SEC rankings week 1: Everyone wins — except Vandy

After an opening week where all 14 SEC teams played — although LSU played for less than five minutes — the Road To Atlanta begins in earnest on Saturday with three conference games.

The opening wave of games gave us an early indication of what to expect. Alabama is loaded— again. Texas A&M's defense looks much better with veteran coordinator John Chavis in charge. Georgia remains the team to beat in the Eastern Division.

Week 1 also showed how many big-time running backs can be found in SEC huddles. But at the same time, some programs are still struggling to find their answers at quarterback.

This, then, is the first installment of our weekly ranking of the SEC teams from bottom to top. Look for some big swings in the coming weeks.

14. Vanderbilt (0-1)

For the Commodores, there's only one way to go, right? After a 14-12 loss to Western Kentucky — the only defeat of an SEC team on Week 1 — Vanderbilt must figure out a way to cut out the offensive mistakes that proved so costly in the opener.

The Commodores drove into Western Kentucky territory eight times and came away with only two field goals before Trent Sherfield's touchdown catch in the final minute. Johnny McCrary had two passes intercepted in the end zone and had another would-be touchdown pass dropped.

On the plus side, the defense looked much sharper with coach Derek Mason now running things. The Commodores limited Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty to just 58 passing yards in the first half.

Next opponent: Georgia, in Nashville.

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13. Kentucky (1-0)

The Wildcats were in control for much of the opener against Louisiana Lafayette, leading 33-10 in the third quarter. But then things eroded the way they did so many times in Kentucky's 0-6 skid in the second half of the 2014 season. Ultimately, though, the Big Blue held on to win 40-33.

After passing for 219 yards in the first half, Patrick Towles managed just 38 yards after intermission, completing just 6 of 16 throws. Kentucky won the game by driving 58 yards in the final 4½ minutes, with Mikel Horton running 12 yards for the decisive touchdown with 57 seconds remaining.

Kentucky was outgained 479-435.

Next opponent: South Carolina, at Columbia.

12. South Carolina (1-0)

Although there is still plenty of room for improvement, South Carolina's defense took a step forward in the 17-13 win over North Carolina. Linebacker Skai Moore saved the Gamecocks with two interceptions in the end zone. He also had a team-high 10 tackles.

Unless the Gamecocks start getting better play out of quarterback Connor Mitch (who was 9-for-22 for just 122 yards), coach Steve Spurrier may have no choice but to line up multitalented Pharoh Cooper in the Wildcat formation more often. Cooper is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the SEC and he needs to get as many touches as necessary.

And for those who wonder if Spurrier still has it, he called a fake punt in the first quarter, with Sean Kelly picking up 17 yards.

Next opponent: Kentucky, at Columbia.

11. Mississippi State (1-0)

Those who were concerned about a possible dropoff by the Bulldogs after last season may be right. Mississippi State struggled to put away in-state opponent Southern Miss a week before entering SEC West action against LSU.

Quarterback Dak Prescott, who finished eighth in Heisman Trophy balloting last season, did not have his best game and averaged just 6.4 yards per completion. It didn't help that he had some passes dropped.

On the plus side, Prescott broke the school record for touchdown passes in a career when he hit Gus Walley on a 4-yard scoring pass. It was the 43rd TD pass of Prescott's career.

A defense that is breaking in seven new starters gave up 413 yards and had trouble getting off the field on third down.

Next opponent: LSU, at Starkville.

10. Florida (1-0)

When Jim McElwain was hired as Florida's coach, he promised a fresh start. The Gators got exactly that in an opening 61-13 assault on New Mexico State.

While the level of competition certainly factored in (New Mexico State was 2-10 last season), it was encouraging that the Gators offense clicked despite a young offensive line and a two-quarterback system. Florida put up 606 yards.

Look for the quarterback battle to continue between sophomore Treon Harris and redshirt freshman Will Grier. In the opener, Harris played the first and fourth quarters while Grier played the second and third.

Another thing to watch: Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III caught a six-yard pass from Grier in the second quarter and should continue to see spot duty on offense.

Next opponent: East Carolina, at Gainesville.

9. Tennessee (1-0)

When the Vols signed junior college running back Alvin Kamara, it meant fewer carries for sophomore Jalen Hurd. Rather than resist his reduced role, Hurd embraced it. In recent weeks, he has spoken repeatedly about how a team needs more than one quality running back over the course of a long SEC season.

In Tennessee's 59-30 opening win over Bowling Green, Kamara and Hurd combined for 38 carries and 268 yards as the Vols piled up 399 yards on the ground. Quarterback Josh Dobbs contributed 89 yards on 12 carries.

Entering a big non-conference game against air-minded Oklahoma, the Vols' pass defense is an area of concern. Tennessee gave up 433 passing yards to Bowling Green.

Next opponent: Oklahoma, at Knoxville.

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8. Missouri (1-0)

Senior linebacker Kentrell Brothers looks like the newest defensive star for a program that keeps developing talent. In the Tigers' 34-3 win over Southeast Missouri State,

Brothers had a career-best 16 tackles and blocked a punt — a quick-kick by quarterback Tay Bender — that was returned for a touchdown. Brothers is one of the mainstays on a defense that is breaking in five new starters.

Tigers quarterback Maty Mauk threw for 181 yards and survived a head-to-head hit by Southeast Missouri linebacker Kendall Donnerson in the first quarter. Donnerson was ejected from the game.

Next opponent: Arkansas State, at Jonesboro, Ark.

7. Arkansas (1-0)

The Razorbacks, who ranked No. 99 nationally in passing offense last season, scored their first four touchdowns through the air in the 48-13 win over Texas-El Paso.

Quarterback Brandon Allen looked much more confident in the pocket than last season and threw for a career-high 308 yards, completing 14 of 18 passes. Six receivers caught passes in the first game under new offensive coordinator Dan Enos.

Alex Collins ran for 127 yards and appears ready to shoulder the load in the ground game with Jonathan Collins out after suffering a broken foot in preseason practice.

Next opponent: Toledo, at Little Rock.

6. LSU (1-0)

We don't have much of a sample size on the Tigers since they played only 4 minutes, 52 seconds against McNeese State before the game was suspended by thunderstorm activity and later canceled.

During that time, Brandon Harris went 1-of-2 in the air for minus-4 yards, which didn't really address concerns about the quarterback position going forward.

Until either Harris, a sophomore, or Brandon or Anthony Jennings, a junior, proves he can manage the offense and present a threat as a passer, it's tough to push LSU toward the top of the SEC West.

We'll get a better read on the Tigers as they play back-to-back divisional games over the next two weeks.

Next opponent: Mississippi State, at Starkville.

5. Auburn (1-0)

New quarterback Jeremy Johnson looked nervous and appeared to have trouble finding passing lanes downfield. The result: three interceptions and a less-than-impressive 11-of-21 passing day in a 31-24 win over Louisville.

Johnson should improve as he gains experience. In the meantime, he should benefit from a strong running game. Peyton Barber stepped up with 113 rushing yards for the Tigers.

Meanwhile, the Auburn defense brought more quarterback pressure than at any time last season, which is a direct reflection on the new scheme Will Muschamp brought with him. The Tigers had four sacks against Louisville after averaging just 1.6 sacks per game last season.

Defensive end Carl Lawson and nose tackle Montravius Adams were particularly impressive.

Next opponent: Jacksonville State, at Auburn.

4. Ole Miss (1-0)

About the only negative you could find in the Rebels' 76-3 assault of UT-Martin was the absence of offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, who was held out of the game. Tunsil has been accused by his stepfather, Lindsey Miller, of accepting improper benefits from agents.

Previously, university officials had said they did not expect Tunsil to miss any action. It is unclear when he will return.

On the field, the Rebels took care of business in the mismatch. Chad Kelly, who succeeded Bo Wallace at quarterback, got off to a fast start by throwing a 27-yard strike to Damore'ea Strongfellow on his first snap. Kelly finished the day 9-of-15 for 211 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.

Next opponent: Fresno State, in Oxford.

3. Texas A&M (1-0)

If first impressions mean anything, the Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin made a wise investment when he hired John Chavis away from LSU with a reported three-year, $5 million offer during the offseason. With Chavis calling the defensive shots, Texas A&M shut down Arizona State and made a statement that it could challenge for the title in the loaded SEC West.

It was by far the best the Aggies defense has looked since the program joined the SEC. And it came against an Arizona State offense that is considered one of the better units in the Pac-12.

Kyle Allen had a solid game at quarterback and freshman Kyler Murray brought some big-play excitement to the position.

Next opponent: Ball State, at College Station.

2. Georgia (1-0)

The weather in Athens was about the only thing that could stop the Dawgs as they dominated Louisiana-Monroe 51-14 in a game that was called with 9:54 left on the clock. Earlier, the game was delayed in the third quarter by lightning.

Sophomore Nick Chubb did much of the heavy lifting for Georgia, running for 120 yards on 16 carries. It was the ninth game of his career with at least 100 rushing yards.

With Chubb setting the tone, quarterback Greyson Lambert settled into the starting job, throwing touchdown passes on two of his eight completions. For Lambert, it was business as usual. He started nine games at Virginia before transferring.

Next opponent: Vanderbilt, in Nashville.

1. Alabama (1-0)

Jake Coker wasn't spectacular in his first quarterback start for Alabama but he didn't have to be. With the offensive line clearing holes and Derrick Henry picking up chunks of yardage on the ground, Coker managed the game.

Henry finished with 147 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries. Coker, a transfer from Florida State, went 15-of-21 for 213 yards and a touchdown. Cooper Bateman entered the game late in the third quarter with the Crimson Tide leading by 18 points.

On the other side of the ball, Alabama's defense was dominant. This may be the best front seven Nick Saban has had at Alabama. And that's saying something.

Next opponent: Middle Tennessee State, in Tuscaloosa.

Reach David Climer at 615-259-8020 and on Twitter @DavidClimer.

Saturday's SEC schedule (all times Central)

• Jacksonville State at Auburn, 11 a.m., SEC Network
• Georgia at Vanderbilt, 2:30 p.m., WTVF-5
• Fresno State at Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m., ESPN2
• MTSU at Alabama, 3 p.m. SEC Network
• Toledo at Arkansas, 3 p.m., SEC Network/SEC Network +
• Oklahoma at Tennessee, 5 p.m., ESPN
• Missouri at Arkansas State, 6 p.m., ESPN3
• Ball State at Texas A&M, 6 p.m., ESPNU
• East Carolina at Florida, 6 p.m., ESPN2
• Kentucky at South Carolina, 6:30 p.m., SEC Network
• LSU at Mississippi State, 8:15 p.m., ESPN