For the stretch run of the season, we’ve decided to start adding in weekly conference power rankings here on Busting Brackets in order to survey each conference more closely.
Of course, we’ll focus on the main conferences, and will then include a mid-major ranking feature to focus on the best teams in the smaller conferences.
We’ll begin with a look at the SEC:
1. Kentucky (23-1, 9-0)
The Wildcats are clearly the best team in the SEC since they are the best team in the nation. However, they’ve got a couple of tough tests ahead this week. They host Florida tonight at Rupp Arena in what should be a fantastic game before heading to Nashville on Saturday to take on Vanderbilt. They’ve handled most of their SEC contests with ease thus far. Something tells me this week could be a little more difficult.
2. Florida (19-4, 7-1)
Beating Vandy in Gainesville was a nice win even if the Commodores have underachieved this season. Of course, we all know that winning in Lexington this evening will not be easy at all. Five of the Gators’ last eight conference games are on the road, so they’ll have to step their game up even more to rise or keep their position in the rankings.
3. Mississippi State (18-5, 5-3)
The Bulldogs have a very favorable schedule ahead of them, with their next four games coming against Ole Miss, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn. If they can win all four, they’ll have a whole lot of momentum heading into Rupp to face Kentucky on February 21.
4. Vanderbilt (16-7, 5-3)
Had trouble taking care of the ball against Arkansas and Florida last week, and will need to correct those errors before their big showdown with Kentucky on Saturday. Of course, after LSU’s surprise victory over Arkansas, they can’t overlook Trent Johnson‘s bunch tomorrow night in Nashville.
5. Arkansas (16-7, 4-4)
Now, the Razorbacks would have been fourth in this week’s rankings had they not suffered the setback at LSU. They were coming off of a huge win over the Commodores on Tuesday, but couldn’t find the answer to their road woes in Baton Rouge. They’ll have a chance to land their first road win of the SEC season against Georgia tomorrow night.
6. Ole Miss (14-8, 4-4)
Could really improve their NCAA tournament chances with a win at rival Mississippi State on Thursday. They’ve already beat the Bulldogs once, and a win in Starkville would add another quality win on their resume.
7. Alabama (15-7, 4-4)
Yes, I know that Alabama beat Ole Miss. But the suspension of Tony Mitchell changes things for the Crimson Tide. Luckily, three of their next four are very winnable, and they should be ready for a visit from Florida on Valentine’s Day.
8. Tennessee (11-12, 3-5)
Aside from the blowouts at Vandy and Kentucky, this team has played some decent basketball recently. Jarnell Stokes is only going to get better, which means the Volunteers could play the spoiler role in the last couple weeks of the season.
9. LSU (13-9, 3-5)
Arkansas’ setback was a big gain for the Tigers, as they had previously lost five of six. A visit to Vandy will be difficult, but aside from a game against Mississippi State, the rest of their schedule is against middle of the pack teams.
10. Auburn (13-10, 3-6)
Auburn could have a much better record had they gotten a few breaks here and there. But close losses aren’t wins, and they have a bit of a daunting schedule ahead that could leave them searching for a win for a while.
11. Georgia (10-12, 1-7)
It’s been quite the struggle for Mark Fox‘s team this year and it’s hard to see it getting much better for them. Luckily, they still have South Carolina on the schedule twice.
12. South Carolina (9-13, 1-7)
The Gamecocks got blasted against Kentucky after putting up a good effort in Gainesville. They hit the road for trips to Arkansas and Tennessee this week. Look for them to be in this same spot next week though.
There’s a look at this week’s rankings. What are your thoughts on the current SEC standings?