Who is the top dog in the SEC?

Alabama started its season with a loss in the pouring rain to a now-struggling Florida State team, but since that wake-up call, they have not looked back, beating several of the top teams in the conference.

This includes four top 25 schools, all in the SEC, the most impressive being a week five win against Georgia in Athens. After a get-right game against Wisconsin, winning 38-14, the Crimson Tide played a complete 60 minutes of football, never once trailing to the Bulldogs.

Junior quarterback Ty Simpson was a big component in the win, throwing for 276 passing yards on 24/38 passing with three touchdowns, one being on the ground.

Performances like this, along with a season stat line of 20 total touchdowns to only one interception, are the main reason why Alabama currently looks unbeatable and why Simpson is tied for first in Heisman odds.

Other than the game against Bama, Georgia has been just as good with close wins over No. 8 Ole Miss and No. 17 Tennessee. Georgia is winning these games with a dominant defense and an offense that doesn't turn the ball over or make mistakes.

This is the style of play coach Kirby Smart is known for, and is very dangerous if they can make the playoffs, as shown from years past.

That doesn't mean Georgia can't win in a shootout, as they scored 44 points in an overtime thriller on the road against Tennessee. This amount of discipline, experienced coaching and raw talent makes them a top team not just in the SEC but in college football as a whole.

Texas A&M is undefeated, but has looked mortal throughout the season. Only having one true blowout win against an underrated Mississippi State team a couple of weeks ago. But the Aggies let teams like Florida, UTSA, Arkansas and Auburn stay competitive in games till the fourth quarter, showing their inability to put bad teams away.

This does not mean Texas A&M is a bad team under coach Mike Elko. Elko has given the team a completely new feel from former head coach Jimbo Fisher, using a more defensive approach and turning around the culture over the last two years. This is why they are the number three team in the country.

A&M is still a very young team with their quarterback, leading rusher, leading receiver and head coach all going into their sophomore years with the Aggies. Even though this is the main reason they can't put away bad teams, it is also the reason they have a fighting chance against any team they play this season and many seasons to come.

Texas A&M may have the best record in the SEC, but its lack of experience and lack of impressive victories is why Alabama is the top dog in the conference, followed closely behind by Georgia. But with all three teams having two ranked opponents left on their schedule, only time will tell if that will last.

Michael Fechter is a first-year student majoring in journalism. To contact him, please email maf6740@psu.edu