← That SEC Football Podcast
That SEC Football Podcast
2026 SEC Football Record Predictions + Bold Takes!
02:06:11
SEC Mike & Athlon Sports' Senior Editor Steven Lassan are back to talk some SEC Football! Steven's Media Days takeaways (2:45), Steven's Bold Predictions (6:15), SEC Football Record Predictions (12:00), Oklahoma Sooners (13:00), Tennessee Vols (23:00), LSU Tigers (31:00), Alabama Crimson Tide (38:00), Arkansas Razorbacks (45:45), Auburn Tigers (53:00), Florida Gators (1:03:00), South Carolina Gamecocks (1:11:00), Ole Miss Rebels (1:18:00), Texas A&M Aggies (1:24:30), Mizzou Tigers (1:31:45), Miss State Bulldogs (1:37:30), Kentucky Wildcats (1:43:45), Vandy Commodores (1:50:00), Georgia Bulldogs (1:56:00), Texas Longhorns (2:00:30) Advertising inquiries: thatsecpodcast@gmail.com Interested in helping us grow the channel? Become an Official Cousin by signing up for a membership to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aQL-yFS2ZoSkUBeMfYesA/join We have t-shirts for sale! Check out our merchandise store featuring shirts, hoodies, stickers, coffee mugs, pillows, phone cas...
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- [00:00]
A
A cool and crisp Modelo tastes good
- [00:02]
B
but that fought for every rebound Modelo or that just clocked out Modelo that Modelo you earned is just better. That Modelo is the mark of a fighter.
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A
Drink responsibly being reported by Crown Import, Chicago, Illinois. Hey. Oh, welcome in the latest episode of that SEC podcast. I'm your host, Mike Brant. Go by SEC Mike on the Twitters. And there's our great friend Stephen Lass in the sacred senior editor over at Athlon Sports. Stephen, we missed you last week. How was your media days, Mike?
- [00:41]
B
I. I enjoyed everything that you guys were cranking out down there at SEC media day. So I was enjoying from afar shout out to you and cousin Shane for all the awesome content. And Mike, I missed you guys. But you. Now that media days is over, it means one thing. Fall practice is around the corner and that means the season is almost here. That's great news, isn't it?
- [01:02]
A
I think it is, Stephen. I think it is. So we were discussing offline, this going to be one of the last opportunities for us to kind of hand out record predictions for each and every SEC team. Stephen and I did this last year and we had a lot of fun doing it. So we're going to do it again. We're going to give a best case record, a worst case record, and then an actual record prediction for each and every one of the 16 SEC teams. So, you know, throw us a donation if you want, and we'll put your team at the top of the list and spend a little extra time on them. But totally optional. We're gonna hit on all the teams here on this episode, so it should be a lot of fun. I also asked Stephen to come prepared because we did this last year. I think we just kind of forgot. But a weekly bold prediction. And you know what, jog by every step. I was down there with your associate Kyle, who we interviewed, and that interview will be hitting the channel soon. And he said, you know, I gave Stephen this really good statistic about Florida not having a thousand yard receiver. And I don't know, I can't even recall the step, but it's like 10, 15 years. And then Stephen comes on this program, he's like, hey, I found this stat. 4,000 yard receiver, one of my bold predictions. They're going to have one. So that jogged my memory. So shout out Kyle for coming up with that statistic, but I kid, Stephen, but are you ready to break down all this?
- [02:29]
B
I am, Mike. Shout out to Kyle, my colleague over there. He did a great job At SEC meeting days. He did give me that Florida stat. I should have given credit if I didn't. Shame on me.
- [02:40]
A
Hey, also, before we get into that, just, you know, we don't have to spend a whole ton, ton of time because we've kind of. It's been covered to no end. But did you have any takeaways from SEC media days? Anything that stood out to you that we didn't get you on last week to discuss? Anything at all kind of jump out to you? Whether it's maybe a team or a coach you're a little bit higher on maybe a team or a coach you're a little bit lower on anything like that.
- [03:04]
B
Mike, I think one thing that was good news was the Ahmad Hardy situation. The fact that does seem to be some optimism that he is going to be coming back perhaps maybe early October for Missouri this season was great news. Also think just based upon the SEC media poll that came out on Friday, way, way too low on Oklahoma, this team feels a lot closer to the top than seventh in the conference. I was very surprised to see that big picture, Mike. I thought all the new coaches showed up really well too. You know, I thought they brought some, you know, as, as you kind of said new energy to SEC media saying Pete Golding was awesome. John Sumrall I thought would do very well. But Alex Golish, Ryan Silverfield, the rest of the, of the gang there thought they all showed up well and kind of livened up SEC media days a bit.
- [03:54]
A
Yeah, we needed that new blood. Get those old farts out of here. Get us some coaches down here. We've, we've had a real problem with coaching in the SEC in my opinion the last couple years. And I think that's a, that's part of the reason why. Allegedly I don't buy into this, but allegedly the Big Ten is passed the sec. I think part of his coaching. I, I would admit they got better coaches up there overall, but I, you know, we still got some good ones in the Southeastern Conference and I think we just added a bunch of other ones. So hopefully that kind of evens the coaching edge here. But remains to be seen, Stephen. All these guys are undefeated. We love them all. Come October, we're probably gonna be wanting to fire some of these guys asses. You know what?
- [04:35]
B
Yeah. The honeymoon is going to end in just over 30 something days, right? I mean Mike, I think you just kind of watching all these guys and I think like, you know, I was like curious to see like how Ryan Silverfield would handle the moment. For Arkansas, I thought he handled it really well. Like first of all loved his kind of antidote about you know, his record against the other coaches. He's not going to throw the podium at anybody. Even though it was very clear John Sumrall was joking. But you know it that like Silverfield I think kind of answered just everything the right way, understanding kind of where this program has to go. Love, you know, kind of Pete Golding's just kind of, you know, just ball coach, kind of just no holds barred mentality. And of course you did a great job kind of pressing Lane Gifford there with your question. So it's great to see like all these new coaches come into the conference. We'll see what happens. It's, it's the offseason. Everybody is optimistic. But I think you are right as well on coaching hires in the Big Ten. Dan Lanning, Ryan Day, Kirk Signetti, those three coaches are three of the top six in the country. You look at of course with the sec we've seen Nick Saban retire, we've seen Brian Kelly didn't work out. Florida and Auburn have been down. So Mike, to me if like if, if the Big Ten has passed the sec coaching hires have been a big part of that. One of the ways for the, for the SEC to get back on top is to get those hires like a summer all coach goal is some of these other guys to lift those programs back up into the top 25.
- [06:04]
A
Yeah, no doubt Steven. So we got a lot to hit on. We should move on. But before we get to it again we're going to do all 16 SEC teams predictions. Best case, worst case and record, final record. Steven's got us a bold take. He's like to share. What is your bold take Stephen?
- [06:29]
B
For this episode I'm going to combine two things Mike, into this prediction. So we posted the bowl predictions a few weeks ago and I'm going to stick with it. So first, first of the kind of a two parter here. The SEC gets five teams into the College Football Playoff but one of those is going to be 9 and 3. The committee is going to actually take into account the strength of schedule for one of these teams that finishes 9 and 3 and and they will get picked over a 10 and 2 team. 10 and 2 team. Maybe it's BYU. I guess 10 and 3 would be BYU if they lose the Big 12 championship game. Maybe it's a team from the ACC or Big 10, but I think the SEC gets five teams in and one of those is 9 and 3.
- [07:10]
A
Wow. You know that that was something that a lot of people were discussing at media days, just whether that can happen, because it is yet to happen. Of course we're going to nine game SEC schedule. So, you know, not all records are. Are built equally. And there's a huge concern on whether these schedules and their difficulty will be honored. And we could all sit here and say it will or it won't, but the reality is we don't know till that. Till it actually takes place. So that is one of the bigger question marks looming over particularly the SEC in 2026, don't you think?
- [07:49]
B
I. I agree. And I think if you. It's kind of tough because I think there's like this public perception coming out of, you know, the Big Ten is like the SEC is just a bunch of whiners. Well, it's kind of funny because, like, if you go back a couple years, was it the Big Ten, the one doing the whining about why they weren't winning the titles or this or that, and now it's like supposedly the sec, Mike, I think really the. You just look at every strength of schedule metric in the preseason, and of course, those can be a little, you know, not necessarily the best way to judge a schedule or you change a projection here or there and you go from 1 to 10. The bottom line is the SEC has the toughest schedules in the country in most cases, according to these metrics. And so, you know, the committee has to be. Have a better way to take that into account. We saw this at the spring meetings. Like, the coaches kind of were not necessarily thrilled with the presentation that the playoff committee gave them. So I think there's, you know, there's got to be some, you know, kind of truth in both things. Like just because the team is from the SEC and they're 9 and 3 doesn't guarantee them in the field. But I think when you look at some of these schedules and you start studying like a Texas A and M and Oklahoma, I mean, what Texas, like, you could make a case that if you're at the top of the strength of schedule and your three losses might be to playoff teams, you're probably better than some of these 10 and two teams. So kind of my reasoning with this is not public pressure, not SEC complaints, is that I think the committee is going to have to look at this and say nine games in the toughest conference in college football, and one of those teams is sitting there at 9 and 3. That's why I think they'll get that nod in the playoff you know, one
- [09:22]
A
interesting thing, Stephen, that I did learn at SEC media days, I had no idea. I just wanted to be bring this to your attention and see if you had heard this. But according to Pete Golding and Mike Elko. So we got multiple coaches have gone on the record and confirmed this during that spring meetings with the representative of the commit the College Football Playoff committee. I don't know who it specifically they met with, but whoever that was, the playoff committee representative informed the SEC coaches that the playoff committee does not care where a game is played when they evaluate it. So technically, home or on the road, it means no different to the College Football Playoff committee. I mean, how asinine is that? I mean, literally anybody that knows anything about this sport knows it's more difficult to win on the road than it is at home. How could they not look at that, Mike?
- [10:28]
B
That's completely asinine to, for, for the committee to not consider where games are played. Like, doesn't it matter if it's a neutral site game? Doesn't it matter if it's at home or the road? I mean, Mike, you've probably done, you know, W and L projections. What do you do? You start with like the non conference, you start with the home games in the road and then you kind of break down. Like usually your swing games are kind of whatever games are on the road for some of these teams. So I, I mean location is a big part of it and so many great atmospheres. Shouldn't. Like if Georgia was to go on the road and, and beat Texas and Austin one year and that's being compared to an Ohio State that's got maybe is undefeated. Georgia's got one loss. They have that road win over the number three team. Shouldn't that count for something in the evaluation? So Mike, I continue to be confused about a lot of things with this committee dating back to last year. I have zero confidence that they will make good decisions based upon what happened last year. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't have a lot of confidence. And if they're not considering where the game is played, that's just another kind of mark against them.
- [11:32]
A
That it is, Stephen. That it is. I will not rest till we get you on that committee because I know you won't be bought and paid for like these fools. You know it.
- [11:41]
B
Absolutely, Mike.
- [11:42]
A
I.
- [11:43]
B
Hey, I'm always available for the playoff committee. I will also say this, Mike. I can. I've been trying to get this idea going. Stop letting the committee chairperson be the person on espn. Get Somebody who actually knows the sport to be able to listen to these discussions, get in front of the camera that night and be able to explain. I don't want to hear anything about like body clocks or you know, the, the, the offensive stats for this team or this team gets, get some hardcore analysis in front of there. I'd be happy to do it, but I know what I mean.
- [12:16]
A
Cousin Shane and Paul Feinbaum, just put them in a room, they'll get it figured out. You know what?
- [12:23]
B
I like that. I like that idea. I think we could make that happen.
- [12:27]
A
And then I'll, I'll be the, the one that moderates it on espn. I'll take all the bullets for you guys.
- [12:33]
B
We're already like a thousand percent better than what we're gonna have this year on Tuesday nights, right?
- [12:40]
A
All right, so shout out. We got our first donation, Stephen, from cousin Glenn. We appreciate your buddy, cousin Glenn. War. So looking forward to the predictions. It's 606 and Texas Steel sucks mover sooner. We appreciate you Glenn. So of course he's a boomer sooner over here. So let's do Oklahoma first here. Stephen, I'm struggling to find a schedule here it is. So let me run through this real quick. The over under seven and a half. To me that's largely irrelevant. I'm not really look at that. I don't know about you when I make my predictions, but that, that's what it is on the betting market. Here's the schedule for the audio listeners listening back. UTEP at home at Michigan, New Mexico at home at Georgia. Then you get your buy. Texas down in Dallas, of course. Kentucky at home at Mississippi State, Carolina at home at Florida, Ole Miss at home. A and M at home at Missouri. And Stephen, I, we did this for our fall camp preview series. We did our the win loss toss. So this is what I had for Oklahoma. Win, loss toss. A lot of wins there. Utep, New Mexico, Kentucky at Mississippi State at Missouri, I got at Michigan, Texas, Ole Miss and A and M. I got those as the toss ups or in at Florida as well. And then only one game that is likely to be a loss but it still winnable is at Georgia. So I'm not sitting here saying they got no shot at Georgia. I just think that's quite literally the toughest task you could have someone do in my opinion is is beat a team in Athens. So what, what would be your thoughts? Would you agree with these? You disagree with any of these?
- [14:29]
B
I agree with those, Mike. I think when you just look at that schedule the first thing that jumps out to me is Michigan, Georgia and Texas. Kind of like on your first stretch of the season. I mean those are all toss up games against playoff caliber. We think opponents for this year, they all come in the first like five or six weeks of the season. It's pretty critical that Oklahoma gets off to a good start and I think the back half of the schedule, you know, like I like how you have it. Florida, Ole Miss and Texas A and M as toss ups because two of those teams made the playoff. And going to the Swamp before you have to play Ole Miss in Texas A and M is tough, not to mention Florida later in the season I think is going to be better. So I like that breakdown. Have how you have it with the WZLS and toss ups. I think that's how I would have it too.
- [15:14]
A
All right, so let's do a little worst case. Let's start with the bad. Let's get the battle. It's like pulling a band aid off. You know what? So again this is, this is worst case. What do you have? Worst case, Steven, for Oklahoma, if everything goes wrong, I'm leaning 7 and 5 with losses likely at Michigan, at Georgia, Texas and then some combination of at Florida, Ole Miss A and M. You're not going to lose all of those last three, but I think he could lose two of them and that's absolute worst case for me. What would you say worst case record for Oklahoma?
- [15:57]
B
Mike, you are a smart man tonight because we are on the same page. I've got seven and five too. I just think those toss up games like I mentioned there at the start of the season as ones at the back half like those are all toss up games for this Oklahoma team. That's the one kind of factor in all this is they could win all these games. And we're talking about a team that's in the SEC championship game playing for a top four seat or we're talking about a team that could be 8 and 4 but also be really, really good but just a product of playing a really hard schedule. So I've got worst case scenario be 7 to 5. You just kind of lose all those swing toss up games.
- [16:34]
A
So let's be a little bit more positive here, Stephen. Best case scenario, you know, you got to imagine the offense takes a big step, depth emerges on the defensive side of the football relatively state. I mean there's no one going to be completely injury free but you know, key positions, you stay healthy. I think best case, this is like pie in the sky type right. Give me 11 and one with the only loss being at Georgia. I think that's best case for Oklahoma.
- [17:09]
B
We're on the same page, my friend. I've got 11 and one too, because I think this team can get to the SEC championship game. Certainly some questions about depth on defense. How far does this offensive line and rushing attack progress? Like, what do we get out of John Matier in his second season in Norman? But as all, as you know, much as we talk about like toss ups, like, I would agree with you that Georgia to me is like the one guaranteed loss. Those other games are all winnable and so if you put those in the W column, maybe they would stumble somewhere else and you could say, because that tough schedule, 10 and 2 is like the best case. I still think it's 11 and too. I think the upside is this defense plays like it did last year. Offense comes alive with John Matier and this offensive line and rushing attack and that gets Oklahoma with the only loss being at Georgia. So I'll take 111 for best case too.
- [17:59]
A
Well, I think you just answered my question then, Steven. I was going to ask you, the Longhorn lover over there, which game's tougher at Georgia or Texas, but I think you just answered at Georgia. Right.
- [18:11]
B
I think it's got to be a Georgia. I just think on the road in Athens, I think, you know, Texas, certainly they took care of business last year in this game, but you get revenge maybe in Dallas this year. So I'd have to go with Georgia. I think that's fair, don't you?
- [18:25]
A
Yeah, I, I do too. All right, so that now not best case, not worst case, but your actual record prediction for Oklahoma just doing regular season. Oh, camera went out. That's a good cue to let let you know I'm going 10 and oh, as I try to fix my camera.
- [18:48]
B
Mike, I think hopefully the, the Oklahoma office is way more, you know, productive than the camera tonight, only lasting about 20 minutes into the show. So hopefully this offense for Oklahoma takes a big step forward. But Mike, I think this defense will again be one of the best in the sec and I think the offense does take a big step forward. So I'm taking 10 and two for the Oklahoma Sooners getting back to the College Football Playoff. And I think there's a good chance that this team wins at least one game in the playoff, perhaps more. If this offense comes alive like we talked about, it is a very difficult schedule. Perhaps they could fit into that 9 and 3 sec discussion. That early season test against Michigan going to Be really, really crucial for both Michigan and Oklahoma's playoff hopes, I think. And. And just for positioning within the Big Ten in the SEC. So I like Oklahoma 10 and 2 as well.
- [19:45]
A
Well, excuse me, Stephen. What I would like was for this camera to work. Hold on, let me turn it on and off again.
- [19:59]
B
Hey, you know, while we think about Oklahoma, Mike, I was going to mention September 19th against New Mexico. New Mexico probably going to end up being one of the better teams in the Mountain west this year. A week after Michigan, New Mexico went out to UCLA and pounded Nico and UCLA last season. That was the last game that DeShawn Foster ended up coaching for UCLA. So New Mexico could be a tricky non conference game. By no means picking up Oklahoma to lose that game, but just thinking about going to Michigan, turning around and playing a tricky New Mexico team early in the season before you play Georgia, before you play Texas. So that is a very, very difficult stretch for Oklahoma to start the season. UTEP should be a breather in week one. But just kind of looking down the schedule, I mean, tricky road trips to Mississippi State, Florida, Missouri. This is a very, very difficult schedule for a team that I do think can be better than it was last season.
- [21:11]
A
Whoa. All right, this is not the good camera. All right, let's see. Might have to go this route for now. All right. How's that? Looks pretty shitty, doesn't it?
- [21:38]
B
Mike, did you get. Did cousin Shane leave you in Tampa this. This last week?
- [21:43]
A
He might. He may. Well, he. You know, may as well have because this is not working, but.
- [21:49]
B
Well, your last interview on YouTube was. Was Marlowe, wasn't it?
- [21:54]
A
Yes. Maybe he has corrupted the system. Has Marlowe done it again? He's corrupted us all again.
- [22:00]
B
He's done it again, my friend.
- [22:03]
A
Well, all right. Well, I don't know what the hell's going on here, but I can't get my camera to work, so I'm looking now into my little FaceTime camera. All right. So sorry. 10 and 2. We both got 10 and 2 for Oklahoma.
- [22:16]
B
We do, my friend. I think we're both going 10 and 2 and 7 and 5 for worst case. 10 and 2. Best case.
- [22:23]
A
Okay. All right. So now that everything's gone damn haywire, how about we do Tennessee, Steven? Let's throw their record up here. Best case. Worst case for them. Tennessee Vols, Furman at home at Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State at home, Texas at home, Auburn at home at Arkansas, Bama at home at Carolina. Then they get their buy. Kentucky at home at A and M. LSU at home and at Vanderbilt, Steven over under seven and a half. Where would you put the worst case for old Tennessee?
- [23:09]
B
Mike, I think cousin Shane might be kind of angry with me if I say this, but let's go ahead and get it out of the way. What if the defense struggles? What if the quarterback play is still an issue? I still think Tennessee's floor is high enough to go to a bowl game. But you do play Texas, play Alabama, lsu, Georgia Tech at South Carolina, Vanderbilt at Texas A and M. Schedule's tough, so I go six and six. Call me crazy.
- [23:39]
A
Oh, why do you hate the ball, Stephen? I'm looking right at you. I'm gonna start pointing now that I can be right in front of the camera, but I. Oh, six and six. Good night, Stephen. I'm saying worst case. Seven and five. But again, yeah, to the, to the points you made if the defense is garbage. But I just have so much faith in Josh Hypo, it's hard for me to see them not having a quarterback that works. I, I just think that's too low, Stephen. But I'm saying 7 and 5, you know, that's not significantly different than 6 and 6. But I guess I just got a little bit more sense in me than you, Mike.
- [24:18]
B
I think if you just kind of sketch out like a worst case scenario at Georgia Tech, Texas, Alabama, at South Carolina, at Texas A M, LSU and at Vanderbilt, like, that gets you to like that. Six and six. Now, I'm not, certainly not going to predict it because I want to be back on next week's show and I don't want you or cousin Shane to kick me off, but, you know, you could in theory make a case like, okay, like, yeah, the confidence is high in Hypo, but maybe the quarterback play doesn't come together and the defense struggles and all of a sudden you got a team that's a lot closer to bowl eligibility than college football playoffs. So I, I'm not picking it, but I can get there based upon the schedule. So I know I'm got some crazy talk going on. I got a lot more positivity on the best case, though.
- [25:00]
A
All right, so give us your best case here, Stephen.
- [25:03]
B
Mike, it's 10 and 2 and it's the College Football Playoff, and in that scenario, cousin Shane is talking contract extension, lifetime contract for Josh Hyper in Knoxville. I think Tennessee could get to 10 and 2 if the quarterback play is solid and the defense. I'm a lot more, I guess, concerned about the defensive side of the ball because I trust Hypo and the Quarterbacks. But I do think this defense is going to be better under Jim Knowles this year.
- [25:30]
A
All right, so that's better, Stephen. That's better, but it's still not good enough because I think again, best case, right, give me 11 and one for Tennessee. Now is that realistic? Probably not. But best case because, because you get Texas at home, you get BAM at home, you get LSU at home at A and M. I think those are the four most difficult games. Three out of the four at home. I think they could potentially, I don't know if they can win all those home games, but I think they, you know, let's, let's say A and M takes a step back. Could they beat A and M and win all, all but one of the home games? I think they could. So give me 11 and one best case scenario for Tennessee. Am I crazy?
- [26:22]
B
Not at all, because I love the timing for both those games. The LSU game comes late in the season. It's good for lsu. It's also good for Tennessee. By then you would think their quarterback situation and defense is, is kind of aligned or figured out. Also we saw this last year with Texas. I mean, it took Arch Manning, you know, over half a season to get going. I don't think think it will take them that long this year. But with all the pieces like Cam Coleman, Relique Brown, Hollywood smothers some faces on the offensive line, what if Texas puts everything into that Ohio State game and they go on the road to Tennessee and we see what happened last year when they played Mississippi State, when they struggled against Kentucky, when they struck when they lost to Florida, road issues, maybe in the sec, Texas going to Tennessee, I could see that for, for Tennessee, easily talking myself into kind of an 11 and 1 best case scenario.
- [27:14]
A
I'm glad I've won you over here, Stephen. All right, so what is your actual record prediction for Tennessee this year, Mike?
- [27:23]
B
I'm going 8 and 4, I think. I, I, I, I split this been
- [27:28]
A
a disaster of a show.
- [27:31]
B
Kind of like Tennessee's defense was last year. Like I, I went aim for. Honestly, it might be a little bit low. I'm just looking at lsu, Texas A M and Texas. And then I kind of thought I gotta find like an upset loss in there somewhere. Maybe it's at South Carolina, maybe it's at Vanderbilt. So I went 8 and 4. I wanted to get to 9 and 3. So you can talk me into 9 and 3 if you want.
- [27:57]
A
I'm going 10 and 2. Stephen. I, I got them in the playoffs, so it's concerning to me that that's your best case and that's what I say it is going to happen. So maybe I'm officially off my rocker like my damn camera that just shut down. But I don't know Stephen. I see a path here. I'm about the only one that can see it but I think Tennessee is making a playoff. I don't think 10 and 2 is that unrealistic though. They'll obviously need some breaks, they'll need the defense to be a lot better and they'll, they'll need a quarterback to emerge. But I just have so much confidence in old Josh Hypo who's talking trash and saying throw stuff at Kiffin. I love to see it. So I don't know I, I don't think he, I don't think we see this Josh Hypo Stephen unless he is uber confident in this team and they got Indiana strength coach too so I think that's an underrated off season higher right there.
- [28:55]
B
I, I do too. I, I, I did find yeah Hypo's kind of approach at SEC media days I thought was interesting and it's always dangerous to kind of read into like a coach's demeanor what they say but kind of the feeling on Spurrier was the more he talked the better he felt about his team. So I don't know if that necessarily holds true here too or not But I do think just looking from the outside and what we saw last year we talked about the defense, how they're going to get better. Like you said the strength coach like finding ways to win around the margins and now Hypo did X, Y and Z with Joey Aguilar putting together an offense that was that productive and now you get phase on Brandon who's probably going to be really good in time. I mean there's a lot of potential for this team plus the schedule breaks favorably for Tennessee. I I don't think I think too many people are dismissing Tennessee because of what happened last year not looking at the improvements plus the favorable schedule they have.
- [29:50]
A
I agree Stephen. I agree. I also agree that we got a nice donation from Based good just hopped on here so I'm a t just want to say Moneyline Boomer. You know it's funny old job matier I I wanted, I so wanted to ask him Stephen about his interesting venmos because but I thought I said to myself hey do it. Is this the last time I want to talk to anybody from Oklahoma? No, it is not. So I did, I did ask it but that could have been a funny question on at media days, don't you think?
- [30:32]
B
It could have. And they probably would have asked you to leave SEC media days early, right? You guys would have had to do it outside the, the building, right?
- [30:42]
A
Yeah, yeah. Like the legend that got damn kicked out. So. Yeah, yeah, I, I honestly, I considered it, but I didn't think it was. What do they say? The Juice isn't always worth the squeeze and that. That was the, that was the route I took on that one.
- [30:55]
B
Yeah. You guys, I, I know you guys will have a great interview with Matir and not to mention you guys, Quincy Rhodes, too. It's good to have those interviews. You want to keep those opportunities coming, right?
- [31:09]
A
All right. Hey, how about one of the more interesting teams, Stephen, this season in the sec? LSU over unders eight and a half. For what that's worth. I've, I've actually seen it bumped up to nine and a half in some sports books. So it's, I guess it's moving a little bit here. They got Clemson in the opener at home, Louisiana Tech at home at Ole Miss, A m at home, McNees at home at Kentucky, Mississippi State at home at Auburn. Then they get their buy Florida or, excuse me, Alabama at home, Texas at home at Tennessee, at Arkansas. What would be the worst case scenario for LSU in the debut season of Elaine Kiffin?
- [31:54]
B
Mike, I'm going 8 and 4. Maybe that's too optimistic on the worst case scenario. But, but I do think this schedule is favorable. You get Texas, Texas A and M and Alabama at home. Not to mention your road games are, you know, some of them Arkansas, Kentucky and Auburn, very, very winnable stretch here. Plus Clemson comes to your place early in for week one, so no doubt about it. I mean, Ole Miss and Tennessee are tough. Like I said, Texas, Texas A and M are tough. But I also think the schedule is pretty favorable considering all the new at LSU this year.
- [32:35]
A
Wow, I forgot you were a LSU homer too now, I guess, huh? So eight, four, worst case. Good night, Steven. I'm gonna, I'm gonna say in six and six. Now, again, this is, this is absolute worst case. Right. But we've got some. Couldn't you see a scenario here where, again, I know Clemson's kind of a joke now, but it's almost like there's no shot. Clemson got no shot in this game. And I. That to me is a little tricky. At Ole Miss, of course, we know what a good game that potentially could be. A and M. You know, there is a realistic scenario that they Lose all of those. Now, is that very likely? No, but even, let's just say they lose two of them, which I think is highly probable. You still got Alabama, which you for the life of you can't beat. They beat you like 13 out of 15. Texas At Tennessee, at Auburn. I don't know, Stephen. I think worst case is 6 and 6 in a debut era.
- [33:42]
B
I could see that. Especially if you're worried about Sam Levitt in his foot. Now all systems seem to be 100% go for the season, but if he's not, you know that all of a sudden you talk about putting a quarterback in, in long street who doesn't have a lot of college experience into the, the heart of SEC play like then I think you are talking kind of a scenario where six and six becomes a lot more viable. One thing I, I think is kind of helpful when I look at LSU's schedule is I kind of break it down into thirds because I think that the first, you know, you mentioned Clemson at Ole Miss and Texas A and M, they could lose all three of those games, but, but I think they could go 2 and 1 in that stretch. Then you get to McNeese at Kentucky, Mississippi State at Auburn. Then by November, after you've had the off week, all those new pieces you should be and kind of figured out who you are by then. Then you get Alabama, Texas, and then that road trip to Tennessee and then Arkansas. So I like the way the schedule breaks down and that kind of almost insulates the concerns that I have about all the new pieces. If you told me Sam Levitt got hurt and I think I, I get much more closer to 6 and 6, but I think the schedule kind of insulates Kiffin from a drop to like 6 and 6 or something worse than that just because there's a lot of W's I can get to here.
- [35:00]
A
No, that makes sense. So if, if 8 and 4 is your low bar, but my goodness, Steven, I can't imagine. What's your best case scenario for lsu? What, what do you got for the best case?
- [35:11]
B
I'm going 11 and 1, Mike, because Alabama, Texas, Texas A and M are all at home. If you, in theory, if this team hits its potential Lane Kiffin in that offense, it finds its stride to go with Blake Baker and a great defense. I think LSU could get to best case scenario 11 1, with the only loss being at Ole Miss in week three.
- [35:42]
A
I think you kind of nailed that one, Stephen. I, I think 11 and one. I, I just don't think LSU's got it in them to go undefeated. Now it could be wrong, but they'll trip up somewhere. That's what Lane Whiffin always does. So I, I, I love that. Eleven and one, that's, that's what I have. Best case as will Mike, Let me
- [36:02]
B
ask you, with the nine game SEC schedule starting this year, don't you think it's going to be a lot harder? We, I think we, we would both agree it's hard to go undefeated regardless, but add nine games in there, the odds of somebody making it through the SEC at 120 is probably very, very slim. Fair to say.
- [36:19]
A
Yeah, absolutely.
- [36:21]
B
So I, I think you kind of have to almost account for like, I don't want to say like half of a loss, but if you're like looking at win totals, that's probably why I see all those win totals, you know, kind of maybe a little bit lower than we've seen in past years with the sec because they're taking into account that nine game slate.
- [36:41]
A
All right, so official record prediction for lsu, Steven and I, I think you've already tipped your hand with your, your lane love. I'm just call you the lane lover for now. On what, what's your Official prediction for LSU?
- [36:56]
B
I'm going 10 and 2 college football playoff, Mike. I think this team, it's not, it's not going to be easy. There's going to be some turns with all the new pieces. But give me LSU to finish 10 and 2 and make the College Football Playoff and Lane Kiffin's first year.
- [37:11]
A
Okay, I don't think that's totally unrealistic and I love the fact when Stephen and I disagree. That usually means I'm wrong. And you should listen to Stephen. Oh, there goes the camera again. Son of a bee. But I'm going, Stephen. I'm going to 84. I wanted to point as you, as I said it, I, I think 84 is the record for LSU this year not making the playoff. How about that?
- [37:42]
B
Talk about increasing the pressure for Lane Kiffin for year two, right? Maybe he'll pick back up the social media habit after if they go 84. I think that'd be pretty disappointing. I mean, I know there's a lot of new pieces, Mike, but man, I, and this schedule has its challenges. It's, it's a hard SEC slate, but still it's manageable enough to where I think you should at least get to the doorstep of the college football playoffs. So Mike, no coincidence, we talked about LSU's offense, Oklahoma's offense and Tennessee's defense and we're having all these technical issues, but it must be a, a sign of all these bad groups last year are infecting our show tonight.
- [38:19]
A
Yeah, no doubt, no doubt. All right, let's see. Yeah, my camera's sitting out for a new nil deal. I think that's what's going on. All right, how about, how about baba Stephen? This one fascinates me here for Stephen up. Let's do the schedule breakdown real quick. The overrunners eight and a half or whatever that's worth. East Carolina at home at Kentucky, Florida State at home, Carolina at home at Mississippi State, Georgia at home at Tennessee, A and M at home. Then they get their buy at lsu, at Vanderbilt, ut, Chattuga and then Auburn at home. What would be the worst case, Stephen, for Alabama?
- [39:09]
B
I'm going to say seven and five, Mike. And this is, I, I think much like lsu, I do think it is a pretty favorable schedule. You also look and you can go at Mississippi State before you play Georgia at Tennessee, Texas A M at home at lsu, at Vanderbilt and then you get Auburn later in the season. I think it's going to be a lot better by November. It's manageable. But there's also enough to say if the offensive line doesn't improve, first time starter, a quarterback, whether it's Russell or Mack, too much pressure. Alabama's transfer additions on the offensive and defensive line don't hit. They take a step back to seven and five. That's, I think, absolute worst case scenario for Kaylin DeBoer here.
- [39:57]
A
Oh, I, I think you nailed this one, Stephen. Seven and five. I call him four Lost aboard now. I'd love to call him five Lost a bore, but I don't think that happens anytime soon. They got too much talent to do any worse than, than 7 and 5. But I do think that is a, that's a, that's in the realm of possibility. I mean, in today's modern era, I mean, I think these teams could fall apart quickly and I'm not necessarily rooting for that, but it's, it's on the table for, for everybody, I think.
- [40:33]
B
Do you factor into Alabama's projections a crazy surprise loss? Because we've seen it with Florida State last year and we saw it with Vanderbilt in 2024. That's, I mean, you kind of almost have to say they've beaten somebody. Maybe we didn't think going into the week and they had a surprise loss at some point there. Is that crazy to take that into account?
- [40:57]
A
No, not at all. And that's why, you know, Deborah is what is he, he's undefeated against Dan Lanning and Steve Sarkeesian and one loss to Kirby, but multiple wins yet he can't beat Mike Norville or Sharon Moore. So that's the DeBoer experience right there. I don't know what in the heck we're doing here with, with him. I mean, he's, he's got to win some more big time games, in my opinion.
- [41:21]
B
Do not lose to Kentucky, do not lose to Mississippi State. Right. That would probably be my best advice this year for Kaylin DeBoer. But Mike, there still was a lot of upside with this team. I mean, you know, Nick Saban was pretty high, it sounds like on the defensive line from his time at SEC media days last week. Do like the potential for this group considering what they have in the secondary. Also think Keelan Russell or Austin Mack can be very capable. I'm just still worried about this offensive line and rushing attack and I think that's kind of limiting my upside overall for this team.
- [41:55]
A
No, I think that's completely fair, Steven. So what would be your best case scenario for the Crimson Tide?
- [42:04]
B
Mike? So I, I kind of goofed up. I should have said it's limiting my upside on my prediction. But I actually went pretty optimistic on the best case scenario. And you can call me crazy, I actually went 11:1 for best case scenario. Hear me out. They get Georgia at home, they get Texas A and M at home. If you don't think LSU takes that step forward, they've had the edge in that series. I mean, this schedule's pretty manageable. East Carolina, Kentucky, Florida State, South Carolina, Mississippi State. You can easily talk yourself into a lot of wins on this schedule. They've had the edge on Georgia, so I know that's ultra, ultra optimistic. But if things hit for Alabama on the depth chart wise, the schedule's pretty manageable. Mike.
- [42:50]
A
Well, you're right, Stephen, but you've kind of forgot something very important. You just said the boar loses a game he shouldn't. So I'm going 10 to 2, best case scenario because again, he'll, he'll whiff on one of these bad boys. You can count my word on it. So best case, 10 and 2. So what is the official record, Stephen? I've, I've been very public with this 4 loss to bore. 8 and 4. Come on, dad. I think that's my record prediction for Alabama this year, 8 and 4.
- [43:21]
B
I'm going a little bit more optimistic, Mike. I'm going nine and three. I I think Keelan Russell or Austin Mack kind of elevates the offense. The run game's a little bit better. Not good enough. But between the defense and the quarterback play, I think Alabama gets to 9 and 3. Not in the College Football Playoff, but the schedule does give them an opportunity to get back if they answer those questions.
- [43:43]
A
Okay? Yeah, I don't hate it, Stephen. I don't hate it because I'm afraid I'm way off on this team. But remains to be seen. Remains to be seen. You know what doesn't remain to be seen, Stephen? The savings you can get at Sea Geek by going over there. Seatgeek.com promo code SEC10 to get you 10% off. Use this promo code. So I could buy a camera that works. That'd be nice, wouldn't it? So go check them out. Seatgeek.com promo code SEC10 to get 10% off your tickets. You're going to get tickets anyway, Stephen. You're going to these games. You're going to a concert. Hell, I got to buy tickets to go see the Odyssey because apparently it's sold out two weeks in a row. I still have not been able to get my tickets. But if you are like me and you need your tickets to your performances, your music, obviously all the sports, not just college football, but NFL and basketball. That's still a thing. World cup, when it was here. You buy your tickets for the next World cup, you'll be four years ahead of time. So go check them out. Seatgeek.com promo code SEC10 to get 10 off. Help us buy equipment that works.
- [44:56]
B
I like that September 12th game, Alabama at Kentucky. I'm. I'm very intrigued by both teams. So I bet Siki can hook us up with a great discount mic for that game because that's Will Stein's SEC opener. Pretty important game for Kaylin Debor. I think that'd be a good opportunity to use that SeatGeek promo code there.
- [45:16]
A
I think so, Stephen. I also think my other favorite, Stephen has chimed in, showing up for them boys in Tuscaloosa. It's Stephen Up. Roll Tide. Thank you. Stephen Up. Always appreciate Lass's analysis. Glad to hear some football talk. We appreciate you, Steve. It up.
- [45:35]
B
Appreciate you, Stephen Up. Thanks as always for. For showing up.
- [45:39]
A
I never know where to look. I'm so used to looking here, but right now I'm looking here. It's a nightmare over here. But, hey, we're gonna get through it.
- [45:46]
B
You're. You're overcoming adversity, my friend. See, this is like fall practice. Your. Your camera's a little bit upset about that nil deal, but you're going to take care of that. But you're overcoming adversity. It's part of getting ready for the 2026 season. Right.
- [45:58]
A
My worst case record is tonight. So there it is. All right, Steven, let us any. Who do you. Who would you like to do next? Any. Any team in particular you want to do?
- [46:10]
B
Arkansas.
- [46:12]
A
Oh, yeah, Arkansas. So over under four and a half for them Razorbacks, I believe that's central Alabama, I think something purple Lions, I don't know what they are, but North Alabama. Yeah, North Alabama. Okay, North Alabama. You're getting smoked. September 5th, then at Utah, Georgia at home, Tulsa at home at A and M, Tennessee at home at Vanderbilt. Then you got your buy. Got Missouri at home at Auburn, Carolina at home at Texas and then lsu and I forgot all about it, Stephen. I'm so frazzled with this camera. So we got all these win loss tosses. I only have two games as likely wins. Northern Alabama, Tulsa, and then losses, likely losses. Georgia at A and M. Missouri they can't beat to save their life at Texas and lsu. That means I got a lot a bunch of toss ups at Utah, Tennessee, which they've beaten four out of the last five. Arkansas has at Vanderbilt, at Auburn, South Carolina, any of these you agree, disagree
- [47:24]
B
with no disagreement, Mike. I mean, unfortunately, I hate to be Mr. Negative. I do think there's two guaranteed wins on that schedule. And kind of depending on how you think this team develops, I think you can kind of talk yourself into a couple wins, maybe in SEC play. But that trip out to Utah going to be a massive, massive test for this team. That's going to give us a great idea of how far along Arkansas is under Ryan Silverfield. But man, this is a very, very hard schedule for a team that's in full rebuild mode. So it's tough to find a bunch of guaranteed victories here.
- [48:02]
A
All right, so I hate to even ask this, Stephen, I hate to ask what would be your worst case for Arkansas?
- [48:11]
B
Man, this is. I hate to do this. It's grim. It's 2 and 10 because you just beat, you know, North Alabama and you beat Tulsa. Tulsa should be a much improved team out of the Americans. So it is a little bit dangerous. You know, we've seen Arkansas have some trouble, you know, especially under Chad Morris. Look at that Western Kentucky game, you know, with group of six opponents. But realistically, Mike, I think if I'm doing which games am I locked in, guaranteed it would Agree with your list. North Alabama and Tulsa, those two are guaranteed victories. I think Utah is closer, like you said, to a toss up. I'd probably put that in the Utah column because I do think Salt Lake City, with what Utah is coming back, is a tough place to play if you want to, you know, kind of be optimistic too. It's really hard to go winless in the SEC now. There's one more chance now with nine games we have seen Arkansas and Mississippi State both struggle to win SEC games. But at the same time, you get Missouri, you play South Carolina at your place late in the year, maybe you could talk yourself into an SEC win. But realistically, I think 2 and 10 is probably the worst case scenario here.
- [49:20]
A
I guess you haven't heard. Stephen Silverfield's got a hot wife. That's what he said. So he says he can coach, but no, you're exactly right. Two and ten, despite what his wife may look like. I don't know how that helps, but he claims it does. So 2 and 10. I agree 100%, worst case. But the worst is not going to happen. Steven, what's the best case for them Razorbacks in the debut era of Ryan Silverfield?
- [49:45]
B
Let's be optimistic, Mike. Six, six and a bowl game, right? What if Arkansas goes on the road in Utah? What if they beat Vanderbilt, Missouri, South Carolina? I think it's going to be tough to beat LSU and Texas and Tennessee and A and M, but maybe they can find their way to six wins in a victory in a. In a bowl game. I think that's the best case scenario for this team, don't you?
- [50:09]
A
I think you nailed it, Stephen. That. That's exactly what I have. Six and six. And if they do it, hell, I think old Silverfield, he might be SEC coach of the year if. If he can get the Razorbacks to six wins in his debut season.
- [50:24]
B
Yeah, I mean if. He would certainly get consideration because everybody's going to pick this team at like 2 and 10, 3 and 9, 4 and 8. Right. And if you get to 6 and 6 or 7 and 5, I mean just go ahead and sh sec coach of the Year trophy down there to Fayetteville.
- [50:40]
A
All right, so what would be your official record prediction for them Hogs?
- [50:45]
B
I'm taking three and nine, Mike. I think they find a win somewhere in the sec. I think they win those two games we talked about in non conference play. I think they stumble against Utah, but they find another win somewhere and get to 3 and 9 in Ryan Silverfield's first year.
- [51:04]
A
Yeah, I hate to say it. See how depressing, but I think you've absolutely nailed it. I think it is three and nine. That would be my projected record for Arkansas right now.
- [51:17]
B
It's hard to be too much more optimistic, isn't it? And I hate to be Mr. Negative. I'm just trying to realistically look at the question marks in the schedule and I could almost talk myself into, okay, they probably pick up an upset somewhere along the way, but you're going to have to require multiple upsets in order to get to that six and six.
- [51:40]
A
Shane's chimed into the comments. He said it'll probably be Tennessee that they beat.
- [51:46]
B
Right? Right. It is Fayetteville. Right?
- [51:53]
A
It is. So again, that would be five out of six wins for Arkansas over Tennessee. That'd be damn brutal. Shout out. Chicken. Camera Fun. Boomer. Suitor. Appreciate you, buddy. Give me that camera. I'm so pissed off. I don't know. This is supposed to be a nice camera. I think I've unplugged something and I didn't realize it and then I've just got to figure out how to figure how to plug it back in. So I'm sure it's damn user error.
- [52:18]
B
Mike, to be fair, you have been one busy man the last week or so with the S travel to SEC media days. So I, I think technical issues are bound to happen, my friend.
- [52:29]
A
I should have cousin Shane come over and help with IT support and that. That'll really get us going, you know.
- [52:33]
B
What you think, you think cousin Shane could get it fixed tonight?
- [52:38]
A
No, no. But I'll tell you, Stephen, I think
- [52:43]
B
we'd be like him, waiting for Drake to enter, come back for SEC media.
- [52:52]
A
What I think will get fixed, Stephen, is Auburn under Alex Golish over under six and a half this year, the debut season on the plains. They got Baylor in Atlanta, Southern Miss at home, Florida at home at Vanderbilt. Or to me, Vanderbilt also at home. Three home games after the Baylor game at Tennessee. Then they get their buy at Georgia, LSU at home at Ole Miss, Arkansas at home, Mississippi State on the road, Sanford at home and then at Alabama. Stephen, do you agree with this win loss toss for the Auburn Tigers? We got Baylor, Southern Miss, Vanderbilt, Arkansas and Sanford as wins, toss ups Lord at home at Tennessee, at Ole Miss, at Mississippi State, and then three likely losses at Georgia, LSU at home at Alabama. Any of those you disagree with?
- [53:57]
B
I'll be a little bit of a contrarian on two games here, and call me crazy, but the. The Vanderbilt game, I could see it being more in the Toss up category now Diego Palliat not there. So that's probably a good thing for Auburn this year. Also, what about the season finale against Alabama being closer to a toss up? And here's my thinking. I'm actually kind of putting myself into kind of your position here. And I know you're a little bit down on Alabama. I'm not necessarily maybe as down as you are, but if you're down on Alabama and you think Auburn is under goal ish like Byron Brown and this offense takes off, why would they not be able to? In a rivalry game where we know crazy things happen, couldn't that be a tossup too?
- [54:46]
A
No, I think you're right. I think you're very right, Stephen. But yeah, so maybe I, I may have missed the mark on that one. I just don't know what the heck to, to expect with this Auburn team with the so much transition and, and now we're getting to Alex Goish, who I think is a, I think I'd be a coaching upgrade over Hugh Freeze. But I know Goish is a massive upgrade here. So what will that provide us this year? I don't know. This is, this is just one of the hardest teams to peg. I could see them being in the playoff race by the end of the year. I could see him, you know, being decimated by the end of October because of that schedule. So where are we at, Stephen, worst case scenario in your mind for the Auburn Tigers this year?
- [55:29]
B
I'm going to be Mr. Negative here. I'm going to go three and nine.
- [55:36]
A
Oh.
- [55:36]
B
Because what if DJ Lagway is really, really good for Baylor in the season opener? Dave Aranda is very much on the hot seat, so they need to win that game for Baylor. But let's just say Auburn goes 2 and 1 in non conference play and you start looking at how the schedule breaks down. Like, what if, you know, they lose to Florida, Vanderbilt, then you get into those, the, the Tennessee, Georgia, lsu, Ole Miss. And then so at the end of the season, Arkansas is the only SEC win and you go on the road to Mississippi State and Alabama. So that is the absolute like worst case. I mean, Mike, you said it best. This team is a wild card. It feels like almost like Auburn and LLSU are the SEC's biggest wild cards like every year and certainly the case this year with Auburn. So I think 3 and 9's worst case. That's like absolute worst case scenario though.
- [56:27]
A
Oh, I think you're even a little low. But I, I get your logic there, Stephen. I went 4 and 8. So again, we're not that off here. But yeah, if kind of the wheels fall off, the defense doesn't come together after losing some pace again, I, I think they'll be fine on that side of the football and maybe if Byron Brown and the in this South Florida Bulls don't adjust to life in the e. C, I think 4 and 8 is as low as we go.
- [56:57]
B
Don't. When you look at Auburn's schedule, don't you think it's kind of important for this team to really make up some ground early in the year? Because it kind of feels like I kind of divided their schedule into thirds the first half with Baylor, Southern Miss, Florida, Vanderbilt, they could be 4, 0, but then they could lose to Tennessee, Georgia, LSU, Ole Miss, but they could also win or split, you know, the last two. Like you could go three and one, two and two. Certainly going to beat Samford in those last four games. But it kind of feels like to me, if I'm just thinking about where is Auburn going to finish in the sec? Florida and Vanderbilt at home in a very beatable Baylor team in the openers, about as favorable as you could ask for Alex Gollish in his first year. So it's kind of like if you can get some good things going, you got a chance to really kind of open it up as you get into the heart of SEC play.
- [57:51]
A
No, I think you're right, Stephen. And again, the, the continuity on the offensive side of the football, the continuity bringing back DJ Durkin, would kind of lead you to believe that they could start pretty strong that first month of the season. So. Yeah, I, I think that's an excellent point there.
- [58:10]
B
I think best case scenario they could start like 4 and oh, maybe you pick up a kind of a couple of W's in the middle. Maybe, you know, like you said, you're blending that great defense and we know Alex, go reduce offenses. So you're sort of blending those two things. A top half of the SEC defense, even if it steps back to go with a much more productive offense. I love the fact that you have so many guys who played in that system you can hit the ground running. So that's kind of why I, I would be optimistic about Auburn's chances to start 4 0. Then it gets a little harder. But also by November, those, these preseason question marks about offensive line, corner, run, you know, receiver, wherever they may be, when you come into this year, they should be solved. And that gives Auburn a chance to kind of finish out the year on a high note too.
- [58:59]
A
Right. So where would you have it, best case scenario for Auburn this fall?
- [59:05]
B
Mike? I went 8 and 4. Best case scenario, I just think that middle stretch is too hard with Tennessee, Georgia, lsu, Ole Miss, and then of course throw in the, the game against Alabama late. Also that road trip to Mississippi State I think is going to be difficult on November 14th. So I think best case scenario, 8 and 4. This means the offense hits, defense picks up where they left off. And Alex Golish is probably in consideration for SEC coach of the year if they go 8 and 4.
- [59:33]
A
Yeah, but he'll be even more consideration, Steven, if they go diet at three. Come on, that's what I got. Best case scenario, Auburn 9 and 3. They'd have to probably win the Iron bowl and they'd have to obviously win one of those games in the middle, maybe at Tennessee, maybe LSU at home. You know, it's, it's a tall ask to get that done. But I think best case scenario, I think Auburn, you get nine and three.
- [60:02]
B
Always dangerous to assume best case scenario works out for a team. So it's like, you know, you could talk yourself into like that Tennessee game. Like, okay, what if Tennessee is still having defensive issues and Byron Brown gets on a roll and, and easily puts up big numbers against Tennessee. What if Alabama's rushing attack, offensive line is still an issue? So these games, I think on papers, I think you have it framed well with the win, loss and toss up, but those games could become much more winnable or toss up by, by November or even October. So gonna be interesting, I think Auburn with Byron Brown in this offense, one of the more fascinating teams in the SEC this year.
- [60:40]
A
Hey, shout out to JS Productions. Interesting comment here, Stephen. Arkansas should be a toss. They win nine out of 10, but Arkansas finds that one every other year. And you know, believe it or not, Stephen, if you go back and look at this annual series, the road team has won four in a row. That's one of the weirder stats in the Southeastern Conference right now. But so that, that would lead me to believe that Arkansas is going to win this year. But of course that means nothing for this year. But just an interesting quirk with, with these two.
- [61:14]
B
Isn't it going to be interesting in a couple years to think about all the historical trends and data and how maybe that some of that might be upended by like the portal and like, you know, I think kind of this was the conversation at SEC media days with all these rosters changing. You got 70 something new players. Like what does last year mean really? And that's going to be, I think as we go forward, I'll be interested to see if some of these trends like that keep up.
- [61:38]
A
All right. So what will be your record prediction official for the Auburn Tigers? Stephen?
- [61:46]
B
I'm going six and six, Mike. I think they find a way to get to a bowl game. I mentioned it. The middle portion of that schedule is hard. I'm not sure they get past Florida on September 19th. And of course I mentioned it at Mississippi State, at Alabama late. So I'm going six and six. But this is a much improved team and they go bowling and the offense is better with Alex Golish and Byron Brown in place.
- [62:11]
A
Well, you know, Stephen, I don't hate it. I don't hate it, but I've been a one digit higher on all of these and I shall be once again. I'm saying 7 and 5. It's kind of weird to think 7 and 5 would be a good record for Auburn, but I believe they've had five consecutive losing seasons. So 7 and 5 would be a big time step in the right direction. Not where we want to be, but a good place, a good foundational year for old Alex Golish. I think. I think seven and five. I'd take it if I was an Auburn fan. Debut season?
- [62:49]
B
Heck yeah. I think based upon the disaster that you had under Hugh Freeze seven five means the out. Like we talked about, the offense is better defense under DJ Durkin setting the foundation for much better things in 2027. So yeah, I think if I'm an Auburn fan, I'm taking that.
- [63:06]
A
You never forget your first fan.
- [63:08]
B
So how was practice, kiddo?
- [63:09]
A
My mom inspired me to dream big and ask myself, what would you like the power to do? My answers helped me become the soccer player I am today, trusting my instincts and stepping onto the pitch without fear.
- [63:21]
B
Bank of America champions U.S. men's national team member Tyler Adams and everyone who
- [63:26]
A
dares to ask, what would you like the power to do?
- [63:28]
B
Bank of America proud to be the Official bank of U.S. soccer and FIFA World Cup 2026. Bank of America NA member FDIC.
- [63:36]
A
All right, how about the Florida Gator? Stephen over under seven and a half. Here's their schedule. FAU at home. Campbell. Yep, Campbell. The Campbell's at home at Auburn. Huge game there. Ole Miss at home at Missouri. South Carolina at home at Texas. Then they get their bye week. They got to Georgia. In Atlanta. This year a little little different. Oklahoma at home at Kentucky. Vanderbilt at home and at Florida State. So that's your record for the Florida Gators Stephen. And we had the win loss toss broken down like this of FAU and Campbell, South Carolina at home at Kentucky, Vanderbilt at home and at Florida State as the likely wins we've got at Texas, Georgia and Atlanta and Oklahoma at home, likely losses. While we've got at Auburn, Ole Miss at home at Mizzou as likely toss or as toss ups. So any of these you disagree with,
- [64:49]
B
I might move Oklahoma into the toss up category. I think Oklahoma is a much better team. But I do think this Florida team at home, if you're like me, you're thinking Florida is going to be better this year. I think there's a chance they could pull off the upset. Call me crazy, Mike.
- [65:09]
A
No, I don't think that's crazy at all, Stephen. I don't think that's crazy at all. And I also don't think it's crazy because I've seen some criticism online of people hyping up the Gators as well. You guys do this every year because we are guilty. We are guilty. But hey, eventually it's got to hit right now that they got rid of the problem old Billy boring ass Napier and got wild man summer all back here. I think this is, this is a recipe for one of the more improved programs in the Southeastern Conference this year. Am I crazy?
- [65:45]
B
Not at all, Mike. I think if I'm going to buy stock in teams, I like teams that have talent in a coaching upgrade. And Florida still has a lot of talent in the program for all the things that Billy Napier did wrong and we could do a whole show on those things. He recruited some pretty good players to Gainesville, you know, see the Texas game last year and what they were able to do in the passing game to Texas defense, you know, and I like what John Sumrall's done in the Portal, but most importantly, Mike, I know it's a lower level ball, but John Sumrall led Troy to the Sunbelt championship game twice. He took to lane twice. Tulane is investing at a high level for G6, but that is still a pretty hard job. And he took it over after Willie Fritz did a good job there too. But Mike, I think there's a track record of summer elevating the talent in the program to go to like the conference championship to be in the College Football Playoff. I think we have a much better track record this time. Like Napier kind of slow built Louisiana. I think there's a track record now. Summer all coming in two places and winning right away. And that's why I've got confidence that the pieces are there. The coaching staff just needs to do a better job of getting more out of them. And I think that's why I buy John Sumrall in Florida this year.
- [67:03]
A
Okay, well, that being said, Stephen, what would be. You said a lot of good things. What would be the worst case for the Gators?
- [67:10]
B
Six and six. I think this would be Florida State ends up being a surprise team. Maybe your only wins in SEC player, Kentucky and Vanderbilt. You're kind of struggling fighting to get to bow eligibility. The offensive line quarterback play is still an issue. So I, I would say six and six. Mike, I think it's absolute worst case scenario for this team.
- [67:32]
A
Yeah, I think you nailed it. That's exactly what I have for the worst case for the Florida Gators. And then how about the best case? What do you got there for the Gators?
- [67:45]
B
Call me crazy, Mike. Here we are putting our hand on the burner, right? Give me 10 and 2, you get ole Miss, you get Oklahoma, you get South Carolina in the swamp. Texas and Georgia are the hardest games outside of that scenario. So if you just think Florida loses those two, you get three of your biggest games at home. Yes, Auburn, Missouri on the road are tough. And we'll see what happens with Florida State. I don't think they're going to be very good this year and they might be a shell of their team by the time they fired Mike Norvell by October. So Mike, 10 and 2. I'm pretty optimistic, aren't I?
- [68:24]
A
Wow. Yeah, that. So that's even higher than I anticipated. You'd, you'd say Stephen, so I'm thinking best case 9 and 3. But maybe, just maybe you could convince me, Stephen. 10 and 2. But I think I'm gonna stick with my 9 and 3 for now. It's just, it's, you know, it's, it's so easy to get enamored with a new coach in all the change and all the positive that that comes with it. But I still think there's a game where maybe they slip up, if that makes sense. Where just because of the transition. Everybody's learning that in Gainesville in just so many regards, new offense, new defense. I think, heck, I think 9 and 3 is a heck of a year and maybe even a playoff year. But give Me Best case 9 and 3.
- [69:12]
B
I think you said something there, Mike, that's really important when it comes to like all the new pieces. I think it's very easy to talk yourself into saying this is going to hit, this is going to hit. When I Think the track record we've seen is that a lot of times it's more start, stop, it works, but maybe it takes some time to get there. So I think that's kind of the, the one thing that worries me is that maybe Florida is like a slower build and they're peaking at the end of the year to like an 8 and 4. That would kind of take away the best case scenario. But I, I, I would be, I would be pretty stunned, I think, if they finish like a 5 and 7 or 6 and 6, absent like a major, like, hit of injuries for this team.
- [69:54]
A
All right, so what would be your official record for the Florida Gators?
- [70:02]
B
I'm gonna split the difference on best and worst case scenario. I'm gonna take 8 and 4. I tried to talk myself into 9 and 3, Mike. I couldn't do it. I gotta go 8 and 4 for the Flor years.
- [70:14]
A
Okay. No, that's exactly what I said. So again, I, I mean, 8 and 4, that's a lot better than they have been here lately. So that is confidence in John Sumrall and the talent that was left by old boring Billy. I don't know if Florida fans would be happy, but again, I think they would be, they would accept eight and four with the expectation that the year two will be a nice springboard to perhaps contending for an SEC title.
- [70:43]
B
What do you think the odds are that Florida beats Ole Miss or Oklahoma this year?
- [70:53]
A
50. 50.
- [70:55]
B
Yeah, I, I like the fact, if I'm a Florida fan, that you get Ole Miss a week after they play lsu. That's got to be like the biggest, like, trap game in the world. The, the whole lsu. LSU playing Kiffin for weeks, then you got to go to Gainesville. That seems like a nightmare scenario. I think Oklahoma later in the year, a little more isolated on the schedule. That's probably a lot tougher. But I think if you're thinking optimistic here in this Florida team, the talent hits, they go eight, four, maybe nine and three. Looking ahead, what they're doing in the recruiting trail, it's very easy. And again, they've got to prove it. It's very easy. Talk yourself into buying stock in this team in 27 and beyond.
- [71:34]
A
Okay, how about another team that I'm, that Stephen could go any number of ways here. How about South Carolina? Ooh, Gamecock. Six and a half over under Kent. State at home, Towson at home, Mississippi State at home at Bama, Kentucky at home at Florida. Then you get their buy. Tennessee at home at Oklahoma. A and M at Home at Arkansas, Georgia at home at Simpson. What do you think about this one, Stephen? And we've got the win loss toss here. I got likely wins. Kent State, Towson, Mississippi State, Kentucky and Arkansas. Toss ups at Bama at Florida, Tennessee at A and M at Clemson and likely losses at Oklahoma, Georgia at home. You disagree with any of those?
- [72:34]
B
Would you consider maybe moving like Mississippi State in Kentucky into more of a toss up category? Only reason being, you know, hey, South Carolina only won four games last year. What if things aren't better? Mississippi State could be better. Kentucky could be better. Am I too crazy on that one?
- [72:54]
A
I think you're a little crazy, Stephen, because what are we, what are we in five year, five, year, six, whatever with Bamer? We can't be losing a Will Stein year one at home. We can't be losing a Jeff Lebby sorry ass. I don't care if he's been there 30 years. You cannot, if you're, if you're fighting for your job, you cannot lose to Mississippi State at home ever. I don't think it's acceptable if you're Carolina. So no, I think he's, I think those are must wins and I don't even think, I don't think the, the Carolina fans will even. I mean you'll celebrate them, but you'll be like, good, we're supposed to do that, you know.
- [73:30]
B
Yeah, man, I'm gonna miss the Sunglasses bowl this year,
- [73:36]
A
man.
- [73:37]
B
I, I think maybe I'm just a little bit higher in Mississippi State. I think just maybe I'm buying like a ton of stock in Camario Taylor just thinking that, okay, if South Carolina doesn't take, doesn't improve on offense, maybe that's, it's a vulnerable matchup. But I. Mike, with those games at home, they have to be wins. Maybe at Arkansas later in the year it gets a little tricky if South Carolina's offense is not better. But I think you're right in the bigger point is Mississippi State, Kentucky and Arkansas. Three of the teams picked at the bottom of the SEC by most people. You have to get these games with Kent State and Tosin to give yourself a chance to at least get back into the bowl game.
- [74:17]
A
All right, so what would be a worst case, you think for the game? Cac. Steven.
- [74:23]
B
Mike, I'm gonna take four and eight because it would match kind of what happened last year. But this would be the worst case. Like you beat Kent State, you beat Tosin, you beat Kentucky and Mississippi State, but suddenly Arkansas gets better during the season. You lose to Clemson it's just hard to pick off anybody else. Even though I think Shane Beamer and the South Carolina team probably will find an upset at home. I'll go 4 and 8. Absolute worst case scenario.
- [74:52]
A
I'm gonna go say 5 and 7. So I think a little bit higher than you. And again, this, this is worst case. But I think Carolina is just so tricky, Stephen, where, you know, we sit here and we're like, this is a win, this is a loss. I mean all the ones that are like losses, they, I think they can play with anybody.
- [75:14]
B
Yeah.
- [75:15]
A
And even the ones where we're saying could be wins, they could, they could implode and, and blow a game. You know what I mean? So it's so hard to project them, but I think they could. The worst they could do with this talent is five and seven, Mike.
- [75:30]
B
I think when you just look at their schedule too, Tennessee, Texas A and M think it's a little bit bigger of a leap to beat Georgia. But we saw South Carolina nearly go on the road and beat Texas A and M last season. So you know this Williams Bryce is a tough place to play, especially at night. Like if you can catch one of these opponents on the right timing, I mean, it wouldn't stun me. I mean we saw. Sorry Mike and cousin Shane with South Carolina could do to Tennessee there at home. We also saw them upset Texas A and M before. So I mean I could, I can easily talk myself into that. There's a lot of toss ups on the schedule, kind of like you showed with this, the schedule. And there's also games like if, okay, if this doesn't work out offensively, a lot of these, these tosses become much more in the loss category, putting them on that 5 and 7 track and outside of a bowl game again.
- [76:24]
A
Okay, so what would your best case for Carolina be?
- [76:28]
B
I'm going nine and three, Mike. I think this team, you know, you look at the road schedule like at Alabama, at Florida, at Oklahoma, Georgia, if this, if this offense hits and Lenora Sellers gets back to being the quarterback we saw in 2024, the offensive line provides good protection, they're able to get some balance. I think they could pick off an upset or two. I think they win all these toss up games we're talking about and they get to 9 and 3, top 25, not quite the College Football Playoff, but they're back in the top 25 if that's the case.
- [77:00]
A
I think you nailed this one, Stephen. I've got nine and three two as the, the best case scenario. For the South Carolina Gamecocks. They did it a couple years ago. Of course now it's a little bit trickier with an additional Southeastern Conference game. But they've got a lot of high end talent and if Kendall browse clicks I think, I think that's on the table. So 9 and 3 and I will go a step further. Stephen, again, If I think 9 and 3 is the best they could do. I got them going 8 and 4 so I think they could get close to maximizing the talent they have on this roster. What do you think is the your official record prediction for Carolina?
- [77:45]
B
I went one step below that. I went eight. Sorry. When seven and five with this team, it was close. Seven and five or eight and four. If I had a little more confidence in the offensive line I could probably talk myself into Aiden for.
- [78:02]
A
Yeah, I think I am overlooking that. But we can make the case that the offensive lines are weakness for about half east team. You know it's very true. I love the fact that Carolina attacked it. I believe they brought in eight transfers. Now are those all going to hit? Probably not, but we get five of them. I mean I'll take it. You know, so I, I like the fact that they're spending. They, they identify a weakness and they're, they're not standing pat. I love that about Carolina this off season.
- [78:30]
B
Yeah, I think it's good that they basically reset everything kind of offensively. Like I, I like that about Shane Beamer is like being super aggressive and saying like look what can't hire any more Mike Shula's or anybody else on the offense. You got to get this right. And it feels like they got it right. I, I actually think I'd be higher on my, my prediction if I knew like hey Jacarius Speak is going to be a healthy tackle for every game this year. We knew what we were getting out of. Dylan Stewart feels like the injury reports trending optimistic but until I see it on the field I'm going to be a little bit leery of those injury reports.
- [79:03]
A
All right, how about Ole Miss? Steven seven and a half projected over or win total? There's according to the sports books we've got Louisville and Nashville's the opener. That's a very interesting opener for Ole Miss and Pete Golding. Charlotte at home, LSU at home at Florida. Then they get their buy early buy at Vanderbilt. Missouri at home at Texas, Auburn at home, Georgia at home at Oklahoma, Woford at home Mississippi State. Man, what a tough schedule. Repeat and company I've got the likely wins I got Charlotte at Florida at Vanderbilt, Missouri, Auburn, Woford, Mississippi State, toss ups Louisville, lsu, Georgia, all those at home and then likely losses at Texas at Oklahoma. Would you disagree with any of those
- [80:06]
B
if Ole Miss is as good as last year or maybe some of the predictions that think Ole Miss can maybe win the national title this year? Mike I mean isn't November 14th against Oklahoma much more of a toss up game? Especially since they won last year. Now I know different teams, different years but that would be the only one. Like I might put that in the toss up category but the rest of them look pretty good to me. This is this the schedule breaks in the kind of you can kind of easily separate the big and kind of toss up matchups for Ole Miss.
- [80:42]
A
Yeah, I mean it's just, it's wild with this rotation of scheduling we're getting. It's just so it's so different. It's kind of hard. I've not seen a lot of these teams play each other. Right. I mean I guess we have seen Florida and Ole Miss here in recent years but that it almost feels like a non conference game because they hardly ever played previous years. Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, guess we've seen them battle Georgia a bunch but this is just a new, it's going to take some getting used to in this new look. Sec but what would you say is your worst case record prediction for ole Ms. Year One?
- [81:21]
B
Pete Golding I think seven and five because that would mean you lose to like LSU, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, you stumble against a Florida, maybe even Louisville. Like all of the toss ups you lose those plus maybe some of the ones that maybe aren't necessarily the toss up category. But you know you could get picked off by a Louisville in the season opener. Then, then of course I mentioned the Florida game and how it sets up for for Ole Miss. So that's absolute worst case scenario. I'd say seven and five for Ole Miss.
- [81:55]
A
Yeah, I, I think you nailed it. That's exactly what I have and man what a huge disappointment that would be. But again I'm saying worst case here. After winning what, 13 games last year, how about the best case scenario for the Ole Miss Rebels?
- [82:11]
B
Mike I think this one's pretty easy. I think it's 11 and 1. I don't think any team in the SEC is going to go undefeated. So I think you kind of put them in the kind of category of if they are good enough to compete for the playoff and national championship and they pick up where they left off. It's losing one time, it's potentially winning the SEC. So I'm going to go 11 and one.
- [82:31]
A
Oh, wow. Yeah. Okay. So you're a little bit higher than I am, Stephen, on this one. I. I said 10 and 2. Just given some of these games at Texas, at Oklahoma, Georgia, LSU. I mean, it's going to be difficult, but 10 and 2 would cement you right back in the College Football Playoff. No, no doubt about it. So, man. Levitt. What? But, hey, I'd love to see it because that would mean that. Would you think Pete Golding, coach of the year if they're 11 and 1?
- [83:06]
B
I kind of think so. I think if he's 11 and 1, picking up where Kiffin left off, you're probably talking about Ole Miss in the SEC Championship game. Unless they lose kind of convoluted tiebreaker. I would say probably, yeah. Coach of the year, Mike. I. I think that's. That's definitely the territory he needs to get to. And I think. I think Pete Go's already kind of answered a lot of doubters. Maybe not. Maybe not everybody, but I think the playoff showing was a strong start. Now it's his team. He's in the, you know, the driver's seat for all year. I'm curious to see, like, where this program goes, but, yeah, 11, one. I think he might gets coach of the Year.
- [83:45]
A
All right, so what would be your official record prediction for Ole Miss this season?
- [83:53]
B
I'm going nine and three, Mike. I wrestled with this one with the LSU prediction in the Oklahoma and Texas A and M. I feel like I may be off at 10 and 2, 9 and 3. I'm trying to shift these around. I'm going 9 and 3. Just missing the College Football Playoff. I'll stick with what I had in the magazine.
- [84:11]
A
Yeah, I think you nailed it, Stephen. That's exactly what I said as well. Nine and three. And that. That's going to be fascinating whether maybe this is the team that makes a college football playoff based on a nine and three. We'll have to see how those nine look. Of course, how those three look. But if they're all close, maybe they get the benefit of the doubt. I mean, they went pretty damn far last year in the playoffs. I know that doesn't have anything to do with it, but I don't understand the committee logic. So they would be right on that cut line one way or another, you know? Any chance this is a playoff team at 9 and 3, Mike?
- [84:49]
B
I just came up with the perfect scenario for this discussion. So Ole Miss loses to Texas, Georgia and Oklahoma finishes Nine and three, but needs LSU to keep winning later in the season to pump up. So Ole Miss has to be the biggest Lane Kiffin fan to kind of make that a marquee win. And they're fighting for the last playoff spot. So, yeah, I think they could be nine and three and in the College Football Playoff based upon that schedule.
- [85:16]
A
Yeah, I'd love it. That'd be hilarious. Well, how about. We haven't done A and M, Stephen? This is. This is another one that is a little bit hard to project because they've had a lot of turnover in the coaching and on the offensive line as well. The overrunners, eight and a half. They got. What is that? Missouri State at home, Arizona State, Kentucky, all those at home. Three home games open the season. That must be nice. At lsu, Arkansas at home, at Mizzou, Citadel at home, and then at Alabama. Then they get the buy. They're at Carolina, Tennessee at home at Oklahoma, Mighty Texas over under eight and a half. And what I have here, Steven, as the likely wins, loss toss, I got basically all the home games is Missouri State, Arizona State, Kentucky, Arkansas at Mizzou, Citadel at Carolina. Those are my likely wins. I got the toss ups as at lsu, at Alabama and at Oklahoma. And the likely loss takes us because they keep. They just can't beat them Texas boys. So until they do it, I gotta see it. Would you disagree with any of these?
- [86:38]
B
How close did you come to putting Texas in the toss up category?
- [86:43]
A
I'll never do it again, Steve. Until they beat him.
- [86:46]
B
That's probably the one that I would flip. I'd put that in the toss up category. It would not surprise me at all if Texas would. Texas A M wins that game this year. Like Texas could be, you know, it could be like a reversal of where, you know, Texas is the higher ranked team going on the road to College Station and especially Mike, by November. I think A M is going to sort out some of their, you know, offensive line, you know, fill out the defensive line, all those pieces. So I think A M is going to be much more dangerous. Plus in a rivalry, plus the motivation, that would probably be a toss up for me. But no disagreement on the others.
- [87:22]
A
Okay? No, I think that's fair. I've just kind of. You know, it's funny, Stephen, these oh so sensitive Texas people, they never give you credit for doing stuff like this. They just, they just see everything else you say about it. But I digress. All right, so what is the worst case scenario, Stephen? Fr A&M worst case record year three, Mike Elko.
- [87:47]
B
Mike. I think it's seven and five. I think the floor for this team is pretty high. But the schedule does have a lot of potential, like landmines. I mean you go to LSU early, you got Alabama on the road, you know, at Oklahoma, the game against Texas. What if they lose like a surprise upset? Like what if Missouri's maybe better than we think in. Missouri picks off Texas A and M. So I'm kind of building in seven to five if they lose those high profile toss up games plus an upset somewhere.
- [88:18]
A
Yeah, I think you absolutely nailed it, Stephen. That's exactly what I said. I could have easily made the 8 and 4 joke, but again, we're saying worst case scenario here. I don't think they're going 7 and 5, but I think there's a path there with the. What is on paper a very difficult schedule. In particular, again, you got to remember I'm very high on Tennessee. I have them as a playoff team. I think the last three teams, A and M faces, I think all. I have all three of those as playoff contenders or, excuse me, playoff teams. So in, in several more as contenders. Carolina, lsu maybe if everything breaks right for Bama. But again, just, just a very difficult slate. Worst case, 7 and 5. How about best case, Stephen? Pray. And then what do you got there?
- [89:11]
B
I got 10 and two. Mike, I think this team with the nine game slate with some of the road trips you mentioned, like I think three of their last five games are on the road. Plus we know the success that Texas has had recently. I think they're going to stumble a couple times, but I still think best case scenario is getting back to the playoff. Double digit wins. And that's why I like 10 and 2.
- [89:32]
A
Yep. I once again see, man, you're a smart guy. Steve ever tell you that tattoo, best case? Definitely. I, I agree with that. I know they just won 11, but it's very difficult not to see at least some step back given what they've lost. I know they're, they're trying to reload and, and prove they could do that, but man, adding a conference game and, and a lot more difficult road games, I mean heck, they, they could be 10 and 2. Let me, let me put it this way, Stephen. Is there a, a believable scenario where A M goes 10 and 2 this season and they're better than they were last year at 11 and 1?
- [90:10]
B
I think that's, I think that definitely could be true because was it, wasn't that the knock last year in A M? Was that the Schedule was light and they weren't a product of the schedule, but they got a lot of grief for it during the year. So yes, I, I could. Mike, we could even, Maybe even argue 9 and 3 given the schedule too.
- [90:27]
A
Yep, I, I think so. All right, so what is your official record prediction for them Aggies?
- [90:34]
B
Mike? I'm sticking with what I had in the magazine. I'm taking A M to make the playoff. But they are the 9 and 3 team that gets into the playoff as maybe like the last non conference A M, lsu, Ole Miss fighting for that last spot. So nine and three, College football Playoff
- [90:51]
A
for A M. Okay, I like it. Stephen, I. Because that I got nine and three. I have A M out of the playoff, but I do have him fifth. So if the SEC gets five in like they did last year, give me A and M to get in the college Football Playoff. I just. Hell, I wish the SEC would get 6 or 7 in but I don't know. I don't know if we'll do that every year, but hopefully we do. But. So I have them right there on that bubble. Nine and three. That's where I got A M this year.
- [91:21]
B
I'm a little surprised you didn't have five. I think. I thought you would stick with the five from, from last season this year. But Mike, I think this is kind of the, you know the interesting thing is we're talking about these teams and like we, I like to look at them in tears and you kind of look at Oklahoma, Texas A M. Like there's some offensive uncertainty for both. Like offensive line for Oklahoma, like Matier step four. Like same thing with Marcel Reed. Saw a lot of positivity for Marcel Reed at a media days too. Like getting him on the move, using his mobility and be thrown outside the pocket. So I, I think A M's got the right, I think approach coming on offense. I still think, you know, offensive line, OC turnover. Still a lot of questions. But somebody and it may be Florida, maybe it's Auburn, maybe somebody, somebody is going to come out of that next tier of teams and maybe they bump an A M or Oklahoma or ole Ms. Or LSU out of the playoff. I don't think we should assume that the best case or simplest path is last year's standings are going to repeat this year.
- [92:21]
A
Hey, how about. And I think that's an excellent point, Stephen. And maybe one of those teams that jumps up, the Missouri Tigers. How about that, Steven? The record over under prediction for Mizzou is six and a half. They open the season Gets paid a butter on a Thursday or Friday. I can't remember one of those. Kansas at Little K, Kansas, Troy at home, Mississippi State on the road, Florida at home, A and M at home at Ole Miss. Then they get their buy for Arkansas on the road. Texas at home at Georgia, Kentucky at home, Oklahoma at home. And here's where we got the win, loss or toss for the Missouri Tiger. Steven, A lot of wins there, I think. Peanut butter, Little K, Kansas, Troy at Mississippi State, Florida at home at Arkansas, Kentucky. Those are the likely wins. A lot of toss ups too, though. A and M at home at Ole Miss, Texas and Oklahoma with only one likely loss at Georgia. Would you disagree with any of those selections?
- [93:37]
B
I would put Florida in the toss up category. And Mike, you can call me crazy. I guess I'm just ultra high on Camario Taylor tonight. I might put that game against Mississippi State in the toss up category because. And, and it's just I, Jamal Roberts is very good, but what if Ahmad Hardy's not back by that point? You're going on the road in the SEC for your first, you know, game of conference play. You know, I mean, Mississippi State, I think it's going to be a lot better. Maybe they could pick off a Missouri. So I might put that one in the toss up category. But I think you're, you're on the right track with those picks.
- [94:13]
A
Yeah, I don't hate that. I don't hate it. I think it just depends on what day those teams decide to show up this season, you know, and that's probably going to be the case for a lot of these, these teams this fall. Now, when it comes to worst case scenario for the Missouri Tigers, where would you lean there, Stephen?
- [94:32]
B
I think the floor is pretty high for this team, Mike, and obviously have some questions at the same time, like defense, zero returning starters. You know, it looks like Josh Atkins is not going to make it back anytime soon, so they're going to have to figure out the offensive line. We've talked about a mod already and of course Austin Simmons and, and what step forwards. But I say all that, Mike, and I think there's a trust factor here that, okay, if this goes wrong, this goes wrong. I still think Missouri gets the 6 and 6 and gets to a bowl game in a worst case scenario.
- [95:04]
A
Okay, well, I disagree, Stephen. I think worst case, give me five and seven.
- [95:12]
B
Ooh, no wonder Drake did show up.
- [95:15]
A
I think he's. Yeah, he knew it. He knew I was low on it. But again, this is worst case scenario here. 5 and 7 do I think that's going to happen? No, but I kind of see a path to it happening, if that makes sense. So again, fingers crossed, it doesn't happen. I. I got a lot of variance with this team, though, so I'll just go ahead and say I think Best case, Stephen, 9 and 3. Best case. What do you have for Missouri, Mike?
- [95:46]
B
We're on the same page, my friend. I've got nine and three as well, because you could talk yourself into. They sweep the non conference. They beat Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Kentucky. And then they start to like pick off a combination of other home games like Texas A M. Maybe they upset Oklahoma. You kind of factor in upset. You win those winnable SEC games in the non conference and that gets you to like a 9 and 3 type of season.
- [96:13]
A
All right, so what will be the official record prediction from Steven License?
- [96:20]
B
I might get a lot of grief, Mike. I'm gonna take seven and five. I kind of like almost split the difference here too. I could talk myself into 8 and 4. Ask me if we see Ahmad Hardy out there breaking awesome long touchdown runs, maybe sooner than we anticipate.
- [96:35]
A
I don't hate it, Stephen. I don't hate it. I don't love it necessarily because I want them to be better than that. But I got seven and five as well as the official record prediction for the Missouri Tigers. And heck, that'd be. You'd be hitting the over. I mean, if nothing, that's a pretty low bar to hit. But 7 and 5, massive transition. Not totally bought in on old Austin Simmons yet, I think. I think seven to five, I feel pretty good about it.
- [97:07]
B
Do you think Austin Simmons is maybe one of the biggest X factors overall in the SEC this year?
- [97:15]
A
Yeah, you could certainly make that case,
- [97:18]
B
I think even more critical with the uncertainty surrounding Ahmad Hardy. But even, even if, if he was 100 full go from the start of the season, that Simmons's play was going to be like the make or break thing for Missouri. Because I think in theory you're bringing in Chip Lindsay to upgrade your passing game. You're bringing in Austin Simmons, who's got all these, you know, kind of high upside potential here. To me, like this is the X factor because like you can look at 10 years in college football there, make or break on the quarterbacks. I don't think Eli Drinkowitz is going to be make or break on quarterback. If he, if Simmons doesn't work out, you just go get the next guy in the portal. But man, if he could really hit, then you're talking about changing the trajectory of this team for this season.
- [98:01]
A
I think, hey, well one team you, it doesn't seem like you keep them out of your mouth there, Steven. Mississippi State. So let's do that next. They've got over under four and a half year three of Jeff Lebby, Ulm in the opener at home at Minnesota, tricky game at Carolina, Mizzou at home, Bam at home by week. Then it's at lsu, Oklahoma at home at Texas, Vanderbilt at home, Auburn at home, Tennessee Tech at home, then the Egg bowl in Oxford. This year, here's what we have is the win loss toss. Stephen we got Ulm, Vanderbilt and Tennessee Tech. Likely wins. Minnesota on the road at Carolina, Mizzou at home, Auburn at home at Ole Miss. Got all those as tosses and then likely losses. Bam at home at lsu, Oklahoma at home at Texas. Do you disagree with any of those?
- [99:05]
B
I would have Vanderbilt as a toss up game only because look, those teams feel very, they feel very in the very similar tier to me this preseason. I don't think there's a ton of difference in the power ratings. So I, even though the game is in Starkville, I still would have that as a toss up, Mike. But I think the rest of those are pretty spot on. I think that Minnesota game feels like one of the bigger swing games for Mississippi State and how the season could be perceived.
- [99:30]
A
I think, yeah, I think that's fair. I think that is fair. But do I think your worst case is fair? What do you, what do you have as the worst case for Mississippi State?
- [99:41]
B
Mike, Worst case scenario is pretty grim. They've only won one win, remember one victory in SEC play the last two years. So if you don't beat Minnesota, you only win one SEC game. That puts you at 3 and 9. I like the improvements with Zach Arnett. I love the upside of Camario Taylor. Mike, I'm so worried about in game management. How does Jeff Levy close the door in some of these games? Because we saw this last year. So I'd say worst case has got to be like three and nine for this team.
- [100:10]
A
Who and I thought you were high on Mississippi state. I'm saying 4 and 8. How about that? I just, I don't know. I'm buying, I'm buying back into Mississippi State and it's got nothing to do with Jeff Levy. This has got shades of Florida last year so they may crash and burn. I, I should probably consider the head coach when I project these teams. But I, I think Camario Taylor, he's, you know, I'm buying all the hype. I could, I could I get when I or that I hear with that. That guy. So give me worst case, 4 and 8 and I may, you're probably right, but I'm trying to be optimistic here.
- [100:50]
B
4 and 8 probably or 3 and 9 probably spells the end of Jeff Levy's tenure, don't you think?
- [100:56]
A
Absolutely. As, as it should.
- [100:59]
B
Yeah. This is a hard job and the schedules have been difficult and obviously the portal has not made it easy. But man, to be this couple years into your tenure, if some of the things that we've seen in some of the games, like with the way it's managed, doesn't improve, then I think, yeah, I think it's 4 and 8. 3 and 9 is a coaching change situation to start film.
- [101:21]
A
So what do you got as the best case for Mississippi State?
- [101:25]
B
Mike, forget all that negativity, right? Let's be optimistic. Mississippi State goes up to Minnesota, they beat the Golden Gophers, they win some of these home games in SEC play, they pick off Missouri, they pick off Vanderbilt, Auburn, maybe they pick off some combination. They get to seven and five. Mike, give Jeff Lebby a contract extension if that's the case. Right?
- [101:53]
A
Baby, baby. Again. How about this though? Eight, four. That's what I'm saying. Best case, eight and four again. This is going to take a lot. You know, the Zach Arnett impact is going to be huge, perhaps on the defense. We're going to need Camario Taylor to be one of the best quarterbacks in the, in the country. And I will disagree with you, Stephen. I, I've not given Jeff Levy any kind of extension, but what I am doing if we win eight games is I'm asking Camario Taylor how much is it going to cost to bring you back for another year and whatever that is, instead of paying Jeff Levy, sorry ass, give it to Camario Taylor because he saved your job.
- [102:31]
B
That is a really interesting point. When you think about like down the road this season, what coaches on the hot seat. Our team's going to be willing to say we'll bring you back, but we're going to do the whole let's invest more in the roster. So you don't buy out the coach, but you're willing to pay, you know, somebody like Camario Taylor to keep him around and then the coaching buyouts go down a little bit next year. So Mike, I, I continue to, to, to be really impressed with Kamaru Taylor. Just watching some of his film from last year, digging into some of the stats. Everything to me says he is in line for a breakout season. And so if he does that and this defense improves, I think like you said, 6 and 6, 7, 5, maybe even a touch higher is all on the table for this team.
- [103:22]
A
So where do you have the official record for Hail State?
- [103:27]
B
Well, we said all those good things, Mike. Right. I got 5 and 7. The swing. The swing game's the Minnesota game right now. I'd favor Minnesota that early in the season on the road. So if that's a W, they go back to a bowl game at 6 and 6. But I got 5 and 7 right now.
- [103:45]
A
Man. What happened, happened. Give me. How about this, Steven? Seven and five. Is that crazy? Whoa.
- [103:52]
B
All right.
- [103:54]
A
I mean, I'm just thinking, I. I don't know, maybe I'm just buying into the. Maybe cousin Shane kind of put something in my drink down there at SEC media days, but I'm thinking, I don't know, I'm buying into Mississippi State for some, for some crazy reason.
- [104:12]
B
I think they're. Let me say this, I think if they finish 5 and 7, I think they're better than a 5 and 7 team. I think their schedule just sort of limits the upside on the win total. I want to get to 6 and 6, though, because it feels like a bowl team to me. I just, you know, I think they've made all the right improvements from the portal. Zach Arnett, they've got the superstar quarterback potentially. I am worried about the offensive line, But I think 6 and 6 is very, very feasible for this team.
- [104:38]
A
All right, how about, oh, Kentucky, Stephen? They're pretty confident on the old bluegrass. We got over under four and a half. Youngstown State, Bama, back to back home games open the season. Then we're at A and M. Then we got South Alabama at Carolina, LSU at home, at Oklahoma, Vanderbilt at home and we get our buy. Then we're at Tennessee, Florida at home, at Missouri, Louisville at home. Here's the projected win loss toss that we have. We got Youngstown and Southern. Alabama's are likely wins. A lot of tosses here though. Bama, Carolina, Florida, Mizzou, Vanderbilt, Louisville and then likely losses at A M. LSU at Oklahoma, at Tennessee. Do you disagree with any of those, Mike?
- [105:34]
B
I don't disagree at all. I. This is kind of the. The puzzling thing to me. I think I understand the optimism of Will Stein and Kenny Minchi and some of the portal stuff. But man, this schedule is really hard, isn't it? It's hard to find like guaranteed victories. And you got it outlined well with those two Guaranteed victories and some toss ups and some guaranteed for sure losses, I think.
- [105:58]
A
Hey, did you see that there was a guy for cbs? I've heard literally every Kentucky fan under the sun. We got it in the comments too. It's the number three offensive line in the country, Stephen, according to one one guy on cbs. So that therefore it makes him the number three offensive line in the, in, in the country. Are you buying that the number three offensive line in the country hails in Lexington?
- [106:19]
B
I did see that, Mike, and I would, I probably would politely disagree with that. I think this, this group, are they
- [106:27]
A
even number three in the conference.
- [106:28]
B
Right, right. Yeah. I mean there is a world where some of these offensive lines like A M, like in Oklahoma, I mean Auburn, Kentucky, somebody out of that group's probably going to exceed all of our expectations, but man, third in the country. You know, Price and Herd are big pickups. I mean, Chalupa was inconsistent at times at Ohio State. I'm struggling to get to top three in the sec, so top three in the country seems like a pretty big leap forward. I could be very wrong, Mike. They could be way better than we had them in our rankings. Third seems pretty high, doesn't it?
- [107:03]
A
I think Nick Roush paid him with some bourbon or something to write that article, if I had to guess. All right, so what, what would be your worst case scenario for Kentucky record wise?
- [107:13]
B
Mike, I think you did a great job on outlining the toss ups and the guaranteed wins and losses because that exactly matches like the worst case Scenari scenario. I think it's 2 in 10. I think you beat Youngstown, South Alabama and struggle to find a win in SEC play. They do get Vanderbilt in Florida at home later in the year, so you could maybe talk yourself into a win or an upset there. But I do think there is a world where worst case scenario, it's 2 in 10.
- [107:43]
A
Okay, well, I'm gonna be a little bit more optimistic here, Steven. I would say three and nine. You know, they found a toss up win somewhere in that schedule. I, I don't think three. And I think after Stein, you know, we're going to win because me, I'm, I'm giving them one win there.
- [108:01]
B
They could be Louisville too, I should say. I, I, there's the new, the new kind of blood in the rivalry. Of course, Stein's a former Louisville quarterback. I do think Louisville is one of the better teams in the ACC this year. But it, you know, new fresh start in the rivalry wouldn't be surprising if, if Kentucky maybe exceeded expectations and won that game. I'm just having a hard time talking myself into multiple SEC wins here.
- [108:26]
A
What, and now what would be the best case you think for Kentucky, Mike?
- [108:31]
B
Tell me if I'm too low, but I went six and six. I think just getting to a bowl game would be a best case scenario for this team.
- [108:40]
A
No, I think you nailed it, Steven. That's exactly what I said. Six and six. Best case scenario, print the T shirts. We did this because of Stein, right?
- [108:51]
B
I, I think 6 and 6 is doable if you sweep the non con because then that sets you up to where you could beat. You know, we talked about Vanderbilt, Florida, maybe you pick off an upset. I mean Alabama, week two. We talked about the, the trouble that Kaylin Deborah's had against as a favorite at times. So you could talk yourself into that. Okay, if Menchi and Stein in this offense gets going, I could talk myself into pencil them in for an upset somewhere and they get the six victories.
- [109:20]
A
So what would be your official record prediction for the wild kids?
- [109:25]
B
I'm going four and eight, Mike. I think they find a win in SEC play somewhere. Maybe they pick off Louisville or maybe they pick off another win in SEC play. So slightly more optimistic than worst case scenario. Give me four and eight.
- [109:40]
A
Yep. I think you nailed it, Stephen. That's exactly where I land. Four and eight. Man, they, they really didn't want to go to a nine game which. Yeah, again, I, I think the, I think brighter days are ahead, but I just don't think it's going to be this season for Will Stein Co. Is
- [110:00]
B
Kentucky 1 of the teams hurt the most by the nine game schedule you think, especially relative to what they've been scheduling non conference wise under mark stoops?
- [110:09]
A
Yes, 1000% and doing away with the Eastern Division. That, that kills me too. Yeah.
- [110:14]
B
And also, I mean not that this is not like a knock on Stoops, but I mean think about what's happened to some of the teams in the East. You know, Tennessee kind of went through a weird period. You know, Butch Jones, Jeremy Pruitt, you had Florida and kind of in turnover. I mean a lot of these teams in the east like Kentucky took advantage of, which they. You have to do if you're a program like this. But it's a whole new world. No divisions, nine games. I'll be, I'm gonna be fascinated to see how some of these teams that are kind of at the bottom of the league, how what's their mobility to get back to that kind of 8, 9 win range. At a place like Kentucky.
- [110:49]
A
Well, speaking of a brave new world, Stephen, Vanderbilt. It's a new world for them apparently because they were whipping ass last year. Their schedule, the FI. The 5 1/2 is are over under Austin P at home, DE at home, NC State at home at Auburn, at Georgia, Ole Miss at home, Arkansas at home at Kentucky. Then they get their buy at Mississippi State, Bam. At home at Florida, Tennessee at home to wrapping them up. I got the win, loss, toss Stephen. Likely wins Austin P, Delaware and Arkansas toss ups NC State at Auburn, at Kentucky, at Mississippi State, at Florida, likely losses at Georgia, Ole Miss, Bama, Tennessee. Disagree with any of those?
- [111:43]
B
Could Tennessee be a toss up game or am I just thinking too much? What we saw last year
- [111:52]
A
Hypo says you don't lose the Vanderbilt so hell no. That's got, that's got to be a loss. Even though they, they did whip them pretty good last year.
- [112:01]
B
I think outside of that Mike, I, I would. I think these are pretty spot on. I think that NC State game is, is really critical for Vanderbilt because you know, in nine games with this slate they do play Kentucky, Mississippi State and Arkansas. Some of the teams that most people will pick at the bottom. So if you're trying to chart a path to like a bowl game, that's the path. Like you pick off Ostapy, Delaware, NC State and those three games in SEC play. So I think those toss ups, W's and L's look pretty good to me.
- [112:31]
A
All right, so what would be your worst case scenario for the cabin Mike?
- [112:38]
B
Diego Pavia's not walking through that door. Right. So they lose to NC State, they lose to Kentucky, Mississippi State and Auburn. All very winnable, but those are all on the road. So they pick off Arkansas at home, they beat Delaware, they beat Austin Peay. There's no upset this year. Vanderbilt goes three and nine in worst case scenario.
- [113:01]
A
I think that's how tall Diego Pavi is. 3 foot 9. Right.
- [113:05]
B
Right.
- [113:07]
A
I can't, I can't. Yeah, 3 and I. That's exactly what I said as well. Worst case scenario gonna be pretty interesting Stephen to how depressing will that be for Arkansas fans if they lose to Vanderbilt?
- [113:20]
B
Yeah, especially if Vanderbilt does go 3 and 9 and takes care of business with a true freshman quarterback. That would, that would not, that would not give me good feelings if I was a Arkansas fan. Trusting Ryan Silverfield, right?
- [113:34]
A
No, not at all. All right, what about best case scenario though for the cabin horse Mike?
- [113:40]
B
The good news is Diego Pavia left a pretty strong foundation right you know, Tim Beck still around. There's, there's a good vibes. They just got Jared Curtis. I'm gonna go with eight and four. Best case scenario.
- [113:52]
A
Oh wow.
- [113:53]
B
They sweep those non conference games. They, they take care of business against Kentucky, Mississippi State and Arkansas. They find a couple wins in SEC play, maybe they pick off Tennessee again. Caitlin De Boer probably have nightmares about going back to Vanderbilt after what happened a couple years ago. So super optimistic, Mike. But if Jared Curtis is good, I'll take Vanderbilt. Best case, 8 and 4.
- [114:18]
A
Wow. Okay. I'm gonna say best case, 7 and 5, 8 and 4. A little rich for my blood, but I, I see where you're going with a lot of that. I just think, I think it's gonna be tough, Stephen. I really do. I'm down on Vanderbilt this year. Of course that's nothing new to those guys and they just been out here proving people wrong. So this will be a pivotal year for Vanderbilt and Clark Lee. It doesn't define the program, but it will, especially if they over achieve. I think it'll go a long way to garnering respect in the SEC if they can win seven, eight games.
- [115:00]
B
100%. Because Mike, you know the narrative is going to be, well, it was just Diego Pavia. If they go 3 and 9 or 4 and 8. I think that also overlooks the, the sort of program improvements that Clark Lee's been doing, you know, since they had that terrible kind of start to his tenure. They've made some adjustments, they've been in the portal, they're maximizing nil better. So they've adjusted. But I think the worst case would be they do go three and nine, they go four and eight. The product isn't very good and it is a. Well, it was just Diego Pavia. And then they start to kind of have to restart this rebuilding process next offseason. That's a worst case thing for this team.
- [115:39]
A
All right, so what will be your official prediction record wise for the.
- [115:44]
B
I'm taking Vanderbilt at 6 and 6, Mike. I think they go back to a bowl game, it's hard to talk myself into the high end upside because of, you know, true freshman quarterback offensive line questions. I still think they go to a bowl game, so give me six and six.
- [116:00]
A
Too high, Stephen. Five and seven. I hope I'm wrong because I'd love to see them continue that bowl streak but I think it gets snapped this year.
- [116:12]
B
What's your biggest concern with Vanderbilt? Is it just Jared Curtis or is it some like the offensive line or another position
- [116:21]
A
defense yeah. And what a liability has been the entire time under Clark Lee. And I think we should have, we should have had that fixed by now and I don't know that we do.
- [116:34]
B
When Clark Lee was hired, Mike, I would have said that at one point they would have put together a pretty highly rated defense in the sec. I think it's been a little surprising to me that they've had the issues they had. So yeah, I mean, goes without saying, if you're taking away Pavia and the offense is not as good, the defense has got to pick up more of the slack, right?
- [116:53]
A
I would think so. But where they do that quite well, Stephen, that's down in Athens, of course. Georgia 9 1/2 over under win total. Here's the schedule. Tennessee State, Western Kentucky, both at home at Arkansas. Hunter Eurocheck, he's mad as hell at games early. Oklahoma at old, Vanderbilt at home at Alabama, Auburn at home. Then we get our buy. We get Florida and Atlanta at Ole Miss. Mizzou at home at Carolina. Georgia Tech at home. Here's the win loss toss for the dogs. Stephen. I got every game as a likely win short of three toss ups. Oklahoma at home, at Bama at Ole Miss. Do you disagree with any of those?
- [117:46]
B
Mike? That is 100% spot on. That's exactly what I had. It's funny, they were. I guess we can talk about Texas here in a minute, but not many teams in W L projections are going to have zero like penciled in losses. Georgia is one of those for sure.
- [118:02]
A
Right. All right, so worst case for the dogs. What do you think?
- [118:08]
B
Mike? I think it's that it's the way you outlined it on the W's and L's there. I think they could lose to Oklahoma, Alabama and Ole Miss. They finished nine and three and maybe they're still in the playoff. But this is kind of goes back to the receiving core, the passing game, the big plays. Maybe in these games against other top ranked SEC matchups, they just don't have the offensive punch to win close games. So I'll take 9 and 3. Absolute worst case scenario for this team.
- [118:38]
A
Yep, I agree with that. For, you know, every, everything you just said, the, the likely toss ups, I, I can't imagine they're going to lose all of them. So. But in a crazy world, maybe nine and three. How about best case? What do you think for the dogs, Mike?
- [118:53]
B
I went with 11 and 1. I don't think any team is going to run the table, but if one team is going to, it's probably going to be Georgia because they do, you know, getting Oklahoma at home. Yes, it's a toss up. That's a huge check in their favor. I they just beat Alabama. Even that they struggled in that series. They beat Ole Miss last year in the regular season. I think they can win out 12 0. I just don't think any team in college football with an SEC slate is going to. So I'll take 11 and one best case scenario.
- [119:28]
A
Now do I think they're going undefeated? No, but best case I think they could Steven. So that give Me Best Case 12 0. I don't think anyone's going undefeated. But you literally, like you literally just said if there is one team it's Georgia. But I think they're going to go 10 and 2 overall. I think we got to get used to this world Stephen, where even the so called elite can drop a game or two. And the fact that the over under is nine and a half, I mean they're, they're telling you they don't, they don't think 11 and 1 is that likely in my opinion.
- [120:13]
B
Yeah, 100% Mike. I also think this raises another question about the playoff committee which is you don't have to rank teams that have two losses, you know, ahead of teams that have three losses. You know, you don't have to order teams in loss order. Like we could parse these teams out by tough schedules. So here we go, another complaint about the playoff committee and the way they're doing the process. Because you know in theory Mike, a 9 to 3 Georgia team that's lost to like Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Alabama, you are in that category of man. They've played a hard schedule and they've lost those couple games. So Mike, I'm more optimistic than you. I got 11 1. I could have picked 12 0. I just don't think any team is going to go undefeated in the SEC. So they have to lose somewhere. Give me 111 SEC champs Georgia Bulldogs.
- [121:01]
A
Wait, you don't think anyone's going undefeated? What about your team body? Texas here Steven, over under nine and a half. Texas State, Ohio State. What is that? UTSA Roadrunners, three in a row at home. Then at Tennessee bye week Oklahoma and Dallas. Florida at home. Ole Miss at home, Mississippi State at home, at Mizzou, at lsu, Arkansas at home and then at A M. Stephen, the win loss toss. Oh we got a couple tosses here. I, I got Ohio State, Oklahoma, LSU at LSU and at A and M as toss ups. Everybody else will win. Do you any disagreements there?
- [121:47]
B
The only I would maybe consider and maybe this is more of an upset kind of category, but at Tennessee or what about Ole Miss coming to Austin? You know, we, yeah, Miss knocked out off Georgia in the the College Football Playoff. What if Texas is just, we saw this last year. They're not as good as we think. So that's the only two I'd maybe kind of quibble with. But Mike, I think the other ones are pretty spot on.
- [122:13]
A
I, I, that's why I like you, Stephen. Tennessee. Yeah, throw that into tall, scary. What was I thinking there? But now I would love, love to hear your wor. What is your worst case for Texas? Is it like 11 and one worst case?
- [122:26]
B
Not 12, zero. Mike, they're not going to lose the game. What are you talking about, Mike? I actually would consider seven and five here.
- [122:37]
A
Wow.
- [122:37]
B
You know, like you could lose to Ohio State, Oklahoma, at lsu, at Texas A and M. You know, we mentioned the Ole Miss, Tennessee. That's absolute worst case. I went back and forth between 8 and 4 and 7 and 5. There's just a lot of highly ranked opponents and tough road environments that they will face. So that's my worst case. 8 and 4 or 7 and 5.
- [123:02]
A
Okay, well, I didn't know we could pick two, but I'm gonna go 84 worst case. I love hear that 7 and 5 come out of your mouth though when it we're talking Texas now. Is that realistic? I, I don't think so. I mean they got too much talent. Oh Lord. Steve, did you hear they hired Will Busch up? Apparently he's an elite defensive coordinator. I don't know that we've seen that since about 2007. But he, he was good that one time in Austin, so he'll be Good again. But 8 and 4 worst case in my opinion.
- [123:34]
B
Are they just trying to bring Will Muschamp back to Austin just in case Sark doesn't work out? Maybe there's like some long term buyout. They're still paying for my stamp or something, you know, on the coaching waiting under.
- [123:46]
A
He's still on, he's still on the payroll. I get it. So that would make a lot of sense. Yeah.
- [123:50]
B
Gotta save some money. Gotta talk Arch into coming back in 2027. Right. So you save a few million, get well musjam. Mike, I will tell you my best case scenario is much more optimistic. I went 11:1 for best case. I don't think any team is going undefeated, but I think Texas, considering his schedule, 11 one's kind of got to be best case, right?
- [124:12]
A
Yeah, no I think you nailed it. 11 and 1. And then my official record, 102 for Texas. And they locked down a playoff spot, of course. Heck, I think even at 9 and 3, they. They deserve to get into the playoff with this schedule. So 10 and 2, I think it'd be a lock for the playoff.
- [124:31]
B
9 and 3 with this schedule should probably get them in the College Football Playoff. But I think if you're a Texas fan, you're. You're hoping you're not sweating out selection Sunday, hoping to get in at 9 and 3, considering what this team brings back. Mike, I like 11 1. I think this team. I could talk myself into 10 and 2 like you have, but I went super optimistic. I went 11:1.
- [124:55]
A
I'm having fun with the camera over here. No, I. I get it. I get it. You're the Texas Hober these days, so. Yeah, no, I think that's. I think that's more than fair. I also think it's more than fair, Stephen, that we've gone over two hours. So I feel bad. I don't want to keep you much longer, but I do want to shout out Kirby 16King. And we got Chandler over here. B. Chandler, B. And then Jared, he gifted a membership to. Apologies. I can't say, guys, it was a crazy name. He. He gifted to. And then Rick, Ricky Myers. All of y', all, welcome to the family.
- [125:34]
B
Yeah.
- [125:34]
A
Finally ported the right camera. Not really, but any closing thoughts here, Stephen, as we wrap his bad boy up?
- [125:41]
B
Mike, apologies for all of the technical gremlins on my end tonight. It was still good to catch up with you and all the cousins after being, you know, SEC media days going on last week. Teams to start a fall practice. Mike, week zeros, 30 something days away. Week one will be here. Let's go start. Let's. The season's almost. Almost here. The Runway started.
- [126:04]
A
Absolutely. So we'll be here to cover all the action, hopefully with working cameras. No promises there. I stay locked in on the channel. We got Quite literally about 40, ish 4 interviews to drop, so I've got a slowly trickling those out, trying to get in, trying to get multiple videos out a day, which means we'll probably have about three weeks of videos coming. But stay locked in. We appreciate you. We'll be back tomorrow with cousin Shane, but until then, we'll catch you on the next one. Hey, buddy, this beer's for you. Mike and cousin Shane. That SEC podcast loves the pirate, and the pirate loves that SEC podcast. Hail State.