I’d like to give thanks this week to CBS, for their years of service airing the SEC games of the week each Saturday afternoon. And now, as CBS prepares to hand the package over to ESPN, I will bid a not-so-fond farewell to CBS, particularly to Gary Danielson, who seems to be trying to sell me a used car each weekend. Enjoy him, B1G fans. Verne forever.
Anyway, let’s get to the rankings…
1. Georgia (last week: 1)
I’ve never had the experience of being a fan of a powerhouse team. I’ve rooted for teams that were good, some even great (the ‘90s Braves), but never an elite team. Until now, with these Bulldogs busting up everyone they come across. And now they’re just four wins away from a third consecutive National Championship. Unthinkable. #blessed
2. Alabama (last week: 2)
Bama hasn’t lost a game since September 9. They’ll handle Auburn this weekend, then get a matchup against UGA. When both teams will have plenty to prove.
3. Missouri (last week: 3)
Helluva season for the Tigers. I just hope they can keep this core together next season, which is an increasingly problematic proposal in the transfer portal/NIL era.
4. Ole Miss (last week: 4)
4. LSU (last week: 4)
I’m keeping these two stuck together here at the 4 spot, sitting atop the SEC’s second tier of teams.
6. Texas A&M (last week: 6)
So many Tennessee fans got mad at me last week for having TAMU ahead of the Vols, since Tennessee beat TAMU a few weeks back. My response is that this ranking isn’t just about who beat whom, it’s about which teams I think are the strongest at the moment. (Or most powerful, since it is a power ranking.)
7. Tennessee (last week: 7)
Tennessee played back-to-back games against the two best teams in the SEC East (Missouri and UGA) and lost by a combined score of 74-17. I am, however, curious to see if Nico Iamaleava gets significant playing time this weekend against Vandy.
8. Kentucky (last week: 9)
Kentucky has lost 5 of their last 6, with the only win over Mississippi State. I still can’t put Carolina over Kentucky, though, sorry.
9. South Carolina (last week: 11)
I picked Carolina to beat Kentucky last week and dang if they did. Guess those late season scouting reports from Michigan made their way south once again. That’s three in a row for the Gamecocks, who have to play Clemson this week for bowl eligibility.
10. Florida (last week: 10)
They actually played Missouri better than I expected, losing 33-31. Now the Gators are 5-6 heading into the game against FSU, who will be without Jordan Travis. Do the Gators have a chance at bowl eligibility?
11. Auburn (last week: 8)
Losing 31-10 at home to New Mexico State is almost unthinkable. But somehow, the Tigers did it. I know weird things happen in the Iron Bowl, but things might have to get legitimately insane for the Tigers to have a chance this weekend.
12. Arkansas (last week: 11)
Sam Pittman got the vote of confidence! He’s back for at least one more season!
13. Mississippi State (last week: 13)
Please just somehow make the Egg Bowl competitive!
14. Vanderbilt (last week: 14)
Lost 10 straight.