Jeff: SEC Rankings

The top 3 football teams in the SEC are holding strong, but we have new names moving up into the 4, 5 and 6 spots. Each week WWL's Jeff Palermo ranks the Southeastern Conference teams:

1. ALABAMA (1)

Last Week: Bye

This Week: Host LSU

As a college coach since 2000, Nick Saban has a 9-and-4 record in games following a bye week. The Crimson Tide was coming off a bye week in 2007, when they lost to LSU 41 to 34.


2. FLORIDA (2)

Last Week: Beat Georgia 41 to 17

This Week: Host Vanderbilt

Florida's offense showed signs of life in the win over the Bulldogs. Quarterback Tim Tebow and wide receiver David Nelson seem to be developing a connection. The two hooked up for long touchdown passes in the first quarter against the Bulldogs. Florida has already clinched a spot in the SEC Championship game.   


3. LSU (3)

Last Week: Beat Tulane 42 to 0

This Week: at Alabama

If LSU loses Saturday, go ahead and make your plans to spend New Year's Day in Orlando. The Tigers are nearly a lock to play in the Capital One Bowl, if they don't stumble down the stretch.


4. TENNESSEE (6)

Last Week: Beat South Carolina 31 to 13

This Week: Host Memphis

The Vols defense has allowed only touchdown in the last three games. Former LSU recruit and Louisiana native Janzen Jackson is having a nice season. He has 33 tackles, three pass break ups, and one forced fumble during his freshman campaign.


5. AUBURN (10)

Last Week: Beat Ole Miss 33 to 20

This Week: Host Furman

At worst, this Auburn team will finish with a 7-and-5 record, possibly 8-and-4, if they could beat Georgia or Alabama in their final two games. Not a bad season for 1st year coach Gene Chizik.


6. SOUTH CAROLINA (4)

Last Week: Lost to Tennesseee 31 to 13

This Week: at Arkansas

In recent years, the Gamecocks have a tendency to start strong, but struggle in the second half. The same scenario could happen again this year. South Carolina could lose its final four games. I think they at least take a two-game losing streak into the November 14th home game against Florida.


7. OLE MISS (5)

Last Week: Lost to Auburn 33 to 20

This Week: Host Northern Arizona

The Rebels could be headed to the Liberty Bowl. That's quite a fall for a team that had BCS aspirations when the season started.


8. GEORGIA (7)

Last Week: Lost to Florida 41 to 17

This Week: Host Tennessee Tech

The black helmets and jerseys worn last week looked awful and it fit how the Bulldogs played against the Gators. Coach Mark Richt should worry more about the play on the field, instead of the color of the uniforms.


9. ARKANSAS (8)

Last Week: Beat Eastern Michigan 63 to 27

This Week: Host South Carolina

After an easy win last week over the Eagles, the Razorbacks should be ready to play well against South Carolina this Saturday.


10. MISSISSIPPI STATE (11)

Last Week: Beat Kentucky 31 to 24

This Week: Bye

The Bulldogs record is 4-and-5 and they could still get into a bowl game. They won't beat Alabama next week, but they could knock off Arkansas and Ole Miss in their next two games.


11. Kentucky (9)

Last Week: Lost to Mississippi State 31 to 24

This Week: Host Eastern Kentucky

The Wildcats can also sneak into a bowl game for a fourth straight season. They need two more wins. Kentucky should win this week and then they travel to Vanderbilt next week.


12. VANDERBILT (12)

Last Week: Lost to Georgia Tech 56 to 31

This Week: at Florida

Vandy's starting quarterback Larry Smith is done for the season with a hamstring injury. Senior QB Mackenzi Adams will start against the Gators this Saturday.