Georgia Bulldogs: SEC East Power Rankings, Week 3
By John Buhler
Sep 12, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Johnny McCrary (2) is sacked by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Though Vanderbilt is winless entering Week 3 of the College Football season, the Commodores don’t look all that far away form contending in the SEC. Their defense seems like it’s on the upswing under second-year HC Derek Mason. The ‘Dores limited WKU to 14 points and UGA to 31 points at home in consecutive weeks.
The issue with Vanderbilt is with ball security on offense. QB Johnny McCrary’s three picks against the Georgia Bulldogs unraveled Vandy’s chance at a home upset over UGA. Their defense might be able to keep them in games this season, possibly winning an SEC East game or two. However, until McCrary and the VU offense develop some continuity, Vanderbilt will remain in the 7th spot in the SEC East. Vanderbilt will host Austin Peay, Saturday at 4PM ET on the SEC Network.
Sep 12, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth (10) hands off to running back Shon Carson (7) during the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Kentucky wins 26-22 over South Carolina. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina are now probably out of the CFP discussion all together with their 26-22 home loss to SEC East rival Kentucky. USC appears like they will be without starting QB Connor Mitch for four to six weeks after suffering a shoulder injury. The Gamecocks need to avenge last year’s loss to the Wildcats in Lexington, and came up short in Week 2.
USC nearly lost in Charlotte to North Carolina in Week 1. If it weren’t for a poor decision made by UNC QB Marquise Williams in the red zone during a two-minute drill, South Carolina could be 0-2 heading in a major rivalry game with the Georgia Bulldogs this weekend. Will new QB Perry Orth play strong enough to win a very tough road game against the #7 team in the country in UGA? That might be asking too much of the new USC starter.
South Carolina is in serious jeopardy of not making a bowl game in 2015. Drawing LSU and Texas A&M out of the West and arch rival Clemson at the end of the year, I’m not sure if South Carolina can win three SEC games in 2015. A home win over Kentucky in Week 2 would have made a bowl bid so much more likely for the Gamecocks. Their schedule only gets tougher from here on out, having to play at least five ranked opponents in their last 10 games. South Carolina will travel to Athens to take on the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday for a 6PM ET kickoff on ESPN.
Next: Bowl Bound, No SEC Championship