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SEC Football Power Rankings: Week 2

By Kevin Miller

If both Alabama and Georgia go undefeated through the SEC football schedule, they will meet in the SEC Championship game and, potentially, in the National Championship. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
If both Alabama and Georgia go undefeated through the SEC football schedule, they will meet in the SEC Championship game and, potentially, in the National Championship. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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SEC Football
NCAA and SEC football legend Mike Leach passed away in December, and Zach Arnett is the new head coach for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

SEC Football Power Rankings, Week 2:
No. 9 Mississippi State Bulldogs (Preseason 9th)

Mississippi State played Southeast Louisiana, so the Bulldogs’ first game went just as most would expect. Under new head coach Zach Arnett and offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay, the Bulldogs had more rushing attempts than passes thrown, something of a rarity under their previous head, the late coach Mike Leach.

MSU had a well-balanced game in which they had more yards passing and more yards rushing than the Lions had total yards of offense.

Quarterback Will Rogers was very good as Will Rogers typically is, and his offense outgained SLU 525-208 in the 48-7 rout. Backup quarterback Mike Wright (a Vanderbilt transfer) was a fun addition to a running game led by Jo’quavious Marks’ 127 yards.

On defense, the Bulldogs had 3 sacks and 3 forced fumbles and were very good against the passing attack of the Lions. They weren’t bad against the run, but they weren’t very good, either, giving up about 5 yards per carry to running backs. Had Mississippi State been playing a better opponent, those numbers could have been worse.

Arnett’s team will welcome the Arizona Wildcats to Starkville on Saturday.

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