Photo courtesy of Arkansas athletics
With SEC play starting to get underway, there is going to be a lot of movement in the power rankings.
Ahead of Week 5, there is a lot of change. Here’s the latest installment:
1. Alabama
Previous Ranking: 1
Alabama did not suffer any hangover after an emotional win against Florida in Week 4.
The Crimson Tide handled Southern Mississippi 63-14, and got another big outing from quarterback Bryce Young.
Alabama and Ole Miss will meet in Tuscaloosa this week for what should be a great matchup.
2. Georgia
Previous Ranking: 2
The Bulldogs proved once again why they are one of the most complete teams in the nation by blanking Vanderbilt, 62-0.
Georgia jumped out to a commanding 35-0 lead in the first quarter, and did not look back.
Georgia will take on red-hot Arkansas in Week 5.
3. Arkansas
Previous Ranking: 4
Arkansas rises into the top three of the power rankings for the first time this season after upsetting Texas A&M, 20-10.
The Razorbacks found a way to move the ball and the defense shut down anything the Aggies could create.
Arkansas keeps improving every week, and it has a chance to break into the top two with an upset of Georgia.
4. Ole Miss
Previous Ranking: 3
Ole Miss was idle this week, so the Rebels did not get a chance to prove themselves in Week 4.
Arkansas’ win over Texas A&M was enough to jump the Rebels, but Ole Miss has a chance to do some real damage with a trip to Tuscaloosa coming on Saturday.
5. Florida
Previous Ranking: 5
Florida lost a heartbreaker to Alabama in Week 4, but bounced back with a blowout victory over Tennessee, 38-14.
Emory Jones solidified his role as the starter with 353 total yards of offense and two touchdowns. The defense also played physically and was able to rush the passer.
Florida will now travel to Kentucky for a game with major implications in the SEC East.
6. Texas A&M
Previous Ranking: 6
A 20-10 loss against Arkansas keeps the Aggies in the middle of the pack in the power rankings, which is a lot lower than many would have thought.
The offense continues to struggle with Zach Calzada behind center. The defense has been put in bad situations recently.
If Texas A&M can not figure things out on offense, things won’t get better.
7. Auburn
Previous Ranking: 7
Auburn quarterback Bo Nix was benched and replaced by TJ Finley on Saturday. That resulted in a fourth-quarter comeback win over Georgia State, 34-24. Finley’s heroic efforts could potentially open up the starting quarterback spot for Auburn.
Auburn blanked the Panthers in the second half and showed some fight in the fourth after being outplayed for three and a half quarters.
So far, the Tigers have been inconsistent. Whichever version shows up against LSU could define the rest of the season for Auburn.
8. Kentucky
Previous Ranking: 8
Kentucky dropped last week after a near upset loss to FCS Chattanooga, but bounced back this week with a win over division rival South Carolina, 16-10.
The Wildcats could not develop a passing game, but they were able to shut down anything South Carolina threw their way.
Kentucky seems to be one of the biggest mysteries in the SEC this season. Next week’s matchup against Florida will be a good measuring stick game for the school from Lexington.
9. LSU
Previous Ranking: 9
LSU did everything it could to lose to Mississippi State, but the Bulldogs could not pull it off as the Tigers survived, 28-25.
Max Johnson and the LSU receivers give fans reason for optimism, but the rest of the team is a big question mark.
A win over a rival like Auburn in Week 5 could give LSU the momentum it needs to have a solid season.
10. Missouri
Previous Ranking: 10
Missouri continues to disappoint after relatively high preseason expectations.
The Tigers took Boston College to overtime after a 56-yard field goal on the final snap of regulation, but ultimately lost in Chestnut Hill, 41-34.
Connor Bazelak continues to shine at quarterback, but Missouri continues to lack physicality.
Missouri draws Tennessee next week.
11. Tennessee
Previous Ranking: 11
Tennessee led Florida early and was within striking distance at the half, but got shut out the rest of the way.
The Volunteers were put in some good situations, but just could not execute.
There were signs of life from Tennessee, but it just got out-talented by the Gators.
12. Mississippi State
Previous Ranking: 13
The Bulldogs rise one spot after showing some late life in a 3-point loss against LSU.
Quarterback Will Rogers continues to improve, but Mississippi State keeps falling short when it matters most.
13. South Carolina
Previous Ranking: 12
The Gamecocks once again struggled to get anything going on offense, even with Luke Doty at quarterback.
South Carolina ran for 58 yards on 2.2 yards per carry. If it wants to be competitive in the SEC East going forward, it needs to do a much better job on the ground.
14. Vanderbilt
Previous Ranking: 14
Once again, Vanderbilt rounds out the list here.
Georgia routed the Commodores, 62-0. Vandy gave up 35 points in the first quarter alone.