1. Florida: (No change, def. Georgia 41-17)
No matter how you slice it, the Gators just flat out continue to win. Their performance against the Bulldogs was downright dominating. With the win, the Gators clinched yet another SEC Eastern Division title. But that probably won’t be the last trophy they clinch this year.
2. Alabama: (No change, DNP last week)
It’s probably a good thing the Crimson Tide didn’t play last week, because they might have been caught looking ahead toward this weekend’s pivotal matchup against LSU. This one will decide the West division champion.
3. LSU: (No change, def. Tulane 42-0)
The Bayou Bengals routed Tulane over the weekend, which came as a surprise to pretty much no one. Now coach Les Miles gets a chance to get back in the SEC title game with an upset over the big, bad Crimson Tide.
4. Tennessee: (Up 3 spots, def. USC 31-13)
That loss to UCLA seems like a long, long time ago. The Volunteers have gotten better every single week under coach Lane Kiffin, and judging by the schedule, will more than likely win out to finish the season at 8-4.
5. South Carolina: (Down 1 spot, lost to UT 31-13)
The Gamecocks had a pretty big slip up on Saturday, as three early turnovers led to a route on Rocky Top. But Carolina has a chance to turn it around this weekend against a Razorback team that is pretty bad on defense.
6. Arkansas: (Up 2 spots, def. EMU 63-27)
The Razorbacks may be only .500, but the team is steadily improving with Ryan Mallett under center. The Hogs’ quarterback leads the SEC in total offense and pass efficiency, and the schedule seems pretty favorable down the stretch for AU to make it back to a bowl game.
7. Auburn: (Up 2 spots, def. Ole Miss 33-20)
The Tigers finally got off the can and snapped a three-game losing streak. Auburn and coach Gene Chizik will at least finish without a losing record, as the team hosts FCS and South Carolina school Furman to the Plains this weekend.
8. Ole Miss: (Down 4 spots, lost to Auburn 33-20)
The Rebels might be the most confusing team to figure out in conference play this year. Start off hot, lose two of three, win two straight and then lay an egg against a reeling Auburn team. A 6-6 or 7-5 record may be all that’s in the cards for coach Houston Nutt.
9. Georgia: (Down 3 spots, lost to Florida 41-17)
My, how the mighty have fallen. The Bulldogs enter this weekend’s game against Tennessee Tech with just a 4-4 record, and quarterback Joe Cox and an inept defense are the reason why. UGA is dangerously close to missing a bowl game this year.
10. Mississippi State: (Up 1 spot, def. Kentucky 31-24)
It made me happy to see Dan Mullen notch a win against Kentucky last weekend. The Bulldogs are playing as hard as anyone in the league. And while they may not make a bowl this year, the future definitely looks promising.
11. Kentucky: (Down 1 spot, lost to MSU 31-24)
Saturday’s home loss was definitely a “whoops” game for Big Blue. With the way the schedule was setting up, seven wins was possible. Not so much anymore. They’ll probably finish .500, though.
12. Vanderbilt: (No change, lost to Georgia Tech 56-31)
It’s pretty sad when the worst team in the SEC has the lead over the best team in the ACC late in the third quarter. But that’s what happened last Saturday when Vandy looked to do the unthinkable against the Yellow Jackets.
