The SEC is a wild place, with teams’ chances at a division crown or playoff berth, or a coach’s job security, can vary widely week to week. Whose stock is rising and whose is dropping this week in the SEC West? SDS takes a look.

RISING

  • Arkansas’ defense. It doesn’t seem like the Razorbacks defense can play any better at this point after two straight shutouts against ranked opponents, the first time an unranked team has ever done that in back-to-back weeks. Will they be able to keep the streak up on the road? It’s unlikely, but Missouri’s offense has looked pretty pitiful for stretches this season and did get shut out at home by Georgia in October.
  • Mississippi State’s offense. Funny what one game against the SEC’s worst team can do for an offense. Mississippi State rolled up a season-high 51 points, Dak Prescott was turnover-free and threw 3 TD passes and the Bulldogs had over 500 total yards. Vanderbilt is no Ole Miss, but it’s encouraging to see the Bulldogs warm back up.
  • Kris Frost and Cassanova McKinzy. Auburn’s defense has been down in the dumps for weeks, but they looked a lot better when matched up against Samford. The Tigers’ linebacking duo combined for 20 tackles and helped limit Samford to just 3 yards per carry, and that kind of play will be needed when Auburn meets Alabama in the Iron Bowl on Saturday.

FALLING

  • Alabama’s injury list. Get these guys in the cold tub. Alabama has dealt with injuries all season, and their concerns grew big time against Western Carolina when a handful of starters were forced out of the game with various injuries. Amari Cooper’s knee injury was the most pressing, but seeing several other crucial parts go down hurt against an FCS opponent. Alabama will need everyone at full strength for the Iron Bowl.
  • Ole Miss’ offense. The Rebels suffered a humbling shutout against Arkansas, but the offense has been struggling since Laquon Treadwell was lost for the season. Treadwell helped make things easy for Bo Wallace and the rest of the receiving corps, drawing plenty of defensive attention on his own. Now, Wallace is dinged up as the Rebels limp into the Egg Bowl.
  • Nick Marshall. Auburn’s senior quarterback has had a strong senior season, although maybe not as good as many expected. He struggled for stretches against Samford, an FCS team, and posted his worst QBR (ESPN’s all-encompassing quarterback stat) of the season. Another lackluster performance won’t cut it against Alabama.