The SEC is a wild place, with teams’ chances at a division crown or playoff berth, or a coach’s job security, can vary widely week to week. Whose stock is rising and whose is dropping at the end of the regular in the SEC West? SDS takes a look.

Rising

  • Lane Kiffin. Alabama’s offense coordinator has taken a very good Alabama offense and turned it into a juggernaut, reminding everyone that he’s a very good coach. Perhaps Kiffin’s image has been helped by the embargo Nick Saban has on his assistants talking to the media in-season, but the work he’s done with Blake Sims, Amari Cooper and company far outweigh anything Kiffin could have possibly said to the media this year.
  • The Landsharks. The most fearsome defense from the first half of the season never really went away, but they reminded everyone just how good they are in beating up on their in-state rivals. Ole Miss destroyed Mississippi State up front and didn’t give the Bulldogs any running room, throwing a wrench into their potent offense. The upset win not only ended State’s playoff dreams but also put Ole Miss in the conversation for a New Year’s Six bowl.
  • Nick Marshall. Auburn’s senior quarterback might have ended his final regular season on a 1-3 skid, but Marshall showed scouts that he has plenty of “arm talent” to be considered for the next level. Marshall threw several perfect deep balls against Alabama, and completed a few more tough throws to the sideline. He clearly has the athletic ability to play at the next level, and made a case to remain a quarterback when he gets there with his career night against Alabama.

Falling

  • LSU’s passing attack. You didn’t think the Tigers could be any worse throwing the ball? LSU was afraid to even attempt a pass at the end of the first half against Texas A&M, instead kicking a field goal on second-and-goal with about 10 seconds to go. LSU has a nasty rushing game to compete with anyone, but they won’t have much of a chance in the West next year without some competency at quarterback.
  • Texas A&M’s offense. The Aggies offensive line is banged up and they’ve had a freshman quarterback running the show for the latter part of the season, but Texas A&M’s offense has taken a serious dip. After averaging 51 points in the first month of the season, A&M only topped 28 points once in the second half of the year and dipped to sixth in the conference in total offense after finishing first the previous two seasons. Kevin Sumlin’s scheme was once thought to be bulletproof, but some holes are clearly showing.
  • Mississippi State’s dream season. Things went off the rails in Oxford for the Bulldogs, from Dak Prescott’s Heisman campaign (already way down after a poor performance against Alabama) to Dan Mullen’s reputation. The coach went off in his post-game press conference, throwing his defensive staff under the bus big time. While State made an amazing run to the top of the SEC early in the year, they weren’t able to keep that success going late.