SEC Basketball: Kentucky and LSU rise in latest power rankings.

09. LSU Tigers

LSU has been solid this season. The Tigers are currently undefeated with a 3-0 record. One of my big concerns with this LSU team was its defense, but the Tigers have been one of the best defensive teams in the country through the first couple of weeks. LSU is giving up 62 points per game and only allowing opponents to make 36.6 percent from the floor and 16.4 percent from deep. 

The Tigers picked up a huge win over Kansas State on the road. LSU held KSU to only 65 points in the game, nearly 20 points below its season average. Having an early season win over a good Big 12 team on the road is huge for Matt McMahon and the Tigers. There are a couple more opportunities on the non-con slate for the Tigers to pick up some more P5 wins, but through the first three games, I’ve been impressed with how LSU has played.  

08. Texas A&M Aggies

The Aggies currently have a 3-1 record with its only loss coming in the first game of the season against UCF 64-61. Since then A&M has scored 87 points against East Texas A&M, 97 points against Lamar, and 78 points against Ohio State. The Aggies are putting up points and winning games, but it hasn’t been fun to watch. Texas A&M only scored 31 points in the first half against OSU, but for most of that half, it didn’t look like the Aggies would score at all. It took nearly three minutes for A&M to score its first basket. 

Texas A&M got a ranked win against Ohio State and in the end, that matters the most. The Aggies have been excellent on defense so far this season, making up for its inconsistent offense. But as the season goes on that might start to waver. I still think Texas A&M can be one of the top teams in the SEC, but the on-court product might not look great even in wins. 

07. Arkansas Razorbacks

Arkansas has struggled on offense so far this season as head coach John Calipari tries to figure out his rotation. The Razorbacks have only scored more than 67 points in a single game this year, the first game of the season - a win over Lipscomb. Even with the offensive struggles Arkansas has a 2-1 record with the loss being to a top-10 Baylor team. 

The defense has carried this Arkansas team this season. The Razorbacks are currently giving up 60.3 points per game. Though the defense might take a little bit of hit if Trevon Brazile misses any time after injuring his ankle in the win over Troy. I know Arkansas played a really good Baylor team close, but I need to see more from the offense moving forward before I can buy into this team. Coach Cal is getting the benefit of the doubt, but Arkansas is slowly trending in the wrong direction for me.