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SEC Power Rankings, Week 1: Alabama dominates, but league is down

By John Buhler

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the USC Trojans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs for a touchdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the fourth quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs for a touchdown against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the fourth quarter of the 2016 Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Impressive Wins vs. Quality Opponents

This was a great weekend for Gig ‘Em Nation, as the Texas A&M Aggies knocked off NO. 16 UCLA at home, 31-24 in overtime. The Aggies have their guy at quarterback in Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight. Knight outshined UCLA’s Josh Rosen in his first start at Kyle Field.

Defensively, the Aggies look much improved under defensive coordinator John Chavis. Defensive end Myles Garrett gave Rosen fits all day in a collapsing Bruins pocket. It’s hard to be competitively defensively when the offense runs an Air Raid attack, but Texas A&M could be a sleeper in the SEC West should both units feed off each other this fall.

Head coach Kevin Sumlin’s seat may still be a little warm, but beating one of the better teams in the Pac-12 as a home underdog has to have Sumlin feeling good about his team heading into Week 2. Texas A&M should make an appearance in the AP Top 25 Poll this week.

The Georgia Bulldogs were a slight favorite against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff in Atlanta. This was the first game of the Kirby Smart era in Athens and his team did not disappoint.

Smart had his Bulldogs team playing like a team one would see in Tuscaloosa with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Smart’s former employer. Georgia played great defensively at all three levels, ran the ball repeatedly with its bell-cow back Nick Chubb, had its quarterbacks Greyson Lambert and Jacob Eason game manage, and experience a few special teams letdowns.

Chubb had a Heisman worthy Week 1 performance against North Carolina with 222 rushing yards and two touchdowns. It was a very impressive return for Chubb after tearing multiple ligaments in his knee on October 10th. Under Smart, Georgia was one of the best teams in the SEC and in the country Week 1.

Next: No. 1

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