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

Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) gets away from Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Kivon Coman (11) and goes for a touchdown at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State was a trendy pick to upset Alabama Saturday, which would likely have ended the Crimson Tide’s chances of securing a bid in the College Football Playoff. However, Alabama proved once again to have the best team in the Southeastern Conference, and the Tide returns to the No. 1 spot in our SEC Power Rankings.

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Running back Derrick Henry was the star of the 31-6 victory over the Bulldogs. Henry gained 204 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns on 22 carries in the game, and now has 1,458 rushing yards and 19 TDs this season. The junior has surpassed 200 yards in three of his last four games and has scored two or more touchdowns in four consecutive contests. Henry has also scored at least once in every game this season and 15 in a row dating back to last year.

Other big time performers included wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who had 76 receiving yards on five catches, including a 60-yard touchdown pass from Jake Coker. Cyrus Jones scored on a 69-yard punt return, Marlon Humphrey became just the second player all season to intercept MSU quarterback Dak Prescott, and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen won SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors for recording three of Alabama’s nine (!) sacks.

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Next up for Alabama is Charleston Southern in what has become an annual tradition of playing a cupcake opponent prior to the Iron Bowl against Auburn.

Next Game: Saturday November 21 vs. Charleston Southern