Mississippi State sneaks higher in Sunday's AP, Coaches polls
Not many people outside of Starkville, Miss., will notice.
The real action in Sunday’s polls came elsewhere, as five undefeated teams lost. That caused a major shakeup near the top.
RELATED: Coaches Poll | Associated Press Top 25
It also may force (allow?) Mississippi State into the margins of national consciousness for at least one more week. The Bulldogs (7-2) now are ranked No. 20 in the Coaches Poll, up five spots, and No. 20 in the Associated Press Top 25, up four spots.
Fans have every right to lament a last-second field goal that would’ve given Mississippi State a win against LSU earlier in the season. If the Bulldogs had made the kick — and won the game — the team probably would be a top 10 team today.
No matter. If Mississippi State can find a way to upset Alabama this week, everyone in the country will be forced to recognize how well Dak Prescott and his teammates are playing.
After drowning Mizzou on a wet field in Columbia, Mo., on Thursday, coach Dan Mullen’s team will get an extra two days to prepare for the Tide as well.
Look at it this way: There were only four SEC teams ranked in the major polls today, and Mississippi State is one of those. For now, thats all the credibility and respect this team needs.