SEC Football: Tennessee, LSU rise in Week 8 2022 power rankings

By Matt Melton | Oct 19, 2022

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 15: Head coach Josh Heupel of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide with a cigar at Neyland Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 52-49. (Photo by Donald Page/Getty Images) /

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Kentucky Wildcats running back Chris Rodriguez Jr (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

6. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Previous Ranking: 5

Dropping one spot in this week’s update, Mississippi State is coming off a 27-17 loss on the road against Kentucky, one that snapped the Bulldogs three-game winning streak. The Bulldogs offense also struggled at times during the contest, accounting for only 225 total yards on that side of the ball.

Looking ahead, Mississippi State will undoubtedly have to play better as the Bulldogs will travel to Alabama this Saturday, looking for their first win over the Crimson Tide since 2007. The Bulldogs will likely be big underdogs, and will need to play a near complete game in order to leave Tuscaloosa with a win.

5. Kentucky Wildcats

Previous Ranking: 6

Speaking of the Wildcats, Kentucky swapped spots with Mississippi State from last week’s update after their 27-17 home win over the Bulldogs. Snapping a two-game losing streak, the Wildcats saw the return of starting quarterback Will Levis in the contest, while also receiving a big game on the ground from running back Chris Rodriguez Jr, rushing for 196 yards and two touchdowns.

The Wildcats now enter their bye week with a 5-2 overall record, as well as a 2-2 mark in SEC Football play. Kentucky will return to play in week nine with a road trip to Tennessee for a game that will be a Top 25 showdown.

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