With only three weeks left, the SEC race is beginning to sort itself out. LSU made a huge move this week with two big wins and Tennessee took a game-and-a-half lead in the overall race with a win over Florida.
THE FAVORITES
SEC Champion – Tennessee
Tennessee began to stretch its lead in the SEC race with a win over Florida accompanied by losses to Kentucky and Auburn this past week. The race is now the Vols to lose, but dont look for that to happen unless they lose games they shouldnt down the stretch.
SEC West Champion – LSU
LSU made its move this past week with wins over Auburn and Kentucky. They now stand one game back of Auburn in the West but have an easier schedule down the stretch. Auburn must still go to Florida and Vanderbilt before the year is out. However, the West could very well end up a tie this year as LSU must still travel to Auburn where the Tigers havent lost in two years.
SEC East Champion – Tennessee
Tennessee squeaked out another close win over Florida this past week to give them a game advantage over the Gators. Kentucky lost twice as well to fall behind the Vols. However, they must still take care of business against Kentucky and Vanderbilt to seal the deal.
SEC Coach of the Year – John Brady, LSU
Brady may as well go to Birmingham and pick up the award right now after his LSU team beat Kentucky and Auburn this past week. His team was picked no better than 5th in the SEC West and could end up winning it this year.
SEC Player of the Year – Dan Langhi, Vanderbilt
Langhi has been one of the most consistent players of the year in the SEC. He leads the league in scoring with over 21 points/game and has led his Vanderbilt team to a 6-4 SEC record. Without Langhi, the Commodores are 3-7 at best in the conference.
SEC Freshman of the Year – Joe Johnson, Arkansas
Johnson has been on a tear for the Arkansas Razorbacks this season. Despite sitting out the first half of the season, Johnson is deserving of this award. He is among the top 5 in the league in scoring in games against SEC opponents with a 16.3 average.
THE TEAMS
1. Tennessee 21-3, 9-2
Tennessee regains the top spot it lost last week with a win over Florida this week accompanied by two Kentucky losses. The Vols are now in the drivers seat for the SEC Championship and the West title. Two revenge-sparked wins this week against Vanderbilt and Kentucky and Tennessee will all but have wrapped up the SEC title.
Last Week: 2nd
2. Florida 18-5, 7-3
Florida split this week in two games against the SEC elite. A solid win over Kentucky followed by yet another heartbreaking loss to Tennessee has moved Florida into the number two spot. The Gators have two games they should win this week against Arkansas and Mississippi State.
Last Week: 3rd
3. LSU 19-4, 6-4
LSU made the jump to its highest ranking yet this week following wins over Auburn and Kentucky. The Tigers were impressive in both wins as they won both by double-figures and were able to stave off the rally of each team. Now, LSU must go to Ole Miss and Arkansas and try to pick up road wins to stay in the hunt for the SEC West.
Last Week: 5th
4. Auburn 19-4, 7-3
Auburn remained in the number four spot but was leapfrogged by LSU. The Tigers couldnt match up with LSU this past Wednesday in Baton Rouge in taking a 15 point loss. Auburns backbone, its defense was unable to come through as it gave up 83 points to LSU. The Tigers have a must win on the road at Vanderbilt this week if they want to stay in front of the Western Division.
Last Week: 4th
5. Kentucky 17-7, 7-3
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: 1st
6. Vanderbilt 16-5, 6-4
Vanderbilt squeaked by Mississippi State and was beaten badly by Alabama this past week. The Commodores seem to have lost the magic that helped them to wins over Florida, Tennessee and LSU earlier this year. Dan Langhi has continued to pace Vandy in its quest to make the NCAA Tournament. Two home games this week against Auburn and Tennessee could vault the Commodores into the tourney.
Last Week: 6th
7. Alabama 11-11, 4-6
Alabama lost on the road to Arkansas this week by 15 but did a nice job to bounce back and beat Vanderbilt 77-63 later in the week. The Crimson Tide, who have not won on the road this year, have to travel to Kentucky and South Carolina this week.
Last Week: 8th
8. Arkansas 13-10, 5-5
Arkansas beat both Alabama and Mississippi State this past week, but will very possibly not win another conference game. The rest of the Razorbacks games are against the top six teams in the league. However, four of those are at home where Arkansas has always been tough. Three wins in the six games and Arkansas could make a case to go dancing in March.
Last Week: 9th
9. Mississippi State 12-11, 3-7
The Bulldogs lost a heartbreaker at Vanderbilt before falling by six at home to Arkansas in a game they needed to win. With little hope of making the NCAA Tournament, Mississippi State will now turn its attention to securing an NIT bid. Look for them to split this week with games against South Carolina and Florida, both on the road.
Last Week: 7th
10. Georgia 10-14, 3-8
The Bulldogs move ahead of Ole Miss after beating the Rebels this week. Georgia was blown out at Tennessee but rebounded to score the victory over Ole Miss on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they must face Kentucky and Florida this week. Dont look for them to win either of those games.
Last Week: 11th
11. Ole Miss 15-8, 3-7
The Rebels drop to No. 11 with the loss on the road to Georgia. Ole Miss split this week with a win over South Carolina before falling to Georgia this past weekend. The Rebels, who have played well at home this year, host LSU on Wednesday and will be looking to upset the Tigers. They must then travel to Auburn where the Tigers will be looking for revenge for the loss earlier in the season.
Last Week: 10th
12. South Carolina 9-14, 1-9
South Carolina lost twice more this week to run their losing streak to nine. Losses to Kentucky and Ole Miss were both within striking distance, as have most of the Gamecocks losses, but South Carolina was again unable to score the victory. They have four straight home games, beginning this week with Mississippi State and Alabama. They could very well win split this week,
Last Week: 12th