Do all of you remember last week when I was really confused about what was happening in the SEC?
Well, this week is much wore. And I mean MUCH worse.
I have no idea what’s going on. I’m not even sure who to put at #2 this week! Seriously, who is the second best team in the SEC? I genuinely don’t know at the moment. But, to be fair, that’s the beauty of college football. It’s constantly changing and evolving. More importantly, this demonstrates how every game matters.
Damn it, I love this game, even when it confuses the hell out of me. On to the rankings!
1. Alabama – The stable constant in an ever changing landscape, the Crimson Tide will be king until they decide otherwise. Missouri gave Alabama their toughest game this season, and still lost by 29 points. A few injury scares, mostly to Tua Tagovailoa, had Nick Saban trying to get out without more causalities. Unfortunately for everyone else, Tua seems to be ok, but could sit out the Third Saturday in October this weekend. (Also, you should read my article about that game. I love this rivalry.)
2. LSU – The Tigers continue to notch big wins, with the biggest win coming against Georgia. If the Tigers had not dropped the ball to Florida, they would have a strong case as a top three team in the nation. Joe Burrow still isn’t a superstar, but he doesn’t have to be. Ed Orgeron is getting the job done with a solid defense and capable offense. They host Mississippi State this weekend.
3. Georgia – Well, that didn’t go as planned. The Bulldogs might not be as talented as last season, but they still shouldn’t get blown out like they did in Death Valley. Kirby Smart was out-coached by Orgeron (and that is a sentence I didn’t think I’d ever write.) All isn’t lost for Georgia though. If the Bulldogs win out and win in Atlanta, they’ll still have a spot in the playoff. Don’t panic. Just use your bye week to right the ship.
4. Texas A&M – The Aggies are really thriving under Jimbo Fisher. Being 5-2 right now is the best this team could hope for after playing Alabama and Clemson. Kellen Mond is playing really well and just continues to get better. With a lot of winnable games left on the schedule, we could be looking at a 9-win Texas A&M. Without Kevin Sumlin, I doubt we’ll see them fold in October per usual. Bye week time for the Aggies.
5. Florida – The Gators win over LSU now looks waaaaaaaay more impressive. The struggle against Vanderbilt was a little less impressive. Feleipe Franks is growing into his role as QB, but you’ll never convince me that he’s above average. Jordan Scarlet and Lamical Perine are taking the pressure off of Franks and proving to be a good tandem. The Gators head to a bye week, but man, I’m ready for the Cocktail Party.
6. Kentucky – The Wildcats come off of a bye week and welcome Vanderbilt this weekend.
7. Mississippi State – The Bulldogs enjoyed a much needed bye week. They head to Death Valley this weekend.
8. South Carolina – The Gamecocks came up short against the Aggies, but the game wasn’t as close as the score indicates. It never seemed like South Carolina was going to win the game. They just can’t get over the hump to be a great team. Jake Bentley always seems like he’s almost there, but hasn’t met the hype yet. Maybe they’ll hit the bye week and come out stronger.
9. Ole Miss – A comeback win over Arkansas doesn’t sound impressive when I say it out loud. As good as Jordan Ta’amu can be, the defense weighs him down by being downright atrocious. It’s not a good sign when scoring 40 points might not win the game. They welcome a struggling Auburn squad this weekend.
10. Tennessee – How ‘bout them Vols? Jeremy Pruitt gained his first signature win at the expense of Auburn. My hat’s off to Pruitt as he coached one hell of a game. Volunteer fans are starting to feel good about the hire. Jarrett Guarantano actually looked somewhat comfortable while throwing the football all over the Auburn defense. Unfortunately, it’ll be hard to build on this win with the Alabama buzz saw coming to town. Don’t expect the Vols to roll over and die though.
11. Missouri – Credit where it’s due: the Tigers kept it respectable against Alabama. I mean, they didn’t cover, but it could have been worse. Missouri actually scored some points in the first quarter and managed to chew up some yards on the ground. They’re still winless in the SEC, though, which puts them out of the race for the East. They host Memphis this weekend. (Which sounds like a pretty good game actually.)
12. Vanderbilt – The Commodores looked like a pretty good football team in the first half against Florida. The problem, as most of you know, is that there’s an entire second half to play. Lack of depth caught up to Vanderbilt and they just couldn’t keep up. (Although I really thought Derek Mason was going to rip Dan Mullen in half.) Vanderbilt heads to Kentucky this weekend.
13. Arkansas – I wish I could give the Razorbacks a break here. I really do. But blowing a lead like that will land you near the bottom. That could have been the only way Arkansas gets a win in the SEC this season. Now? I doubt it. I’m not sure they’ll beat Tulsa.
14. Auburn – You might not be the worst team in the SEC, but getting embarrassed by Tennessee lands you in the basement. The wheels are falling off kids.
Poppa Bear is the Lead SEC Analyst for the SoBros Network, and serves as our resident expert on the human anatomy, fixin’ stuff, and tomatoes. Follow on Twitter:@SoBroPoppaBear
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