SEC Football: Mississippi State, South Carolina rise in Week 7 2022 power rankings

STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - OCTOBER 08: Dillon Johnson #23 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Davis Wade Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - OCTOBER 08: Dillon Johnson #23 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Davis Wade Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Dillon Johnson (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

6. Kentucky Wildcats

Previous Ranking: 5

After suffering their second consecutive loss to South Carolina on Saturday 24-14, Kentucky drops a spot from their No. 5 ranking a week ago. As mentioned previously however, the Wildcats were without starting quarterback Will Levis in the contest, with redshirt freshman Kaiya Sheron drawing the start for Kentucky.

The Wildcats will remain at home this Saturday as well, with Kentucky set to host Mississippi State on Saturday night. This will certainly be another test for the Wildcats, especially if Kentucky is without Levis once again.

5. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Previous Ranking: 8

One of SEC Football’s biggest risers of the week, Mississippi State jumped three spots up to No. 5 after their 40-17 win over Arkansas in Starkville on Saturday. The Bulldogs third consecutive win, Mississippi State never trailed in the contest, in part due to a sizable 21-0 lead early in the second quarter.

The Bulldogs will now travel for the first time since their week three loss at LSU on Saturday night as Mississippi State will take on Kentucky in a Top 25 showdown. With this game being played in Lexington, the Bulldogs are likely not favored in this contest, but could very easily come away with the victory if they play similar to the past two weeks.