Hey guys! Welcome to the Thanksgiving edition of the Power Rankings. Last weekend was relatively boring as we made our way through cupcake weekend. Unfortunately, we have now landed on the final weekend of the regular season. Flew by fast, didn’t it?
On the plus side, we get to enjoy Rivalry Weekend! The Playoff Committee is two weeks away from having to pick the final four. So far, they’ve done well (minus, you know, a two loss Ohio State at #9). One day, they’ll wise up and give me my rightful spot on the committee. Until that day, we’ll just hang out here with the rankings. Let’s have a look.
1. Alabama – It was Mercer, but the Tide didn’t struggle putting them away. Alabama is REALLY hoping to bring back some depth at ILB, but I just don’t see anyone coming back this soon and being in game shape. They head to the Iron Bowl, with the season hanging in the balance. Win and they head to Atlanta and possibly the playoff.
2. Auburn – Same song and verse here. The Tigers have really come along in the last several weeks and are more than capable to knock off the mighty Tide. The road to Atlanta runs squarely through Auburn this weekend, and the showdown shouldn’t disappoint.
3. Georgia – The Bulldogs are basically paying the waiting game. They need to win out, and win the SEC to end up in the playoff. They took care of business against Kentucky, and will need to be careful not to drop one to Georgia Tech this weekend.
4. LSU – The Tigers move up after beating down the Vols in a monsoon. Coach O and company should have no trouble finishing 9-3, and landing in a solid bowl game. They’ll need to take care of A&M this weekend.
5. Mississippi State – The Bulldogs slide a spot after struggling against Arkansas. Maybe a little bit of a let down was expected, but State has struggled on the road all season. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, they host Ole Miss for the Egg Bowl.
6. Missouri – Shut up. I know it’s too high for the Tigers, but I don’t care. These are my power rankings, and I do what I want. Big Natural will back me up here (Editor’s note: I will – I even gave Drew Lock some Heisman love this week). Besides, there isn’t a hotter team in the East than Missouri. Not to mention, they’re going bowling, and they definitely earned it. A win against Arkansas this weekend will give them SEVEN wins. Love it.
7. South Carolina – The Gamecocks handled Wofford with relative ease, notching their eighth win of the season. That’s some damn good work for South Carolina with low expectations to start the season. With Clemson waiting, though, it looks like eight wins will be the end of the regular season. I’ve seen crazy things happen on rivalry weekend though, so don’t rule them out.
8. Texas A&M – Kevin Sumlin deserves better. Finding out after practice that a “source” leaked that you’re getting fired no matter how the game goes: rough. Combine that with a booster writing an open letter to start the season, and Sumlin’s departure should be a relief to him. Likely to end 7-5, the Aggies should land in a bowl. Just don’t expect Sumlin to be there after the LSU game.
9. Kentucky – To be fair, nobody expected the Wildcats to beat Georgia. Seven wins so far is still solid for Kentucky, as they’ll get to go bowling. The rivalry game with Louisville should be interesting.
10. Ole Miss – Speaking of teams exceeding expectations, I’d call this season a success regardless of what happens in the Egg Bowl. The Rebel Landsharks were shut down in the second half by the Aggies, and look to be fairly outmatched by the Bulldogs on Thanksgiving (or, by the time you read this, tonight).
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Poppa Bea…….what’s that? There are four more teams to rank? That doesn’t seem right. You mean to tell me there are FOUR teams worse than Ole Miss?
Oh. Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt? Eh, they probably don’t even want to be ranked. Put those dumpster fires where you feel appropriate. It’s my thanksgiving gift to you. BECAAAUUUUUSSSSSEEEEEEEE: Poppa Bear loves you.
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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