SEC Power Poll All-SEC Team Defense

I’m a day late on this, but the SEC Power Poll All-SEC Defense and Special Teams have been announced. Check out the following links to see who we voted.

The Red Solo Cup: Defensive Line
Garnet and Black Attack: Linebackers
Save the Shield: Cornerbacks
Gate 21: Safeties
UK Wildcat Country: Special Teams (coming soon)

SEC Power Poll All-SEC Team: Running Backs

As mentioned earlier, the SEC Power Poll voters have compiled an All-SEC team of our own. We voted on each position and are now revealing our results. The offense is being revealed today with the defense following later this week.

You can see the QB at Alligator Army, the Tight End at Leftover Hotdog, and the Offensive Line and Wide Receivers at TeamSpeedKills.

This year's winners for top RBs in the league are UGA's Knowshown Moreno and Alabama's Glen Coffee.

While UGA might not have enjoyed the type of season it had hoped for, it's not because of Moreno. He was electrifying week in and week out, rolling up 7 100-yard games as he and backfield buddy QB Matthew Stafford led the 'Dawgs to 32.1 ppg, 2nd best in the conference. He averaged 5.9 ypc and tallied at least 1 TD in every game except the Tennessee game.

While Moreno and UGA got the majority of the preseason hype, Glen Coffee and the Tide made it abundantly clear early and often that they were not to be trifled with. While Coffee certainly benefited from Alabama's monstrous offensive line, he - and fellow RB Mark Ingram - were the steadying forces for Alabama's ball control offense. Coffee registered 5 100-yard games and averaged a robust 6.1 ypc. His numbers could've been much higher, but he split time with Ingram

Here's a look at their numbers and conference ranks*:

Rush Yards Per Game
Knowshon Moreno 111.5 (1)
Glen Coffee 102.9 (3)

Total Rushing Yards
Knowshon Moreno 1338 (1)
Glen Coffee 1235 (2)

Rushing TDs
Knowshon Moreno 16 (1)
Glen Coffee 9 (3)

Total Yards From Scrimmage
Knowshon Moreno 1667 (1)
Glen Coffee 1306 (3)

*regular season games only

Knowshon Moreno
We've all seen this one 1000 times...

...and this one too...


Glen Coffee
He's literally untouched on this...

... and a very nice featurette on SportsCenter

My All-SEC Team

The voters in the SEC Power Poll are voting on the All-SEC team. The team will be announced on a variety of sites of Power Poll voters early next week. See below for my votes. Who did I miss?

My Ballot:

Offense:
QB: Tim Tebow (UF)
RB: Knowshown Moreno(UGA)
RB: Charles Scott (LSU)
WR: Percy Harvin (UF)
WR: AJ Green (UGA)
TE: DJ Williams (Ark)
C: Jonathan Luigs (Ark)
OL: Andre Smith (UAT)
OL: Michael Oher (OM)
OL: Herman Johnson (LSU)
OL: Ciron Black (LSU)

Defense:
DL: Peria Jerry (OM)
DL: Terrence Cody (UAT)
DL: Antonio Coleman(AU)
DL: Robert Ayers (UT)
LB: Brandon Spikes (UF)
LB: Eric Norwood (USC)
LB: Rolando McClain(UAT)
CB: DJ Moore (VU)
CB: Trevard Lindley (UK)
S: Eric Berry (UT)
S: Rashad Johnson (UAT)

Special Teams:
K: Joshua Shene (OM)
P: Tim Masthay (UK)
KR: Brandon James (UF)
PR: Javier Arenas (UAT)

Final SEC Power Poll

So Florida ends the season at the top of the pile in the SEC. While the overall strength of the conference is signifcantly down from last year, it's worth noting that the top 2 AP teams in the country are squaring off in ATL this weekend. That's the good news. The bad news is that Auburn and Tennessee slipped to 5-7 this year, and though Vandy and Kentucky are both bowl-bound, it's hard to imagine either being very competitive.

As usual, for the greatest insight ever typed into a text box and posted on a sports blog, check out Garnet and Black Attack.

My Week 14 SEC Power Poll Ballot

1. Alabama
Saban's earned his $4M this year as the Tide finally put it all together for 4 quarters and obliterated a hapless Auburn team. They finished the regular season undefeated and #1 in the country, so they stay #1 here.

2. Florida
The fact that they're a double digit favorite over #1 and undefeated Alabama tells you what the Gators have done since their loss to Ole Miss.

3. Ole Miss
The Rebels have outscored their opponents 152-20 over the last 4 weeks and are playing the best football in the conference behind the Gators and Tide. Should (but won't) get the Capital One bid.

4. Georgia
Meanwhile, the 'Dawgs defense is reeling, having given up 187 points over their last 5 games. The defensive performance Saturday was nothing short of embarrassing.

5. LSU
Only here because every other team sucks worse than the Bayou Bengals do. With Saban's success at Alabama and the Tigers' 5 losses, Les Miles seat is getting warmer by the nanosecond.

6. South Carolina
Someone should have asked Chris Smelley to, I don't know, maybe stop throwing the ball to Clemson at some point. Who does he think he is? Jarret Lee?

7. Tennessee
7th is probably higher than most will pick the Vols, but after they smoked Vandy and Kentucky the last 2 weeks of the season, how can they rank below them? They're playing as well as they have all year.

8. Arkansas
Aside from Ole Miss, no team improved more offensively from the beginning of the season to the end. The defense is another story.

9. Vanderbilt
I'll use big words since it's for Vandy. The offensive ineptitude once masked by an opportunistic defense is now manifesting itself on weekly basis.

10. Kentucky
Bowl-eligible sure, but bowl-worthy? Limping to the finish line and will be without dynamic freshman Randall Cobb in their bowl game.

11. Auburn
Suffered an emphatic ending to the unprecedented win streak over the Tide. Tuberville better get a cohesive staff in place quickly or run the risk of being on the wrong end of a similar streak.

12. Mississippi State
Mercifully, the Bulldogs' season has ended. Made the right move firing the inept Croom, but it's going to be a tough sell to get someone to move to Starkville to compete against Saban, Miles, Nutt, et al.

Week 13 SEC Power Poll (and Happy Thanksgiving)

Fewer voters this week as everyone was getting ready for Thanksgiving, but the song remains (basically) the same. Ole Miss was the big winner this week (jumped to 4th) while the Hogs were the big losers, falling back into last after their loss in Starkville.

For all the insight you just can't get anywhere else, check out Garnet and Black Attack.

My Week 13 SEC Power Poll Ballot

1. Alabama
Until Florida beats them in Atlanta in a couple of weeks, the league’s only undefeated team and #1 team in the country stays atop my rankings.

2. Florida
Sure it was just the Citadel, but it’s impressive the Gators were that sharp against such a weak opponent. May have hands full in Tallahassee with a depleted DL.

3. Georgia
An eighth straight win over Georgia Tech Saturday would help assuage some of the disappointment from this season. Though it’s hard to be too disappointed in (what should be) a 10 win season and a top 10 ranking.

4. Ole Miss
That was no upset in Baton Rouge. The better team won. If the Rebels had been healthy and accustomed to winning all season, their record would be much better than 7-4. Wins in Gainesville and Baton Rouge prove that.

5. LSU
Replacing their stars from last year as well as inexperience at the QB position has dropped LSU from the elite SEC teams. They bowl-bound, but that’s about it.

6. South Carolina
One of many conference teams this year plagued by inconsistencies, particularly at the QB position. It’s forced Spurrier to juggle QBs, which we all know he hates to do. *wink*

7. Vanderbilt
So instead of playing loose because they’d picked up that elusive 6th win, the ‘Dores come out and lay their biggest egg of the season.

8. Kentucky
The ‘Cats will try to do what Vandy couldn’t – knock off the worst Tennessee team in school history. If they don’t, can you say “Music City Bowl Three-peat”?

9. Auburn
Nothing would make Tiger fans happier than to lock up an Independence Bowl bid this weekend.

10. Tennessee
21 yds passing? For an entire game? And you won? So the Volunteer Navy runs a Service Academy offense now?

11. Mississippi State
The Bulldogs emerge from the cellar with an offensive explosion against the defenseless Hogs.

12. Arkansas
You know how I know your defense sucks? You gave up 445 yards to Mississippi State.

Week 12 SEC Power Poll

Florida strengthened its lead for best in the SEC. Count me as one of the four still voting Alabama, though the Gators will be my pick in the SEC Championship game barring Tebow and Harvin being abducted by aliens or lunatic Tide fans.

For the most incredible insight into the SEC available anywhere on the web, check out Garnet and Black Attack.

And seriously, somebody tell me why Sylvester Croom dressed up as Emperor Palpatine for the game last Saturday...

My SEC Power Poll Ballot, Week 12

1. Alabama
Got the Mississippi State Monkey off their backs. Now have a couple of weeks to prepare for the Auburn Gorilla.

2. Florida
Another SEC opponent, another ridiculous blowout. No, this is not a repeat from last week. Or the week before. Or the week before.

3. Georgia
This is one of the most frustrating teams in conference to watch. For everything they do well, they undo with mind-boggling inconsistency or careless penalties. Stafford is becoming Mr. Clutch.

4. LSU
So THAT’s why the Tigers originally scheduled an open date after the Alabama game. Great comeback win for the Tigers, but never should’ve been in that situation.

5. Ole Miss
Bowl-bound in Nutt’s first year with impressive 59-0 win over UL-Monroe. Should be a very entertaining game in Baton Rouge this weekend.

6. South Carolina
I was ready to move the Gamecocks up to #4 had they been competitive in Gainesville. I certainly would’ve kept them at #5 had they at least shown up. But that was ugly.

7. Vanderbilt
Again, congratulations to the ‘Dores for locking up a bowl bid. Here’s hoping you get to travel outside of Nashville for the full experience.

8. Kentucky
Could’ve taken a big step towards locking up the Chick-Fil-A Bowl bid with home victory over floundering Vanderbilt. Instead, may end up falling bass-ackwards into a 3rd straight Music City Bowl.

9. Arkansas
The Hogs are clinging to waning bowl hopes entering this weekend’s showdown in Starkville.

10. Auburn
The play-calling of the Tigers this year has been questionable at best. Couple that with special teams breakdowns and it’s safe to say the Tigers let the Georgia game get away from them.

11. Tennessee
Close the season with two teams they’ve perennially dominated, but this Volunteer team doesn't dominate much of anything. Except Mississippi State.

12. Mississippi State
Why was Sylvester Croom dressed like Emperor Palpatine Saturday night?

Week 11 SEC Power Poll

Changes at the top and bottom of the poll with the creamy filling in the middle staying basically the same. After yet another conference blowout, Florida has wrested the top spot away from the undefeated and #1 nationally Crimson Tide. And after another humiliating defeat, Tennessee fell behind MSU for worst of the SEC. For all the insight you just can't get anywhere else, check out Garnet and Black Attack.

My Week 11 SEC Power Poll Ballot

1. Alabama
The Tide was finally forced to prove they could play from behind. But if they must make a late FG in a crucial situation, is Leigh Tiffin really the guy for the job?

2. Florida
I know it was Vandy, but the Gators are rolling right now. Will face a stern test in Columbia this weekend.

3. Georgia
38-49-38. No, not Sir Mix-A-Lot's dream girl. They’re the point totals the once vaunted UGA defense has been given up over the last 3 weeks. They should get back on track against hapless Auburn this weekend.

4. South Carolina
Despite a heads up loss to LSU, the Gamecocks are a better team right now. Have a shot to knock off the Gators this weekend in The Swamp.

5. LSU
Perhaps Jarrett Lee's receivers should wear the other teams' uniforms. The opposing DBs seem to be his favorite targets for TDs.

6. Ole Miss
Can lock up a bowl bid with a win over Louisiana-Monroe this weekend. And no way an SEC team would ever lose to UL-Monore this late in the sea… Wait, what? Alabama? Oh, never mind.

7. Kentucky
Matched UGA point for point for 58 minutes. It took an unbelievable play for the ‘Dawgs to eke it out in Lexington. The ‘Cats may finish with 8 wins.

8. Vanderbilt
I can only imagine how fragile the psyche of this Commodore team is right now. They've gone from college football's best story to potentially orchestrating a choke job worthy of last year's South Carolina team.

9. Arkansas
Another nice effort Saturday despite the loss. Will need to use the off weekend to get Michael Smith’s dinged up shoulder healthy.

10. Auburn
Hey, a win is a win right? The Tigers snapped a 5-game skid. Now their bowl eligibility rests on knocking off either Georgia or Alabama. Good luck with that.

11. Tennessee
Vols’ fans could be looking at the worst team in the storied history of Tennessee football, statistically speaking. Became first SEC team to lock up a losing record this year.

12. Mississippi State
After squealing like pigs all weekend in Tuscaloosa, the Bulldogs will join Tennessee and Auburn as the only SEC teams to have losing seasons wrapped up.

Week 10 SEC Power Poll

Florida or Alabama? Alabama or Florida? Even Florida and Alabama? That’s really the only argument left. Teams have really settled into their own little niches now as the spread between each place is becoming pretty pronounced. For all the insight you won’t find anywhere else, check out the full recap at Garnet and Black Attack.

My SEC Power Poll Ballot, Week 10

1. Alabama
Florida’s playing better right now, but the Tide are unblemished and sitting atop the national polls. That’s reason enough for me to keep them #1.

2. Florida
What they’ve done the last couple of weeks against 2 bowl-eligible teams has been nothing short of scary.

3. Georgia
Georgia appearing here (at #3) is, more than anything, a testament to the lack of quality depth the SEC typically has. The ‘Dawgs picked the wrong week to not show up.

4. LSU
Recent inconsistent play needs to be remedied before the Tide rolls into town this weekend.

5. South Carolina
Something tells me Spurrier took a special pleasure in putting the finishing touches on Fulmer’s career at UT.

6. Ole Miss
This year, the Rebels are 1 win away from being bowl eligible through 9 games. Last year, through 9 games, they were 1 win away from being 1 win away from being 1 win away from being 1 win away from bowl eligible.

7. Kentucky
The ‘Cats got back to the formula they used for their early season success: Play an opponent who sucks. Still, can’t argue with bowl eligibility.

8. Arkansas
The Hogs will look back at the ones that got away against Ole Miss and Kentucky when they’re at home for the holidays.

9.Vanderbilt
May be catching the Gators at the right time after the WLOCP blowout last week. If that’s the case, Florida may only win by 20.

10. Auburn
I know the Rebels’ secondary is weak, but I can’t imagine any successful gameplan that includes the phrase “43 pass attempts from Kodi Burns”.

11. Tennessee
Saturday’s lost was the final nail in Fulmer’s coffin, marking the end of an era in Knoxville. For all their problems, that was (in my opinion) the Vols’ last regular season loss of the season.

12. Mississippi State
Apparently just sucking on offense was enough for the Bulldogs. Now, they suck on special teams too.

Week 9 SEC Power Poll

The new power poll is up and there's nothing really earth-shattering this go round. Most teams have settled into their comfortable little niche in the pecking order. For all the insight you just can't get anywhere else, check out Garnet and Black Attack.

My SEC Power Poll Ballot, Week 9

With each passing week, it becomes more and more evident that the SEC isn't as deep this year as it has been in years past, particularly last year. The top 5 teams are pretty clear, but after that, it's a garbled mess of mediocrity. Here's how I see it.

1. Alabama
Tide finally played both halves and the result was a second straight year of Big Orange demolition.

2. Florida
In all honesty, the 63-5 score really doesn’t do the utter domination justice. It really wasn’t even that close. The Gators passed their final test before the SEC East Championship Game this weekend.

3. Georgia
Basically ended the game Saturday on the first play from scrimmage. While the defense gave up a lot of garbage yards and points late in the fourth, the offense was clicking on all cylinders. Should be one helluva game Saturday in Jacksonville.

4. LSU
The Tigers were shredded by the Beasts of the East, which may not bode well for next weekend’s Best of the West showdown with the Tide.

5. South Carolina
Had the weekend off, but solidified themselves as 5th best in the conference. Need to find a way to beat Tennessee this weekend, something they’ve done just once over the last decade and a half.

6. Ole Miss
Bounced back from a tough loss in Tuscaloosa to beat a fired up Arkansas team. Could this be the weekend they start a *gasp* winning streak in conference?

7. Vanderbilt
With a few more lackluster performances like the one Saturday, the ‘Dores could turn 5-0 into 5-7. Have a week off to right the ship, though a visit from the Gators will only make matters worse.

8. Auburn
If the Tigers would just stick to running the ball they’d be fine… or at least better. A loss Saturday to Ole Miss would jeopardize bowl chances and crank up the heat on Tuberville’s seat.

9. Tennessee
Same ol’ Vols against Bama: Another ugly game from the offense, another highlight reel play for Eric Berry.

10. Kentucky
Sure the ‘Cats lost by 58 points, but the punter averaged 50+ ypk and they only committed 3 penalties so all is not lost. Until a loss in Starkville this weekend drops them to #12.

11. Arkansas
Again played a more talented opponent close, but couldn’t seal the deal. This one hurts Hog fans more than the blowouts to Florida and Alabama.

12. Mississippi State
Used the same game plan against MTSU as they did Vandy – pound the ball with Dixon and don’t put it on the ground. Should work this weekend against Kentucky as well.

SEC Power Poll, Week 8

The numbers to the right of your team allow you to track your team's progress from Week 1 to Week 4 to Week 8. Each represents their rank in conference (according to our voters) with 12 being the highest. You can really see Alabama's relentless rise, Florida holding incredibly steady, Vanderbilt moving up and Ole Miss being right about where we expected them to be

For all the insight you'll only find from Power Poll voters, check out Garnet and Black Attack.

My Week 8 SEC Power Poll Ballot

1. Alabama
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Tide. Since the UGA game, Alabama has outscored its opponents 69-3 in the first half but been outscored 61-13 in the 2nd half.

2. Florida
Solidified the #2 spot in the poll with an off weekend. Will solidify it even more with the impending destruction of Kentucky this weekend.

3. LSU
Last Saturday night’s game in Columbia showed there’s still some life left in the defending BCS champs. QB Jarret Lee looked calm under pressure and made some key throws when needed. Confidence builder for Satuday’s uber-matchup with Georgia.

4. Georgia
Another win, another game that makes you wonder if the UGA is holding something back or if they’re just not as good as we originally thought. Saturday’s tilt on the Bayou will answer a lot of questions.

5. South Carolina
Garcia showed signs of brilliance, particularly in the 2nd quarter, but also displayed an air of cockiness that cost the Gamecocks. As he matures in the offense, SC will only get more efficient through the air. Now, about that running game…

6. Kentucky
Probably shouldn’t have needed a late rally to edge Arkansas, but they got the job done. Injuries starting to become a real factor.

7. Ole Miss
The Rebels may actually deserve to be higher than this, but until they stop turning the ball over every other possession, we’ll never know. Only South Carolina has turned the ball over more than the Rebels have in conference.

8. Vanderbilt
Didn’t win, but kept the game closer than most expected. Can clinch bowl eligibility this weekend against Dook.

9. Auburn
Utilized the off weekend to design several new offensive plays that won’t work.

10. Tennessee
Railroaded a hapless MSU team, but defense scored two of the TDs. Offense was again mediocre. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Eric Berry is the best player in the SEC.

11. Arkansas
Played very well for 3 quarters but lost it in the waning moments of the 4th. All will be forgiven by the HogNation if the Razorbacks come out victorious this weekend.

12. Mississippi State
The Bulldogs took another gigantic step towards completely erasing last year’s 8-win season from the minds of their fans. This is just a bad team. No way Woody McCorvey has a job next year.

SEC Power Poll, Week 7

The votes are in for Week 7’s SEC Power Poll and there are come changes in the minds of the voters. Not to give anything away, but if your team is nicknamed the “igers-Tay” or “olunteers-Vay”, you’re not ranked as high as you were this time last week.

To read all the witty snarkiness, check out Garnet and Black Attack.

My SEC Power Poll Ballot, Week 7

Another crazy weekend in the SEC. Shakeups in the rankings at the top and bottom. With MSU and Arkansas both springing upsets, Tennessee remains the only team in conference without a win against a BCS foe.

1. Alabama
With wins over Clemson and Georgia, the Tide has accomplished more than Texas has this season and should be the #1 team in the country, not just the SEC.
2. Florida
I have never seen any player in the entire country play as hard as Tebow did against LSU. And I’ve never seen someone push the rest of the team as hard as Tebow pushed everybody against LSU.
3. Georgia
Got a much needed win against Tennessee, but didn’t make it look easy. Will need to play better as UT was last gimme on the schedule.
4. LSU
The wheels came off for LSU early in the Swamp and they never recovered. Still control their own destiny in West, but have to bounce back from this one.
5. South Carolina
Second straight road conference win puts Gamecocks back in favorable position, but must face an angry LSU team this weekend.
6. Vanderbilt
Statistics finally caught up to the ‘Dores last weekend. With meat of schedule coming up, 5-0 could very quickly turn into 6-6.
7. Kentucky
One step ahead of Vanderbilt when it comes to returning to reality. Need to beat Arkansas this weekend to keep bowl hopes alive.
8. Ole Miss
Had an extra weekend to prepare for trip to Alabama this weekend. Nutt will need to work his motivational magic if the Rebels are going to pull that one off.
9. Mississippi State
Good win for the Bulldogs Saturday. The offense held on to the ball and the defense held Vandy to basically nothing. Laid the successful blueprint for Vandy – Don’t beat yourself.
10. Arkansas
Dealt Auburn fans (and Tuberville) as painful a loss as they could imagine. Not surprisingly, the defense held AU in check, but the offensive numbers Arkansas put up were astonishing.
11. Auburn
Spiraling out of control. Ensminger in a very uncomfortable position, like the backseat of a Volkswagen.
12. Tennessee
Kept the game with UGA much closer than it should have been, but as only team in league without a BCS win, the Vols are now the official cellar-dwellers.

Week 6 SEC Power Poll

Just as everyone predicted preseason, at basically the midway point of the season, Alabama is still holding on to the top spot and Vanderbilt has crept its way into the top 4, slightly ahead of Florida. With 5 conference games this weekend, things could change significantly this weekend.

To read all the snarky wittiness - or is it the witty snarkiness? - check out Garnet and Black Attack.