Photo courtesy of Mississippi State athletics
There were just four games in the SEC this week, but that did not stop a top-10 team from going down.
October is in the rear view and November is here. After nine weeks, here is how the SEC power rankings look:
1. Georgia
Previous Ranking: 1
Georgia has been at the top of the power rankings for multiple weeks now, and it did nothing to remove itself after beating Florida, 34-7.
The Georgia defense shut down anything the Gators got going, and even put some points on the board. The decision to start Stetson Bennett over a healthy JT Daniels was somewhat ridiculed by fans, but it did not matter in the 27-point victory.
With a Kentucky loss, the Bulldogs won the SEC East before the month of November.
Georgia will host Missouri to kick off November.
2. Alabama
Previous Ranking: 2
The Crimson Tide were off this past week following a hard-fought win over Tennessee, giving them time to prepare for a tough November stretch.
Quarterback Bryce Young continues to stay in a solid position in the Heisman Trophy standings and will face a struggling and banged-up LSU defense this week.
3. Auburn
Previous Ranking: 3
Auburn continues to win. This time, it pulled off a victory over top-10 Ole Miss and Heisman contender Matt Corral.
Auburn’s Bo Nix has quickly turned into one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and Bryan Harsin outcoached Lane Kiffin in the 31-20 win over the Rebels.
The Tigers crack the top three for the first time this year, and they still control their own destiny in the SEC West.
4. Texas A&M
Previous Ranking: 5
The Aggies were off this week, giving them an extra week to prepare for Auburn.
Even without a game played, the Aggies jump the Rebels.
Both teams sit with two losses. The only difference? A&M beat Alabama.
5. Ole Miss
Previous Ranking: 3
Ole Miss drops two spots after a disappointing outing against Auburn.
The Tigers ran all over the Ole Miss defense, and Corral had the worst game of his stellar season.
From penalties to questionable play calls, Ole Miss shot itself in the foot all night long.
Ole Miss will host former head coach Hugh Freeze and Liberty this week.
6. Mississippi State
Previous Ranking: 10
The Bulldogs made the biggest jump this week after a 31-17 upset of Kentucky.
Quarterback Will Rogers had Mike Leach’s air raid offense clicking on all cylinders.
A trip to Arkansas this week will go a long way in deciding the order of finish in the SEC West.
7. Arkansas
Previous Ranking: 7
Arkansas snagged a bye week at a perfect time after losing three of four.
The Razorbacks look to lean on quarterback KJ Jefferson to regain some of the momentum from early in the season.
8. Kentucky
Previous Ranking: 6
Kentucky suffered its second loss of the season in Starkville on Saturday. Both have come to Bulldogs.
Fortunately, Kentucky should be favored in its final four games. Mark Stoops’ team will look for a better effort than it gave against Mississippi State.
9. Tennessee
Previous Ranking: 9
Tennessee stays at No. 9 in the rankings after being idle this week.
Getting a bye week is huge. Tennessee’s November slate features both Georgia and Kentucky. That gauntlet begins on Saturday in Lexington.
10. Florida
Previous Ranking: 8
Dan Mullen and the Gators continue to be one of the most disappointing teams in the country.
The Gators made numerous critical mistakes and were shut out for three quarters in Saturday’s loss to Georgia.
11. LSU
Previous Ranking: 10
No team needed a bye week this week more than LSU, which is dealing with a lot of injuries.
The Tigers are hoping for a strong end to the Ed Orgeron era this month. As banged up as the Tigers are, it could be wishful thinking.
12. Missouri
Previous Ranking: 12
The gap between Missouri and Vanderbilt might not be that big. The Tigers struggled in a 37-28 victory over the Commodores this past week.
With just four games left, a turnaround continues to look less and less likely.
13. South Carolina
Previous Ranking: 13
The Gamecocks were off this week as they gear up for a date with the Gators.
This game against Florida should be a good measuring stick for both programs.
14. Vanderbilt
Previous Ranking: 14
Vandy fell just short of beating Missouri, which could have been its last realistic chance of winning an SEC game.
If there is anything to hang its hat on, it is the fact that the Commodores could have two SEC wins with a break here or there.