ESPN released its SEC power rankings following Week 5 of the 2016 college football season.
The only change was Kentucky jumping one spot from to No. 11, which dropped Mississippi State to No. 12. Alabama, Texas A&M and Tennessee each remained in the top 3 after keeping their undefeated records in tact on Saturday.
Here’s a look at the full power rankings including a brief portion of the summary for each team.
1. Alabama: “Alabama settled down, Jalen Hurts made plays and the defense dominated Kentucky, which was the first game of an October slate that includes trips to Arkansas and Tennessee, followed by a home date against Texas A&M.” — Alex Scarborough
2. Texas A&M: “Two stiff challenges await in Tennessee (Oct. 8) and Alabama (Oct. 22) that should give us an idea on how the Aggies will answer that question.” — Sam Khan Jr.
3. Tennessee: “This team feels very 2013 Auburn-esque.” — Edward Aschoff
4. Ole Miss: “This team looks as if it will remain a factor in the SEC West.” — S.K.
5. Arkansas: “The Razorbacks did what they were supposed to do, convincingly defeat an FCS foe, dominating Alcorn State 52-10.” — S.K.
6. Florida: “They managed only 236 offensive yards and 2.6 yards per rush, but the defense was strong, coming up with three turnovers.” — S.K.
7. Georgia: “This team played its heart out but still has too many careless issues that must get fixed.” — E.A.
8. Auburn: “This whole Rhett Lashlee-calling-plays idea is working nicely for Auburn.” — Greg Ostendorf
9. LSU: “Ed Orgeron could hardly have gotten off to a more positive start as the Tigers’ new head coach.” — David Ching
10. Missouri: “Mizzou has now lost nine of its past 10 games against Power 5 opposition.” — D.C.
11. Kentucky: “Alabama woke up and Kentucky came crashing back to Earth as a program that just doesn’t have the talent needed to play four quarters of defense, not to mention move the ball effectively on offense with Drew Barker out at quarterback.” — A.S.
12. Mississippi State: “At 2-2 with a bye week now complete, coach Dan Mullen gets to regroup for a pivotal October stretch that begins with Auburn at home, followed by a road trip to BYU and then Kentucky.” — A.S.
13. South Carolina: “Offensively, they still have yet to score more than two TDs in a game this season. Until that changes, it’s going to be rough.” — S.K.
14. Vanderbilt: “The defense looks as though it’s back to where it needs to be, but they have to find a passing game: Kyle Shurmur was 9-for-25 passing for 82 yards, no touchdowns and an interception.” — S.K.
You can read the full power rankings at ESPN here.
Jason covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
