2014 SEC Power Rankings – Week Five

SEC East

1. South Carolina (3-1, 2-1 SEC) – The Gamecocks took care of business against Vanderbilt last week even though their defense struggled for large portions of the game. They remain in the top spot due to their victory over the Georgia Bulldogs.

Next game: Saturday, September 27th at home in a winnable game against Missouri.

2. Georgia (2-1, 0-1 SEC) – The Bulldogs shut out the Troy Trojans over the weekend in a game that met expectations of both Bulldog fans and media alike. They’ll get a test this weekend but that’s only because it’s a rivalry game. They should also win it because of their ground game.

Next game: Saturday, September 27th at home against Tennessee.

3. Missouri (3-1, 0-0 SEC) – A bad loss at home against Indiana on Saturday isn’t enough to move the Tigers down because the rest of the SEC East either isn’t playing well or just isn’t very good. They can move up with a weekend win over South Carolina.

Next game: At South Carolina on Saturday, September 27th.

4. Florida (2-1, 1-1 SEC) – The Gators went to Alabama and lost like they were expected to. Calls for Will Muschamp’s job and the benching of Jeff Driskel are getting louder and louder. They’re off this week before a trip to Neyland Stadium in what is a make or break game.

Next game: Saturday, October 4th at Tennessee.

5. Tennessee (2-1, 0-0 SEC) – The Vols were off last weekend and now they get Georgia. They’re right in the middle of what could be the toughest part of their schedule. Although October 18th through November 1st looks pretty rough as well.

Next game: They’ll travel to Georgia on Saturday, September 27th.

6. Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 SEC) – The last time we saw the Wildcats they were leaving The Swamp after losing in triple-overtime. We’ll see them this weekend in a battle to stay out of last place in SEC East. The Wildcats have the edge, if nothing else, because it’s a home game.

Next game: At home against Vanderbilt on Saturday, September 27th.

7. Vanderbilt (1-3, 0-2 SEC) – The Commodores are fighting to remain bowl eligible. While their remaining schedule isn’t favorable a win against the Wildcats would go a long way towards that goal. They’ll be the underdogs but stranger things have happened.

Next game: At Kentucky, Saturday, September 27th.

SEC West

1. Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC) – After some early struggles against Florida, the Crimson Tide returned to form in the second half and put away the Gators rather easily. I still don’t know if they’re a complete team, but they’re the closest the SEC has to offer at this point.

Next game: At Ole Miss on Saturday, October 4th.

2. Texas A&M (4-0, 1-0 SEC) – The SMU Mustangs never really stood a chance as the Aggies continued to do what they’ve done to teams all season long: demolish teams that are standing in their way. They should be at least tested this weekend though, at Jerry World.

Next game: Saturday, September 27th in Dallas against Arkansas.

3. Auburn (3-0, 1-0 SEC) – They won a tight game their last time out at Kansas State 20-14 in what was a battle of top-20 teams. Nick Marshall brought out the Tigers’ passing attack in the victory. They’ll get another win this weekend and will improve to 4-0.

Next game: Saturday, September 27th at home against Louisiana Tech.

4. Ole Miss (3-0, 1-0 SEC) – The Rebels cruised pats the Ragin’ Cajuns 56-15 last weekend and they look to cruise this weekend as well. Don’t sleep on this Ole Miss team. They just might be able to make some noise this year.

Next game: Saturday, September 27th at home against Memphis.

5. Mississippi State (4-0, 1-0 SEC) – Speaking of making noise, the Bulldogs became the first SEC team to really do that this year with their upset of LSU last weekend. Things don’t look to get any easier as their next two games are against Texas A&M and Auburn. It’s good that both those games are at home.

Next game: Saturday, October 4th against Texas A&M.

6. LSU (3-1, 0-1 SEC) – That Voodoo magic almost made an appearance as they attempted to comeback late against Bulldogs last Saturday but it just wasn’t meant to be. No. 6 might seem harsh, but all the teams above the Tigers right now have a combined zero losses.

Next game: A nice rebound win is on the way as New Mexico State travels to LSU on Saturday, September 27th.

7. Arkansas (3-1, 0-1 SEC) – I don’t think the Razorbacks are a bad team by any means, but they’re at the bottom here almost by default. A win over Northern Illinois isn’t quite enough to get them out of the cellar. They’ve got a great chance to shake things up this weekend though.

Next game: At Jerry World, they’ll face Texas A&M on Saturday, September 27th.

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Nolan Mucciarone of Alligator Army provides the information for our weekly 2014 SEC Power Rankings. You can follow Nolan on Twitter  @AA_FlaGators.

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