We’re running out of ways to praise Alabama, but at least there’s a potential in-state rival rising to give us an interesting Iron Bowl next month? We can only hope…

After plenty of action in the SEC West, and the East’s first win over the West this season (Kentucky over Miss. State), here are our updated power rankings entering week 9 of SEC play:

14. Mississippi State

Last week: 14

Skinny: Another loss for the 2016 Bulldogs. This time as a result of a 51-yard field goal by Kentucky.

13. Missouri

Last week: 12

Skinny: Ouch. A loss during homecoming against Middle Tennessee State. Quarterback Drew Lock has been shaky in recent weeks, but what happened to the Missouri defense? At this stage, it appears that Missouri will not be bowling in 2016.

12. Vanderbilt

Last week: 11

Skinny: The ‘Dores got another win this week against Tennessee State.

11. South Carolina

Last week: 13

Skinny: The Gamecocks beat UMass this weekend providing some possible optimism for fans in light of Jake Bentley’s nice start at quarterback. Still, the Gamecocks struggled to put away UMass late.

10. Kentucky

Last week: 10

Skinny: Kentucky got another win against Mississippi State. They now need just two wins to get to bowl eligibility. Missouri and Austin Peay are the most likely victories left on the Cats’ schedule.

9. Ole Miss

Last week: 7

Skinny: The Rebs are talented, but just can’t seem to put it all together in the big games. Ole Miss lost to LSU and moved back to our No. 9 spot.

8. Georgia

Last week: 9

Skinny: Georgia was off this week. They play Florida in Jacksonville, Fla., next Saturday.

7. Arkansas

Last week: 4

Skinny: Arkansas got destroyed against Auburn on both sides of the ball. The bye week couldn’t come at a better time for the Hogs.

6. Florida

Last week: 6

Skinny: The Gators were off this week. They play Georgia in Jacksonville, Fla., next Saturday.

5. Tennessee

Last week: 5

Skinny: Tennessee was off this week. The Vols still look like the favorite to win the east, but they need Florida to drop another SEC game. Butch Jones and his team take on South Carolina next week in Columbia, S.C.

4. LSU

Last week: 3

Skinny: The Tigers got another good win against Ole Miss this week, and the momentum continues under Coach Orgeron.

3. Auburn

Last week: 8

Skinny: Auburn just put the rest of the SEC West on notice. They’re back, and they’re rolling the way Gus Malzahn teams like to roll. On the ground of course. War Eagle racked up a cool 543 yards on the ground against Arkansas. Did you know that’s the third time this season that Auburn has rushed for more than 400 yards? Impressive.

With Auburn’s two losses coming to Clemson and Texas A&M and the team currently rolling, we’re moving them all the way up to No. 3.

2. Texas A&M

Last week: 2

Skinny: The Aggies played somewhat well against Alabama. They even took the lead early in the second half, but the Crimson Tide talent and depth on both sides of the ball were just too much. Texas A&M still will have a great season. We’re keeping the Aggies at the No. 2 spot for now.

1. Alabama

Last week: 1

Skinny: Alabama was favored by a ridiculous 18 point spread over an undefeated, top ten team. And they covered. Alabama’s good and it’s difficult to see anyone beating them at this point.

The Tide have now won 20 straight games and 12 straight over ranked opponents. Alabama gets a bye week before heading to LSU.