SEC Football Power Rankings 2017: Auburn jumps in Week 12
Auburn needed a statement win over Georgia to truly throw themselves back into the playoff conversation as a two loss team, and that’s exactly what they did. The defense suffocated the Georgia run game, and sacked Jake Fromm four times in the game. As great as the defense was, quarterback Jarrett Stidham and running back Kerryon Johnson put on shows of their own in this game. Stidham threw three touchdown passes and Johnson was a consistent rusher with 167 yards in the game.
As one of the SEC’s best rivalry games this one didn’t disappoint. The Tigers now have a lot of momentum and confidence to carry over into their looming matchup with Alabama at the end of the season. Along with that momentum comes the proof that this team does have what it takes to compete for a playoff spot. Auburn will face Louisiana-Monroe next before their date with the Crimson Tide.
Ole reliable. The reigning top team in the SEC for as long as I and probably anyone else can remember. And yet, the Crimson Tide almost lost this spot. Their last minute victory over Mississippi State was probably too close for comfort for many Crimson Tide fans. Yet it showed just how beat up Alabama is. So many defensive injuries have taken their toll on this team. Obviously the team and head coach Nick Saban aren’t going to make excuses but that is where their at.
Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 11 edition
Alabama has to figure things out in their game against Mercer this week before they face Auburn in the Iron Bowl. The offense has proven it can take care of itself but surprisingly the defense is most worrisome going forward for Alabama. However, honestly I don’t think it’ll slow this team down. Much in the same way that people all but counted out the New England Patriots because of their defense earlier in the 2017 season. Yet that team is getting better and better as their season progresses. I think Saban will figure his defense out and they’ll just do what they do; keep on winning.