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Disagree with my rankings? Tell me about it in the comments.
Fortunate to leave College Station with a win, but championship-caliber teams have to win a few games like that to stay in the race.
2. LSU Tigers
That win over TCU is losing its luster, but still, I'm impressed by the revitalization of the LSU offense. This week's game against Auburn provides the first conference test, although one that should be a tuneup for bigger games to come.
3. Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies offense looked absolutely unstoppable for most of the afternoon against 'Bama. Manziel's 464 yards passing and 98 rushing were Heisman-esque. However, Manziel's two costly interceptions were likely the difference in the game. That, and A&M's defense was crushed.
The Dawgs took a week off before this weekend's tuneup against North Texas. LSU awaits the following week.
The Gamecocks dominated for most of the game, but USC's special teams miscues allowed Vandy to make things interesting late.
I thought about putting Ole Miss here, but I'm going to play this conservatively until I see more positive from the Rebels and more negative from the Gators.
7. Ole Miss Rebels
Like I said, I thought about ranking them higher. You have to give them credit for the fast start, particularly last night's dismantling of Texas in Austin. That said, Texas is in absolute disarray right now, and it's fair to wonder if the Rebels' wins either over the Longhorns or Vandy should truly be considered quality wins. I'd really like to see the Rebels keep up their winning ways before I move them into the top six.
Took the week off in anticipation of an OOC game against Indiana.
Vandy has come up short in its two big opportunities so far. They now get a couple of tuneups before a really big game against Mizzou.
10. Auburn Tigers
AU got its first conference win since 2011 last night with a thrilling victory over Mississippi St. It wasn't exactly an awe-inspiring performance, though, and I'd be surprised if they win more than three conference games. That would be marked improvement over last year, though. Heck, they've already matched their 2012 win total.
I know it was Oregon, but good football teams just don't lose 59-14. Demoralizing performance for Butch Jones's crew.
Won easily over hapless Southern Miss. I'm still wary of this team being good enough to win more than one or two SEC games after its performance against Samford last week.
Tough way to lose the game against Auburn. The win was there for the taking for MSU, but the Bulldogs failed to put the game away when they had the chance and then let the Tigers march down the field for a game-winning TD in the final seconds.
The 'Cats defense didn't allow Louisville to run up the score on them, but it was still a lopsided affair. Plus, that loss to Western Kentucky is now looking really ugly after the Hilltoppers were crushed by a mediocre Tennessee team and, this past weekend, were edged by South Alabama.