Week 4 SEC conference power rankings
2-1 (0-0 SEC). . . . 524. . Week 3 Result: 37-27 win vs. UAB. Ark. . 11
Last week: 9 (-2)
Arkansas had a bit of a first-half hangover in what looked to be a potential upset scare at home in Fayetteville last weekend against the UAB Blazers. But Arkansas rallied behind its high-octane rushing attack in the second half to get the 10-point home win.
The Razorbacks need to show more balance on offense while riding the legs of dual-threat quarterback Taylen Green and standout running back Ja'Quinden Jackson if they want to topple Auburn on the road in their SEC opener this weekend.
. . . OU. 3-0 (0-0 SEC). Week 3 Result: 34-19 win vs. Tulane. 10. . 464.
Last week: 11 (+1)
There are still a bevy of concerns the Oklahoma Sooners are facing on offense after the season's first three weeks. The offensive line is struggling to keep the pocket protected and to move bodies off the line of scrimmage to block for the ground game. OU has had to rely entirely too much on starting quarterback Jackson Arnold running and passing the ball to move the chains on offense during non-conference play.
Oklahoma's defense is the real deal, and looks like one of the best units on this side of the ball in the SEC this fall. Brent Venables' defense will be tested in a massive way this weekend against a Tennessee Volunteers offense averaging nearly 640 total yards per game and 64 points after three weeks.
SC. . . 2-1 (1-1 SEC). 9. . . . Week 3 Result: 36-33 loss to LSU. 533
Last week: 8 (-1)
South Carolina's strong start against LSU last weekend was unfortunately all for not after a second half filled with turnover mistakes and penalties. This Gamecocks' squad does look better than advertised in the preseason rankings and polls. Head coach Shane Beamer can get his squad back on the right side of the win column in Week 4 at home against Akron.
529. Week 3 Result: 36-33 win vs. South Carolina. . . . LSU. . . 2-1 (1-0 SEC). 8
Last week: 7 (-1)
It wasn't pretty, but LSU and head coach Brian Kelly found a way to escape South Carolina with a narrow victory in Week 3 in their SEC play opener last weekend. LSU has found a way to make things interesting no matter the level of competition in every game they've played this season, regardless if its FCS Nicholls State or a top-25 ranked USC Trojans squad at a neutral site.
LSU has a chance to beat a rebuilding UCLA Bruins squad as a double-digit home favorite in Week 4.