Before I begin this week, I’d like to thank all of you that read my article on the Third Saturday in October. It received more views and shares than I could have ever expected. So thank you for enjoying and sharing in something I’m fairly passionate about. I really do appreciate it.
Now that the sappy stuff is out of the way, on to the rankings!
14. Missouri – With 3 losses in a row, and 4 in the last 5 weeks, the Tigers are in a tailspin. The Missouri offense also hasn’t scored since a win over South Carolina on October 3rd. With a loss to Vanderbilt, the Tigers go into a much needed off week before welcoming Dak Prescott and the Bulldogs of Mississippi State.
13. South Carolina – The Gamecocks enjoyed a bye week this past weekend, so they get to stay at 13. They travel this weekend to College Station for a tough battle with Texas A&M.
12. Vanderbilt – The Commodores get to enjoy their highest ranking so far this year. Vanderbilt is now 3-4, which is better than what I predicted at the start of the season. Derek Mason’s defense is one of the best in the SEC right now, and has the ability to win more games this season. Unfortunately, Vanderbilt travels to an undefeated Houston this weekend.
11. Kentucky – Come on guys, I vouched for you. The Wildcats are coming off of a 42-16 beating at the hands of Mississippi State. With a strong start, Kentucky has lost two conference games in a row and are losing traction in the battle for the East. They face Tennessee this weekend in what could essentially be called an SEC East elimination game.
10 – Auburn – The Tigers began to finally show a little fight against Arkansas. After four overtimes, Auburn came out on the losing end. Tigers fans should be encouraged to see their team fight back from a 14 point deficit to send the game into extra time. Now Auburn needs to rebound for Ole Miss.
9. Arkansas – The winner of the four overtime game, the Razorbacks are beginning to gain a little momentum late in the season. After starting the season 1-3, the Hogs are now 3-4 and in the hunt for a bowl game. They should notch another win this weekend against UT Martin.
8. Georgia – Don’t take it personally Bulldogs, you were off this week. Your fall in the rankings makes you a victim of circumstance around the SEC more than anything. We’ll talk after the Cocktail Party.
7. Tennessee – I don’t believe in moral victories, but if I did, the Vols would get one. With the exception of Ole Miss, no team has played Alabama as competitive as Tennessee did this past weekend. A solid game plan put the Vols on top in the last five minutes of the 4th quarter. Tennessee couldn’t hold on and now sit at 1-3 in the conference.
6. Texas A&M – When the season started, somebody was cautious about giving A&M too much credit because of the collapse of the Aggies last year after 5 games. Who was that person? Yours truly. Seriously, go read the SEC Power Rankings Week 1. Told you so. Anyway, the Aggies loss to Ole Miss was pretty rough. They didn’t look like the same team from week 1. They’ll need to rebound against South Carolina.
(Editor’s note: You were right about Texas A&M, Bill. I was wrong. -Stoney)
5. Mississippi State – Dan Mullen keeps collecting wins and Dak Prescott keeps playing fantastic football. How good? Is putting up 40+ points three weeks in a row good enough? Beating Kentucky by three touchdowns is a solid way to send yourself into a bye week. The Bulldogs have a thursday game with Missouri before prepping for Alabama.
4. Ole Miss – Chad Kelly and company looked back to form with their defeat of Texas A&M. The loss to Memphis seems to have shocked the Rebels into serious mode. Ole Miss is still in control of the SEC West, but will have to go through LSU to get to the championship. The Rebels definitely shouldn’t overlook their visit to Auburn this Saturday.
3. Florida – The Gators just came off a bye week. They’ll be playing Georgia in the Cocktail Party this weekend for the SEC East.
2. Alabama – Alabama took a few hits, but managed to get the win. Derrick Henry showed why he’s still one of the best in the country, and Jake Coker was clutch when he needed to be. The Tide rallied in the 4th quarter to keep the Vols from ruining their season. Alabama looked very worn out, and will get a much needed off week before the big showdown with LSU.
1. LSU – The Tigers put away a very underrated Western Kentucky team after the Hilltoppers kept the game close for two quarters. Brandon Harris demonstrated that he is a very capable QB when teams focus on stopping the run game. Fournette, to his credit, still managed to churn out 100+ yards and added another touchdown to his Heisman resume. The Tigers also get a week off before traveling to Tuscaloosa for the Game of the Century Part 2.
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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