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The 2024 college football season has officially begun. While there were many big-time matchups and impressive performances from teams all across the country, the SEC had the spotlight. Whether it was a new era beginning in Tuscaloosa, or a disappointing start to what could be a long season in Gainesville, fans got a taste of what each program has to offer.
As teams prepare for their respective Week 2 matchups, we take a look at how each of the 16 SEC teams performed in Week 1. The first conference power rankings of the 2024 season for the SEC come with a few surprises, as a historic team sits at the bottom, while the top teams do not come as much of a shock.
Here are the SEC power rankings ahead of the Week 2 slate of college football games.
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Week 1: Loss to Miami at home, 41-17
There is an argument to be made that this spot belongs to South Carolina. However, the Florida Gators suffered an ugly loss at home to an in-state rival and the season only gets tougher from here. The roster suffered some injuries which will undoubtedly impact the team moving forward. However, there is just so much wrong with this team that it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where the Gators are their weakest. Next week, Florida takes on Samford, which should be a win, but who knows at this point.
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Week 1: Win over Old Dominion, 23-19
Did they win? Yes. Was it pretty? Not even close. This team has failed to meet even the most mitigated of expectations in recent seasons. Though they start 2024 1-0, it would be reasonable to expect this team to fail to make a bowl game. It will be another long season for Gamecocks fans unless something drastic happens in the next few weeks.
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Week 1: Defeated Eastern Kentucky 56-7
A good-looking win to begin the Jeff Lebby era in Starkville, but consistency will be key for the Bulldogs. Fans of Mississippi State may be hurt by seeing their team ranked this low after a dominant win, but it will take more than that to move up in this conference.
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Week 1: Win over Arkansas Pine Bluff 70-0
Sam Pittman entered the 2024 season on thin ice, so he had to open the season up with a statement win. Though his team put up an impressive 70 points, it failed to turn heads. In Week 2, the Arkansas Razorbacks take on UAB. Beginning in Week 3, Arkansas’s schedule gets much more difficult.
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Week 1: Loss at home to Notre Dame Fighting Irish , 23-13
A 10-point loss at home to a quality opponent stings, but it’s games like that that matter the most. Mike Elko lost in his first game as the head coach of the Texas A&M Aggies, so the team should bounce back. However, many had Texas A&M winning this one, especially with the intense home-field advantage. Don’t expect the Aggies to remain this loser as the season progresses.
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Week 1: Win over Virginia Tech, 34-27
If you are surprised to see Vanderbilt ranked this high, then cherish it. It was an unexpected win for the Commodores and it could be a sign of changing times in Nashville. They looked strong and could be a competitive mid-tier SEC team. There are plenty of opportunities for the Commodores to build upon this win, but there are just as many opportunities for the team to plunder. Expect their rankings to fluctuate greatly as the season goes on.
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Week 1: Loss to USC Trojans in Las Vegas, 27-20
Another Week 1 loss for Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers. This is the fifth consecutive season-opening loss for the team. Kelly has yet to win one at the helm of the Tigers program. This team has a capable roster to be competitive in the SEC, but they certainly did not start on the right foot.
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Week 1: Defeated Southern Miss, 31-0
A strong win to start the season has the Kentucky Wildcats entering Week 2 with a record of 1-0, but consistency will be key. We have seen the Wildcats start off hot, but fall off heavily in the latter half of the year. Only time will tell how this team will be remembered.
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Week 1: Defeated Alabama A&M, 73-3
Fans weren’t too sure how to feel about this year’s Auburn Tigers football team. After a strong outing against Alabama A&M, there’s a certain buzz. Though the true test will come in the following weeks as they take on some stronger opponents, the team looks quality, with both the offense and the defense showing signs of promise.
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Week 1: Win over Temple, 51-3
Welcome to the SEC, Oklahoma Sooners! Well, not really. The Sooners earned a decisive win over Temple, but will have to win against SEC teams to move up in these rankings. This season is fixing to be interesting for Oklahoma.
Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY Sports
Week 1: Win over Murray State 51-0
Missouri is one of the most underrated teams in all of college football. Last season, the Tigers were serious competitors. With plenty of high-powered talent returning, especially on the offensive side of the ball, Missouri starts the season off on the right foot with a shutout victory.
Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Week 1: Win over Chattanooga 69-3
The Tennessee Volunteers could be dangerous in 2024. Though Week 1 didn’t show us too much, we know that this team has an offense capable of doing some serious damage. SEC play will be interesting as the Vols progress throughout the season.
Will McLelland-USA TODAY Sports
Week 1: Defeated Western Kentucky, 63-0
The Kalen DeBoer era is underway in Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama Crimson Tide came out swinging. A statement win in Week 1 highlighted the strength of the defense and the poise of the offense. This team could easily move up in the rankings if they play that hard every week.
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Week 1: Win over Furman, 76-0
An offense coached by Lane Kiffin is one of the scariest sights in college football. Ole Miss kicked off the 2024 season by holding Furman scoreless while putting up a whopping 76 points. Let’s see how this team fares against tougher defenses, but it should still be fun to watch.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Week 1: Win over Colorado State, 52-0
Colorado State is actually one of the tougher opponents on this list and the Texas Longhorns managed to make a shutout win look easy. This team has the ability to make a deep postseason run, but let’s make it through the regular season first.
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Week 1: Beat Clemson in Atlanta, 34-3
The Georgia Bulldogs took some time to warm up, but they dominated the Clemson Tigers in their Week 1 “neutral site” matchup. Kirby Smart and the Dawgs sit atop the SEC for now, but it would take a lot to dethrone them.
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/college-football-sec-power-rankings-2024-week-2/