While Mississippi State and Alabama continue to battle for Playoff berths, other teams in the SEC West are busy playing out the schedule in hopes of strengthening their case to various bowl representatives. Auburn and Ole Miss have the best chance at reaching non-semifinal New Year’s Six games, a feather in the cap for both programs.

RELATED: Week 11 SEC Bowl Projections

On Thursday, we looked at SEC East bowl possibilities. Here’s our thoughts on the West …

MISSISSIPPI STATE (9-0, 6-0)

We’ll know more after this weekend, but the Bulldogs will at least play in a non-semifinal game if they finish with 11 victories in the regular season. Staying at No. 1 by beating Alabama is the primary goal on their road to Atlanta and beyond.

Most likely

  • Playoff Semifinal
  • Peach
  • Orange

Fringe

  • Citrus

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (8-1, 5-1)

With a win over Mississippi State on Saturday, Alabama’s a near lock to play in a major bowl on Jan. 1. Worst case scenario is the Crimson Tide play in Orlando with nine wins, a dream invite for the Citrus Bowl.

Most likely

  • Playoff Semifinal
  • Peach
  • Orange

Fringe

  • Cotton
  • Citrus

AUBURN TIGERS (7-2, 4-2)

The first of two West teams ranked in the CFP’s Top 10, Auburn’s playing in Atlanta if the Tigers win out. That would include a win over Alabama in the Iron Bowl and a victory this weekend over Georgia which is easier said than done.

Most likely

  • Citrus
  • Peach

Fringe

  • Orange
  • Citrus

OLE MISS REBELS (8-2, 4-2)

There’s a strong possibility Ole Miss finishes 9-3 considering the games remaining on the schedule. That should be enough to keep a team that will be ranked in the Top 15 out of the second-tier contests and into a bowl game in Florida.

Most likely

  • Citrus
  • Outback
  • Peach

Fringe

  • Fiesta

LSU TIGERS (7-3, 3-3)

A return trip to Tampa might not be ideal for the Tigers, but that’s where many of my projections based on division finish has LSU going should Les Miles’ team finish 9-3. Eight wins is more likely and the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl could come calling.

Most likely

  • Outback
  • TaxSlayer

Fringe

  • Cotton
  • Citrus

TEXAS A&M AGGIES (7-3, 2-3)

An unexpected win over Auburn improved the Aggies’ placement a bit, but we’re still projecting this team to stay in-state and sell a bunch of tickets in a bowl against a Big XII opponent. There’s a chance Texas A&M could win up in Central Florida, but the Aggies would need to win out with nine victories to do so.

Most likely

  • Texas
  • Outback

Fringe

  • TaxSlayer
  • Liberty