If you’re reading this, you survived another wild weekend of college football. Admittedly, that wasn’t easy for several of you. But don’t you fret, folks! I promise not to mishandle the final few minutes of this list.
Too soon?
Anyway, this weekend features several “must-win” games for a handful of SEC teams. On to the rankings!
14. Vanderbilt (Last Week – 14, Peak – 14) – I’ll be the first to admit Vandy played tough against Ole Miss. Is that a sign they’re improving? Or was Ole Miss just hungover after the big win in Bryant-Denny? We’ll find out this weekend against a talented MTSU squad. This is a must win for Derek Mason.
13. Auburn (Last Week – 11, Peak – 3) – It wasn’t exactly a beating, but the Tigers still couldn’t seem to find any traction against Mississippi State. With San Jose State coming to town this weekend, Auburn will have a chance to stop the bleeding. A loss to the Spartans would be catastrophic, and will result in a 15 ranking next week. Yes, I’m aware there are only 14 teams in the SEC.
12. South Carolina (Last Week – 13, Peak – 11) – A win over UCF with a true freshman quarterback isn’t exactly celebration worthy, but it’s a start. The Gamecocks really needed a win, but it’s still an out-of -conference game. A win against Missouri will make a much bigger statement.
11. Arkansas (Last Week – 12, Peak – 6) – Don’t take this the wrong way, Razorbacks. I didn’t move you up in the rankings. Auburn did. I could have let you tie, but I don’t believe in ties. Anyway, you played a tough game against Texas A&M, which is the first sign of life I’ve seen in three weeks. Arkansas needs to notch a conference win, and can’t afford to lose to Tennessee this Saturday.
10. Tennessee (Last Week – 6, Peak – 6) – We learned a lot this weekend: 1. It’s possible to give an entire fanbase a simultaneous heart attack. 2. Butch Jones has no idea how to adjust a game plan, or when to go for two points, or how to handle the final drive of a big game. 3. In ten minutes, you can go from savior to failure. Let’s face facts. The players won the game, and Jones lost it. I didn’t think Jones would be in a must-win game, but he’s facing one this weekend.
9. Missouri (Last Week – 9, Peak – 6) – A dark horse for the SEC East did nothing to impress with a loss to Kentucky. If that game is any indication, the Tigers are not likely to win the East again. They’ll need a win this weekend against South Carolina to stay in the conference conversation.
8. Kentucky (Last Week – 10, Peak – 8)– A conference win brings the Wildcats to #8 on the list. Mark Stoops managed to defeat a ranked team on the road, which really illustrates the strides Kentucky has made this season. In 2 weeks, Kentucky could defeat Auburn and be 6-1. You read that correctly. SIX. AND. ONE.
7. Florida (Last Week – 8, Peak – 7) – Sure, Butch Jones gave the game away, but the Gators showed a lot of poise late in the fourth quarter. Being able to make the big plays when the pressure is on is the mark of a great team. Florida remains undefeated in the East, but will have to host Ole Miss this weekend.
6. Mississippi State (Last Week – 7, Peak – 6) – Again, it wasn’t a pretty win, but does it really have to be? Dan Mullen is quietly collecting wins, with only one loss coming from LSU. Traveling to Texas A&M should be a huge test for Dak Prescott, with the winner being right in the middle of the battle for the West.
5. Alabama (Last Week – 5, Peak – 1) – Don’t read too much into the ULM game. Nick Saban was extra conservative with the win. Derrick Henry has been battling some sickness, but the Tide will need him to be healthy this weekend. Quarterback issues still loom going into Athens. Alabama needs a win to get back into National Title contention.
4. Texas A&M (Last Week – 3, Peak – 2) – An overtime win against Arkansas was the least impressive game for A&M, but it was still a win. Arizona State’s beating this weekend takes some luster off of the Aggies’ season opener, but they’re still a well-rounded team. A showdown with Mississippi State should provide a better idea of where they stand.
3. Georgia (Last Week – 4, Peak – 2) – A complete team with a Heisman contender, Georgia should definitely win the East. The Bulldogs cruised by Southern in a tune-up game before Alabama comes to town. Add in Nick Chubb attempting to break Herschel Walker’s record against the best run defense in the country? Sign me up.
2. LSU (Last Week – 2, Peak – 2) – Syracuse proved to be more competition than initially thought, but LSU left with the win. Actually, Leonard Fournette left with the win. Is there any doubt he wins the Heisman? Expect him to have another impressive showing against Eastern Michigan.
1. Ole Miss (Last Week – 1, Peak – 1) – The Rebels struggled with Vanderbilt well into the 4th quarter. We can chalk that up to a hangover from an emotional win. It’s time for Ole Miss to get their heads back in the game. A trip to the Swamp isn’t easy for any team, even one as talented as the Rebels.
Bill Griffin is the lead SEC contributor for the SoBros Network, and serves as our resident expert on the human anatomy, fixin’ stuff, and tomatoes. Follow him on Twitter @Winter_Griffin
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(Credit image to Kim Klement / USA Today Sports)
