Most of the positive momentum Gus Malzahn had coming into the season has evaporated on the Plains.

Auburn’s train has fallen off the tracks over the last five weeks and the defending SEC champ admitted that his team felt the hangover effect from a previous loss to Texas A&M last weekend at Georgia, resulting in a 27-point setback.

The loss eliminated Auburn from SEC West and College Football Playoff contention.

Ranking coaches based on their 2014 seasons to date, here’s a quick glance:

5. HUGH FREEZE, OLE MISS: We don’t know how the Rebels will respond down the stretch, but Ole Miss is in a great spot, a possible second-place finish in the SEC West with victory over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl. Freeze has cultivated a winning mindset in Oxford since his arrival and his success is coveted by several who have struggled in the SEC during that three-year stretch.

4. MARK RICHT, GEORGIA: The loss to Florida in Jacksonville remains the Albatross, a setback that could keep the Bulldogs out of Atlanta, but Georgia’s recovered nicely and set itself up for a New Year’s Six bowl bid if it wins out. Todd Gurley’s injury against Auburn was unfortunate and thankfully, Georgia has the depth at running back to overcome the loss. Nick Chubb’s had a stellar true freshman campaign and has helped Richt maintain the Bulldogs’ current position in the Top 25.

3. GARY PINKEL, MIZZOU: Did you know the SEC East frontrunners went on the road and beat Texas A&M last weekend? Probably not since the Indiana loss seems to be the only part of this season we’re talking about concerning Mizzou as a legitimate football team. Believe it or not, Pinkel’s actually the East’s second-highest paid coach behind Steve Spurrier and he’s earning every dime this fall.

2. DAN MULLEN, MISSISSIPPI ST.: Saturday’s loss at Alabama was a struggle from the start thanks to turnovers in the red zone and execution failures, but the Bulldogs stayed in the game in the second half and made it respectable late. Mullen’s name been tossed around Gainesville as a potential Will Muschamp replacement, but he called Mississippi St. a ‘destination’ job prior to the Alabama game. Do you believe him?

1. NICK SABAN, ALABAMA: It’s that time of year again in the SEC, the moment you glance at the standings and see the Crimson Tide ahead of everyone else in the national title race. Saban’s frightening in the top spot with a defense that’s outplaying several elites in the Top 10. Alabama’s right where it wants to be with two regular-season games remaining and a berth in the SEC Championship if it wins out.