It’s Rivalry Week in the SEC, and some deep-rooted feuds across the conference will be contested in this year’s annual matchups. Rivalry Week is a once-a-year treat for all college football fans — just like the Thanksgiving holiday that just passed. The only thing more important than a good rivalry game is good Thanksgiving food; luckily, this week’s Hustler power rankings have you covered with both.
1. Texas A&M (11-0, 7-0 SEC)
Thanksgiving dish: Stuffing
Texas A&M heads into Rivalry Week fresh off a 48-0 shutout of Samford. Despite the time of possession for the Bulldogs (26:56) and the Aggies (33:04) being relatively close, the latter’s defense held Samford to just 77 total offensive yards and three first downs. First-year defensive end Marco Jones led the defense with seven total tackles, including a four-yard tackle-for-loss, helping Texas A&M to its first shutout since 2022.
Stuffing always, without a doubt, has the potential to be the most fire dish at Thanksgiving. Although it can sometimes get a little dicey with homemade recipes, stuffing is something you keep going back for. That’s how the Aggies have been as of late. Although they haven’t always had insanely stellar seasons, they’re a crowd favorite with the potential to impress beyond expectations.
The Aggies will next face Texas in the Lone Star Showdown on Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. CST.
2. Georgia (10-1, 7-1)
Thanksgiving dish: Pumpkin pie
No. 4 Georgia remains at No. 2 in The Hustler’s rankings following its 35-3 domination against Charlotte at Sanford Stadium. This marks head coach Kirby Smart’s squad’s seventh straight victory, and it has looked untouchable since a tight loss against Alabama in September. The Bulldogs were powered by their dynamic rushing attack as running backs Nate Frazier and Bo Walker combined for five rushing touchdowns.
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple, just as Georgia has been a conference powerhouse for decades. Smart’s rosters are consistently loaded with future NFL players —a reliable and talented group — similar to pumpkin pie.
The Bulldogs look to solidify their fifth straight playoff appearance as they stay close to home, traveling to No. 23 Georgia Tech for their regular-season finale.
3. Ole Miss (10-1, 6-1)
Thanksgiving dish: Mashed potatoes
After being down four points at halftime, Ole Miss surged back against Florida to win 34-24 for the first time since 2008. Running back Kewan Lacy finished with 224 yards and 3 touchdowns — the hat trick brought his season total to 19, breaking the Ole Miss record for most rushing touchdowns in a season. The defense held the Gators scoreless in the second half, with safety Wydett Williams Jr. leading the charge with eight tackles and an interception.
Mashed potatoes are a classic dish — a comfortable favorite that you always know will be good — and that’s how Ole Miss has played all season.
The Rebels will face Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. CST.
4. Oklahoma (9-2, 5-2)
Thanksgiving dish: Sweet potato casserole
No. 8 Oklahoma continues its hot streak, earning a 17-6 win over Missouri on Saturday. Following its upset victory at Bryant-Denny Stadium a week earlier, head coach Brent Venables’ team kept its momentum rolling as it hopes to remain in the College Football Playoff picture.
Sweet potato casseroles have grown increasingly more popular on Thanksgiving, often shining over their archrival, mashed potatoes. The dish is unpredictable, since no one knows what will end up on top. Oklahoma’s blowout loss in Texas, followed a few weeks later by upsetting Alabama in its first home loss since 2023, showcases its unpredictability. Marshmallows typically complement the dish — a sweet topping reminiscent of Venables’ reputation as a coach who cares for his players.
The Sooners host LSU in one of Week 14’s marquee matchups, as a win likely secures a playoff berth for Oklahoma.
5. Alabama (9-2, 6-1)
Thanksgiving dish: Turkey
Like Ole Miss, Alabama had a nonconference shutout ahead of its final regular game of the season, rolling past Eastern Illinois 56-0. The Crimson Tide played five different quarterbacks in the win and notched eight rushing touchdowns from six different players. The Panthers produced just 33 yards offensively and did not cross midfield at any point — their two first downs were the fewest by any Alabama opponent since 1946.
Like the turkey, the Crimson Tide are always put on the highest pedestal. Alabama is synonymous with the SEC and always held to the highest expectations — just like the Thanksgiving turkey at the center of the table.
The Crimson Tide travel across the state to Auburn for the Iron Bowl on Nov. 29.
6. Vanderbilt (9-2, 5-2)
Thanksgiving dish: Mac and cheese
No. 14 Vanderbilt continued its offensive mastery with a 45-17 victory over Kentucky, ending the Wildcats’ three-game win streak. Diego Pavia set his career high in passing yards with 484 and notched 6 total touchdowns. The Heisman candidate has erupted in Vanderbilt’s last three matchups and is a key reason the Commodores rank second in the conference in yards per game.
Macaroni and cheese has been around forever, but only recently has it become a true Thanksgiving staple. The popular dish has quickly risen as a fan-favorite, with many ranking it among the most important on the table. Similarly, Vanderbilt may not have a long history of dominating in the SEC, but the program has made a clear mark in recent seasons. Thanksgiving mac and cheese boasts a rich and intense flavor yet remains a crowd-pleaser — just like Pavia. The quarterback isn’t afraid of a little banter and certainly doesn’t lack confidence, making him, undoubtedly, a showstopper.
The ‘Dores travel to Knoxville in a pivotal contest against Tennessee on Saturday, hoping to keep their playoff hopes alive.
7. Texas (8-3, 5-2)
Thanksgiving dish: Dinner roll
Texas notched its first 50-point conference win since joining the SEC on Saturday, besting Arkansas 52-37. Quarterback Arch Manning had a historic game, throwing for 389 yards and 6 touchdowns en route to becoming the first Longhorn quarterback to record a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in a single game since 1946. Wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. found the end zone three times — the most by a Texas player in a game in four years — helping the Longhorns cruise to victory.
Although Texas has shone at points this season, it hasn’t necessarily taken anyone’s breath away. This year, Texas resembles the dinner roll: usually good, but never the star of the show.
Texas will host Texas A&M on Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. CST.
8. Tennessee (8-3, 4-3)
Thanksgiving dish: Apple pie
No. 19 Tennessee traveled to Gainesville and notched a 31-11 victory over Florida, with running back DeSean Bishop leading the way. The sophomore rushed for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns in the commanding win. The Volunteers lead the conference in points per game (42.27) and touchdowns (61). The program is exceptional on offense but lacks defensive prowess; Josh Heupel’s squad ranks third-to-last in points and touchdowns allowed.
Apple pie is a classic Thanksgiving dish, just as Tennessee is a perennial SEC powerhouse. The common dessert resembles the Volunteers’ offensive success as it is a sweet and satisfying comfort food. However, its delicate nature and ability to crumble easily are reminiscent of Tennessee’s poor defense.
The Volunteers will host Vanderbilt in their regular-season finale on Saturday, Nov. 29.
9. Missouri (7-4, 3-4)
Thanksgiving dish: Roasted potatoes
In a low-scoring matchup, Missouri fell to Oklahoma, 17-6. After holding the Sooners to just 17 yards total on their first three drives, a blocked field goal and an 87-yard touchdown by Oklahoma in the second quarter caused the Tigers to lose steam. Missouri held the Sooners to just one field goal in the second half — but despite the defensive performance, it remained scoreless. Despite the rocky end to the season after an incredible start, head coach Eli Drinkwitz will have another six years to help Mizzou achieve the success that it saw at the beginning of the season.
Roasted potatoes are usually pretty good, but never as good as their mashed potatoes counterpart — Missouri has been similar in the SEC this season. Although the Tigers have had a solid season, they can’t be compared to some of the powerhouses of the SEC this year.
Missouri will travel to Arkansas on Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m. CST, hoping to keep the Razorbacks winless in the SEC.
10. Auburn (5-6, 1-6)
Thanksgiving dish: Gravy
Auburn hosted Mercer and posted a powerful 62-17 victory, led by rookie quarterback Deuce Knight. Knight became the third quarterback to start for Auburn, receiving the opportunity as head coach DJ Durkin wanted to preserve Ashton Daniels’ redshirt. The rookie recorded 6 total touchdowns, 4 of which were on the ground, and logged 401 yards from scrimmage.
There is simply no gravy without turkey, just as there is no Auburn with Alabama. While Auburn is loved by many, like gravy, it is overshadowed by its primary counterpart. Furthermore, the Tigers have gone through many changes as the team’s recipe has come in many different forms. Just as gravy can be thick, thin, different colors, or flavored, Auburn has started three quarterbacks and has changed coaches this season. The Tigers recorded 38 points at Vanderbilt yet only managed to score a field goal when hosting a struggling Kentucky team, showcasing the program’s strong inconsistencies.
Auburn hopes to eliminate its archrival’s College Football Playoff hopes as it hosts Alabama on Nov. 29.
11. LSU (7-4, 3-4)
Thanksgiving dish: Cornbread
In a matchup where Vegas favored LSU by 23.5 points, the Tigers barely scraped past Western Kentucky, 13-10. Despite superior offensive production — LSU notched 328 total yards to WKU’s 156 — the Tigers could only manage to find the end zone once in 60 minutes. A fourth-quarter scoop-and-score by the Hilltoppers put them within a field goal, but time expired before they could capitalize on the opportunity.
Cornbread gets a lot of hype; quite frankly, it has the potential to be the showstopper of any Thanksgiving evening. But bad cornbread can be underwhelming and completely fizzle out any excitement. This is exactly how LSU’s season has been — a lot of hype, but not a lot to show for it.
LSU will travel to No. 8 Oklahoma on Nov. 29 to close out its season.
12. South Carolina (4-7, 1-7)
Thanksgiving dish: Cranberry sauce
South Carolina ended its five-game losing streak with a 51-7 victory over Coastal Carolina. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers recorded four total touchdowns, dominating both on the ground and through the air. The Gamecocks have fallen short of preseason expectations by taking a significant step back from their last few seasons. Just as South Carolina has struggled this season, cranberry sauce has become a less popular Thanksgiving dish. The jellied cranberry sauce that was once a staple finds itself on fewer tables each year.
The Gamecocks host Clemson on Nov. 29, marking their final regular-season game.
13. Kentucky (5-6, 2-6)
Thanksgiving dish: Brussels sprouts
Kentucky got steamrolled in Nashville last week, as it was defeated by Vanderbilt, 45-17. The Wildcats did not find the end zone until the fourth quarter and could not stop the Commodores’ 629-yard offensive effort. Quarterback Cutter Boley still threw for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns, but his 2 interceptions did not make for a day to remember in Kentucky’s last conference outing of the season.
Brussels sprouts can be delicious — and usually, they get better with age. Kentucky has done something similar this season; it started off looking like a conference win was completely out of reach, but as the weeks went on, Boley and the Wildcats proved that they have the skill to reach five wins.
Kentucky will travel to Louisville on Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. CST for what is currently its last game of the year, hoping to notch bowl eligibility with a win.
14. Mississippi State (5-6, 1-6)
Thanksgiving dish: Corn
Mississippi State comes fresh off its bye week ready to host Ole Miss on Nov. 28. The Bulldogs are on the heels of a 49-27 loss at Missouri. Quarterback Blake Shapen threw two interceptions in the defeat while his offense struggled to establish the run. Corn is viewed as a mediocre Thanksgiving food, often forgotten about. It isn’t a bad dish, but it’s simply overshadowed by other powerhouses. Similarly, Mississippi State is outperformed by its SEC counterparts, as it has lost four one-possession games to conference opponents. Jeff Lebby’s team just isn’t able to get over the hump, just as corn is by no means a flashy dish.
The Bulldogs host Ole Miss on Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. CST.
15. Arkansas (2-9, 0-7)
Thanksgiving dish: Collard greens
In another high-scoring conference loss for the Razorbacks, Arkansas dropped its seventh conference game of the season to Texas, 52-37. Despite running back Mike Washington Jr. becoming the first Razorback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season since 2022, the Hogs could not keep up with the Longhorns’ offensive production.
Collard greens can be really good if made well, but if lacking the right amount of seasoning, they can fall short and be bitter and bland. This is how the Arkansas Razorbacks have been this season: so close to being good, but not quite all the way there.
In its last attempt at obtaining a conference win this season, Arkansas will host Missouri on Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m. CST.
16. Florida (3-8, 2-6)
Thanksgiving dish: Green bean casserole
Florida is fresh off a 31-11 loss to Tennessee, which extended its losing streak to four. The Gators were unable to generate much offensive success, especially in the passing game. Zero pass-catchers for the Gators recorded over 35 receiving yards as quarterback DJ Lagway completed just 11 passes. Green bean casserole is a common Thanksgiving dish, but often fails to live up to its hype — similar to the Gators. The casserole is by no means what most people are excited about on Thanksgiving, despite everyone knowing that it exists. Florida is an established program but has failed to live up to its preseason expectations.
The Gators host Florida State on Nov. 29 as they look to end their season on a high note.
