SEC Power Rankings After Week 10

Three legitimate College Football Playoff contenders remain in the SEC. In the coming weeks, that number may very likely dwindle down to just one. Week 10 of the college football season helped clear up the overall playoff picture ever so slightly. From the looks of it, Georgia, Washington, Florida State, and the winner of Michigan-Ohio State are the playoff favorites, but a lot could happen in the next few weeks. In the Hawg Country SEC Power Rankings, how far will teams like Missouri and LSU fall? Losing in a big game with playoff status on the line is heartbreaking, but will it derail the seasons of these two teams?

1. Georgia 9-0 (6-0)

vs. Missouri- W 30-21

This game was much closer than many figured it would be. Georgia proved their status as a top four team once again. Missouri is no pushover, and the Bulldog defense was impressive. This shouldn’t be surprising given that they’ve had a top defense all season long. Defense wins championships…and Georgia’s sure is playing at a championship level.

2. Alabama 8-1 (6-0)

vs. LSU- W 42-28

In an impressive outing from both squads, the Tide put LSU down in the fourth quarter. Jalen Milroe and Jase McClellan both had huge games. After all that talk about the Nick Saban dynasty being over following the Texas loss, I’d bet Bama fans feel great.

3. Ole Miss 8-1 (5-1) 2

vs. Texas A&M- W 38-35

Surviving upset alert, Ole Miss put the Aggies away thanks to a go-ahead Quinshon Judkins touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Jaxson Dart had a huge game as well, throwing for nearly 400 yards. Ole Miss is a playoff contender right now. After next Saturday’s matchup against Georgia…that could be a different story. Only time will tell.

4. LSU 6-3 (4-2)1

at Alabama- L 42-28

LSU has officially been eliminated from the playoff conversation. Jayden Daniels is going into concussion protocol. Horrible news all around for the Tigers. Their lackluster defense cost them this game. We all knew it was a problem earlier this season. LSU could easily finish 8-4 or worse if Daniels has to miss too much time.

5. Missouri 7-2 (3-2)1

at Georgia- L 31-20

As much as I hate to slide a team down in the SEC Power Rankings after losing to Georgia, it was necessary today. Not because Missouri played poorly, but rather due to the big win by Ole Miss. I actually think Missouri looked great against Georgia. Small mistakes caused the loss for the Tigers. When this team is clicking, they can compete with anyone in the country.

6. Tennessee 7-2 (3-2)

vs. UCONN- W 59-3

I was hoping that Tennessee wouldn’t struggle with UCONN. That sure would’ve been embarrassing.

7. Texas A&M 5-4 (3-3)

at Ole Miss- L 38-35

When you have a chance to tie the ball game as the clock expires and miss a field goal, it stings. The Aggies should have been able to extend this game, but couldn’t execute. They gave up way too many long passing plays to Jaxson Dart and the Ole Miss offense. Jimbo Fisher’s coaching seat may be getting hotter than Sam Pittman’s.

8. Kentucky 6-3 (3-3) 1

at Mississippi State- W 24-3

How to make any Arkansas fan feel terrible about themselves:

Show them how badly Kentucky beat Mississippi State…on the road.

9. Auburn 5-4 (2-4) 1

at Vanderbilt- W 31-15

While this win wasn’t convincing, it got the job done. Auburn is one win away from bowl eligibility and New Mexico State is still on the schedule. That should be enough to get any fan excited during your first year under a new head coach in the SEC. Next week’s matchup with Arkansas should be an absolute battle.

10. Arkansas 3-6 (1-5) 3

at Florida- W 39-36 OT

The Arkansas offense looked like a completely different machine…in bursts. There were still periods in which it looked like Dan Enos was calling the plays. Interim offensive coordinator Kenny Guiton did a phenomenal job in situational play-calling. KJ Jefferson and Rocket Sanders looked excited and 110% motivated for the first time all season. Both had huge games alongside wideout Andrew Armstrong. Coach Guiton has resurrected the offense so far, and if this trend continues he could have the opportunity to remain as offensive coordinator going into next season.

With so much positive to think about coming from this game, I think it’s important to recognize that the defense really struggled at times. Hopefully that was a one-time ordeal. The Hogs have a legit shot at finishing 5-7 or 6-6, which is best-case scenario at this point.

11. Florida 5-4 (3-3)3

vs. Arkansas- L 39-36 OT

Graham Mertz played solidly, but he just wasn’t enough to finish off Arkansas in overtime. His defense and special teams failed him. Florida may very likely miss a bowl thanks to this loss, and Gator fans won’t be happy at all with that. Billy Napier is on the hotseat for sure now.

12. Mississippi State 4-5 (1-5)1

vs. Kentucky- L 24-3

Wow. Just wow. Dan Enos must feel great about himself.

13. South Carolina 3-6 (1-5)1

vs. Jacksonville State- W 38-28

Well…at least the Hogs aren’t struggling to put away teams like Jacksonville State. Man, I can’t believe how wrong I was about South Carolina before the start of the season.

14. Vanderbilt 2-8 (0-6)

vs. Auburn- L 31-15

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