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SEC Power Rankings Week 2: Changes abound in muddled SEC

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; The Tennessee Volunteers celebrate after the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bristol Motor Speedway. Tennessee won 45 to 24. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; The Tennessee Volunteers celebrate after the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bristol Motor Speedway. Tennessee won 45 to 24. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (7) drops back in the pocket during the second quarter of the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (7) drops back in the pocket during the second quarter of the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Mississippi State

Last week rank: 13

Week 2 result: (1-1) 27-14 Win against South Carolina

The embarrassing loss to South Alabama was as bad a way to start a season as a team could achieve. With all due respect to South Alabama, Mississippi State should not be losing to them.

With that said, Mississippi State proved that they could respond from such a loss and found an offense against South Carolina. Nick Fitzgerald was the spark the Mississippi State offense needed, throwing for 178 yards and 2 TDs. The Bulldog defense did well until Brandon Mcllwain entered the game for South Carolina and tossed 2 TDs himself, but the Bulldogs tightened things up and did not relinquish the lead.

A dose of confidence was what the doctor ordered for Mississippi State as they head into week three in their second SEC game of the season at LSU.

Next Game: Saturday, September 17, at LSU 7:00 ET ESPN2

Next: 10. Missouri

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