SEC Power Rankings updated after Week 5 of college football
The On3 SEC Power Rankings were updated after Week 5 of the college football season and the chase is on to catch Georgia.
The Bulldogs, to no one’s surprise, remained the top team in the conference, as well as the country. But a familiar face is coming up the rear as well as some other teams making significant gains.
Let’s dive into this week’s SEC power rankings courtesy of our panel of On3 experts.
1. Georgia
Another week, another No. 1 ranking for the Georgia Bulldogs. However, it was a 27-20 win over Auburn, too close for comfort for the people back home watching in Athens.
But, a win is a win and that’s all you can ask out of Kirby Smart. Again, until you take out the kings, they won’t come off the throne.
2. Alabama (+1)
Alabama dominated Mississippi State and the panic button can go away now for the Crimson Tide. Jalen Milroe now has better command of the offense.
With this big win, Alabama moved up a spot in the power rankings. Milroe finished 10-of-12 passing for 164 yards and ran for 69 and two scores.
3. Ole Miss (+2)
The Rebels bounced back quite nicely after a loss to Alabama on the road. Lane Kiffin challenged his team and they responded with a wild 55-49 victory.
Jaxson Dart was awesome getting his team to 4-1 on the season and back within the top 20. Dart finished with 389 yards, four touchdowns, 50 rushing yards and one score on the ground.
4. Tennessee (+2)
Tennessee bounced back as well and soared back up the On3 power rankings. Two spots up from last week after the 41-20 win over South Carolina.
Joe Milton tossed two interceptions but the ground game made up for it. Jaylen Wright ran for 123 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.7 yards per carry .
5. LSU (-3)
This long really stings for Brian Kelly and LSU. With two losses, the College Football Playoff is almost assuredly off the table.
Jayden Daniels played out of his mind, throwing for 414 yards and four touchdowns while running for 99 and another score. But the defense gave up 21 points in the fourth quarter. Big bummer this weekend.
6. Texas A&M (+1)
The Aggies are back in business with a win over Arkansas at Jerry World. Now at 4-1, Jimbo Fisher might have something cooking despite losing Conner Weigman under center.
Max Johnson threw for 210 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, but the Aggies controlled this one from the get go. However, Alabama is coming to town next week. Good luck.
7. Kentucky (+1)
Kentucky soared into the AP Poll rankings at No. 20 overall and moved up a spot in the SEC rankings. Yes the Wildcats are undefeated but still behind Texas A&M according to our On3 experts.
The schedule isn’t the strongest, but Mark Stoops and company stomped on the Gators 33-14 this weekend. It wasn’t even close and now eyes are shifting towards Lexington.
8. Missouri (+1)
Hello Brady Cook. The Missouri quarterback went off for 395 yards and four touchdowns against Vanderbilt. Missouri remained ranked in the AP Poll and is now 5-0.
The SEC East is very interesting. But just based on strength of schedule, the Tigers are still middle of the road. Good thing there’s plenty of time to prove others wrong.
9. Florida (-5)
What a drop from the Florida Gators from last week. Going down five spots in the rankings is brutal within this conference.
Graham Mertz didn’t play badly, throwing for 244 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, by the offense didn’t get going on the ground. Plus, Florida was in a 23-7 hole at halftime.
10. Auburn (+1)
Even in a loss, the Tigers moved up one spot in these power rankings. The game against Georgia was there for the taking, but Hugh Freeze and company couldn’t take advantage.
It would’ve been a massive upset. But still, the Tigers might have something going. This team is still 3-2 and a return to the postseason is a distinct possibility.
11. South Carolina (-1)
Tough break there for South Carolina as the Gamecocks dropped to 2-3 on the season. Spencer Rattler struggled, throwing for 169 yards and an interception.
Facing a 24-10 deficit at halftime, South Carolina couldn’t just get back into it. Shane Beamer and crew might have to claw their way to a bowl game this year.
12. Arkansas
The Razorbacks stood pat at No. 12 this week after the loss to Texas A&M. KJ Jefferson struggled in this one, going nine-of-17 passing for 132 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The run game didn’t get going either. Jefferson ran 18 total times, but his net yardage was -3. Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders had 11 carries for just 34 yards.
13. Mississippi State
The Bulldogs were railroaded by Alabama. There’s not much shame in that, but it’s tough to swallow a blowout loss.
They should get back in the win column against Western Michigan next weekend, but on Oct. 21, it could be a pivotal game against Arkansas. That could ultimately determine if this team is going to the postseason.
14. Vanderbilt
More tough sledding for Vanderbilt as the team remained in the basement of this week’s power rankings. The Commodores lost 38-21 but trailed 17-7 at halftime and really didn’t get going until it was too late in the fourth quarter.
Clark Lea and company are halfway through the schedule and head to Florida this coming weekend. It’s going to be tough to gut out four more wins on the schedule.
The SEC Power Rankings are subject to change drastically as the season rolls on. Heck, the SEC East could be totally turned upside down. Gear up for Week 6 in five days!