SEC Power Ranking: LSU clings to No. 2 spot

Just like LSU barely held on to beat Auburn, LSU barely hung on to the No. 2 spot in this week's SEC Power Ranking.

By Larry Hartstein

Sep 24, 2012 at 9:28 am ET • 3 min read

Defensive end Sam Montgomery had 3.5 tackles for loss in LSU's 12-10 win over Auburn. (US Presswire)

Here's CBSSports.com Rapid Reports SEC power ranking:

1. Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC): Dating to last season, AJ McCarron has thrown 176 straight passes without an interception, the second-longest streak in Tide history behind Brodie Croyle’s 190. This year McCarron has passed for 819 yards and 10 TDs. Last week's power ranking: 1. Next up: Ole Miss, Saturday, 9:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)

2. LSU (4-0, 1-0 SEC): DE Sam Montgomery had 3.5 of LSU’s 14 tackles for loss in the win over Auburn. Montgomery tackled Tre Mason for a safety and also had a sack. But Saturday’s squeaker raised questions about the offense. Last week's power ranking: 2. Next up: Towson, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU)

3. Georgia (4-0, 2-0 SEC): The Bulldogs rank ninth nationally in scoring (47.5) as they welcome defensively-challenged Tennessee. Aaron Murray hit his first 12 passes Saturday and now has 69 career TD passes, three behind the school’s alltime leader David Greene. Last week's power ranking: 3. Next up: Tennessee, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS).

4. Florida (4-0, 3-0 SEC): The Gators rank 14th nationally in points allowed (12.8) after blanking Kentucky. De'Ante Saunders, Jaylen Watkins and Michael Taylor each had interceptions as Florida allowed 60 passing yards. Last week's power ranking: 4. Next up: LSU, Oct. 6, TBA

5. South Carolina (4-0, 2-0 SEC): Connor Shaw, who completed 20 straight passes in the 31-10 win over Missouri, is 11-1 as a starter. That the Gamecocks dominated Mizzou without senior safety D.J. Swearinger bodes well for their defensive depth. Last week's power ranking: 5. Next up: at Kentucky, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2).

6. State" data-canon="Ole Miss Rebels" data-type="SPORTS_OBJECT_TEAM" id="shortcode0"> (4-0, 1-0 SEC): These Bulldogs are 4-0 for the first time since 1999. Johnthan Banks got his 15th career interception in the win over South Alabama, putting him one behind Walt Harris on Mississippi State’s alltime list. Last week's power ranking: 6. Next up: at Kentucky, Oct. 6, TBA

7. Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC): The Vols finished with 633 total yards Saturday but led Akron just 30-26 early in the fourth quarter. Tyler Bray, who threw for 401 yards and four TDs, needs another monster performance to keep Tennessee close in Athens. Last week's power ranking: 7. Next up: at Georgia, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (CSS).

8. Texas A&M (2-1, 0-1 SEC): The Aggies should be well rested when they host battered Arkansas. Texas A&M barely had to sweat in its last two games, blowout wins over cupcake opponents. Johnny Manziel has thrown for seven TDs and run for five more. Last week's power ranking: 9. Next up: Arkansas, Saturday, 12:20 p.m. ET (SEC Network).

9. Missouri (2-2, 0-2 SEC): The Tigesr were supposed to have an explosive offense, but they’re not scaring SEC defenses. QB James Franklin was held to 92 passing yards and sacked three times in the loss at South Carolina. Last week's power ranking: 8. Next up: at Central Florida, Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (FSN).

10. Auburn (1-3, 0-2 SEC): Auburn moves up one spot because it held the nation’s No. 2 team to one touchdown and nearly pulled off a stirring upset at Jordan-Hare. The Tigers enter their off week with newfound confidence. Last week's power ranking: 11. Next up: Arkansas, Oct. 6 (TBA)

11. Arkansas (1-3, 0-1 SEC): QB Tyler Wilson’s return from a concussion didn’t help a defense that ranks 110th nationally in points allowed (36.3). Hard to believe this was the same team many thought would challenge for the national championship. Last week's power ranking: 10. Next up: at Texas A&M, Saturday, 12:20 p.m. ET (SEC Network).

12. Ole Miss (3-1, 0-0 SEC): The Rebels have surpassed last year’s win total, and their 39-0 shutout at Tulane gave the defense a much-needed boost. Ole Miss held the Green Wave to 14 net rushing yards. If they keep Alabama to 140, it will be an upset. Last week's power ranking: 12. Next up: at Alabama, Saturday, 9:15 p.m. ET (ESPN).

13. Vanderbilt (1-3, 0-2 SEC): Coach James Franklin should use the off week to sort out his QB situation. Jordan Rodgers got no snaps the week before the Georgia game, then was asked to lead the Commodores to a win in Athens. Fat chance. Last week's power ranking: 13. Next up: at Missouri, Oct. 6, TBA

14. Kentucky (1-3, 0-1 SEC): The Wildcats have lost 26 straight to Florida after Saturday’s 38-0 shellacking. But starting QB Maxwell Smith (shoulder) is expected back this week. Kentucky desperately needs his accurate passing, and his leadership. Last week’s power ranking: 14. Next up: at South Carolina, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2).

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Daniel Lewis and Larry Hartstein, follow @CBSSportsSEC.