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SEC Football Power Rankings 2017: Week 1 edition

By Hunter Kinniburgh

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball as linebacker Dorian O'Daniel #6 of the Clemson Tigers attempts to tackle him during the first half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball as linebacker Dorian O'Daniel #6 of the Clemson Tigers attempts to tackle him during the first half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Drew Lock
(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

We begin this years power rankings with Missouri. The good news, is that there’s nowhere to go but up for the Tigers. 2017 should be an improvement for Missouri, led by Drew Lock at the quarterback position. Missouri looked better last year from a statistics standpoint, yet they never could really put it together when looking at win-loss column.

The Tigers have to improve on defense this season for that progression to take place. The offense I believe will be fine, Lock looks like he’s ready to take the next step. Head Coach Barry Odom might be able to get his team to a bowl game this season. The schedule is favorable from the West. Not to mention in certain games against teams such as Kentucky and Vanderbilt, the outcome could go either way.

If Vanderbilt finds a consistent offense, then they could be a dangerous team in the SEC East. Only problem is that the Commodores have really yet to do that under Derek Mason. Ralph Webb’s return for his senior year will help.

All eyes will be on returning starting quarterback Kyle Shurmur. Shurmur looked impressive at times in 2016 but he also was inconsistent in other times. In order for the offense to improve, Shurmur has to improve as well. Wide receiver Caleb Scott will be one to watch on offense and most likely will be the go to man for Shurmur.

Vanderbilt has to somewhat rebuild its defense after losing key starters such as Zach Cunningham and Adam Butler. The linebacker and defensive end were stalwarts for the Commodores. The good news is that the defense does return seven starters, making the “rebuild” a bit easier. With Mason as head coach, defense has never been the issue so I would expect Vanderbilt to still be solid on defense this season.

This position in the rankings is not a knock on Kentucky, let me make that clear. Other teams ahead of them just might be a little better off. The Wildcats very well could be a dangerous team in 2017. They certainly proved themselves to be capable of the upset when they took down Louisville and eventual Heisman winner Lamar Jackson in the season finale in 2016.

The only problem is that they then turn around and lose the TaxSlayer Bowl to Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech was not better than Louisville in 2016. Kentucky cannot keep their Jeckyl and Hyde mentality going, they have to show more consistency, especially in games they should win. That all starts with their opening matchup against Southern Miss, a team that candidly beat Kentucky in 2016.

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