SEC Power Rankings: Week 1

Wasn't that fun? We just had our first four days of the college football season and already some teams are beginning to separate themselves from others. Some disappointed, others impressed, but no matter they did, each week you can find where each team ranks with the SEC Power Rankings

Which brings me to something. Why power? I've never understood why we describe these ordered lists with "Power" when they are not based on "power" but on how good we think teams are relative to other teams. I digress.

Here is your first week of rankings (of POWER):

1) Alabama- It's hard to move this team out of the top spot no matter how "poorly" it performed, according to its followers. The offensive line has some room for improvement, but the Crimson Tide defense "only" managed to hold Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas to 5-of-26 for 59 yards and an interception. If only Saban had not played in the national title game he could have game planned for the Hokie offense better.

2) LSU- The Tigers new-look offense under offensive coordinator Cam Cameron looked real good against a defense that led the Big 12 a year ago. The defense had trouble with the read-option when the Horned Frogs switched to Trevone Boykin in the second half, but quickly adjusted. LSU coach Les Miles didn't seem too concerned telling reporters after the game, "They looked like an LSU defense to me."

3) South Carolina- Jadeveon Clowney all but lost his Heisman bid because of poor conditioning so says the national media, meanwhile holding the Tar Heels to less than 100 yards of rushing on 36 attempts. Also Arkansas fans, former Hog Kane Whitehurst hauled in a touchdown reception.

4)Texas A&M- Johnny will be Johnny, and you will either love him or hate him for it. He doesn't care. But something you may not know: The offense scored more points without him than when he was in the game. Can you say quarterback controversy? /wink

5) Georgia- The Mark Richt-Aaron Murray duo lost another game against a top-15 opponent, pulling them to a sour 1-10 in the past four years. Really though they were a botched field goal snap away from a tied game. National title hopes should not be lost in Athens though. I have argued all offseason that the matchup with South Carolina matters more in terms of them getting to Pasadena. The bad news? The Gamecocks have an outstanding defensive line and are ranked in the top 15 (No. 6)

6) Florida- Another ho-hum victory for Will Muschamp and his Gators. The defense looked stout, holding Toledo to 1-of-13 in 3rd down conversions, and will get tested this Saturday against Miami. Jeff Driskel continues to look like the Jeff Driskel we have come to know; never overly impressive.

7) Ole Miss- Have you heard about the Rebels new recruiting class? You only needed to watch about 30 seconds of the TV telecast to hear Matt Millen go on and on ad nauseam about it. That said, the 2013 recruiting class led by Robert Nkemdiche and Laquon Treadwell played huge roles in a SEC road win, which are hard to come by. With an injury suffered during the game the offensive line, word is their other prized signee, Laremy Tunsil will start this week.

8) Vanderbilt- Ole Miss is at No. 7; Vandy can't be too far behind. If it wasn't for a poor defensive effort on the Rebels' last possession the Commodores have a 'W.'

9) Arkansas- The Razorbacks came out and ran the ball. Not a big surprise under a Bret Bielema coached team. But the offensive efficiency as a whole was what was most impressive. They put together a near nine-minute drive at the end of the game, something Arkansas fans aren't used to seeing. The defensive line proved it is undoubtedly the strength of the defense.

10)Tennessee- Anytime you post a shutout, albeit against an FBS team, it's a good day at the office. Volunteer fans have to be happy so far with coach Butch Jones. Watch this week to see how legit Bobby Petrino's team is as they try to take down its second SEC team in as many weeks as the Hilltoppers travel to Neyland Stadium.

11) Auburn- Nick Marshall played much more like a safety filling in for an injured quarterback than a starting quarterback. The strength of this offense was found in running back Corey Grant, who tallied 146 yards on nine carries.

12) Missouri- This was the quietest win of all in the SEC, as the Tigers put up almost 700 yards of offense against Murray State.

13) Mississippi State- The Dan Mullen honeymoon is officially over in Starkville. The Bulldogs put up one field goal on the scoreboard to a team that allowed 82 points in their final two regular season games last season.

14) Kentucky- Though Mark Stoops has done well on the recruiting trail, it is all for naught if he cannot win football games. Consecutive losses to Western Kentucky is not a good sales pitch to high schoolers.

Click here to see the full poll results on Team Speed Kills.

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A native of Arkansas now calling the Hogs from yonder in Georgia, you can follow Graham on Twitter @grahamreaves or read his blog, On My Mind In Georgia.