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SEC Power Rankings, Week 9: LSU, Alabama steady as Texas A&M falls apart

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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Oct 24, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) carries for a touchdown against Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Darrin Kirkland Jr. (34) during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

With a victory over Tennessee, the Alabama Crimson Tide set the stage for a huge SEC West game with LSU – the No. 1 team in our weekly SEC Power Rankings.

Finally, Alabama can get some rest. The Tide fell behind 14-13 in the fourth quarter, but responded with a 71-yard touchdown drive, capped off by a 14-yard run by Derrick Henry with 2:24 left in the game, and sealed the win with a sack and fumble recovery on the following Tennessee drive.

Not only did Alabama’s victory over the Vols mark the eighth consecutive game the team has played this season, Tennessee was the second straight opponent the Crimson Tide has played coming off a bye week.

As the Tide tired, their competition has gotten fresher, but with a huge SEC West clash against LSU coming up on Nov. 7, it’s finally time for Alabama to rest.

“We were tired out there, dead-legged, didn’t look very fast,” Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban said after his team beat Tennessee 19-14 Saturday, according to the Alex Scarborough of ESPN.com.

“We didn’t have a lot of energy like we usually do. I think that’s playing eight games in a row. But the best thing I can say is you have to really respect a team that finds a way to win and makes plays when they have to make plays.”

Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, LSU will be the third straight team Alabama will face that has the benefit of a bye week.

And, because the Tigers are guaranteed to stay undefeated, the Nov. 7 meeting in Tuscaloosa will be a meeting of the No. 1 and No. 2 in our weekly SEC Power Rankings.

But who will fill spots 3-14?

We have much to cover from the rest of the conference, and much to look forward to while Alabama and LSU rest in Week 9.

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