Sift through the recent, week-by-week history of the SEC and it’s difficult to find a slate that didn’t deliver in some capacity.
Last week, though, reached remarkable levels of entertainment. Texas A&M football embarrassed LSU so badly that the Tigers fired their coach. Texas came back from 17 points down to beat Mississippi State in overtime, needing a punt return in the final moments to complete the effort. Alabama turned around a late deficit on the road. Vanderbilt — yes, Vanderbilt — turned the “College GameDay” hosting experience into a win. Lane Kiffin won on the road against a ranked SEC team for the first time at Ole Miss.
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What new drama does the best football conference in the country have in store for us this week? And how did last week’s brilliance shape our power rankings?
Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns punter Jack Bouwmeester (19) celebrates winning the Red River Rivalry with the Golden Hat after Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns place kicker Will Stone (15) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) celebrates the Texas Longhorns’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates after winning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrate after winning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Jonah Williams (9) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) embraces defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) as they celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back James Simon (31) in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) catches a pass in the end zone to score the first touchdown of the game in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbot hands Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) The Governor’s Cup Trophy after Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) carries the ball for a first down in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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The Texas defense bring down Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns the ball off a punt for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) goes to tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) taunts Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas fans cheer for their team in the first half of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) carries the ball out of trouble as Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and defensive back Gentry Williams (9) chase in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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The Oklahoma defense sack Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas fans cheer for their team in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas scores the extra point in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches a snap in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) brings Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Keontez Lewis (9) down out of the air as he catches the ball in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian gets off the bus ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium for the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas fan Bill Melot, from Austin, enjoys a turkey leg ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas fans Heather and Garrison Ray, from Jarrell, enjoy a ride at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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A young Texas fan hoists a large prize while exploring the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Fan Avery, 6, slides down the giant slide at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball under pressure from Oklahoma defense in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) carries the ball after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) celebrates after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Renee Richmond rides the log flume ride with Eve and Sarah Mills at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas fans David, Briana and Brian Morales, from Corpus Christi, play the ring toss at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrates as the game draws to a close in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas mascot Bevo walks across the Cotton Bowl to his pen ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Liona Lefau (18) wears a lei to celebrate winning the Red River Rivalry, beating Oklahoma 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Xavier Filsaime (17) argues with Oklahoma players during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) drops a pass in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is sacked in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) intercepts a pass during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talks to his team during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) returns a kick during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a sack during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrates a sack during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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The Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners running back Tory Blaylock (6) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners running back Xavier Robinson (24) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is pressured during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is pressured by Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is sacked during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners place kicker Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field goal during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners tight end Jaren Kanak (12) is tackled during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Lance Jackson (40) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) on 4th down at the end of the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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1. Texas A&M
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian coaches from the sidelines against Mississippi State during the first half Oct. 25, 2025 in Starkville, Miss.
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Had it not been for the sound of the Aggie War Hymn, you might have heard a pin drop at Tiger Stadium in the fourth quarter of last week’s game between Texas A&M and LSU. Clearly this version of LSU is not up to the standard. But it takes a big boy program to go into Baton Rouge and dominate. Those not yet taking Mike Elko’s Aggies seriously should reconsider immediately.
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Last week: No. 2, beat LSU 49-25
CFP PROJECTIONS: Early projections for Texas A&M, Texas, Big Ten and SEC
2. Alabama
For the second consecutive week, a defensive touchdown helped make the difference for the Crimson Tide. This time, DeShawn Jones returned an intercepted LaNorris Sellers pass 18 yards for a touchdown. That salvaged a shaky Alabama performance. Kalen DeBoer’s team hasn’t held a total yardage advantage in three weeks, but keeps finding ways to win.
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Last week: No. 1, beat South Carolina 29-22
3. Georgia
The Bulldogs enjoyed a week off to recuperate from an breathless victory Oct. 18 over Ole Miss. The break also provided Kirby Smart with a chance to jump-start his preparation for Florida under interim head coach Billy Gonzales. The Bulldogs have won seven of their last eight games against their rivals to the South.
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Last week: No. 3, did not play
4. Ole Miss
Last time the Lane Kiffin rumor mill started spinning this fast, the Rebels completely collapsed, losing a promising 2023 campaign to five losses in six games as reports constantly connected Kiffin to the vacant Auburn job that was eventually filled by Hugh Freeze. Now, with Kiffin the top name on the market with several high-profile openings, it felt natural to wonder if that might happen again. A business-like road win against a ranked Oklahoma team indicates Kiffin may have learned a thing or two.
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Last week: No. 5, beat Oklahoma
This week: vs. South Carolina
5. Vanderbilt
The Commodores managed just 265 total yards in their landmark win over Mizzou, the second-fewest by an SEC team in a winning effort this season. The Tigers tried to beat Vandy at its own game, holding the ball for over 38 minutes. If that game is played 10 times, the Commodores probably lose the majority of them. But it’s noteworthy that a team that doesn’t always have the same talent as its SEC peers proved itself capable of winning a game that went off script.
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Last week: No. 4, beat Missouri 17-10
6. Tennessee
After Kentucky stifled Texas’ offense two weeks ago, Tennessee hung 56 points on the Wildcats. A 396-yard performance from Joey Aguilar ranks among the best showings by an SEC quarterback this season. To crack the College Football Playoff, the Vols likely have to win out. Fortunately for Josh Heupel’s team, their final two games against ranked opponents are at home.
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Last week: No. 6, beat Kentucky 56-34
This week: vs. Oklahoma
7. Missouri
Eliah Drinkwitz’s Tigers have played well enough to win both their games against top-25 foes, but they just haven’t gotten the bounces. A long-term injury to QB Beau Pribula this week struck Missouri with another pang of bad luck. Drinkwitz has two weeks to get freshman Matt Zollers ready for Texas A&M at home.
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Last week: No. 8, lost to Vanderbilt 17-10
8. Texas
Arch Manning might not be ready to play at an all-world level that makes him a shoo-in for the Heisman and a candidate to be the first overall pick. That makes him a disappointment relative to the insane expectations directed his way before the season. But he might be ready to be a difference-maker for the Longhorns. Like usual, he spent last weekend running for his life, but still threw for 346 yards and compiled four total touchdowns to help Texas escape an upset scare at Mississippi State.
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Last week: No. 10, beat Mississippi State 45-38
This week: vs. Vanderbilt
MORE: Arch Manning’s growth helped Longhorns beat Mississippi State
9. Oklahoma
The shine is rapidly wearing off of QB John Mateer, who has turned in three subpar showings since returning from his thumb injury. He insists that his injury isn’t impacting his performance. If that’s true, it’s worrying for the Sooners, who will be eliminated from playoff contention with another defeat and now face a stretch of three consecutive ranked opponents.
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Last week: No. 7, lost to Ole Miss 34-26
This week: at Tennessee
10. LSU
An embarrassing loss at home to A&M proved to be too much for the money folks at LSU to bear, with coach Brian Kelly hitting the ranks of the unemployed before the end of the weekend. Kelly hopped from Notre Dame to LSU believing it gave him the best chance to win a national title. He never made the CFP. His old defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, Marcus Freeman, brought the Irish to the national title game last year.
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Last week: No. 9, lost to Texas A&M 49-25
11. Florida
Are the Gators good enough to play spoiler with the fired Napier now out of the picture? They’ve got a player in DJ Lagway who many considered before the season to be one of the best QBs in the country and a defense that’s loaded with NFL talent. Florida has a chance to make the rest of the season look really uncomfortable for Georgia if the Gators can spring a trap this week in Jacksonville.
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Last week: No. 11, did not play
12. Auburn
Hugh Freeze might have joined the rapidly growing cadre of fired coaches had his team not managed to turn around an 11-point halftime deficit to win on the road at Arkansas. Ashton Daniels came on to relieve Jackson Arnold in that game to spark the comeback. Freeze is now calling the quarterback situation at Auburn an “open competition.”
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Last week: No. 14, beat Arkansas 33-24
This week: vs. Kentucky
13. South Carolina
A promising season is now a lost season in Columbia, and the result of last Saturday’s game against Alabama wasn’t going to change that. It could have, however, turned a few hearts and minds in favor of coach Shane Beamer, whose seat is becoming more and more uncomfortably warm by the week. Instead, the Gamecocks blew an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter for their fifth loss in six games.
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Last week: No. 13, lost to Alabama 29-22
14. Mississippi State
Mississippi State might be the best team in the country that hasn’t yet won a conference game, which is not a distinction you want to hold entering the 10th week of the season. A blown 17-point lead in the fourth quarter against Texas crushed the city of Starkville’s soul. It’s the second overtime loss for the Bulldogs this year and the third one-score loss for Jeff Lebby’s team in conference play.
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Last week: No. 12, lost to Texas 45-38
15. Arkansas
Bobby Petrino’s audition to become the next coach of the Razorbacks is petering out. Arkansas put up a good fight against Tennessee and Texas A&M, two of the better teams in the league, but a home loss to a bad Auburn team isn’t going to inspire anybody to hand him a load of cash and a long-term contract. The Razorbacks have to win out just to salvage bowl eligibility.
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Last week: No. 15, lost to Auburn 33-24
This week: vs. Mississippi State
16. Kentucky
One of the defining principles of Mark Stoops’ successful tenure coaching an under-gunned Kentucky program is his ability to avoid embarrassment. The Wildcats, generally, make you earn it. Maybe that trait is eroding as things continue to head south in Lexington. The 56 points Kentucky gave up to Tennessee last week are the most it has surrendered at home since 2013, the second season of Stoops’ tenure.
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Last week: No. 16, lost to Tennessee 56-34