SEC Power Rankings, Week 11: Alabama back on top with big win vs LSU

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs the ball past LSU Tigers defense during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Seven weeks after losing 43-37 to Ole Miss and falling out of the No. 1 spot in our weekly SEC Power Rankings, the Alabama Crimson Tide are back where they started.

With an impressive 30-16 victory over No. 2-ranked LSU, Alabama is now in complete control of the SEC West, and with a No. 4 ranking in the College Football Playoff poll, the Crimson Tide appear to hold their own destiny in the playoff race as well.

Running back Derrick Henry gained 210 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 38 carries in a performance that completely outshined LSU’s Heisman favorite Leonard Fournette. The Crimson Tide defense was dominant all night and held Fournette to 31 rushing yards and a TD on 19 carries.

Overall, LSU had only 182 yards of offense, so Henry outgained the Tigers by 28 yards all by himself. Kenyan Drake, who ran for 68 yards on 10 carries, also outrushed the nation’s leading ground gainer. Alabama quarterback Jake Coker completed 18 of 24 passes for 184 yards.

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Looking ahead, Alabama still has a lot of work to do to hold on to their spot atop the SEC West standings. Next week’s trip to Starkville will pose a very difficult challenge, as will the season finale against an improving Auburn squad at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

And, should the Tide get through unscathed, don’t forget about Florida in the SEC Championship Game. The Gators are also a factor in the national championship race.

Next Game: Saturday November 15 at Mississippi State