SEC Basketball: Tennessee, Ole Miss rise in latest 2023-24 power rankings
By Matt Melton
8. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Previous Ranking: 7
Dropping a spot from No. 7 to No. 8 is Mississippi State, a team that is also coming off a strong finish to non-conference play. After a 6-1 start to the year, Mississippi State would suffer a disappointing home loss to Southern, but would bounce back with five-straight wins over Tulane, Murray State, North Texas, Rutgers, and Bethune-Cookman to enter conference play on a five-game winning streak.
Now sitting at 11-2 overall for the year, Mississippi State will begin SEC action Saturday on the road at South Carolina. The Bulldogs will also host Tennessee and Alabama next week.
7. Alabama Crimson Tide
Previous Ranking: 4
Dropping three spots entering conference play is Alabama, who fall from No. 4 to No. 7. After a 5-2 start to the season, Alabama has since gone 3-3 with wins over Arkansas State, Eastern Kentucky, and Liberty, with the losses having come to Purdue, Creighton, and Arizona away from home.
Now sitting at 8-5 overall, Alabama will begin SEC play this Saturday on the road at Vanderbilt. The Crimson Tide will also host South Carolina this week, as well as travel to Mississippi State.