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SEC fans are a prideful bunch. From historically great programs to wonderful fan traditions to the conference’s recent dominance over the college football landscape, there’s plenty to chant “S-E-C!” about. Here’s a look at five things the conference’s fans can point to after week 6 of the regular season.
- The top of the polls. Even with Alabama going down to Mississippi and exiting the top five, the SEC still claims three of the top four teams in the country. Auburn, last season’s SEC champion is getting proper respect, rising to second in the polls, while Mississippi and Mississippi State are tied at third. That won’t last through this weekend, as Auburn travels to Starkville to take on the Bulldogs, but it keeps the SEC in the national spotlight for another week.
- The pageantry. The entire conference should be proud of the way Ole Miss shined on the national stage this past weekend. From College GameDay on the Grove, to a resilient comeback win to a wild celebration on the field, Ole Miss and its fans showed the country what college football is all about. They even tore down the goalposts and carried them around Oxford, something you don’t see much of these days.
- Going against the grain. The trendy offense in college football is one that spreads the field and slings it all over the place. Texas A&M, while certainly unique in the way they operate, is a good example of a team that throws and throws. Outside of the Aggies, the SEC is showing that an offense that runs the hell out of the ball can be just as effective in this environment. Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Auburn, the next four teams in scoring after Texas A&M, are all run-heavy teams that are putting up points in bunches and rank in the top 15 nationally.
- The fans. Saturday was the biggest day of the SEC season so far, and fans sure acted like it. Neyland, Jordan-Hare, Vaught-Hemingway, Davis Wade, Sanford and Commonwealth Stadiums were all filled to the brim with fans, with each putting out attendance numbers that were either right at or above their maximum capacity. On top of that, Tennessee fans coordinated an effort to dress in a checkered pattern, creating an awesome visual.
- College Football Playoff hopes. Shakeup Saturday seems to have benefitted the SEC as much as any conference in terms of the playoffs. While it’s impossible for all three of the undefeated teams remaining to finish the season that way — Mississippi, Mississippi State and Auburn all still have to play each other — the strength of the SEC, and the West in particular, makes it seem likely that a one-loss runner up in the division would be strongly considered for the final four.
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
