SEC 2011 Power Rankings: The Tide Rises, Auburn Declawed and More

With the SEC Championship game matchup already set—South Carolina vs. Auburn—the necessity for articles discussing the ins and outs of the conference is basically nil.

But next season? That's a different story.

While the 2011 campaign doesn't begin for another nine or so months, it's never to early to speculate. How will 'Bama fare without McElroy, Ingram and Jones. Can Arkansas survive Ryan Mallett's NFL departure? Will The Swamp once again be a cemetery for opponents?

The answers to those questions won't come until late 2011. Unless, of course, you're inpatient and need information now.

If so, read on...

SEC East No. 6: Vanderbilt

The Numbers

• Current Record: 2-8, 1-6 SEC
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 10 / Def 8
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: NR

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 12
• Pass Offense: 11
• Rush Offense: 11
• Points For: 12

• Total Defense: 12
• Pass Defense: 10
• Rush Defense: 12
• Points Against: 11

2011 Capsule

Perennial SEC doormat Vanderbilt is primed for yet another cellar-dwelling season in 2011. The Commodores do return 18 starters, but is that a positive?

This year's Vandy squad ranks in the bottom three in every major statistical category. Anything more than two conference wins would be quite an achievement.

SEC East No. 5: Kentucky

The Numbers

• Current Record: 6-5, 2-5 SEC
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 6 / Def 10
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 31

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 3
• Pass Offense: 2
• Rush Offense: 6
• Points For: 4

• Total Defense: 6
• Pass Defense: 2
• Rush Defense: 11
• Points Against: 10

2011 Capsule

QB Mike Hartline graduates in May, so the Wildcats must begin 2011 with an unproven leader. Moreover, Kentucky loses its top runner (Derrick Locke) and second-leading receiver (Chris Matthews). UK's 2011 offense, then, is unlikely to produce numbers similar to this season's.

The defense, ranked sixth in yards against, should be much more experienced with 10 returning starters. Normally stronger offensively, Kentucky will rely on its D to win games in 2011.

Overall, the Wildcats should fight Tennessee for fourth place. If the defense fails to help the inexperienced offense, however, Kentucky just might battle Vanderbilt for "Least in the East."

SEC East No. 4: Tennessee

The Numbers

• Current Record: 4-6, 1-5 SEC
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 6 / Def 7
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 21

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 9
• Pass Offense:  5
• Rush Offense: 12
• Points For: 10

• Total Defense: 11
• Pass Defense: 7
• Rush Defense: 10
• Points Against: 9

2011 Capsule

Tennessee returns leading rusher Tauren Poole and QB Tyler Bray. UT's passing game, however, will take a hit with the loss of top wideouts Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Vols return seven of 11 starters, but will their experience equate to an improvement over 2010's porous defense?

Tennessee should again be on the low end of the SEC East. If so, Knoxville might welcome a new head coach in 2012.

SEC East No. 3: Florida

The Numbers

• Current Record: 6-4, 4-4
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 7 / Def 5
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 5

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 10
• Pass Offense: 7
• Rush Offense: 10
• Points For: 8

• Total Defense: 3
• Pass Defense: 4
• Rush Defense: 7
• Points Against: 5
  

2011 Capsule

Florida's top offensive players—QB John Brantley, RB Jeff Demps and WR Chris Rainey—should all return in 2011. However, the question remains: Can Brantley lead the Gators?

Florida, ranked 10th in total yards, needs to make significant strides through the air and on the ground to contend for the SEC East title.

UF's defense, currently No. 3 in the SEC, loses a huge chunk of its front seven. Will the fifth-ranked recruiting class help fill the defensive holes? Another question, another unknown answer.

In the end, the Gators could finish anywhere from third to first in the East. If Brantley fulfills his potential and Demps and Rainey see increased touches, Florida could make yet another appearance in the SEC Championship game.

SEC East No. 2: South Carolina

The Numbers

• Current Record: 7-3, 5-3 SEC
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 8 / Def 6
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 16

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 6
• Pass Offense: 6
• Rush Offense: 7
• Points For: 7

• Total Defense: 8
• Pass Defense: 12
• Rush Defense: 1
• Points Against: 4
  

2011 Capsule

Heisman-caliber running back Marcus Lattimore and ever-improving QB Stephen Garcia return to lead the Gamecocks offense. If WR Alshon Jeffery forgoes the NFL, look for a more explosive—and still well-balanced—attack in 2011.

Defensively, SC must sharpen its last-place pass defense. If they do—and the Gamecocks match this season's top-rated rush D—Spurrier's crew should be stronger on that side of the ball as well.

As long as Lattimore stays healthy and the pass defense buckles down, South Carolina has a bird's chance to repeat as SEC East champions.

SEC East No. 1: Georgia

The Numbers

• Current Record: 5-6, 3-5 SEC
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 8 / Def 8
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 15

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 7
• Pass Offense: 4
• Rush Offense: 9
• Points For: 5

• Total Defense: 4
• Pass Defense: 6
• Rush Defense: 6
• Points Against: 7
  

2011 Capsule

Though Georgia struggled mightily early in 2010, the team, behind freshman QB Aaron Murray's arm, is beginning to impress.

Murray, who might very well be the SEC's top QB in 2011, has the ability to lead UGA to the SEC East promised land, even without WR A.J. Green. Additionally, running back Washaun Ealey returns to lend balance to the Bulldogs offense.

The Georgia D, ranked middle-of-the-pack in most SEC categories, should raise those numbers with eight returning starters. Also, a strong recruiting class will add depth. The result: UGA might put the clamp down next season.

Analysts and fans expected too much from a young Georgia team this season. With the emergence of Murray and a talented and more experienced crew in 2011, the Bulldogs are the SEC East favorites in 2011.

SEC West No. 6: Mississippi

The Numbers

• Current Record: 4-6, 1-5 SEC
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 9 / Def 3
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 12

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 5
• Pass Offense: 9
• Rush Offense: 2
• Points For: 6

• Total Defense: 10
• Pass Defense: 9
• Rush Defense: 8
• Points Against: 12

2011 Capsule

The departure of signal-called Jeremiah Masoli certainly hurts Ole Miss, but the offense, ranked second in rushing thanks to Brandon Bolden's legs, returns nine starters and should pose problems for opposing defenses.

The D, however, could be the SEC's worst. Already ranked low in most team categories in 2010, Mississippi returns only three defensive starters. Unless the nation's No. 12 recruiting class includes stellar defensive prospects ready to contribute immediately, conference foes should run through and pass over the Rebels in 2011.

Silver lining? With a strong recruiting class, the SEC could witness an Ole Miss uprising in 2012 and beyond. But with a weak defense and new QB, don't expect much from the Rebels next season.

SEC West No. 5: Arkansas

The Numbers

• Current Record: 8-2, 4-2
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 6 / Def 7
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 20

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 2
• Pass Offense: 1
• Rush Offense: 8
• Points For: 2

• Total Defense: 5
• Pass Defense: 5
• Rush Defense: 9
• Points Against: 6

2011 Capsule

Without the future first or second pick in the NFL draft, Ryan Mallett, Arkansas will be down—way down—in 2011.

Though the Hogs return an exciting group of running backs led by Knile Davis, they won't so easily outscore opponents as they have this season behind Mallett's cannon.

With seven returning starters, the Arkansas defense, average at best in 2010, should see limited improvement. In 2011, however, limited won't get it done.

If the Razorbacks plan to contend in the West, the D will have to avoid engaging in shootouts, and the offense must control the football on the ground. Without Mallett, 50-47 victories won't be commonplace in 2011.

SEC West No. 4: Auburn

The Numbers

• Current Record: 11-0, 7-0 SEC
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 5 / Def 4
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 24

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 1
• Pass Offense: 8
• Rush Offense: 1
• Points For: 1

• Total Defense: 9
• Pass Defense: 11
• Rush Defense: 2
• Points Against: 8

2011 Capsule

The discussion begins and ends with Cam Newton.

With Newton's probable Heisman win and growing-by-the-day scandal, there's little reason to believe college football's most exhilarating player will be on Auburn's campus next season.

Without Newton in 2010, Auburn would be a four-loss team. Thankfully for the War Eagle, running back studs Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb return in 2011. But will the ground game be enough to (at least) somewhat offset CM's departure?

Auburn's defense, one of the league's worst, loses seven players. Expect opponents to torch next season's youthful squad, just as they have this year. The difference, however, will be that Newton won't be there to save the day.

SEC West No. 3: Mississippi State

The Numbers

• Current Record: 7-3, 3-3
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 8 / Def 7
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 25

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 8
• Pass Offense: 10
• Rush Offense: 3
• Points For: 11

• Total Defense: 7
• Pass Defense: 8
• Rush Defense: 3
• Points Against: 3

2011 Capsule

WIth quarterback Chris Relf and RB Vick Ballard returning, Mississippi State should continue chugging out rushing yards. If the passing games improves, the Bulldogs could surprise the country and battle Alabama and LSU for SEC West supremacy.

Defensively, MSU, with seven returning starters, should again be difficult to run against and score on. The D, however, needs to allow fewer yards through the air to contend in the Wild West.

Mississippi State is a program on the rise. As impressive as this season's team has been, watch for the Bulldogs to take another step forward in 2011.

SEC West No. 2: LSU

The Numbers

• Current Record: 9-1, 5-1
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 8 / Def 7
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 6

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 11
• Pass Offense: 12
• Rush Offense: 5
• Points For: 9

• Total Defense: 1
• Pass Defense: 1
• Rush Defense: 5
• Points Against: 2

2011 Capsule

Once again, LSU's defense should be fierce in 2011, even after cornerback Patrick Peterson bolts for the NFL. The offense, however, could remain a problem.

Although the Bayou Bengals are currently 9-1, their record is in spite of the offense, not because of it. For LSU to contend in the West—and nationally—quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee must make plays, not simply lead the team to field goals and hope the defense holds.

LSU is, more than anything, a team of ifs.

If...

...Jefferson makes significant progress, the Tigers have the ability to win the SEC West and compete for a National Championship.

If...

...Jefferson continues his struggles at quarterback, LSU will be a football or two short of title contention.

SEC West No. 1: Alabama

The Numbers

• Current Record: 9-2, 5-2
• Probable Returning Starters: Off 6 / Def 10
• 2011 Recruiting Class Rank: 2

Statistical Rank (SEC)

• Total Offense: 4
• Pass Offense: 3
• Rush Offense: 4
• Points For: 3

• Total Defense: 2
• Pass Defense: 3
• Rush Defense: 4
• Points Against: 1

2011 Capsule

WIth the graduation of quarterback Greg McElroy and the probable NFL leap of juniors Mark Ingram and Julio Jones, RB Trent Richardson will be called upon to carry the offensive load in 2011.

If the incoming QB—most likely A.J. McCarron—avoids turnovers and manages the game, the 'Bama offense should be adequate, if not better, which is enough because...

...the Tide will have the nation's best defense in 2011. With 10 returnees from this season's already-solid D, next season's version might be the best college football has seen in years.

If Alabama receives consistent quarterback play and Richardson puts up Heisman numbers, the Tide, with their killer D, could roll into the National Championship game in January of 2012.

SEC Championship Game: Georgia vs. Alabama

Georgia, led by future All-American Aaron Murray, will be the surprise of the SEC. The Dawgs, however, won't have enough firepower to match the Crimson Tide's devastating defense.

In December 2011, Alabama will defeat Georgia, 24-10, in the SEC title contest and advance to the National Championship game against...

...Nebraska?

...Boise State?

...Oregon?

...Ohio State?

Who knows what the future holds?