The college football regular season is almost finished, with most SEC teams having only one or two games remaining. Expectations are now set for the postseason as we inch closer to bowl games and the prized College Football Playoff. In the preseason, expectations were set, but there were some big surprises throughout the weeks. It is time to start making some final evaluations in our second-to-last SEC Power Rankings of the year, and The Hustler identified the biggest surprise for each team this season.
1. Texas A&M (10-0, 7-0 SEC)
Biggest surprise: Game against South Carolina
The Aggies continued their winning streak this past Saturday, making them the SEC’s only undefeated team, but they had a real challenge against South Carolina. Texas A&M started out weak against South Carolina at home and headed into the locker room down 30-3 at the half. They returned as the team college football fans were familiar with, though, pulling off a 27-point comeback to win 31-30 — the largest comeback in SEC history. It was also announced on Saturday that Texas A&M agreed to a six-year contract extension with head coach Mike Elko, making him one of the top five highest-paid college coaches in the country.
2. Georgia (9-1, 7-1)
Biggest surprise: Successful quarterback replacement
The Georgia Bulldogs had a dominant performance last Saturday against the Texas Longhorns and emerged with a 35-10 win. Georgia’s defense slowed down Arch Manning and the Longhorns’ offense, containing them to only 2-of-12 third-down conversions. Gunner Stockton had another solid performance, completing 24-of-29 passes for 4 touchdowns. Georgia pulled away in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns thanks to an unexpected onside kick.
It was not certain that Gunner Stockton would replace former Bulldog Carson Beck smoothly heading into the season. However, Stockton has been impressive all season, leading his team to an almost guaranteed playoff spot. No. 4 Georgia will host Charlotte this week on Nov. 22.
3. Ole Miss (10-1, 6-1)
Biggest surprise: Trinidad Chambliss
No. 3 Ole Miss carried out a 10-point win over Florida last week, winning 34-24. The Rebels now have a bye week to rest and recover. The biggest surprise this season definitely goes to Trinidad Chambliss, a former Division II quarterback at Ferris State who has now claimed the title as Ole Miss starting quarterback and is even a long shot Heisman candidate. Despite his “zero-star” recruiting background, Chambliss is on the rise. And at this rate, the Rebels are well into an impressive season that has them as a likely lock in the CFP.
4. Oklahoma (8-2, 4-2)
Biggest surprise: Playoff contention
The Oklahoma Sooners earned a statement win this past Saturday, taking down Alabama on the road, 23-21. The sack by Keontez Lewis during Alabama’s last offensive drive was a crucial contributor to the Sooners’ win. After losing to Texas and Ole Miss, it seemed that playoff hopes for the Sooners were fading. John Mateer was an early-season Heisman favorite but struggled after injuring his right thumb. The Sooners propelled themselves back into the playoff conversation with back-to-back ranked wins against then-No. 9 Tennessee and then-No. 5 Alabama. They will look to improve their win streak to three when they host the Missouri Tigers on Nov. 22.
5. Alabama (8-2, 6-1)
Biggest surprise: Kalen DeBoer
Alabama suffered a tough loss this past week to Oklahoma, 23-21, even though it nearly doubled the Sooners in yardage (406 compared to 212). This week, it will play Eastern Illinois, an expected win, but must stay sharp for its Iron Bowl game at Jordan-Hare on Nov. 29. Alabama has had a shockingly good and transformative season under Kalen DeBoer after a, by the Crimson Tide’s standards, disappointing performance last year. Players, fans and analysts see potential for Alabama to become one of the best teams by the end of the season, especially with its defensive lineup and Heisman candidate quarterback Ty Simpson.
6. Vanderbilt (8-2, 4-2)
Biggest surprise: Passing game
Vanderbilt had a bye week after its 45-28 win over the Auburn Tigers on Nov. 8. The break should help the Commodores in their final two-game stretch, in which they need to win both matchups to remain in the CFP conversation. Vanderbilt’s passing game has been surprising this season. Diego Pavia struggled as a passer at times last season — there was not a single game where he totaled over 300 passing yards. This year, Pavia has the fifth-highest passer rating in the country; his completion percentage also jumped more than 10%, going from 59.4% to 70.0%. The polished passing has allowed Pavia to run the ball less and prevent wear and tear; it has also made Vanderbilt’s offense more deadly. Vanderbilt will resume its playoff campaign against the Kentucky Wildcats at home on Nov. 22.
7. Texas (7-3, 4-2)
Biggest surprise: Comeback against Mississippi State
Texas faced a reality check after breaking its four-game winning streak to Georgia, falling 35-10 in Athens. Arch Manning and his team were only able to earn 10 points in the first half after the defense settled in before being shut out completely in the second half. The Longhorns have two more games remaining on their schedule, notably the Thanksgiving weekend game against Texas A&M. Their most surprising game goes back to Week 9, in which they faced Mississippi State. The matchup left fans on the edge of their seats, as Texas was down 17 points in the fourth quarter. The Longhorns managed to pull off a 45-38 win, though. Texas will now host Arkansas on Nov. 22.
8. Missouri (7-3, 3-3)
Biggest surprise: Ahmad Hardy
Missouri had a solid performance against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in its 49-27 win. The Tigers’ rush defense was impressive, allowing just 110 total yards. Marvin Burks Jr. and Khalil Jacobs led the way, combining for 22 total tackles. Despite Matt Zollers struggling to convert the offense, it was Ahmad Hardy who was elite. He had 300 rushing yards while averaging a whopping 12 yards a carry.
Hardy has played a big part in this Missouri offense. His ability to break through tackles and use his explosiveness to run by defenders is incredible. Transferring from a non-Power Four school, it was not certain that Hardy would thrive for the Tigers; however, his performance last week proved that the Tigers made the right decision. Missouri will travel to play Oklahoma this week on Nov. 22.
9. Tennessee (7-3, 4-2)
Biggest surprise: Braylon Staley
No. 9 Tennessee had no problem crushing New Mexico State 42-9 this past weekend. After quickly correcting some critical mistakes made early in the game, the Volunteers were able to take the lead and maintain it all the way until the end. Next, the Volunteers will take on the Florida Gators in the Swamp. The Volunteers have lost 10 straight games in Gainesville, but with their improvements on both sides of the ball, they may be able to break their losing streak and take the win. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Braylon Staley has shocked the Tennessee world with a surprisingly good season as a replacement for transfer wide receiver Squirrel White. He already leads every freshman in the FBS in receiving yards and has become one of the leading candidates for SEC Freshman of the Year.
10. Kentucky (5-5, 2-5)
Biggest surprise: Cutter Boley
Kentucky cruised past Tennessee Tech last week, defeating the Golden Eagles, 42-10. Despite performing poorly during the early portions of the season, there has been a recent spark in the Wildcats’ offense that has led to solid conference wins against Auburn and Florida.
The player leading this offensive resurgence is none other than quarterback Cutter Boley. Boley has looked composed ever since he stepped in as a starter. Across the past 3 weeks, he has had a 74% completion percentage and a QBR of 70.9, which is better than John Mateer, Arch Manning and DJ Lagway across that stretch of time.
Next up, Kentucky will travel to Vanderbilt, seeking to repeat its strong offensive performances.
11. LSU (6-4, 3-4)
Biggest surprise: Departure of Brian Kelly
LSU played a close game against Arkansas and only won by one point with a final score of 23-22. With the win successfully ending a three-game losing streak, the Tigers are back on steady feet before their next matchup against Western Kentucky. LSU has had a roller coaster season, which included firing head coach Brian Kelly in the middle of his fourth season with the Tigers. The college football coaching carousel has spurred plenty of rumors around the next potential head coach at LSU, with names like Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin being a target for the Tigers.
12. Auburn (4-6, 1-6)
Biggest surprise: Passing game struggles
The Auburn Tigers had a bye last week before their final two games of the season. Quarterback Ashton Daniels, who had a tremendous game against the Commodores, will be benched this week in order to maintain his redshirt eligibility. For this week’s game, interim head coach DJ Durkin will start first-year Deuce Knight.
It has been a while since Auburn has had consistent quarterback play, even with the stacked wide receiver room the Tigers have assembled. They acquired wide receiver Eric Singleton this past summer, who was one of the best receivers available in the transfer portal. Playing alongside him is Cam Coleman, who was a 5-star recruit. However, quarterbacks have struggled to make accurate throws to connect with these star wideouts, and the offensive line has allowed too much pressure, leading to several changes at the signal-caller position.
Auburn will host Mercer this weekend before facing rival Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
13. Florida (3-7, 2-5)
Biggest surprise: Departure of Billy Napier
Florida has not lived up to expectations this season, consistently hanging around the basement of The Hustler’s power rankings. The Gators lost to Ole Miss 34-24 this past week and will seek to get back on track against Tennessee, whom the Gators have had historical success against. The Gators also fired head coach Billy Napier mid-season as he held a losing record across his four seasons with Florida.
14. South Carolina (3-7, 1-7)
Biggest surprise: Lack of explosiveness
On Saturday, it seemed as if South Carolina might pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season against Texas A&M. The score was 30-3 in favor of South Carolina at the half. However, the second half was a completely different story. The Aggies scored 28 unanswered points to win 31-30, and the Gamecocks struggled to move the ball, totaling just 76 yards from scrimmage across the last two quarters.
In the latter half of last season, quarterback LaNorris Sellers and the South Carolina offense were explosive. However, that same explosiveness has not been shown this season. The Gamecocks average the lowest rushing yards in the SEC and Sellers, who was touted as a Heisman hopeful in the preseason, has only 186 rushing yards.
South Carolina will host Coastal Carolina this weekend.
15. Mississippi State (5-6, 1-6)
Biggest surprise: Game against Texas
Although Mississippi State moved the ball well this past game, it wasn’t enough to beat Missouri, which won 49-27. After an upcoming bye week, the Bulldogs will then host Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl and need to pull off a win to become bowl eligible. Mississippi State has been very close to some great wins this season, which included almost pulling off a major upset against Texas and forcing a close game against Tennessee. Even if its ranking is near the bottom of the conference, Mississippi State has proven it is not a pushover this season.
16. Arkansas (2-8, 0-6)
Biggest surprise: Zero conference wins
It was another close loss for the Razorbacks this weekend, this time against the LSU Tigers, 22-21. The Razorbacks had a strong start, leading 14-0 in the first quarter. For the rest of the game, though, the offense could not match its initial production. Kicker Scott Starzyk also missed a field goal in the fourth quarter, which could have sealed a win. The Razorbacks seem to be on the brink of a breakthrough; however, the turnaround cannot happen unless they finally secure a conference win.
The liability of Arkansas is its defense. The Razorbacks are No. 15 in the SEC when it comes to yards allowed in both passing and rushing. Despite having a poor defensive performance, it was expected that they could get a single win after close games against top 10 teams like Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Quarterback Taylen Green has been electrifying this season, and his ability to break away from pressures and throw accurate passes has been outstanding. He also has the sixth-highest QBR in the nation, but his efforts haven’t been enough to translate into wins.
Arkansas will travel to play Texas this week.
