SEC Power Ranking: Alabama on top, by 5 yards

Here's CBSSports.com's Rapid Reports SEC power ranking:

1. Alabama (12-1, 7-1 SEC): Center Barrett Jones, who was on crutches with a foot injury after the SEC Championship Game, is expected back when bowl practice starts in two weeks. Last week's power ranking: 2. Next up: Notre Dame, BCS Chamionship Game, Miami, Jan. 7, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).

2. Georgia (11-2, 7-1 SEC): The Bulldogs should take out their frustration on a Cornhuskers defense that just allowed 640 total yards, 539 rushing, to Wisconsin. Last week's power ranking: 4. Next up: Nebraska, Capital One Bowl, Orlando, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET (ABC).

3. Florida (11-1, 7-1 SEC): The Gators are headed to New Orleans to face Louisville and coach Charlie Strong, who spent 16 of his 29 years in coaching at Florida. The former Florida defensive coordinator helped recruit many current Gators. Last week's power ranking: 5. Next up: Louisville, Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, Jan. 2, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).

4. Texas A&M (10-2, 6-2 SEC): The Aggies will make their 13th appearance in the Cotton Bowl (4-8). Their most recent visit came two years ago when they lost 41-24 to LSU. Last week's power ranking: 1. Next up: Oklahoma, Cotton Bowl, Arlington, Tex., Jan. 4, 8 p.m. ET (Fox).

5. LSU (10-2, 6-2 SEC): LSU is 5-0 all-time in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, which used to be called the Peach Bowl, while Clemson is 2-5. Last week's power ranking: 3. Next up: Clemson, Chick-fil-A Bowl, Atlanta, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).

6. South Carolina (10-2, 6-2 SEC): Coach Steve Spurrier made it clear he's much happier to be matched up against a program like Michigan than Northwestern. The Gamecocks and Wolverines haven't played since 1985. Last week's power ranking: 6. Next up: Michigan, Outback Bowl, Tampa, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET (ESPN).

7. Vanderbilt (8-4, 5-3 SEC): The Commodores will be staying home for their bowl game, but they don't seem disappointed. QB Jordan Rodgers noted it's a day game “so we'll have New Year's Eve to hang out with all our fans here in Nashville.” Last week's power ranking: 7. Next up: NC State, Music City Bowl, Nashville, Dec. 31, 12 p.m. ET (ESPN).

8. Ole Miss (6-6, 3-5 SEC): Unlike some Pitt players, who said they didn't want to go back to Birmingham for a third straight year, the Rebels are excited about this trip after last year's 10-loss season, first in program history. Last week's power ranking: 8. Next up: Pittsburgh, BBVA Compass Bowl, Birmingham, Jan. 5, 1 p.m. ET (ESPN).

9. Mississippi State (8-4, 4-4 SEC): This will be the first meeting between Northwestern and Mississippi State, which is Gator Bowl-bound for the second time in three years. Northwestern has lost its last nine bowls. Last week's power ranking: 9. Next up: Northwestern, Gator Bowl, Jacksonville, Jan. 1, 12 p.m. ET (ESPN2).

10. Missouri (5-7, 2-6 SEC): The Tigers' top priority should be addressing the O-line. Mizzou averaged 3.7 yards per carry, 13th in the conference. Last week's power ranking: 10.

11. Arkansas (4-8, 2-6 SEC): With no guarantee they'll be retained once a new head coach is hired, Razorbacks assistants are on the road visiting Arkansas' 16 commitments. Last week's power ranking: 11.

12. Tennessee (5-7, 1-7 SEC): Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy, who is 66-35 in Stillwater, has reportedly spoken to Tennessee about its vacant head coaching job. Last week's power ranking: 12.

13. Auburn (3-9, 0-8 SEC): In a survey by Al.com, 53 percent of 11,000 readers said they don't want Bobby Petrino to be Auburn's next coach, with many saying he's lied to his bosses. Thirty-five percent said they wanted Petrino, with 12 percent undecided. Last week's power ranking: 13.

14. Kentucky (2-10, 0-8 SEC): New coach Mark Stoops, who spent the past three seasons as Florida State's defensive coordinator, said defense wins in the SEC. "It's a very physical conference, and I realize that. I want to be tough and I want to be physical. We have to build this foundation with great defense, there's no way around it." Last week's power ranking: 14.

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