Every Thursday, we rank the SEC and ACC teams in one power poll. The order of the SEC teams is based on our SDS Power Rankings.

Florida State’s stock as college football’s defending national champion is falling by the hour, as are Jameis Winston’s chances at another Heisman. The oft-talked about quarterback for his myriad of off-the-field dilemmas returns to action Saturday at N.C. State, the site of the Seminoles’ last ACC loss. The SEC meanwhile has looked the part, especially its Western Division boasting six nationally-ranked programs.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF POTENTIAL

It’s refreshing to see a new contender in the mix and Ole Miss fits that role in the No. 5 spot. The Rebels take on Alabama next weekend in Oxford, the biggest home game of the 21st century (if the Rebels take care of business Saturday vs. Memphis). Alabama’s statement in last week’s win over Florida was a real eye-opener to the rest of the SEC that this year’s Crimson Tide squad is a serious national championship threat with one of the nation’s most balanced offenses anchored by Amari Cooper, a Heisman frontrunner. As is stands, Lane Kiffin’s the offseason hire of the year in the league.

1. Alabama
2. Auburn
3. Texas A&M
4. Florida State
5. Ole Miss

CHECK BACK IN THREE WEEKS

LSU and South Carolina may not be built for the stretch run for various reasons. The Tigers are hampered at the quarterback position at the moment while the Gamecocks are winning with one of college football’s worst defenses. Eventually, that’s going to catch up with Steve Spurrier’s team if issues are not resolved. Mississippi State and Georgia are contenders in their respective divisions and have star players on both sides of the ball to anchor a strong finish.

6. Mississippi State
7. Georgia
8. LSU
9. South Carolina

OVERREACTIONS ABUNDANT

The Blue Devils are 4-0, as would 13 out of 14 SEC programs with Duke’s early-season schedule. Dabo Swinney insists Clemson’s still unbeaten, the only losses (2) coming against his own Tigers for correctable mistakes. Gator Nation’s ready to throw in the towel on quarterback Jeff Driskel when in fact, Alabama often makes all quarterbacks appear average. Arkansas needs to win a conference game before buying all stock in the Razorbacks. That opportunity comes this weekend against Texas A&M.

10. Duke
11. Clemson
12. Arkansas
13. Georgia Tech
14. Florida

SEASON-DEFINING GAMES FORTHCOMING

At 3-1 through the first month, the Eagles, Panthers and Tigers are respected competition, but are they considered contenders? After beating ninth-ranked USC on Sept. 13, Steve Addazio’s club avoided a letdown by steamrolling Maine. Boston College battles Clemson, Virginia Tech and Florida State over a five-week span coming up. Pitt has the luxury of knowing every remaining game is winnable, not a single matchup against a team currently ranked. Mizzou’s real season begins Saturday at South Carolina, a game that could essentially eliminate the Gamecocks or Tigers from title contention.

15. Boston College
16. Pittsburgh
17. Mizzou

THREE OF THESE FOUR WILL FOLD

Like Duke, N.C. State’s stretch of four consecutive non-conference games to open the season has been laughable, but Dave Doeren’s group is 4-0. Tennessee’s the wild-card with a chance to prove its value in Athens this weekend. A win between the hedges pushes the Vols into the Top 15 (of this ranking).

18. Louisville
19. Tennessee
20. Virginia
21. N.C. State

ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN

The Tar Heels were exposed by their coastal neighbor, East Carolina, for the second consecutive season during Week 4 after giving up 70 points to a team South Carolina beat by 10. Coach Larry Fedora’s yet to find a defense in Chapel Hill during his tenure and time could be running out. The same storm cloud’s forming over the head of Frank Beamer in Blacksburg who appears to have lost a step in the ACC pecking order following the Hokies’ second straight home loss.

22. Virginia Tech
23. North Carolina
24. Kentucky
25. Miami

CLOSE THE CURTAINS

We didn’t expect the Orange to be a legitimate threat at 2-0, and we were correct. Syracuse’s two-touchdown loss to Maryland last weekend showcased a team that underperformed despite a 589-369 yardage edge. The Terps returned an interception 88 yards for a touchdown and scored on a 90-yard pass in the first quarter to fuel the victory. Vanderbilt’s Darrius Sims returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in a loss to South Carolina, the first time that’s transpired in a SEC game since 2000.

26. Syracuse
27. Wake Forest
28. Vanderbilt