Not much movement in Week 5 except for LSU and Arkansas. That being said, I’m more excited for this weekend’s marquee Southeastern Conference games than the premiere of “Taken 2.” Trust me, that’s saying something.
1. Alabama (5-0)
The Crimson Tide gets to sit back, relax and watch the rest of the SEC tear up one another during its bye week. The Tide a need a week off to rest running backs Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon after yet another rusher, Dee Hart, suffered a season-ending knee injury against Ole Miss.
Last Week: 1 (Beat Ole Miss 33-14)
2. Georgia (5-0)
It’s been a long time coming, but Georgia is finally movin’ on up. With many other SEC schools experiencing depth issues at running back, the Dawgs have two true freshmen running backs in Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, who ran for more than 100 yards against Tennessee.
If college football was HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” the Dawgs would be Gyp Rosetti.
Last Week: 3 (Beat Tennessee 51-44)
3. LSU (5-0)
Thank you eight- pound, six-ounce baby Jesus, the Mett-stache is gone.
Two weeks of lackluster performances against weak opponents have caused the Tigers to drop to No. 3. All will be forgiven if they handle their business in The Swamp on Saturday. Maybe a test against a formidable foe will get LSU out of its funk.
Last Week: 2 (Beat Towson 38-22)
4. South Carolina (5-0)
The Ol’ Ball Coach couldn’t enjoy any cocktails until the Gamecocks put Kentucky to bed with a dominant second-half performance. At times, South Carolina’s offense looked lethargic and couldn’t move the ball against the worst team in the SEC.
Trying to keep up with a Georgia offense that doesn’t have a problem putting up points could be difficult if the Gamecocks don’t show up.
Last Week: 4 (Beat Kentucky 38-17)
5. Florida (4-0)
There might not be a team in the SEC East in better position to make a run at the division title than Florida. Georgia and South Carolina play a de facto elimination game in Columbia, S.C., this weekend, paving the way for the Gators to control their own destiny in the East.
First, Florida will have to try to take down LSU, which is much easier said than done.
Last Week: 5 (Bye)
6. Texas A&M (3-1)
The SEC Freshman of the Year resides in College Station, Texas. His name is Johnny “Football” Manziel.
Manziel signed Arkansas head coach John L. Smith’s pink slip Saturday, racking up 557 total yards of offense and four touchdowns against the Razorbacks. He’s quickly becoming one of my favorite college football players.
Last Week: 6 (Beat Arkansas 58-10)
7. Mississippi State (4-0)
The Bulldogs are undefeated because they haven’t played any legitimate opponents yet.
Kentucky will give them a run for their money this weekend. Good one, right?
Last Week: 7 (Bye)
8. Tennessee (3-2)
Coach Derek Dooley and his horrendous orange pants haven’t won an SEC game this season as the Vols hit their bye week. If Tennessee’s defense can’t back up quarterback Tyler Bray and his high-powered offense, it might be a while before it collects an SEC victory.
Last Week: 8 (Lost to Georgia 51-44)
9. Missouri (3-2)
Who would have thought Texas A&M would adapt to the SEC more easily than Mizzou? The Tigers haven’t been competitive in either SEC game they’ve played this season and had trouble with UCF, who, last time I checked, were in Conference USA.
Last Week: 9 (Beat UCF 21-16)
10. Ole Miss (3-2)
Only losing to Alabama by 19 on the road qualifies as a moral victory. It could have been much worse. Kudos to the Rebel Black Bears for keeping it semi-close.
Last Week: 11 (Lost to Alabama 33-14)
11. Auburn (1-3)
If the Tigers lose to Arkansas, coach Gene Chizik should start clearing out his desk.
Last Week: 10 (Bye)
12. Vanderbilt (1-3)
A quality defense is the only reason Vanderbilt will keep its game with Missouri close.
Last Week: 13 (Bye)
13. Arkansas (1-4)
I don’t know who coach Smith fears more right now: debt collectors or Hogs fans.
Last Week: 12 (Lost to Texas A&M 58-10)
14. Kentucky (1-4)
Good news, Big Blue Madness is only eight days away.
Last Week: 14 (Lost to South Carolina 38-17)
