Storyline: It’s all about ‘Bama. If The Tide can get past Texas A&M and LSU, that is.
The college football season is halfway through. Here is my take on where top teams stand in the Southeastern Conference.
‘Bama ran over the Vols last Saturday (photo, Bleacher Report)
1. Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0 SEC)
After throttling Tennessee, 49-10, at Rocky Top on Saturday, it’s no surprise that the Tide are at the top of my list. But the next couple of games on Alabama’s schedule will be brutal.
The Tide will host undefeated and 6th-ranked Texas A&M on Saturday before making a difficult trip to Baton Rouge on November 5. If Saban and the Tide get through this daunting part of their schedule, then they’ll be playing for the SEC championship.
2. Texas A&M Aggies (6-0, 4-0 SEC)
The Aggies have what may be the best QB-WR duo in Trevor Knight and Christian Kirkland. That’s been the secret for success so far. Texas A&M controls its own destiny in the SEC West when the Aggies visit Tuscaloosa to take on mighty Alabama. A win and the Aggies will be in the driver’s seat to win the division. A loss will put them out of contention.
Ground game powered the Hogs over Ole’ Miss (photo, Bleacher Report)
3. Arkansas Razorbacks (5-2, 1-2 SEC)
The Hogs are currently fifth in the SEC West standings, but that’s a deceiving mark. The losses were to Alabama and Texas A&M. The lone conference win was against Chad Kelly and 12th-ranked Ole Miss last Saturday night.
The offense has been consistently good. Quarterback Austin Allen has filled his older brother’s shoes and then some. The Razorbacks have exceeded preseason expectations. Many weren’t even projecting Arkansas to make a bowl, but now the Razorbacks are primed for a third-place finish in the division.
4. Tennessee Volunteers (5-2, 2-2 SEC)
The pixie dust is gone. There was no miraculous comeback or last second Hollywood finish. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs and “The Comeback Vols” were humbled on Saturday with a whipping from Alabama. For Tennessee, the season is now in Florida’s hands. Florida is in first place in the SEC East, but the Volunteers beat the Gators head-to-head on September 24. So, while a SEC championship is still a possibility, the Vols will need the Gators to lose.
Gator D ranks #2 nationally (photo, OnlyGators.com)
5. Florida Gators (5-1, 3-1 SEC)
The Gators sprung to the top of the division standings after Tennessee’s loss to Alabama. But with SEC games against Georgia and at Arkansas and LSU looming, an SEC championship appearance doesn’t seem likely. The good news is Florida’s defense, which has been a nightmare for opposing offenses.
The Gators are giving up just 12 points per game, ranked second in the nation behind only Michigan. The offense has been inconsistent, though, and the Gators need to correct this if they want to be playing in Atlanta on December 3.
6. Ole Miss Rebels (3-3, 1-2 SEC)
The Rebels’ record stands at 3-3, but the Rebs’ SOS is high. That’s because the Ole’ Miss losses are to Florida State, Alabama, and at Arkansas. Games remain at LSU, vs. Auburn, and at Texas A&M. Hugh Freeze needs to capitalize on Chad Kelly’s last year at QB. Barring a major collapse the Rebels should at least go bowling.
7. Auburn Tigers (4-2, 2-1 SEC)
Gus Malzahn’s job was in jeopardy at the beginning of the season, but those talks have cooled off after the Tigers’ 4-2 start. The losses, to Clemson and Texas A&M, came after the Tigers gave each team a tough game, especially Clemson.
The Tigers’ defense has been excellent, and is ranked 11th in the nation in points allowed (16 points/game), but the offense has sputtered at times this season.
LSU’s “Mike” has passed away (photo, The Red Shtick)
8. LSU Tigers (4-2, 2-1 SEC)
It’s been a very eventful October in Baton Rouge. The team’s beloved mascot, Mike the Tiger VI, died after a long battle with cancer. On a more cheery note, the Tigers are 2-0 in the Ed Orgeron Era. Sure, those wins came against Missouri and Southern Miss, but the Tigers’ offense has finally come to life.
LSU has averaged 546.5 yards of offense and 43.5 points in those two games. The Tigers now head down the home stretch with games against Ole’ Miss, Alabama, at Arkansas, Florida, and at Texas A&M. Ouch!
9. Georgia Bulldogs (4-3, 2-3 SEC)
The start to the Kirby Smart Era has not been good. The Bulldogs beat North Carolina in Week One, but the Dawgs have been on a downward spiral since. George almost lost to Nicholas State and Missouri. Then Vanderbilt finally delivered a blow, beating UGA 17-16.
That loss has raised a lot of questions about Smart and his team. Thankfully, Georgia still has sensational running back, Nick Chubb. UGA needs the junior to lead the team out of an abyss and into the light.
The MSU game looms large for UK’s bowl hopes (photo, YouTube)
10. Kentucky Wildcats (3-3, 2-2 SEC)
Mark Stoops and company slide (barely) into the number 10 slot. UK started off the season 0-2, giving up nearly 90 points in the process, but the Cats’ defense has done a ‘full 360’ since Stoops took over the D at halftime of the New Mexico State game. The most points Kentucky has given up since is 34 to top-ranked Alabama–and that’s the Tide’s season-low offensive output.
There’s hope in Lexington that the ‘Cats may reach bowl eligibility this season. Winnable games remain with MSU, Missouri, and Austin Peay.
