SEC Power Rankings: Alabama is SEC’s only elite team

Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) races past Auburn Tigers defenders and scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter to beat the Auburn Tigers 29-13 Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama running back Derrick Henry may have sealed the Heisman Trophy voting by gaining 271 yards and a touchdown on an eye-popping 46 carries against Auburn Saturday in the Iron Bowl. The career-high rushing performance gives the junior 1,791 rushing yards (a new single-season record for the Crimson Tide) and 22 touchdowns this season with the SEC Championship Game still to play.

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Most importantly, Henry put the 11-1, No. 2 Crimson Tide on his back and carried them to a 29-13 victory over their arch rival. The win captured the SEC Western Division title for Alabama and keeps hope alive for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Quarterback Jake Coker completed 17 of 26 pass attempts for 179 yards and a beautiful 34-yard touchdown pass to ArDarius Stewart that pushed Alabama’s lead to 19-6 with 5:14 remaining in the third quarter.

Shortly after Coker’s TD, the Alabama defense surrendered its only touchdown of the game on a 77-yard pass that involved a fortunate deflection. The rest of the game, Auburn wasn’t nearly so lucky as the Crimson Tide allowed just 183 additional yards, including only 91 rushing yards on 37 carries (2.5 yards per attempt). It was another impressive performance for one of the nation’s toughest defenses.

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Looking ahead to the SEC Championship Game against Florida, Alabama will end the regular season right where it started – as the No. 1 team in our SEC Power Rankings.

Next Game: Saturday December 5 vs. Florida (SEC Championship Game)