Did the West make any strides towards becoming more clear?

Or were things muddied even further...?

As an Alabama fan I feel a bit better about their chances of making the SECCG. Full disclosure, this means I'm SLIGHTLY more confident, and that's added to a pretty dim outlook to begin with.

Ole Miss: Feel like they are close, but simply not ready to take the West.

Legit contender: No

Arkansas: Feel bad for em. This season(for them) reminds me a bit of Auburn's 2010 season - Cam. In both cases, the teams could have improved greatly, translating to previous losses becoming huge wins. Or they could be much improved but come up short after battling the shite out of their schedule. Looks like the latter for this Arkansas team, but they will probably get a big win or two against some SEC team/teams.

Legit contender: No

aTm: Still explosive AND scrappy as shite, which is dangerous. But I have to believe their defense will keep them out of the SECCG.

Legit contender: Yes

Miss State: At this point, have to see them as a legit threat to at least ruin some SEC fans' hopes this year. They're a nice mixture of physicality on offense and defense. Could be a nightmare matchup for a few teams and are stout enough to have a chance in big time games where they're usually an afterthought. As of right now, they're kinda scary.

Legit contender: Yes

LSU: Not our normal LSU team, but I'm a way, they are. Instead of looking like a sure fire West contender, they seem more like a really solid Ole Miss team...waiting around to frick up someone's shot at the championship. Only thing is, more often than not, that makes for a very dangerous, and infuriating, LSU team. Still think they'll fall short, but not before putting their stamp on the race.

Legit contender: No

Auburn: Enough playmakers at each position to have a shot. They'll be a REALLY tough out when they play like they should, but haven't shown a whole a ton of consistency. That, mixed with a defense that looks average or below average at times, tells me they don't have a great shot at being unbeaten at seasons end.

Legit contender: Yes

Alabama: The potential to win the West is definitely there, but they still have a ton of question marks. There isn't one part of their game that leads me to believe they can take over a contest and carry the team to the SECCG. Better than some(including Alabama fans) expected so far, but not dominant enough to seriously put ahead of some of the other West teams right now.

Legit contender: Yes

I really don't think the West will be undefeated heading into the SECCG.

Whatcha say...?