5 SEC teams that could be snubbed from 12-team playoff
The SEC has played great football over the first half of the college football season. After seven weeks of the season, the conference's 16 teams have a combined 65-32 record, including a very impressive 41-8 mark in non-conference games.
There are eight SEC teams ranked in the latest rendition of the AP Top 25 Poll, with five of them ranked in the top-11.
Three additional SEC programs were among the others receiving votes, meaning that 11 of the conference's 16 teams received some recognition from voters.
While the AP Poll has no bearing on the postseason field, it shows that the Southeastern Conference has plenty of teams that should receive consideration. Here's a look at five SEC teams that could face snubs from the 12-team College Football Playoff format.
#1: Tennessee Volunteers
The Tennessee Volunteers enter Week 8 with a 5-1 record, which includes a 2-1 mark in SEC play, and are ranked 11th in the nation.
Their +100 odds of reaching the postseason are also the 11th-best. The Volunteers host the No. 7-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend before visiting the No. 5-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in Week 12.
#2: LSU Tigers
The LSU Tigers are also 5-1; however, they are 2-0 in SEC play and ranked eighth nationally.
Their +135 postseason odds are tied with the Iowa State Cyclones for the 12th-best in the nation. The Tigers visit the No. 14-ranked Texas A&M Aggies in Week 9 before hosting the No. 7-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 11.
#3: Texas A&M Aggies
The Texas A&M Aggies are yet another 5-1 SEC team; however, they are 3-0 in conference play and ranked 14th in the nation.
Their odds of reaching the College Football Playoff sit at +140, the 14th-best mark. The Aggies host the No. 8-ranked LSU Tigers in Week 9 and the No. 1-ranked Texas Longhorns to close their regular season in Week 14.
#4: Ole Miss Rebels
The Ole Miss Rebels are the first two-loss team listed as they are 5-2. Their 1-2 start to SEC play has seen them slide to 18th in the AP Top 25 Poll, while their +190 postseason odds are the 15th-highest.
The Rebels have just one ranked matchup remaining as they host the No. 5-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in Week 11.
#5: Missouri Tigers
The Missouri Tigers are the fourth 5-1 team listed; however, they are just 1-1 in SEC play and ranked 19th nationally.
They have the 19th-highest odds of reaching the College Football Playoff at +350. The Tigers also have just one ranked matchup left on their schedule as they visit the No. 7-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 9.