Texas A&M upsets Alabama: Are the Aggies among the SEC's elite?

The Texas A&M Aggies shook up the SEC and National Title picture on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, knocking off the undefeated and No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide. In just their first season in the SEC, the Aggies have done more than enough to prove they can hang in what is unanimously considered the country's best conference. A win over Nick Saban's Crimson Tide team certainly cements their status in their new conference.

Travis Haney of ESPN.com writes that TAMU has joined the elite programs in the SEC West, alongside 'Bama and LSU:

What we're learning is there is in fact room for a third elite program in the SEC West. And, no, it isn't Arkansas, as we thought back in March. The Aggies already were riding a recruiting wave -- because of their location, their fast-paced offense and their new league -- but Saturday should create a real spike in interest.

Make room in the SEC for another elite program. Texas A&M is here, and its first-year boss -- now a Missouri win from possibly being the cutthroat conference's coach of the year -- is the catalyst.

Sumlin and his dynamic freshman quarterback, Johnny Manziel, have immediately put the Aggies in the discussion with the Tide and Tigers. They should be heavily favored in their two remaining games against Sam Houston State and Missouri, and an inaugural 10-2 season in the SEC would certainly have folks in College Station thrilled about their prospects for the future. But after the big win over 'Bama, it's more fun to just enjoy the present and a tag of "SEC elite."