SEC Football Power Rankings, Week 10: Can LSU break the Tide?

9. Florida Gators (5-3, 3-2)

Following a pair of dominant victories, the Gators were brought back to reality in Jacksonville and humbled. By halftime, the annual “Cocktail Party” game vs. Georgia was essentially a done deal, highlighting the noticeable gap in performance between the two teams. Florida’s unsuccessful trick plays were a testament to their desperation for a chance at victory. Despite the circumstances, Billy Napier’s team has the opportunity to secure bowl-eligibility by triumphing over a lackluster Arkansas team in Gainesville on Saturday.

8. Kentucky Wildcats (5-3, 2-3)

Once a dominant force in the SEC East, the Wildcats program has witnessed a noticeable downfall, as evidenced by their disappointing defeat to the Volunteers on their own turf. Their losing streak continued as they faced their third consecutive defeat. Kentucky never took the lead and was physically battered by Tennessee, who relentlessly pounded the ball all evening, leaving Kentucky defenseless.

Mark Stoops’ team faces a challenging end to the season, with three of their last four games on the road. The remaining game is against Alabama, making an eighth straight bowl trip uncertain. It appears that there is still a substantial amount of work left to be completed.

7. Texas A&M Aggies (5-3, 3-2)

For the Aggies, it was a much-needed confidence boost as they finally controlled the game against a less-talented opponent. The remaining games for Texas A&M include challenging matchups against Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and LSU. Jimbo Fisher’s team is still flying under the radar in the highly competitive SEC West.

It seems highly improbable that the Aggies can score sufficient points to compete against the Rebels or Tigers, especially since both games are away from home. Therefore, Fisher’s precarious position as a coach on the hot seat will not improve soon. This Saturday, the Aggies will be going up against Ole Miss in Oxford.

6. No. 19 Tennessee Volunteers (6-2, 3-2)

The Volunteers’ offense isn’t setting the world on fire this year, but their physical approach to the game is well-suited for success in the modern SEC and is likely to be welcomed by traditional fans. UConn’s upcoming visit on Saturday is the last hurdle before the pivotal two-week stretch against Missouri and Georgia. The outcome of these games will determine if Josh Heupel’s team has any chance of winning the SEC East, a feat not achieved since the Phillip Fulmer era.

5.  No. 14 Missouri Tigers (7-1, 3-1)

The Tigers’ breakthrough season under Eli Drinkwitz has been filled with anticipation, leading up to this pivotal moment — a chance for them to face the two-time defending national champion Georgia on Saturday in Athens.

Missouri’s most significant moment since joining the league 11 years ago, besides their back-to-back trips to the SEC championship game in 2013-14. The Tigers boast a well-rounded offense in the SEC, but they need to establish dominance in the trenches to keep up with the Bulldogs. The team is determined to show all the SEC constituents that they are not an underdog in this game but a legitimate contender.