re: LSU lowest ranked Defending Champ since 1991

We are high enough in the AP and Coaches (and only the latter matters) that if we take care of business, things will take care of themselves. USC or OSU is guaranteed a loss. Oklahoma or Missouri (ahead of us in the AP, but not Coaches)is guaranteed a loss. We play Florida and UGA, and they play each other, either team is guaranteed one loss, and if we do our job, one will have at least one loss and one will have 2.

If we have a loss or losses then timing of a loss or losses is critical. Among the top 7-8 teams, the team that loses last most likely will be out (though a conference championship game can help mitigate a late loss as we know). There is no 2003 OU "best ever" team out there that can survive a late season loss, unless we have another weird season like 2007.

But 6 or 7 isn't bad at all right now. And 6 in the coaches is much more important than 7 in the AP. I think they may have it about right going into the season. One thing we know. What we see now will not be what we see by seasons end.

Last year seemed to show that the voters may becoming more flexible in ranking, less lock step voting. If we play to our potential, that could help us in the event of a 3 way tie at the top and we take care of Florida, Auburn, and UGA and the SECCG (the latter being a must win and 2 of 3 of the others being required to have a shot as well).