Week 5 SEC conference power rankings
Week 4 Result: 34-17 win vs. UCLA. LSU. 3-1 (1-0 SEC). . 529. . 7. . .
Last week: 8 (+1)
LSU played a good second half, but still struggled on defense to put away a UCLA Bruins squad from the Big Ten that hasn't even scored 20 points in a single game early this season. First-year starter at quarterback Garret Nussmeier continues to shine, throwing for over 350 yards and three scores with no interceptions in the three-score win over UCLA.
I expect another tough test for the Tigers' defense in non-conference play this weekend against a South Alabama Jaguars offense that is very physically and ranks top 10 in the nation in total offense, yards per play, and scoring offense, this season.
. . Mizzou. . Week 4 Result: 30-27 OT win vs. Vanderbilt. . . 4-0 (1-0 SEC). 6. 531
Last week: 6 (--)
Nothing has come easy for Mizzou at home in the past two weeks in very tight wins over the Boston College Eagles and Vanderbilt last weekend. Mizzou couldn't excecute late in the game to put Vandy away in regulation last Saturday. It took Vandy missing an OT field goal to stave off the upset for the Tigers.
Mizzou needs to regroup during their bye week to get on the same page on both sides of the ball before the rest of SEC play.
. . 5. . Ole Miss. . Week 4 Result: 52-13 win vs. Georgia Southern. . 4-0 (0-0 SEC). 532
Last week: 5 (--)
Ole Miss has dominated its four opponents in non-conference play. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, the national leader in passing yards, has formed maybe the best QB-to-wide receiver connection in college football this season with standout wide receiver Tre Harris. Harris leads the nation in receptions and receiving yards, including over 200 yards in Ole Miss's 52-13 win last week over Georgia Southern.
The competition ramps up for Ole Miss this weekend at home against Kentucky and head coach Mark Stoops in their SEC opener.
. 4. . . 527. Georgia. Week 4 Result: BYE. . 3-0 (1-0 SEC).
Last week: 4 (--)
Georgia and head coach Kirby Smart had the bye week to rest up and prepare for one of their biggest matchups of the season in SEC play this upcoming weekend on the road against Alabama. Heisman contender quarterback Jalen Milroe and the Tide will test Georgia's defense in a hostile environment on the road in a rematch of last year's SEC Championship Game.