SEC Power Rankings: Contenders beginning to emerge

A much clearer picture of the contenders is coming into focus.

Author:
Steve Simpson
Publish date:
Oct 16, 2023 2:45 PM EDT

In this story:

Auburn Tigers

There has been a lot of volatility in the power ranking from week to week this season. While there was still a little bit of that this week, it was much less and we’ve got a pretty good idea about the division races after this weekend.

1. Georgia (previous 1)

The Bulldogs took a trip over to Nashville and left with a costly victory. Georgia struggled in the fist half, as they have done all season, but the Dawgs have also been a strong second half team all year and Saturday was no exception. Vandy kept it close, but like an 80’s horror movie, you knew what was going to happen after intermission. The cost was losing Brock Bowers, arguably the best player in college football, who went down with an ankle injury and is out indefinitely. An off week may be enough time for Bowers return, but regardless, Georgia has enough firepower to continue their march to Atlanta.

2. Alabama (previous 2)

The Crimson Tide welcomed the Razorbacks to Bryant-Denny and escaped with a three point win. Not what one would expect from a Bama team playing a 2-4 Arkansas team. But it also seemed a little far-fetched after the loss at home to Texas and a thoroughly lackluster performance v. South Florida, that the Tide would have the inside track to Atlanta. Great programs rally, and this blue blood is as capable as any to pull that off. Bama takes on Tennessee in an important game for both teams next Saturday.

3. LSU (previous 5)

After a battle with the Missouri Tigers last week, LSU tangled with another group of tigers in Baton Rouge. This tangle didn’t last long as the Bayou Bengals opened a 17-0 lead on tue Auburn Tigers as they cruised to a 48-18 win. LSU catches a breather this Saturday hosting Army before a bye week and then heading to Tuscaloosa as the last team with a realistic shot of knocking off the Tide.

4. Tennessee (previous 4)

The Vols proved to be inhospitable hosts to the Aggies from Texas A&M. They picked off Max Johnson twice and led by a great rushing effort (232 yards) and a stingy defense (54 yards rushing) kept the visitors at bay to earn a hard fought 20-13 win. In the comparison of 5-1 teams the Vols get the nod ahead of Ole Miss based on strength of schedule (3 ranked opponents thus far verse 2).

5. Ole Miss (previous 3)

The Rebels drop a couple of spots despite having an off week. They will be well rested as they travel to Jordan-Hare Stadium this week to take on the Auburn Tigers. Ole Miss should be able to win the next four games before a matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens. Barring something unforeseen, a New Year’s Day Bowl looks certain at this point. Of course we were saying the exact same thing this time last year when Ole Miss proceeded to lose all but one of the last 6 games.

6. Missouri (previous 7)

The Missouri Tigers rebounded nicely from their loss to LSU. Traveling to Lexington for a cat fight with Kentucky, the Tigers prevailed with a 38-21 win that keeps them in the running for an SEC East title. The back half of the schedule is tough, but so are these Tigers. Missouri hosts the Gamecocks of South Carolina this week.

7. Florida (previous 8)

The Gators continue to improve and climb another notch after a close 41-39 win over South Carolina in Columbia. Programs on the move find clutch performers in crunch time. Graham Mertz may be that guy. He lit up the Gamecocks for 423 yards, 3 TDs and no picks. The remaining teams on their schedule (we’re looking at you Georgia) need to take note and beware these hungry Gators.

8. Kentucky (previous 6)

The Wildcats had been on a roll until Georgia steamrolled them in Athens. The friendly confines of Commonwealth Stadium were a welcome chance to soothe their wounds. Unfortunately for UK, Missouri didn’t get the memo and took down the Cats 38-21. Another solid performance from Ray Davis was wasted as the passing game just didn’t get the job done. Kentucky gets this week off to rest and prepare for Tennessee’s visit on Oct. 28. The winner will still have a shot at a New Year’s Day bowl, the loser will likely settle into the bottom half of the SEC East.

9. Texas A&M (previous 9)

After a tough loss in Knoxville, the Aggies have once again been proven to be nothing more than a good to middling football team. Despite a $50 million dollar investment in Jimbo Fisher, who knows how much in NIL and the greatest recruiting class in history, the Aggies are no better off than they were under Kevin Sumlin. A good season is still possible, but after the losses to Tennessee and Alabama, a championship of any kind is almost completely out of the question. A loss to South Carolina in two weeks will get all the buyout talk going again in College Station.

10. South Carolina (previous 11)

The Gamecocks were looking to get a much needed win against Florida this past weekend. Unfortunately for them, the Gators came to Columbia and left with a 41-39 victory leaving South Carolina 2-4 on the season and just ahead of Vandy at the bottom of the East. The chances to get another win are not very good with a road trip to the other Columbia, to take on Missouri up next.

11. Arkansas (previous 12)

The Razorbacks continue to come up just a bit short in close games. Trailing Alabama 21-6 at the half the Hogs out scored the Tide 15-3 in the second half, but couldn’t finish the job on their last drive of the day. Yet, another instance of Arkansas not finishing strong. That is the difference between the 0-4 reality in conference v. the 3-1 potential if they were a better team in the fourth quarter. So many close losses, leads to teams that doubt themselves. Now in sole possession of last place in the West, there’s plenty to doubt in Fayetteville.

12 Auburn (previous 10)

Everyone knew Auburn would be in a transition season under first year coach Hugh Freeze. What people didn’t expect was a team still trying to figure out who and what it is half way through. That is exactly where the Tigers are this week after a 48-18 blowout on the road at LSU. While Auburn returns home this Saturday against Ole Miss, they can’t have a lot of confidence going into that game. Good news for Auburn, is that after the matchup with the Rebels, there are four straight winnable games to get bowl eligibility before the season finale against Alabama.

13 Mississippi State (previous 13)

The Starkville Bulldogs are not quite as well off as the Athens Bulldogs, but after an off week they are looking to avoid becoming the last place team in the West when they take on Arkansas, who currently holds the last place position. There are similarities between MSU and Arkansas – both struggling to finish games (with a notable exception from MSU’s overtime win v. Arizona), both relying on the passing game – but the difference is Arkansas has been more competitive in their losses.

14 Vanderbilt (previous 14)

The Commodores put up a valiant fight against the Georgia Bulldogs Saturday, but still fell to defeat 37-20. Vandy has this week off before making the trek to Oxford to take on Ole Miss Oct. 28.