SEC Power Rankings: Alabama in class by themselves, LSU sliding fast

Nov 14, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Florida Gators tight end DeAndre Goolsby (30) is knocked out at the one yard line by South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker T.J. Holloman (11) in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Florida certainly isn’t the prettiest team in the SEC, but thanks to nine victories in ten games – including a 7-1 record in league play – the Gators are the class of the SEC East and are worthy of the No. 2 spot in this week’s SEC Power Rankings.

Quarterback Treon Harris, who has struggled since taking the starting job following Will Grier’s suspension, led the Gators to a 24-14 victory over South Carolina. Harris completed 19 of 33 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown but was also intercepted twice. Even Harris’ 41-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Cronkrite was shaky because the throw was nearly picked off before Cronkrite snatched the ball away from a South Carolina defender.

Running back Kelvin Taylor was productive and gained 105 rushing yards on 20 carries, and set up a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter with a 53-yard gain. Cronkrite also scored a rushing TD, and gained 24 yards on six carries before suffering a foot injury.

While the offense wasn’t always pretty, the Florida defense was dominant once again and held the Gamecocks to 21 rushing yards on 23 carries (0.9 yards per attempt) and intercepted quarterback Perry Orth twice and sacked him on four occasions.

With the conference schedule complete for the Gators, Florida turns its attention to Conference USA foe Florida Atlantic ahead of the rivalry showdown with Florida State Nov. 28. Two non-conference victories would help the Gators enter the SEC Championship Game with a great deal of momentum, and could set up the game in Atlanta as an audition for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Next Game: Saturday November 21 vs. FAU

Next: Alabama