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Women’s SEC Power Rankings Feb. 6: Lady Vols move back up

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 14: Tennessee Volunteers fans cheer during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 14, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Kentucky defeated Tennessee 65-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 14: Tennessee Volunteers fans cheer during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena on January 14, 2012 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Kentucky defeated Tennessee 65-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images /

Last week: Defeated Ole Miss Rebels; Lost to Tennessee Volunteers

Last rank: 14th

The Vanderbilt Commodores have far and away the worst overall record in the conference. However, they do not have the worst conference record in the conference, as you can see. On top of that, they have played a significantly more difficult schedule than other teams in the league.

Combining that with the fact that they have a more recent win than either team in the conference below them, and it’s clear we are being more than fair to put them at No. 12 in our SEC Power Rankings. Their horrific record does not mean they need to be ranked lower.

Last week, this team gave the Tennessee Lady Vols a fight on the road for three quarters before losing by 10. Before that, though, they scored a huge win over the Ole Miss Rebels on the road. Remember that this team has also beaten the Kentucky Wildcats. As a result, they definitely do no belong at the bottom of these rankings.

Vanderbilt’s 6-18 record comes with the No. 6 ranked strength of schedule in the nation. That’s a tougher schedule rank than anybody else in the conference and a huge reason that they are struggling to win. Stephanie White may not be cut out for coaching overall, but at least she isn’t running from talent.

Still, the NCAA Tournament is out of reach for good now unless they win the SEC Tournament. But two games against the Auburn Tigers and Florida Gators in the final stretch gives them a chance to get a couple more wins. And maybe they could play for pride and steal an upset or two. This team is getting better, after all.