1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Record: 12-2 overall, 8-1 conference
Previous ranking: 1
It was a surprise, losing to Ohio State. Lane Kiffin's magic touch finally subsided and the defense finally gave way. But at the end of the day, Alabama won 12 games and reached the playoff with a quarterback few thought was capable of winning the starting job.
2. Georgia Bulldogs
Record: 10-3 overall, 6-2 conference
Previous ranking: 3
Mark Richt's program went through a tumultuous December -- that's an understatement if ever there was one -- but the Bulldogs still managed to conclude the season with a decisive bowl win over Louisville. This will be an interesting offseason for the Bulldogs, but they are still poised to rank among the SEC East's top programs in 2015.
3. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Record: 10-3 overall, 6-2 conference
Previous ranking: 2
The Bulldogs did not have the ending to the season they envisioned. After getting thumped by archrival Ole Miss at the end of the regular season, Mississippi State surrendered a comical 452 rushing yards in a 49-34 loss to Georgia Tech in the Capital One Orange Bowl. Defensive coordinator Geoff Collins left for Florida and Manny Diaz is back to run that side of the ball.
4. Missouri Tigers
Record: 11-3 overall, 7-2 conference
Previous ranking: 5
The two-time SEC East champions snagged a 33-17 win over Minnesota in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl to put the finishing touches on an 11-3 season. They did it the way Mizzou did it most of the season -- a good running game, solid defense and creating turnovers. That formula should continue to work well for Gary Pinkel & Co., who look to be annual contenders for their division title moving forward.
5. Auburn Tigers
Record: 8-5 overall, 4-4 conference
Previous ranking: 6
A late-season collapse marred what could've been another special season for the Tigers. The struggles on defense finally caught up to them down the stretch, and the bowl game was no different. The good news is that Will Muschamp is now on board as defensive coordinator and linebackers Cassanova McKinzy and Kris Frost have announced they're coming back next season.
6. Arkansas Razorbacks
Record: 7-6 overall, 2-6 conference
Previous ranking: 8
What a way to end the year. The Razorbacks dominated Texas 31-7 in the AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl, holding the Longhorns to the fewest yards of any FBS team in a game this season (59). The Hogs enter the offseason with a heap of momentum, finishing with four wins in their final six games. They could take further steps forward next season.
7. Ole Miss Rebels
Record: 9-4 overall, 5-3 conference
Previous ranking: 4
Talk about momentum lost. After ending the regular season on such a high note against Mississippi State, Ole Miss barely bothered showing up against TCU. The Landshark defense was dominated by the Horned Frogs' aerial attack and Bo Wallace's career ended on the most sour of notes as the senior quarterback threw three interceptions and no touchdowns.
8. LSU Tigers
Record: 8-5 overall, 4-4 conference
Previous ranking: 7
The departure of longtime defensive coordinator John Chavis creates some uncertainty, as will a handful of early NFL entries. But this young LSU club is still in position to contend next season in the SEC. The key next season -- much as it was in 2014 -- will be the development of the quarterbacks. If the Tigers aren't greatly improved there, their progress at other positions might not matter much.
9. Texas A&M Aggies
Record: 8-5 overall, 3-5 conference
Previous ranking: 9
The Aggies finished the season on a positive note with a 45-37 victory over West Virginia in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Texas A&M won despite a gutted staff that was missing two offensive coaches and its defensive coordinator. Freshman quarterback Kyle Allen looked promising, as did the Aggies' defense in the second half against Dana Holgorsen & Co. There is some promise for the young Aggies heading into 2015.
10. Tennessee Volunteers
Record: 7-6 overall, 3-5 conference
Previous ranking: 10
Think Tennessee was excited to be back in a bowl game? The Vols dominated Iowa in the TaxSlayer Bowl and finished the season strong, winning four of their last five games. Butch Jones has this program headed in the right direction, and next season might be the season the Vols break through and win the division.
11. Florida Gators
Record: 7-5 overall, 4-4 conference
Previous ranking: 11
With interim head coach D.J. Durkin, the Gators pulled out a win over high-powered offensive foe East Carolina 28-20 in the Birmingham Bowl. The Gators made enough offensive plays, were solid defensively and finished the season positively before turning the page to the beginning of the Jim McElwain era. There's a lot of work to do in Gainesville, Florida.
12. South Carolina Gamecocks
Record: 7-6 overall, 3-5 conference
Previous ranking: 12
It was a very disappointing season for the Head Ball Coach and his Gamecocks, but some smiles returned to Columbia, South Carolina, after a 24-21 win over Miami in the Duck Commander Independence Bowl. The best part of that victory was the fact that the defense, one of the SEC's worst, actually stepped up to make some big plays and forced two crucial turnovers.
13. Kentucky Wildcats
Record: 5-7 overall, 2-6 conference
Previous ranking: 13
As one of just two teams in the SEC to not make a bowl game, it was a disappointing holiday season for the Wildcats. But they made strides this season and should have plenty of optimism heading into 2015. It won't be long before Mark Stoops has Kentucky playing in a bowl game again.
14. Vanderbilt Commodores
Record: 3-9 overall, 0-8 conference
Previous ranking: 14
The Commodores didn't make a bowl game for the first time in three years, and first-year coach Derek Mason parted ways with a handful of assistants in order to get a fresh start in 2015. When your offense and defense hover around the bottom of the SEC in most major statistical categories, it's definitely time for some changes.
