Welcome to the first edition of my weekly SEC power rankings. All topics and rankings are solely based on my observations of all the SEC teams after each week. These are in no way correct opinions, just the way I view the pecking order of the nation’s most dominant college football conference. Teams 1-6 are the contenders, Ole Miss is good but not up to par with the big boys yet, and the 8-13 teams will probably stay in that range all season.

1. Alabama

Last Week: 35-10 Win over Va. Tech

This week: Bye

The Tide defense looked strong against a Hokie team that was physically over-matched at just about every position. The offense on the other hand, looked out of sync and were it not for the spectacular play of receiver/ return specialist Christion Jones this game could have been a nail-biter, but good teams seize opportunities to win and ‘Bama did just that this past Saturday. The Tide get a bye week to solve their offensive line issues before their hyped showdown with Johnny Football and Texas A&M on 9/14.

2. South Carolina

Last Week: 27-10 Win over UNC

This Week: 9/7 at UGA

The Gamecocks did what they were supposed to against the Tar Heels. They took control of the game early behind a strong run game and did not let up. As out of breath as Jadeveon Clowney looked this past week, he is salivating at the opportunity to once again terrorize UGA, especially after the Bulldog offensive line struggled to contain a very average Clemson defensive line. Steve Spurrier also sees a struggling Georgia defense and an opportunity to seize early control of the SEC East.

3. Texas A&M

Last Week: 52-31 Win over Rice

This Week: 9/7 vs. Sam Houston State

The Aggies struggled for the first half to create any separation versus lowly Rice, but once Johnny Manziel took over after serving his half-game suspension, all doubts about the game were erased. The Aggie offense looks as potent as ever, but they have one more game to make adjustments to a defense that gave up 306 rushing yards to Rice before Bama rolls into college station looking for revenge for last year’s loss in Tuscaloosa.

4. LSU

Last Week: 37-27 Win over TCU

This Week: 9/7 vs. UAB

LSU registered the best SEC win of the week by beating a well coached TCU team. The Bayou Bengals just keep replacing one defensive stud with another and definitely will have a say in the SEC West race and potentially the SEC Title before the 2013 season is done. If Zach Mettenberger continues his solid play at the quarterback position LSU will have its most potent offense since the JaMarcus Russell years.

5. Florida

Last Week: 24-6 Win over Toledo

This week: 9/7 at The U

The Gators plodded and pounded their way to an uneventful win over the Rockets. If you like teams that grind out games with defense and ball possession, the Gators are for you. All of that said, Miami brings an explosive offensive attack and stud all-purpose running back Duke Johnson that could pose problems for the Gators. However, I would expect the Gators to grind out a win against the Canes due to their significant advantage at the lines of scrimmage.

6. Georgia

Last Week: Lost 38-35 to Clemson

This Week: 9/7 vs. South Carolina

What the hell happened to UGA’s offensive line? They got dominated by an average Clemson front four, despite basically having the same offensive line that paved the way for the SEC’s best offense in 2012. Yes, Georgia can pop right back into the national title race with a win versus the Gamecocks this week, but with Clowney and company looming this weekend, even the most delusional Bulldog fans can not feel good. Georgia’s offense is going to have to win games as the defense is breaking in so many new players on the 2-deep, and if the offensive line continues to struggle, the Bulldogs season could snowball quickly. This team has too much talent to keep struggling, but even the die-hard UGA fans have to wonder if they have hit their ceiling with Mark Richt.

7. Ole Miss

Last Week: Won 39-35 over Vandy

This Week: 9/7 vs. SE Missouri State

After winning an absolutely wild game against the Commodores, the Rebel Black Bears are seeing early returns on their renowned 2013 recruiting class. This team is still a year or two away from really competing in the SEC West, but the future looks bright in Oxford. Bo Wallace is far from a perfect quarterback, but he’s a gamer and a guy I would want on my team. Kudos to the Ole Miss fans for bringing a large presence to Nashville.

8. Vanderbilt

Last Week: Lost 39-35 to Ole Miss

This Week: 9/7 vs. Austin Peay

The Commodores closed Thursday’s game out like the Vanderbilt of old. And by that I mean that they found a way to lose that game. Jordan Matthews is an absolute stud, but nobody on else on that offense is going to really keep defensive coordinators awake at night. The defense looked solid, especially in pass-rushing situations. This team will make a bowl game because of its cupcake schedule, starting with a relaxing win over Austin Peay this week.

9. Auburn

Last Week: Won 31-24 over Wazzu

This Week: 9/7 vs. Arkansas State

The Tigers scored a nice debut win for new head coach Gus Malzahn. They look to have the makings of a strong rushing attack this season. Next up is a game versus Arkansas State,  an opponent who like Western Kentucky for Tennessee, could be stronger than their name suggests.

10. Miss State

Last Week: Lost 21-3 to Oklahoma State

This Week: 9/7 vs. Alcorn State

The offense was nonexistent for Dan Mullen and his Bulldogs against Big 12 favorite Oklahoma State. It does not help that quarterback Tyler Russell is recovering from a concussion suffered against the Cowboys. Luckily, Alcorn State represents an opportunity to score an easy win.

11. Missouri

Last Week: Won 58-14 over Murray State

This Week: 9/7 vs. Toledo

The Tigers struggled for one quarter, but then quickly separated themselves from the Racers. They face a tougher test in a Toledo team coming off playing the Gators. James Franklin appears to have returned to his 2011 form, which is good if you are a Tiger fan who watched him struggle all through 2012.

12. Tennessee

Last Week: Won 45-0 over Austin Peay

This Week: 9/7 vs. Western Kentucky

The Vols played a clean game in Butch Jones’ debut. The first team offense was efficient and the defense showed discipline. This was also a game where the Vols simply over-matched Austin Peay at every position. This weeks’s game versus a Bobby Petrino led Western Kentucky team will be a couple steps up in competition for the Vols and should be a good measuring stick of whether this team might fight their way to bowl eligibility this season.

13. Arkansas

Last Week: Won 34-14 over Louisiana-Lafayette

This Week: 9/7 vs. Samford

Bret Bielema scored his first win as Razorback coach by getting his team to do what his Wisconsin teams did, and that’s pound the rock. They should cruise to an easy win this week against FCS foe Samford.

14. Kentucky

Last Week: Lost 35-26 to Western Kentucky

This Week: 9/7 vs. Miami of Ohio

This is one of the few games on UK’s schedule where the Cats can look to get a win. Mark Stoops could turn out to be a good coach, but this team does not have the talent this year to win any games in the SEC. Simple as that.

Questions? Thoughts? don’t hesitate to leave a comment or holler at me on Twitter.