SEC Week 12 may go down in history as the week of chaos. With five two-loss teams in the conference, each team is vying for a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). However, Texas stands at the forefront, leading the pack, and with only four playoff spots available for SEC teams, the stakes have never been higher. Let’s dive into the latest SEC power rankings following a thrilling Week 12.
Texas leads the charge
The Longhorns faced a tough challenge against Arkansas but showcased their mettle with a stellar defensive performance and just enough offensive firepower to secure the win. At 9-1, Texas is not just leading the conference but is also positioning itself for a spot in the SEC title game. The upcoming clash against Texas A&M could very well be the game that cements their playoff aspirations. Can they maintain this momentum?
SEC Power Rankings after Week 12
#16 Mississippi State (2-8)
The Bulldogs had a bye week and remain firmly at the bottom of the SEC standings. With only two games left in the season, significant improvement seems unlikely.
#15 Kentucky (4-6)
Kentucky managed to snag a win, keeping their dwindling bowl hopes alive for at least another week. However, they face a daunting task next week against Texas, which could extinguish those hopes entirely.
#14 Auburn (4-6)
Auburn, much like Kentucky, secured a lopsided victory over a weaker opponent, keeping their bowl aspirations flickering. However, they are set to face Texas A&M next, a matchup that could very well put an end to their postseason dreams.
#13 Oklahoma (5-5)
The Sooners had a week off and remain in a precarious position, likely heading towards a disappointing 5-7 season. The off-season will be crucial for evaluating the future of head coach Brent Venables.
#12 Arkansas (5-5)
The Razorbacks put up a fight against Texas but ultimately fell short, unable to generate enough offense for an upset. The silver lining is that they are still on track for a bowl game, with a favorable matchup against Louisiana Tech on the horizon.
#11 Florida (5-5)
Florida deserves recognition for a season-changing upset, which has revitalized their bowl chances. With a strong likelihood of winning their upcoming rivalry game against FSU, the Gators are looking to make a statement that could validate the administration’s decision to retain head coach Billy Napier.
#10 Vanderbilt (6-4)
The Commodores enjoyed a week off but face a challenging end to the season. With two tough games ahead, they are likely to finish at 6-6, a commendable feat, but not enough to place them among the SEC elite.
#9 LSU (6-4)
After a promising start at 6-1, LSU has stumbled, raising questions about head coach Brian Kelly’s future. The team’s playoff aspirations have faded, and it remains to be seen how many more losses they can endure before the pressure mounts.
#8 Missouri (7-3)
Missouri fought hard against South Carolina, but their performance has not quite matched their record. They still have a shot at finishing the season at 9-3, but they need to elevate their game to back up their wins.
#7 Texas A&M (8-2)
The Aggies cruised to an easy victory over New Mexico State and are still in the hunt for a spot in the SEC title game. Their season finale against Texas will be pivotal, as a win could thrust them back into CFP discussions.
#6 South Carolina (7-3)
The Gamecocks continued their strong performance against Missouri and remain in the playoff conversation, albeit with slim chances. Their FPI dropped slightly to 11.5%, but a win over Clemson could complicate matters for the selection committee.
#5 Ole Miss (8-2)
Despite not playing this week, Ole Miss dropped a spot in the rankings as Georgia managed to avoid a third loss. With five SEC teams in contention for four playoff spots, the Rebels must be wary of their past performances, including a damaging loss to Kentucky.
#4 Tennessee (8-2)
Tennessee’s playoff hopes have dwindled, moving closer to the edge after a solid start. However, they are still on track to finish 10-2, with a 66.4% chance of making the playoffs, provided they avoid another loss.
#3 Alabama (8-2)
Alabama had a routine win against FCS Mercer, maintaining their position firmly within the playoff picture. However, they are not quite in the top two spots, leaving room for improvement.
#2 Georgia (8-2)
Georgia has flipped positions with Tennessee, now sitting in a strong position with a 92% chance of making the playoffs. Their consistency has been key, and they are poised to make a deep run.
#1 Texas (9-1)
As the top-ranked team in the SEC, Texas has demonstrated resilience and skill. With their eyes set on the SEC title game, the Longhorns are in a prime position to secure their playoff spot. Can they keep up the momentum against their rivals?
What are your thoughts on these SEC power rankings? The race for the College Football Playoff is heating up, and every game counts! Share your insights in the comments below!
