It was an action-packed Saturday in the SEC this weekend.
Twelve of the 16 teams were in action against each other, and Ole Miss played a nonconference game against Washington State (and almost took a disastrous loss!). Only Kentucky, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt were idle. Most of the favorites took care of business against their underdog opponents, though several of the games were close, and Texas convincingly handed the Oklahoma Sooners their first loss of the season in the Red River Rivalry.
Alabama is rapidly ascending, Tennessee’s on a streak, and the momentum hasn’t stopped growing since Week 1 for Texas A&M either. Ole Miss’s lackluster nonconference performance means we have a new #1 this week. Let’s dive into it and the full set of the Week 8 power rankings:
1. Texas A&M (3-0, 6-0)
Previous Rank: 2.
The Aggies ascend to #1. 3-0 and 6-0 like Ole Miss, their convincing win over Florida outweighed the Rebels’ escape from Washington State, and A&M in their last four games has beaten Notre Dame, Auburn, Mississippi State, and Florida. Next up are Arkansas, LSU, and Missouri. If they keep this momentum rolling, they could be in the SEC championship game.
2. Ole Miss (3-0, 6-0)
Previous Rank: 1.
A win is a win, and 24-21 to keep your undefeated record is a lot more than other teams can say they did this season in the same situation. Next up is a trip to Athens, Georgia. A win there would take #1 back for sure.
3. Alabama (3-0, 5-1)
Previous Rank: 4.
Alabama is playing like a playoff team. A week after playing undefeated and upset-minded Vanderbilt at home, they took it up a notch and beat undefeated and upset-minded Mizzou on the road. Next up is the annual Third Saturday in October game with the Tennessee Volunteers, taking place in Bryant-Denny Stadium between two 5-1 playoff-minded teams.
4. LSU (2-1, 5-1)
Previous Rank: 5.
LSU got it done at home against South Carolina. Next week it’ll be a battle in Nashville with Vanderbilt.
5. Tennessee (2-1, 5-1)
Previous Rank: 7.
That was a close one with Arkansas, only slipping away 34-31, but a win is a win, and that’s very on the second Saturday of October when the next week is of course the Third Saturday in October.
6. Oklahoma (1-1, 5-1)
Previous Rank: 3.
That was a disastrous performance for John Mateer coming off his injury with no touchdowns and three interceptions. A tough loss, but the important thing will be not letting it turn into two with a trip to South Carolina up next.
7. Georgia (3-1, 5-1)
Previous Rank: 9.
The Bulldogs won the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry…again. Big surprise. It was their 9th in a row over the Tigers. Next up is a huge showdown with Ole Miss.
8. Vanderbilt (1-1, 5-1)
Previous Rank: 6.
The Commodores had the week off. Next week they turn from their Alabama loss to host LSU.
9. Texas (1-1, 4-2)
Previous Rank: 12.
The Longhorns did what they do best: thump Oklahoma. Their last three wins over the Sooners have been by at least 17 points.
10. Missouri (1-1, 5-1)
Previous Rank: 8.
It was a valiant effort but came up just short. Next up is a tricky trip to Auburn.
11. Florida (1-2, 2-4)
Previous Rank: 10.
A very tall order trying to beat Texas A&M in College Station, but they didn’t get totally embarrassed. Next up is a game that’s actually not against a top-10 team, which thus means it’s a must win: hosting Mississippi State.
12. Mississippi State (0-2, 4-2)
Previous Rank: 11.
The Bulldogs had the week off. No easy games in the SEC, but next week’s trip to Florida is as good a chance as any to snap their league losing streak.
13. South Carolina (1-3, 3-3)
Previous Rank: 13.
The Gamecocks lost to LSU 20-10. Just like Georgia beat Auburn 20-10. And LSU beat Florida several weeks ago 20-10. It’s the latest fashion.
14. Auburn (0-3, 3-3)
Previous Rank: 14.
The Tigers were in it for a while but Georgia delivered the final blows. They’re in big trouble if they don’t start winning soon.
15. Arkansas (0-2, 2-4)
Previous Rank: 15.
A strong effort in Knoxville and a great comeback bid, but the Hogs fall to 2-4 and await the undefeated A&M Aggies.
16. Kentucky (0-3, 2-3)
Previous Rank: 16.
Kentucky had the week off. All eyes were on Texas, scouting them out before next week’s home game, where they will try once again to get on the board with a conference win and beat somebody/anybody/not nobody.
