Week 9 was a return to glory for some, a disappointment for others, and the SEC West is either unstoppable or about to lose to each other.
Here are your power rankings:
The Bulldogs wisely scheduled their bye week in the midst of all this SEC conference play. They return to action Saturday against Kentucky, who after getting run off the field by LSU, shouldn’t be much of a challenge for the cowbell clangers.
The Rebels stayed undefeated against Tennessee this week and led with their defense, only allowing the Vols to score three points.
The Seminoles survived a scare against Notre Dame on an iffy but apparently correct penalty at the end of the game. The Irish were Florida State’s only real worry this season so it should be smooth sailing here on out.
The Crimson Tide remembered how to have fun again while also remembering that it possesses a ludicrously talented offense and vicious defense when highly motivated. Alabama has yet to show this emotion or firepower on the road yet but a trip to Tennessee Saturday may be what they need to get going.
The Tigers also took the week off and let their previous opponents make some news instead. Auburn’s win against Kansas State looks even better now after the Wildcats dispatched Oklahoma this weekend. South Carolina makes the trip to Auburn this week, but the Gamecocks shouldn’t be an issue for Gus Malzahn and his team. Plus, the Tigers’ only loss is a road loss to the No. 1 team in the nation.
Other than dropping a game against Arizona, Oregon looks like the most dominant team in the West. It has key players back from injury and the offense is as potent as ever.
No Todd Gurley, no problem for the Bulldogs, who rode Nick Chubb and Hutson Mason to wins over Missouri and Arkansas in consecutive weekends. With Auburn being the only ranked team left on Georgia’s schedule, their path to Atlanta might be easier than expected.
The Irish were a penalty away from upsetting Florida State in Tallahassee. But until that point, it was a very evenly fought game, justifying Notre Dame’s place on this week’s ranking.
One bad quarter against Oregon is the only reason the Spartans have one loss. They still look like the power in the Big Ten, although Ohio State is quickly rising.
Bill Snyder and his magical powers were at it again this weekend, beating Oklahoma 31-30. The close loss to Auburn is the Wildcats’ sole loss and it continues to look better and better the way Auburn is playing.
