6. LSU Tigers
Previous Ranking: 8
Off to a 7-1 start to the Matt McMahon era in Baton Rouge, LSU rises two spots up to No. 6 in this week’s update. Some of the Tigers biggest wins during that stretch came against the likes of Wofford and Arkansas State, with LSU’s lone loss having come to Kansas State by a final of 61-59.
LSU’s remaining non-conference schedule is headlined by a December 10 matchup with Wake Forest, which is likely the Tigers toughest test before SEC play. The Tigers should enter SEC play as well with a strong record, and could potentially be ranked come January.
5. Auburn Tigers
Previous Ranking: 4
The final SEC Basketball team still unbeaten, Auburn drops a spot to No. 5 in this week’s update, even despite sitting at 8-0 on the year. Included in that stretch were two close wins over the likes of Northwestern and Saint Louis, as well as notable victories over George Mason and Bradley.
Auburn has arguably what is their toughest tests of the season up to this point remaining in their non-conference schedule, most notably against Memphis, as well as trips out west to both USC and Washington. Those games will likely tell just how good this Tigers team can be this season before SEC play officially begins.