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A little late this week, we're still recovering from all the crazy upsets last weekend. With a full slate of key SEC matchups coming up, including an early game Thursday night, let's not waste any more time and get right to the ratings:

SEC Power Ratings
(Oct. 3)

1. LSU (Last week 1), beat Tulane 34-9
The Tigers have taken over the top spot in the AP poll, but the much-anticipated showdown with Florida this week lost a little bit of its luster when the Gators fell to Auburn. Still, this is the biggest game in college football so far this season and a possible SEC championship game preview. Next Week: vs. Florida

2. Kentucky (3), beat Florida Atlantic 45-17
I considered leaving Florida in the number two spot despite losing a close one, but Kentucky has earned this rating by beating everyone in their path so far, and pretty handily at that. A win in Columbia is critical if the Wildcats want to contend in the SEC East. This week: at South Carolina

3. Florida (2), lost to Auburn 20-17
The Gators played as bad in the first half against Auburn as they played in the second half vs. Ole Miss, and this time it cost them. This may not bode well for their trip to Baton Rouge, where the Tigers might just dominate both halves. Still, Florida can earn back a lot of respect by taking down the new #1. This week: at LSU

4. Georgia (4) beat Ole Miss 45-17
In the ol' comparative scores game, Georgia's win over the Rebels was much more impressive than the Gators' the week before, but I'm still not sure about the Bulldogs. They can prove me wrong in Knoxville. This week: at Tennessee

5. South Carolina (6) beat Mississippi State 38-21
With new quarterback Chris Smelley, the Gamecocks offense may be ready to put up points like a Spurrier-coached offense. There's only room for one Cinderella in the SEC East, and Thursday night's showdown will prove who fits the slipper. This week: vs Kentucky

6. Arkansas (7) beat North Texas 66-7
The Hogs are holding serve against the weak teams on their schedule, but they need to show up against a good team sooner or later. Well, looks like that will have to wait another week. This week: vs. Tennessee-Chattanooga

7. Alabama (5) lost to Florida State 21-14
The Tide looked helpless against the Seminole defense, and made a star out of career backup Xavier Lee.  They are definitely a better team with Nick Saban, but they're not ready to challenge in the West just yet. This week:  vs. Houston

8. Auburn (11) beat Florida 20-17
It's a long way out of the SEC cellar, but beating Florida in the Swamp merits a pretty big jump. But where has this Tiger team been all year? Auburn now needs to start beating the teams it's supposed to beat. This week: vs. Vanderbilt

9. Vanderbilt (8) beat Eastern Michigan 30-7
The Commodores are 3-1 and playing pretty good ball. But they don't have a chance in hell of making a move in the SEC East this year. Next week: at Auburn

10. Tennessee (9) did not play
It's do or die for the Vols this week. They've got to beat the Bulldogs or their SEC East hopes are all but gone. This week: vs. Georgia

11. Mississippi State (10) lost to South Carolina 38-21
The Bulldogs played the Gamecocks tough for a half or so. Maybe they should have scheduled Gardner-Webb again. The Blazers are close enough. This week: vs. UAB

12. Ole Miss (12) lost to Georgia 45-17
The Rebels played Georgia tough for a while, too. Didn't matter. Still, looks like a good chance for a W coming up. This week: vs. Louisiana Tech