1. ALABAMA (6-0)
The only thing that stopped the Crimson Tide against Missouri was a thunderstorm that caused a weather delay. Running backs Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon combined for five touchdowns to keep Missouri winless in the Southeastern Conference.
Coach Nick Saban and his team head up to Rocky Top to face reeling Tennessee on Saturday. I just hope Volunteers quarterback Tyler Bray is throwing footballs instead of beer bottles.
Last Week: 1 (Beat Missouri, 42-10)
2. FLORIDA (6-0)
It wasn’t pretty, but the Gators got it done on the road against a pesky Vanderbilt squad.
Now the focus switches to South Carolina, who will invade The Swamp this weekend. Both have a common opponent in LSU. Florida took down the Tigers 14-6, while South Carolina couldn’t rally to beat LSU in the closing seconds, losing 23-21.
The winner will have a stranglehold on the SEC East.
Last Week: 3 (Beat Vanderbilt, 31-17)
3. LSU (6-1)
What a difference a week makes.
LSU’s offense executed far better than it did against Florida, gaining 406 yards on offense while the defense limited the Gamecocks to 211 yards. The Tigers offense will have to keep the momentum rolling if it hopes to take down high-scoring Texas A&M.
Oh yeah, and 11 a.m. kickoffs are the worst.
Last Week: 4 (Beat South Carolina, 23-21)
4. SOUTH CAROLINA (6-1)
After their 35-7 romping of Georgia, the Gamecocks couldn’t maintain their success against the Tigers. The road doesn’t get any easier for the Ol’ Ball Coach as South Carolina travels to Gainesville, Fla., for a tussle with the Gators.
A cakewalk to the SEC Championship in Atlanta, Ga., will be in store for the Gamecocks if they unseat the undefeated Gators.
Last Week: 2 (Lost to LSU, 23-21)
5. GEORGIA (5-1)
The Dawgs had a bye week last weekend and a date with Kentucky this weekend.
What more can coach Mark Richt ask for? Not getting embarrassed by South Carolina on national television two weeks ago has to be at the top of his list.
Last Week: 5 (bye)
6. MISSISSIPPI STATE (6-0)
Who would have thought Mississippi State would be the last unbeaten Bulldogs in the SEC? Quarterback Tyler Russell has come into his own for coach Dan Mullen, throwing for 291 yards and two touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ win against Tennessee on Saturday.
Mississippi State should consider itself lucky it drew Middle Tennessee State this weekend. After that, three top-25 foes, Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M, are waiting in the wings.
Last Week: 6 (Beat Tennessee, 41-31)
7. TEXAS A&M (5-1)
Thankfully I get to see what Johnny Football does in person against LSU on Saturday.
He won’t combine for 576 yards and six touchdowns like he did against Louisiana Tech, but get your popcorn ready. Manziel versus the LSU defense will be fun to watch.
Last Week: 7 (Beat Louisiana Tech, 59-57)
8. OLE MISS (4-3)
Victory at last for Ole Miss. The Rebel Black Bears got their first SEC win since October 2010.
Wait — it was against Auburn? I guess it still counts.
Last Week: 9 (Beat Auburn, 41-20)
9. TENNESSEE (3-3)
The Vols are quickly becoming the biggest disappointments of the 2012 football season. Sooner rather than later, Tennessee will be looking for a brand new Dooley.
Last Week: 8 (Lost to Mississippi State, 41-31)
10. ARKANSAS (3-4)
Two SEC wins in a row have to be a welcome sign to Arkansas fans. The only problem is they still have to deal with coach John L. Smith for five games. And they still live in Arkansas.
Last Week: 11 (Beat Kentucky, 49-7)
11. VANDERBILT (2-4)
The Commodores were within a touchdown of Florida in the fourth quarter but just couldn’t hold on to pull the upset.
At least this season’s version of the SEC punching bag, Auburn, comes to Nashville, Tenn., this weekend.
Last Week: 10 (Lost to Florida, 31-17)
12. MISSOURI (3-4)
If Mizzou loses to Kentucky next week after its bye, is it too late to send them back to the Big 12?
Last Week: 12 (Lost to Alabama, 42-10)
13. AUBURN (1-5)
Can Auburn fire coach Gene Chizik already? I want to see defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, or as I like to call him, Uncle Rico from “Napoleon Dynamite,” call the shots.
Last Week: 13 (Lost to Ole Miss, 41-20)
14. KENTUCKY (1-6)
Doing his radio show live from a Kentucky sorority house this week is the best football decision coach Joker Philips has made all season.
Last Week: 14 (Lost to Arkansas, 49-7)
