ESPN SEC Power Rankings Week Nine

Oct 5, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Marcus Murphy (6) eludes a tackle attempt by Vanderbilt Commodores safety Kenny Ladler (1) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri fell three spots in this week’s SEC power rankings following a loss to South Carolina. The Tigers are ahead of LSU and Georgia, two very good football teams, but now rank behind future opponent Texas A&M. The good news for Mizzou is that only one of their opponents currently on the schedule, A&M, is ranked higher than them in this poll.

South Carolina jumped up to third place in the poll, up two spots and one ahead of Missouri. SC had the biggest jump this week. Sitting in the second slot was the Auburn Tigers who have proven themselves lately in the SEC after some great wins and great play by quarterback Nick Marshall.

Overall, Edward Aschoff did a good job with these rankings again. There wasn’t much movement in the back end of the poll, but from week to week the front keeps changing as the SEC’s best teams keep beating each other. Also, Florida might be better than Ole Miss at this point in the season, because the Gator’s defense is still really good, but that is a minor complain. As always, you can see the blurbs for every single SEC team here.

1. Alabama (8-0, 5-0 SEC; last week: 1)
2. Auburn (7-1, 3-1 SEC; LW: 3)
3. Texas A&M (6-2, 3-2 SEC; LW: 4)
4. South Carolina (6-2, 4-2 SEC; LW: 6)
5. Missouri (7-1, 3-1 SEC; LW: 2): The Tigers will be thinking about Saturday’s letdown for a while. For three quarters, Mizzou was in control, but Shaw ruined the Tigers’ shot at an unbeaten season. Still, the Tigers have plenty to play for. Win out, and they are headed to Atlanta for the SEC championship game. Win that, and the Tigers are headed to a BCS bowl game. It’s all about regaining focus and getting ready for a scrappy Tennessee team.
6. LSU (7-2, 3-2 SEC; LW: 5)
7. Georgia (4-3, 3-2 SEC; LW: 7)
8. Ole Miss (5-3, 2-3 SEC; LW: 8)
9. Florida (4-3, 3-2 SEC; LW: 9)
10. Tennessee (4-4, 1-3 SEC; LW: 10)
11. Vanderbilt (4-4, 1-4 SEC; LW: 11)
12. Mississippi State (4-3, 1-2 SEC; LW: 12)
13. Arkansas (3-5, 0-4 SEC; LW: 13)
14. Kentucky (1-6, 0-4 SEC; LW: 14)