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Men’s basketball SEC Power Rankings for Jan. 29: Vols near the top

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 06: Tennessee Volunteers fans try to distract a free throw attempt by PJ Washington
KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 06: Tennessee Volunteers fans try to distract a free throw attempt by PJ Washington /
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Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images /

Last week: Lost to Kentucky Wildcats; Defeated Missouri Tigers

Last rank: 10th

Ben Howland and the Mississippi State Bulldogs played such a soft schedule to start the season that it was hard for us to give them any respect. However, the depth of this conference is improving their schedule strength.

And after a huge win over the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, they are finally getting some respect overall. Sure, they lost to the Kentucky Wildcats last week as well. But beating Mizzou and the collapse by the Texas A&M Aggies were enough for us to move these guys up one spot in our SEC Power Rankings.

Mississippi State is clearly hitting its stride in Howland’s third year as head coach. But a trip to the NCAA Tournament is still going to require some work.

Right now, the Bulldogs are No. 70 overall in the RPI due to their No. 96 ranked strength of schedule. That shows a team that is on the bubble but still on the outside looking in. And they have to start scoring some big wins to get in.

With their next four games against teams in the Top 60 in the RPI, they have a crucial run coming. After all, these guys are in a fight with the Georgia Bulldogs, South Carolina Gamecocks, Alabama Crimson Tide and Mizzou to make the tournament. And those are their next four opponents. Splitting those games will do nothing to help them. They need to win three at least. Otherwise, they could fall further, even in our SEC Power Rankings.

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