SEC West
Alabama (6-0): A
Led by Heisman favorite, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the Crimson Tide offense is the best in the nation, scoring 56 points per game, two touchdowns better than Georgia, the second best offense in the SEC. The receivers are game-breakers, the ground game is every bit as punishing as it always is and the line is stacked. Defensively, Alabama hasn’t been the impenetrable wall they usually are, but considering a lot of the yards and points scored on this unit are in garbage-time, it’s not all that concerning. Best team in the country by a wide margin.
LSU (5-1): A-
Ed Orgeron’s team was one of the biggest surprises in September with big wins over then-Top 10 opponents in Miami and Auburn. Quarterback Joe Burrow has stepped right in since arriving as a transfer from Ohio State and giving them solid, if not, stellar play considering how that position has been a massive weakness for years. The run game is a bit concerning and the defense is league average, but the first half has been a rousing success despite losing for the first time last weekend to Florida.
Texas A&M (4-2): B+
There was a lot made about whether Jimbo Fisher could win in his first year at Texas A&M and the early results are quite favorable for the former FSU head coach. The Aggies pushed Clemson to the limit, albeit in a losing effort that saw quarterback Kellen Mond grow up before out eyes, and are coming off a big win over then-undefeated Kentucky. This team will be better in the coming years once Fisher gets his players in there, but so far, so good for the Aggies under his watch.
Auburn (4-2): C-
A lot of teams would be happy to be 4-2, but this is a disappointing one for Auburn who lost to LSU and Mississippi State and can wave goodbye to any chances of winning the SEC West. The defense has been a strength but the offense has been the cause for the biggest disappointment this year. The Tigers rank 12th in total offense and 11th in scoring offense in the SEC. That’s not what you expect from a Gus Malzahn offense, certainly not with a returning starter at quarterback as talented as Jarrett Stidham.
Mississippi State (4-2): B
Joe Moorhead’s team rallied to move up to a B after a convincing win over Auburn last week to snap a two-game losing streak. The Bulldogs rebounded nicely after a bad loss to Kentucky and a narrow and emotional loss to Florida in Dan Mullen’s return to Starkville. The offense has been up and down, but the defense leads the SEC in total defense and ranks second in scoring defense. This team can compete with anyone because of the strength of that unit.
Ole Miss (4-2): B-
It’s been a year of blowouts for the Rebels who have yet to play a game decided by fewer than 20 points. Ole Miss has been on the good end of a blowout in their four wins, although Texas Tech is their strongest win, which isn’t that strong. But they’ve been on the receiving end of a pair in ugly losses to Alabama and LSU. The Rebels have a great offense and a terrible defense, but I think they’ll be exposed once they get into the heart of their SEC schedule.
Arkansas (1-5): D
The first year for Chad Morris in Fayetteville isn’t off to the most promising start. The Hogs are scoring the fewest points and allowing the most points in the SEC. That’s a recipe for disaster and I don’t think they’re going to get an SEC win this year.