The No. 20 Missouri Tigers (8-2, 5-1 SEC) are the defending SEC East champions and current division leader. The Tigers have won four straight games since their only SEC loss, a 34-0 rout at home to Georgia on Oct. 11.

But Missouri hasn’t been able to earn a top-10 ranking, despite being tied for the second-best conference record. Several factors have kept the Tigers from earning a higher ranking.

Loss to Indiana: Missouri started its season with a 3-0 record. In Week 4, the Tigers faced an Indiana team coming off a 45-42 loss to Bowling Green. Despite entering as a heavy favorite, Missouri was upset 31-27 by the Hoosiers, losing its ranking the following week. This loss changed the perception of the Tigers and may standout to committee voters.

Weak Schedule: Missouri has made the most of its easy SEC East schedule. The Tigers’ only SEC West game was against Texas A&M. Their final game will be against Arkansas at home. Both teams rank last in the SEC’s tougher division. Missouri’s only ranked wins have come against South Carolina — who lost its ranking the following week — and No. 24 Texas A&M.

The Tigers haven’t always looked convincing in wins over weak competition. Missouri was challenged by Vanderbilt in a 24-14 loss on Oct. 25. The Tigers were also pressured in a 20-10 win over Kentucky the following week.

Maty Mauk’s inconsistent play: Mauk entered the season with high expectations following a strong freshman campaign. However, he’s struggled in several games, throwing zero touchdowns in his first three conference games. The dual-threat quarterback hasn’t rushed for a score since Missouri’s Week 2 win over Toledo. Mauk’s disappointing season has stood out to fans and could weigh in the minds of voters.