Here's a statistic where Mississippi State football ranks ahead of 10 SEC schools

With the caliber of football played in the SEC for the past decade, ranking in the top 4 of any statistic can be considered quite an accomplishment.

In recently examining Alabama’s dominance at the top of the AP poll in recent years, many SDS readers found it quite interesting that Mississippi State beat every team in the conference except for Alabama, Florida and LSU with regards to time spent in the No. 1 ranking slot.

As the below graphic shows, Mississippi State spent five weeks atop the AP poll since 2008, which is better than 10 other SEC schools.

A look at how often Alabama has been ranked no. 1 in the AP poll since 2008. pic.twitter.com/twWQb1hM67

— Saturday Down South (@SDS) August 7, 2017

Of course, these five weeks came in one single streak during the magical run of the 2014 season. During the season, Mississippi State was heading into its Week 7 matchup against No. 2-ranked Auburn. Mississippi State was ranked No. 3.

After beating Auburn 38-23, voters gave Mississippi State the No. 1 ranking in the subsequent AP poll, leaping Florida State, which had owned the top spot.

The Bulldogs remained atop the AP poll for five weeks until Alabama knocked off Mississippi State on Nov. 15, 2014. Alabama went on to the College Football Playoff, but lost to Ohio State in the semifinal.