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SEC Power Rankings: South Carolina rises after shocking Week 10 upset

matt melton
·6 min read
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Nov 2, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Raheim Sanders (5) and offensive lineman Vershon Lee (53) celebrate a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies in the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks running back Raheim Sanders (5) and offensive lineman Vershon Lee (53) celebrate a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies in the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

While most eyes across college football are focused on next week's SEC matchups, let's not completely overlook what we saw from the conference in Week 10 either.

One of the SEC's top rivalry games was officially renewed in Jacksonville, while the last remaining team undefeated in conference fell on the road in Columbia. Conference matchups also took place in Fayetteville, Auburn and Knoxville, and each produced noteworthy results.

Four SEC teams were on a bye week, while two played nonconference games.

Let's take a look at our latest SEC football power rankings coming out of Week 10:

16. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Nov 2, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) walks off the field after being sacked by the Massachusetts Minutemen during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) walks off the field after being sacked by the Massachusetts Minutemen during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 16

  • 2024 Record: 2-7 overall (0-5 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 45-20 win vs. Massachusetts

  • Week 11 Opponent: at No. 7 Tennessee

Mississippi State snapped its seven-game losing streak Saturday with a 45-20 home win against Massachusetts. The Bulldogs will hit the road in Week 11 to face the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville.

15. Auburn Tigers

Auburn Tigers defensive back Jerrin Thompson (1) celebrates a stop as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
Auburn Tigers defensive back Jerrin Thompson (1) celebrates a stop as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

  • Previous Ranking: No. 13

  • 2024 Record: 3-6 overall (1-5 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 17-7 loss to Vanderbilt

  • Week 11 Opponent: BYE

Auburn suffered a home loss to Vanderbilt in which it scored one touchdown. A bye week looms for the Tigers (3-6).

14. Kentucky Wildcats

Nov 2, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Brock Vandagriff (12) takes the snap against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Saul Young/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Brock Vandagriff (12) takes the snap against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Saul Young/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 15

  • 2024 Record: 3-6 overall (1-6 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 28-18 loss at No. 7 Tennessee

  • Week 11 Opponent: BYE

Kentucky, albeit in a loss, had some notable moments in its 28-18 road loss at Tennessee. It played the Volunteers closer than some might've thought going in. The Wildcats enter a bye week at 3-6 (1-6 SEC).

13. Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners running back Jovantae Barnes (2) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver J.J. Hester (13) after a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Maine Black Bears at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
Oklahoma Sooners running back Jovantae Barnes (2) celebrates with Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver J.J. Hester (13) after a touchdown during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Maine Black Bears at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

  • Previous Ranking: No. 14

  • 2024 Record: 5-4 overall (1-4 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 59-14 win vs. Maine

  • Week 11 Opponent: at No. 25 Missouri

Oklahoma was the second SEC team to play a nonconference foe Saturday; the Sooners beat Maine at home, 59-14. The Sooners returns to conference play in Week 11 at Missouri.

12. Arkansas Razorbacks

Nov 2, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi won 63-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi won 63-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 12

  • 2024 Record: 5-4 overall (3-3 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 63-31 loss vs. No. 19 Ole Miss

  • Week 11 Opponent: BYE

The Arkansas Razorbacks had a disappointing result during Week 10. The program fell at home to Ole Miss, 63-31. Arkansas enters its bye week 5-4 (3-3 SEC).

11. Florida Gators

Nov 2, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier and quarterback DJ Lagway (2) before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier and quarterback DJ Lagway (2) before a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 10

  • 2024 Record: 4-4 overall (2-3 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 34-20 loss vs. No. 2 Georgia in Jacksonville, Florida

  • Week 11 Opponent: at No. 6 Texas

The Gators suffered their fourth loss of the season Saturday against Georgia in Jacksonville at a neutral-site game. The schedule does not get any easier for the Gators in Week 11 either. Florida will travel to Austin to face the Texas Longhorns next week.

10. Missouri Tigers

Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) walks along the field during warmups before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) walks along the field during warmups before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 9

  • 2024 Record: 6-2 overall (2-2 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: BYE

  • Week 11 Opponent: vs. Oklahoma

Missouri was the first-of-four SEC teams to not play Saturday due to a bye week. The Tigers will return to action at home in Week 11 against the Oklahoma Sooners.

9. South Carolina Gamecocks

Nov 2, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) scrambles against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) scrambles against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 11

  • 2024 Record: 5-3 overall (3-3 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 44-20 win vs. No. 10 Texas A&M

  • Week 11 Opponent: at Vanderbilt

The South Carolina Gamecocks gained their signature win of the season Saturday night by defeating Texas A&M at home, 44-20. South Carolina looks to build off that victory in Week 11 at Vanderbilt.

8. Vanderbilt Commodores

Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates a first down as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) celebrates a first down as Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. Vanderbilt Commodores defeated Auburn Tigers 17-7.

  • Previous Ranking: No. 8

  • 2024 Record: 6-3 overall (3-2 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 17-7 win at Auburn

  • Week 11 Opponent: vs. South Carolina

Vanderbilt returned to the win column Saturday with an impressive 17-7 win at Auburn and is 6-3. The Commodores return home in Week 11 for a matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

7. Texas A&M Aggies

Nov 2, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Amari Daniels (5) rushes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Amari Daniels (5) rushes against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 6

  • 2024 Record: 7-2 overall (5-1 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 44-20 loss at South Carolina

  • Week 11 Opponent: BYE

The Texas A&M Aggies suffered their first SEC loss of the season Saturday night, falling at South Carolina, 44-20. Texas A&M enters its bye week 7-2 (5-1 SEC).

6. LSU Tigers

Oct 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Aggies defeated the Tigers 38-23; at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.
Oct 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Aggies defeated the Tigers 38-23; at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

  • Previous Ranking: No. 7

  • 2024 Record: 6-2 overall (3-1 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: BYE

  • Week 11 Opponent: vs. No. 14 Alabama

The LSU Tigers were on a bye week Saturday. LSU will host one of the SEC's top matchups in Week 11 in Baton Rouge against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

5. Ole Miss Rebels

Nov 2, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) and wide receiver Jordan Watkins (11) celebrate after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi won 63-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) and wide receiver Jordan Watkins (11) celebrate after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi won 63-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 5

  • 2024 Record: 7-2 overall (3-2 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 63-31 win at Arkansas

  • Week 11 Opponent: vs. No. 2 Georgia

Led by stellar performances from Jaxson Dart and Jordan Watkins, Ole Miss picked up a 63-31 win at Arkansas on Saturday. The Rebels amassed nearly 700 yards of offense. Ole Miss (7-2) will return home in Week 11 for likely their toughest test yet when the Georgia Bulldogs come to Oxford.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) warms up alongside quarterback Ty Simpson (15) before a game before a game against the Missouri Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) warms up alongside quarterback Ty Simpson (15) before a game before a game against the Missouri Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 4

  • 2024 Record: 6-2 overall (3-2 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: BYE

  • Week 11 Opponent: at No. 16 LSU

The Alabama Crimson Tide were yet another team that did not play Saturday due to a bye week. Alabama will return to action during Week 11 for a Top 25 road matchup in Baton Rouge against the LSU Tigers.

3. Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee defensive back Boo Carter (23) celebrates after a tackle during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Kentucky in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
Tennessee defensive back Boo Carter (23) celebrates after a tackle during a NCAA football game between Tennessee and Kentucky in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

  • Previous Ranking: No. 3

  • 2024 Record: 7-1 overall (4-1 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 28-18 win vs. Kentucky

  • Week 11 Opponent: vs. Mississippi State

Tennessee remained in the win column Saturday with a 28-18 home victory over Kentucky that was a bit closer than some might've expected. The Volunteers will be big home favorites once again in Week 11 against Mississippi State.

2. Texas Longhorns

Oct 26, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) hands the ball off to running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) hands the ball off to running back Quintrevion Wisner (26) against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 2

  • 2024 Record: 7-1 overall (3-1 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: BYE

  • Week 11 Opponent: vs. Florida

Texas was the final SEC team to not play Saturday due to a bye week. The Longhorns will be back in action during Week 11 at home against the Florida Gators.

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Nov 2, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) takes the snap against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) takes the snap against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

  • Previous Ranking: No. 1

  • 2024 Record: 7-1 overall (5-1 in SEC)

  • Week 10 Result: 34-20 win vs. Florida in Jacksonville, Florida

  • Week 11 Opponent: at No. 19 Ole Miss

The Georgia Bulldogs remain in the No. 1 spot after their 34-20 win over Florida in Jacksonville. Georgia extends their winning streak to four-straight games, and will now travel for a noteworthy Week 11 matchup in Oxford against Ole Miss.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: SEC Power Rankings: South Carolina rises after shocking Week 10 upset