SEC Power Rankings
The first week of conference play was a good one, with Kentucky struggling against mediocre competition. Alabama and Arkansas solidified themselves as the number two and three teams in the conference.
1. Kentucky, 15-0, 2-0, RPI 1
Kentucky struggled with two very average opponents this week. The Wildcats beat Ole Miss by three in overtime and beat Texas A&M by six in overtime. Kentucky plays at Alabama Saturday, which will be the Wildcats toughest conference game to date.
2. Arkansas, 13-2, 2-0, RPI 12
Bobby Portis continued his great season, winning SEC player of the week, with Arkansas starting out conference play 2-0.
3. Alabama, 12-3, 2-0, RPI 27
There is nothing about Alabama that sticks out on paper, but this team continues to find ways stop win and started off conference play with two straight blowouts. The Crimson Tide will get a chance to prove themselves Saturday when Kentucky comes to town.
4. LSU, 12-2, 1-1, RPI 41
LSU got off to a rough start in conference play, losing to Missouri in overtime. The Tigers will get a chance to redeem themselves this week when they play Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Both teams took Kentucky to overtime last week.
5. Ole Miss, 10-5, 1-1, RPI 56
The Rebels came extremely close to pulling off the biggest upset of the year, but were unable to hold on to lead over number one Kentucky. Ole Miss will have another tough week, with games against LSU and Arkansas.
6. Georgia, 9-5, 0-2, RPI 33
Georgia lost their first two conference games by a total of seven points, the Bulldogs non-conference record is what keeps them near the top this week. They travel to Vandy and host Florida this week.
7. Texas A&M, 9-5, 0-2, RPI 58
Texas A&M got blown off the court at Alabama, but bounced back and had a strong performance against Kentucky, losing in double-overtime. Texas A&M should get their first conference win on Tuesday when Mississippi State comes to town.
8. Vanderbilt, 10-4, 1-1, RPI 66
Vanderbilt had a chance to prove that they belonged at the top of the SEC when they traveled to Arkansas, but the Razorbacks were too much to handle for the Commodores. They’ll get a chance to bounce back this week, with games against Georgia and Mississippi State.
10. Tennessee, 9-5, 1-1, RPI 67
Tennessee went into Starkville and beat Mississippi State by 14, but turned around and got slaughtered by Alabama at home. The Vols have major issues on the offensive side of the ball, and will need to find someone besides Josh Richardson to score.
11. Florida, 9-6, 2-0, RPI 72
The Gators had their worst non-conference record since 1997, that was Billy Donovan second season as head coach. They got off to a good start in conference play going 2-0 in the first week.
12. South Carolina, 8-5, 0-2, RPI 97
Florida ended South Carolina’s seven game winning streak, beating the Gamecocks by four. South Carolina would turn around and get blown out by Ole Miss.
12. Auburn, 9-6, 1-1, RPI 88
The Tigers spilt in the first week of conference play, beating Missouri and losing to Vandy. That Bruce Pearl hire isn’t looking so good right now.
13. Missouri, 7-8, 1-1, RPI 143
Missouri shocked the world on Thursday beating LSU by seven in overtime, I don’t expect them to pull off any more upsets this season, maybe Auburn or South Carolina if you consider those an upset.
14. Mississippi State, 7-8, 0-2, RPI 227
The Florida State win would’ve looked good, if the Bulldogs didn’t follow it up with two straight blowout losses.
