SEC Football Power Rankings: Week 8

After Alabama’s lackluster win over Tennessee, were the Crimson Tide able to maintain the No. 1 spot?

Author:
Joey Blackwell
Updated:
Oct 20, 2019 3:07 PM EDT
Original:
Oct 20, 2019

We have a new No. 1 in this week’s Power Rankings, and Alabama fans aren’t going to be happy.

Sure, Alabama defeated Tennessee on Saturday, but with junior quarterback Tua Tagovailoa now being out for at least the Arkansas game, Alabama deserves to drop a spot … for now.

Prior to Tagovailoa’s injury, the Crimson Tide had been able to put up 21 points by the halfway point of the second quarter. After his early departure, Alabama was only able to put up seven more points on offense for the remainder of the game.

LSU, on the other hand, looked like a significantly more complete team Saturday against Mississippi State. Yes, the Tigers were arguably playing an easier opponent in the Bulldogs, but they were able to put up more points in an opposing hostile environment than Alabama was at home, plus their defense held Mississippi State to seven points through the first three quarters.

If LSU and Alabama were to play right now with Tagovailoa not being able to participate, things wouldn’t look good for the Crimson Tide.

And that’s why there’s a new No. 1.

Outside of the major shakeup at first place, not really much can be said about the remainder of the SEC barring Georgia dropping below Florida. Georgia failed to score against a mediocre Kentucky defense until almost two-thirds way through the third quarter. Not a good look for junior quarterback Jake Fromm and the Bulldogs’ offense.

Check out the power rankings after Week 8:

1. LSU (7-0)

2. Alabama (7-0)

3. Auburn (6-1)

4. Florida (7-1)

5. Georgia (6-1)

6. Missouri (5-2)

7. Texas A&M (4-3)

8. South Carolina (3-4)

9. Kentucky (3-4)

10. Tennessee (2-5)

11. Mississippi State (3-4)