Well, here's why I don't completely buy the RIP argument. Since SEC play started, Auburn has six losses. Three of those came against 20-win teams. Two of those three were on the road. Another came against a 19-win team. Also on the road.
The other two losses were to teams with winning records, albeit not very good teams. One of those was on the road.
The only "bad" loss was the loss to a mediocre Vandy team at home.
Even in the pre-season, two of the three losses were to teams with 19+ wins. Again just one "bad" loss, coming against a pitiful Mercer team.
Realistically? Swap those two bad losses for wins and the NCAA isn't a long shot any longer.
The problem, though, is that an 85 RPI (before today) is an RIP at this stage of the season.