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Despite the big upset at the top, not many changes in the ratings this week.  This coming week has some huge games, look for more movement in the next installment.

SEC Power Ratings
(Oct. 15)

1. LSU (Last week, 1) lost to Kentucky, 43-37 (3OT)
Sure, they lost. They're still the top team in the league unless someone else earns the spot  And with all the other upsets in the Top 10, the Tigers aren't out of the national championship hunt.  Tommy Tubberville and company can change all that. Next week: vs. Auburn

2. Florida (2) did not play
The Gators probably have to win out if they want to make it back to the SEC Championship game.  Coming off a bye after two consecutive losses should have them primed and ready to take down last week's giant-killers.  But can the defense contain Woodson? If not, the defending champs will be out of the race. Next week: at Kentucky

3. South Carolina (3) beat North Carolina, 21-15
While Kentucky gets all the headlines for beating LSU, the Gamecocks are quietly putting together a great season. And they beat the Wildcats. Respect will have to wait, but in the meantime USC needs to avoid a letdown to keep pace in the East. Next week: vs. Vanderbilt

4. Kentucky (6) beat LSU, 43-37 (3OT)
The only real decision I had this week was how high to move the Wildcats after their big win. This spot seems fair, although it won't be easy to keep with another powerhouse coming to town. Beat the Gators, and they have a case for the number one spot. Next week: vs. Florida

5. Tennessee (4) beat Mississippi State, 33-21
With a workmanlike win against the Bulldogs, the Vols may be hitting their stride after a shaky first half. But they are coming up against a team looking for a signature win, so they will need to bring their best effort or risk falling back in the pack in the East. Next week: at Alabama

6. Auburn (5) beat Arkansas, 9-7
Classic SEC defensive struggle. Either that, or two really bad offenses, take your pick. The Tigers were hoping to catch LSU coasting as the number one team -- so much for that. The SEC West may be riding on this one, and Auburn will have its hands full with an opponent looking to take out its frustations. Next week: at LSU

7. Georgia (7) beat Vanderbilt, 20-17
This game was looking like a loss for most of the day, but the Bulldogs rallied for their first win over an SEC East opponent since early last season. They now get a rare bye week before facing the Gators, something they hope will help turn the tide in what has become a lopsided rivalry. Next week: Bye

8. Alabama (8) beat Ole Miss, 27-24
Speaking of turning the tide, The Crimson Tide barely escaped from Oxford thanks to a last-minute replay reversal. If Alabama wants to be a factor in the SEC West, they'll need a reversal of recent history against the Vols, who have won 10 of the last 12 games in the series. Next week: vs. Tennessee

9. Arkansas (9) lost to Auburn, 9-7
Still winless in SEC play, the Razorbacks are probably out of the SEC West race. About all they can do at this point is keep Darren McFadden in the Heisman race and try to save Houston Nutt's job. All things considered, I bet they choose the former. Next week: at Ole Miss

10. Vanderbilt (11) lost to Georgia, 20-17
Last week we said Vandy would have to show more to move up, and they did, despite the loss. Still, the toll of playing in college football's toughest division is just too much to expect the Commodores to overcome with any consistency. Next week: at South Carolina

11. Mississippi State (10) lost to Tennessee, 33-21
Things are going to get ugly from here on out, unless the Bulldogs can muster up whatever they did to beat Auburn. Are we sure they won that game? Someone get the tape. Next week: at West Virginia

12. Ole Miss (12) lost to Alabama, 27-24
This sort of effort will usually get you a boost in the ratings. But the Rebels have little to show for their efforts this season, and here is no exception. Next week: vs. Arkansas

October 15, 2007  12:05 PM ET

i still cant get my head around Kentucky becoming a "team to beat" in the SEC i think we'll know just how good they are after this game agianst Florida who i also have questions about with the SEC in shambles as it seems to be since the West is a 3 way toss up and the East could go to anyone except vanderbilt and mabye Georgia since theyve shown they arent up to compete with the big boys. I think they season finish should be quite interesting. And Im excited!!!

October 15, 2007  04:59 PM ET

LSU got beat by a very avg. team. at the end of the year it will show up in wins and losses. sec teams are no better than any other conf. i'm tired of hearing it .anybody undefeated; okla. tx; ohio state-mich.-usc-ore. would all do very well if they played in the sec.All good teams get beat,my self personally I see the tigers getting beat by Auburn.

October 15, 2007  05:00 PM ET

Spurrier is sandbagging at South Carolina. Isn't it amazing how the Gamecocks can roll up 21 points in the first half, none in the second, and still win the game? Spurrier gets "conservative" in the second half just because he has a 21-3 lead? He is just getting his defense tougher for the last quarter of the season. His offense has proven it can score when it wants. Talk about playing the underdog role. He should get an Academy Award for this year. Wonder why he hasn't benched Smelley when he "struggles"??? It's the play calling of Spurrier that makes Smelley look like that. Spurrier is not showing his complete hand yet, but will show it at the end of the season. Mark it down.

October 16, 2007  11:52 AM ET

Can anyone explain to me how a 2 SEC loss Florida who lost to Auburn is ranked four spots ahead of them or how Tennessee who has played one good game against UGA is also ranked ahead of Auburn?

October 16, 2007  07:17 PM ET

maybe because auburn lost to Mississippi Freaking State? Neither Tennessee or Florida has a bad loss on its schedule. Doesn't matter that Auburn beat Florida if they can't beat the worst team in the SEC in recent years.

October 17, 2007  10:57 AM ET

Oh, it matters that we beat Florida!!!

October 17, 2007  02:05 PM ET

How does it not matter that Auburn beat Florida in Gainesville? And this is the second year in a row that the Tigers beat the Gators?

 
October 17, 2007  03:35 PM ET

Florida fans like to make themselves feel better by saying stupid s*** that make no sense.

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