SEC Power Rankings: Georgia Loss, Ole Miss Win Shakes Up Top Nine

Aug 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach James Franklin reacts to a Commodore touchdown against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Rebels beat the Commodores 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

9. Vanderbilt Commodores

Record: 0-1 (0-1)

Previous Ranking: 7 (Trend: Down)

Last Week: Ole Miss 39, Vanderbilt 35

This Week: vs. Austin Peay

Next Week: at South Carolina

Vanderbilt scored on a 34-yard touchdown pass to Steven Scheua with 1:30 remaining in the game only to watch Jeff Scott break a 75-yard touchdown run to win the game for Ole Miss. It was a brutal loss for the Commodores who had the lead for much of the game after digging out of an early 10-0 hole.

Issues abound on defense for Vanderbilt, who allowed nearly 500 yards of offense to Ole Miss. It is hard to win the SEC without a strong defense, and Vanderbilt proved last Thursday they have a long way to go to be a top-level defensive team. Austin Peay, who was shutout by Tennessee on Saturday, should be a good confidence builder for the Commodores defense.

They’ll need the confidence, too, as Vanderbilt has a crucial game on the road against South Carolina next week.