The race for the SEC championship in 2024 is heating up, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most thrilling contests in college football. With eight schools boasting two losses or fewer in conference play, the stakes couldn’t be higher as we approach Week 12. The SEC has nine teams ranked in the AP Top 25, and it’s likely that four, if not five, will earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. However, the real challenge lies in determining which two teams will face off in the SEC championship game on December 7 in Atlanta.
As the season progresses, the pivotal matchup between No. 7 Tennessee and No. 12 Georgia will provide some much-needed clarity. Yet, the key game that could shake up the standings will occur on November 30, when No. 3 Texas takes on No. 15 Texas A&M. This game could significantly impact the potential logjam of two-loss teams vying for a championship spot.
SEC contenders’ path to the championship game
Let’s break down the paths of the leading contenders as they strive for a coveted spot in the SEC championship game:
Tennessee (8-1, 5-1)
Remaining schedule: at Georgia, vs. UTEP, at Vanderbilt
Tennessee is currently tied at the top of the conference standings. However, they face a daunting challenge, having lost their last seven encounters with Georgia. Adding to their woes, quarterback Nico Iamaleava is in concussion protocol ahead of their crucial matchup. A previous loss to Arkansas complicates matters, especially since Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and LSU have all triumphed over the Razorbacks. Nevertheless, the Vols still control their destiny, especially with Texas and Texas A&M set to clash on November 30.
Texas A&M (7-2, 5-1)
Remaining schedule: vs. New Mexico State, at Auburn, vs. Texas
The Aggies are the wild card in this race. A win against Texas in their regular-season finale could create a chaotic two-loss scenario for the SEC. Although Texas A&M has a non-conference loss to Notre Dame, that will weigh more heavily on the College Football Playoff picture than the SEC standings.
Texas (8-1, 4-1)
Remaining schedule: at Arkansas, vs. Kentucky, at Texas A&M
The Longhorns still control their fate in the SEC. Their loss to Georgia is concerning, especially since Alabama and Ole Miss have both beaten the Bulldogs. If Texas stumbles in one of their final three games, that tie-breaker could be detrimental. However, they are favored to win out, giving them a strong chance to reach the SEC championship.
Georgia (7-2, 5-2)
Remaining schedule: vs. Tennessee, vs. UMass, vs. Georgia Tech
Georgia faces a must-win situation against Tennessee. A loss would eliminate them from contention, while a victory would keep their hopes alive. The Bulldogs’ head-to-head win against Texas could be crucial if Texas A&M manages to defeat the Longhorns. However, their losses to Ole Miss and Alabama could complicate their chances in a potential tie.
Alabama (7-2, 4-2)
Remaining schedule: vs. Mercer, at Oklahoma, vs. Auburn
Despite losses to Vanderbilt and Tennessee, Alabama remains in a strong position. Their head-to-head victories against Georgia and LSU give them a significant advantage in a potential tie among two-loss teams. The Crimson Tide’s fluctuating performance under Kalen DeBoer has kept fans on their toes.
Ole Miss (8-2, 4-2)
Remaining schedule: at Florida, vs. Mississippi State
The Rebels are eyeing a spot in the College Football Playoff, but their three-point losses to Kentucky and LSU have made their path to the SEC championship more challenging. Their victory against Georgia helps, but they likely need Alabama to falter to keep their championship hopes alive.
Missouri (7-2, 3-2)
Remaining schedule: at South Carolina, at Mississippi State, vs. Arkansas
Missouri is clinging to their SEC hopes after a hard-fought victory against Oklahoma. However, they face a tough challenge as two-touchdown underdogs against South Carolina. Their lack of wins against top-tier teams could hinder their chances in tie-breaker scenarios.
LSU (6-3, 3-2)
Remaining schedule: at Florida, vs. Vanderbilt, vs. Oklahoma
The Tigers are still in the mix, but their loss to Alabama has put them at a disadvantage. If they can win out, they could contribute to a potential logjam of teams with two losses. However, their three losses make their path to the championship a steep climb.
SEC football standings 2024
The SEC landscape is incredibly competitive, with eight teams maintaining two losses or fewer as we approach the end of the regular season. Here’s a snapshot of the current standings:
| SCHOOL | SEC | OVERALL | PF | PA |
| Tennessee | 5-1 | 8-1 | 361 | 196 |
| Texas A&M | 5-1 | 7-2 | 278 | 191 |
| Texas | 4-1 | 8-1 | 350 | 109 |
| Georgia | 5-2 | 7-2 | 275 | 166 |
| Ole Miss | 4-2 | 8-2 | 407 | 129 |
| Alabama | 4-2 | 7-2 | 343 | 162 |
| Missouri | 3-2 | 7-2 | 252 | 166 |
| LSU | 3-2 | 6-3 | 275 | 224 |
Most likely SEC championship game scenario
Looking ahead, here’s how we envision the next few weeks unfolding:
– Georgia will defeat Tennessee.
– Missouri will likely be eliminated with a loss to South Carolina.
– Texas is expected to beat Texas A&M on November 30, securing their spot in the SEC championship game.
If everything plays out as anticipated, we could see a scenario where six teams end up with 6-2 records in conference play. The first tie-breaker would be head-to-head records among those teams, giving Alabama the edge with a 2-1 record in that scenario.
Right now, the projection stands at Texas versus Alabama in the SEC championship game. As the season races toward its conclusion, fans can expect thrilling matchups and nail-biting moments that will shape the future of SEC football.
