seriously contended with Alabama for the No. 1 spot if not for the suspensions of senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson and wide receiver Russell Shepard for at least the opener. But the Tigers aren’t sunk. Veteran Jarrett Lee takes over at quarterback and he still has plenty of weapons on offense. Defensively, this group might be the most athletic around and has the ability to carry the Tigers this fall.

3. Arkansas: The season-ending injury to Knile Davis might have initially hindered the Razorbacks’ chances at a title run, but there is still a wealth of talent on offense. Tyler Wilson has four more than capable options at receiver and there is depth at running back. Defensively, this is the best group coach Bobby Petrino has had in Fayetteville.

4. South Carolina: Steve Spurrier claims to have the best team he’s ever had in Columbia and the Gamecocks are the most complete team in the East. With their main playmakers back on offense and the defense loaded with talent, the Gamecocks are primed to make it back-to-back trips to the SEC title game.

5. Georgia: Before attrition and injuries delivered some unwanted hits to the offense this offseason, the Bulldogs were being heralded as a team that could seriously compete for the conference title. There is still firepower on offense, starting with quarterback Aaron Murray, and the defense has a plethora of speed all around, but keeping that offensive line healthy is key.

6. Mississippi State: This set of Bulldogs has been a popular dark horse pick in the West. The offense is loaded and has depth for days at the skill positions. Three starting linebackers have to be replaced, but Mississippi’s State’s secondary is as athletic as any defensive backfield and should regularly frustrate opposing quarterbacks this fall.

7. Florida: The Gators usher in a new coaching staff, but still have a ton of questions on offense. As usual, the defense has loads of speed, especially in the front seven, but the loss of Janoris Jenkins raises concerns about the secondary. But for Florida to succeed, quarterback John Brantley will have to rediscover his confidence.

8. Tennessee: There is no doubt that the Volunteers will be able to score a handful of points this fall, but keeping opponents off the scoreboard could be an issue. Coach Derek Dooley considers this year one for him at Tennessee and he and his team are looking for a fresh start in 2011.

9. Auburn: The defending national champion must replace almost all of a team that went undefeated in 2010. Cam Newton is gone, leaving Mike Dyer and Onterio McCalebb to shoulder most of the offense load. There is talent on the Plains, but only six starters return, meaning there will be plenty of growing pains.

10. Ole Miss: The Rebels are looking for anything better than their 4-8 2010 campaign. Ole Miss is young across the board and is breaking in a quarterback in Barry Brunetti, who has nine career pass attempts. Outside of an experienced backfield and offensive line, the Rebels have questions at pretty much every position.

11. Kentucky: Playmakers that made the Wildcats’ offense go last season are gone, which will make new starting quarterback Morgan Newton’s that much more challenging. The defense struggled mightily last season, but new defensive coordinator Rick Minter has brought in his popular multiple schemes. This team needs to find offense playmakers and team toughness.

12. Vanderbilt: There is more excitement and confidence in Nashville, thanks to new coach James Franklin. The Commodores return more than 20 starters, but those starters went 2-10 last season. Franklin has proved he can recruit and fire up an almost lifeless fan base, but now it’s time to coach -- and win.

http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/26764/sec-power-rankings-20

[Townhallsavoy]

Same ole same ole for Auburn.  Whatev. 

1. Alabama: The Tide enter the season as one of the most complete teams in the nation. Ten starters are back on defense and it’d be hard to find a better secondary and linebacker unit. It’s Trent Richardson’s time at running back and while Alabama’s quarterback options are young and inexperienced, they are both very talented and ready to lead.

 

That "complete defense" gave up 35 points, 24 points, and 28 points in their three losses last year.  They also gave up 20 to Arkansas and could have given up more if Mallett hadn't shat the bed. 

And they lost their most dominant defensive player. 

[AWK]

This is the best...

7. Florida: The Gators usher in a new coaching staff, but still have a ton of questions on offense. As usual, the defense has loads of speed, especially in the front seven, but the loss of Janoris Jenkins raises concerns about the secondary. But for Florida to succeed, quarterback John Brantley will have to rediscover his confidence.

Mr. Low, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

[djsimp]

This is the best...

Mr. Low, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Okay, a simple "wrong" would've done just fine.

[GH2001]

I usually like Low, but this was some idiotic logic.

[Jumbo]

This is the best...

Mr. Low, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Oh Billy.

[The Prowler]

Same ole same ole for Auburn.  Whatev. 

1. Alabama: The Tide enter the season as one of the most complete teams in the nation. Ten starters are back on defense and it’d be hard to find a better secondary and linebacker unit. It’s Trent Richardson’s time at running back and while Alabama’s quarterback options are young and inexperienced, they are both very talented and ready to lead.

 

That "complete defense" gave up 35 points, 24 points, and 28 points in their three losses last year.  They also gave up 20 to Arkansas and could have given up more if Mallett hadn't shat the bed. 

And they lost their most dominant defensive player.

Both of uat's QBs are very talented and are born leaders....Auburn's QBs wear helmets when they aren't on the field.

[AUChizad]

I don't see how any rational person can look at us and Bama and see that grand-canyon sized chasm between them. Let alone every person.

To me, the SEC looks pretty damn even. Huge question marks on pretty much every team. I would have thought LSU & Arkansas would be front-runners, but then Kniles Davis's knee, and then the whole Shady's Bar debacle happened. I see two just as untested QBs at Alabama as I do at Auburn, except we've at least picked one. Yeah, we lose Newton and Fairley. They lose McElroy, Dareus, Ingram & Julio. I would think the impact of losing those four players outweighs the two we lost that justify saying we won't be able to compete with Miss State without them.  And I'm sorry, but I don't see this defense as the greatest of all time. As THS pointed out:

That "complete defense" gave up 35 points, 24 points, and 28 points in their three losses last year.

I get that it's just a part of being an Auburn fan to always be underestimated, and always have your rival be way overrated. I guess I thought that would at least be turned down a notch after we won the nattie. It seems like it's actually gotten worse. How it's such a locked consensus that Alabama is going to win the SEC and we're going to struggle to get to .500 is baffling. As I said before, I'm seeing a lot of parity in the SEC. You would think if these "professionals" put original thought into it, they would have similarly varying rankings of the SEC teams.

All that being said, fuck'em. It'll make it that much sweeter when they're proven wrong again.

[Saniflush]

I'm not convinced that the fight even hurts LSU.

LSU was gonna bang on defense and their running game. 

I hear Jefferson's punches were as wobbly as his passes.

[noxin]

I hear Jefferson's punches were as wobbly as his passes.

But he kicks like Bruce Lee

[Townhallsavoy]

I get that it's just a part of being an Auburn fan to always be underestimated, and always have your rival be way overrated.

It's much more fun that way.  We'll enjoy winning more, and Alabama fans will squirm like crazy if they don't meet expectations.

[Token]

Same ole same ole for Auburn.  Whatev. 

1. Alabama: The Tide enter the season as one of the most complete teams in the nation. Ten starters are back on defense and it’d be hard to find a better secondary and linebacker unit. It’s Trent Richardson’s time at running back and while Alabama’s quarterback options are young and inexperienced, they are both very talented and ready to lead.

 

That "complete defense" gave up 35 points, 24 points, and 28 points in their three losses last year.  They also gave up 20 to Arkansas and could have given up more if Mallett hadn't shat the bed. 

And they lost their most dominant defensive player.

That complete defense last year had to replace 8 starters, 3 of which were All-Americans.  And that shitty game against Arkansas was their first game on the road, and they held a team that averaged 38.4 to a season low of 20.  Yeah, they got their ass kicked by South Carolina (on the road).  They gave up 24 to LSU (on the road) and they gave up 28 to Auburn, who average 41 a game.  Of course, you forgot to mention that shitty defense ended the season ranked #3 in scoring defense.

Now they have a year of playing together under their belt.  They have the leader of the defense back (Hightower).  They are replacing 1 starter.  And the road games consist of Ole Miss, Mississipi State, Auburn and Florida?  I'm feeling damn good about the possibilities. 

My concern on offense isn't the new QB, it's whether or not dumbass Richardson will remain eligible.  After all, I watched a new starter take Alabama to a MNC in 2009 with a strong running game and strong defense.  Am I expecting another MNC?  Not with Oregon and Oklahoma playing their pussy assed schedule.  Do I believe they have a great shot at the SEC Championship?  Damn right. 

[Snaggletiger]

That complete defense last year had to replace 8 starters, 3 of which were All-Americans.  And that shitty game against Arkansas was their first game on the road, and they held a team that averaged 38.4 to a season low of 20.  Yeah, they got their ass kicked by South Carolina (on the road).  They gave up 24 to LSU (on the road) and they gave up 28 to Auburn, who average 41 a game.  Of course, you forgot to mention that shitty defense ended the season ranked #3 in scoring defense.

Now they have a year of playing together under their belt.  They have the leader of the defense back (Hightower).  They are replacing 1 starter.  And the road games consist of Ole Miss, Mississipi State, Auburn and Florida?  I'm feeling damn good about the possibilities. 

My concern on offense isn't the new QB, it's whether or not dumbass Richardson will remain eligible.  After all, I watched a new starter take Alabama to a MNC in 2009 with a strong running game and strong defense.  Am I expecting another MNC?  Not with Oregon and Oklahoma playing their pussy assed schedule.  Do I believe they have a great shot at the SEC Championship?  Damn right.

Halt with your alleged facts. 

[Townhallsavoy]

That complete defense last year had to replace 8 starters, 3 of which were All-Americans.  And that shitty game against Arkansas was their first game on the road, and they held a team that averaged 38.4 to a season low of 20.  Yeah, they got their ass kicked by South Carolina (on the road).  They gave up 24 to LSU (on the road) and they gave up 28 to Auburn, who average 41 a game.  Of course, you forgot to mention that shitty defense ended the season ranked #3 in scoring defense.

Now they have a year of playing together under their belt.  They have the leader of the defense back (Hightower).  They are replacing 1 starter.  And the road games consist of Ole Miss, Mississipi State, Auburn and Florida?  I'm feeling damn good about the possibilities. 

My concern on offense isn't the new QB, it's whether or not dumbass Richardson will remain eligible.  After all, I watched a new starter take Alabama to a MNC in 2009 with a strong running game and strong defense.  Am I expecting another MNC?  Not with Oregon and Oklahoma playing their pussy assed schedule.  Do I believe they have a great shot at the SEC Championship?  Damn right.

I think you're a lock for the SEC championship, and I think the defense is going to be very good.

But this talk of "better than 2009 and 1992" is ridiculous.  Even you've admitted that. 

You're hoping those guys who struggled last year in big games get better.  No one actually knows how they're going to perform. 

Not to mention the fact that numerous people are saying Alabama is in position to go undefeated even with a two quarterback system.  (See Collegefootballnews.com)  Why?  Because the defense is a lock to be the best of all time. 

[Token]

For the record, McCarron was named the starter today.  You know, because black kids can't play qb at Alabama.   

And I think we all agree about preseason talks.  No one really knows what's going to happen.  If you would have told me that Auburn was going to win the BCS after struggling against MSU and Clemson, I would have called you an idiot.  I would have been wrong.

I was just pointing out the fact that Bama's defense will be very good.  Great, even.

[AUTailgatingRules]

For the record, McCarron was named the starter today.  You know, because black kids can't play qb at Alabama.   

And I think we all agree about preseason talks.  No one really knows what's going to happen.  If you would have told me that Auburn was going to win the BCS after struggling against MSU and Clemson, I would have called you an idiot.  I would have been wrong.

I was just pointing out the fact that Bama's defense will be very good.  Great, even.

A.J. looked pretty good on that last drive of the Iron Bowl last year....wait, maybe not so much

[jmar]

For the record, McCarron was named the starter today.  You know, because black kids can't play qb at Alabama.   

And I think we all agree about preseason talks.  No one really knows what's going to happen.  If you would have told me that Auburn was going to win the BCS after struggling against MSU and Clemson, I would have called you an idiot.  I would have been wrong.

I was just pointing out the fact that Bama's defense will be very good.  Great, even.

The word you are searching for is dominating.

[atticus]

AU's schedule is absolutely brutal.  I wonder if the media would be proclaiming Oregon such a powerhouse if they had to play our schedule this year.  The talent is there, but even with last years team getting through this schedule with less than 2 losses would have been difficult.  That's life in the SEC.  I think our boys are gonna shock some folks, but there is likely to be some rough moments as well and I'm excited to see it all go down.  Can't wait!  War Eagle

[JR4AU]

But this talk of "better than 2009 and 1992" is ridiculous.   

It's one of their favorite comparisons to make, even when there's no basis for it.  "Paaaawl, how you thank this year's dee fence stacks up agin that '92 team Paaaaawl?  Pawl, I's thank they could be even better Pawwl...cuz Pawl, Coach Sabin is rally coachin' 'em up out thar Paaaaawl.  Paaaawl, I'll hang up and lissen Paaawl". 

[Token]

The problem with that argument is, it's the national media making the comparison.  This isn't a quote from bleacherreport.dumbass.