First of all they shouldn't be in at all. Then to suggest to rank them #3, moving them up after a loss, and then say it has nothing to do with conference is ridiculous. I have a feeling ESPN is forcing this opinion as click bait more than anything but it's pathetic journalism.
Everyone is judged by record and championships except the SEC just needs the eye test. And the eye test can disregard a blowout loss to 9-3 LSU.