- GEORGIA
The Bulldogs looked like the most complete team in the conference, hammering Arkansas 45–17 on the road. Georgia remains the SEC’s standard until somebody proves otherwise.
- OLE MISS
Beating LSU 32–24 is the best conference win on the board. Trinidad Chambliss continues to play like one of the best quarterbacks in America, and the Rebels answered when LSU fought its way back into the game.
- TEXAS
The Longhorns remain undefeated, and their defense looks championship-caliber. But the offense was sloppy against UTSA, and Arch Manning still hasn’t found the consistency expected from the nation’s No. 1 team.
- ALABAMA
The Crimson Tide overcame a terrible start and overwhelmed Florida State 50–26. Alabama still has flaws, but when that offense gets rolling, it can bury an opponent quickly.
- FLORIDA
The Gators went into Jordan-Hare and won a 44–39 shootout. Jadan Baugh was outstanding, and Florida now owns a legitimate SEC road victory.
- LSU
The Tigers lost, but I’m not burying them. They battled back from a 24–7 halftime deficit and still had an opportunity late. LSU remains dangerous, especially because of that defense.
- KENTUCKY
Kentucky’s 31–21 victory at Texas A&M is one of the most impressive wins by any SEC team this season. The Wildcats also showed us something two weeks ago when they outplayed Alabama during the first half before the game got away from them. This team is tougher and more dangerous than people realize.
- MISSISSIPPI STATE
It is time to take the Bulldogs seriously. They physically controlled South Carolina, ran the football and clearly had the better quarterback. KaMario Taylor is the real deal, but Kentucky’s victory at Texas A&M gives the Wildcats the stronger résumé right now.
- OKLAHOMA
The loss to Michigan keeps the Sooners from climbing higher. They have talent, but they haven’t shown enough consistency to be placed among the SEC’s best teams.
- VANDERBILT
The Commodores are 3–0 after completing a 17-point comeback against NC State. The ending was bizarre, but Vanderbilt continued fighting and put itself in position to steal the game.
- TENNESSEE
The Volunteers handled Kennesaw State 42–9, but we still don’t know how good they are. Their upcoming game against Texas should give us the answer.
- MISSOURI
Missouri beat Troy 27–17, but it wasn’t impressive. Austin Simmons threw for only 91 yards, the Tigers struggled on third down and the performance raised more questions than it answered.
- TEXAS A&M
The Aggies led Kentucky 21–3 and then surrendered 28 unanswered points at home. That is an inexcusable collapse for a program with this much talent.
- AUBURN
The Tigers scored 39 points and still lost at home. The offense showed life, but Auburn’s defense had no answer for Jadan Baugh or Florida’s running game.
- SOUTH CAROLINA
The Gamecocks were exposed in their first SEC game. The passing game was woefully ineffective, the defense couldn’t stop the run, and Mississippi State had the better quarterback and the better coaching staff.
- ARKANSAS
Georgia walked into Fayetteville and embarrassed the Razorbacks 45–17. Arkansas was overmatched physically, athletically and schematically.
