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SEC football power rankings for 2022’s week two

By Kathryn Rose

Georgia tight end Darnell Washington (0) leaps over Oregon defensive back Bryan Addison (13) during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff NCAA college football game between Oregon and Georgia in Atlanta, on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.News Joshua L Jones
Georgia tight end Darnell Washington (0) leaps over Oregon defensive back Bryan Addison (13) during the first half of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff NCAA college football game between Oregon and Georgia in Atlanta, on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.News Joshua L Jones /
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Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) is congratulated by offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun (65) after he scored a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the second quarter at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson (15) is congratulated by offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun (65) after he scored a touchdown against the Utah Utes during the second quarter at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Going against a team like Cincinnati is never easy, and Arkansas proved it. Against a defending playoff team, the Razorbacks got out to a 14-0 lead at the break, before the Bearcats came back fighting in the second half.

Eventually, the Razorbacks won 31-24 but did they have to work for it. They only outgained the Bearcats by a 447-438 margin, while first downs show a 24-23 Bearcat advantage.

Aside from KJ Jefferson, who totaled 285 yards in combined passing and rushing yardage, Rocket Sanders had a tremendous day, gaining 117 yards on just 20 carries. Trey Knox showed out at tight end, as he was a menace against a rebuilt Cincinnati secondary.

It wasn’t as explosive as last year’s opener, but Ole Miss won in a very thorough fashion against the Troy Trojans on Saturday. Jaxson Dart looked good but did have moments where he tried to force the ball deep.

The real revelation for Ole Miss was Zach Evans, however. A shifty transfer from TCU, Evans gained 130 yards on 20 attempts and looked every bit of a future NFL running back.

Ole Miss’ defense looked the part in the win, too. Troy’s only touchdown came midway through the fourth after Ole Miss had held the Trojans to just three points for most of the game.

What an impressive win for Florida on Saturday night, as they beat the seventh-ranked Utah Utes.

Anthony Richardson had a wonderous season-opener, as he threw for 168 yards and ran for 106 more. In all, he scored three rushing touchdowns. Combined with said running ability, the zip he puts on his passes will make the Gators a dangerous team.

Another big star to emerge for the Gators was Trevor Etienne, who had quick, choppy feet and was able to cut and gain yards against a stout Utah defense. In total, he gained 64 yards on just five carries in the game.

The Florida defense did allow over 450 yards to Utah, but they stepped up in the last seconds when it mattered and brought home a signature win in Billy Napier’s first game as Gator head coach.

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