SEC Power Rankings after Week 9: Alabama back in Playoff picture while LSU tumbles again
SEC Week 9 involved plenty of movement. The big story was Alabama's jump and LSU's slide. But Texas A&M, Missouri and others saw some significant shifts. Here's where the SEC stands after Week 9.
SEC Power Rankings after Week 9
16. Mississippi State (1-7)
While MSU had been playing pretty well, the bottom fell out defensively against Arkansas. It's a tough season and the next month will only make it seem longer.
15. Kentucky (3-5)
The Wildcats were dominated by an Auburn team that has consistently turned the ball over and done everything possible to beat itself. But Auburn turned into a ground game juggernaut as Kentucky jumped to a 10-0 lead and then didn't do another thing right
14. Auburn (3-5)
Watching Jarquez Hunter run over, around and through Kentucky suggested that maybe Auburn should have prioritized getting him the ball a little bit earlier in 2024. Alas, we'll never know if it would have made a difference.
13. Oklahoma (4-4)
Not a bad effort defensively, but if Kentucky wasn't in the league, Oklahoma would steal the crown for the worst offense in the SEC. It's looking increasingly like the Sooners will miss a bowl in their first SEC season.
12. Florida (4-3)
The Gators really aren't that bad, but their schedule is not going to do them any favors. They need an upset to reach six wins and absent that, it's hard to see Billy Napier keeping his job.
11. South Carolina (4-3)
The Gamecocks were off this week and take a step back because of Arkansas' impressive week. USC is probably about where they belong – a little better situated than Florida, but not as well set up as the Hogs.
10. Arkansas (5-3)
It's shaping up to be a genuinely positive season for the Hogs. Bobby Petrino has given Sam Pittman's team a real upgrade. That has to be something for Kentucky and Oklahoma to consider heading into an offseason with miserable offensive performances.
9. Missouri (6-2)
They got the doors blown off by Alabama, which led to them getting passed by a team with a worse record. Missouri both got a ridiculously light schedule and played well in close games. Their season will look better on paper than it did on the football field.
8. Vanderbilt (5-3)
The Commodores didn't get a big win, but they hung around and gave Texas trouble. Vandy's schedule for the final month isn't easy, but surely they can nab a sixth (and maybe a seventh) win?
7. Ole Miss (6-2)
Yes, there's probably a talent jump between the Rebels and the Commodores. But it's been a decidedly uninspired Ole Miss team that has played its way toward the back of the SEC's group of CFP hopefuls. Another loss is probably fatal there.
6. LSU (6-2)
Easily the most puzzling outcome of Week 9 was LSU's offense just completely losing its way in the second half against A&M. Obviously, the Aggies deserve some credit, but LSU immediately went from a team with a very good CFP shot to one that ESPN now gives a 21.2% chance.
5. Texas A&M (7-1)
A&M remains in the thick of the SEC title hunt with an impressive win over LSU. They still have to play Texas, but with this win, the Aggies went from a team with an outside shot at the Playoff to one that suddenly has a coin-flip shot.
4. Alabama (6-2)
Time to welcome Alabama back to the CFP hunt. The Tide have a very good chance of running the table to finish 10-2. They probably don't make the SEC title game but are now sitting at a 53.2% shot at a CFP bid per ESPN's FPI.
3. Tennessee (6-1)
No changes in the top three spots here. Georgia and UT were both off and whichever team wins the battle of those two is probably going to the SEC title game. But even the losing team has an excellent shot at the Playoff.
2. Texas (7-1)
Texas took care of business, but certainly didn't do enough to jump back over Georgia. The Longhorns have ESPN's best odds at winning the league and a just over 3-in-4 shot at a spot in the CFP.
1. Georgia (6-1)
The Bulldogs didn't play this week, but didn't see anybody else exactly jumping up to claim the No. 1 spot. Georgia's 84.7% chance to reach the Playoff keeps them right here at the top of the SEC.
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