Ranking coaches based on 2014 seasons to date with an emphasis on their recent stretch, here’s a quick glance:

5. GUS MALZAHN, AUBURN — It’s not easy being the hunted and the Tigers have found that out the hard way since starting the season 5-0. For those saying Auburn ‘ran out of luck’ against Texas A&M, it wasn’t about any fairy dust. The Aggies simply out-executed the Tigers in the first half to build a sizable lead. Benefiting from two uncharacteristic giveaways from Nick Marshall late, Texas A&M was able to burst Auburn’s Playoff bubble. Cameron Artis-Payne leads the SEC in rushing this season despite the loss of Tre Mason, a testament to Malzahn’s system. The lack of a pass rush however and multiple injuries have proved this team’s no longer championship caliber.

4. LES MILES, LSU — Tied for fifth in a brutal West, the Tigers have three losses but came within a couple plays of winning two of those games. Considering the amount of newcomers on both sides of the ball, Miles has done well just keeping LSU afloat and in range of a fifth straight 10-win season. Outside of faking a punt or calling an onside kick, Miles left it all on the field last weekend against Alabama would’ve likely upset the Crimson Tide if the Tigers had not settled for a field goal instead of a touchdown in the final minute. With a strong finish, LSU will stay in the Top 25 and reach a quality bowl game.

3. GARY PINKEL, MIZZOU — There’s still three games to play against SEC competition, but Mizzou’s in the driver’s seat for a return tip to the SEC title game. Pinkel’s helped the Tigers navigate their way through a five-game stretch after a loss to Indiana brought the program to its lowest point since joining the SEC. Heading into the South Carolina game on Sept. 27, Mizzou didn’t look the part. The Tigers have overcome season-long issues on offense to control their own destiny in mid-November.

2. NICK SABAN, ALABAMA — This veteran coach knows better than to worry about the Crimson Tide’s current placement in the Playoff rankings. He knows if the Crimson Tide win out, they’ll be in the final four as long as Alabama escapes Atlanta with a victory over the East champ. Despite the offense not having the same rushing prowess its had previous years, Alabama’s still very much a threat with the football and took the defensive approach in the second half to beat LSU. Saban’s defense is looking at Saturday’s game against top-ranked Mississippi State as a statement opportunity. Shutting down Dak Prescott and the Bulldogs with a dominant effort will be more than enough for the selection committee and further strengthen the Crimson Tide’s reign in the SEC.

1. DAN MULLEN, MISSISSIPPI STATE — Keep winning, Dan. That’s the only option for his top-ranked football team, a program on the verge of a Playoff berth with a successful final stretch. We’ll see if Mullen can take down Saban on Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa or succumb to the pressure of playing in Mississippi State’s biggest football game ever. If Mullen prevails, the Bulldogs all but lock in a spot in the SEC Championship Game, but would still need to beat Ole Miss to stay in the top spot.