WBN SEC Power Rankings: 11/4/12 Edition
November 3, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Quinton Dial (90) celebrates as quarterback AJ McCarron (10) congratulates kicker Jeremy Shelley (5) after a successful extra point during the fourth quarter against the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU, 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-US PRESSWIRE
1. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0, 6-0)- Prior Rank 1- Is there any doubt left that this is best football team in the country? Alabama fought back in arguably the toughest environment in the country to defeat their biggest threat to an SEC title and a second straight national title game. AJ McCarron also erased any doubt that he is indeed a legit quarterback. The Tide went up 14-3 at halftime but the Tigers stormed back and took a late 17-14 lead. McCarron led his team down the field and threw a game winning 28 yard touchdown pass to TJ Yeldon. But it wasn’t all roses for the Tide. They were 1-9 on third downs and their defense allowed 435 yards to the Tigers. But LSU is great competition and for ‘Bama to come back for the victory says a lot about their team. They are complete. Next Game: November 10th vs. #16 Texas A&M
2. #6 Georgia Bulldogs (8-1, 6-1)- Prior Rank 2- Georgia romped over Ole Miss after a slow start. The 37-10 home win further solidifies their status as the best in the SEC East. The only team is Georgia’s way is Georgia. They have trouble getting amped up on the road and in non-rivalry games. They are as talented as any team in the country but they have trouble fulfilling their potential. It will be interesting to see how they respond to going on the road against a terrible Auburn team on Saturday. Next Game: November 10th at Auburn
3. #7 Florida Gators (8-1, 7-1)- Prior Rank 4- I’m not sure what’s going on with Florida. They were embarrassed against Georgia and then they turn around and defeat a bad Missouri team by only seven points at home. Was their #2 ranking a little lofty? It’s looking that way. Their defense is the real deal but their offense still sputters at times. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens in the next few weeks. They have two winnable games and their Florida State to close out the season. That could determine their fate in the East if UGA stumbles. Next Game: November 1oth vs. Louisiana Lafayette
4. #5 LSU Tigers (7-2, 3-2) Prior Rank 3- I’m actually of the opinion that LSU is the second best team in the SEC but their record places them at fourth in the power rankings. The loss to Florida on the road still haunts them, as they were the dominant team most of the way and still had a chance to win. They severely tested Alabama but Les Miles’ lack of aggression at the end sealed their fate. The Tigers could still see the Sugar Bowl in their future. Next Week: November 10th vs #15 Mississippi State
5. #16 Texas A&M (7-2, 4-2) Prior Rank 6- Every week the Aggies climb the rankings and well deserved. They went on the road and beat a ranked team. They didn’t just beat a rank team, they dominated a ranked team in their own home. A&M has made an almost flawless transition to the SEC, much in part due to the amazing play of quarterback Johnny Manziel. Can they pull it off for a second week in a row? Against Alabama, I doubt it. Next Game: November 10th, at #1 Alabama
6. #8 South Carolina (7-2, 5-2) Prior Rank 5- BYE WEEK- Next Game: November 10th, vs. Arkansas
7. #15 Mississippi State Bulldogs (7-2, 3-2) Prior Rank 7- The Bulldogs were undefeated, nationally ranked and looked at as a dark horse contender. They have been brought back down to earth in consecutive losses at home to Alabama and Texas A&M. Things could go downhill quick for the Bulldogs as LSU could hand them their third straight loss. Next Game: November 10th at #5 LSU