(2/9/00)
Kentucky takes over the top spot this week with a win over Tennessee last week in Lexington, Ky. LSU falls to No. 5 after falling on the road to Mississippi State. The race is heating up this week as each of the top teams will face each other.
THE FAVORITES
SEC Champion – Tennessee
Despite falling to Kentucky on Tuesday, the game was on the road and the Vols are only a game back of the Cats for first place. They have the advantage left of having their toughest remaining at home while everyone else must take to the road. However, this race is anyones to win.
SEC West Champion – Auburn
The Tigers got a big break with LSU losing to Mississippi State on Wednesday to fall back by two games in the race. Now if Auburn can beat the Tigers this week, they will have virtually sealed the East crown.
SEC East Champion – Tennessee
If the Vols are the favorite to win the SEC, then they must be the favorite in their own division. This race is still wide open and will most likely end up in a tie.
SEC Coach of the Year – John Brady, LSU
LSU cleared another hurdle last week in winning its first conference road game in over two years. If the Tigers can beat Kentucky and/or Auburn this week, they can begin to engrave the award with Bradys name.
SEC Player of the Year – Chris Porter, Auburn
Chris Porter is beginning to make his move in the SEC. After all the preseason hype, Porter seemed to be having a down year, but the senior forward has been on fire as of late and even took home SEC Player of the Week honors last week. He needs a big game this week against Stromile Swift of LSU to solidify his position.
SEC Freshman of the Year – Donnell Harvey, Florida
Harvey has continued his great play in the fast-paced Florida system. The only real challenger still left for him is Kentuckys Keith Bogans who was outstanding against Tennessee last week. These two will battle it down to the end this year.
THE TEAMS
1. Kentucky 17-5, 7-1
The Wildcats take over first for the first time this season after taking out Tennessee and South Carolina this past week. Their task of holding onto the top spot will be much tougher than that of gaining the spot. Kentucky must travel to LSU and Florida this week where both teams have been spectacular this season.
Last Week: 2nd
2. Tennessee 19-3, 7-2
Tennessee falls to second after a road loss to Kentucky last Tuesday night. However, the Vols rebounded nicely by picking up a win at Mississippi State. Georgia will serve as a nice tune up for Tennessee this Wednesday before Florida comes to Knoxville for a crucial SEC match on Saturday.
Last Week: 1st
3. Florida 17-4, 6-2
The Gators picked up two wins this past week over South Carolina and Georgia to remain in third. They were less than spectacular in escaping from Columbia, S.C., with a win and will have to play better this week to beat Kentucky and Tennessee this week. Two wins and the Gators are in the drivers seat for the SEC title.
Last Week: 3rd
4. Auburn 19-3, 7-2
Auburn convincingly beat Alabama and Arkansas this week to move ahead of LSU for the week. The Tigers are one game back of Kentucky for their second straight SEC title, but must a huge test this week at LSU. Look out on Wednesday for the conference match up of the week in Chris Porter vs. Stromile Swift.
Last Week: 5th
5. LSU 17-4, 4-4
LSU blew an 11-point lead with five minutes to play at Mississippi State last week as the Tigers road jinx continued. However, three days later, LSU exorcized its road demons with a 33-point thumping of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Games against Kentucky and Auburn can launch LSU back into the race for the SEC title.
Last Week: 4th
6. Vanderbilt 15-4, 5-3
Vanderbilt got back on track with wins over Georgia and Boston College this past week to get to 5-3 in conference play. The Commodores have two winnable games this week against Mississippi State and at Alabama. Wins in both of those games and they are right back in the hunt for the SEC East.
Last Week: 6th
7. Mississippi State 12-9, 3-5
Mississippi State made a good showing this week in splitting with LSU and Tennessee. The Bulldogs were the recipients of a late-game LSU collapse to pick up a win on Wednesday before fighting the Vols down to the wire on Sunday. Two wins this week at Vanderbilt and against Arkansas would be huge for a team that hopes to make a late run at the NCAA Tournament.
Last Week: 9th
8. Alabama 10-10, 3-5
Alabama lost twice this past week to two top 25 teams. The Crimson Tide played well early at Auburn but was manhandled by LSU at home on Saturday. LSU toyed with the Tide in beating them 93-60. Alabama must play better this week against Arkansas and Vanderbilt to get wins. They are most likely out of the running for an NCAA bid, but still have a shot to make the NIT.
Last Week: 7th
9. Arkansas 11-10, 3-5
The Hogs dropped two in a row on the road this week to Ole Miss and Auburn. Against the Rebels, Arkansas fought back from a 22-point deficit only to falter at the end and lose by five. Then on Sunday, they were outplayed by a better Auburn team in losing by 18. They have two must win games this week against Alabama and Mississippi State before they hit the gauntlet in their schedule towards the end of February.
Last Week: 8th
10. Ole Miss 14-7, 2-6
The Rebels barely held on for the win after blowing a 22-point lead to Arkansas on Wednesday in their only game of the week. They will have the chance to win two more this week against South Carolina and on the road against Georgia. Ole Miss should win at home where it has been tough lately, but look for Georgia to make it a split on Saturday.
Last Week: 11th
11. Georgia 9-13, 2-7
Georgia lost its third and fourth straight this past week to Vanderbilt and Florida. The Bulldogs made no real threat to pull an upset in either game. They must travel to Tennessee on Wednesday before getting a chance at a win on Sunday against Ole Miss.
Last Week: 10th
12. South Carolina 9-13, 1-8
South Carolina played well this past week despite running its losing streak to eight. The Gamecocks dropped a four-point decision to Florida on Wednesday before falling to Kentucky in Rupp Arena by only 13. They travel to Ole Miss on Wednesday where the Rebels have played well before a four-game home stand. If USC can continue to improve, it could pick up a few surprising wins before seasons end.
Last Week: 12th