The week that was mad the top of the conference standings less clear, but the weekend slate will clarify it some. Let's go.
GAME OF THE WEEKEND
Kentucky at South Carolina, noon ET, ESPN
The Gamecocks have been making a move of late with consecutive wins over Texas A&M and LSU. They can complete a three-game sweep over the other top contenders with this game, and it's actually doable since the game isn't in Rupp.
UK is coming off of blowout wins over Florida and Georgia, but it has been difficult for this year's outfit to keep it together for all that long. Since taking a loss to UCLA on December 3, the Wildcats have managed to win three games in a row just once—and the third victory in that streak was over lowly Missouri. Given UK's pattern, it's about time for it to take another loss. Cocky might be about to crow.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Texas A&M at LSU, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The SEC once again has its best Saturday games competing against each other. Thanks, CBS. A&M has lost four straight conference games, while the Tigers are trying to shake off a Wednesday loss at South Carolina. The bubblicious Bayou Bengals could use another top 50 RPI win on their resume, and the Aggies haven't fallen far yet enough to deprive them of the opportunity. LSU needs this one for its resume, but Texas A&M needs it for its confidence and sanity.
Arkansas at Ole Miss, 2 p.m. ET, ESPNU
If the Rebels are serious about making a late NCAA Tournament push, then winning this game is mandatory. Given Arkansas's road struggles this year, the game is ripe for Ole Miss's taking.
Tennessee at Missouri, 3 p.m. ET, SEC Network
The Vols aren't beyond a puzzling road loss, but they really need to win this one to keep pace with Alabama and Arkansas in the race for the last SEC Tournament first round bye.
Alabama at Florida, 5:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Don't overlook this game. The Tide has already defeated Texas A&M and South Carolina, so they're capable of knocking off some of the best the SEC has to offer. Both of those were home games, though, and Florida is generally aces at home. The Gators will want to take this one to keep in the race for the last SEC Tournament double bye, so the motivation and level of play should be high on both sides.
Vanderbilt at Auburn, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN2
This is the latest game in Vandy's "just don't screw anything up" bubble campaign before its rough and tumble end of the schedule. Vandy's two worst losses in RPI terms (Arkansas and Ole Miss) were road games, and it's just 1-7 on the road this year. Meanwhile ,Auburn has managed to beat both Kentucky and Alabama at home. It's not a foregone conclusion that the 'Dores will get the job done.
Georgia at Mississippi State, 8 p.m. ET, SEC Network
MSU is not as bad as its record would suggest, but it's had a hard time getting any momentum in conference play. Fresh off an enormous home win over Arkansas, the Bulldogs have an opportunity to pick up their first consecutive win of 2016 with another home contest. UGA has impressed no one in its road work, with its only win away from home coming by three points against Mizzou.