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My take on all 14 teams
Posted on 8/20/23 at 12:33 am
Posted on 8/20/23 at 12:33 am
Georgia- I have two teams as preseason locks for the College football playoffs. It's you and Michigan. You have one question mark, a reloaded roster and a friendly schedule. Does Beck answer the one question correctly? If so a 3-peat is very do-able.
Vanderbilt- If you're a passionate football in Nashville and the weather is good on Saturday, there's no reason to not watch the Commodores this season. Expect better football this year. Vandy has nabbed some decent guys on the trail this off-season as well. While I'm not expecting them to compete for the eastern title, they should be an interesting team to watch. Don't circle Vanderbilt as an auto win this year.
Mississippi St- First season without HC Leach. How does that look? You do have one of the more talented guys to throw the ball in the SEC however. Show me an SEC team with a weak RB room, State definitely isn't one. Things pick up quickly on the schedule. Arizona week 2, then LSU at home week 3. I've had the Bulldogs finishing last in the West. But am I shocked if they make their way up the rankings, not at all. There are some pieces there and QBs win games.
Tennessee- Coach Heupel did an excellent job last year. He's gotta great QB to lead this year's team. Can he and this roster duplicate last year's results or was it all a dream? I have the Volunteers starting off the season 5-0. Your trap game is going to Mizzou the week before having UGA at home. Best of luck!
LSU- Remember when I wondered if Tennessee's 2022 season was all just a dream? How about those Tigers? Kelly surprised and impressed in his debut season with LSU. He's got depth and a QB to make a run, but can he? Week 1 against FSU, everyone around the country will be tuned in. The game against the Seminoles puts them or LSU in the national spotlight and everyone on notice. My biggest question mark for the Tigers is beating Alabama again... and in Tuscaloosa. There's a week to rest before heading to Bryant-Denny. I don't however like the idea of playing Army before Alabama. This screams bumps and bruises. The roster is loaded in Baton Rouge. November 4, 2023, hide the women and children.
Florida- Oct 28 - Nov 25 is just brutal for the Gators. Preseason injuries are not helping what's already a challenging schedule. You get Tennessee at home which is a huge plus. You also have some play makers but guys will need to step up. You have guys that can run it and a solid offensive line. If a change of scenery is all Mertz needed, the Gator offense could keep them in every game. Going on the road to play #14 Utah for the opener? Yikes
Arkansas- Losing early to A&M simply can't happen this year. Losing momentum and confidence has hindered Coach Pittman's teams. You have one of the best QBs in the SEC with RS Junior KJ Jefferson. If he's healthy all season and the stable of backs that the hog's possess, the Arkansas offense should put up big numbers. Look for Sanders to have a big year running the ball. Coach Pittman utilized the portal to the fullest. It will he interesting to see how well this team plays together and if there's chemistry.
Mizzou- You got a healthy quarterback unlike last season. Speaking of last season, what a Rollercoaster that was. 6-7 with two, oh so very close losses to Auburn and GEORGIA! This year's schedule is favorable in my opinion. I have Tennessee circled as a potential upset as they travel to Faurot Field. I also have the Tigers starting 5-0 as they host LSU in week six. I think Mizzou finishes as high as 2nd in the East and as low as 4th.
A&M- Did anyone predict what happened to the Aggies in 2022? What a disaster! While QB Max Johnson went down and early with a broken hand, Coach Fisher couldn't find his answer at that position and he paid dearly. Sophomore QB, Conner Weigman, could be the Aggies saving grace. He flashed the ability to make plays in his limited playing time as a freshman and managed to knock off the Tigers at Kyle Field. This year's big question is, will OC Petrino call the plays? Will Coach Petrino look like the guy who ran up the scoreboard when he led the Razorbacks? The Aggie offensive line is rumored to have improved over last year. The defensive line has as much talent and depth as they've ever had. If they can't stop the run, they can forget about winning the West. They'll need to figure out how to snap a losing streak in Baton Rouge. Alabama heads to Kyle Field where they lost in 2021.
Vanderbilt- If you're a passionate football in Nashville and the weather is good on Saturday, there's no reason to not watch the Commodores this season. Expect better football this year. Vandy has nabbed some decent guys on the trail this off-season as well. While I'm not expecting them to compete for the eastern title, they should be an interesting team to watch. Don't circle Vanderbilt as an auto win this year.
Mississippi St- First season without HC Leach. How does that look? You do have one of the more talented guys to throw the ball in the SEC however. Show me an SEC team with a weak RB room, State definitely isn't one. Things pick up quickly on the schedule. Arizona week 2, then LSU at home week 3. I've had the Bulldogs finishing last in the West. But am I shocked if they make their way up the rankings, not at all. There are some pieces there and QBs win games.
Tennessee- Coach Heupel did an excellent job last year. He's gotta great QB to lead this year's team. Can he and this roster duplicate last year's results or was it all a dream? I have the Volunteers starting off the season 5-0. Your trap game is going to Mizzou the week before having UGA at home. Best of luck!
LSU- Remember when I wondered if Tennessee's 2022 season was all just a dream? How about those Tigers? Kelly surprised and impressed in his debut season with LSU. He's got depth and a QB to make a run, but can he? Week 1 against FSU, everyone around the country will be tuned in. The game against the Seminoles puts them or LSU in the national spotlight and everyone on notice. My biggest question mark for the Tigers is beating Alabama again... and in Tuscaloosa. There's a week to rest before heading to Bryant-Denny. I don't however like the idea of playing Army before Alabama. This screams bumps and bruises. The roster is loaded in Baton Rouge. November 4, 2023, hide the women and children.
Florida- Oct 28 - Nov 25 is just brutal for the Gators. Preseason injuries are not helping what's already a challenging schedule. You get Tennessee at home which is a huge plus. You also have some play makers but guys will need to step up. You have guys that can run it and a solid offensive line. If a change of scenery is all Mertz needed, the Gator offense could keep them in every game. Going on the road to play #14 Utah for the opener? Yikes
Arkansas- Losing early to A&M simply can't happen this year. Losing momentum and confidence has hindered Coach Pittman's teams. You have one of the best QBs in the SEC with RS Junior KJ Jefferson. If he's healthy all season and the stable of backs that the hog's possess, the Arkansas offense should put up big numbers. Look for Sanders to have a big year running the ball. Coach Pittman utilized the portal to the fullest. It will he interesting to see how well this team plays together and if there's chemistry.
Mizzou- You got a healthy quarterback unlike last season. Speaking of last season, what a Rollercoaster that was. 6-7 with two, oh so very close losses to Auburn and GEORGIA! This year's schedule is favorable in my opinion. I have Tennessee circled as a potential upset as they travel to Faurot Field. I also have the Tigers starting 5-0 as they host LSU in week six. I think Mizzou finishes as high as 2nd in the East and as low as 4th.
A&M- Did anyone predict what happened to the Aggies in 2022? What a disaster! While QB Max Johnson went down and early with a broken hand, Coach Fisher couldn't find his answer at that position and he paid dearly. Sophomore QB, Conner Weigman, could be the Aggies saving grace. He flashed the ability to make plays in his limited playing time as a freshman and managed to knock off the Tigers at Kyle Field. This year's big question is, will OC Petrino call the plays? Will Coach Petrino look like the guy who ran up the scoreboard when he led the Razorbacks? The Aggie offensive line is rumored to have improved over last year. The defensive line has as much talent and depth as they've ever had. If they can't stop the run, they can forget about winning the West. They'll need to figure out how to snap a losing streak in Baton Rouge. Alabama heads to Kyle Field where they lost in 2021.
This post was edited on 8/20/23 at 12:55 am
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Posted on 8/20/23 at 12:33 am to Dear Diary
Kentucky- What Coach Stoops has done in Lexington has been impressive. Last season however was a little disappointing with the loss to Vanderbilt and then being shutout in their bowl game. Losing QB, Will Levis, in the 2nd round hurts. Devin Leary was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the portal when he transferred to Lexington. He put up impressive numbers in his 4 year career at NC State and started 26 games there! This year's schedule is favorable. I see the Wildcats starting 5-0 before heading to Athens to play Georiga. I have a minimum of 7 wins for Kentucky. 8 wins and a bowl victory could make for an exciting season in Kentucky and I'm confident they can do it.
Auburn- Is there any team in the SEC that's not expected to contend for any title but as interesting as Auburn? Has there ever been a program with this many new faces? A brutal 4 game stretch starts on the road against Texas A&M and includes Georgia, Ole Miss, and a road game with LSU. Coach Freeze has named Payton Thorne, his starting QB. The Naperville IL native started 26 games while at Michigan St. Jarquez Hunter is one of the few recognizable faces on offense for Auburn. I have no clue how to call this one. There aren't many teams I'm more interested in due to the crazy amount of transfers and completely new coaching staffs. Speaking of which... he's baaaack!
Alabama- I stated earlier to protect your loved ones come Nov 4, when LSU comes into Bryant-Denny. I'm not buying into the idea that Saban is declining. I'm also not buying into the idea that Alabama is in deep waters over their QB room. I am curious to see how this pans out. Alabama reloads as well as anyone. Saban has a history of figuring things out, getting the most out of his players, and not losing (very often) to the same team two years in a row. LSU will be the hardest game Alabama plays but it's at home. Speaking of home, week two the Crimson Tide take on Texas. Texas looks to revenge a devastating loss from last year. If Alabama beats Texas, I think the league sees Bama as the juggernaut we've all known them to be. If Bama loses to Texas, things could go sideways early with a trip to Kyle Field where Saban lost just two years ago. From the trip to A&M, Bama goes on a 4 game stretch that includes Arkansas, Tennessee, and LSU. I suspect Saban will get his tight ends involved a lot with moving the ball. Running backs Jase McClellan, Jam Miller, Roydell Williams and freshman Justice Haynes provide one of the most talented running back rooms in the entire country. Bama finishes anywhere from 1st in the West and as low as 4th. I'm not expecting a 4th place finish. But count me in as not shocked if they're first or forth. I'm predicting a 2nd place finish.
Ole Miss- Here's another program that utilized the portal as well as anyone. I like how Kiffen runs his offense. Going for it on 4th down as often as he does regardless of where they're at on the field is exciting to watch. Going for it like that on 4th down seems to be the direction football is trending and Kiffen fully believes in it. Whats not to love about an offense featuring QB Jaxson Dart and Quinson Judkins running the rock? Cedric Johnson returns for his Sr year on defense. Johnson accounted for 32 tackles last year with 15 being solo. I look for him to have a monster year.
Auburn- Is there any team in the SEC that's not expected to contend for any title but as interesting as Auburn? Has there ever been a program with this many new faces? A brutal 4 game stretch starts on the road against Texas A&M and includes Georgia, Ole Miss, and a road game with LSU. Coach Freeze has named Payton Thorne, his starting QB. The Naperville IL native started 26 games while at Michigan St. Jarquez Hunter is one of the few recognizable faces on offense for Auburn. I have no clue how to call this one. There aren't many teams I'm more interested in due to the crazy amount of transfers and completely new coaching staffs. Speaking of which... he's baaaack!
Alabama- I stated earlier to protect your loved ones come Nov 4, when LSU comes into Bryant-Denny. I'm not buying into the idea that Saban is declining. I'm also not buying into the idea that Alabama is in deep waters over their QB room. I am curious to see how this pans out. Alabama reloads as well as anyone. Saban has a history of figuring things out, getting the most out of his players, and not losing (very often) to the same team two years in a row. LSU will be the hardest game Alabama plays but it's at home. Speaking of home, week two the Crimson Tide take on Texas. Texas looks to revenge a devastating loss from last year. If Alabama beats Texas, I think the league sees Bama as the juggernaut we've all known them to be. If Bama loses to Texas, things could go sideways early with a trip to Kyle Field where Saban lost just two years ago. From the trip to A&M, Bama goes on a 4 game stretch that includes Arkansas, Tennessee, and LSU. I suspect Saban will get his tight ends involved a lot with moving the ball. Running backs Jase McClellan, Jam Miller, Roydell Williams and freshman Justice Haynes provide one of the most talented running back rooms in the entire country. Bama finishes anywhere from 1st in the West and as low as 4th. I'm not expecting a 4th place finish. But count me in as not shocked if they're first or forth. I'm predicting a 2nd place finish.
Ole Miss- Here's another program that utilized the portal as well as anyone. I like how Kiffen runs his offense. Going for it on 4th down as often as he does regardless of where they're at on the field is exciting to watch. Going for it like that on 4th down seems to be the direction football is trending and Kiffen fully believes in it. Whats not to love about an offense featuring QB Jaxson Dart and Quinson Judkins running the rock? Cedric Johnson returns for his Sr year on defense. Johnson accounted for 32 tackles last year with 15 being solo. I look for him to have a monster year.
This post was edited on 8/20/23 at 12:59 am
Posted on 8/20/23 at 12:34 am to Dear Diary
I'm missing someone but will get to it
*edit*
South Carolina- Coach Beamer appears to have the Gamecocks back on board after an impressive first year coaching USC. Spencer Rattler is back for his SR year and had a successful season last year that included upsetting Tennessee. Senior TE Trey Knox returns to practice after being banged up.
I see Knox having a monster year in Beamers offense. The Gamecocks need Nyckoles Harbor to return from injury. The chiseled, speedy, DE has been absent with injury. He's been described as a "freak" and has the potential of being the best defensive end in the country. Week 1 features an interesting, neutral site game against Mack Brown and the Tarheels. A win against UNC could build some much needed momentum as South Carolina travels to Athens for game #3.
*edit*
South Carolina- Coach Beamer appears to have the Gamecocks back on board after an impressive first year coaching USC. Spencer Rattler is back for his SR year and had a successful season last year that included upsetting Tennessee. Senior TE Trey Knox returns to practice after being banged up.
I see Knox having a monster year in Beamers offense. The Gamecocks need Nyckoles Harbor to return from injury. The chiseled, speedy, DE has been absent with injury. He's been described as a "freak" and has the potential of being the best defensive end in the country. Week 1 features an interesting, neutral site game against Mack Brown and the Tarheels. A win against UNC could build some much needed momentum as South Carolina travels to Athens for game #3.
This post was edited on 8/20/23 at 12:51 am
Posted on 8/20/23 at 1:03 am to Dear Diary
South Carolina isn't on one of the lists of teams in the SEC.
Posted on 8/20/23 at 1:52 am to Dear Diary
Defense is the big question. Our offense was pretty good last year, but Briles was notorious for drive killing cutesy shenanigans. Enos is low-key one of the best OCs in college. Especially at getting the most from his quarterbacks. Brandon Allen was no generational talent, but he holds passing records nonetheless.
With the weapons we have on offense in a much more stable system under Enos, I expect them to be scary good. The question will be whether this defense is going to be at least average or will it be a liability. And I fear it will be the latter.
With the weapons we have on offense in a much more stable system under Enos, I expect them to be scary good. The question will be whether this defense is going to be at least average or will it be a liability. And I fear it will be the latter.
This post was edited on 8/20/23 at 1:54 am
Posted on 8/20/23 at 3:41 am to Dear Diary
I believe harbor for usc is gonna play offense . I know that he told teams he wanted to play offense so he could be healthy for track . Also, I thought Beamer was the coach before last season
Posted on 8/20/23 at 5:37 am to Dear Diary
quote:
Florida- Oct 28 - Nov 25 is just brutal for the Gators. Preseason injuries are not helping what's already a challenging schedule. You get Tennessee at home which is a huge plus. You also have some play makers but guys will need to step up. You have guys that can run it and a solid offensive line. If a change of scenery is all Mertz needed, the Gator offense could keep them in every game. Going on the road to play #14 Utah for the opener? Yikes
Cam Carroll getting injured sucked, but he was going to be behind Montrell Johnson and Trevor Ettienne. We won't be missing a ton with his injury.
The only problematic injury has been to Justus Boone
Posted on 8/20/23 at 9:46 am to Dear Diary
Great write up dude. Fair analysis of every team. I’m impressed.
Posted on 8/20/23 at 9:51 am to weremoose
quote:
Defense is the big question. Our offense was pretty good last year, but Briles was notorious for drive killing cutesy shenanigans. Enos is low-key one of the best OCs in college. Especially at getting the most from his quarterbacks. Brandon Allen was no generational talent, but he holds passing records nonetheless.
Is Enos going to be committed to the spread concept like your last coordinator? Face it, the red zone is seldom your friend when you stay in these spread formations.
Posted on 8/20/23 at 9:51 am to Dear Diary
This is the best analysis of every SEC team that I have seen. Thanks.
Posted on 8/20/23 at 9:58 am to Dear Diary
To be fair, for auburns analysis you could have written “who freaking knows” and it would have been accurate
Posted on 8/20/23 at 10:07 am to Dear Diary
quote:
Dear Dairy
Posted on 8/20/23 at 10:10 am to Dear Diary
good posts
Posted on 8/20/23 at 10:35 am to Che Boludo
agreed. Good analysis
Posted on 8/20/23 at 10:56 am to weremoose
Allen wasn’t generational but he was. Best QB Arkansas has had the last 30+ years.
There is a reason he has lasted longer than any Arkansas QB in the pros since most on this board have been alive. Petrino was all about BA before he got on his motorcycle
There is a reason he has lasted longer than any Arkansas QB in the pros since most on this board have been alive. Petrino was all about BA before he got on his motorcycle
Posted on 8/20/23 at 11:02 am to Golfer1
We will be surprise team in SEC this year. LSU better be ready
Posted on 8/20/23 at 11:56 am to Dear Diary
These are done well.
Posted on 8/20/23 at 12:01 pm to deputyfife
I'll add this for the entire conference. While so many are stating its a down year for QBs in the SEC. I think there's going to be lots of surprises at that position.
Posted on 8/20/23 at 12:08 pm to Dear Diary
It's Beamer's third season, and Harbor is playing WR, not DE.
I think Knox and Rattler are spot-on. Interested to see what Wells does this year, and how the running game take shape.
I think Knox and Rattler are spot-on. Interested to see what Wells does this year, and how the running game take shape.
Posted on 8/20/23 at 12:15 pm to RoyalAir
Was Harbor recruited by USC to play WR all along?
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