1) Ole Miss
Ole Miss delivered its statement win this weekend, beating LSU 24-19 to improve to 5-0. Trinidad Chambliss, who stepped in after Austin Simmons was sidelined with an ankle injury, has thrown for more than 300 yards in each of his starts since becoming the full-time quarterback.
2) Alabama
The Tide rolled into Athens and ended Georgia’s home winning streak with a 24-21 victory. It was a much-needed quality win for Kalen DeBoer’s team. Since losing to Florida State, Alabama has outscored opponents 135-35.
3) Oklahoma
Oklahoma was on a bye this weekend and now they welcome Kent State before starting SEC play. The Sooners rank second nationally in total defense, giving up just nine points per game. Their offense, while still ranked nationally in the top 50, ranks 11th in the SEC and with star QB John Mateer out indefinitely with an injury, this unit will need to find ways to move the ball. If they can weather the storm until Mateer returns, this squad has a legitimate playoff shot.
4) Missouri
Missouri thumped UMass 42-6 after a slow start. Running back Ahmad Hardy rushed for 130 yards, his fourth straight game over the 100-yard mark. The schedule has been light so far, but the Tigers are the only SEC team ranked in the top five in both total offense and total defense. After a bye this week, they host Alabama on Oct. 11.
5) Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt just keeps winning, and doing so convincingly. The schedule hasn’t been exceptionally daunting so it is difficult to determine if the Commodores are true contenders. Their only quality win came against a South Carolina team missing LaNorris Sellers. A major test comes this weekend with a trip to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama.
6) Georgia
Kirby Smart dropped to 1-7 against Alabama as Georgia suffered its first loss of the season. Quarterback Gunnar Stockton struggled, producing just 152 total yards, while most of Georgia’s offensive success came on the ground. They will rebound at home against Kentucky and should be fine the rest of the way, but they take a dip in this week’s rankings.
7) Tennessee
Tennessee escaped with a double-overtime win over Mississippi State and kept its offensive fireworks intact. The Volunteers have scored more than 40 points in every game this season and rank third nationally at 51 points per game.
8) LSU
It was only a matter of time before Brian Kelly’s team dropped a big game. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was underwhelming as he threw for 197 yards and a touchdown, with one interception. Additionally, LSU’s defense faltered. A unit that had been among the nation’s best allowed 480 yards, nearly double its season averages.
9) Texas A&M
The Aggies followed their win over Notre Dame by stifling Auburn 16-10. The offense never found a rhythm, but the defense dominated, holding Auburn to 177 total yards and shutting them out on third and fourth down (0-for-15).
10) Texas
Texas was idle this weekend. Arch Manning looked sharp in their most recent game against Sam Houston State, and the Longhorns will try to build his confidence against Florida on Saturday before the Red River Rivalry on Oct. 11. The roster remains one of the most talented in the country, and if Manning starts to settle in, this team will rise in the rankings fairly quickly.
11) Mississippi State
Mississippi State upset Arizona State earlier this month but suffered its first loss in double overtime against Tennessee. The Bulldogs have shown one of the biggest turnarounds in the SEC after going 2-10 and winless in conference play last season.
12) Auburn
Auburn started 3-0 but has now dropped two straight. Quarterback Jackson Arnold has struggled against top competition like Oklahoma and Texas A&M, and the offense frequently stalls. With Georgia and Missouri up next, the Tigers could soon find themselves under .500.
13) South Carolina
South Carolina snapped a two-game skid with a rebound win over Kentucky. LaNorris Sellers looks like a future NFL star, but the rest of the roster has been inconsistent and underperforming.
14) Kentucky
Kentucky sits at 2-2 after being blown out by South Carolina. The Wildcats face one of the most difficult October slates in the league, with Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee all on the schedule. QB remains a big concern for this squad as new starter Cutter Boley struggled in Columbia.
15) Florida
Florida faces one of the toughest schedules in all of college football. At 1-3, the Gators still have six AP Top 25 opponents left to play, with Mississippi State looming as a possible seventh.
16) Arkansas
Arkansas was blown out at home by Notre Dame, and head coach Sam Pittman was fired the next morning. The defense has been dreadful, allowing 425 yards and 30 points per game, both worst in the SEC.
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