1. Alabama (4-0)

I’m sure Alabama coach Nick Saban tore into his team for losing a third-straight shutout in the fourth quarter against Florida Atlantic. The Tide’s defense has been a cut above the rest, allowing a minuscule 5.3 points a game.

It will be interesting to see how the Tide handles Ole Miss coming to Tuscaloosa, Ala. this weekend. Rebel Black Bears coach Hugh Freeze has his team headed in the right direction.

Last Week: 1 (Beat Florida Atlantic 40-7)

2. LSU (4-0)

The Tigers dropped to No. 3 in the Associated Press poll after a less-than-stellar showing last week. They’re still No. 2 in my book.

Coach Les Miles had to be impressed with SEC defensive player of the week Sam Montgomery and his career high 3.5 tackles for loss against Auburn. He’s putting up video game numbers, giving Sonic a run for his money.

Last Week: 2 (Beat Auburn 12-10)

3. Georgia (4-0)

The Dawgs have one of the most balanced teams in the country. Their offense hasn’t put up fewer than 41 points in its first four games. Not to mention they have the best defensive player in the SEC in linebacker Jarvis Jones.

Look for the Dawgs to keep on rolling against Tennessee, who couldn’t pull away from Akron until the fourth quarter last week.

Last Week: 3 (Beat Vanderbilt 48-3)

4. South Carolina (4-0)

It’s safe to say Gamecocks’ quarterback Connor Shaw’s shoulder is fine. After his first pass fell incomplete, he connected on his last 20 throws against Mizzou.

Shaw and running back Marcus Lattimore will have a field day against Kentucky. Seriously, who hasn’t?

Last Week: 4 (Beat Missouri 31-10)

5. Florida (4-0)

Don’t sleep on Florida. The Gators have already proven they can win on the road with visits to Texas A&M and Tennessee.

I don’t think anyone expected Florida, unranked in the preseason, to make as much noise as it has. The undefeated Gators have a perfectly placed bye week before LSU comes to town next Saturday.

Last Week: 5 (Beat Kentucky 38-0)

6. Texas A&M (2-1)

Let’s see if freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel can continue his outstanding play against Arkansas. He’s accounted for 11 touchdowns in the Aggies’ last two victories.

The 12th Man is the last thing Hogs coach John L. Smith needs this weekend.

Last Week: 9 (Beat South Carolina State 70-14)

7. Mississippi State (4-0)

How did the Bulldogs drop a spot after not losing a game? It’s simple. They’ve had two lackluster performances in a row.

Luckily for Mississippi State, it gets a bye week before taking on bottom-feeder Kentucky on Oct. 6. Basically, the Bulldogs have two weeks off in a row.

Last Week: 6 (Beat South Alabama 30-10)

8. Tennessee (3-1)

I was on the Tennessee bandwagon until I got to watch the Vols play against Florida.

Their next four games are against ranked teams. Have fun with that.

Last Week: 7 (Beat Akron 47-26)

9. Missouri (2-2)

Mizzou is already tired of getting beat up in the SEC after two games. Don’t worry, Vanderbilt is only a week away.

Last Week: 8 (Lost to South Carolina 31-10)

10. Auburn (1-3)

Auburn’s defense has something to brag about, holding the LSU offense to 10 points.

Quarterback Kiehl Frazier on the other hand…

Last Week: 10 (Lost to LSU 12-10)

11. Ole Miss (3-1)

Coach Hugh Freeze has been a breath of fresh air on the Ole Miss campus.

Can he and his team make a big statement against Alabama this weekend? No. But it will be fun to watch.

LastWeek:13 (Beat Tulane 39-0)

12. Arkansas (1-3)

Hogs fans are begging for Bobby Petrino and his neck brace to be back on the sideline.

Last Week: 11 (Lost to Rutgers 35-26)

13. Vanderbilt (1-3)

At least the Commodores have a bye week to lick their wounds. Even though it’s still early, coach James Franklin is already sending out his résumé.

Last Week: 12 (Lost to Georgia 48-3)

14. Kentucky (1-3)

Things can’t get any worse for the Wildcats.

Wait, they host South Carolina this week? My bad.

Last Week: 14 (Lost to Florida 38-0)

Micah Bedard is a 22-year-old history senior from Houma.