Ranking the SEC After Week Three: Are the Gators Still the SEC's Best?

Florida beat Tennessee, but by way less than what most predicted. Alabama looked good again, but is it enough to overtake the mighty Gators?

1. Florida

We found out the Gators don't have very many playmakers on the edge. We found out Tim Tebow can still get it down on the ground. Florida did not dominate as some expected Saturday but got the job done nevertheless with a few players under the weather.

2. Alabama

Bama covers the first game against a big-time opponent, falls asleep in the second one, and then wakes up for the third one. Now on to the games that really count on their march back to Atlanta.

3. Ole Miss

No letdowns yet in Oxford. The Rebels face their first challenge this Thursday at South Carolina. If they are an SEC Championship contender, they win games like this.

4. LSU

Tigers finally cover a spread and show off an improved defense. But something tells me Les Miles isn't letting the Tiger out of the bag just yet, especially on offense.

5. Georgia

Two straight offensive outbursts, though this one was much more expected. UGA fans have to be worried about their defense though, which was so maligned at the end of last year.

6. South Carolina

Gamecocks shake off early woes to defeat a decent Florida Atlantic team.

7. Auburn

I am probably rating the Tigers lower than some, and a 4-0 start likely awaits after this week. Is it Gene Chizik or Gus Malzahn where the turnaround lies?

8. Kentucky

Wildcats get their big chance in Lexington with No. 1 Florida coming to town this week. I hope that guy with the Lou Holtz sign "sufferin' succotash" is there again this year (I looked but couldn't find a picture of it).

9. Arkansas

Razorbacks and Ryan Mallett showed they can move the ball but cannot stop anyone—vintage Bobby Petrino.

10. Tennessee

Vols beat the 30-point spread with relative ease (and some help from the Gators), so that ignited Lane Kiffin to take a shot at Urban Meyer!

11. Miss State

Bulldogs get a big road win over Vanderbilt and some confidence. Now the next step is to play well in back-to-back weeks.

12. Vanderbilt

Commodores missed a prime opportunity for an SEC win. Might not be too many more for Bobby Johnson's team this year.

Now that I have ranked the teams from 1-12, let's place each of the teams into tiers with their SEC peers.

Tier I

Florida, Alabama

Tier II

Ole Miss, LSU

Tier III

Georgia, South Carolina, Auburn, Kentucky

Tier IV

Arkansas, Tennessee

Tier V

Miss State, Vanderbilt