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

Nov 28, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) makes a pass during the first quarter of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

The Mississippi State Bulldogs began the season ranked last among SEC West teams in our weekly SEC Power Rankings, but climbed as high as fourth overall (this in the division) on this list three weeks ago. However, losses to Alabama and Ole Miss put a sour taste in the mouths of the Bulldogs over the last three weeks of the regular season and dropped State back into the middle of the pack.

Quarterback Dak Prescott, who led the Bulldogs to a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the Egg Bowl in Starkville two seasons ago and then went on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in SEC history, didn’t have the magic touch Saturday against Ole Miss. Playing his last game at Davis Wade Stadium, Prescott completed 31 of 42 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns and led the Bulldogs with 63 rushing yards and a TD on 21 carries.

However, Prescott’s overall production was limited by an offensive line that allowed him to be sacked seven times, and he tossed a first quarter interception that was returned for a touchdown that helped dig a 21-0 hold that the Bulldogs could not dig out of.

Defensively, Mississippi State struggled to stop Ole Miss on the ground and through the air, and the Rebels finished the game with 479 total yards divided almost equally (243 rushing, 236 passing). The Bulldogs also failed to make any big defensive plays, having failed to record a sack or force a turnover.

Next Game: Bowl Game TBD

Next: Tennessee