Separated into categories based on James Bond power rankings in honor of Spectre, which should really be an entirely different column.
(Roger Moore Division) BEST MOVIE: A View to a Kill WORST MOVIE: FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
14. Mizzou (4-4): The only reason I can justify keeping Missouri as the low man on the totem pole is because they still lost to Vanderbilt. The Tigers have had two weeks to prepare for Mississippi State, which is most likely going to dance on the grave of the hopes of dreams of Gary Pinkel’s season.
13. Vanderbilt (3-5): I foolishly felt that Vanderbilt had turned a corner after their win over Missouri, and in defense of the Dores, Houston would be a tough opponent for anyone. What happened in Houston on Saturday though was nasty, and Vanderbilt appears to be just as lost as we originally thought. It also confirms Missouri’s spot on the bottom of this power ranking.
12. South Carolina (3-5): After giving up 544 yards to Texas A&M, the Gamecocks continue to sport a horrendous defense, but Shawn Elliott does appear to be getting a decent amount of effort out of his team. South Carolina must head to Knoxville and take on a Tennessee team that is picking up steam late in the season. This Gamecock team won’t make a bowl, but it can be a spoiler to the Vols momentum.
11. Kentucky(4-4): Mark Stoops and his team had a major opportunity to make a statement at home against Tennessee, and once again failed to do so. Outside of a fluke game against Derek Dooley, the Wildcats have failed to ever make the rivalry with Tennessee a real one. With games left against Charlotte and Vanderbilt, UK can finally get back into the postseason…barring another collapse.
(Timothy Dalton Division) BEST MOVIE: The Living Daylights WORST MOVIE: License to Kill
10. Auburn (4-4): Will Muschamp finally seems to be getting his defense on track, which really was only a matter of time, but the Tiger offense is still stagnant at best. With a brutal stretch to end the season, Auburn would be well served to find a win against Georgia, before Alabama decimates them.
9. Arkansas (4-4): The Razorbacks climbed their way back to .500 with a win over UT-Martin over the weekend, and is playing somewhat decent football. They’ll need to beat lowly Missouri, and steal one against Ole Miss, LSU, or Mississippi State in the coming month.
8. Georgia (5-3): Mark Richt and his infamously warm seat may have finally reached a temperature on which you could make breakfast. Florida totally embarrassed the Dawgs in the game formerly known as the Largest Cocktail Party in the South. UGA’s QB situation remains unclear, and the team now faces extraordinary amounts of pressure and “outside noise.” Georgia could easily win out against Kentucky, Georgia Tech and a few cupcakes, and they might have to in order to save Richt’s job.
(Pierce Brosnan Division) BEST MOVIE: Goldeneye WORST MOVIE: The World is Not Enough
7. Mississippi State(6-2): Dan Mullen has had a week off, and now will get another week off against Missouri before taking on Alabama. State hasn’t been without it’s hiccups, but is primed to take its shot down the stretch. I continue to be surprised that more big-time programs don’t make an aggressive push for Mullen, it may happen this off-season if the fighting cowbells can win a few more.
6. Texas A&M (6-2): The Aggies may have found an answer at quarterback in Kyler Murray, the first quarterback to put up 200 passing yards and 100 rushing yards since Johnny Football. A&M has LSU and that’s about it for the rest of the season, but the program still has some serious wounds to heal over the spring and summer.
5. Tennessee (4-4): There seems be a consensus among the national media that the Vols are the best 4-4 team of all time in college football. I do think that Tennessee could beat both Texas A&M and Mississippi State if they played this week, but regardless of how the season ends for the Vols, 2015 will always leave “what if?” lingering in the minds of Vol fans. The Vols made quick work of Kentucky on the road last weekend, and should handle South Carolina easily on Saturday. If Butch Jones can win out, plus a bowl game, he has established the new bar at nine wins for his program moving forward. That number is exactly on pace with where he should be, but Jones will have to find a way to win the big ones in 2016.
(Daniel Craig Division) BEST MOVIE: Casino Royale WORST MOVIE: Quantum of Solace
4. Ole Miss (7-2): The Rebel Bears have a great shot to reach Atlanta if they can win the egg bowl and give LSU their best shot. Injuries continue to be a concern for Ole Miss, as does Chad Kelly throwing the ball away every chance he gets, but this team is still really good. It will take Hugh Freeze’s best effort to get the Rebel Bears to the SEC Championship game, but he certainly has the talent to do it.
3. Florida(8-1): I honestly thought Mark Richt was going to reach into his old ass bag of tricks and pull out a win over Florida, but the Gators continued their tear through the SEC East. Florida is in the midst of a special season, and will represent the SEC in Atlanta, with what could be a decent shot to win.
2. Alabama (7-1): The Crimson Tide are in the College Football Playoff (right now) headed into their monumental match-up with LSU this weekend. There seems to be unanimous agreement that they pass the “eye test” but ultimately it comes down to the simple fact that Alabama is just a sound football team. If the Tide loses to LSU, they’ll take yet another step back under Nick Saban, and if they win it’s hard to imagine we won’t see them back in the playoff.
(Sean Connery Division) BEST MOVIE: Goldfinger WORST MOVIE: You Only Live Twice
1. LSU (7-0): It’s a great opportunity for Les Miles on the biggest stage. Leonard Fournette will finally see an equal at his position on the field, and each team has had two weeks to prepare for each other. The final result? Undoubtedly another 9-3 final…although I have no idea who I think will win. The Tigers can justify their spot in the current College Football Playoff bracket with a win on Saturday.
