SEC Monday Notebook

The Championship matchup was finally decided this past week in the SEC, and it sure went down to the wire. The Iron Bowl was decided by the oddest, most amazing play in SEC history. Yes, I know I said that two weeks ago after "The Deflection," but "The Return" not only decided who was going to represent the SEC West, it also had incredible national implications. The SEC actually may have very well of cannibalized itself this season, as no team finished perfect. Auburn might have a chance to jump Ohio State to play against Florida State, but as of right now, it appears the SEC is on the outside looking in when talking about the National Championship. Why can't we just have a playoff now?

Johnny Manziel couldn't work enough magic to punch South Carolina's ticket to Atlanta this weekend. It was a loss to Tennessee on the road at the beginning of the year that made all the difference for the Gamecocks. With that being said, you can't be mad if you're a South Carolina fan. South Carolina has it's sights set on a third consecutive 11-win season. To achieve 11 wins, South Carolina must beat it's to-be-determined bowl game opponent. (I will be exploring the possibilities later on this week.) The fact of the matter is: Missouri took care of business when they had to this season, and they definitely earned their trip to Atlanta.

This year's version of the Iron Bowl was nothing short of amazing. That game could literally go down as the single greatest SEC game of all time. If not, it's a top five, and I would love to hear what would top it on the list. This game was the personification of two heavyweights slugging it out until the absolute finish. Auburn threw one punch before the final bell rang that happened to knock out the favored giant right at the finish. Even though I wouldn't have minded seeing the game go into overtime, the odd finish added an incredible dynamic to an already incredible game that none of us will soon forget.

Unfortunately, Auburn's last figurative fatal blow might have actually dealt another figuratively fatal blow to A.J. McCarron's Heisman chances. McCarron was already sort of lacking statistically, but compensated for this by leading the most dominant, "unbeatable" program in the country.

"The Return" not only plunged Auburn into the SEC Championship, but Guz Malzahn's Tigers now could potentially play for the title. If Ohio State or Florida State get upset this weekend, you can guarantee you will see a SEC team play for the title. If Auburn defeats Missouri by a large amount, or vice versa, could they jump an Ohio State team that barely beats Michigan State. If Jameis Winston is convicted or charged with his legal issue more sooner than later, could this sway the voters to pull an SEC team in to play Ohio State? Many questions loom where a playoff could provide us a forum for answers.

Okay, so I know I didn't talk much about the other teams this week. Rivalry week provided us with an incredible spread of games, hopefully just like your table did on Thanksgiving with food. Be sure to follow my work on chatsports.com here for a bowl projection later on this week, and as always, follow me on twitter @griffaldo .

Come on now guys, I'm just messing around. Don't be like:

Here, I will give you some Spurrier material: