Men’s basketball SEC Power Rankings Feb. 12: Vols fall back to pack

Last week: Lost to Vanderbilt Commodores and Auburn Tigers

Last rank: 10th

For all the reeling the Ole Miss Rebels have done recently, the Georgia Bulldogs aren’t far behind. In fact, Ole Miss just woke up after their schedule got tougher. Georgia, meanwhile, is on the verge of a late-season collapse.

It’s understandable to lost to the Auburn Tigers. But the Dawgs began last week with a 15-point loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores. And that was enough for us to drop them three spots to No. 13 in our SEC Power Rankings.

After losing six of seven games, Mark Fox’s team is a far cry from the one that was 12-5 a few weeks ago and in great position to make the NCAA Tournament. Now, they have fallen to No. 83 in the RPI due to their mediocre record and a strength of schedule outside of the Top 50. That Vanderbilt loss was devastating in numerous ways, and ruining their chances at the Big Dance could be one of them.

Heck, Georgia isn’t even a lock to finish above .500 now. If you look at the rest of their schedule, it’s not crazy to think they could lose out. Their only likely win is a home game against the LSU Tigers.

Of the other five games, two are against the Tennessee Vols, one is against the Florida Gators on the road, and another is at home against the red-hot Texas A&M Aggies. Their only other even match-up is on the road against the next team in our SEC Power Rankings.