In 2009, when Alabama beat defending BCS champion Florida in the SEC Championship Game, it felt like the balance of power had suddenly shifted. From 2010-2016, the SEC West was the stronger division as all seven division teams would appear in bowl games that are part of the current New Year’s Six lineup. In the SEC East, South Carolina had a good run under Steve Spurrier, Georgia was up-and-down with Mark Richt and Missouri won the division twice, but the division as a whole represented the weaker half of the conference.

This season’s cross-division clashes suggest that the power may be shifting back to the SEC East. With 13 of 14 games in the books (Missouri and Arkansas play this week), the SEC East is up 8-5, likely to make it 9-5. It’s a significant sign of improvement from last year’s 3-11 showing from the division.

The SEC West, however, may get the last laugh if Alabama knocks off Georgia in Atlanta.

SEC West: 5-8

Alabama: 2-0
Arkansas: 0-1 (play Missouri this weekend)
Auburn: 0-2
LSU: 1-1
Ole Miss: 0-2
Mississippi State: 0-2
Texas A&M: 2-0

SEC East: 8-5

Florida: 2-0
Georgia: 1-1
Kentucky: 1-1
Missouri: 0-1 (play Arkansas this weekend)
South Carolina: 1-1
Tennessee: 1-1
Vanderbilt: 2-0