Got in the car this morning to take my son to school and discovered all the channels on Sirius were jumbled around. The stations I usually go to were still there, they were just misaligned, which means more work for me, as I have to learn where certain stations now live. Once I got to work and did some research, I learned why: Christmas.
I know, I know, we’re two months away from Christmas, and we haven’t even had Thanksgiving yet, but apparently it’s time to add all the holiday stations back into our lives. To which I say, TOO SOON. In my household we observe a strict but fair No Holiday Music Until After Thanksgiving Dinner rule. When I am eventually elected President, this will be part of my populist non-partisan platform, along with other tenets such as eliminating Daylight Savings and banning all reclining airplane seats. I thank you in advance for your vote.
And sure, this has nothing to do with college football, except that college football is life, so maybe it’s all connected? Anyway, let’s get to the rankings…
1. Georgia (last week: 1)
I thought UGA’s emphatic win over Missouri last weekend might be enough to leapfrog them over Ohio State in the College Football Playoff rankings, especially after Ohio State really struggled against an unranked Rutgers, but it wasn’t enough, apparently. Perhaps if UGA can handle their business at home this weekend against Ole Miss?
2. Alabama (last week: 2)
Where has this Jalen Milroe been? Maybe the guy who didn’t throw a pick and ran for four touchdowns against LSU just didn’t exist before last week, but for Alabama’s sake I hope he’s here for the long term. Bama plays at Kentucky this week.
3. Ole Miss (last week: 3)
Last week I wondered if the Ole Miss/TAMU game might be a trap game for the Rebels, and man was it ever, as they squeaked out a 38-35 win. In Athens this week, they’ll be tested on both sides of the ball.
4. LSU (last week: 4)
Gonna keep LSU here despite the loss to Alabama. By the way, I’ve heard all the excuses about the hit from Bama’s Dallas Turner that knocked Jayden Daniels out of the game – it was just a “football” play, Turner is just a “tough” player, etc – but we’re missing the forest for the trees. Turner hit Daniels in the head/neck with his helmet and the play should’ve been flagged or reviewed. And it’s not like there’s no history here.
5. Missouri (last week: 5)
The Tigers played UGA pretty well, all things considered. But Brady Cook could basically only complete back-shoulder throws along the sidelines, and with Luther Burden and Cody Schrader hobbled, UGA handled their business. Big bounce back chance for Mizzou this week against…
6. Tennessee (last week: 7)
Yep, the Vols will play at Mizzou in a battle for the two spot behind UGA.
7. Texas A&M (last week: 6)
TAMU played Ole Miss really well and managed to take the lead with 4 minutes left to play despite backup QB Max Johnson playing hurt. Then they blew it. The good news is their next two games are against Mississippi State and Abilene Christian.
8. Kentucky (last week: 9)
They only scored 24 against Mississippi State, but they also only allowed 3 points. Not sure which is more impressive, or if either stat is really all that impressive, anyway. They’ve got two highly ranked teams (Bama and Louisville) in their last three games.
9. Florida (last week: 8)
Tough loss in overtime last week against Arkansas. The Gators play three ranked teams down the stretch (LSU this week, Missouri, FSU) and have a real chance to finish their season with five straight losses and miss out on a bowl game. Yikes.
10. Auburn (last week: 10)
They coasted to a 31-15 win over Vandy but still couldn’t break 200 passing yards. If they want to finish over .500 this season, this week’s game is basically a must-win, against…
11. Arkansas (last week: 13)
Everything is relative, of course, but what a win for the Hogs at Florida last week. They’d lost six straight coming in but had played hard each week and had not quit, even after their offensive coordinator got canned in the middle of the season. I think they’ll knock off Auburn at home this weekend.
11. South Carolina (last week: 11)
Speaking of quitting. Dead last in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game (286.7). Had to really fight to beat Jacksonville State at home last week. What a disaster this team has turned into.
12. Mississippi State (last week: 12)
Maybe they get Will Rogers back this week against an above-average Texas A&M defense?
14. Vanderbilt (last week: 14)
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to get through this thing called…Vandy.