From CBS Sports · · 2m
Alabama Secures SEC Power Ranking Lead After LSU Win
Alabama's statement win over LSU reasserts their national title contention in SEC Power Rankings.
In brief
Alabama's statement win over LSU reasserts their national title contention in SEC Power Rankings. Alabama moves to No. 2 in SEC Power Rankings after dominant 34-17 win over LSU. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Alabama's Statement Win
Alabama secured a three-score victory over LSU in Death Valley, reasserting their status as national championship contenders.
“The Crimson Tide went into Death Valley and notched a three-score win over LSU, reasserting themselves as national championship contenders”
Key Defensive Plays
Alabama's defense made three fourth-down stops and an interception to keep LSU out of the end zone.
“When the Tigers got into Crimson Tide territory, the defense made huge plays to keep the LSU offense out of the end zone. That includes three fourth-down stops and an interception”
Keelon Russell's Performance
Russell completed 17 of 24 pass attempts for 206 yards and three touchdowns in a raucous environment.
“Keelon Russell played with a ton of poise in a raucous environment. Russell completed 17 of his 24 pass attempts for 206 yards and three touchdowns”
Alabama's Ranking Position
Alabama has crept back into the top two of SEC Power Rankings with a favorable schedule remaining.
“Because of that big win, Alabama has crept back into the top two of our rankings. With a favorable schedule the rest of the way, I don't see the Crimson Tide dropping again anytime soon”
Georgia Bulldogs' Dominance
Georgia returned to No. 1 after a dominant 42-7 win over Ole Miss in Oxford.
“Georgia went into Oxford and smacked Ole Miss, 42-7, and the game was exactly as lopsided as the scoreboard indicated”
Alabama's Playoff Position
Alabama is ranked No. 2 in SEC Power Rankings with a strong defensive performance and clutch plays.
“When the initial College Football Playoff rankings came out last week, the selection committee raised many an eyebrow by placing Alabama at No. 5”
Texas Longhorns' Resurgence
Texas rallied with three straight wins after a loss to Florida, including a 21-point comeback against Missouri.
“Since then, Steve Sarkisian has done a nice job of rallying the troops with three straight wins. The most impressive part of Saturday's win over Missouri was that the Longhorns didn't blink after falling behind late in the third quarter”
Tennessee Volunteers' Defense
Tennessee's defense forced three turnovers against Kentucky with 240 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
“The Volunteers didn't even need any frills with the way its defense was playing. That unit threw one haymaker after another at the Kentucky offense, and the Wildcats responded by turning the ball over three times”
South Carolina's Path
South Carolina secured a fourth consecutive win despite a close game against Texas A&M.
“A mediocre Texas A&M team took the Gamecocks to the wire, but Shane Beamer's squad found a way to win again”
Kentucky's Challenges
Kentucky lost on margins against Tennessee with a minus-3 turnover margin and failed fourth-down conversions.
“Kentucky was minus-3 in the turnover margin and failed to convert on either one of its two fourth-down attempts”
LSU's Struggles
LSU has three losses with three games left after a home defeat to Alabama.
“LSU spent a lot of money on its roster to make sure Lane Kiffin had what he needed to reach the College Football Playoff in Year 1, but the Tigers have three losses with three games left on the schedule”
Ole Miss' Playoff Bid
Ole Miss ended their playoff bid with a loss to Georgia after a poor performance against the Bulldogs.
“The Rebels' bid for a College Football Playoff spot ended with a whimper on Saturday night as they lost control of the game immediately against Georgia”
Missouri's Next Challenge
Missouri faces Georgia after a blown second-half lead against Texas.
“Coming off a blown second-half lead against Texas, there is bad news and good news for Missouri. The bad news is that the Tigers must immediately dust themselves off and face Georgia before taking on Kentucky”
Oklahoma's Bowl Outlook
Oklahoma secured a win over Florida with 351 total yards and no turnovers.
“Oklahoma didn't turn the ball over and won the time of possession battle by 15:40”
The short version
Alabama moves to No. 2 in SEC Power Rankings after dominant 34-17 win over LSU.
