Vassallo: How The West Will Be Won

SEC standings after week 6. Photo courtesy SEC Network Facebook page.

There are two scenarios in play currently. One has Alabama running the table and going 7-1 in the west. The other has Bama losing to Texas A&M this week and going 6-2. With LSU, Texas A&M and the Ole Miss Rebels still in the hunt, here’s how the four teams’ remaining schedules compare.

Alabama (2-1) at Texas A&M ; TN; LSU; at MSU; at Auburn  (Open date 10/31) This schedule has a trap set in College Station as Bama appears unbeatable at home. The two road games appear winnable as of now. Should Bama defeat A&M this Saturday, they would clearly establish themselves as the odds on favorite to repeat.

LSU (3-0) Florida; at AL; Arkansas; at Ole Miss; Texas A&M   (Open date 10/31) This is by far the toughest schedule of all as the Tigers must face all 4 of the top 5 teams in the league (excluding themselves). A 3-2 record would be acceptable, but not good enough to win the west.

Texas A&M (2-0) Alabama; at Ole Miss; SC; Auburn; at Vanderbilt; at LSU  (No open dates) The Aggies also have some challenges with AL and then Ole Miss and LSU both away. A 6-2 or even a 5-3 worksheet in the west seems probable, but no cigar.

Ole Miss (2-1) Texas A&M; at Auburn; Arkansas; LSU; at State  (Open date 11/14) The good news is, the Rebs have the toughest two at home. The bad news is they must face Auburn and State away, two stadiums where they have struggled. A 3-2 record with this bunch would grade satisfactory, but would not win the title.

Again, should Bama defeat A&M this weekend, the Rebs’ only alternative is to go 5-0. A Bama loss, however, provides the Rebs the luxury to drop one of the road games and still prevail assuming LSU loses to Bama and then LSU defeats A&M.

With Florida all but certain to win the East, there is considerable football yet to be played in the West. Who will be the spoilers? The upcoming  weekend will provide more clues as the mystery reveals itself one touchdown at a time!

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.