AL.com’s SEC football power rankings for Week 11 of 2023

AL.com’s SEC football power rankings for Week 11 of 2023

As we head into the second week of November, the SEC division races are all but wrapped up.

Alabama and Georgia both scored major victories within their divisions this past Saturday and need only one more win each (or one loss by the second-place team) to secure a spot in the SEC championship game. Crimson Tide and Bulldogs fans can probably go ahead and make their plans to head to Atlanta for the first weekend of December.

Elsewhere in the conference, seven teams are bowl-eligible, while six others remain alive for postseason berths. Only Vanderbilt has been eliminated.

So how do the teams in the SEC stack up as we head into the home stretch of the regular season? Here’s the Week 11 edition of AL.com’s SEC football power rankings for 2023 (all times Central and all games Saturday):

Vanderbilt wide receiver Will Sheppard (14) makes a catch as Auburn cornerback Keionte Scott (0) defends in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)AP

14. Vanderbilt (2-8, 0-6)

Last week’s ranking: 14

Last week’s game: Lost to Auburn, 31-15

This week’s game: at South Carolina, 11 a.m., SEC Network

The Commodores kept the score closer than the game was vs. Auburn on Saturday, as the Tigers left plenty of big plays on the field. The best thing you can say about this Vanderbilt team is that the season is almost over, with a trip to South Carolina followed by an open date (the Commodores have two bye weeks because they played Hawaii in Week Zero) before the annual in-state rivalry game against Tennessee. Vandy is almost certain to take a 10-game losing streak into the offseason, erasing any optimism after Clark Lea’s program showed promise in Year 1.

Arkansas vs. Florida 2023

Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) runs past Florida linebacker Mannie Nunnery during overtime in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)AP

13. Arkansas (3-6, 1-5)

Last week’s ranking: 13

Last week’s game: Beat Florida, 39-36 in OT

This week’s game: vs. Auburn, 3 p.m., SEC Network

The Razorbacks finally got back into the win column after five straight losses with a stunning overtime victory in The Swamp. Though the offensive coordinator change got most of the attention, the return to health of running back Raheim Sanders was probably the bigger difference-maker of the two. Arkansas also needs to win out to make a bowl game, and home games with Auburn and Florida International the next two weeks are winnable. It might come down to the regular-season finale vs. Missouri on Nov. 24, which could also be Black Friday for head coach Sam Pittman if the Hogs finish 4-8.

Kentucky Mississippi State football 2023

Mississippi State coach Zach Arnett protests an official’s call during the second half of the team’s NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)AP

12. Mississippi State (4-5, 1-5)

Last week’s ranking: 11

Last week’s game: Lost to Kentucky, 24-3

This week’s game: at Texas A&M, 6:30 p.m., ESPN2

The Bulldogs continue to crumble offensively, though quarterback Will Rogers has been out of the lineup the last three weeks and running back Woody Marks has been out the last two. Back-up quarterback Mike Wright fared no better on Saturday, causing coach Zach Arnett to bench the Vanderbilt transfer in favor of freshman Chris Parson. The youngster played OK, but not well enough to inspire a ton of confidence going on the road vs. a tough Texas A&M defense. State needs two victories in its final three games to go bowling, but only the Nov. 18 game vs. Southern Miss looks winnable at this point (MSU hosts Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl on Thanksgiving night). Arnett’s first season with the Bulldogs is essentially a lost one.

Jax State at South Carolina 2023

South Carolina defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (91) celebrates a 2-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Jacksonville State on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)AP

11. South Carolina (3-6, 1-5)

Last week’s ranking: 12

Last week’s game: Beat Jacksonville State, 38-28

This week’s game: vs. Vanderbilt, 11 a.m., SEC Network

South Carolina didn’t have the easiest time with the “other” Gamecocks this past Saturday, but made enough big plays against Jacksonville State to snap a four-game losing streak. Spencer Rattler had one of the better games of his USC career, as did receiver Xavier Legette. The Gamecocks need to win out to reach a bowl game for the third straight year, and should get at least one-third of the way there against Vanderbilt on Saturday. After that, wins over Kentucky and Clemson will be tougher to come by.

Arkansas vs. Florida 2023

Florida head coach Billy Napier, right, talks with quarterback Graham Mertz during a timeout in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)AP

10. Florida (5-4, 3-3)

Last week’s ranking: 9

Last week’s game: Lost to Arkansas, 39-36 in OT

This week’s game: at LSU, 6:30 p.m., SEC Network

Long exhale. The Gators aren’t really showing much progress in Billy Napier’s second year, with that win over Tennessee on Sept. 16 looking like a major outlier. Losing at home to Arkansas is simply inexcusable for Florida, which might not have another win on its schedule with games remaining at LSU, at Missouri and home for likely playoff-bound Florida State. Napier’s not likely to get fired at this point, but a third straight 7-loss season wouldn’t make anyone in Gainesville happy.

Auburn at Vanderbilt 2023

Auburn running back Jeremiah Cobb, right, celebrates a touchdown with quarterback Payton Thorne, left, in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)AP

9. Auburn (5-4, 2-4)

Last week’s ranking: 10

Last week’s game: Beat Vanderbilt, 31-15

This week’s game: at Arkansas, 3 p.m., SEC Network

As expected, the Tigers have begun to take advantage of a soft late-season schedule to stand on the verge of bowl-eligibility with three games left. That’s no reason to roll Toomer’s Corner or anything, but it’s reason for optimism after how bleak things looked 3-4 weeks ago. Its offense finally showing some life, Hugh Freeze’s team has winnable games the next two weeks vs. Arkansas and New Mexico State. Having already clinched a winning season headed into the Iron Bowl would take a lot of pressure off the Tigers.

Texas A&M at Ole Miss 2023

Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson (14) hands the ball off to running back Rueben Owens (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Mississippi won 38-35. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)AP

8. Texas A&M (5-4, 3-3)

Last week’s ranking: 7

Last week’s game: Lost to Ole Miss, 38-35

This week’s game: vs. Mississippi State, 6:30 p.m., ESPN2

The Aggies continue to be just another SEC team, which is certainly not what the big-dollar boosters in College Station signed up for when they gave Jimbo Fisher that record-breaking contract in 2018. But that’s where it is, as Texas A&M is at best the No. 4 program in the SEC West right now. Fisher is 2-6 the last three years against Alabama, Ole Miss and LSU, and still has the face the Tigers in Baton Rouge on Thanksgiving weekend. With games the next two weeks vs. Mississippi State and Abilene Christian, the Aggies are likely going to win at least seven games, but if that doesn’t seem good enough, it’s because it isn’t.

Kentucky Mississippi State football 2023

Kentucky running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye (0) hauls in a four-yard touchdown pass reception over a Mississippi State defender during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Kentucky won 24-3. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)AP

7. Kentucky (6-3, 3-3)

Last week’s ranking: 8

Last week’s game: Beat Mississippi State, 24-3

This week’s game: vs. Alabama, 11 a.m., ESPN

The Wildcats reversed a three-game slide with a dominant effort on the road against an admittedly hobbled Mississippi State team. Still, a win is a win, and Kentucky is bowl-eligible — something that was not taken for granted in Lexington until very recently. Two of the Wildcats’ final three games are likely to be against Top 10 teams, with Alabama visiting on Saturday and a trip to Louisville on the schedule for Thanksgiving weekend. In between is a trip to South Carolina, so at least the Wildcats have a decent shot to clinch a winning record during the regular season.

Tennessee UConn football 2023

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel watches players during warmups before of an NCAA college football game against UConn Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)AP

6. Tennessee (7-2, 3-2)

Last week’s ranking: 6

Last week’s game: Beat Connecticut, 59-3

This week’s game: at Missouri, 2:30 p.m., CBS

The Volunteers were barely challenged in their non-conference rout of the Huskies, piling up 650 yards of total offense and scoring three defensive touchdowns. Tennessee was able to rest its starters most of the second half, which is a good thing with a key two-game stretch coming up against Missouri and Georgia. Split those two, and the Volunteers will likely be no worse than second in the SEC East. Win them both, and they could be headed to Atlanta. Either way, a second straight 10-win season is a strong possibility.

Georgia vs. Missouri 2023

Missouri running back Cody Schrader (7) gets passed Georgia defensive back Javon Bullard (22) as he runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)AP

5. Missouri (7-2, 3-2)

Last week’s ranking: 5

Last week’s game: Lost to Georgia, 30-21

This week’s game: vs. Tennessee, 2:30 p.m., CBS

The 30-21 loss to Georgia simultaneously showed how far Missouri football has come under Eli Drinkwitz and how far it still has to go. For a second straight year, the Tigers played the Bulldogs as tough as anyone on their schedule, but did not have enough in the tank to pull off the win. Missouri’s passing game was largely ineffective for the first time all year. Still, there’s plenty to be encouraged by, though a win on Saturday against Tennessee would be even better. That would keep the Tigers in line for their first 10-win season since 2014, as they finish up with Florida and Arkansas.

Alabama vs. LSU 2023

LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)AP

4. LSU (6-3, 4-2)

Last week’s ranking: 4

Last week’s game: Lost to Alabama, 42-28

This week’s game: vs. Florida, 6:30 p.m., SEC Network

The Tigers went toe-for-toe with Alabama for 2 ½ quarters, but could not finish the job, having stalled offensively even before do-everything quarterback Jayden Daniels left the game with a head injury following a hard hit from Dallas Turner. Daniels was playing at a Heisman level before he was hurt, and LSU had no chance without him under center. The Tigers’ defense also showed again it is not championship-level, and as fun as this season has been at times, everyone knew the inability to stop opposing offenses would be a liability before the end. LSU won’t leave Baton Rouge again until its bowl game, and assuming Daniels is back soon, should win out vs. Florida, Georgia State and Texas A&M.

Texas A&M at Ole Miss 2023

Mississippi wide receiver Zakhari Franklin (5) celebrates with Jordan Watkins (11) after a touchdown by Watkins during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)AP

3. Ole Miss (8-1, 5-1)

Last week’s ranking: 3

Last week’s game: Beat Texas A&M, 38-35

This week’s game: at Georgia, 6 p.m., ESPN

The Rebels pulled one out of the fire at home against Texas A&M on Saturday, which would have been an embarrassing loss for Lane Kiffin with the way he has trolled Jimbo Fisher in the last couple of years. But win Ole Miss did, and Kiffin’s team still has an outside shot at a College Football Playoff berth and perhaps the SEC West title (though Alabama’s win over LSU on Saturday put the latter possibility on life support). The Rebels travel to Georgia on Saturday, which will be either a monumental win for Ole Miss or just more proof Kiffin isn’t ready to join the elite of the SEC.

Alabama vs. LSU 2023

Alabama running back Roydell Williams (5) runs the ball past LSU safety Andre’ Sam (14) for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)AP

2. Alabama (8-1, 6-0)

Last week’s ranking: 2

Last week’s game: Beat LSU, 42-28

This week’s game: at Kentucky, 11 a.m., ESPN

Just as it did vs. Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Tennessee, the Crimson Tide withstood LSU’s best shot before taking over in the second half. Alabama has outscored those four opponents 82-13 in the second half, with the only touchdown coming on LSU’s first drive of the third quarter on Saturday. Nick Saban’s team had already assumed control of the game before knocking Jayden Daniels out with an injury, but that certainly didn’t hurt in locking things up. The rest of the regular season — at Kentucky, home for Chattanooga, at Auburn — isn’t nearly as challenging as the last six weeks have been, though the Crimson Tide must always be mindful of a trap. Win out and beat (probably) Georgia in the SEC championship game, and Alabama is almost certainly playoff-bound.

Georgia vs. Missouri 2023

Georgia’s Mekhi Mews (87) escapes Missouri defensive back Tre’Vez Johnson (4) as he returns a punt during the first second of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)AP

1. Georgia (9-0, 6-0)

Last week’s ranking: 1

Last week’s game: Beat Missouri, 30-21

This week’s game: vs. Ole Miss, 6 p.m., ESPN

The Bulldogs once again stepped on the accelerator when they really got challenged, which lends credence to the idea that they are simply bored after so much success the last several years. Another explosive team visits Athens on Saturday night in Ole Miss, so expect Kirby Smart’s team to be at its best once again. Georgia will be looking for its 27th consecutive win, and should the Bulldogs win the remainder of their regular-season games (including at Tennessee and at Georgia Tech), they’d break Alabama’s record for longest winning streak by an SEC team, set from 1978-80 and tied from 1991-93.

Creg Stephenson has worked for AL.com since 2010 and covered college football for a variety of publications since 1994. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @CregStephenson.