Just because there were no upsets does not mean last week’s SEC action was boring. Thrilling finishes and near-misses dotted the SEC action this past weekend. Let’s dive in to some power rankings.

1. Alabama

Last Week: Won 20-7 over Miss. State

This Week: 11/23 vs. UTC

The Tide looked lethargic in last week’s win over the Bulldogs, but it’s Mississippi State, so Bama’s lethargic is still much better than MSU’s best. The Tide better watch out for a UTC Mocs team that may have turned a corner in last week’s thrilling overtime loss at Samford. In all seriousness, all roads lead to the Iron Bowl deciding the likely SEC Champion.

2. Auburn 

Last Week: Won 43-38 vs. UGA

This Week: Bye

The War Eagle Tigers had arguably college football’s play of the year go their way when Ricardo Louis miraculously came up with Nick Marshall’s pass that was tipped by Josh Harvey-Clemons and strolled into the end zone. Is there a chance that the Auburn Tigers are the team of destiny this year? Games like last Saturday lend themselves to that conclusion. They get a respite this week before their for-all-the-money showdown in the Iron Bowl.

3. Missouri

Last Week: Bye

This Week:11/23 at Ole Miss

Gary Pinkel’s Tigers get their first test in retaining their SEC East title hopes in a trip down to Oxford. The Rebels bring some offensive firepower to the table, but it would be surprising if they were able to vanquish the Tigers.

4. South Carolina 

Last Week: Won 19-14 vs. Florida

This Week: 11/23 vs. Coastal Carolina

The Gamecocks did not play their best game against the Gators, but they did enough to win. Now they have put themselves in position to get to their second SEC title game if Mizzou loses to one of Texas A&M or Ole Miss. As for this week they welcome FCS and in-state program Coastal Carolina to the friendly confines of Williams-Brice Stadium.

5. Texas A&M

Last Week: Bye

This Week: 11/23 at LSU

After a bye week to rest up, Johnny Manziel and his band of offensive playmakers stroll into Baton Rouge. While the Aggies have failed to accumulate a National Championship-worthy record, they (and more specifically JFF’s Heisman hopes) have an opportunity to get a statement win in a hostile environment against one of the SEC’s traditional powers. It should be a fun match up.

6. LSU 

Last Week: Bye

This Week: 11/23 vs. Texas A&M

The Bayou Bengals received a bye week after getting put down in Tuscaloosa. Now they are prepping for what will probably be a shootout as JFF comes to town. Luckily for Les Miles’ team, the Aggies’ defense is less than stellar and the Tigers vaunted passing attack, in addition to Jeremy Hill, should be able to move the ball almost at will against A&M.

7. UGA 

Last Week: Lost 43-28 at Auburn

This Week: 11/23 vs. Kentucky

Heartbreak. Sadness. That’s all you can say about UGA’s loss to Auburn. The Dawgs stormed back only to be decimated by one of the dumbest defensive plays college football has seen since Sal Sunseri was running defense in Knoxville. Richt admitted this week that batting the ball down never came up in the timeout the Bulldogs took right before Auburn’s desperation pass. It will be stunning if Todd Grantham still has a job in Athens next year. Now, Dawg fans get to bid farewell to Aaron Murray in his last game at Sanford Stadium.

8. Ole Miss 

Last Week: Won 51-21 over Troy

This Week: 11/23 vs. Mizzou

The Rebel Black Bears took care of Troy like an SEC team is supposed to. Now the Rebels have a chance to play spoiler to Mizzou’s SEC East title hopes.

9. Vanderbilt (+2)

Last Week: Won 22-6 over Kentucky

This Week: 11/23 at Tennessee

The Dore’s didn’t look pretty in beating Kentucky, but they beat them nonetheless. Now they trek east to Knoxville to try and attain their first back-to-back wins over Tennessee in over 80 years.

10.Tennessee 

Last Week: Bye

This Week: 11/23 vs Vandy

The Vols’ bowl hopes ride on this weekend’s game. A bowl is crucial for this young team’s development and to keep the momentum that Butch Jones has built up early in his tenure. If the Vols take care of the ball, they should have the tools to win this game. Vandy’s upsets over UGA and Florida happened because the Dores’ were able to take advantage of the mistakes those teams made. The Vols have physical advantages on both lines of scrimmage and the result of this game rides on how much success the offensive line and defensive line have against Vandy.

11. Florida

Last Week: Lost 19-14 to South Carolina

This Week: 11/23 vs. Georgia Southern

The Gators fought valiantly, but still came up short against the Gamecocks this past weekend. The Gators are just train wreck on offense. No way around it. It still is hard for me to fathom that Will Muschamp will likely keep his job after this horrendous season, but if Jeremy Foley wants to stick with him, so be it.

12. Mississippi State 

Last Week: Lost 20-7 to Bama

This Week: 11/23 at Arkansas

Dan Mullen’s team fought hard against Nick Saban’s minions, but the Bulldogs just are not that good. However, they should enjoy much more success moving the ball on the Razorbacks this weekend. This is probably MSU’s last real chance to get a victory this season.

13. Kentucky

Last Week: Lost 22-6 at Vandy

This Week: 11/23 at UGA

The Wildcats gave Vandy a good fight for the first half, but ultimately their anemic offense just proved to be too bad to take advantage of the lethargic Commodores. Now they travel to Athens for Georgia’s senior day, a day which will most likely go poorly for Mark Stoops’ felines.

14. Arkansas

Last Week: Bye

This Week: 11/23 vs. Miss State

Did Arkansas lose? No it was a bye week. Will they lose this week? Maybe not, Mississippi State is their caliber of team, but yes Bret Bielema’s team probably will finish the SEC schedule with a 0 in the win column.

Questions? Thoughts? feel free to leave a comment or holler at me on twitter @thomasduggins.