POWER RANKINGS

Breaking down the SEC

1. Alabama: With five SEC titles and four national championships in the last eight years, there’s really no other place to start the Crimson Tide than No. 1.

2. Auburn: The Tigers bring back the bulk of their starters on both sides of the ball, and the addition of Baylor transfer Jarrett Stidham should stabilize the quarterback situation.

3. Louisiana State: How different will the Tigers’ offense look under new coordinator Matt Canada? Based on stops at N.C. State and Pittsburgh the last few years, expect plenty of jet sweeps.

4. Florida: If the Gators can find a productive QB, they can be a top-10 team. Stability at that position has been missing for much of Jim McElwain’s tenure to date.

5. Georgia: The second-best defense in the SEC should reside in Athens.

6. Tennessee: The Volunteers get both Alabama and Louisiana State in crossover games.

7. Texas A&M: The Aggies have proven they can be good. But greatness has eluded them.

8. Mississippi State: Nick Fitzgerald grew into his role as Dak Prescott’s replacement.

9. Arkansas: Like Texas A&M, the Razorbacks could really use a breakout season.

10. Missouri: The Tigers defense needs to get back on track if they’re to go bowling.

11. Kentucky: The rebuild has gone methodically under Mark Stoops.

12. South Carolina: Another year of hovering around .500 is to be expected for the Gamecocks.

13. Mississippi: With a selfimposed bowl ban, the Rebels will play for pride this fall.

14. Vanderbilt: The opener at nearby Middle Tennessee has the potential to be a tricky one.