SEC Power Rankings: Can Auburn Claim The Top Spot?

Aug 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Blake Sims (6) puts on the Old Leather Helmet following the 2014 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game West Virginia Mountaineers at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated West Virginia 33-23. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

2. Alabama

Pre-Season Ranking: 1

Last Week: Beat West Virginia 33-23

The Good: A win is a win. Alabama was a heavy favorite against West Virginia, but struggled to separate from the Mountaineers. Alabama also showed great balance on offense with 288 rushing yards and 250 passing yards. TJ Yeldon had 126 rushing yards, and two touchdowns and Derrick Henry added 113 yards and a score.

The Bad: The Tide still don’t have a surefire number one quarterback. Blake Sims started Saturday, and played well. The senior signal caller completed 24 of 33 pass attempts for 250 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. But Jacob Coker, the Florida State transfer considered to be the front-runner for the job this offseason, is still in the mix.

The Ugly: Two Alabama starters will not be on the field for the Crimson Tide for at least the next two games. Defensive back Jarrick Williams and wide receiver DeAndrew White both suffered injuries Saturday against West Virginia. Williams has a fracture in his foot that is expected to sideline him for four weeks, and White will miss at least two weeks with a shoulder injury.

Next Week: vs. Florida Atlantic