A third of the way through the regular season, the SEC still looks like the strongest league in America. For the second week in a row, it will have the marquee game in the nation.
Last week LSU traveled to Auburn and won a classic game on the road. This week, undefeated Alabama travels to Athens to take on the undefeated and national title contending Georgia Bulldogs.
Here's a progress report/ranking of the quarterbacks, running backs, and defenses in the SEC as I see them after Week Four.
QUARTERBACKS
1. Matt Stafford, Georgia
Stafford is off to a hot start leading the Bulldogs offense. Stafford has yet to throw a pick and is completing 61 percent of his passes.
2. Tim Tebow, Florida
Yes, I know, Tebow's numbers are way down from last year so far, but he's still completing 60 percent of his passes. Like Stafford, he hasn't thrown a pick this year.
3. Chris Smelley, South Carolina
This is probably a bit of a surprise to some, but Smelley has been good despite the Gamecocks losing their first two SEC games. He's completing a league high 64 percent of his passes and has thrown six touchdowns.
4. Jarrett Lee, LSU
OK, I'm sure some people are wondering about this, but hear me out. Anyone who watched Lee in the second half of the Auburn game realizes how good this kid can be. In limited action this season, he ranks as the league's third most efficient passer. If given the reins, he could have a great season.
5. John Parker Wilson, Alabama
Wilson isn't racking up the big numbers that he has in the past, but he's done what he needs to do so far. He's completing 60 percent of his passes and has only thrown one interception to five touchdowns.
6. Jevan Snead, Ole Miss
Snead is coming off a horrible four-interception game against Vanderbilt, but he's still a highly talented QB with ability to both run and throw. He's third in the league in yards per game.
7. Chris Todd, Auburn
Todd has been given the reins as the starter, even though the fans are still clamoring for backup Kodi Burns. Todd has been inconsistent so far, but he's thrown for 250 yards in two of his three starts, and his 250-yard performance and late TD throw against LSU almost won them the game.
8. Chris Nickson, Vanderbilt
Nickson has the Commodores at 4-0 and ranked for the first time since 1984. Nickson's ability to run is his best asset, but I'm still looking for that breakout game against a top-notch defense. He only managed 107 total yards against South Carolina earlier in the season.
9. Jonathan Crompton, Tennessee
I expected more out of Crompton so far, as I'm sure most Vol fans did as well. Crompton is only completing 56 percent of his passes, and has thrown four picks to two touchdowns. Crompton has yet to make any big plays, something the Vols desperately need this week at Auburn.
10. Casey Dick, Arkansas
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2 months ago
Solid write up. Cannot argue with much. With Tebow's role cut down (because of the crazy amount of talent every where else on the team), it is only natural that his passing stats.
How about ranking the special teams units? Florida is certainly #1 because they have the best punter and punt returner in the nation and a 4 for 4 FG kicker. Who is #2?
from 2 months ago
I don't know about special teams. I'd say LSU's has been solid with Trindon Holliday and their punters have been good.
from 2 months ago
Objectively speaking, Florida's special teams compared to LSU's.
Punt return Avg - Florida 24.6 > LSU 20.10
Punt return TD - Florida 2 > LSU 1
Punt average - Florida 49.0 > LSU 37.9
Kick return average - Florida 33.5 > 25.3
Blocked punts/safeties - Florida 1 > LSU 0
Florida has scored on special teams in all 3 games.
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