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The Road to Atlanta will be decided during Rivalry Weekend after Alabama seized control with a win over Mississippi State. These two teams have shown throughout the season each has warranted mention in the College Football Playoffs as well …
RELATED: SEC divisional scenarios infographic
ALABAMA (9-1, 6-1)
CHANCES AT WINNING THE WEST: High
REMAINING SEC GAME: vs. Auburn, Nov. 29
VERDICT: Alabama’s in position to compete for another national championship after a momentum-building home victory over the previously unbeaten Bulldogs. The top-ranked Crimson Tide (CFP poll) must win the Iron Bowl next week then capture the SEC title to remain in the final four.
MISSISSIPPI STATE (9-1, 5-1)
CHANCES AT WINNING THE WEST: Moderate
REMAINING SEC GAMES: vs. Vanderbilt, Saturday; at Ole Miss, Nov. 29
VERDICT: With two games left on the schedule including the all-important Egg Bowl, Mississippi State can still reach Atlanta with a win next week and an Alabama loss. Some feel that Mississippi State, even by winning out, hasn’t ensured itself of a Playoff bid. It would be a headache for the committee trying to determine the nation’s best one-loss, not conference champion.
Editor’s note: There is one scenario remaining in which Ole Miss could win the West. Should the Rebels beat Mississippi St. on Nov. 29 and Auburn upsets Alabama, a three-way tie between two-loss teams goes to the Rebels since they would have head-to-head tiebreakers over the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs.
