LSU is ranked No. 1 in the SEC West and has been for almost two weeks.
The Tigers have earned their spot at the top, but many are questioning how long they’ll be able to keep it.
Since 2019, the top-ranked team in SEC West has lost no more than two games, meaning LSU can only afford one more loss after its season opener against Florida State University.
LSU is not the only team that lost an important early-season matchup. In fact, no team in the SEC West is undefeated at the moment, whereas the SEC East has Georgia and Kentucky starting strong with 4-0 seasons.
Alabama, ranked No. 2 in SEC West, suffered a disappointing loss at home against Texas, and No. 3-ranked Texas A&M lost to University of Miami.
The rest of the SEC West has yet to win a conference game and are battling losing streaks at the moment.
Although the SEC West doesn’t look great right now, a lot can change in a short amount of time. This weeks’ matchups, with or without the Tigers, will be a determining factor in how long LSU remains on top.
LSU vs. Ole Miss
Ole Miss is ranked No. 5 in SEC West and No. 20 the AP and Coaches poll for Week Five.
The Rebels are coming off of their first loss of the season to Alabama, facing an 0-1 record in conference play. However, this week could be the first page of their redemption story.
The Rebels are playing in their home stadium, where they’ve yet to lose a game.
Last season, LSU beat the Rebels by 25 points but many expect Saturday’s game to be a better matchup.
Ole Miss has proven to be unstoppable on offense, having nothing but high-scoring games so far this season. Its defense is also strong and able to create a pass rush.
Although the Tigers are favored by 2.5 points, this game shouldn’t be overlooked. If the Rebels win, it could hurt LSU’s chances of staying at No. 1.
Mississippi State vs. Alabama
Alabama is trailing LSU in the SEC West rankings but are ranked right above the Tigers in the AP Poll at No. 12, meaning that the matchup between these two teams will be, as always, a fight until the end.
However, they don’t play each other for another month, and a lot can change in that period of time.
The Crimson Tide will travel to Starkville Saturday to play Mississippi State, which hasn’t had the season it hoped for. It’s are 2-2 and ranked last in the SEC West.
On the other hand, Alabama’s season has been successful so far. The Tide is undefeated in conference play and has a winning streak of two. Alabama is favored by 14.5 points according to CBS Sports, and many expect the Tide to take the win without much of a struggle.
Arkansas vs. Texas A&M
LSU’s game against Arkansas was one that many are still talking about. The Tigers were favored to win by 17.5 points but only won by three, proving that once the game starts, anything can happen.
Texas A&M is coming off a win against Auburn, beating the Tigers by 17 points.
It plays Arkansas in Fayetteville and is favored by 6.5 points despite its only loss being on the road.
The Aggies are also comforted knowing that they’ve won the last 10 of 11 matchups against Arkansas.
If LSU were to lose and Texas A&M win, the Aggies could potentially move higher in the SEC West rankings but would likely remain under Alabama.
Auburn vs. Georgia
As previously stated, Auburn is coming off of a tough loss to Texas A&M, and it looks like its losing streak will continue.
On Saturday, the Tigers face the No. 1 ranked team overall, Georgia.
The Bulldogs are 4-0 and are coming off of a win against another Alabama team UAB. Georgis is favored to win Saturday’s game by 14.5 points.
Few are expecting an upset, and Auburn’s schedule isn’t getting easier in the upcoming weeks.
If LSU continues to dominate in conference play, it should have no trouble keeping its spot at No. 1. However, with its difficulty of schedule and tough upcoming matchups against teams such as Ole Miss, Missouri, Auburn and Alabama, it will be difficult for the Tigers to go the rest of the season without suffering another loss.
With that being said, the Tigers aren’t the only team facing a rigorous schedule ahead of them.
At the end of the day, only one team can be No. 1, and LSU’s chance of staying at the top is as good as any others’.
