SEC Power Rankings: Can Auburn Claim The Top Spot?

Aug 30, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Cedric Jiles (13) advances the ball after jumping over Southern Miss Golden Eagles defensive back Jomez Applewhite (7) during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

8. Mississippi State

Pre-Season Ranking: 6

Last Week: Beat Southern Miss 49-0

The Good: The best thing about Mississippi State’s victory was the dominance of it. Southern Miss has lost 23 of their last 24 games, but the Bulldogs have a history of playing down to their competition. That didn’t happen Saturday. Dak Prescott was 18-for-26 passing for 284 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. De’Runnya Wilson and Fred Ross each had two touchdown catches, and the defense pitched a shutout.

The Bad: The Bulldogs had two turnovers in the game, and had trouble punching the ball into the end zone in the first quarter. However, there isn’t much to complain about overall.

The Ugly: The weather conditions were sloppy as the teams played in the rain throughout the game. The scoreboard got ugly in the third quarter when Jay Hughes blocked a field goal and returned it 68 yards for a touchdown to increase the lead to 42-0.

Next Week: vs. UAB