It’s sort of the calm before the storm as there are six games to watch featuring SEC teams this Saturday. The slate isn’t loaded with premier matchups, but we are getting one step closer to some November madness and figuring out which teams will meet up in the SEC Championship game. We’ve learned a few things about each conference teams in the first few weeks, and now we’ve rated all six games on watchability. These rankings are subjective but factor in league and national impact along with how exciting and how close the games will be. Games are ranked on a 1-5 Georgia Dome scale (the site of the SEC Championship), with 5 being the most watchable game and 1 being the least.

5 GEORGIA DOMES

No. 15 Texas A&M at No. 24 Ole Miss, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN — Both teams are coming off a loss, but this remains a Top 25 matchup that could have huge implications on the SEC West race as well as the playoff picture. While the Ole Miss loss to Memphis was disappointing for the Rebels, it doesn’t factor into the SEC standings, so if anyone can knock off LSU we are still looking at potential two, three, or if things get crazy, perhaps even a four-way tie atop the West when the season ends. The winner of this one is very much still in the hunt, but the loser has its second conference loss. These two teams are fun to watch anyway, but the conference implications make it a must-see game.


4 GEORGIA DOMES

Tennessee at No. 8 Alabama, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS — Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara returns to Tuscaloosa where he started his career, and the Volunteers are looking for a victory that could go a long way towards making up for the gut-punch losses suffered against Oklahoma and Florida. Alabama is coming off a huge SEC road victory at Texas A&M, and the Crimson Tide came out a bit flat in a similar situation against Arkansas two weeks ago. It will be interesting to see if the Vols can come out and put a little pressure on the Tide early or if Alabama will continue to roll the way it has since losing to Ole Miss.


3 GEORGIA DOMES

Auburn at Arkansas, Noon, SECN — It’s not the matchup of the best teams in the SEC, for sure, but something about this game resonates. Both teams got off to surprisingly shaky starts to the season and fell like rocks out of the AP Top 25 poll. But each team has shown signs of life in recent weeks, and while they are probably out of the mix for the SEC West championship at this point, they still have the opportunity to play their way into bowl games and salvage respectable seasons. But to do that, both teams are likely looking at this game as a must win. That kind of desperation on both sides figures to make it an entertaining contest.


2 GEORGIA DOMES

Western Kentucky at No. 5 LSU, 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU — Leonard Fournette alone makes LSU worth watching each week, but now the Tigers look like a team that might carry the flag for the SEC when it comes time to start discussing playoff selection. Then, there’s the fact that Western Kentucky isn’t your typical non-conference laugher. Brandon Doughty is one of the nation’s most prolific passers, and Tyler Higbee just might be the best tight end in the country. The LSU defense needs to be up for a challenge.

Kentucky at Mississippi State, 7:30 p.m. ET, SECN — The Wildcats are getting better as a program and Stanley “Boom” Williams is a treat to watch. So is Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott, but at the end of the day this is just a game between a pair of middle-of-the-pack SEC teams. It could be fun to watch, but it won’t ruin your day to miss it.

Missouri at Vanderbilt, 4 p.m. ET, SECN — Missouri has played two 9-6 ball games already this season. Don’t be shocked if this one has a similar score. Both teams have pretty darn good defenses but have struggled so much on offense it has been tough to win games. Missouri quarterback Drew Lock has struggled the past couple times out, and it won’t be easier against Vandy’s secondary. The Commodores have only scored more than 17 points once this season, and that was against Austin Peay. Don’t tune in looking for a shootout.