SEC Power Rankings: Arkansas falling, Kentucky surging after Week 5

The top half of the SEC Power Rankings after Week 5

The Florida Gators went to Kroger Field hoping to get their fourth win of the season, however Kentucky came prepared to protect their house. The Gators dropped their first conference road game of the season 13-20 to Kentucky, partially because they went cold in the second half. Florida only mustered three points during the entire second half. No need to panic Gator fans, you’ll be able to take your frustrations out on Vandy next week at home to get back on track.

Ole Miss and Head Coach Lane Kiffin had high hopes for knocking off Alabama this week, but Nick Saban had the better gameplan— he always does. The Crimson Tide tamed Heisman hopeful Matt Corral, limiting him to just 213 passing yards and one touchdown through the air. Ole Miss lost the game, but outscored Alabama 21-14 in the second half. Next up is a tough test against Arkansas at home.

Since dropping their season opener to UCLA 27-38, the LSU Tigers have been on an absolute tear. The Tigers were on a three-game winning streak entering this Week 5 contest with Auburn, but came up short 19-24. LSU was in the lead for the majority of the game, but gave up a touchdown with just over 3 minutes left in the game to fall behind. Sophomore QB Max Johnson continues to be a bright spot for the Tigers, having thrown 15 total touchdown passes this season, enough to be tied for second-most in the country. LSU hosts a hot Kentucky team at home next week.

Prior to this week, Auburn had just one real test and that was against Penn State— a game they lost 20-28. They traveled to face LSU in a night game in Death Valley, a notoriously difficult environment. Auburn played behind the entire game, but was able to take their first lead of the game with just over three minutes left. Bo Nix had a decent bounce-back game, throwing his first touchdown pass since Week 2 against Alabama State. Auburn has a huge game against No. 2 Georgia next week at home.

Now that Arkansas has finally lost a game, the attention now goes to the other team who has been deserving of national attention and praise: the Kentucky Wildcats. Don’t look now, but Kentucky is 5-0 for the first time since 2018. The ‘Cats have great offensive weapons in running back Chris Rodriguez and wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson– both of which sit atop the SEC leaderboards for total rushing yards and total receiving yards, respectively. Kentucky hosts LSU next week in a game many SEC fans will be watching. Kentucky is having quite a season, which is why they sit near the top of the SEC Power Rankings this week.

The Georgia Bulldogs are starting to make a case for being the number one team in the country after shutting out two straight SEC opponents. They’re actually doing more than just shutting out their opponents, they’re lighting them up, too. Georgia has defeating Vanderbilt and Arkansas by a combined 99-0. Head Coach Kirby Smart has his Bulldogs playing incredibly well, but are they peaking too early in the season?

Alabama continues their march towards another SEC West crown. The Crimson Tide, powered by QB Bryce Young and running back Brian Robinson, Jr. are as good a duo as anyone in the country. Against Ole Miss, Young was incredibly efficient, completing 20 of 26 passes for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns. Robinson added 171 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Head Coach Nick Saban will look to his defense to improve as they’ve been outscored in the second half in two out of their last three games now. Despite that, they top our SEC Power Rankings this week.