SEC Power Ranking: Fourth-best team has shot at national title
 |
| Aaron Murray and the Georgia Bulldogs suddenly have a clear path to the national championship game. (US Presswire) |
Here's CBSSports.com's RapidReports SEC power ranking:
1. Texas A&M (9-2, 5-2 SEC): Despite beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa and a No. 9 BCS ranking, the Aggies are headed to a non-BCS bowl, the Cotton, according to CBS' Jerry Palm. Last week's power ranking: 1. Next up: Missouri, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2).
2. Alabama (10-1, 6-1 SEC): Just like Nick Saban forecasted, one loss won't prevent the Crimson Tide from winning the national title. First they'll look to take care of Auburn in the Iron Bowl, a series Alabama leads 41-34-1. Last week's power ranking: 2. Next up: Auburn, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS).
3. LSU (9-2, 5-2 SEC): The Tigers are serving up plenty of late-game drama, and the excitement extends to Les Miles' press conferences. Watch what the Mad Hatter said after the Tigers beat Ole Miss 41-35 Saturday. Last week's power ranking: 3. Next up: at Arkansas, Friday, 2:30 p.m. ET (CBS).
4. Georgia (10-1, 7-1 SEC): Suddenly, Georgia can win the national championship by winning out. The Bulldogs have beaten in-state rival Georgia Tech 10 of the last 11 times. Last week's power ranking: 4. Next up: Georgia Tech, Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (ESPN).
5. Florida (10-1, 7-1 SEC): The Gators have struggled offensively for four straight games. They need to pick it up Saturday at Florida State, which has outscored Florida 52-14 the last two years. Last week's power ranking: 5. Next up: at Florida State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC).
6. South Carolina (9-2, 6-2 SEC): With Steve Spurrier and Clemson's Dabo Swinney trading jabs, the Gamecocks seek to continue their recent domination of the Tigers and post consecutive 10-win seasons for the first time. South Carolina has won three straight over Clemson, outscoring the Tigers 97-37. Last week's power ranking: 6. Next up: at Clemson, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN).
7.
8. Vanderbilt (7-4, 5-3 SEC): The Commodores, who beat Tennessee in Nashville for the first time since 1982, have won five straight. In that span, they've allowed 12.8 points per game. Last week's power ranking: 8. Next up: at Wake Forest, Saturday, 3:30 p.m ET (ESPNU).
9. Ole Miss (5-6, 2-5 SEC): The Rebels rolled up 463 yards against LSU's vaunted defense, but lost their third SEC heartbreaker. Last week's power ranking: 10. Next up: Mississippi State, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU).
10. Missouri (5-6, 2-5 SEC): After giving up 21 points in a fourth-quarter collapse at home against Syracuse, the Tigers go to College Station needing a win to become bowl eligible. DT Sheldon Richardson, who was suspended for Saturday's loss, is expected back. Last week's power ranking: 9. Next up: at Texas A&M, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2).
11. Arkansas (4-7, 2-5 SEC): In their last three SEC games, all losses, the Razorbacks have given up 113 points. Last week's power ranking: 11. Next up: LSU, Friday, 2:30 p.m. ET (CBS).
12. Tennessee (4-7, 0-7 SEC): Offensive coordinator John Chaney will coach the Vols in their season finale after Derek Dooley's firing. Dooley finished 4-19 in SEC play. Last week's power ranking: 12. Next up: Kentucky, Saturday, 12:21 p.m. ET (SEC Network).
13. Auburn (3-8, 0-7 SEC): The Iron Bowl could be Gene Chizik's last game at Auburn. His wins this season came against Louisiana-Monroe, New Mexico State and Alabama A&M. Last week's power ranking: 13. Next up: at Alabama, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS).
14. Kentucky (2-9, 0-7 SEC): Joker Phillips was carried off the field by his seniors after Saturday's 34-3 win over Samford, the Wildcats' third straight win on Senior Day. Phillips won't return next season, but the coach agreed to work the final two games because of his love for the program. Last week's power ranking: 14. Next up: at Tennessee, Saturday, 12:21 p.m. ET (SEC Network).
For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.
