The Alabama Crimson Tide roared back in Starkville, MS, with a tenacious defense and a load of offense. There were wild finishes in other SEC games and one game that was delayed before finishing because of an unruly crowd.
A weekly reminder to Alabama Crimson Tide and other SEC fans, these rankings are based on current resumes from seven weeks of play, rather than predictions of future performance.
Week Seven SEC Football Power Rankings
No. 14 – Vanderbilt Commodores (2-5); (0-3 in SEC) – (Last week, No. 14); Predicted regular season ceiling – 2 wins; Next Game, Mississippi State in Nashville
Vanderbilt was so close to its first SEC win since October 2019. But in the game’s last 40 seconds, South Carolina scored a touchdown to tie the hame. The PAT was the game-winner. South Carolina was an almost three-touchdown favorite on its home field.
The Dores and Clark Lea got somewhat of a moral victory, that will do little to soothe the pains of another loss. Vanderbilt played well enough to win an SEC road game and that is progress for the program. Final Score: South Carolina 21 – Vanderbilt 20
No. 13 – Missouri Tigers (3-4); (0-3 in SEC) – Last week No. 12; Predicted regular season ceiling – 4 wins; After a BYE week, Missouri plays at Vanderbilt
Missouri got blasted by Texas A&M, with the Aggies getting a five-touchdown lead before the Tigers scored. The Missouri defense has been a problem all season. It now seems the Missouri offense has regressed. A week off may help, but the Vandy game must now be considered a toss-up. Final Score: Texas A&M 35 – Missouri 14
No. 12 – South Carolina Gamecocks (4-3); (1-3 in SEC); Last week No. 13; Predicted regular season ceiling – 5 wins; Next Game, away to Texas A&M
The Gamecocks eked out a win on Saturday. They were a heavy favorite playing at home, but for South Carolina, nothing can be taken for granted. South Carolina played poorly enough to lose to the dismay of a frustrated home crowd – but put together a late, fourth-quarter, 75-yard drive to win. Final Score: South Carolina 21 – Vanderbilt 20