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[00:01]
Stephen Lassen
Oregon parks make an Oregon summer. But what makes an Oregon park well? Oregon Lottery Gameplay helps no matter the game Megabucks, video lottery or keno funds from lottery games help support parks projects
[00:13]
Michael Bratton
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Stephen Lassen
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[00:34]
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[01:01]
Stephen Lassen
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Michael Bratton
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Stephen Lassen
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[01:21]
Michael Bratton
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[01:24]
Stephen Lassen
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[01:35]
Michael Bratton
Hey, welcome in latest episode of that SEC podcast. I'm your host, Michael Bratton. Go by SEC Mike on Twitters. There's our great friend Stephen Lassen, the senior editor over at Athlon Sports. Stephen, how are you?
[01:52]
Stephen Lassen
Hey Mike, I'm doing well. It's good to be talking some SEC ball with you. We got SEC media days. We just had Big 12 football monster energy, whatever it is now Media days last week. So excited to be talking some ball we've got. I mean, just under 50 days until kickoff. The days are just flying by, aren't they?
[02:13]
Michael Bratton
They are. And I know college football is right around the corner, Stephen, when media days rolls around. So we're excited about that next week. And I know it's around when Shane and I get together and do my, as he says 20,000 times during the show, quarterback rankings. And I don't know if you got a chance to check any of that out, Stephen, but maybe, like Shane said, maybe you bribed me. Thoughts on Arch Manning being the number one quarterback in my SEC quarterback rankings?
[02:45]
Stephen Lassen
I knew Longhorn Mike would eventually come around and see things the way that they should have been on all along here. I actually. Mike, I have to admit, when I saw that, I actually thought I may have accidentally sent you my quarterback rankings because we traded so many emails on rankings, and I was like, wait a minute, I wanted to update those in August. Did I send those to him? So I was furiously looking, and then I was like, oh, it's SEC Bikes, and he's got Archbannon at number one. So I love the list. Great job, Mike.
[03:19]
Michael Bratton
All right, I figured. I figured you did, Stephen. I figured you did. Well, I figure you're gonna like tonight's show as well, because you picked the topic, Stephen. We got make or bait, make or break position group for each and every SEC team. We're gonna deep dive on all 16 teams like we love to do. Stephen's ready to debut his SEC bowl projections, so we're going to be able to talk a lot of football. Throw us a donation of any kind if you want, and we'll skip your team to the top of the list and we'll spend a little extra time on them. But before we dive into the action, Stephen, just want to give a shout out our friends, Tennessee Legend, Distillery. Go check them out. It was great meeting some cousins with cousin Shane over at the fanboy event there in Knoxville. I think it may Shane horribly uncomfortable to be around so many nerds like myself, but. So he dipped out pretty, pretty early. But it was a good time. Good time by all. So go check them out. Tennessee Legend, Distillery. Give them. Give them some business here there. You will not be disappointed. The only thing I was disappointed with Stephen, they had. So they had a booth at this fanboy convention. They had all this fancy Tennessee whiskey there, and they weren't allowed to give any out. I mean, it was, I guess it was like, against the convention rule, no alcohol. So, I mean, that was a little bit of a tease, I thought.
[04:46]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah, kind of a bummer. You're there, you see all that great products by our friends over there at Tennessee Legends. But, I mean, let's be honest, there were two Tennessee Legends in the house, right? SEC Mike and cousin Shane. So I. I think our. I think you had quite the. The time there. Next. I guess next year I need to join you guys and add one more nerd to the, uh, convention, right?
[05:08]
Michael Bratton
Oh, man, that would be great, Stephen. And I think that's why Shane dipped out, because they would not let him consume alcohol on the premises. And it's hard to keep him anywhere if you're not going to give him any booze.
[05:17]
Stephen Lassen
You know what I, I mean, let's be honest. They probably asked him to leave because the crowd to follow because of Shane would have been enormous. Like the biggest celebrity there. You would have had lines and lines of people nobody could get to anywhere else. I think it was important to, to get that man out for his own safety. He might have been signing autographs until like, you know, Monday morning when the sun came up.
[05:39]
Michael Bratton
Oh, I think, I think you're absolutely right, Stephen. So, hey, shout out cousin Glenn. First donation of the night. He gifted a membership, Stephen, to Patrick Clark. Patrick, welcome to the family. Yeah, so appreciate you, cousin Glenn. We're going to do Oklahoma first for cousin Glenn. But before we do that, Stephen, are you ready to unveil your preseason SEC bowl projections and any thoughts before I reveal this list that is going to probably piss off many of the cousins?
[06:13]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, if we could just have a moment of silence because I was enjoying the last like 18 hours where you were taking all the incoming fire for quarterback rankings and I was sitting in the back of the room enjoying it. So now we, I get to go back to the front of the room. I'm ready to fire away with those bold projections.
[06:31]
Michael Bratton
All right, so let's get into it. This is Steven. Remember Stevens? I should have put cousin Shane's on here just to screw with them. But no, these are Steven's SEC bowl projections. For all you audio folks out there, let me break it down for you, Stephen. Thankfully, he's got five teams. Steven says don't buy the BS of the nine game SEC schedule is going to doom us all in the conference. He's got five teams out of the SEC making the College Football Playoff. Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A and M&LSU. So let me ask you this, Stephen, before we go on to the others, just let's just focus on the College Football Playoff teams. Here is. Is this the order in which, you know, did you. Are you projecting the rankings necessarily or is this just. Just the five? In no particular order.
[07:25]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah, Mike, that's actually how I see the committee kind of slotting those SEC teams in wherever they are in the 12 team field. I do think Georgia is going to be the highest ranked SEC team, followed by Texas, Oklahoma A and M&LSU. And so when you get to those last couple teams in there, Oklahoma, A&M, LSU and throw ole Miss in here because they were just like the last team out when I did my projections earlier this offseason. Mike, I think you have to start and I think this is going to be a conversation probably at SEC media days is the nine and three conversation. The, the nine game schedule just because of how difficult some of these schedules are. You look at Oklahoma, certainly, you know, Texas A and M, Georgia, Texas, lsu, all these teams play difficult schedules in the sec. But I do think Georgia is my projected SEC champ. That's why they're the first team in order there. But I also think as you get to the back of this list, I would not be surprised if There are some 9 and 3 SEC teams that make the field this year.
[08:25]
Michael Bratton
Okay, so again, playoff teams out of the sec, Georgia, Texas. No surprise. Stevens list. Remember Texas, Oklahoma, A and M&LSU. So there would be what, three repeat teams? Georgia, Oklahoma and A&M. Two newcomers, LSU and Texas. Do you think there's a large divide between these five or is there anyone else you considered out of the SEC to make the College Football Playoff?
[08:57]
Stephen Lassen
Mike? I kind of feel like Georgia and Texas are kind of a step above the other three. I think Oklahoma, Texas A&M, LSU, I do think Ole Miss is in this conversation too. I think those four teams are all really close, kind of at the back half. Like it wouldn't shock me if they're all fighting for like 7 through 13 and in the playoff committee's rankings, I didn't really consider another team at this point. I think Ole Miss is kind of the cutoff. I think just, you know, thinking kind of like sleepers. I think Alabama, Tennessee, very interesting sleepers if, if, you know, pieces fall into place because of the, of the schedule and, and high upside potentially at quarterback. So I feel pretty good about the SEC getting five teams in. If you wanted to swap some of those teams out at the back, I wouldn't disagree with you because I think we have seen the trend in playoffs is that the same teams are not going to make it from year to year. So that's my biggest area of kind of concern with these, is the back half. I think you could see maybe some of these teams that made it last year aren't making it again this year.
[10:01]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, no, that makes sense. All right, so for the bowl games, Steven's got Auburn in the Liberty bowl against Kansas stage. Oh, shout out Golish making a bowl game again. Liberty bowl, probably not what they want, but it's a step in the right direction. Last couple years, Tennessee and Arizona and the Las Vegas bowl have. Dare you, Stephen. How dare you. Unless I didn't realize. I didn't realize Las Vegas bowl was. Well, yeah, I think he's banned from that state, but. Or that city but unless the Vegas ball is a playoff game, playoff bowl, I disagree with you wholeheartedly there. Reliaques bowl. You got Florida and Penn State. That'd be a nice little matchup. And, and again, is that what Florida fans want? No, but it'd be a huge step in the right direction. Citrus Bowl, Ole Miss, Michigan, that would be a heck of a ball game as well. Music City Bowl, Carolina, Nebraska. How about that? Shout out Stephen up. Gator bowl, Bama, SMU. 2 playoff type caliber teams according to some, not me, but according to many, Texas Bowl, Missouri, Oklahoma State. Man, that'd be a significantly step up for Oklahoma State. And then Gasparilla Bowl. Vanderbilt to lane, two teams, borderline playoff last year. Very interesting.
[11:28]
Stephen Lassen
Also, Mike, Mississippi State just missed the projections. My early projections this all season have had it 5 and 7. That Minnesota game is kind of the big swing game to, to get to six wins and to a bowl game this year. But I do think when you kind of look at these projections, you know, one thing that jumps to mind is, you know, Alabama was, they were just kind of, they've been kind of hovering and they were like ReliaQuest, Citrus, Gator bowl the last couple years. So always trying to switch it up. Like with some of these teams, you try not to get them to go back to the same location. Kind of moved Alabama out of that Reliaquest spot, bump Florida up to kind of get them to switch it up for the fan travel. That's always one of the considerations when you do this exercise. So you take that into account. But also look at some of these matchups and see, man, Florida, Penn State, Michigan, Ole Miss. If that works out, Trinidad Chambers against a very good Michigan defense. Alabama and SMU can settle that playoff debate from 2024 where you know, who should have been the last team into the field. And Missouri and Oklahoma State, an old Big 12 rivalry getting back together. How about that?
[12:34]
Michael Bratton
No, I mean, I think that makes a lot of sense. So I like a lot of these matchups. Stephen, we got a great question here from cousin Ken. I don't know the answer. I'm going to put you on the spot, Steven. Maybe you know, any idea where the Gator Bulls played this year? Because I believe the stadium is under construction.
[12:50]
Stephen Lassen
That is a very, very good question. I am actually not sure about that, Mike, because of all the changes in the bowl system for this year. Let me, let me get back to you on that one.
[13:03]
Michael Bratton
Okay? Yeah, I mean, because I just, I didn't even, that didn't even occur to me. But I know, you know, they're having to move the Florida Georgia game. It's the only reason. I know that it's an issue.
[13:14]
Stephen Lassen
I think the bowl schedule that they released actually still had it in Jacksonville, which is what's confused me before. That is a great question.
[13:22]
Michael Bratton
Okay, so maybe, heck, maybe the construction will be done. I have no idea. Hey, shout out SEC Sean. Don't pull a cousin shade. Stephen Happy Aggies in the toilet bowl this year, so no need to worry there. SEC shot Aggie got him in the College Football Playoff. How firm are you on that one, Stephen, given that Coach Elko got him to the, to the playoff last year, Everybody likes to point to the schedule being significantly more difficult for A and M this year. How confident are you that that A and M can get back here?
[13:57]
Stephen Lassen
Mike? I think they fall into that category that we kind of talked about with Oklahoma, lsu, Ole Miss of sort of being like, you know, you're looking at maybe some nine and threes getting in the mix. Also looking at history, just kind of like you look at the, the trend line. Like it's been really hard for teams to make multiple back to back appearances. So I think to some extent they're fighting a little bit of history there. However, what I do like is the trust factor that I have in Mike Elko. You also, I think, you know, Marcel Reed, experienced quarterback, come back. I like the weapons at receiver and I like that defense too. So I don't necessarily think that I'm a hundred percent locked in. I think they fall into that category of kind of like a bubble team where if they were one of the last teams out, it wouldn't surprise me. I feel a lot better about like a, Georgia, Texas. I think A M, Oklahoma, lsu, Ole Miss are the kind of the four that I was kind of fighting of trying to figure out. Like there, where's the regression? Where's the progression going to be? But I think if you just want to kind of boil this down, like, why would you put A and M back in there? I think it's talent, I think it's trust factor. And Elko, great defense and I think they'll figure out the offense as they go along. And that offensive line is kind of like one of my biggest concerns, but also like the floor that they have with all the transfers they brought in.
[15:19]
Michael Bratton
Okay. No, I think that's fair. Just, just asking that for SEC Sean. Again, I'm not picking it apart here, but. All right, Stephen, are you ready to move on to the big topic for today? Position Groups that'll make or break each SEC team this fall.
[15:39]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, let's do it. I'm. I'm excited to talk about this because I feel like we've talked about offensive lines. We could talk about quarterbacks, but there are some other positions I think that'll make or break some of these teams, right?
[15:53]
Michael Bratton
I think so. And I purposely tried to pick other than the offensive line because I know Stephen's going to say nine offensive lines. If I. If I had to guess again, I never see his list. He never sees by it. So for cousin Glenn, shout out Cousin Glenn with the nice donation. Let's do Oklahoma first. Stephen, I'll let you go first position group that'll make or break the Sooners this season. What do you got for Oklahoma?
[16:22]
Stephen Lassen
All right, Mike, I apologize. I am going to start out on a very, very obvious note. Let's talk about the offensive line at Oklahoma. You could maybe list the running backs, but I think if you just think about this offensive line, of how much it could open up if this group takes a step forward, the run game is better. John Matier's got more time to throw. He's more comfortable. You also had a pretty young nucleus of talent last year. If that group takes a step forward, just think about the. The ways that this offense could open up. And the way that I thought about this is I kind of went almost looking at the position rankings we've done this offseason and said those plus your trust factors. Yeah, we just talked about, like the trust factor with Mike Elko and the defense. And I thought, okay, I trust Brent Venables on defense. We could talk about depth and all that. I just think when you go back to it, you feel pretty good about mater you like the weapons at receiver. And I just kept coming back to the offensive line. It's got to be it. They got to be able to run the ball and they got to protect John Mateer better. It's boring, Mike. I know, but that's my pick for Oklahoma.
[17:28]
Michael Bratton
Okay. Okay, Stephen, again, I had a good idea or feeling that you were going to say that, so I went somewhere different. Shout out one of the cousins here, cousin Wes. He says it's got to be running back, make or break Oklahoma. I get that, too. Again, not a bad answer, but I went somewhere completely different. How about this, Stephen? I went receivers and I'm going to throw tight end in there, you know, is similar to receiver. I know it's, you know, not exactly the same, but just considering the lack of options outside of Satania last year, I think that killed Oklahoma. I think this, this offense that Ben Arbuckle's running, I don't even know how we can. Can evaluate it with the, the weapons they had to work with last year, particularly at tight end. I think they've, they have tried to upgrade that massively and out of the portal, tight end and receiver. So how. What does Trail Harris look like? What does Parker Livingston look like in Oklahoma uniforms? Does Satania continue to progress? I don't know that it's. That's an interesting question. So what's your thoughts on the receivers? Because I, I just don't think that you can ask John Mattier to carry the offense like he did last year because clearly we saw how that worked out.
[18:46]
Stephen Lassen
I like that you mentioned the tight end position too, because that's something that you and I have talked about, like better inline blocking, better receivers, better receivers over the middle, just giving John Mateer more weapons. I do think this group a receiver, you know, I, I like this group of receivers for Oklahoma starting out with Satanga. I think he's one of the best in the sec. I like the pickups of TRO Harris and Livingston. So I would like to see Livingston probably a little bit more consistency than we saw last year at Texas at times with some of the drops, but still like you have your speed with TRO Harris, Livingston, maybe a little bit more possession to go with Satanga. I like the group, Mike. I think the question is with any. We talk about transfers and how do they all fit? You don't want to overrate this group, but I think there's a chance that this group could also take a step forward. So I think at the kind of the most basic level, it's kind of like what do you do to get John Matier to the next level? And some of that is better receivers and better offensive line play, right?
[19:42]
Michael Bratton
Oh, without a doubt. I think so. Now I did want to go one step further, Stephen. Most underrated player returning for each and every team, and I've got one here. I just wanted to throw this little wild card at you and see how you respond because there's, there's a lot of good players returning for Oklahoma. And I didn't quite know underrated. You know, everybody's got a different definition of underrated, but I'm going to say defensive lineman Jaden Jackson. What's your thoughts on that? Again, most underrated player that's returning. Not a newcomer, but someone that's been on the team before. Jaden Jackson, most underrated Oklahoma Sooner.
[20:26]
Stephen Lassen
I like that call. It's hard to pick underrated because sometimes I think about even like a Kip Lewis and I know he's. He's probably properly rated on the preseason. Certainly in the Athlon sports all SEC team he's probably rated. But Mike, you know what I mean of how some players kind of are flying under the radar nationally before a season starts and you think about maybe some guys like a Kip Lewis who have been really good. But I do like the call of Jaden Jackson because you think this year going to have to take on a larger role. You've got David Stone, he's going to have to be that second tackle. He's been really, really solid player. Now stepping up to even more valuable role this year. So kind of being a full time starter. I think we'll kind of see what for sure he's made of. But I like what the direction of his game is going. Should be a solid piece to that line this year too.
[21:16]
Michael Bratton
All right, so shout out. We had SEC Sean appreciate we got Cam too. But SEC Sean for a member for nine months. We appreciate your buddies. That's outstanding. So for SEC Sean, let's do A and M next. Stephen, position group for the Aggies, which Steven's got in the College Football Playoff. What position group makes or breaks a team and based on your playoff projection sounds like you think this position group will be a hit for A.
[21:46]
Stephen Lassen
And Mike, I'm going to go ahead and apologize to you and all the cousins because it is the offensive line again for Texas A and M. I mean just kind of, you know, you go through the positions and you, you think okay, they've turned some on the defensive line. I think they're still going to be okay there. But offensive line, this is kind of the same thing with Oklahoma taking the pressure off of Marcel Reed, being able to run the ball, being able to help the quarterback in, in the passing game too. So with a first time play caller, Marcel re trying to bounce back after a not so good ending to the season. And maybe some of the ups and downs against top ranked opponents. You can't put everything on his shoulders. So having an offensive line who could protect him, having a solid run game, four new starters. You like Mark Nabu at center. I like the floor with all the SEC transfers and I think they got a lot of high kind of talented guys waiting in the wing. So I'm curious to see when we get to the opener how does this group pan out. But Mike, it's also, I think Worth considering. They play Alabama, lsu, lsu, Alabama, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas. Those could all be really, really good defensive fronts. At least three of our projected four, four top four defensive lines with lsu, Oklahoma and Texas. So, you know, your path to the playoff goes through these really, really good defensive fronts. And you're going to have to be able to protect and help Marcel Reed. So that's why offensive line is my pick here.
[23:16]
Michael Bratton
Okay. Again, I can read you like a book, Steven. I know you that well, so I went somewhere different. Okay. That. You're probably right. That's probably the answer. I like the fact that they. They do return players that have been in the system, haven't played extensively, but played in the system, and then they went in the portal and attacked it. So again, A and M is one of those rare schools where you can kind of throw all these resources out of position of need and one where everybody wants that position out of the portal. So, you know, again, because of all that, I think the offensive line will be once again a strength. Maybe not as good as last year, but I. I don't think it's going to break the team necessarily. How about this one, Stephen? A little wild card, and it kind of goes hand in hand with the offensive line. I got confidence in Marcel Reed. I think we've all got confidence in the receivers. How about running backs for A and M? Because I like Ruben Owens, of course, but he's never been the man. He's never been the guy. He's always been kind of one of many, and now he's being asked to shoulder the load. And we've got some other players that. That will need to step up again. We're trying to be a perennial playoff contender. I think they're going to have to have the running back step up in a big way for A and M this fall.
[24:40]
Stephen Lassen
No Le'Veon Moss, no Amari Daniels, you know, so instead of being like one of three, certainly Jamari Amoro and some of the other running backs that A and M has, that's the makings of a really solid trio. But at the same time, you're probably gonna have to ask for more of those guys with Owens kind of at the front of the line. So I like that call, Mike, because I do think I like the upside of Reuben Owens, if he can stay healthy. And now you've got these new pieces on the offensive line. He's. He Morrow and the other running backs might have to actually create a little bit more this year with maybe some of the holes are not as gaping in run game as they were the year before.
[25:20]
Michael Bratton
All right, so I've got one underrated player and maybe this guy's not even underrated, but I truly think he is. I could just look at the comments, Stephen. And again, I put out the power rankings for or not the power race, but the quarterback rankings. And even though I put him number five, I think he's underrated. Steve, again, I'm not underrating him, but I think everybody else is. How about Marcel Reed? Biggest underrated returning player for A and M? Because it seems like half the country thinks this guy can't play a football.
[26:01]
Stephen Lassen
I think the problem for Marcel Reed is our last impression was of the playoff game against Miami. But. But at the same time, you know, look at how, look at what Miami's defense did to Ohio State. Miami's defense was really, really good last year. And so yes, he's got to clean it up in the big games. He's got to play better when they play top 25 opponents. But also at the same time, I mean, Mike, you got the stats on the screen there. 25 touchdowns, over 3, 000 passing yards. Probably going to take on more of the offense this year. Still maintains that dynamic rushing ability. I mean I get it that there's room to grow, but also that's a pretty solid floor and a place to start with. And so I think maybe the last impression is kind of taking on too much if that makes sense. Like we're forgetting the rest of body of Marcel Reed's kind of work last year. Does that make sense?
[26:53]
Michael Bratton
Absolutely. And I'm. People probably tired of me saying it. Steven, I've said it with Shane the other day. I've said it many times over the off season. I mean, I'm just looking. I mean they're like, this guy can't play. I've seen him decision making. I mean, my God, they won 11 games last year and he was at times was unstoppable. So I think the point is, Stephen, like we see we watch enough of these guys, there's enough to pick apart, but there's not, there's nothing to pick apart about. Alabama's quarterbacks, Auburn's new quarterback, Florida's quarterbacks, Kentucky, lsu. Unless you watch Mississippi State games. You know, I mean we could go to. We could go on the list little our sellers. Yeah, I mean the guys that we have seen there, we just pick these guys apart to know how people are picking apart. Archbain is just his last name. They're saying, my God, I mean, I'm the furthest thing from a Texas truther. But it's like, we can't say anything nice about these guys that dominate for multiple games of the season. And yet, I don't know, it's baffling to me how people just. They just only highlight the negative when they don't even consider all the positive.
[28:08]
Stephen Lassen
I know you can manipulate stats to kind of fit whatever narrative you want to, Mike, but Marcel Reed was fourth in sec only games in quarterback rating that was ahead of Trinidad Chambliss. And Mike's favorite quarterback, Arch Manning, was six, so Chambers was fifth. Arch was six. And again, I know you can manipulate sets. I guess what I'm trying to get at is, yes, the. The mistakes in against Miami and Texas, and some of that has to be cleaned up 100%. He's got to play better. There's another level he's got to take his game to. But also, everybody in this conference has good players, they got good defense, and sometimes they make good quarterbacks look bad. And so I think, you know, if Reed takes a step back this year, I think it's, you know, I think it obviously bull people like me will look like idiots for considering him for. For all conference honors.
[28:57]
Michael Bratton
But.
[28:57]
Stephen Lassen
But also, you know, kind of like we mentioned, there's a pretty solid floor in there, and you have this receiving core to throw to and an offense that might be geared a little bit more towards the passing in your arm. That sounds like a pretty good situation for a guy entering his junior year. Also, quarterbacks do get better throughout their career. It is possible for guys to improve, right?
[29:21]
Michael Bratton
How about the guy that just won the Heisman? How about that?
[29:24]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah, right.
[29:26]
Michael Bratton
I don't think he was considered elite until he, you know, till late in his career, but, I mean, there's many, many examples. And let's move on. Stephen to Mississippi. Say, shout out, Cousin Cam. Hope you're wrong. Stephen. He's talking about the bowl projections. How dare you. How dare you. Stace making a bowl game. You know it. And then he also said, that's it. Kick Stephen off. Get Marlowe back on. No, we. We will not go down that road. But. All right, so let's go. Mississippi State. Stephen, position group for the Bulldogs. That'll make or break the team. What do you got there?
[30:05]
Stephen Lassen
I promise this is not a read.
[30:07]
Michael Bratton
Don't you say it.
[30:09]
Stephen Lassen
Offensive line, Mike, because you got to protect the franchise. That's Camario Taylor. Gotta clear rushing lanes for Fluff Bothwell. 3.2 yards per carry in SEC played last season. And 45 sacks allowed. That will not get it done this year. And yes, Camaro Taylor is very mobile. He can't escape. I know that Jeff Levy ended spring practice with optimism. I totally understand that. I've also heard for years coaches being very optimistic about a group and then the first game they are absolutely blitzed by something and that narrative for improvement quickly falls apart. So I think just looking at this group, like guys like Blake Steen coming back help Cannon. Boone is at center, but I'm looking at like Miles McVeigh, Shumpert, Perkins, like maybe the two starting tackles are guys with not a lot of experience. And nine games in the SEC with these defensive fronts, it is that is paramount that they get this group fixed. The reason why I didn't go with defense, Mike, is I think there's a level of respectability that Zach Arnett is just going to come in and bring to this program right away. So I look at it as, I think the defense is going to be better. But I think that in order for this team to make a bowl game, they've got to protect Taylor and they've got to get to that high scoring level because the defense is going to force some turnovers and get the ball back to them. If they can't protect Taylor, they can't go bowling again. That's why I went with the boring old pick of the offensive line.
[31:42]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, I, I mean, I think you, you almost have to do that. So again, I, I didn't want to completely ignore the offensive line, so I, I'll agree with everything you said, Stephen. I, I'm just giving you a hard time. But for Mississippi State, it is the offensive line. I think that's the obvious one. And I, I think they've got a lot of pieces to work with. But if they don't get this offensive line worked out, then it's going to be a nightmare. And it, this is going to be the last season for Jeff Levy. But I will say this even and I, I truly believe this and I think it's a big reason why a lot of these coaches, Lane Kiffin, Josh Hyple, Jeff Lebby, now Kendall Briles, why they run this system. Part of the reason. Alex Golish. Part of the reason. Stephen, I don't think you need elite all SEC offensive linemen for this scheme to work now. Of course. Would it help? Yes. And, and we have seen guys like, you know, Darnell Wright for Tennessee, you know that that was when they were at their best. They had that guy, you know what I mean? So yes, of course you, you, you would want that. But again, every year, Tennessee offensive line was a huge question mark last year. Their offense wasn't a problem. You know, at Ole Miss they have, they've had good linemen. I'm trying to think of any of those guys that made the NFL or all sec. I mean, I'm not. None exactly come to mind. I'm not. Again, I'm not trying to bash them. They are good, very good players. But you don't need the lineman that Bama and Georgia are always after. It's. The scheme helps, if that makes sense. So that gives me a lot of confidence that they'll. That they don't necessarily have to have all kinds of all conference players at Mississippi State to have an effective offense.
[33:35]
Stephen Lassen
I would agree with you on that one. I think there's kind of like a baseline that I think that they have to meet on the offensive line this year or whether it's like in years past. But I do think like with the way you can run this offense with the kind of the wide splits and the receiver and the spacing you can get with the right playmakers, the right quarterback, you get a chance to pop the big plays, you can get it to the guys in space and they can block it up and scheme it up and create those big time plays that we've seen, whether it's Jeff Levy, Lane Kiffin or some of these others. So I, I would agree. Like, I don't think we have to see this group be a top four group in the sec. I think what worries me is like the starting point here is they were probably at the bottom of the SEC last year in offensive line rankings. And when I say bottom, I mean fit them in wherever, you know, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, wherever they were kind of in your rankings. Is it possible to go from there to middle of the pack or just kind of like an average offensive line? And I think offensive line is just such a tough position through the portal to find the right mix. Maybe they've got it now, a couple years in recruiting and development, but I think they're starting at a much lower baseline. I think that I would then I feel comfortable with trying to project improvement out of this group this year.
[34:56]
Michael Bratton
All right, Stephen, as far as most underrated Mississippi State player, I think, you know, their fans are well aware this guy's really good. But I don't know if the conference fans are too familiar with shout out linebacker Zakari Tillman being coached by Zach Arnett. I think that helps. I mean Maybe that's cheating, but I kind of like. I factored that in where that guy's such a good linebacker coach. Last time he was at State when we had, you know, one of the best duos of linebackers in the Southeastern Conference. This guy knows how to coach linebackers. And I think he'll get the most out of Tillman and he could be all SEC this year.
[35:37]
Stephen Lassen
I like that pick. I was going to say, like Tillman. Jalen Smith. I know Mississippi State fans know how good Isaac Smith is, but also think maybe there's a little bit of a rebound in there. He had like 127 tackles two years ago. Didn't have as much production last year. But I think some of those guys at linebacker or safety, somebody from Mississippi State in this defense could really take off under Zach Arnett. So my good call. I would also argue maybe even. I know it's. Maybe this is silly to suggest this. Maybe Anthony Evans is a little bit underrated, too, just because, you know, Brendan Thompson's gone. Maybe some people don't realize nationally how productive Anthony Evans was last year and how productive he could be in 2026.
[36:17]
Michael Bratton
No, I think that's another great selection by you, Stephen. And I also think it's a great selection by Mizzou. Fayette. 20 or 7. Excuse me. He gifted 20 memberships. So I took a screenshot. We'll get. I don't want to scream all those out right here. We'll. We'll hold that to the end. Shout out. Bazu fed. I back y'. All. Sorry, I was on vacation with a little service, so. We appreciate you. Bazu fed for you, buddy. Let's do Missouri. Stephen, make or B break position group for the Tigers.
[36:52]
Stephen Lassen
I am going to the defensive line, Mike, not offensive line this time, but thank goodness. Yeah, right. Finally something different, right? You know, I. I think about Missouri and D line. Zoo, Damon Wilson, Zion Young, Chris McClellan all gone. Three of the last four years, Missouri has ranked in the top five of the SEC in rush defense. A lot of new faces gotta step up this year. Dara Smith, Marquis, Gracial, Jalen Marshall. You've had some guys in the program that you're gonna have to ask more of, plus some transfers. So the track record is very good. But there is also a lot of turnover here. And that's why I think defensive line is critical also. Even more critical given what is going on with the turnover in the secondary. I'm. I'm probably most concerned about Missouri secondary, but I think you can overcome that. By being able to stop the run, being able to get after the quarterback. That's why I got defensive line as my biggest position group to watch.
[37:56]
Michael Bratton
Stephen, have I ever told you what a smart son of a gun you are? Because that's exactly where I'm going. Steven. Defensive line position group maker. Break. I get you everything you said. I mean, we're replacing a ton of talent now that they do it every year. They get guys to the NFL and develop. Develop. They are elite at developing in Columbia. So again, it's not necessarily saying it can happen. And yes, Mike's. Because of Mike's. Got a question? Mizzou Stadium, is it finished? It is. So they're going to unveil that bad boy that brought the rocks back in. Didn't have the rock. I think they were temporary rocks or whatever last year. So they're back. Missouri's back, baby. But that defensive line will be huge. All, you know, the entire defense there. There's a lot going on. But we know how important the defensive line in the is in the Southeastern Conference. I think that's the make or break. I, I really do. And, and again, let's say they do have experience back at linebacker. If they. Let's say they have really good linebackers and heck, let's just. Defensive backs. Question mark. Just like you said, Stephen. Even even though they got talent inexperience there as well. Let's say the defensive backs are awesome. Stephen. If the defensive line doesn't hold up their end, the defense is going to be terrible. Yeah, it just. You can't. You can't just. You can't. That's the one position group. You can't be weak in this league. So again, not saying they're going to be terrible, but if they, if they don't get it solved, then that'll be their undoing.
[39:27]
Stephen Lassen
I actually, I think when you just look at Missouri's defensive positions, I actually feel pretty good about their linebackers. Kind of like you mentioned with Nick Rodriguez, Robert Woodyard coming back. The one thing that jumped out to me when, you know, putting this list together, looking at the schedule, because Kansas has got two pretty good running backs. You got Mississippi State with Fluff Bothwell. Missouri plays Jaden Ball, they play Reuben Owens, they play Kevon Lacey, they play the. Arkansas's got a pretty good duo. They play Texas, they play Georgia's running backs. And then what we think is an improved offensive line and run game at Oklahoma. I, I guess that kind of sums up to me the challenge here is you've Lost some really good frontline talent. You're asking the second stringers to kind of become starters, play more snaps. How do you backfill that depth, especially against that schedule of really, really, really good rushing attacks they're going to face this year?
[40:20]
Michael Bratton
I agree. Hey, Shout out. Must D Bus. Dusty. Musty. Busty. Hopefully I didn't butcher that. Shout out. Hey, cousin Mike, you're going to be in Nashville for Ole Miss Louisville game. Yeah. So I live here, so I will be in town and just a little. We don't have much to share, but I just, I didn't want to bring attention to this. I was talking to our friends over at Tennessee Legends, Stephen, and we've got a location here in Nashville. They are trying to figure out a venue for us so that all of our like a, like a venue just for the Cousins to come hang out, watch some football, drink some Tennessee Legend and first rounds on us if you want to make it out. So. And that won't be just for Ole Miss fans. That's, that's for any, any fan that wants to come by. But again, we don't have a, a location or a date or a time yet, but we're working on, on doing something because I, I think it'd be fun to hang out with the Cousins and watch some football.
[41:21]
Commercial Announcer
Mike.
[41:22]
Stephen Lassen
100. But you know, the best part about this is we're close enough to where we can actually start thinking about these games, right. That you can start planning for for week one with Ole Miss and Louisville in Nashville. Man, I'm, I'm. It's almost here, right? I mean, media days of the season. I'm, I'm so excited to start actually getting some games. We've talked about these teams. I can't wait. So thanks for getting me even more excited about the season.
[41:48]
Michael Bratton
Well, I appreciate it, Stephen, but I fired up to talk most under underrated player from Missouri. I keep hearing great things about safety Santana Banner, Stephen. He's one of the fastest, if not the fastest player on the team. It's going to be his time to step up, come into in the starting rotation. Thoughts on him being an underrated returning
[42:12]
Stephen Lassen
player for Mizzou, Mike? I think he was, what, third in the SEC and our third on Missouri last year in tackles. So it's kind of one of those things where he's not considered a returning starter, but you feel good about having somebody with that experience stepping in because of his play last season. So I think a perfect kind of transitional piece too with the turnover at corner to have somebody with experience in this scheme. Coming back is really valuable. So I like that call.
[42:38]
Michael Bratton
I'll.
[42:38]
Stephen Lassen
I'll even go a little more boring for you, Mike. I do think Brett Norfleet is underrated too. Like, he's had some injuries. I know we'll see if Chip Lindsay and Austin Simmons can maybe utilize him even more this year, too. So I think Brett Norfleet maybe a little bit underrated nationally. I know Missouri fans know how good he is, though.
[42:58]
Michael Bratton
I think so as well. All right. Hey, before we move on real quick, Stephen, I just want to give a special shout out, like you said, the games right around the corner. You're gonna go to a game. Maybe you don't have season tickets. Go check out our friends over at SeatGeek on stevenseekgeek.com promo code SEC10. Get you 10% off your order over at SeatGeek. And if you're unfamiliar with SeatGeek, it's a pretty phenomenal website. Over 35 million users for SeatGeek.com promo code SEC10 for college football, NFL basketball, baseball, even concerts and I believe, like performances, like plays. I don't know if that's still a thing, but they're telling me to tell you guys that. Go check it out. You go to an event, check it out, see if it's on SeatGeek first and just save you 10%. That's all we're trying to do. I'll put a link in the show notes. That's Sec 10 over@seatgeek.com and Shane's favorite thing about it is they give you a little blueprint of the stadium so you can see how close you are to the concession stands and the restrooms. Because I think that's more important to cousin Shane in the actual game.
[44:06]
Stephen Lassen
Mike. Hey, you got to know where the important stuff is, right? You know the game's going to be good. You got to know where to get the food, got to know where to get to get up and use the restroom. Hey, let me ask you about our friends at SeatGeek, because I was debating this the other day. What is the more anticipated game for week one? So if SEC Mike had an unlimited budget and our friends at seat geek at that great promo, Clemson at LSU or Ole Miss and Louisville, which one do you think is going to end up being the better, must see game for week one?
[44:36]
Michael Bratton
I think Ole Miss. Louisville for sure. Just because now there's uncertainty with a little bit with LSU as well. But I don't know. I mean, I think Ole Miss could You know, be so good, they like win the national championship type good, or they could completely fall apart. Whereas lsu Clems, I just think, I think Clemson is going to be not that good and I think Louisville is going to be really good. So I guess maybe, maybe I'm answering it because I'm a little bit more intrigued with Ole Miss and what they can accomplish this year and how good Louisville can be. Whereas I think both Clemson and LSU are slightly overrated.
[45:19]
Stephen Lassen
I was going to go with Clemson and LSU because it's almost the Disappointment bowl from last year. Like, Clemson was super disappointing. You know, they were projected to. Maybe some people picked, picked enough to make the national championship. They finished 7 and 6. LSU was really disappointing. But it feels like LSU's got the optimism, whereas Clemson's like, what's going on here? Can they turn it around? So I would go with that just because I think LSU might just be starting to scratch the surface of who they are. And I think just to get a kind of up close look at them in week one and kind of see the progression under Lane Kiffin. Lane Kiffin's debut, I mean, it's, it's hard to pick against that one. And then of course, there's all this uncertainty with Clemson too. Like, I guess you can't go wrong, right?
[45:59]
Michael Bratton
You can't. But I tell you, Token will tell you you're wrong, Stephen, because he said Ole Miss going undefeated. Say it. Mike said undefeated.
[46:11]
Commercial Announcer
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[46:38]
Michael Bratton
Let's talk Ole Miss. David, who is the bake or break position group for the Rebels?
[46:47]
Stephen Lassen
I don't know if I should go first on this one because I feel bad for Mike putting up with me.
[46:52]
Michael Bratton
Okay, so I'm not gonna say that. So, Stephen, I'm gonna say, how about this a little, little different. I'm trying again. I'm trying to be different here. How about the secondary? That was a, a, a position of concern last year. We've got some turnover there this year. Believe we've upgraded via the transfer portal. Secondary for me, Stephen, I, I'd like to see Pete Golding get that turned around.
[47:22]
Stephen Lassen
That's a good call, Mike, because you know, of that turnover and also wanting to see how those Transfers fit in like Sharif Denson, Edwin Joseph, Jay Crawford, the, the corner from Auburn. Curious to see how this all fits. And also I think about that in the backdrop, too. I think this Ole Miss defensive line is underrated, too. I, it would not surprise me. Like defensive line linebackers, we talked about it when we did the position rankings. I think this defense is going to take a big step forward this year. And you've got this defensive line that could be top half of the conference. Same thing for linebackers, which only helps the secondary, but if it does, the defensive line maybe doesn't take that step forward. Your secondary is going to be under fire right away. So I like that call much better than my boring pick of offensive line because you trust Trinidad Chambliss, you trust Kevon Lacey. But the tackle spots, I mean, you know, Therese Davis, Tommy Kinsler, you know, Carious Kern, those guys are, you know, they some. You gotta find two tackles out of that mix. I know Chambless is so good on the move, but man, I want to keep him healthy for the entire season. And you're adding that other SEC game. Louisville's got a good pass rush for the opener. You just don't want anything to slow down Trinidad Chambers. And so I worry about the tackle spots for Ole Miss if they become a bigger concern. This offense is not operating at the pace and, and success rate that we saw last year.
[48:51]
Michael Bratton
No, I think that's completely fair, Stephen. And that is one of the biggest question marks I have for Ole Miss. So I, again, I'm not going to pick out a part, but I just knew you'd go there. So I just try to be a little different here. You know what?
[49:05]
Stephen Lassen
I, I, I, I figured, you know, I, I did this list and I tried not to pick offensive lines, Mike, but I kept coming back to position and I feel really bad. So I apologize to all the cousins for being super boring, but I appreciate Mike lifting us up here with some extra positions. Right?
[49:21]
Michael Bratton
And keep in mind, this was Stephen's idea. So I knew as soon as he suggested, I was like, well, he just wants to talk offensive lines, which, but I get no, I, I kid, Stephen, but, oh, appreciate your token. For 10 bucks, I'd say I'm back, but the truth is I never left you. I'm like, evitas, we appreciate your token. Say it. Say it again. Token. All right, Stephen, where shall we go next?
[49:47]
Stephen Lassen
How about, Mike, we go to Arkansas?
[49:51]
Michael Bratton
I like it. What is the position group for the Razorback? Steven, that'll make. Oh, wait, I'm Sorry. One more thing for Ole Miss. Underrated player. Now, you kind of hit on this because you said defensive line. I could say the whole defensive line is underrated, which I. Which I agree. But I. I said Cam Franklin, defensive line, Ole Miss, because I think. I think he's one of the best interior defensive linemen returning. What's your thoughts on that selection?
[50:19]
Stephen Lassen
I was gonna go. I know this is super boring. I don't know that people are outside the sec, know how good Will Eccles was last year. And I just think knowing how he can create havoc. And I like your pick of Cam Franklin, too. I think he's somebody that was maybe better than some people thought last year. Prime to take a step forward this year. It kind of goes, Mike, to the whole thing here. I think, you know, you add in some transfers, you add in some guys who may be a little bit underrated taking a step forward. I like where this defensive front is going. So I think if people are expecting Ole Miss defense to run back what we saw last year, I think they're mistaken. I think this defense is going to be a lot better.
[50:57]
Michael Bratton
Okay, So I apologize. Steve, let's go back to Arkansas. Arkansas, make or break position group for the Razorbacks.
[51:06]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I am going. I almost picked quarterback, but I had to go defensive line here because I think Quincy Rhodes, you know, we. I know we'll talk like underrated players, but I think Quincy Rhodes is super underrated nationally. I think Arkansas fans know how good he is. But it's Quincy Rhodes and who. Because that's the question for me on this defensive line, like Hunter Osborne, David Okey, Steven Soules, like these guys are all transfers that they're counting on to come in and play a lot right away. They need a better pass rush. They've got to stop the run better. They gave up almost 190 rushing yards a game last year in the SEC. Think about the secondary problems that Arkansas's had. If you could stop the run, if you get after the quarterback all of a sudden, you can help your secondary out. So I looked at this as I kind of trust Arkansas from an offensive standpoint to generate enough production. But I think if Arkansas wants to go to a bowl game and it's got to be on better play in the trenches, on the defensive side of the ball, because in turn, the whole defense is better and taking some of the pressure off that offense, helping them out, trying to get to six victories.
[52:17]
Michael Bratton
I like that pick, Steven. In fact, I like any pick that's not offensive line tonight. So good job by you. But maybe this sums up the state of Arkansas and particularly the defense. And again, I'm not trying to pick up. Pick them. I mean, I feel like they're. They have some of the best damn fans in the country, Stephen, and they've been nothing but been getting kicked here lately because they've been so awful. The team, not them. But I'm saying defensive backs because they. By some of the projections I've seen, Stephen, I believe they only return one player in the secondary that's projected to be in the three deep. Not too deep, three deep from last year. So for me, it's defensive backs. Again, maybe I'm wrong, maybe you're right, maybe I'm right, you're wrong. But whatever, it's defensive line, defensive backs. I mean, the, The. The fact that we're like splitting hairs here. Flip a coin. I think that kind of sums up the state of the. The defense here.
[53:14]
Stephen Lassen
I think it also sums up the state of the defense. Kind of like you said, with the projected too deep or three deep. When you see. It's like transfer, transfer, transfer all across the board, a corner and safety. In some ways, that's not a bad thing because of how bad they were last year. They components completed about 65 against the secondary, so it's almost like they were bad. They've turned over some personnel, maybe they've recruited over some guys, too. It's not the worst thing necessarily, to start over. So I think you can kind of tandem those things because I think if. If you're Arkansas, if you can stop the run, you get a little pass rush, it helps the secondary, but also if the secondary is just better in coverage, then your defensive front's going to have extra help, too. So it kind of feels like those two things in tandem are kind of going to make or break this Arkansas defense this year.
[54:01]
Michael Bratton
And again, I swear, I'm not trying to be negative, right. But I'm seeing some positivity from a lot of the, the media in Arkansas, which, again, I think it's always great to sell positivity. We do it all the time on this show. But I also. I'm just kind of curious. I've got a scratch in my head, Stephen. I'm seeing a lot of optimism that the defense will be much improved in Fayetteville. Does that surprise you at all?
[54:28]
Stephen Lassen
A little bit. I kind of. I need to see it before. I mean, I, I would have optimism because they hired Ron Roberts, you know, the, the coordinator hire, the changes last year. Like, it feels like they have an actual SEC defensive coordinator. I just don't know from a personnel standpoint if enough personnel is there for this group to take a massive step forward. Is it coaching can help? I just don't know they're going to have enough guys here that are like all SEC high caliber guys that are going to turn around this defense in year one. So I, I like improvement. I'm just not sure I'm there yet in this group being massively improved unless everybody that they've recruited from the Portal is just massively better than they showed at their previous stops.
[55:14]
Michael Bratton
And maybe they are, maybe they are. And speaking of razorback, that's underrated now. They didn't have. They don't have a lot of players returning so this was a little bit difficult for me. Stephen. I went with running back Braylon Russell. Well, I hear he's lost a lot of weight. I hear, not that he was overweight, but he was kind of a bigger bag. I think he's still probably big but now he's more powerful. I think he's poised for a big year.
[55:41]
Stephen Lassen
I, I agree with you. I think there's the kind of like that thunder and lightning tandem that you could see with Sutton Smith, with Braylon Russell kind of Russell being the bigger back. Sutton's maybe a little bit more all around, bring you a little bit of quicker hitting stuff. Also Arkansas, I think Mike also has, I think the makings of a pretty solid offensive line too with Kittler Branham throwing, Bryant Williams, the transfer from Louisiana. I think they've got the makings of a good offensive line and that kind of gets that when you just look at this team. I don't know this offense is going to be as good as it was last year. I think there's some, obviously some question marks at quarterback but still there's still some really solid pieces to where this group could be productive enough to where at least gives you a fighting chance in some of those SEC games as the season progresses.
[56:25]
Michael Bratton
All right, Stephen, how about for the legend? Stephen up. Let's do some Alabama maker break position group for the Crimson dad.
[56:38]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I apologize. Stephen up. I'm sorry. Let's talk about the offensive line because I am worried about this group. I think Elon Russell is going to be really, really good. I think he could be a star maybe as early as this year for Alabama and if it's Austin Mack, I think he's going to be pretty good too. I also trust Kane Womack on defense. Defensive line turnover is a question, but I think they'll be fine. But this offensive line for Alabama was a question mark last year. You take away Kaden Proctor, you take away Parker Brailsford and now you're throwing in, you know, Del Gotti, who's a transfer from Cal Poly. At center, you got a couple guys that are fighting for spots at tackle that are either unproven or their transfers. Michael Carroll, I don't think there's any question about it. Like, he's a stud. He's going to be an all SEC guy this year. But you have a first time quarterback. They averaged less than 3 yards per carry in SEC games last year, Mike. If they want to go to the college Football playoff again, they've got to get this group fixed. So apologize for being boring, but it's got to be offensive line for Bama.
[57:44]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, I know. You're absolutely right, Stephen. So again, this is one where I did go offensive line, even though I knew you'd say it too. But it, it's the right answer. And sometimes being right feels wrong, Stephen. But I feel right about this election, especially when you, you know, you fire. Deborah is a pretty loyal guy. I don't know that he's, you know, gotten rid of a lot of coaches over his time. I don't know that he's had to because he's been so successful. But offensive line coach gone, replacing everybody. He's been very transparent that he's never had this much turnover at one position group along with the position coach. So yeah, I think it's got to be offensive line. They get this solved. Stephen, this very well could be a playoff team. They don't. I think it's gonna be a long year. So that, that's, that's the very definition of a make or break position.
[58:35]
Stephen Lassen
Group schedules favorable. Potentially a superstar quarterback, top five secondary in the country. Potentially two or you know, potentially two great receivers with Brooks and, and Coleman Williams. There is a lot to like about this team. But you know, for every time I try and talk myself into, well, maybe they will be kind of that last team in the playoff. Like they're going to surprise. They're going to knock a Texas A and M or Oklahoma out. I just could come back to, man, you know, like I said, I like Carol, I like, I think Jackson Lloyd, maybe at one of the tackle spots could be a breakout guy. But man, it's asking a lot of this group after not being very good last year. So DeBoer is a pretty smart guy, Mike, and he's won a lot of games. If he fixes this offensive line this year I think they will be in the playoff.
[59:21]
Michael Bratton
Hey, shut up. Steve. It up. Way showing up for them boys in Tuscaloosa, it's Stephen up. Roll Tide. Thank you. Stephen up. Still, still love you last and thanks for always being on Mondays. I expect the backfield to be much improved again. Thank you. Stephen up. We appreciate your support. He's here every show that he can and it's dang near every single one of them. So we do appreciate you, buddy. Let me ask you about again. Let's go back to the quarterback rankings because we kind of already hit on Alabama. But I want to honor Steven oops donation there. I put Keelan Russell 10th again. This is a projection so I may be way, way off. If you had to project where you think he will be ranked in the SEC among quarterbacks by the end of the season. Not today, but by the end how high are you putting Keelan Russell?
[60:20]
Stephen Lassen
And this is tough because I think I would probably have him in the top 10 somewhere too. I, I think you could even put him higher, I mean just on a projection because Michael Pinnix, we saw what he did under Kaylin DeBoer. We saw Ty Simpson last year, Kayla DeBoer and Ryan Grubb get good quarterback play out of whoever is under center. And you could argue Keelan Russell is probably one of the more talented quarterbacks that they work with. Right. I mean, Michael Penix I know was the first round pick, but I think Keelan Russell's tools are just a, you know, there's an enormous amount of upside there. So it's a projection, Mike, but I would probably have him in the top 10 of the SEC quarterbacks, I think. And I think if we knew for sure he was the starter, I might have him a spot or two higher than that.
[61:09]
Michael Bratton
Would it be crazy to put him in the top three if everything breaks right.
[61:19]
Stephen Lassen
I feel good about Chambliss and Arch in the top three. I feel like that third spot could have somebody. You know, I know you had Sam Levitt a little kind of low and I, I may have him a little bit higher. I share some of your concerns though. So, man, I mean that's the interesting thing about that kind of like third spot is like Gunner Stockton could be really solid but maybe not have the stats. You have Sam Levitt, you've got Marcel Reed, Matier, Kamari Taylor is pretty interesting too. Like Lenora Seller is bouncing back. So I don't think it's crazy. It's bold. Track records there, right?
[61:55]
Michael Bratton
Well, I like bold takes, so that's why I. I was asking that. But all right. So as it goes for Bama Steven, most underrated player that's returning. You already hit on it, so I think you're gonna like this. Although he might be properly rated, I put. I went with offensive lineman Michael Carroll.
[62:15]
Stephen Lassen
I think he's got to be. Doesn't. I mean, he's like, kind of like the leader of this group and pretty solid as a freshman. I think I had him second team. I voted him second team all sec, all conference for this preseason. So. Mike, I'm with you. I think given all. And it's kind of tough to separate the offensive lineman individual from the. The group, but. And then we saw like Kill Steel, Caden Proctor, Parker Barrelsford, you know, were properly probably accoladed at the end of the year. I think Michael Carol could be in that conversation this year, too. He's a really, really good player in a group with questions. So I like that call of Michael Carroll.
[62:50]
Michael Bratton
Well, you know what I like, Stephen? I like cousin Jared giving us donation. Shout out, Jared. So we're gonna do LSU next step position group that'll make or break the Tigers this fall. Don't you dare say offensive line.
[63:06]
Stephen Lassen
Offensive line. Let me. Let me talk you through this because I. I feel bad because I feel like I'm like a broken record. I have confidence in Blake Baker's defense. I know they've only got three returning starters and you got some transfers stepping in, but this, you know, Sam Levitt's certainly an X factor, but I like the receivers that they brought into the portal. Trade is green. But I think about the offensive line for two things. I think about how do you protect Sam Levitt when he's coming off a foot injury? And also the. The rushing attack for lsu. So I think you can kind of tandem. I'm taking the offensive line because I want to see this. This offensive line be physical. Open up some rush lanes, let Harlan Berry and Kaden Durham get some. Get some yardage on the ground, and it just goes back to track record. I mean, for all the quarterback accolades, and rightfully so under Lane Kiffin, this is. This offense has to run the ball, and it feels like if they don't get the ground game going, then nothing is going to work for Sam Levitt and this team will not make the college football playoffs. So that's why I went offensive line, Mike is. I feel good about the defense. I like the skill, talent. But I need to see this rushing attack improve and protect Sam Levitt.
[64:20]
Michael Bratton
Okay, so the offensive line show continues on. I see what you did there, Stephen, and again, I don't even hate it, but I'm going to go to the other side of the ball. How about defensive line? I like what you said about Blake Baker. I think he's very good. I got confidence in these linebackers, I got confidence in this secondary. But it scares me, Stephen, that we have so many freshmen apparently going to make a big impact for us in a defensive line, particularly the interior, and we're relying on so many transfers.
[64:56]
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[64:56]
Michael Bratton
The transfers can come in and be pretty good right away, so that's not a huge deal to me. But again, we're talking playoff or bust. We're talking heck. I guarantee you there'll be some LSU fans, Stephen, that if LSU just was like one and done in the playoff, they'd be like, ah, what a disappointment. You know what I mean? So again, the expectations are through the roof, as they should be at times in, you know, a proud program that wins the national championship every couple of years. That's more than dang near anybody can say, outside of, you know, a handful of schools. So if, if those are the way to the expectation, Stephen, I am concerned about the defensive line because I don't, I don't know that they're of that caliber.
[65:43]
Stephen Lassen
Are you most concerned about depth or maybe just the overall production of this group in 2026?
[65:55]
Michael Bratton
Maybe a little bit of both. But just again, I, I'm hearing they got freshmen in the too deep. Can you, can you realistically do that 9 game sec then go into a college football playoff? Guys that are in high school, I don't care how good they were, you can't come in, well, I guess in the line of scrimmage. Can you do that in this conference, Stephen? I don't, I don't know that you can.
[66:20]
Stephen Lassen
Dylan Stewart looked pretty good a few years ago, but. Yeah, your point as well as well, I think take on that one. I'll give the optimism for this one. If you're lsu, the transfers give the freshman time to get their feet wet and the freshmen don't have to play 30, 40 snaps. They can just kind of get a little bit here, a little bit there, and then when you need them, kind of like we've talked about with LSU this offseason is that they're going to be a work in progress. So maybe by November, when you're going to play Alabama, you're going to play Texas and Tennessee, a stretch of games that may or make or break your playoff chase, maybe those freshmen are kind of acclimated and you've got a really, really good defensive front by then. So I kind of trust Blake Baker here. I know Relaford is already out for the season, so they've already lost some depth, but I think the combination of transfers plus returners plus freshmen. I like the makings of this group, but I think it's fair to still have some skepticism until you see it.
[67:20]
Michael Bratton
Hey, I wanted to ask you something, Stephen. I was watching a another podcast again. I'm not. I'm not afraid to shout out other people that do a good job, Stephen. It's funny how many people in this landscape, they want to pretend there's no other shows and nobody else does a good job. Shout out to on Texas. They do a hell of a job covering Texas and they had a whole show on the fact that Mus champ. Well, they got all their eggs in the must Champ basket. Right? He has had a lot of issues defending Lane Kiffin. And we go go back to some of the the Georgia Ole Miss matchups, of course, and then they made an interesting connection that I had forgotten all about, Stephen. But. And maybe it's not fair, but. But again, I at the time, I think Ole Miss and South Carolina were similarly profiled teams. But do you. I don't know if you recall this, Stephen, but basically I think it was the COVID year where must Champ basically got run out of South Carolina. That was. It was Lane Kiffin that ran his. Ran him off because it was him throwing in the clipboard. You know, it's like. Like he was calling the touchdowns before they were thrown. So basically their point was Kiffin's got must have figured out and why that's relevant because there's such a huge game this year. Texas, lsu at lsu. I know I'm kind of like throwing a curveball at you in a lot of stuff here, but I'm sure I know you remember all these games. Does that. Have you thought about that at all and presented that information? Does it make you wonder if there's a. If there's a massive. Or maybe not even massive is the right word, but. But an advantage for LSU schematically in this game.
[69:06]
Stephen Lassen
That's a great thought. I think kind of like a thought experiment on this game. And I think just thinking about LSU's kind of schedule, you know, I think about like the first cluster of games where, you know, they're favored against Clemson rightfully. So there's the, you know, game maybe that people were talking about. Kids don't miss in week three, and then you get Texas A and M in week four. It feels like those two games, like how you that stretch and also the Alabama, Texas, Tennessee stretch late in the season. And so I. Why I think that Texas kind of note is important is it's not crazy that LSU may need to run the table in November to get to the playoff. And so you have that advantage. And before they get to that stretch, there's that off week between Oct. 24 and Nov. 7 when they play or play Alabama, then Texas. So in theory, this sets up well for. For Kiffin lsu, because maybe you're peaking at the right time. You've got as kind of a schematic edge, maybe against the Texas team. Arch is coming back to Louisiana. Maybe he's a little bit too hyped up like we saw last year early in the season that I like the way LSU schedule sets up this year for a run at the playoffs.
[70:20]
Michael Bratton
Oh, well, again, yeah, you picked be a playoff team, so that makes sense. All right. In terms of LSU player returning, underrated returner, this was difficult because they don't have a lot of return at all. LSU portal champs now, I guess. But how about this one? Stephen? Off the radar. This might not be a good selection. Again, this was difficult, but I've heard a lot of good things about offensive lineman Bo Bordelon, who was. I don't believe he's ever started, but they project him to start this year. That's my selection. Again, that may be a bad one.
[70:55]
Stephen Lassen
If I think that'd be a good sign for lsu, that if he took a step forward and was starting, because that would mean that he beat out some of the transfers that they brought in. Maybe it's not a good thing because he brought the transfers and thought they'd be good, but I think maybe big picture is having extra offensive linemen for depth purposes. I mean, nine games on defensive line, the SEC is, you know, wear and tear. But also in the offensive line, too, you need. You need more than five to make it through the season if you want to make the playoff if you're lsu. So, Mike, I think that's an interesting call and I would. I mean, I. It's tough because they only have six returning starters to kind of count for here. I mean, I was almost gonna say, like Braylon Moore, somebody who's kind of been through the battles and he comes back as a senior to maybe take a step forward. Mike, I hate to even say this, but do some people nationally know how good trade Is Green is going to be in this offense. I know I wouldn't necessarily pick him as underrated player but I do think maybe there is some undervalued nationally for what he could do in this offense.
[71:55]
Michael Bratton
No, I think that's a. Yeah, I certainly considered him he could blow up this year. No doubt Kiffin's gonna get his playmakers of football. So Trent has Green. No surprise that that you mentioned him. No surprise that cousin Shane will be perked up if we talk some Tennessee Steven. So how about Tennessee make or break
[72:16]
Stephen Lassen
position group for the balls Mike, you can rest easy. It's not the offensive line. Yes, it's quarterbacks Mike. It's got to be it's Faison, Brandon or George McIntyre. I do have confidence that we one of these two is going to be good enough for Josh Hypo in this offense and they don't have to do it alone. Great run game receivers, top offensive line. I did consider the edge rushers considering Chaz Coleman is gone but I think quarterback is the thing here for Tennessee is he. If Faison, Brandon or George McIntyre take a step forward this offense is is productive as we've seen under Hypo the Tennessee with that schedule can make a run at bottom the playoff.
[73:01]
Michael Bratton
I get why you went there Stephen and that's probably the right answer but I'm not worried about it. I mean I'm not worried about it. That's all Josh Hle does is produce these quarterbacks and they change every year so again maybe this is the most or the least experienced. I mean that's a fair comment to make but see I'm not like you Stephen. Thank you Las Vegas Bowl. Get the hell out of here. Stephen, I played. I'm saying balls are going to playoff and what's going to dictate that for me it's a defensive line so shout out Tennessee make a break. Position line. Defensive line. They got a lot. They've got some talent there Stephen as some of the guys I wanted to outline Ethan Utley, Nathan Robinson, Tyler Tyree, Weather Weathersby, Davin Hobbs has been in a lot of wars but he's been banged up so I mean they got potential and a lot of second year players that have not made huge impacts that shall be called upon this year. Shout out Hobbs. Yeah, that's a good. That's another good one so. Or actually that's when I said but and then they added like transfers like Xavier Gilliam who I think is very solid but we've not seen him in that big orange Uniform. So I. Give me the defensive line. Stephen. I think the linebackers are going to be phenomenal. I think they've improved the secondary massively. So if again, same thing I said about who was it? Missouri. I think if the defensive line doesn't hit for Tennessee, it's all for not. So give me the defensive line. That's a, that's the make or break position group for Tennessee.
[74:43]
Stephen Lassen
I only picked, I think, two quarterbacks, so I had to, I had to, you know, I had to work a quarterback in here somewhere in Tennessee. Just made the most sense. But Mike, I think, you know, I think there is like a massive trust factor for me with hypo. And also, like I mentioned, the supporting cast is there for somebody to step in and go, they don't have to be the main conductor. They can just be like a point guard in this offense. But I think what interests me the most about this defense is like Jim Knowles is every feature that you read about him and at his time at Ohio State or elsewhere, loves to scheme, loves to sit in the film room, loves to come up with designs of schematics. And I'm sitting here and look at these linebackers to go on, man, there's a lot of really good linebackers and I like Tennessee's tackles. So I'm with you. Like who steps up on the edge to replace a Chaz Coleman? But I think Jim Knowles could get pretty interesting with maybe some of these schematics and maybe moving some guys around to alleviate some of those concerns. But pass rush is one of my biggest questions for Tennessee this year. Just because without Chaz Coleman, you got to generate some of it. Who's going to step up and do it? That's what I'm kind of interested as we get into early in the season. Who steps up for Tennessee?
[75:55]
Michael Bratton
All right. And in terms of underrated players, Steven, there was a couple to pick from, but how about this? I. I mean, a guy that I don't even know if he's going to start, he played a lot last year and I've said it many times, I think the linebackers are going to be phenomenal for Tennessee. Steven. But I think one guy that kind of gets lost in the shuffle there just in the off season narrative, not on the field because he's been very productive. How about Jeremiah T. Lander again? I'm putting him as an underrated returner. I think he's very solid. What's your thoughts on that selection?
[76:27]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah, I think so too, Mike. I mean, it's funny. It's like you said he could may not start this year, but I think that's a sign of Tennessee having more depth than anything else at the position. Like they're going to be able to rotate a lot of those guys in and out of the lineup. Ariane Carter coming back. You got Amari Gamble transferring in from Penn State who was an all Big Ten linebacker last year. I mean they've got a lot of depth here. So I, I think absolutely underrated gives Tennessee that valuable depth that we've talked about. With nine games in the sec, I was going to go with maybe like Davion Hobbs just because of the tackle. I think I feel better about Tennessee's tackles right now than I do off the edge. I was even gonna say like Ethan Davis too. I thought he came on strong as the season progressed. Maybe he's a little bit more may driven. But I thought last year, late in the season I thought he got more and more involved and could be even more involved this year.
[77:17]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, I agree with that. Stephen. I also agree we should talk some Georgia. We haven't talked much. Georgia. Stephen, make or break position for the Dogs.
[77:30]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I will be very interested to see where you go with this one because I felt this one was fairly obvious. I think it's got to be receiver. I mean every conversation that you know for Georgia this offseason starts with receiver because you lose Zachariah Branch, Colby Young, Dylan Bell, Noah Thomas. I mean they are losing a lot at receiver. I like Isaiah Cannon. I think London Humphreys is going to be a good player. The tight end position of course is going to be good, but Georgia needs a couple guys in the young kind of player department to step up, whether that's Talon, Taylor, Soobe, White, Helton, somebody else. Georgia had only four plays of 40 plus passing yards last season. They can't have that replicate again this year. So give me the receivers.
[78:19]
Michael Bratton
Stephen, comment of the night so far. Shout out Cousin Jared. He said the driver's it is it.
[78:26]
Stephen Lassen
That's good.
[78:29]
Michael Bratton
He didn't even say speeding. So I, I think that's the comment of the night. But yeah, of course it's the receivers. I thank goodness you just say offensive line. Steven. I'm just. I'm just thankful anytime you don't say offensive line. So. But yeah, it's everything you said. And again it's. It's wild to me, Stephen, how we can't even now it's kind of boring because it's like everybody says the same thing with Georgia, but I mean it's an issue, right? Or not an issue, but a question. It's a, it's a legitimate question. I don't care who they've recruited. All these teams that are at the top, you know, Georgia, Bama, Texas A and M, on and on and on, they've all recruited phenomenally. So you can sit here and say, oh, we got this four star, that five star, yada, yada yada. This game is littered with those guys that have done literally nothing of significance in the Southeastern Conference. So don't, don't sell these stars. Show me something they've done and this group has not done it. Doesn't mean they won't, but they've got to come through in a big way. If, again, let's say they go 10 and two, Stephen, I, I would buy that they'll go 10 and two and don't have an impact receiver. I would not buy that they're going to win the national championship and don't have an impact receiver. So somebody's got to step up. And that's, that's the, that's the standard now at Georgia's. Again, I'm not saying it's a failure if you fall short of winning the national championship, but that's what the fans are wanting, that's what Kirby is demanding. And if they don't get it done, I think it's because they don't have a receiver that he doesn't have to dominate every game, but he's got to make plays at certain times in the SEC championship, in the playoff, I guess Ohio State or whoever you're playing, they're going to need some guys to step up there.
[80:13]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I think that it's also underscored, as you and I have talked about this offseason, about how tight the margins are between like 1 through 6, 1 through 7. You know, I think Notre Dame, Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, Texas, Georgia, Miami are all going to be really close in terms of like, power rating. And I think you just think about receivers and, and I, you know, I think Gunner Stockton is really solid, but I think there's a question of like, what is his ceiling and can he take his game to the next level? One ways you do that is you have guys who can go downfield, they able to use their speed, they get open, they create these big plays. Well, you know, I think Gunner Stockton is kind of like, he's a really solid quarterback right now who's part of a bigger piece. Like, I think, you know, like Arch or Chambliss, like we saw Chambliss last year in the Sugar bowl, he took Ole Miss on his back and lifted him to that victory. Can Stockton do that? If it's a game against like Notre Dame and it's in the playoff and you're not generating those big plays And I think there's some things that he does well with mobility that he can do that. What I guess what I'm trying to get at is, is I don't know that Stockton can necessarily elevate this offense as a whole, but I think if you have those game breakers like we saw with Branch, he was able to take it, you know, caught it, take it, take it to the house for 60 yards. They need some guys like that to give him some help so he doesn't have to shoulder the entire workload. He's perfectly capable of leading this team to the national championship. That's one of the reasons why I just didn't pick him this year, Mike in the magazine to win it. I just had too many questions about this group a receiver. I wish they did a little bit more in the portal. I probably would have felt better about picking them at number one nationally.
[81:49]
Michael Bratton
First of all, Stephen, how dare you talk Notre Dame and play off on this show and their cupcake schedule. They don't deserve to be in there, but I will not stand for that. So please don't ever say that again.
[82:01]
Stephen Lassen
I. I had to say something funny. I've been doing the series of articles on athlon sports.com by the way, unraking the five toughest games for some of the playoff teams and I got to like two and I'm like three. Where do we go from here for Notre Dame? Whereas like Oklahoma, you felt bad about leaving out the six or seven team. So there you go. There's more ammunition for your. For your Notre Dame anti playoff stance there.
[82:24]
Michael Bratton
No, I think that's fair. All right, so how about underrated player returning Now? Georgia's got a lot of guys returning, so this one there was a lot to pick from. But I went Gabe Harris, defensive lineman, he was instrumental in slowing down Trinidad in the fourth quarter of the regular season matchup and he didn't play in the Sugar Bowl. So I think that would be a case to be made of how important he is to that to this football team.
[82:54]
Stephen Lassen
I love that call because I think you said it best there. They missed him in the playoff game against Ole Miss. And also I think Mike, it was super valuable for this year. We talk about how Georgia was at the bottom of the SEC in sacks which just seems like almost unfathomable with the talent level, but if he gets it going, Quintavius Johnson, Elijah Griffin. You're talking about a pass rush that's going to easily blow last year's sack total right out of the water. So good call, Mike. I think a very, very underrated Georgia Bulldog. And Gabe Harris.
[83:26]
Michael Bratton
All right, Stephen. How about for cousin Emily? How about Auburn? What is the maker break position group for the Tigers?
[83:37]
Stephen Lassen
I got a surprise for you, Mike.
[83:40]
Michael Bratton
Can I take a guess?
[83:42]
Stephen Lassen
It's the offensive line. Here's why I didn't go with any of the spots on defense. I trust DJ Durkin, I think they're going to be okay on defense and of course Byron Brown. Running backs and receivers think they got some good pieces. But man, this offensive line really worries me. Five new starters, a lot of these guys. I think most of the starting lineup or all of them could be transfers. There are some solid players here though. Cole Best, who transfers in from South Florida. You've got Joseph Simmons transferring in from James Madison. I think those guys could be good. They also have some other P4 players transferring in. They have a nice baseline of experience. But I wonder what the upside is of this group. And you've got a quarterback making the transition from the American to the sec. New offense. How does this all work? I don't think you want Byron Brown dropping back to win games 3rd and 11 all day. I think you got to be able to have some early down success to keep that dynamic ability going with Byron Brown. So boring answer, Mike. It's got to be the offensive line.
[84:50]
Michael Bratton
No surprise, Steven. So again, I knew you were gonna say that and you're probably right. I mean that's a. That's a smart answer and you're a smart guy, but I'm more of a smart Alec. So I went with a different one, Stephen. I went receiver because again, what have I said? I said with this system you could kind of get away with offensive line. Maybe not having all Americans now, can you just throw it all together? Maybe not. But I do think in this system I can go back to the guys that run it. Hypo, Kiffin, you know, Jeff, Lebby, Kendall, Browse. You need receivers. If you don't have difference makers at receivers, that could really hurt you. They went and got a bunch of South Florida guys now. Maybe they're awesome. Maybe there'll be impact players in the Southeastern Conference. I'm not sitting here saying they won't be, but I kind of question a little bit, particularly when I Hear no disrespect to him, but Chaz Nimrod, we saw him at Tennessee, I think his biggest impact was dropping the football and they're talking about what a difference maker he's going to be for Auburn this year. So you know, again, I, I have not watched these guys extensively other than Nimrod because he played at Tennessee, but I'm hoping these guys hit. I, I think receiver is kind of a make or break position because if they're not explosive, if they're not solid on at that position group, I just don't know how effective their offense will be week in and week, week out in this conference.
[86:27]
Stephen Lassen
And also doesn't this kind of tie to the offensive line discussion too? Because, you know, I think Byron Brown is at his best when he can create. You know, I don't think you want him to be, you know, dropping back. Like I said, third and 11. He, you don't want him operating from the pocket. You want him on the move. You want him on third and three, rolling out, making, you know, good decisions, getting the ball out in space. So I think you, you have to have that help from the offensive line and early downs. But also the receivers also kind of have to play a role in this too. And you know, whether it's like make getting open, making plays, not dropping passes, I do. You know, from watching South Florida, Keyshawn Singleton and Jeremiah Coger I think are going to be two players that work really well. Obviously it's the same system. I think you'd like to have a Cam Coleman. I think there's a drop, clearly a drop off from, you know, having Coleman, Singleton, those guys last year. I don't think it's like the bottom of the sec, not the worst group in the sec. There's a kind of a baseline. But I think it's fair to question like what is the upside of this group going from the American to the SEC this year?
[87:30]
Michael Bratton
Okay, how about underrated player, not a lot to pick from here for law firm. And this guy, maybe he's properly rated, but I don't think Auburn, non Auburn fans can appreciate how good he is. I just went running back Jeremiah Cobb because again he's the, he's the sole returner on offense among starters. I know they returned some defensive players, but thoughts on Jeremiah Cobb, who I think I think he could really be a big breakout this year.
[87:55]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah, I, I think so too. I mean I think he, we, you know, we talk about with like what Tennessee does with DeSean Bishop and of course Auburn's had good running backs over the years, too. But maybe in this system, you know, with the. If you can get that offensive line playing to a solid level, you got Cobb, you got Bryson, Washington, you got a pretty solid one, two punch taking some heat off of Byron Brown. Mike, I know this is like blasphemy to say this, but like Xavier Atkins, I don't even. I mean, I know he's getting a lot of all America buzz and certainly we. I picked him first team All America. But I mean, nationally, this. Like you said, there's two returning starters and Xavier Atkins is one of them for Auburn. I don't know that people nationally appreciate how good he was for Auburn's defense last year and how key of a centerpiece he'll be again this year. So I know it's a boring answer, but I think maybe Xavier Atkins should be getting even more preseason love for 2026.
[88:49]
Michael Bratton
No, I think that's absolutely fair, Steven. I also think it's fair that VBF give us five bucks all of this damn show. Go big Orge. We love you, buddy. So let me. Since he threw us a donation. We already did Tennessee. But I do want to ask you this, Stephen. So I again, I. I project in a head. And I know you're sitting here, you people. This, this is counting you now, Stephen, because you're one of them that are. That are kind of like doubting or not doubting, but just have questions about Tennessee quarterback. I have no question.
[89:29]
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[89:56]
Stephen Lassen
Stop shopping. Get styled. Not today, sweatpants. Somebody's wearing jeans that fit. Wow.
[90:04]
Michael Bratton
No photos, please.
[90:05]
Stephen Lassen
I'm just a regular dad who happens to have a stylist. I really look my best when someone else makes the decisions. Hey, we can all see you two way mirrors. Just share your size, style and budget. And your stylist sends personalized looks right to your door. Stitch fix, get started today@stitch fix.com. i want to hug you. I'm going to hug you. I'm coming. I'm coming in for a hug.
[90:26]
Michael Bratton
Remember I asked you about Keelan Russell? I put based on Brandon ranked higher than Keelan Russell in my quarterback rankings. Again, I'm trying to project ahead to end of the season, not today. It's crazy. There's nothing to go off of the six Vanderbilt fans that exist on Twitter, Stephen, they're like they're up in arms. They don't understand how I can have phase on so high. I, I got Jared Curtis last when they literally have the same resume. But again, I'm trying to project ahead. So I know you are, you are not one to make bold proclamations but I'm just kind of curious and feel free to call me a complete moron like the rest of the Internet, but. What is it crazy to suggest that Faison Brandon could be a top 10 SEC quarterback by the end of the season?
[91:18]
Stephen Lassen
Not at all, Mike. I think this is, this is. I was trying to think of a smart Alec response to your smart one but my brain, brain does not quite work it. But I, I think that's, I mean when you, I do these quarterback rankings too and I like to project ahead. I don't like to just say here's their bio, here's their stats so far. Put them in a 1 to 16 order. Like I think if we're trying to figure out what's going to happen this season, we have to project like how good some of these quarterbacks are going to be. And I think about confidence level. I, I Tim Beck was awesome, has been awesome for Vanderbilt. He was awesome back at New Mexico State. I think with Junior Sherlock said Alexander, Vanderbilt's got a good baseline. Tennessee's got a top 10 offensive line in my mind in the country, maybe a top 10 receiving core. They certainly have a guy in Desean Bishop who should be an all American if he plays the caliber he did last year. That is a better supporting cast than what Vanderbilt has coming back. Also, I think you have to trust Josh Hypo just a little bit, right? I mean Joey Aguilar got there, you know, in the summer and ended up being one of the top statistical passers in the sec. Took Nico to the playoff. I mean Joe Milton, I mean no matter the quarterback, Tennessee system is going to produce a pretty successful one. So I like Jared Curtis too, but I would take if I had to bet on which One of those two Faison, Brandon or J.R. curtis finishes in the top 10. I would take the Tennessee quarterback.
[92:50]
Michael Bratton
Good call, Stephen. Good call. That's why you're the encyclopedia.
[92:57]
Stephen Lassen
I just, I'm just glad I didn't get replaced by Marlowe.
[92:59]
Michael Bratton
Had to watch my never, never on my watch. All right, speaking of never, how about Kentucky? Stephen make or break position group for the Wildcats in The debut season of Will Stein. Where are you going there, Stephen?
[93:15]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I'm going to use another quarterback card here. I'm going to take quarterbacks for Kentucky because Kenny Minchie is such a valuable piece of this rebuilding effort. I mean Kentucky's kind of investing heavily in him as the starter. We don't have a ton of like data on Kenny Menchie. What we do know is he was pretty highly regarded coming out of high school. He pushed C.J. carr at Notre Dame for the starting job. He's played well in limited time, but that is a very small sample size. And Will Stein as a first year head coach, he's got a great track record of offensive quarterbacks. But also putting all of your eggs in the Kenny Minchie basketball when he is a first time starter is definitely risky. There's a lot of upside, but I think it's fair to kind of be skeptical too until you see it. So knowing what Kentucky has, some of the questions on defense, how important it is for Will Stein to get his tenure off on the right foot, I think it's got to be Kenny Minchi.
[94:15]
Michael Bratton
For me, I think that's fair. Steven I don't mind that selection at all. The fact that there's so much turnover there, I mean I think there's just so many different ways you could possibly go. However. So I went a little bit different. I went receivers because fair or not, I am giving Will Stein the benefit of the doubt when it comes to quarterback evaluation and development. Maybe not coordinator hiring and assigning play calling duties. But that is another story for another day. Stephen so I think Minchi will be quite good. I've not heard anything to suggest otherwise out of Lexington up to this point. So I'm just saying receivers because they're going to need people to step up there as well. Quite frankly, like I said, we could pick many a position here, but I don't know. I'm going receiver for Kentucky.
[95:13]
Stephen Lassen
A lot of guys with talent there at Kentucky, just a lot of concerns about injury. I mean someone like, you know, Nick Anderson, Shane Carr's transferring up from Southern Utah. There's some interesting names in there too in that receiver room and if they stay healthy, if they develop, that's only going to help Kenny Minchi's game this year. I, I will say I've been, I got pretty hyped for watching Kenny Menchie like on some of the highlights that made their way out of Kentucky spring practice, which I appreciated the like clips here and there very selectively getting Me excited for Kenny Minchee, but I trust Will Stein, but also thank you. It is such an important decision like he's your hand picked quarterback for your first year and you got to get this thing rolling. So he better work out otherwise it's going to be a long year in
[96:00]
Michael Bratton
Lexington when it comes to most underrated returning wildcat. How do you like this selection, Stephen? Tight end Willie Rodriguez. Our friends over at Kentucky Sports Radio 11 personnel, another great show. Go check them out. They're very high on Willie Rodriguez so I think, I think I'm rolling with that one.
[96:21]
Stephen Lassen
I like that call because Will Stein's had a great track record of tight end usage and success rate. You saw this up at Oregon. Kenyan Sadiq of course was a high pick in the NFL draft. Jamari Johnson, who said Oregon this year in line for a breakout season. So the tight end position is going to get used quite a bit in this offense and so Rodriguez is probably going to see a healthy dose of of passes in his way. I'll go defense. Mike, I like Ty Bryant. You know a lot of good safeties in this conference coming back like Marcus Radcliffe, Keon Sab, Ray Hubbard, I mean KJ Bolden, the list goes on and on. But Ty Bryant led the team in tackles last year. Four interceptions for Kentucky's defense. I think very underrated player at a very crowded position and he's probably not getting enough preseason love.
[97:09]
Michael Bratton
Well, I'll tell you who is getting preseason love, Stephen. That is the Florida Gators with John Subaru leading the charges off season. Who do you got as the make or break position group for the Gators offensive line?
[97:25]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I feel really bad I picked all these. I probably should next time.
[97:31]
Michael Bratton
I've waited basically to all these teams at the end where I know you're gonna say offensive line.
[97:35]
Stephen Lassen
I think next time you're going to require me to run these positions by pre, pre show approval. But Mike, I think I just go back to what John, John Sumrall was saying at the end of spring practice. I mean he was worried about the offensive line. How is this group going to take a step forward? No Austin Barber, no Jake Slaughter. Phil Trotwine is a very good offensive line coach, but you got some high profile starters gone, only two starters back. I think getting somebody like Harrison Moore transferring from Georgia Tech over to Florida is key because he basically can, you know, slide seamlessly with the, the scheme he was under Buster Faulkner. Now they're at Florida, that'll help ease that transition. But new left tackle, new center, there's always concerns to me when you're breaking in new starters at that position.
[98:23]
Michael Bratton
Right. So that's a fine selection, Stephen, but once again, once again, I knew you were going to say that so I wanted to mix it up, be a little different. I haven't gone quarterback yet, Steven. I'm pulling the trigger here because I don't even know who it's going to be. Aaron Filo, Tramell Jones could be either one. But I think that'll dictate it because again, offensive line. Yeah. Everything you said is accurate and, and I would agree with it and that's probably the true answer. But also if Florida's going. You know, this is an interesting point that cousin Shane. It's not often I get to say cousin Shane had an interesting point but he's, you know, he went. He really has got me focused, Stephen, on a lot of these teams that are first year coaches outside of lsu which has kind of like playoff or bus type expectations. But, but of all the other ones, Florida's got a higher win loss or should be over under win total than just about any of them. So the expectation is Florida will be maybe a step further than than an Auburn and Arkansas, Kentucky, on and on and on. So again, is that right? I don't know. I mean I kind of think it is. But it also says that, you know, there is some belief that Florida is ready to go and that they'll make great strides. I mean they only won four games last year so they're, you know, double in the win total perhaps I think is realistic. But I think it's only realistic, Stephen, if they get solid performance out of the quarterback. And the fact that I don't even know who the heck that's going to be tells me that whoever it is better be a difference maker and win him a game or two. That is a toss up type game. So I'm going quarterback here.
[100:16]
Stephen Lassen
You're definitely not wrong because it is a question. I do feel some sort of confidence that either Philo or Jones is going to be solid at the position just given what the weapons that they have. The trust that I have in Buster Faulkner. We saw this with Haynes King when he went to Georgia Tech. I mean he was not very, he was not great at Texas A M, wasn't bad, but he just wasn't like the all ACC level that we saw out at Georgia Tech. So I think there's got to be some confidence level that Buster Faulkner could take one of these two quarterbacks and make them productive. Maybe not all SEC good But solid. So I think it kind of goes back to, you have confidence, but it's also fair to have some skepticism until you actually see it. What I do see is when I look at that schedule of how favorable it is for Florida because you get Ole Miss at your place after they play lsu, that's like the perfect time. It's like the perfect letdown trap game. You get Oklahoma at your place. You know, this schedule is sets up, I think, for Florida to take that big step forward. And I think, yes, you have to play Texas, yes, you have to play Georgia, but two of your tougher games are at home. Your road schedule is Kentucky, Missouri, Auburn and Florida State. Outside of Texas, that's about as favorable as it gets. And so I. When I think about just raw roster talent, we know Napier could recruit. He just couldn't develop it, Mike. So I, I think that's why that win total was that high. There is a lot of confidence in summer, all plus a favorable schedule, plus talent in the program. I do like Florida to kind of maybe surprise some people this year. I don't know if I'd go play off Dark Horse, but I think they'll surprise some people this year.
[102:02]
Michael Bratton
Yeah. Let me ask it to you this, Stephen. So you just highlighted something interesting. The road games for Florida this year, at Auburn, at Missouri, at Texas, at Kentucky, at Florida State, if big, if here, if they can win four of the road games, do you think they could win? If I were to guarantee you they win four road games, which again, is no guarantee in this league. But if I guaranteed you that, what do you predict the final record overall for Florida would be?
[102:36]
Stephen Lassen
I would probably take 8 and 4. I think they, they. If you had. If you said guarantee me some losses, it would start with Texas and Georgia.
[102:45]
Michael Bratton
Right.
[102:46]
Stephen Lassen
You know, Ole Miss, Oklahoma is interesting because kind of the schedule set up with Ole Miss, they're also at home. But the rest of those, I think Florida will be favored in most of those. Would you agree with that?
[103:00]
Michael Bratton
Absolutely. And that's why I figured you'd say eight or nine wins. So, I mean, that would either one, obviously nine would be a little bit sweeter, but you can't knock an 84 debut for a head coach in this conference. You know, I think it would really set him up well for year two of the John Sumrall era.
[103:19]
Stephen Lassen
I mean, it would be a disappointment, though. He's played for the conference title all four years. Elaine, come on, man. He's supposed to make the SEC championship his first game, but no, you're right. I mean think about out. I also love the way that Florida is recruiting too. Like being able to get high. Talented upside offensive lineman John Sumral. I mean he played in the conference, he coached in the conference. He's from the footprint. He's coached at a G6 team, two G16s. Mike, he's like if you had to make a coach in an SEC factory, he would be it. He understands how to win in this league and I think he'll do a much, much better job than Billy Napier did down in Gainesville.
[103:59]
Michael Bratton
I think my mother could do a better job than old Billy Napier.
[104:03]
Commercial Announcer
All right.
[104:03]
Michael Bratton
And then when it comes to underrated player returning. So this, there's a little bit, I'm a little cheating here, Steven. And it's, it is based on a little bit of information that I've heard. I've heard this guy is really taking his, his game up. But also I'm, I'm just rooting for this guy because I, he had a terrible moment and I hope, I hope that's not the, the legacy he leads. And I think it's. But if he continues, it'll be something different here. Shout out to defensive lineman Brandon Bet. He's, he's the one that unfortunately did the spit against South Florida and there was a, I, you know, there's a lot of people said kick his ass off a team now which I would have understood cost you a win. Can't have it inexcusable. But again, hopefully that is not the end of the story and I don't think it will be. So I'm rooting for him personally. Brandon Bet underrated player returning.
[104:52]
Stephen Lassen
I was going to go there too because I've heard some of the similar optimism that you have and as far as being, you know, we think about how that Florida defensive line steps up. You got McCray, you got Jaden woods. Like you got some guys with talent coming off the edge. How do you form that interior, especially with some of the personnel departures. So getting him to be a high end impact defensive lineman would be crucial to be able to stop the run and help those edge rushers. So I, I would go Brandon Bett as well. Mike. I would throw. How many Florida fans do you think have thrown their computer or phone out the window the last couple weeks? Every interview that Billionapier has done is, well, I've learned a lesson. I'm giving up play calling duties. Right. It's like, man, it's like two or three years too late, right?
[105:37]
Michael Bratton
He learned on our dime that's what it sounds like to me. But let's waste no more time on his sorry loser ass. Let's go, Carolina. Steven, make or break position group for the game. Cacs.
[105:52]
Stephen Lassen
We gotta go offensive line, Mike. We gotta maximize Lenora Sellers. I almost went defensive end here because, you know, you have like Dylan Stewart coming back from injury who steps up opposite of Dylan Stewart. But I just look at this offensive line and go, man, if Jacarius Peak is healthy, he plays 12 games in the regular season. What a difference that could make. And not knowing what his status is and knowing sort of the investment that South Carolina has made there with the, the transfers, Randy Clemens coming in, they've got to be able to run the ball. They've got to give Sellers more help. Yes, you want him on the move, but you don't want him running for his life every game with a defensive front coming after him. 2.8 yards per carry last year in SEC games, that's not going to get it done. So it's the offensive line for me.
[106:44]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, of course it is, Stephen. Of course it is. But again, you're the encyclopedia for a reason. You nailed it. Offensive line is the answer. You mentioned Randy Clements, new offensive line coach who's been working with Kendall Brown since, I think since they've started coaching, basically. I mean, it's been that long. So again, they go hand in hand and he's pretty touted. He. He produces great results. They have spared no expense this off season. I believe the number is seven, maybe eight. I could have. I think it was seven. Then they added another one. But again, my number might, may be off by one. But they've, they've. That's how many offensive linemen they've added this off season. So they are, they are doing what they can to fix this group over a single off season. I literally don't know what else they could have done. So shout out the offensive line. Hopefully they're a lot better and we'll get a much better team here in Columbia. As far as most underrated player returning, this was a little bit different or difficult for me as well. Stephen. There's a lot of case to be made for some of these defensive players, but I went, how about receiver Jaden Sellers? When everybody's talking Sellers, he's always the second Sellers for good cause. I mean, his brother's a quarterback and was a Heisman hopeful last year, but I think Jaden is very good. Breakout year last year. Thoughts on that selection?
[108:11]
Stephen Lassen
I'm buying Jaden Sellers, Mike. I think With Nick Harper and Jaden Sellers, they got a pretty solid one two punch. I think South Carolina is going to have an improved just offense receiving core. Overall. I was kind of going to go with maybe kind of like a. A little bit maybe too under the radar, but I was going to go with Brownlow Dindy, the defensive tackle. I thought, you know, did some nice things in limited time last year. Gonna be asked to take on an even bigger role this year. But I thought South Carolina's got a couple of interesting players you could throw in there. Johnson at linebacker, maybe even Collier in the secondary too. So interesting defenders. I think you can make a couple different choices there.
[108:52]
Michael Bratton
All right, so let's do Mighty Texas. Steve it again. I have an idea of where you're going. Make or break position group for the Longhorns. Please say Arch Manning.
[109:04]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I. I would just want to welcome you to the Arch Manning bus over here. I've had a seat for you. First class ticket. But of course, Mike, you got to protect the franchise, got to be able to run the ball better. It's got to be that offensive line. 3.3 yards per carry in SEC games last year. I like what they did in the portal. They added some starter help, they added some depth. Trevor Goosby is one of the top linemen in the country. Also, if you think about the way last season played out, it felt like. And I looked at some of Arch Manning's time to throw and I in his average depth of target kind of changed like in the first half, the second half, the. The average depth of target actually got like less in the second half and the time to throw got less. So they were trying to get the ball out of his hands quicker. And you think about now you have a better offensive line, maybe you can let some of those deeper routes develop with a Cam Coleman with Orion Wingo because you have the better offensive line this year plus the better run game. So I think maybe those tweaks in the second half we saw were good to survive last year. But I think maybe Arch gets back to having some more of those deep connections in the passing game because of that better offensive line and weapons. So I'm boring. I went with offensive line for Texas.
[110:24]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, well, I do appreciate the insight because I had not heard those statistics before. So a lot easier than just announcing the offensive line. But of course it is the offensive line. We've. We've been hearing it all off season with Texas and that's kind of the. The area of maybe concern question. However you want to sell it they've moved some guys, different positions. They've added guys via the transfer portal like you said. They bring back Goosby who could be in the NFL right now. So there's a. There is. There are things to like about the offensive line. Unfortunately for that position group you could have four stellar all conference type players. You have one weakness that's going to get exploited each and every Saturday in this conference. So yeah, it's got to be the offensive line for old Texas. Good call by you Steven, as usual. But in terms of underrated player, how about this one? How about edge defender Lance Jackson? I think he could have a big year with must champ coming over. Thoughts on that selection?
[111:28]
Stephen Lassen
I was going to go hero Canoe. So I think we're kind of on the same page of like defensive line help around Colin Simmons. I think Jackson is. Is so critical because you lose Burke. You've got to have another edge rusher to complement Simmons. It's. It's like the South Carolina thing where you don't want too much pressure on Dylan Stewart. You need other edge rushers to step up. So I think Jackson's a good call. I think Canoe on the interior how this all fits too under must champ scheme. I think that'll be kind of wait and see for me but I think there's a lot of really, really promising pieces. Probably one of the top five defensive lines in the country this year.
[112:05]
Michael Bratton
And speaking of canoes, just a little love pop quiz or. Or trivia. No trivia. Maybe cousin Shane, big Canoe fan. Keep it if it's his birthday if anybody wants to send him something.
[112:18]
Stephen Lassen
All right. Last birthday cousin Shane. I forgot to tell him yesterday.
[112:22]
Michael Bratton
Canoes headed your way via Stephen Lassie. Vanderbilt Steve at position group that'll make or break the Commodores.
[112:31]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I think the correct answer here is quarterbacks because Jared Curtis, the other the investment, the high upside filling the shoes of pavia. But you know we can't close the show without talking some offensive line Mike because four starters are gone. How do you help a young quarterback? You run the ball, you protect it. That's why this group is my position group that will make or break Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt does a good job with like the strong side and the quick side and kind of the funky formations they can use at times just one starter back though some transfers. How does this all fit? You don't want your freshman quarterback tried to win third in the in 12 all all day. They got to be able to protect give set Alexander some room and protect Jared Curtis.
[113:15]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, I think you Nailed it, Stephen, again, that's why I kind of held these teams at the end, because I knew you were going to go offensive line, offensive line, offensive line. So again, that's what I said as well, you know. And you know, when we think of the greatness of Diego Pave, there's a lot of things that he did. Pinpoint passer, tough as hell, ran the football with, with just anger at times. Even though he was kind of a. Not kind of. He was a diminutive type player, but he was never lacking for toughness or heart. Now can you get that from young in quarterbacks? I don't know. That's, that's a huge question mark. But also, Stephen, he made plays when the line did break down. I mentioned this the other day, but the, the LSU one will forever be burned in my memory. Where LSU had just had a free rusher somehow Pavia had eyes in the back of his head, did a little, you know, like a flip around. And I don't know how he made the guy miss, but he did. And that was fourth down that Vanderbilt converted in a one possession type game. So can you get that again this year? Fingers crossed we can. With Jared Curtis. I think he's a phenom waiting to happen, but you know, they've got to protect him because I don't think you can expect him to make those types of plays. Year one in college football.
[114:37]
Stephen Lassen
I agree, Mike. I think for as much as, you know, we trust Beck and I think we trust the upside of Curtis, you still have to have the solid play of the offensive line, especially since Vanderbilt was, I think, a Joe Moore semifinalist last year, you know, which goes to one of the top offensive lines in the country. So they were probably underrated last year up front. Now they're losing a lot of those guys and we mentioned they got probably two, two or three transfers that are going to start. I know that Vanderbilt kind of looks for certain, you know, characteristics to kind of match that strong side, quick side, some of those quirky formations that they do. So I think they have a pretty good feel on it. But to be breaking in a true freshman quarterback, four new starters on the line. The good news is you have that offensive continuity, but man, that is a lot of questions for an offense with a true freshman quarterback.
[115:28]
Michael Bratton
All right, so final thing here, Stephen, most underrated player for the Commodores. How about this one, tight end Cole Spence. Because Eli Stowers was awesome, I think we could all recognize that. But I think the guy that was underrated, it was consistent that always did his job. Cole Spencer. Now he's going to be step stepping up into a larger role this year. Thoughts on that selection?
[115:50]
Stephen Lassen
I love that call. I. I was going to say I don't think. I don't. I think he's probably properly rated but Junior Cheryl, maybe a little bit some extent to like somebody in the passing game. I think so. Cheryl, throw Cole Spence in there. Overshadowed by what Stowers did last season. Also think Spence could be maybe a guy who sneaks into all SEC honors because he could be that safety valve for a true freshman quarterback and he's maybe going to take on more of that role at tight end in the offense for Vanderbilt. So I like the call for Cole Spence. I was gonna throw Martro Height in there at four interceptions. He's good on returns for Vanderbilt as well.
[116:27]
Michael Bratton
All right Steven, so we went nearly two hours talking every single SEC team. I don't think anyone else is doing that. Monday, July 13 so again not to pat ourselves on the back but we do it for you guys. We do it for you for show it up for all the kind donations. Oh we had one at the buzzer here. Cousin Lou, appreciate you. I'm back from South Korea. Cousins. Let's go Texas. Mike and Steven Archbid Texas fight hook up. We appreciate you cousin Lou. Anything. I mean you've already said so many nice things about Texas Steven, but anything. Any additional comments for cousin Lou? Lou, I don't know if you've seen the quarterback rankings but we both, we both now have Arch as the. The best quarterback since sliced bread over here. Since. Since paid Manning I guess you could say. But any additional nice things you want to say about Texas for cousin Lou?
[117:23]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah Mike, you know one. One stat that I have thought about a little bit this offseason for Texas was they were 66th in the nation last year in success rate against the pass. I am curious to see when you lose Michael Taft, you lose Malik Muhammad. How does will must champ improve the pass defense a little bit this year? It feels like there's some room especially by the stats to get better. Well maybe one way is you just create some more havoc up front. So I think there's a lot of intrigue for me to like. I think we're very high on the defensive line. A little bit of turnover at linebacker, a little bit of turnover in the secondary. I think interested to see how it all fits together. I. I feel very good about the end product that Texas. Texas is going to have a good defense but maybe some guys like Jelani McDonald stepping up too this year. I like Rasheen Biles, the transfer from Pitt, coming over to play linebacker at Texas, but just wondering kind of how it all fits together. I we talk about these teams so much and we talked last year and we probably didn't put enough emphasis on the offensive line for Texas. But every one of these teams are trying to just make sure what are we missing and just wondering how all these pieces fit together for must champs. Defense is kind of one of my X factors this year, but I think they're still going to be a great defense.
[118:34]
Michael Bratton
Well, speaking of that past defense and slightly improving, I remember Gunner kind of sliced and diced them. Of course, George was very good. But which teams on the schedule, Steven, stand out to you where Texas needs to get better in past defense to ensure they get a win this fall? Are there any that really stand out to you, Mike?
[118:57]
Stephen Lassen
I think it's got to be that Ohio State game, Week two. Julian Saenz, one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten. You've got Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State. I think probably the best just pound for pound player in college football this year. Also, in a weird way, Mike, I actually think the opener against Texas State will be good for the Texas defense because Texas State has a really good offense. Brad Jackson, their quarterback, they got a couple receivers that are good. I'm not saying they're going to upset Texas or anything like that. What I think is they are a good offense in week one to where you can have to push yourself a little bit that gets you ready for Ohio State. They still got to play Trinidad, Chambliss, Matier. I think by November too, I think Sam Levitt and certainly Marcel Reed will know a lot more about those offenses. But man, that second week of the season saying Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State's offense, that's the game that I will be paying attention to because maybe Texas could get revenge for what Ohio State did last year to him on defense in that first game of the season.
[120:04]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, I think that's a good answer, Stephen, but any consideration, I know you just kind of briefly hit on it there, but Florida, you know, they had a lot of success against Texas last year. Eugene Wilson in particular, you know, so. Or, or yes or was that Trey? I get those guys mixed up. But yeah, the freshman receiver was phenomenal and then again Trinidad and then how about a wild card here? How about Camario? So all three in a row and again you're, I think you're going to be heavy, heavy favorites on all of them. Maybe not Ole Miss, maybe just like a six point favorite, I don't know. But you'll be favorites at all of them. They're all at home. So I'm not suggesting you're going to lose any of them. But those three stand out to me as, as three where you got to make sure you're on your game. Otherwise you could be in for a lot longer of a or more competitive game than you realize today.
[121:01]
Stephen Lassen
What about Tennessee, too? 26. The road games. You mentioned that one.
[121:07]
Michael Bratton
I didn't, but I've. I'm just trying to keep it under the radar, Stephen.
[121:10]
Stephen Lassen
Okay.
[121:10]
Michael Bratton
I don't want them to know about it.
[121:12]
Stephen Lassen
I was just. I was having flashbacks. You remember that Alabama, Tennessee game a few years ago where like Tennessee like shell shocked Alabama with some of the big plays? It was Jalen Hyatt, I think in that game. Yeah, but you know, I think about like, okay, what did you get? Faison, Brandon going early in the year with Matthews and Staley and Ethan Davis stepping up. If like, like what if. What if Colin Simmons doesn't have a running mate on the other side and they block him up. And based on Brandon sitting a few bombs to Braylon Staley in that game. So there's a, there's a. I think just in general one of my kind of storylines that I'm. Everybody's focused on Arch and the offensive line and rightfully so. I'm just fascinated by this idea that, you know, Texas was not bad on defense last year, but now they're swinging to be great. And I like when you try to swing for the fences and get it right if you're a team, it's like, hey, this wasn't good enough. We got to do something different. I like being bold and that's. And I think what must champion his success level this year is going to be a very fascinating story because if you pair that with this offense, I mean there's a good chance that Texas hoist the national championship come January because
[122:20]
Michael Bratton
of Lou's gonna like it. He says, yes, sir.
[122:23]
Commercial Announcer
Hook up.
[122:24]
Michael Bratton
That another one, Julian. Say it. I'm saying we kick their ass. Hook up. We appreciate you because of Lou bad so generous here at the buzzer. So let me. Let me ask you a couple more Texas questions, Steven, while I got you here for cousin Lou, who leads. Who leads Texas in rushing next year? Rushing yards and then rushing touchdowns. And you know, it doesn't have to be the same player, but I'm just kind of curious your thoughts there.
[122:51]
Stephen Lassen
I've been Going back and forth on this one. And I, and I, I wrestled with this, with the, the all conference honors. I probably would go Hollywood smothers for rushing yards. I'm kind of tempted to take Arch to lead the team in rushing touchdowns. He had 10 last year. I could see it being almost like five, seven and eight kind of divided among those three players. But I, I could be convinced a couple different ways. Mike, they, those, they all feel like they're going to be very productive. How would you, would you go Smothers or Brown to lead the team in rushing?
[123:28]
Michael Bratton
Man, I would almost say Brown. Interesting, because I've just liked what I've seen from him at Arizona State and I haven't seen enough of Hollywood's mother. So maybe that's not fair for me to say that. But the fact that we're like this guy, that guy or this. It's good to have options, Stephen. I, I would rather have that than not. And, and again, that's not, that's not me calling out one or the other. I, I think you could. It's like pick your poison. Which is exactly what Steve Sarkeesian wants. His full.
[124:01]
Stephen Lassen
This, this also goes to the same conversation that we've had like with defensive lineman is you want more than one good running back to make it through the season because the wear and tear is going to add up. And so I, you know, for, for those of us who are trying to like, project fantasy stats, it's a nightmare for the coaches. It's a great thing to have because you could just go throw smothers in there.
[124:20]
Michael Bratton
Throw.
[124:20]
Stephen Lassen
Really? Brown let Arch take it on the goal line. They got some other younger backs too, so having that depth is a good thing. It's a nightmare if you're trying to figure out who to draft for your college fantasy league, though.
[124:32]
Michael Bratton
All right, Steven. So we went past the two hour mark. Can't thank you enough for dropping all this knowledge. Oh, and we also had. Oh, I don't want to. I want to forget him at all. We had Mizu Fan 07 gifted 20 memberships. I said I'd get to it. Shout out Dale Doback Josh Rebel J Buckmaster floated Possible Pee Wee Mike Elizondo play to win Doug Malder Man Quint Davis Oklahoma man 1990 R. McKee Brendan. Dang it. Hold on. Brendan. Brendan M. I think crazy mixture Kenny McCormick. Heartbroken hog. I feel you, brother. Cocky gaming text mex oh u7time and Christopher Hamilton. Welcome to the family. Yeah. Courtesy Bazoo fan number seven. We appreciate you, buddy. Before we go, Stephen, tell the cousins where to follow you and where they can get up their edition of the Athlete Sports College football magazine.
[125:41]
Stephen Lassen
Hey, Mike, one quick note before we
[125:44]
Michael Bratton
close out the show.
[125:45]
Stephen Lassen
Somebody asked about the Gator bowl and I did some quick check on my notes. By the way, this is a bit ambiguous because depending on where you look, there is still a level of ambiguity. So I. I apologize for not having the firm answer, but I wanted to make sure that I had right answer. The answer is, I don't think anybody knows right now. So to be determined, maybe it'll be because of Shane's backyard. Who knows? But appreciate all the cousins who pick up the magazine. You can pick it up at like grocery stores, bookstores, Target, like CVS and all that. You can also order at AFF magazines at the very top. Last time I checked, all of the SEC covers are still in stock, so still time to order. Order one and get it shipped to you before the season starts.
[126:25]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, get that info in your hands. We got a couple weeks before college football. You gotta study up using your Athlon Sports College Football preview. That's gonna do it for this episode. We'll be back tomorrow in the afternoon with Wild Man Marler and then cousin Shane, of course, in the evening. Until then, we appreciate each and every one of you. Until the next one. Bye.
[126:48]
Stephen Lassen
Bye.
[126:51]
Michael Bratton
Hey, buddy. This beer's for you, Mike and cousin Shane. That SEC podcast loves the pirate and the pirate loves that SEC podcast.
[127:02]
Stephen Lassen
Hail State. I want to grow the game so every kid can fall in love with soccer like I did.
[127:13]
Michael Bratton
So I asked myself, what would you
[127:15]
Stephen Lassen
like the power to do?
[127:16]
Michael Bratton
My answers inspired me to invent a
[127:18]
Stephen Lassen
pop up soccer goal that can turn any basketball court into a street soccer pitch.
[127:24]
Commercial Announcer
Bank of America champion street soccer advocate Kyle Martino and everyone who dares to ask, what would you like the power to do? Bank of America proud to be the Official bank of U.S. soccer and FIFA World Cup 2026 bank of America NA Member FDSE.
[127:38]
Stephen Lassen
Stitch Fix. Stop shopping. Get styled. Not today, sweatpants. Somebody's wearing jeans that fit.
[127:45]
Commercial Announcer
Wow.
[127:46]
Michael Bratton
No photos, please.
[127:47]
Stephen Lassen
I'm just a regular dad who happens to have a stylist. I really look my best when someone else makes the decisions. Hey, we can all see you two way mirrors. Just share your size, style and budget and your stylist sends personalized looks right to your door. Stitch Fix, get started today@stitch fix.com. i want to hug you. I'm gonna hug you. I'm coming in for a hug.

Summary8 min read

That SEC Football Podcast — July 14, 2026

Episode Theme:
2026 SEC Bowl Projections & Make-or-Break Position Groups for Every Team
Hosts: Michael Bratton (SEC Mike) & Stephen Lassen (Athlon Sports)

Main Theme & Purpose

SEC Mike and guest Stephen Lassen deliver a deep dive into the 2026 SEC landscape, unveiling Stephen’s preseason SEC bowl projections and providing an in-depth breakdown of the "make-or-break" position group for every team in the conference. The episode blends strategic forecasts, player shoutouts, nuanced opinions, and interactive discussion with listeners (the “cousins” community), offering the ultimate preview of what could shape the upcoming SEC season and postseason.

Key Segments, Insights, and Quotes

1. 2026 SEC Bowl Projections

(06:12–14:00)

Key Points:

Five SEC Teams Projected to the Playoff: Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and LSU.
Stephen dispels the myth that the SEC’s nine-game schedule will diminish playoff berths.
Tiered confidence: Georgia and Texas viewed a cut above; Oklahoma, A&M, LSU, and Ole Miss in a tightly packed chase.
Notable Quote:

“I think you have to start...with the nine and three conversation. The nine-game schedule, just because of how difficult some of these schedules are. ...I would not be surprised if there are some 9-3 SEC teams that make the field this year.” — Stephen Lassen (07:54)

Bowl Matchups Include (but not limited to):

Auburn vs. Kansas State (Liberty Bowl)
Tennessee vs. Arizona (Las Vegas Bowl)
Florida vs. Penn State (ReliaQuest Bowl)
Ole Miss vs. Michigan (Citrus Bowl)
Alabama vs. SMU (Gator Bowl)
Missouri vs. Oklahoma State (Texas Bowl)
Vanderbilt vs. Tulane (Gasparilla Bowl)

2. Team-by-Team: Make-or-Break Position Groups + Underrated Players

(Deep-dive discussions for each SEC team, including notable position battles, key players, and the logic behind each choice. Time stamps indicate segment start for each team.)

Oklahoma (15:52)

Stephen: Offensive Line—vital for run game and QB protection; young but talented nucleus.
Mike: Receivers + Tight Ends—outside weapons must take pressure off QB John Matier.
Underrated Player:
- Mike: DL Jaden Jackson
  
  “He’s been really, really solid...now stepping up to even more valuable role this year.”—Stephen (20:25)

Texas A&M (21:15)

Stephen: Offensive Line—four new starters; must protect Marcel Reed and produce against elite SEC fronts.
Mike: Running Backs—Ruben Owens poised to be 'the guy' for the first time, needs to step up.
Underrated Player:
- Marcel Reed at QB (“half the country thinks this guy can't play...yet A&M won 11 games, he was unstoppable at times.” —Mike, 25:20)

Mississippi State (30:04)

Both: Offensive Line—group must improve after 45 sacks allowed last year.
Mike: Emphasizes that the system can mitigate issues but “you don't need the lineman that Bama and Georgia are always after.” (32:54)
Underrated Player:
- LB Zakari Tillman — poised for All-SEC under Zach Arnett
- WR Anthony Evans also considered (36:17)

Missouri (36:51)

Both: Defensive Line—replace three members, but track record at Mizzou inspires confidence (“They are elite at developing in Columbia.” —Mike, 37:55)
Underrated Player:
- S Santana Banner (fastest on the team, more experience this year, 41:48)
- TE Brett Norfleet (named by Stephen, 42:38)

Ole Miss (46:38)

Mike: Secondary—improvement needed to complement rising DL/linebacker units.
Stephen: Offensive Line—trust QB Chambliss, but depth/tackles a concern; must protect for offensive success.
Underrated Player:
- DL Cam Franklin (interior disruptor, 49:47)

Arkansas (51:06)

Stephen: Defensive Line—needs pass rush, must improve run D (nearly 190 rush yds/gm allowed).
Mike: Defensive Backs—all but one in three-deep are new; turnover both risk and opportunity.
Underrated Player:
- RB Braylon Russell—leaner, poised for breakout (“I think he’s poised for a big year.” —Mike, 55:14)

Alabama (56:25)

Both: Offensive Line (unanimous, “Schedules favorable. Potentially a superstar QB, top five secondary, but...man, it’s asking a lot of this group…” —Stephen, 58:34)
Underrated Player:
- OL Michael Carroll (“He’s going to be an All-SEC guy this year.” —Stephen, 62:15)

LSU (63:06)

Stephen: Offensive Line—to protect QB Sam Levitt and ignite run game.
Mike: Defensive Line—true frosh likely in the two-deep; playoff hopes rest on quick development.
Underrated Player:
- OL Bo Bordelon (projected starter, flying under the radar, 70:55)
- TE Trey’das Green (highlighted by Stephen, 71:54)

Tennessee (72:16)

Stephen: QB performance—Faison Brandon or George McIntyre must step up.
Mike: Defensive Line—needs production from less-experienced “second year players.”
Underrated Player:
- LB Jeremiah Telander (“...he could be all SEC this year.” —Mike, 75:54)

Georgia (77:29)

Both: Receivers—major departures, “They need some guys to step up...if they don’t get it, that’s the undoing.” —Mike, 80:12
Underrated Player:
- DL Gabe Harris (“Instrumental in slowing down Trinidad...missed him in the Sugar Bowl.” —Mike, 82:54)

Auburn (83:36)

Stephen: Offensive Line—5 new starters, mostly transfers; upside a question mark.
Mike: Receivers—the position is make-or-break in this system; must create explosion in the passing game.
Underrated Player:
- RB Jeremiah Cobb—lone returning starter on offense, poised for a breakout (87:54)

Kentucky (92:58)

Stephen: QB Kenny Minchie—first-time starter, all eggs in his basket; must perform for Will Stein in Year 1.
Mike: Receivers—need production for offense to gel.
Underrated Player:
- TE Willie Rodriguez (“very high on him,” per Kentucky Sports Radio friends, 95:59)
- S Ty Bryant (led team in tackles & INTs, 96:21)

Florida (97:08)

Stephen: Offensive Line—several key starters gone, must gel for run/pass success under Sumrall/Faulkner.
Mike: QB (Aaron Filo or Tramell Jones)—must be a difference maker considering expectations.
Underrated Player:
- DL Brandon Betts (potential redemption in 2026 after turbulent 2025, 104:52)

South Carolina (105:51)

Both: Offensive Line—have to maximize dual-threat QB Lenorris Sellers; seven OLinemen added via portal.
Underrated Player:
- WR Jaden Sellers—poised for further breakout; always “the second Sellers,” but deserving of his own buzz (108:10)

Texas (109:03)

Both: Offensive Line (“...could have 4 all-conference players, but one weakness gets exploited every week in this conference...” —Mike, 110:24)
Underrated Player:
- Edge Lance Jackson—could have a big year in Muschamp’s defense (111:28)
- DL Hero Canoe (Stephen), interior help needed

Vanderbilt (112:21)

Stephen: Offensive Line—four starters gone; vital to protect prized freshman QB Jared Curtis.
Mike: Likewise; also highlighted how Pavia’s mobility covered up OL issues last season.
Underrated Player:
- TE Cole Spence (consistent, ready for a bigger role with Stowers gone, 115:28)
- KR Martro Height (“four INTs, good on returns...” —Stephen, 115:50)

3. Listener Engagement & Memorable Moments

Back-and-forth playful jabs: Mike often teases Stephen for always picking “offensive line.”
Cousins Community Donations: Listener questions and topic priorities based on live donations (e.g., Oklahoma segment goes first for Cousin Glenn, 05:38).
Notable Quotes:
- “Sometimes being right feels wrong, Stephen. But I feel right about this selection.” —Mike, on UA’s OL (57:44)
- “I don’t know that people outside the SEC know how good Will Eccles was last year...” —Stephen, on Ole Miss DL (50:18)
- “He learned on our dime, that’s what it sounds like to me.” —Mike, on Billy Napier, 105:37
- “There is a lot to like about this team. But every time I try and talk myself into...they will be the last team in the playoff...I come back to, ‘Man, that offensive line.’” —Stephen on Alabama, 58:34
Rapid-Fire Trivia/Fan Questions: Who will lead Texas in rushing yards and TDs? (122:51), where is the Gator Bowl played in 2026? (12:33, 125:43)
Interactive Promos: Regular shout-outs for SeatGeek, Tennessee Legend Distillery.
Final Salute: “We do it for you guys...nobody else is talking this much SEC football on July 13.” —Mike, 126:26

4. Final Wrap & Resources (125:41–End)

Athlon Sports’ CFB Magazine: All SEC covers still available, both in stores and online.
Appreciation: Numerous shout-outs to donators and the “cousins” community.
Next Show Preview: Wild Man Marler and Cousin Shane to appear in upcoming episodes.

Summary Table: Make-or-Break Position Groups (Condensed)

| Team | Position Group (Stephen) | Position Group (Mike/Alt) | Underrated Player(s) | |-----------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------| | Oklahoma | Offensive Line | WR/TE | Jaden Jackson (DL) | | Texas A&M | Offensive Line | Running Backs | Marcel Reed (QB) | | Mississippi St. | Offensive Line | Offensive Line | Zakari Tillman (LB) | | Missouri | Defensive Line | Defensive Line | Santana Banner (S) | | Ole Miss | Secondary | Offensive Line | Cam Franklin (DL) | | Arkansas | Defensive Line | Defensive Backs | Braylon Russell (RB) | | Alabama | Offensive Line | Offensive Line | Michael Carroll (OL) | | LSU | Offensive Line | Defensive Line | Bo Bordelon (OL) | | Tennessee | Quarterback | Defensive Line | Jeremiah Telander (LB) | | Georgia | Receivers | Receivers | Gabe Harris (DL) | | Auburn | Offensive Line | Receivers | Jeremiah Cobb (RB) | | Kentucky | Quarterback | Receivers | Willie Rodriguez (TE) | | Florida | Offensive Line | Quarterback | Brandon Betts (DL) | | South Carolina | Offensive Line | Offensive Line | Jaden Sellers (WR) | | Texas | Offensive Line | Offensive Line | Lance Jackson (Edge) | | Vanderbilt | Offensive Line | Offensive Line | Cole Spence (TE) |

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

SEC Playoff Field Debate (07:25):
“I do think Georgia is my projected SEC champ...I would not be surprised if there are some 9-3 SEC teams that make the field this year.” — Stephen
On Marcel Reed (25:20):
“They won 11 games last year and he was, at times was unstoppable...it's baffling to me how people pick apart these guys.” — Mike
On Georgia’s WR Question (80:12):
“Somebody's got to step up...if they don't get it done, I think it's because they don't have a receiver that can make plays at certain times.”
On Florida’s Schedule (102:02):
“This schedule sets up, I think, for Florida to take that big step forward.” — Stephen
Mike’s philosophy (33:34):
“You don't need the lineman that Bama and Georgia are always after. The scheme helps, if that makes sense.”

Tone & Style

Unfiltered, knowledgeable, occasionally irreverent (“offensive line” refs; jabs at Notre Dame)
Engaged with live audience, responsive to listener input
Deeply informative but keeps the spirit light and conversational

Recommended Listen Guide

06:12–14:00: SEC Playoff/Bowl projections & logic
15:39–116:51: Full team-by-team make-or-break breakdowns with notable quotes (see table above for reference)
125:41–End: Resources, shoutouts, preview of the next episode

For SEC Fans, this episode is a must-listen and an invaluable prep tool for the 2026 season — celebrating the depth, drama, and subtlety of the league while trading laughs and knowledge along the way.

Loading summary

Transcript222 lines

[00:01]
Stephen Lassen
Oregon parks make an Oregon summer. But what makes an Oregon park well? Oregon Lottery Gameplay helps no matter the game Megabucks, video lottery or keno funds from lottery games help support parks projects
[00:13]
Michael Bratton
across the state, ensuring they stay safe,
[00:15]
Stephen Lassen
accessible and open for all. In fact, Discover State Park Scratches are in stores now. It's the perfect way to put a little bit of Oregon's parks in your pocket. The Oregon Lottery Together we do good things. Must be 18 or older to play. Lottery games are based on chance and should be played for entertainment only.
[00:34]
Commercial Announcer
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[01:01]
Stephen Lassen
one good deal away from finally replacing that worn out rug, fixing up the backyard, or getting the bedroom we actually want.
[01:08]
Michael Bratton
Good news.
[01:09]
Stephen Lassen
That deal's almost here. Wayfair's Black Friday in July Sale get up to 80% off area rugs and up to 60% off outdoor and bedroom furniture. Shop Wayfair's huge selection of styles and find the piece to fit your style,
[01:21]
Michael Bratton
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[01:24]
Stephen Lassen
Black Friday in July ends July 27. Shop today at Wayfair.com Wayfair Every style, every Home.
[01:35]
Michael Bratton
Hey, welcome in latest episode of that SEC podcast. I'm your host, Michael Bratton. Go by SEC Mike on Twitters. There's our great friend Stephen Lassen, the senior editor over at Athlon Sports. Stephen, how are you?
[01:52]
Stephen Lassen
Hey Mike, I'm doing well. It's good to be talking some SEC ball with you. We got SEC media days. We just had Big 12 football monster energy, whatever it is now Media days last week. So excited to be talking some ball we've got. I mean, just under 50 days until kickoff. The days are just flying by, aren't they?
[02:13]
Michael Bratton
They are. And I know college football is right around the corner, Stephen, when media days rolls around. So we're excited about that next week. And I know it's around when Shane and I get together and do my, as he says 20,000 times during the show, quarterback rankings. And I don't know if you got a chance to check any of that out, Stephen, but maybe, like Shane said, maybe you bribed me. Thoughts on Arch Manning being the number one quarterback in my SEC quarterback rankings?
[02:45]
Stephen Lassen
I knew Longhorn Mike would eventually come around and see things the way that they should have been on all along here. I actually. Mike, I have to admit, when I saw that, I actually thought I may have accidentally sent you my quarterback rankings because we traded so many emails on rankings, and I was like, wait a minute, I wanted to update those in August. Did I send those to him? So I was furiously looking, and then I was like, oh, it's SEC Bikes, and he's got Archbannon at number one. So I love the list. Great job, Mike.
[03:19]
Michael Bratton
All right, I figured. I figured you did, Stephen. I figured you did. Well, I figure you're gonna like tonight's show as well, because you picked the topic, Stephen. We got make or bait, make or break position group for each and every SEC team. We're gonna deep dive on all 16 teams like we love to do. Stephen's ready to debut his SEC bowl projections, so we're going to be able to talk a lot of football. Throw us a donation of any kind if you want, and we'll skip your team to the top of the list and we'll spend a little extra time on them. But before we dive into the action, Stephen, just want to give a shout out our friends, Tennessee Legend, Distillery. Go check them out. It was great meeting some cousins with cousin Shane over at the fanboy event there in Knoxville. I think it may Shane horribly uncomfortable to be around so many nerds like myself, but. So he dipped out pretty, pretty early. But it was a good time. Good time by all. So go check them out. Tennessee Legend, Distillery. Give them. Give them some business here there. You will not be disappointed. The only thing I was disappointed with Stephen, they had. So they had a booth at this fanboy convention. They had all this fancy Tennessee whiskey there, and they weren't allowed to give any out. I mean, it was, I guess it was like, against the convention rule, no alcohol. So, I mean, that was a little bit of a tease, I thought.
[04:46]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah, kind of a bummer. You're there, you see all that great products by our friends over there at Tennessee Legends. But, I mean, let's be honest, there were two Tennessee Legends in the house, right? SEC Mike and cousin Shane. So I. I think our. I think you had quite the. The time there. Next. I guess next year I need to join you guys and add one more nerd to the, uh, convention, right?
[05:08]
Michael Bratton
Oh, man, that would be great, Stephen. And I think that's why Shane dipped out, because they would not let him consume alcohol on the premises. And it's hard to keep him anywhere if you're not going to give him any booze.
[05:17]
Stephen Lassen
You know what I, I mean, let's be honest. They probably asked him to leave because the crowd to follow because of Shane would have been enormous. Like the biggest celebrity there. You would have had lines and lines of people nobody could get to anywhere else. I think it was important to, to get that man out for his own safety. He might have been signing autographs until like, you know, Monday morning when the sun came up.
[05:39]
Michael Bratton
Oh, I think, I think you're absolutely right, Stephen. So, hey, shout out cousin Glenn. First donation of the night. He gifted a membership, Stephen, to Patrick Clark. Patrick, welcome to the family. Yeah, so appreciate you, cousin Glenn. We're going to do Oklahoma first for cousin Glenn. But before we do that, Stephen, are you ready to unveil your preseason SEC bowl projections and any thoughts before I reveal this list that is going to probably piss off many of the cousins?
[06:13]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, if we could just have a moment of silence because I was enjoying the last like 18 hours where you were taking all the incoming fire for quarterback rankings and I was sitting in the back of the room enjoying it. So now we, I get to go back to the front of the room. I'm ready to fire away with those bold projections.
[06:31]
Michael Bratton
All right, so let's get into it. This is Steven. Remember Stevens? I should have put cousin Shane's on here just to screw with them. But no, these are Steven's SEC bowl projections. For all you audio folks out there, let me break it down for you, Stephen. Thankfully, he's got five teams. Steven says don't buy the BS of the nine game SEC schedule is going to doom us all in the conference. He's got five teams out of the SEC making the College Football Playoff. Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A and M&LSU. So let me ask you this, Stephen, before we go on to the others, just let's just focus on the College Football Playoff teams. Here is. Is this the order in which, you know, did you. Are you projecting the rankings necessarily or is this just. Just the five? In no particular order.
[07:25]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah, Mike, that's actually how I see the committee kind of slotting those SEC teams in wherever they are in the 12 team field. I do think Georgia is going to be the highest ranked SEC team, followed by Texas, Oklahoma A and M&LSU. And so when you get to those last couple teams in there, Oklahoma, A&M, LSU and throw ole Miss in here because they were just like the last team out when I did my projections earlier this offseason. Mike, I think you have to start and I think this is going to be a conversation probably at SEC media days is the nine and three conversation. The, the nine game schedule just because of how difficult some of these schedules are. You look at Oklahoma, certainly, you know, Texas A and M, Georgia, Texas, lsu, all these teams play difficult schedules in the sec. But I do think Georgia is my projected SEC champ. That's why they're the first team in order there. But I also think as you get to the back of this list, I would not be surprised if There are some 9 and 3 SEC teams that make the field this year.
[08:25]
Michael Bratton
Okay, so again, playoff teams out of the sec, Georgia, Texas. No surprise. Stevens list. Remember Texas, Oklahoma, A and M&LSU. So there would be what, three repeat teams? Georgia, Oklahoma and A&M. Two newcomers, LSU and Texas. Do you think there's a large divide between these five or is there anyone else you considered out of the SEC to make the College Football Playoff?
[08:57]
Stephen Lassen
Mike? I kind of feel like Georgia and Texas are kind of a step above the other three. I think Oklahoma, Texas A&M, LSU, I do think Ole Miss is in this conversation too. I think those four teams are all really close, kind of at the back half. Like it wouldn't shock me if they're all fighting for like 7 through 13 and in the playoff committee's rankings, I didn't really consider another team at this point. I think Ole Miss is kind of the cutoff. I think just, you know, thinking kind of like sleepers. I think Alabama, Tennessee, very interesting sleepers if, if, you know, pieces fall into place because of the, of the schedule and, and high upside potentially at quarterback. So I feel pretty good about the SEC getting five teams in. If you wanted to swap some of those teams out at the back, I wouldn't disagree with you because I think we have seen the trend in playoffs is that the same teams are not going to make it from year to year. So that's my biggest area of kind of concern with these, is the back half. I think you could see maybe some of these teams that made it last year aren't making it again this year.
[10:01]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, no, that makes sense. All right, so for the bowl games, Steven's got Auburn in the Liberty bowl against Kansas stage. Oh, shout out Golish making a bowl game again. Liberty bowl, probably not what they want, but it's a step in the right direction. Last couple years, Tennessee and Arizona and the Las Vegas bowl have. Dare you, Stephen. How dare you. Unless I didn't realize. I didn't realize Las Vegas bowl was. Well, yeah, I think he's banned from that state, but. Or that city but unless the Vegas ball is a playoff game, playoff bowl, I disagree with you wholeheartedly there. Reliaques bowl. You got Florida and Penn State. That'd be a nice little matchup. And, and again, is that what Florida fans want? No, but it'd be a huge step in the right direction. Citrus Bowl, Ole Miss, Michigan, that would be a heck of a ball game as well. Music City Bowl, Carolina, Nebraska. How about that? Shout out Stephen up. Gator bowl, Bama, SMU. 2 playoff type caliber teams according to some, not me, but according to many, Texas Bowl, Missouri, Oklahoma State. Man, that'd be a significantly step up for Oklahoma State. And then Gasparilla Bowl. Vanderbilt to lane, two teams, borderline playoff last year. Very interesting.
[11:28]
Stephen Lassen
Also, Mike, Mississippi State just missed the projections. My early projections this all season have had it 5 and 7. That Minnesota game is kind of the big swing game to, to get to six wins and to a bowl game this year. But I do think when you kind of look at these projections, you know, one thing that jumps to mind is, you know, Alabama was, they were just kind of, they've been kind of hovering and they were like ReliaQuest, Citrus, Gator bowl the last couple years. So always trying to switch it up. Like with some of these teams, you try not to get them to go back to the same location. Kind of moved Alabama out of that Reliaquest spot, bump Florida up to kind of get them to switch it up for the fan travel. That's always one of the considerations when you do this exercise. So you take that into account. But also look at some of these matchups and see, man, Florida, Penn State, Michigan, Ole Miss. If that works out, Trinidad Chambers against a very good Michigan defense. Alabama and SMU can settle that playoff debate from 2024 where you know, who should have been the last team into the field. And Missouri and Oklahoma State, an old Big 12 rivalry getting back together. How about that?
[12:34]
Michael Bratton
No, I mean, I think that makes a lot of sense. So I like a lot of these matchups. Stephen, we got a great question here from cousin Ken. I don't know the answer. I'm going to put you on the spot, Steven. Maybe you know, any idea where the Gator Bulls played this year? Because I believe the stadium is under construction.
[12:50]
Stephen Lassen
That is a very, very good question. I am actually not sure about that, Mike, because of all the changes in the bowl system for this year. Let me, let me get back to you on that one.
[13:03]
Michael Bratton
Okay? Yeah, I mean, because I just, I didn't even, that didn't even occur to me. But I know, you know, they're having to move the Florida Georgia game. It's the only reason. I know that it's an issue.
[13:14]
Stephen Lassen
I think the bowl schedule that they released actually still had it in Jacksonville, which is what's confused me before. That is a great question.
[13:22]
Michael Bratton
Okay, so maybe, heck, maybe the construction will be done. I have no idea. Hey, shout out SEC Sean. Don't pull a cousin shade. Stephen Happy Aggies in the toilet bowl this year, so no need to worry there. SEC shot Aggie got him in the College Football Playoff. How firm are you on that one, Stephen, given that Coach Elko got him to the, to the playoff last year, Everybody likes to point to the schedule being significantly more difficult for A and M this year. How confident are you that that A and M can get back here?
[13:57]
Stephen Lassen
Mike? I think they fall into that category that we kind of talked about with Oklahoma, lsu, Ole Miss of sort of being like, you know, you're looking at maybe some nine and threes getting in the mix. Also looking at history, just kind of like you look at the, the trend line. Like it's been really hard for teams to make multiple back to back appearances. So I think to some extent they're fighting a little bit of history there. However, what I do like is the trust factor that I have in Mike Elko. You also, I think, you know, Marcel Reed, experienced quarterback, come back. I like the weapons at receiver and I like that defense too. So I don't necessarily think that I'm a hundred percent locked in. I think they fall into that category of kind of like a bubble team where if they were one of the last teams out, it wouldn't surprise me. I feel a lot better about like a, Georgia, Texas. I think A M, Oklahoma, lsu, Ole Miss are the kind of the four that I was kind of fighting of trying to figure out. Like there, where's the regression? Where's the progression going to be? But I think if you just want to kind of boil this down, like, why would you put A and M back in there? I think it's talent, I think it's trust factor. And Elko, great defense and I think they'll figure out the offense as they go along. And that offensive line is kind of like one of my biggest concerns, but also like the floor that they have with all the transfers they brought in.
[15:19]
Michael Bratton
Okay. No, I think that's fair. Just, just asking that for SEC Sean. Again, I'm not picking it apart here, but. All right, Stephen, are you ready to move on to the big topic for today? Position Groups that'll make or break each SEC team this fall.
[15:39]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, let's do it. I'm. I'm excited to talk about this because I feel like we've talked about offensive lines. We could talk about quarterbacks, but there are some other positions I think that'll make or break some of these teams, right?
[15:53]
Michael Bratton
I think so. And I purposely tried to pick other than the offensive line because I know Stephen's going to say nine offensive lines. If I. If I had to guess again, I never see his list. He never sees by it. So for cousin Glenn, shout out Cousin Glenn with the nice donation. Let's do Oklahoma first. Stephen, I'll let you go first position group that'll make or break the Sooners this season. What do you got for Oklahoma?
[16:22]
Stephen Lassen
All right, Mike, I apologize. I am going to start out on a very, very obvious note. Let's talk about the offensive line at Oklahoma. You could maybe list the running backs, but I think if you just think about this offensive line, of how much it could open up if this group takes a step forward, the run game is better. John Matier's got more time to throw. He's more comfortable. You also had a pretty young nucleus of talent last year. If that group takes a step forward, just think about the. The ways that this offense could open up. And the way that I thought about this is I kind of went almost looking at the position rankings we've done this offseason and said those plus your trust factors. Yeah, we just talked about, like the trust factor with Mike Elko and the defense. And I thought, okay, I trust Brent Venables on defense. We could talk about depth and all that. I just think when you go back to it, you feel pretty good about mater you like the weapons at receiver. And I just kept coming back to the offensive line. It's got to be it. They got to be able to run the ball and they got to protect John Mateer better. It's boring, Mike. I know, but that's my pick for Oklahoma.
[17:28]
Michael Bratton
Okay. Okay, Stephen, again, I had a good idea or feeling that you were going to say that, so I went somewhere different. Shout out one of the cousins here, cousin Wes. He says it's got to be running back, make or break Oklahoma. I get that, too. Again, not a bad answer, but I went somewhere completely different. How about this, Stephen? I went receivers and I'm going to throw tight end in there, you know, is similar to receiver. I know it's, you know, not exactly the same, but just considering the lack of options outside of Satania last year, I think that killed Oklahoma. I think this, this offense that Ben Arbuckle's running, I don't even know how we can. Can evaluate it with the, the weapons they had to work with last year, particularly at tight end. I think they've, they have tried to upgrade that massively and out of the portal, tight end and receiver. So how. What does Trail Harris look like? What does Parker Livingston look like in Oklahoma uniforms? Does Satania continue to progress? I don't know that it's. That's an interesting question. So what's your thoughts on the receivers? Because I, I just don't think that you can ask John Mattier to carry the offense like he did last year because clearly we saw how that worked out.
[18:46]
Stephen Lassen
I like that you mentioned the tight end position too, because that's something that you and I have talked about, like better inline blocking, better receivers, better receivers over the middle, just giving John Mateer more weapons. I do think this group a receiver, you know, I, I like this group of receivers for Oklahoma starting out with Satanga. I think he's one of the best in the sec. I like the pickups of TRO Harris and Livingston. So I would like to see Livingston probably a little bit more consistency than we saw last year at Texas at times with some of the drops, but still like you have your speed with TRO Harris, Livingston, maybe a little bit more possession to go with Satanga. I like the group, Mike. I think the question is with any. We talk about transfers and how do they all fit? You don't want to overrate this group, but I think there's a chance that this group could also take a step forward. So I think at the kind of the most basic level, it's kind of like what do you do to get John Matier to the next level? And some of that is better receivers and better offensive line play, right?
[19:42]
Michael Bratton
Oh, without a doubt. I think so. Now I did want to go one step further, Stephen. Most underrated player returning for each and every team, and I've got one here. I just wanted to throw this little wild card at you and see how you respond because there's, there's a lot of good players returning for Oklahoma. And I didn't quite know underrated. You know, everybody's got a different definition of underrated, but I'm going to say defensive lineman Jaden Jackson. What's your thoughts on that? Again, most underrated player that's returning. Not a newcomer, but someone that's been on the team before. Jaden Jackson, most underrated Oklahoma Sooner.
[20:26]
Stephen Lassen
I like that call. It's hard to pick underrated because sometimes I think about even like a Kip Lewis and I know he's. He's probably properly rated on the preseason. Certainly in the Athlon sports all SEC team he's probably rated. But Mike, you know what I mean of how some players kind of are flying under the radar nationally before a season starts and you think about maybe some guys like a Kip Lewis who have been really good. But I do like the call of Jaden Jackson because you think this year going to have to take on a larger role. You've got David Stone, he's going to have to be that second tackle. He's been really, really solid player. Now stepping up to even more valuable role this year. So kind of being a full time starter. I think we'll kind of see what for sure he's made of. But I like what the direction of his game is going. Should be a solid piece to that line this year too.
[21:16]
Michael Bratton
All right, so shout out. We had SEC Sean appreciate we got Cam too. But SEC Sean for a member for nine months. We appreciate your buddies. That's outstanding. So for SEC Sean, let's do A and M next. Stephen, position group for the Aggies, which Steven's got in the College Football Playoff. What position group makes or breaks a team and based on your playoff projection sounds like you think this position group will be a hit for A.
[21:46]
Stephen Lassen
And Mike, I'm going to go ahead and apologize to you and all the cousins because it is the offensive line again for Texas A and M. I mean just kind of, you know, you go through the positions and you, you think okay, they've turned some on the defensive line. I think they're still going to be okay there. But offensive line, this is kind of the same thing with Oklahoma taking the pressure off of Marcel Reed, being able to run the ball, being able to help the quarterback in, in the passing game too. So with a first time play caller, Marcel re trying to bounce back after a not so good ending to the season. And maybe some of the ups and downs against top ranked opponents. You can't put everything on his shoulders. So having an offensive line who could protect him, having a solid run game, four new starters. You like Mark Nabu at center. I like the floor with all the SEC transfers and I think they got a lot of high kind of talented guys waiting in the wing. So I'm curious to see when we get to the opener how does this group pan out. But Mike, it's also, I think Worth considering. They play Alabama, lsu, lsu, Alabama, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas. Those could all be really, really good defensive fronts. At least three of our projected four, four top four defensive lines with lsu, Oklahoma and Texas. So, you know, your path to the playoff goes through these really, really good defensive fronts. And you're going to have to be able to protect and help Marcel Reed. So that's why offensive line is my pick here.
[23:16]
Michael Bratton
Okay. Again, I can read you like a book, Steven. I know you that well, so I went somewhere different. Okay. That. You're probably right. That's probably the answer. I like the fact that they. They do return players that have been in the system, haven't played extensively, but played in the system, and then they went in the portal and attacked it. So again, A and M is one of those rare schools where you can kind of throw all these resources out of position of need and one where everybody wants that position out of the portal. So, you know, again, because of all that, I think the offensive line will be once again a strength. Maybe not as good as last year, but I. I don't think it's going to break the team necessarily. How about this one, Stephen? A little wild card, and it kind of goes hand in hand with the offensive line. I got confidence in Marcel Reed. I think we've all got confidence in the receivers. How about running backs for A and M? Because I like Ruben Owens, of course, but he's never been the man. He's never been the guy. He's always been kind of one of many, and now he's being asked to shoulder the load. And we've got some other players that. That will need to step up again. We're trying to be a perennial playoff contender. I think they're going to have to have the running back step up in a big way for A and M this fall.
[24:40]
Stephen Lassen
No Le'Veon Moss, no Amari Daniels, you know, so instead of being like one of three, certainly Jamari Amoro and some of the other running backs that A and M has, that's the makings of a really solid trio. But at the same time, you're probably gonna have to ask for more of those guys with Owens kind of at the front of the line. So I like that call, Mike, because I do think I like the upside of Reuben Owens, if he can stay healthy. And now you've got these new pieces on the offensive line. He's. He Morrow and the other running backs might have to actually create a little bit more this year with maybe some of the holes are not as gaping in run game as they were the year before.
[25:20]
Michael Bratton
All right, so I've got one underrated player and maybe this guy's not even underrated, but I truly think he is. I could just look at the comments, Stephen. And again, I put out the power rankings for or not the power race, but the quarterback rankings. And even though I put him number five, I think he's underrated. Steve, again, I'm not underrating him, but I think everybody else is. How about Marcel Reed? Biggest underrated returning player for A and M? Because it seems like half the country thinks this guy can't play a football.
[26:01]
Stephen Lassen
I think the problem for Marcel Reed is our last impression was of the playoff game against Miami. But. But at the same time, you know, look at how, look at what Miami's defense did to Ohio State. Miami's defense was really, really good last year. And so yes, he's got to clean it up in the big games. He's got to play better when they play top 25 opponents. But also at the same time, I mean, Mike, you got the stats on the screen there. 25 touchdowns, over 3, 000 passing yards. Probably going to take on more of the offense this year. Still maintains that dynamic rushing ability. I mean I get it that there's room to grow, but also that's a pretty solid floor and a place to start with. And so I think maybe the last impression is kind of taking on too much if that makes sense. Like we're forgetting the rest of body of Marcel Reed's kind of work last year. Does that make sense?
[26:53]
Michael Bratton
Absolutely. And I'm. People probably tired of me saying it. Steven, I've said it with Shane the other day. I've said it many times over the off season. I mean, I'm just looking. I mean they're like, this guy can't play. I've seen him decision making. I mean, my God, they won 11 games last year and he was at times was unstoppable. So I think the point is, Stephen, like we see we watch enough of these guys, there's enough to pick apart, but there's not, there's nothing to pick apart about. Alabama's quarterbacks, Auburn's new quarterback, Florida's quarterbacks, Kentucky, lsu. Unless you watch Mississippi State games. You know, I mean we could go to. We could go on the list little our sellers. Yeah, I mean the guys that we have seen there, we just pick these guys apart to know how people are picking apart. Archbain is just his last name. They're saying, my God, I mean, I'm the furthest thing from a Texas truther. But it's like, we can't say anything nice about these guys that dominate for multiple games of the season. And yet, I don't know, it's baffling to me how people just. They just only highlight the negative when they don't even consider all the positive.
[28:08]
Stephen Lassen
I know you can manipulate stats to kind of fit whatever narrative you want to, Mike, but Marcel Reed was fourth in sec only games in quarterback rating that was ahead of Trinidad Chambliss. And Mike's favorite quarterback, Arch Manning, was six, so Chambers was fifth. Arch was six. And again, I know you can manipulate sets. I guess what I'm trying to get at is, yes, the. The mistakes in against Miami and Texas, and some of that has to be cleaned up 100%. He's got to play better. There's another level he's got to take his game to. But also, everybody in this conference has good players, they got good defense, and sometimes they make good quarterbacks look bad. And so I think, you know, if Reed takes a step back this year, I think it's, you know, I think it obviously bull people like me will look like idiots for considering him for. For all conference honors.
[28:57]
Michael Bratton
But.
[28:57]
Stephen Lassen
But also, you know, kind of like we mentioned, there's a pretty solid floor in there, and you have this receiving core to throw to and an offense that might be geared a little bit more towards the passing in your arm. That sounds like a pretty good situation for a guy entering his junior year. Also, quarterbacks do get better throughout their career. It is possible for guys to improve, right?
[29:21]
Michael Bratton
How about the guy that just won the Heisman? How about that?
[29:24]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah, right.
[29:26]
Michael Bratton
I don't think he was considered elite until he, you know, till late in his career, but, I mean, there's many, many examples. And let's move on. Stephen to Mississippi. Say, shout out, Cousin Cam. Hope you're wrong. Stephen. He's talking about the bowl projections. How dare you. How dare you. Stace making a bowl game. You know it. And then he also said, that's it. Kick Stephen off. Get Marlowe back on. No, we. We will not go down that road. But. All right, so let's go. Mississippi State. Stephen, position group for the Bulldogs. That'll make or break the team. What do you got there?
[30:05]
Stephen Lassen
I promise this is not a read.
[30:07]
Michael Bratton
Don't you say it.
[30:09]
Stephen Lassen
Offensive line, Mike, because you got to protect the franchise. That's Camario Taylor. Gotta clear rushing lanes for Fluff Bothwell. 3.2 yards per carry in SEC played last season. And 45 sacks allowed. That will not get it done this year. And yes, Camaro Taylor is very mobile. He can't escape. I know that Jeff Levy ended spring practice with optimism. I totally understand that. I've also heard for years coaches being very optimistic about a group and then the first game they are absolutely blitzed by something and that narrative for improvement quickly falls apart. So I think just looking at this group, like guys like Blake Steen coming back help Cannon. Boone is at center, but I'm looking at like Miles McVeigh, Shumpert, Perkins, like maybe the two starting tackles are guys with not a lot of experience. And nine games in the SEC with these defensive fronts, it is that is paramount that they get this group fixed. The reason why I didn't go with defense, Mike, is I think there's a level of respectability that Zach Arnett is just going to come in and bring to this program right away. So I look at it as, I think the defense is going to be better. But I think that in order for this team to make a bowl game, they've got to protect Taylor and they've got to get to that high scoring level because the defense is going to force some turnovers and get the ball back to them. If they can't protect Taylor, they can't go bowling again. That's why I went with the boring old pick of the offensive line.
[31:42]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, I, I mean, I think you, you almost have to do that. So again, I, I didn't want to completely ignore the offensive line, so I, I'll agree with everything you said, Stephen. I, I'm just giving you a hard time. But for Mississippi State, it is the offensive line. I think that's the obvious one. And I, I think they've got a lot of pieces to work with. But if they don't get this offensive line worked out, then it's going to be a nightmare. And it, this is going to be the last season for Jeff Levy. But I will say this even and I, I truly believe this and I think it's a big reason why a lot of these coaches, Lane Kiffin, Josh Hyple, Jeff Lebby, now Kendall Briles, why they run this system. Part of the reason. Alex Golish. Part of the reason. Stephen, I don't think you need elite all SEC offensive linemen for this scheme to work now. Of course. Would it help? Yes. And, and we have seen guys like, you know, Darnell Wright for Tennessee, you know that that was when they were at their best. They had that guy, you know what I mean? So yes, of course you, you, you would want that. But again, every year, Tennessee offensive line was a huge question mark last year. Their offense wasn't a problem. You know, at Ole Miss they have, they've had good linemen. I'm trying to think of any of those guys that made the NFL or all sec. I mean, I'm not. None exactly come to mind. I'm not. Again, I'm not trying to bash them. They are good, very good players. But you don't need the lineman that Bama and Georgia are always after. It's. The scheme helps, if that makes sense. So that gives me a lot of confidence that they'll. That they don't necessarily have to have all kinds of all conference players at Mississippi State to have an effective offense.
[33:35]
Stephen Lassen
I would agree with you on that one. I think there's kind of like a baseline that I think that they have to meet on the offensive line this year or whether it's like in years past. But I do think like with the way you can run this offense with the kind of the wide splits and the receiver and the spacing you can get with the right playmakers, the right quarterback, you get a chance to pop the big plays, you can get it to the guys in space and they can block it up and scheme it up and create those big time plays that we've seen, whether it's Jeff Levy, Lane Kiffin or some of these others. So I, I would agree. Like, I don't think we have to see this group be a top four group in the sec. I think what worries me is like the starting point here is they were probably at the bottom of the SEC last year in offensive line rankings. And when I say bottom, I mean fit them in wherever, you know, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, wherever they were kind of in your rankings. Is it possible to go from there to middle of the pack or just kind of like an average offensive line? And I think offensive line is just such a tough position through the portal to find the right mix. Maybe they've got it now, a couple years in recruiting and development, but I think they're starting at a much lower baseline. I think that I would then I feel comfortable with trying to project improvement out of this group this year.
[34:56]
Michael Bratton
All right, Stephen, as far as most underrated Mississippi State player, I think, you know, their fans are well aware this guy's really good. But I don't know if the conference fans are too familiar with shout out linebacker Zakari Tillman being coached by Zach Arnett. I think that helps. I mean Maybe that's cheating, but I kind of like. I factored that in where that guy's such a good linebacker coach. Last time he was at State when we had, you know, one of the best duos of linebackers in the Southeastern Conference. This guy knows how to coach linebackers. And I think he'll get the most out of Tillman and he could be all SEC this year.
[35:37]
Stephen Lassen
I like that pick. I was going to say, like Tillman. Jalen Smith. I know Mississippi State fans know how good Isaac Smith is, but also think maybe there's a little bit of a rebound in there. He had like 127 tackles two years ago. Didn't have as much production last year. But I think some of those guys at linebacker or safety, somebody from Mississippi State in this defense could really take off under Zach Arnett. So my good call. I would also argue maybe even. I know it's. Maybe this is silly to suggest this. Maybe Anthony Evans is a little bit underrated, too, just because, you know, Brendan Thompson's gone. Maybe some people don't realize nationally how productive Anthony Evans was last year and how productive he could be in 2026.
[36:17]
Michael Bratton
No, I think that's another great selection by you, Stephen. And I also think it's a great selection by Mizzou. Fayette. 20 or 7. Excuse me. He gifted 20 memberships. So I took a screenshot. We'll get. I don't want to scream all those out right here. We'll. We'll hold that to the end. Shout out. Bazu fed. I back y'. All. Sorry, I was on vacation with a little service, so. We appreciate you. Bazu fed for you, buddy. Let's do Missouri. Stephen, make or B break position group for the Tigers.
[36:52]
Stephen Lassen
I am going to the defensive line, Mike, not offensive line this time, but thank goodness. Yeah, right. Finally something different, right? You know, I. I think about Missouri and D line. Zoo, Damon Wilson, Zion Young, Chris McClellan all gone. Three of the last four years, Missouri has ranked in the top five of the SEC in rush defense. A lot of new faces gotta step up this year. Dara Smith, Marquis, Gracial, Jalen Marshall. You've had some guys in the program that you're gonna have to ask more of, plus some transfers. So the track record is very good. But there is also a lot of turnover here. And that's why I think defensive line is critical also. Even more critical given what is going on with the turnover in the secondary. I'm. I'm probably most concerned about Missouri secondary, but I think you can overcome that. By being able to stop the run, being able to get after the quarterback. That's why I got defensive line as my biggest position group to watch.
[37:56]
Michael Bratton
Stephen, have I ever told you what a smart son of a gun you are? Because that's exactly where I'm going. Steven. Defensive line position group maker. Break. I get you everything you said. I mean, we're replacing a ton of talent now that they do it every year. They get guys to the NFL and develop. Develop. They are elite at developing in Columbia. So again, it's not necessarily saying it can happen. And yes, Mike's. Because of Mike's. Got a question? Mizzou Stadium, is it finished? It is. So they're going to unveil that bad boy that brought the rocks back in. Didn't have the rock. I think they were temporary rocks or whatever last year. So they're back. Missouri's back, baby. But that defensive line will be huge. All, you know, the entire defense there. There's a lot going on. But we know how important the defensive line in the is in the Southeastern Conference. I think that's the make or break. I, I really do. And, and again, let's say they do have experience back at linebacker. If they. Let's say they have really good linebackers and heck, let's just. Defensive backs. Question mark. Just like you said, Stephen. Even even though they got talent inexperience there as well. Let's say the defensive backs are awesome. Stephen. If the defensive line doesn't hold up their end, the defense is going to be terrible. Yeah, it just. You can't. You can't just. You can't. That's the one position group. You can't be weak in this league. So again, not saying they're going to be terrible, but if they, if they don't get it solved, then that'll be their undoing.
[39:27]
Stephen Lassen
I actually, I think when you just look at Missouri's defensive positions, I actually feel pretty good about their linebackers. Kind of like you mentioned with Nick Rodriguez, Robert Woodyard coming back. The one thing that jumped out to me when, you know, putting this list together, looking at the schedule, because Kansas has got two pretty good running backs. You got Mississippi State with Fluff Bothwell. Missouri plays Jaden Ball, they play Reuben Owens, they play Kevon Lacey, they play the. Arkansas's got a pretty good duo. They play Texas, they play Georgia's running backs. And then what we think is an improved offensive line and run game at Oklahoma. I, I guess that kind of sums up to me the challenge here is you've Lost some really good frontline talent. You're asking the second stringers to kind of become starters, play more snaps. How do you backfill that depth, especially against that schedule of really, really, really good rushing attacks they're going to face this year?
[40:20]
Michael Bratton
I agree. Hey, Shout out. Must D Bus. Dusty. Musty. Busty. Hopefully I didn't butcher that. Shout out. Hey, cousin Mike, you're going to be in Nashville for Ole Miss Louisville game. Yeah. So I live here, so I will be in town and just a little. We don't have much to share, but I just, I didn't want to bring attention to this. I was talking to our friends over at Tennessee Legends, Stephen, and we've got a location here in Nashville. They are trying to figure out a venue for us so that all of our like a, like a venue just for the Cousins to come hang out, watch some football, drink some Tennessee Legend and first rounds on us if you want to make it out. So. And that won't be just for Ole Miss fans. That's, that's for any, any fan that wants to come by. But again, we don't have a, a location or a date or a time yet, but we're working on, on doing something because I, I think it'd be fun to hang out with the Cousins and watch some football.
[41:21]
Commercial Announcer
Mike.
[41:22]
Stephen Lassen
100. But you know, the best part about this is we're close enough to where we can actually start thinking about these games, right. That you can start planning for for week one with Ole Miss and Louisville in Nashville. Man, I'm, I'm. It's almost here, right? I mean, media days of the season. I'm, I'm so excited to start actually getting some games. We've talked about these teams. I can't wait. So thanks for getting me even more excited about the season.
[41:48]
Michael Bratton
Well, I appreciate it, Stephen, but I fired up to talk most under underrated player from Missouri. I keep hearing great things about safety Santana Banner, Stephen. He's one of the fastest, if not the fastest player on the team. It's going to be his time to step up, come into in the starting rotation. Thoughts on him being an underrated returning
[42:12]
Stephen Lassen
player for Mizzou, Mike? I think he was, what, third in the SEC and our third on Missouri last year in tackles. So it's kind of one of those things where he's not considered a returning starter, but you feel good about having somebody with that experience stepping in because of his play last season. So I think a perfect kind of transitional piece too with the turnover at corner to have somebody with experience in this scheme. Coming back is really valuable. So I like that call.
[42:38]
Michael Bratton
I'll.
[42:38]
Stephen Lassen
I'll even go a little more boring for you, Mike. I do think Brett Norfleet is underrated too. Like, he's had some injuries. I know we'll see if Chip Lindsay and Austin Simmons can maybe utilize him even more this year, too. So I think Brett Norfleet maybe a little bit underrated nationally. I know Missouri fans know how good he is, though.
[42:58]
Michael Bratton
I think so as well. All right. Hey, before we move on real quick, Stephen, I just want to give a special shout out, like you said, the games right around the corner. You're gonna go to a game. Maybe you don't have season tickets. Go check out our friends over at SeatGeek on stevenseekgeek.com promo code SEC10. Get you 10% off your order over at SeatGeek. And if you're unfamiliar with SeatGeek, it's a pretty phenomenal website. Over 35 million users for SeatGeek.com promo code SEC10 for college football, NFL basketball, baseball, even concerts and I believe, like performances, like plays. I don't know if that's still a thing, but they're telling me to tell you guys that. Go check it out. You go to an event, check it out, see if it's on SeatGeek first and just save you 10%. That's all we're trying to do. I'll put a link in the show notes. That's Sec 10 over@seatgeek.com and Shane's favorite thing about it is they give you a little blueprint of the stadium so you can see how close you are to the concession stands and the restrooms. Because I think that's more important to cousin Shane in the actual game.
[44:06]
Stephen Lassen
Mike. Hey, you got to know where the important stuff is, right? You know the game's going to be good. You got to know where to get the food, got to know where to get to get up and use the restroom. Hey, let me ask you about our friends at SeatGeek, because I was debating this the other day. What is the more anticipated game for week one? So if SEC Mike had an unlimited budget and our friends at seat geek at that great promo, Clemson at LSU or Ole Miss and Louisville, which one do you think is going to end up being the better, must see game for week one?
[44:36]
Michael Bratton
I think Ole Miss. Louisville for sure. Just because now there's uncertainty with a little bit with LSU as well. But I don't know. I mean, I think Ole Miss could You know, be so good, they like win the national championship type good, or they could completely fall apart. Whereas lsu Clems, I just think, I think Clemson is going to be not that good and I think Louisville is going to be really good. So I guess maybe, maybe I'm answering it because I'm a little bit more intrigued with Ole Miss and what they can accomplish this year and how good Louisville can be. Whereas I think both Clemson and LSU are slightly overrated.
[45:19]
Stephen Lassen
I was going to go with Clemson and LSU because it's almost the Disappointment bowl from last year. Like, Clemson was super disappointing. You know, they were projected to. Maybe some people picked, picked enough to make the national championship. They finished 7 and 6. LSU was really disappointing. But it feels like LSU's got the optimism, whereas Clemson's like, what's going on here? Can they turn it around? So I would go with that just because I think LSU might just be starting to scratch the surface of who they are. And I think just to get a kind of up close look at them in week one and kind of see the progression under Lane Kiffin. Lane Kiffin's debut, I mean, it's, it's hard to pick against that one. And then of course, there's all this uncertainty with Clemson too. Like, I guess you can't go wrong, right?
[45:59]
Michael Bratton
You can't. But I tell you, Token will tell you you're wrong, Stephen, because he said Ole Miss going undefeated. Say it. Mike said undefeated.
[46:11]
Commercial Announcer
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[46:38]
Michael Bratton
Let's talk Ole Miss. David, who is the bake or break position group for the Rebels?
[46:47]
Stephen Lassen
I don't know if I should go first on this one because I feel bad for Mike putting up with me.
[46:52]
Michael Bratton
Okay, so I'm not gonna say that. So, Stephen, I'm gonna say, how about this a little, little different. I'm trying again. I'm trying to be different here. How about the secondary? That was a, a, a position of concern last year. We've got some turnover there this year. Believe we've upgraded via the transfer portal. Secondary for me, Stephen, I, I'd like to see Pete Golding get that turned around.
[47:22]
Stephen Lassen
That's a good call, Mike, because you know, of that turnover and also wanting to see how those Transfers fit in like Sharif Denson, Edwin Joseph, Jay Crawford, the, the corner from Auburn. Curious to see how this all fits. And also I think about that in the backdrop, too. I think this Ole Miss defensive line is underrated, too. I, it would not surprise me. Like defensive line linebackers, we talked about it when we did the position rankings. I think this defense is going to take a big step forward this year. And you've got this defensive line that could be top half of the conference. Same thing for linebackers, which only helps the secondary, but if it does, the defensive line maybe doesn't take that step forward. Your secondary is going to be under fire right away. So I like that call much better than my boring pick of offensive line because you trust Trinidad Chambliss, you trust Kevon Lacey. But the tackle spots, I mean, you know, Therese Davis, Tommy Kinsler, you know, Carious Kern, those guys are, you know, they some. You gotta find two tackles out of that mix. I know Chambless is so good on the move, but man, I want to keep him healthy for the entire season. And you're adding that other SEC game. Louisville's got a good pass rush for the opener. You just don't want anything to slow down Trinidad Chambers. And so I worry about the tackle spots for Ole Miss if they become a bigger concern. This offense is not operating at the pace and, and success rate that we saw last year.
[48:51]
Michael Bratton
No, I think that's completely fair, Stephen. And that is one of the biggest question marks I have for Ole Miss. So I, again, I'm not going to pick out a part, but I just knew you'd go there. So I just try to be a little different here. You know what?
[49:05]
Stephen Lassen
I, I, I, I figured, you know, I, I did this list and I tried not to pick offensive lines, Mike, but I kept coming back to position and I feel really bad. So I apologize to all the cousins for being super boring, but I appreciate Mike lifting us up here with some extra positions. Right?
[49:21]
Michael Bratton
And keep in mind, this was Stephen's idea. So I knew as soon as he suggested, I was like, well, he just wants to talk offensive lines, which, but I get no, I, I kid, Stephen, but, oh, appreciate your token. For 10 bucks, I'd say I'm back, but the truth is I never left you. I'm like, evitas, we appreciate your token. Say it. Say it again. Token. All right, Stephen, where shall we go next?
[49:47]
Stephen Lassen
How about, Mike, we go to Arkansas?
[49:51]
Michael Bratton
I like it. What is the position group for the Razorback? Steven, that'll make. Oh, wait, I'm Sorry. One more thing for Ole Miss. Underrated player. Now, you kind of hit on this because you said defensive line. I could say the whole defensive line is underrated, which I. Which I agree. But I. I said Cam Franklin, defensive line, Ole Miss, because I think. I think he's one of the best interior defensive linemen returning. What's your thoughts on that selection?
[50:19]
Stephen Lassen
I was gonna go. I know this is super boring. I don't know that people are outside the sec, know how good Will Eccles was last year. And I just think knowing how he can create havoc. And I like your pick of Cam Franklin, too. I think he's somebody that was maybe better than some people thought last year. Prime to take a step forward this year. It kind of goes, Mike, to the whole thing here. I think, you know, you add in some transfers, you add in some guys who may be a little bit underrated taking a step forward. I like where this defensive front is going. So I think if people are expecting Ole Miss defense to run back what we saw last year, I think they're mistaken. I think this defense is going to be a lot better.
[50:57]
Michael Bratton
Okay, So I apologize. Steve, let's go back to Arkansas. Arkansas, make or break position group for the Razorbacks.
[51:06]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I am going. I almost picked quarterback, but I had to go defensive line here because I think Quincy Rhodes, you know, we. I know we'll talk like underrated players, but I think Quincy Rhodes is super underrated nationally. I think Arkansas fans know how good he is. But it's Quincy Rhodes and who. Because that's the question for me on this defensive line, like Hunter Osborne, David Okey, Steven Soules, like these guys are all transfers that they're counting on to come in and play a lot right away. They need a better pass rush. They've got to stop the run better. They gave up almost 190 rushing yards a game last year in the SEC. Think about the secondary problems that Arkansas's had. If you could stop the run, if you get after the quarterback all of a sudden, you can help your secondary out. So I looked at this as I kind of trust Arkansas from an offensive standpoint to generate enough production. But I think if Arkansas wants to go to a bowl game and it's got to be on better play in the trenches, on the defensive side of the ball, because in turn, the whole defense is better and taking some of the pressure off that offense, helping them out, trying to get to six victories.
[52:17]
Michael Bratton
I like that pick, Steven. In fact, I like any pick that's not offensive line tonight. So good job by you. But maybe this sums up the state of Arkansas and particularly the defense. And again, I'm not trying to pick up. Pick them. I mean, I feel like they're. They have some of the best damn fans in the country, Stephen, and they've been nothing but been getting kicked here lately because they've been so awful. The team, not them. But I'm saying defensive backs because they. By some of the projections I've seen, Stephen, I believe they only return one player in the secondary that's projected to be in the three deep. Not too deep, three deep from last year. So for me, it's defensive backs. Again, maybe I'm wrong, maybe you're right, maybe I'm right, you're wrong. But whatever, it's defensive line, defensive backs. I mean, the, The. The fact that we're like splitting hairs here. Flip a coin. I think that kind of sums up the state of the. The defense here.
[53:14]
Stephen Lassen
I think it also sums up the state of the defense. Kind of like you said, with the projected too deep or three deep. When you see. It's like transfer, transfer, transfer all across the board, a corner and safety. In some ways, that's not a bad thing because of how bad they were last year. They components completed about 65 against the secondary, so it's almost like they were bad. They've turned over some personnel, maybe they've recruited over some guys, too. It's not the worst thing necessarily, to start over. So I think you can kind of tandem those things because I think if. If you're Arkansas, if you can stop the run, you get a little pass rush, it helps the secondary, but also if the secondary is just better in coverage, then your defensive front's going to have extra help, too. So it kind of feels like those two things in tandem are kind of going to make or break this Arkansas defense this year.
[54:01]
Michael Bratton
And again, I swear, I'm not trying to be negative, right. But I'm seeing some positivity from a lot of the, the media in Arkansas, which, again, I think it's always great to sell positivity. We do it all the time on this show. But I also. I'm just kind of curious. I've got a scratch in my head, Stephen. I'm seeing a lot of optimism that the defense will be much improved in Fayetteville. Does that surprise you at all?
[54:28]
Stephen Lassen
A little bit. I kind of. I need to see it before. I mean, I, I would have optimism because they hired Ron Roberts, you know, the, the coordinator hire, the changes last year. Like, it feels like they have an actual SEC defensive coordinator. I just don't know from a personnel standpoint if enough personnel is there for this group to take a massive step forward. Is it coaching can help? I just don't know they're going to have enough guys here that are like all SEC high caliber guys that are going to turn around this defense in year one. So I, I like improvement. I'm just not sure I'm there yet in this group being massively improved unless everybody that they've recruited from the Portal is just massively better than they showed at their previous stops.
[55:14]
Michael Bratton
And maybe they are, maybe they are. And speaking of razorback, that's underrated now. They didn't have. They don't have a lot of players returning so this was a little bit difficult for me. Stephen. I went with running back Braylon Russell. Well, I hear he's lost a lot of weight. I hear, not that he was overweight, but he was kind of a bigger bag. I think he's still probably big but now he's more powerful. I think he's poised for a big year.
[55:41]
Stephen Lassen
I, I agree with you. I think there's the kind of like that thunder and lightning tandem that you could see with Sutton Smith, with Braylon Russell kind of Russell being the bigger back. Sutton's maybe a little bit more all around, bring you a little bit of quicker hitting stuff. Also Arkansas, I think Mike also has, I think the makings of a pretty solid offensive line too with Kittler Branham throwing, Bryant Williams, the transfer from Louisiana. I think they've got the makings of a good offensive line and that kind of gets that when you just look at this team. I don't know this offense is going to be as good as it was last year. I think there's some, obviously some question marks at quarterback but still there's still some really solid pieces to where this group could be productive enough to where at least gives you a fighting chance in some of those SEC games as the season progresses.
[56:25]
Michael Bratton
All right, Stephen, how about for the legend? Stephen up. Let's do some Alabama maker break position group for the Crimson dad.
[56:38]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I apologize. Stephen up. I'm sorry. Let's talk about the offensive line because I am worried about this group. I think Elon Russell is going to be really, really good. I think he could be a star maybe as early as this year for Alabama and if it's Austin Mack, I think he's going to be pretty good too. I also trust Kane Womack on defense. Defensive line turnover is a question, but I think they'll be fine. But this offensive line for Alabama was a question mark last year. You take away Kaden Proctor, you take away Parker Brailsford and now you're throwing in, you know, Del Gotti, who's a transfer from Cal Poly. At center, you got a couple guys that are fighting for spots at tackle that are either unproven or their transfers. Michael Carroll, I don't think there's any question about it. Like, he's a stud. He's going to be an all SEC guy this year. But you have a first time quarterback. They averaged less than 3 yards per carry in SEC games last year, Mike. If they want to go to the college Football playoff again, they've got to get this group fixed. So apologize for being boring, but it's got to be offensive line for Bama.
[57:44]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, I know. You're absolutely right, Stephen. So again, this is one where I did go offensive line, even though I knew you'd say it too. But it, it's the right answer. And sometimes being right feels wrong, Stephen. But I feel right about this election, especially when you, you know, you fire. Deborah is a pretty loyal guy. I don't know that he's, you know, gotten rid of a lot of coaches over his time. I don't know that he's had to because he's been so successful. But offensive line coach gone, replacing everybody. He's been very transparent that he's never had this much turnover at one position group along with the position coach. So yeah, I think it's got to be offensive line. They get this solved. Stephen, this very well could be a playoff team. They don't. I think it's gonna be a long year. So that, that's, that's the very definition of a make or break position.
[58:35]
Stephen Lassen
Group schedules favorable. Potentially a superstar quarterback, top five secondary in the country. Potentially two or you know, potentially two great receivers with Brooks and, and Coleman Williams. There is a lot to like about this team. But you know, for every time I try and talk myself into, well, maybe they will be kind of that last team in the playoff. Like they're going to surprise. They're going to knock a Texas A and M or Oklahoma out. I just could come back to, man, you know, like I said, I like Carol, I like, I think Jackson Lloyd, maybe at one of the tackle spots could be a breakout guy. But man, it's asking a lot of this group after not being very good last year. So DeBoer is a pretty smart guy, Mike, and he's won a lot of games. If he fixes this offensive line this year I think they will be in the playoff.
[59:21]
Michael Bratton
Hey, shut up. Steve. It up. Way showing up for them boys in Tuscaloosa, it's Stephen up. Roll Tide. Thank you. Stephen up. Still, still love you last and thanks for always being on Mondays. I expect the backfield to be much improved again. Thank you. Stephen up. We appreciate your support. He's here every show that he can and it's dang near every single one of them. So we do appreciate you, buddy. Let me ask you about again. Let's go back to the quarterback rankings because we kind of already hit on Alabama. But I want to honor Steven oops donation there. I put Keelan Russell 10th again. This is a projection so I may be way, way off. If you had to project where you think he will be ranked in the SEC among quarterbacks by the end of the season. Not today, but by the end how high are you putting Keelan Russell?
[60:20]
Stephen Lassen
And this is tough because I think I would probably have him in the top 10 somewhere too. I, I think you could even put him higher, I mean just on a projection because Michael Pinnix, we saw what he did under Kaylin DeBoer. We saw Ty Simpson last year, Kayla DeBoer and Ryan Grubb get good quarterback play out of whoever is under center. And you could argue Keelan Russell is probably one of the more talented quarterbacks that they work with. Right. I mean, Michael Penix I know was the first round pick, but I think Keelan Russell's tools are just a, you know, there's an enormous amount of upside there. So it's a projection, Mike, but I would probably have him in the top 10 of the SEC quarterbacks, I think. And I think if we knew for sure he was the starter, I might have him a spot or two higher than that.
[61:09]
Michael Bratton
Would it be crazy to put him in the top three if everything breaks right.
[61:19]
Stephen Lassen
I feel good about Chambliss and Arch in the top three. I feel like that third spot could have somebody. You know, I know you had Sam Levitt a little kind of low and I, I may have him a little bit higher. I share some of your concerns though. So, man, I mean that's the interesting thing about that kind of like third spot is like Gunner Stockton could be really solid but maybe not have the stats. You have Sam Levitt, you've got Marcel Reed, Matier, Kamari Taylor is pretty interesting too. Like Lenora Seller is bouncing back. So I don't think it's crazy. It's bold. Track records there, right?
[61:55]
Michael Bratton
Well, I like bold takes, so that's why I. I was asking that. But all right. So as it goes for Bama Steven, most underrated player that's returning. You already hit on it, so I think you're gonna like this. Although he might be properly rated, I put. I went with offensive lineman Michael Carroll.
[62:15]
Stephen Lassen
I think he's got to be. Doesn't. I mean, he's like, kind of like the leader of this group and pretty solid as a freshman. I think I had him second team. I voted him second team all sec, all conference for this preseason. So. Mike, I'm with you. I think given all. And it's kind of tough to separate the offensive lineman individual from the. The group, but. And then we saw like Kill Steel, Caden Proctor, Parker Barrelsford, you know, were properly probably accoladed at the end of the year. I think Michael Carol could be in that conversation this year, too. He's a really, really good player in a group with questions. So I like that call of Michael Carroll.
[62:50]
Michael Bratton
Well, you know what I like, Stephen? I like cousin Jared giving us donation. Shout out, Jared. So we're gonna do LSU next step position group that'll make or break the Tigers this fall. Don't you dare say offensive line.
[63:06]
Stephen Lassen
Offensive line. Let me. Let me talk you through this because I. I feel bad because I feel like I'm like a broken record. I have confidence in Blake Baker's defense. I know they've only got three returning starters and you got some transfers stepping in, but this, you know, Sam Levitt's certainly an X factor, but I like the receivers that they brought into the portal. Trade is green. But I think about the offensive line for two things. I think about how do you protect Sam Levitt when he's coming off a foot injury? And also the. The rushing attack for lsu. So I think you can kind of tandem. I'm taking the offensive line because I want to see this. This offensive line be physical. Open up some rush lanes, let Harlan Berry and Kaden Durham get some. Get some yardage on the ground, and it just goes back to track record. I mean, for all the quarterback accolades, and rightfully so under Lane Kiffin, this is. This offense has to run the ball, and it feels like if they don't get the ground game going, then nothing is going to work for Sam Levitt and this team will not make the college football playoffs. So that's why I went offensive line, Mike is. I feel good about the defense. I like the skill, talent. But I need to see this rushing attack improve and protect Sam Levitt.
[64:20]
Michael Bratton
Okay, so the offensive line show continues on. I see what you did there, Stephen, and again, I don't even hate it, but I'm going to go to the other side of the ball. How about defensive line? I like what you said about Blake Baker. I think he's very good. I got confidence in these linebackers, I got confidence in this secondary. But it scares me, Stephen, that we have so many freshmen apparently going to make a big impact for us in a defensive line, particularly the interior, and we're relying on so many transfers.
[64:56]
Commercial Announcer
Now.
[64:56]
Michael Bratton
The transfers can come in and be pretty good right away, so that's not a huge deal to me. But again, we're talking playoff or bust. We're talking heck. I guarantee you there'll be some LSU fans, Stephen, that if LSU just was like one and done in the playoff, they'd be like, ah, what a disappointment. You know what I mean? So again, the expectations are through the roof, as they should be at times in, you know, a proud program that wins the national championship every couple of years. That's more than dang near anybody can say, outside of, you know, a handful of schools. So if, if those are the way to the expectation, Stephen, I am concerned about the defensive line because I don't, I don't know that they're of that caliber.
[65:43]
Stephen Lassen
Are you most concerned about depth or maybe just the overall production of this group in 2026?
[65:55]
Michael Bratton
Maybe a little bit of both. But just again, I, I'm hearing they got freshmen in the too deep. Can you, can you realistically do that 9 game sec then go into a college football playoff? Guys that are in high school, I don't care how good they were, you can't come in, well, I guess in the line of scrimmage. Can you do that in this conference, Stephen? I don't, I don't know that you can.
[66:20]
Stephen Lassen
Dylan Stewart looked pretty good a few years ago, but. Yeah, your point as well as well, I think take on that one. I'll give the optimism for this one. If you're lsu, the transfers give the freshman time to get their feet wet and the freshmen don't have to play 30, 40 snaps. They can just kind of get a little bit here, a little bit there, and then when you need them, kind of like we've talked about with LSU this offseason is that they're going to be a work in progress. So maybe by November, when you're going to play Alabama, you're going to play Texas and Tennessee, a stretch of games that may or make or break your playoff chase, maybe those freshmen are kind of acclimated and you've got a really, really good defensive front by then. So I kind of trust Blake Baker here. I know Relaford is already out for the season, so they've already lost some depth, but I think the combination of transfers plus returners plus freshmen. I like the makings of this group, but I think it's fair to still have some skepticism until you see it.
[67:20]
Michael Bratton
Hey, I wanted to ask you something, Stephen. I was watching a another podcast again. I'm not. I'm not afraid to shout out other people that do a good job, Stephen. It's funny how many people in this landscape, they want to pretend there's no other shows and nobody else does a good job. Shout out to on Texas. They do a hell of a job covering Texas and they had a whole show on the fact that Mus champ. Well, they got all their eggs in the must Champ basket. Right? He has had a lot of issues defending Lane Kiffin. And we go go back to some of the the Georgia Ole Miss matchups, of course, and then they made an interesting connection that I had forgotten all about, Stephen. But. And maybe it's not fair, but. But again, I at the time, I think Ole Miss and South Carolina were similarly profiled teams. But do you. I don't know if you recall this, Stephen, but basically I think it was the COVID year where must Champ basically got run out of South Carolina. That was. It was Lane Kiffin that ran his. Ran him off because it was him throwing in the clipboard. You know, it's like. Like he was calling the touchdowns before they were thrown. So basically their point was Kiffin's got must have figured out and why that's relevant because there's such a huge game this year. Texas, lsu at lsu. I know I'm kind of like throwing a curveball at you in a lot of stuff here, but I'm sure I know you remember all these games. Does that. Have you thought about that at all and presented that information? Does it make you wonder if there's a. If there's a massive. Or maybe not even massive is the right word, but. But an advantage for LSU schematically in this game.
[69:06]
Stephen Lassen
That's a great thought. I think kind of like a thought experiment on this game. And I think just thinking about LSU's kind of schedule, you know, I think about like the first cluster of games where, you know, they're favored against Clemson rightfully. So there's the, you know, game maybe that people were talking about. Kids don't miss in week three, and then you get Texas A and M in week four. It feels like those two games, like how you that stretch and also the Alabama, Texas, Tennessee stretch late in the season. And so I. Why I think that Texas kind of note is important is it's not crazy that LSU may need to run the table in November to get to the playoff. And so you have that advantage. And before they get to that stretch, there's that off week between Oct. 24 and Nov. 7 when they play or play Alabama, then Texas. So in theory, this sets up well for. For Kiffin lsu, because maybe you're peaking at the right time. You've got as kind of a schematic edge, maybe against the Texas team. Arch is coming back to Louisiana. Maybe he's a little bit too hyped up like we saw last year early in the season that I like the way LSU schedule sets up this year for a run at the playoffs.
[70:20]
Michael Bratton
Oh, well, again, yeah, you picked be a playoff team, so that makes sense. All right. In terms of LSU player returning, underrated returner, this was difficult because they don't have a lot of return at all. LSU portal champs now, I guess. But how about this one? Stephen? Off the radar. This might not be a good selection. Again, this was difficult, but I've heard a lot of good things about offensive lineman Bo Bordelon, who was. I don't believe he's ever started, but they project him to start this year. That's my selection. Again, that may be a bad one.
[70:55]
Stephen Lassen
If I think that'd be a good sign for lsu, that if he took a step forward and was starting, because that would mean that he beat out some of the transfers that they brought in. Maybe it's not a good thing because he brought the transfers and thought they'd be good, but I think maybe big picture is having extra offensive linemen for depth purposes. I mean, nine games on defensive line, the SEC is, you know, wear and tear. But also in the offensive line, too, you need. You need more than five to make it through the season if you want to make the playoff if you're lsu. So, Mike, I think that's an interesting call and I would. I mean, I. It's tough because they only have six returning starters to kind of count for here. I mean, I was almost gonna say, like Braylon Moore, somebody who's kind of been through the battles and he comes back as a senior to maybe take a step forward. Mike, I hate to even say this, but do some people nationally know how good trade Is Green is going to be in this offense. I know I wouldn't necessarily pick him as underrated player but I do think maybe there is some undervalued nationally for what he could do in this offense.
[71:55]
Michael Bratton
No, I think that's a. Yeah, I certainly considered him he could blow up this year. No doubt Kiffin's gonna get his playmakers of football. So Trent has Green. No surprise that that you mentioned him. No surprise that cousin Shane will be perked up if we talk some Tennessee Steven. So how about Tennessee make or break
[72:16]
Stephen Lassen
position group for the balls Mike, you can rest easy. It's not the offensive line. Yes, it's quarterbacks Mike. It's got to be it's Faison, Brandon or George McIntyre. I do have confidence that we one of these two is going to be good enough for Josh Hypo in this offense and they don't have to do it alone. Great run game receivers, top offensive line. I did consider the edge rushers considering Chaz Coleman is gone but I think quarterback is the thing here for Tennessee is he. If Faison, Brandon or George McIntyre take a step forward this offense is is productive as we've seen under Hypo the Tennessee with that schedule can make a run at bottom the playoff.
[73:01]
Michael Bratton
I get why you went there Stephen and that's probably the right answer but I'm not worried about it. I mean I'm not worried about it. That's all Josh Hle does is produce these quarterbacks and they change every year so again maybe this is the most or the least experienced. I mean that's a fair comment to make but see I'm not like you Stephen. Thank you Las Vegas Bowl. Get the hell out of here. Stephen, I played. I'm saying balls are going to playoff and what's going to dictate that for me it's a defensive line so shout out Tennessee make a break. Position line. Defensive line. They got a lot. They've got some talent there Stephen as some of the guys I wanted to outline Ethan Utley, Nathan Robinson, Tyler Tyree, Weather Weathersby, Davin Hobbs has been in a lot of wars but he's been banged up so I mean they got potential and a lot of second year players that have not made huge impacts that shall be called upon this year. Shout out Hobbs. Yeah, that's a good. That's another good one so. Or actually that's when I said but and then they added like transfers like Xavier Gilliam who I think is very solid but we've not seen him in that big orange Uniform. So I. Give me the defensive line. Stephen. I think the linebackers are going to be phenomenal. I think they've improved the secondary massively. So if again, same thing I said about who was it? Missouri. I think if the defensive line doesn't hit for Tennessee, it's all for not. So give me the defensive line. That's a, that's the make or break position group for Tennessee.
[74:43]
Stephen Lassen
I only picked, I think, two quarterbacks, so I had to, I had to, you know, I had to work a quarterback in here somewhere in Tennessee. Just made the most sense. But Mike, I think, you know, I think there is like a massive trust factor for me with hypo. And also, like I mentioned, the supporting cast is there for somebody to step in and go, they don't have to be the main conductor. They can just be like a point guard in this offense. But I think what interests me the most about this defense is like Jim Knowles is every feature that you read about him and at his time at Ohio State or elsewhere, loves to scheme, loves to sit in the film room, loves to come up with designs of schematics. And I'm sitting here and look at these linebackers to go on, man, there's a lot of really good linebackers and I like Tennessee's tackles. So I'm with you. Like who steps up on the edge to replace a Chaz Coleman? But I think Jim Knowles could get pretty interesting with maybe some of these schematics and maybe moving some guys around to alleviate some of those concerns. But pass rush is one of my biggest questions for Tennessee this year. Just because without Chaz Coleman, you got to generate some of it. Who's going to step up and do it? That's what I'm kind of interested as we get into early in the season. Who steps up for Tennessee?
[75:55]
Michael Bratton
All right. And in terms of underrated players, Steven, there was a couple to pick from, but how about this? I. I mean, a guy that I don't even know if he's going to start, he played a lot last year and I've said it many times, I think the linebackers are going to be phenomenal for Tennessee. Steven. But I think one guy that kind of gets lost in the shuffle there just in the off season narrative, not on the field because he's been very productive. How about Jeremiah T. Lander again? I'm putting him as an underrated returner. I think he's very solid. What's your thoughts on that selection?
[76:27]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah, I think so too, Mike. I mean, it's funny. It's like you said he could may not start this year, but I think that's a sign of Tennessee having more depth than anything else at the position. Like they're going to be able to rotate a lot of those guys in and out of the lineup. Ariane Carter coming back. You got Amari Gamble transferring in from Penn State who was an all Big Ten linebacker last year. I mean they've got a lot of depth here. So I, I think absolutely underrated gives Tennessee that valuable depth that we've talked about. With nine games in the sec, I was going to go with maybe like Davion Hobbs just because of the tackle. I think I feel better about Tennessee's tackles right now than I do off the edge. I was even gonna say like Ethan Davis too. I thought he came on strong as the season progressed. Maybe he's a little bit more may driven. But I thought last year, late in the season I thought he got more and more involved and could be even more involved this year.
[77:17]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, I agree with that. Stephen. I also agree we should talk some Georgia. We haven't talked much. Georgia. Stephen, make or break position for the Dogs.
[77:30]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I will be very interested to see where you go with this one because I felt this one was fairly obvious. I think it's got to be receiver. I mean every conversation that you know for Georgia this offseason starts with receiver because you lose Zachariah Branch, Colby Young, Dylan Bell, Noah Thomas. I mean they are losing a lot at receiver. I like Isaiah Cannon. I think London Humphreys is going to be a good player. The tight end position of course is going to be good, but Georgia needs a couple guys in the young kind of player department to step up, whether that's Talon, Taylor, Soobe, White, Helton, somebody else. Georgia had only four plays of 40 plus passing yards last season. They can't have that replicate again this year. So give me the receivers.
[78:19]
Michael Bratton
Stephen, comment of the night so far. Shout out Cousin Jared. He said the driver's it is it.
[78:26]
Stephen Lassen
That's good.
[78:29]
Michael Bratton
He didn't even say speeding. So I, I think that's the comment of the night. But yeah, of course it's the receivers. I thank goodness you just say offensive line. Steven. I'm just. I'm just thankful anytime you don't say offensive line. So. But yeah, it's everything you said. And again it's. It's wild to me, Stephen, how we can't even now it's kind of boring because it's like everybody says the same thing with Georgia, but I mean it's an issue, right? Or not an issue, but a question. It's a, it's a legitimate question. I don't care who they've recruited. All these teams that are at the top, you know, Georgia, Bama, Texas A and M, on and on and on, they've all recruited phenomenally. So you can sit here and say, oh, we got this four star, that five star, yada, yada yada. This game is littered with those guys that have done literally nothing of significance in the Southeastern Conference. So don't, don't sell these stars. Show me something they've done and this group has not done it. Doesn't mean they won't, but they've got to come through in a big way. If, again, let's say they go 10 and two, Stephen, I, I would buy that they'll go 10 and two and don't have an impact receiver. I would not buy that they're going to win the national championship and don't have an impact receiver. So somebody's got to step up. And that's, that's the, that's the standard now at Georgia's. Again, I'm not saying it's a failure if you fall short of winning the national championship, but that's what the fans are wanting, that's what Kirby is demanding. And if they don't get it done, I think it's because they don't have a receiver that he doesn't have to dominate every game, but he's got to make plays at certain times in the SEC championship, in the playoff, I guess Ohio State or whoever you're playing, they're going to need some guys to step up there.
[80:13]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I think that it's also underscored, as you and I have talked about this offseason, about how tight the margins are between like 1 through 6, 1 through 7. You know, I think Notre Dame, Ohio State, Indiana, Oregon, Texas, Georgia, Miami are all going to be really close in terms of like, power rating. And I think you just think about receivers and, and I, you know, I think Gunner Stockton is really solid, but I think there's a question of like, what is his ceiling and can he take his game to the next level? One ways you do that is you have guys who can go downfield, they able to use their speed, they get open, they create these big plays. Well, you know, I think Gunner Stockton is kind of like, he's a really solid quarterback right now who's part of a bigger piece. Like, I think, you know, like Arch or Chambliss, like we saw Chambliss last year in the Sugar bowl, he took Ole Miss on his back and lifted him to that victory. Can Stockton do that? If it's a game against like Notre Dame and it's in the playoff and you're not generating those big plays And I think there's some things that he does well with mobility that he can do that. What I guess what I'm trying to get at is, is I don't know that Stockton can necessarily elevate this offense as a whole, but I think if you have those game breakers like we saw with Branch, he was able to take it, you know, caught it, take it, take it to the house for 60 yards. They need some guys like that to give him some help so he doesn't have to shoulder the entire workload. He's perfectly capable of leading this team to the national championship. That's one of the reasons why I just didn't pick him this year, Mike in the magazine to win it. I just had too many questions about this group a receiver. I wish they did a little bit more in the portal. I probably would have felt better about picking them at number one nationally.
[81:49]
Michael Bratton
First of all, Stephen, how dare you talk Notre Dame and play off on this show and their cupcake schedule. They don't deserve to be in there, but I will not stand for that. So please don't ever say that again.
[82:01]
Stephen Lassen
I. I had to say something funny. I've been doing the series of articles on athlon sports.com by the way, unraking the five toughest games for some of the playoff teams and I got to like two and I'm like three. Where do we go from here for Notre Dame? Whereas like Oklahoma, you felt bad about leaving out the six or seven team. So there you go. There's more ammunition for your. For your Notre Dame anti playoff stance there.
[82:24]
Michael Bratton
No, I think that's fair. All right, so how about underrated player returning Now? Georgia's got a lot of guys returning, so this one there was a lot to pick from. But I went Gabe Harris, defensive lineman, he was instrumental in slowing down Trinidad in the fourth quarter of the regular season matchup and he didn't play in the Sugar Bowl. So I think that would be a case to be made of how important he is to that to this football team.
[82:54]
Stephen Lassen
I love that call because I think you said it best there. They missed him in the playoff game against Ole Miss. And also I think Mike, it was super valuable for this year. We talk about how Georgia was at the bottom of the SEC in sacks which just seems like almost unfathomable with the talent level, but if he gets it going, Quintavius Johnson, Elijah Griffin. You're talking about a pass rush that's going to easily blow last year's sack total right out of the water. So good call, Mike. I think a very, very underrated Georgia Bulldog. And Gabe Harris.
[83:26]
Michael Bratton
All right, Stephen. How about for cousin Emily? How about Auburn? What is the maker break position group for the Tigers?
[83:37]
Stephen Lassen
I got a surprise for you, Mike.
[83:40]
Michael Bratton
Can I take a guess?
[83:42]
Stephen Lassen
It's the offensive line. Here's why I didn't go with any of the spots on defense. I trust DJ Durkin, I think they're going to be okay on defense and of course Byron Brown. Running backs and receivers think they got some good pieces. But man, this offensive line really worries me. Five new starters, a lot of these guys. I think most of the starting lineup or all of them could be transfers. There are some solid players here though. Cole Best, who transfers in from South Florida. You've got Joseph Simmons transferring in from James Madison. I think those guys could be good. They also have some other P4 players transferring in. They have a nice baseline of experience. But I wonder what the upside is of this group. And you've got a quarterback making the transition from the American to the sec. New offense. How does this all work? I don't think you want Byron Brown dropping back to win games 3rd and 11 all day. I think you got to be able to have some early down success to keep that dynamic ability going with Byron Brown. So boring answer, Mike. It's got to be the offensive line.
[84:50]
Michael Bratton
No surprise, Steven. So again, I knew you were gonna say that and you're probably right. I mean that's a. That's a smart answer and you're a smart guy, but I'm more of a smart Alec. So I went with a different one, Stephen. I went receiver because again, what have I said? I said with this system you could kind of get away with offensive line. Maybe not having all Americans now, can you just throw it all together? Maybe not. But I do think in this system I can go back to the guys that run it. Hypo, Kiffin, you know, Jeff, Lebby, Kendall, Browse. You need receivers. If you don't have difference makers at receivers, that could really hurt you. They went and got a bunch of South Florida guys now. Maybe they're awesome. Maybe there'll be impact players in the Southeastern Conference. I'm not sitting here saying they won't be, but I kind of question a little bit, particularly when I Hear no disrespect to him, but Chaz Nimrod, we saw him at Tennessee, I think his biggest impact was dropping the football and they're talking about what a difference maker he's going to be for Auburn this year. So you know, again, I, I have not watched these guys extensively other than Nimrod because he played at Tennessee, but I'm hoping these guys hit. I, I think receiver is kind of a make or break position because if they're not explosive, if they're not solid on at that position group, I just don't know how effective their offense will be week in and week, week out in this conference.
[86:27]
Stephen Lassen
And also doesn't this kind of tie to the offensive line discussion too? Because, you know, I think Byron Brown is at his best when he can create. You know, I don't think you want him to be, you know, dropping back. Like I said, third and 11. He, you don't want him operating from the pocket. You want him on the move. You want him on third and three, rolling out, making, you know, good decisions, getting the ball out in space. So I think you, you have to have that help from the offensive line and early downs. But also the receivers also kind of have to play a role in this too. And you know, whether it's like make getting open, making plays, not dropping passes, I do. You know, from watching South Florida, Keyshawn Singleton and Jeremiah Coger I think are going to be two players that work really well. Obviously it's the same system. I think you'd like to have a Cam Coleman. I think there's a drop, clearly a drop off from, you know, having Coleman, Singleton, those guys last year. I don't think it's like the bottom of the sec, not the worst group in the sec. There's a kind of a baseline. But I think it's fair to question like what is the upside of this group going from the American to the SEC this year?
[87:30]
Michael Bratton
Okay, how about underrated player, not a lot to pick from here for law firm. And this guy, maybe he's properly rated, but I don't think Auburn, non Auburn fans can appreciate how good he is. I just went running back Jeremiah Cobb because again he's the, he's the sole returner on offense among starters. I know they returned some defensive players, but thoughts on Jeremiah Cobb, who I think I think he could really be a big breakout this year.
[87:55]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah, I, I think so too. I mean I think he, we, you know, we talk about with like what Tennessee does with DeSean Bishop and of course Auburn's had good running backs over the years, too. But maybe in this system, you know, with the. If you can get that offensive line playing to a solid level, you got Cobb, you got Bryson, Washington, you got a pretty solid one, two punch taking some heat off of Byron Brown. Mike, I know this is like blasphemy to say this, but like Xavier Atkins, I don't even. I mean, I know he's getting a lot of all America buzz and certainly we. I picked him first team All America. But I mean, nationally, this. Like you said, there's two returning starters and Xavier Atkins is one of them for Auburn. I don't know that people nationally appreciate how good he was for Auburn's defense last year and how key of a centerpiece he'll be again this year. So I know it's a boring answer, but I think maybe Xavier Atkins should be getting even more preseason love for 2026.
[88:49]
Michael Bratton
No, I think that's absolutely fair, Steven. I also think it's fair that VBF give us five bucks all of this damn show. Go big Orge. We love you, buddy. So let me. Since he threw us a donation. We already did Tennessee. But I do want to ask you this, Stephen. So I again, I. I project in a head. And I know you're sitting here, you people. This, this is counting you now, Stephen, because you're one of them that are. That are kind of like doubting or not doubting, but just have questions about Tennessee quarterback. I have no question.
[89:29]
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[89:56]
Stephen Lassen
Stop shopping. Get styled. Not today, sweatpants. Somebody's wearing jeans that fit. Wow.
[90:04]
Michael Bratton
No photos, please.
[90:05]
Stephen Lassen
I'm just a regular dad who happens to have a stylist. I really look my best when someone else makes the decisions. Hey, we can all see you two way mirrors. Just share your size, style and budget. And your stylist sends personalized looks right to your door. Stitch fix, get started today@stitch fix.com. i want to hug you. I'm going to hug you. I'm coming. I'm coming in for a hug.
[90:26]
Michael Bratton
Remember I asked you about Keelan Russell? I put based on Brandon ranked higher than Keelan Russell in my quarterback rankings. Again, I'm trying to project ahead to end of the season, not today. It's crazy. There's nothing to go off of the six Vanderbilt fans that exist on Twitter, Stephen, they're like they're up in arms. They don't understand how I can have phase on so high. I, I got Jared Curtis last when they literally have the same resume. But again, I'm trying to project ahead. So I know you are, you are not one to make bold proclamations but I'm just kind of curious and feel free to call me a complete moron like the rest of the Internet, but. What is it crazy to suggest that Faison Brandon could be a top 10 SEC quarterback by the end of the season?
[91:18]
Stephen Lassen
Not at all, Mike. I think this is, this is. I was trying to think of a smart Alec response to your smart one but my brain, brain does not quite work it. But I, I think that's, I mean when you, I do these quarterback rankings too and I like to project ahead. I don't like to just say here's their bio, here's their stats so far. Put them in a 1 to 16 order. Like I think if we're trying to figure out what's going to happen this season, we have to project like how good some of these quarterbacks are going to be. And I think about confidence level. I, I Tim Beck was awesome, has been awesome for Vanderbilt. He was awesome back at New Mexico State. I think with Junior Sherlock said Alexander, Vanderbilt's got a good baseline. Tennessee's got a top 10 offensive line in my mind in the country, maybe a top 10 receiving core. They certainly have a guy in Desean Bishop who should be an all American if he plays the caliber he did last year. That is a better supporting cast than what Vanderbilt has coming back. Also, I think you have to trust Josh Hypo just a little bit, right? I mean Joey Aguilar got there, you know, in the summer and ended up being one of the top statistical passers in the sec. Took Nico to the playoff. I mean Joe Milton, I mean no matter the quarterback, Tennessee system is going to produce a pretty successful one. So I like Jared Curtis too, but I would take if I had to bet on which One of those two Faison, Brandon or J.R. curtis finishes in the top 10. I would take the Tennessee quarterback.
[92:50]
Michael Bratton
Good call, Stephen. Good call. That's why you're the encyclopedia.
[92:57]
Stephen Lassen
I just, I'm just glad I didn't get replaced by Marlowe.
[92:59]
Michael Bratton
Had to watch my never, never on my watch. All right, speaking of never, how about Kentucky? Stephen make or break position group for the Wildcats in The debut season of Will Stein. Where are you going there, Stephen?
[93:15]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I'm going to use another quarterback card here. I'm going to take quarterbacks for Kentucky because Kenny Minchie is such a valuable piece of this rebuilding effort. I mean Kentucky's kind of investing heavily in him as the starter. We don't have a ton of like data on Kenny Menchie. What we do know is he was pretty highly regarded coming out of high school. He pushed C.J. carr at Notre Dame for the starting job. He's played well in limited time, but that is a very small sample size. And Will Stein as a first year head coach, he's got a great track record of offensive quarterbacks. But also putting all of your eggs in the Kenny Minchie basketball when he is a first time starter is definitely risky. There's a lot of upside, but I think it's fair to kind of be skeptical too until you see it. So knowing what Kentucky has, some of the questions on defense, how important it is for Will Stein to get his tenure off on the right foot, I think it's got to be Kenny Minchi.
[94:15]
Michael Bratton
For me, I think that's fair. Steven I don't mind that selection at all. The fact that there's so much turnover there, I mean I think there's just so many different ways you could possibly go. However. So I went a little bit different. I went receivers because fair or not, I am giving Will Stein the benefit of the doubt when it comes to quarterback evaluation and development. Maybe not coordinator hiring and assigning play calling duties. But that is another story for another day. Stephen so I think Minchi will be quite good. I've not heard anything to suggest otherwise out of Lexington up to this point. So I'm just saying receivers because they're going to need people to step up there as well. Quite frankly, like I said, we could pick many a position here, but I don't know. I'm going receiver for Kentucky.
[95:13]
Stephen Lassen
A lot of guys with talent there at Kentucky, just a lot of concerns about injury. I mean someone like, you know, Nick Anderson, Shane Carr's transferring up from Southern Utah. There's some interesting names in there too in that receiver room and if they stay healthy, if they develop, that's only going to help Kenny Minchi's game this year. I, I will say I've been, I got pretty hyped for watching Kenny Menchie like on some of the highlights that made their way out of Kentucky spring practice, which I appreciated the like clips here and there very selectively getting Me excited for Kenny Minchee, but I trust Will Stein, but also thank you. It is such an important decision like he's your hand picked quarterback for your first year and you got to get this thing rolling. So he better work out otherwise it's going to be a long year in
[96:00]
Michael Bratton
Lexington when it comes to most underrated returning wildcat. How do you like this selection, Stephen? Tight end Willie Rodriguez. Our friends over at Kentucky Sports Radio 11 personnel, another great show. Go check them out. They're very high on Willie Rodriguez so I think, I think I'm rolling with that one.
[96:21]
Stephen Lassen
I like that call because Will Stein's had a great track record of tight end usage and success rate. You saw this up at Oregon. Kenyan Sadiq of course was a high pick in the NFL draft. Jamari Johnson, who said Oregon this year in line for a breakout season. So the tight end position is going to get used quite a bit in this offense and so Rodriguez is probably going to see a healthy dose of of passes in his way. I'll go defense. Mike, I like Ty Bryant. You know a lot of good safeties in this conference coming back like Marcus Radcliffe, Keon Sab, Ray Hubbard, I mean KJ Bolden, the list goes on and on. But Ty Bryant led the team in tackles last year. Four interceptions for Kentucky's defense. I think very underrated player at a very crowded position and he's probably not getting enough preseason love.
[97:09]
Michael Bratton
Well, I'll tell you who is getting preseason love, Stephen. That is the Florida Gators with John Subaru leading the charges off season. Who do you got as the make or break position group for the Gators offensive line?
[97:25]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I feel really bad I picked all these. I probably should next time.
[97:31]
Michael Bratton
I've waited basically to all these teams at the end where I know you're gonna say offensive line.
[97:35]
Stephen Lassen
I think next time you're going to require me to run these positions by pre, pre show approval. But Mike, I think I just go back to what John, John Sumrall was saying at the end of spring practice. I mean he was worried about the offensive line. How is this group going to take a step forward? No Austin Barber, no Jake Slaughter. Phil Trotwine is a very good offensive line coach, but you got some high profile starters gone, only two starters back. I think getting somebody like Harrison Moore transferring from Georgia Tech over to Florida is key because he basically can, you know, slide seamlessly with the, the scheme he was under Buster Faulkner. Now they're at Florida, that'll help ease that transition. But new left tackle, new center, there's always concerns to me when you're breaking in new starters at that position.
[98:23]
Michael Bratton
Right. So that's a fine selection, Stephen, but once again, once again, I knew you were going to say that so I wanted to mix it up, be a little different. I haven't gone quarterback yet, Steven. I'm pulling the trigger here because I don't even know who it's going to be. Aaron Filo, Tramell Jones could be either one. But I think that'll dictate it because again, offensive line. Yeah. Everything you said is accurate and, and I would agree with it and that's probably the true answer. But also if Florida's going. You know, this is an interesting point that cousin Shane. It's not often I get to say cousin Shane had an interesting point but he's, you know, he went. He really has got me focused, Stephen, on a lot of these teams that are first year coaches outside of lsu which has kind of like playoff or bus type expectations. But, but of all the other ones, Florida's got a higher win loss or should be over under win total than just about any of them. So the expectation is Florida will be maybe a step further than than an Auburn and Arkansas, Kentucky, on and on and on. So again, is that right? I don't know. I mean I kind of think it is. But it also says that, you know, there is some belief that Florida is ready to go and that they'll make great strides. I mean they only won four games last year so they're, you know, double in the win total perhaps I think is realistic. But I think it's only realistic, Stephen, if they get solid performance out of the quarterback. And the fact that I don't even know who the heck that's going to be tells me that whoever it is better be a difference maker and win him a game or two. That is a toss up type game. So I'm going quarterback here.
[100:16]
Stephen Lassen
You're definitely not wrong because it is a question. I do feel some sort of confidence that either Philo or Jones is going to be solid at the position just given what the weapons that they have. The trust that I have in Buster Faulkner. We saw this with Haynes King when he went to Georgia Tech. I mean he was not very, he was not great at Texas A M, wasn't bad, but he just wasn't like the all ACC level that we saw out at Georgia Tech. So I think there's got to be some confidence level that Buster Faulkner could take one of these two quarterbacks and make them productive. Maybe not all SEC good But solid. So I think it kind of goes back to, you have confidence, but it's also fair to have some skepticism until you actually see it. What I do see is when I look at that schedule of how favorable it is for Florida because you get Ole Miss at your place after they play lsu, that's like the perfect time. It's like the perfect letdown trap game. You get Oklahoma at your place. You know, this schedule is sets up, I think, for Florida to take that big step forward. And I think, yes, you have to play Texas, yes, you have to play Georgia, but two of your tougher games are at home. Your road schedule is Kentucky, Missouri, Auburn and Florida State. Outside of Texas, that's about as favorable as it gets. And so I. When I think about just raw roster talent, we know Napier could recruit. He just couldn't develop it, Mike. So I, I think that's why that win total was that high. There is a lot of confidence in summer, all plus a favorable schedule, plus talent in the program. I do like Florida to kind of maybe surprise some people this year. I don't know if I'd go play off Dark Horse, but I think they'll surprise some people this year.
[102:02]
Michael Bratton
Yeah. Let me ask it to you this, Stephen. So you just highlighted something interesting. The road games for Florida this year, at Auburn, at Missouri, at Texas, at Kentucky, at Florida State, if big, if here, if they can win four of the road games, do you think they could win? If I were to guarantee you they win four road games, which again, is no guarantee in this league. But if I guaranteed you that, what do you predict the final record overall for Florida would be?
[102:36]
Stephen Lassen
I would probably take 8 and 4. I think they, they. If you had. If you said guarantee me some losses, it would start with Texas and Georgia.
[102:45]
Michael Bratton
Right.
[102:46]
Stephen Lassen
You know, Ole Miss, Oklahoma is interesting because kind of the schedule set up with Ole Miss, they're also at home. But the rest of those, I think Florida will be favored in most of those. Would you agree with that?
[103:00]
Michael Bratton
Absolutely. And that's why I figured you'd say eight or nine wins. So, I mean, that would either one, obviously nine would be a little bit sweeter, but you can't knock an 84 debut for a head coach in this conference. You know, I think it would really set him up well for year two of the John Sumrall era.
[103:19]
Stephen Lassen
I mean, it would be a disappointment, though. He's played for the conference title all four years. Elaine, come on, man. He's supposed to make the SEC championship his first game, but no, you're right. I mean think about out. I also love the way that Florida is recruiting too. Like being able to get high. Talented upside offensive lineman John Sumral. I mean he played in the conference, he coached in the conference. He's from the footprint. He's coached at a G6 team, two G16s. Mike, he's like if you had to make a coach in an SEC factory, he would be it. He understands how to win in this league and I think he'll do a much, much better job than Billy Napier did down in Gainesville.
[103:59]
Michael Bratton
I think my mother could do a better job than old Billy Napier.
[104:03]
Commercial Announcer
All right.
[104:03]
Michael Bratton
And then when it comes to underrated player returning. So this, there's a little bit, I'm a little cheating here, Steven. And it's, it is based on a little bit of information that I've heard. I've heard this guy is really taking his, his game up. But also I'm, I'm just rooting for this guy because I, he had a terrible moment and I hope, I hope that's not the, the legacy he leads. And I think it's. But if he continues, it'll be something different here. Shout out to defensive lineman Brandon Bet. He's, he's the one that unfortunately did the spit against South Florida and there was a, I, you know, there's a lot of people said kick his ass off a team now which I would have understood cost you a win. Can't have it inexcusable. But again, hopefully that is not the end of the story and I don't think it will be. So I'm rooting for him personally. Brandon Bet underrated player returning.
[104:52]
Stephen Lassen
I was going to go there too because I've heard some of the similar optimism that you have and as far as being, you know, we think about how that Florida defensive line steps up. You got McCray, you got Jaden woods. Like you got some guys with talent coming off the edge. How do you form that interior, especially with some of the personnel departures. So getting him to be a high end impact defensive lineman would be crucial to be able to stop the run and help those edge rushers. So I, I would go Brandon Bett as well. Mike. I would throw. How many Florida fans do you think have thrown their computer or phone out the window the last couple weeks? Every interview that Billionapier has done is, well, I've learned a lesson. I'm giving up play calling duties. Right. It's like, man, it's like two or three years too late, right?
[105:37]
Michael Bratton
He learned on our dime that's what it sounds like to me. But let's waste no more time on his sorry loser ass. Let's go, Carolina. Steven, make or break position group for the game. Cacs.
[105:52]
Stephen Lassen
We gotta go offensive line, Mike. We gotta maximize Lenora Sellers. I almost went defensive end here because, you know, you have like Dylan Stewart coming back from injury who steps up opposite of Dylan Stewart. But I just look at this offensive line and go, man, if Jacarius Peak is healthy, he plays 12 games in the regular season. What a difference that could make. And not knowing what his status is and knowing sort of the investment that South Carolina has made there with the, the transfers, Randy Clemens coming in, they've got to be able to run the ball. They've got to give Sellers more help. Yes, you want him on the move, but you don't want him running for his life every game with a defensive front coming after him. 2.8 yards per carry last year in SEC games, that's not going to get it done. So it's the offensive line for me.
[106:44]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, of course it is, Stephen. Of course it is. But again, you're the encyclopedia for a reason. You nailed it. Offensive line is the answer. You mentioned Randy Clements, new offensive line coach who's been working with Kendall Brown since, I think since they've started coaching, basically. I mean, it's been that long. So again, they go hand in hand and he's pretty touted. He. He produces great results. They have spared no expense this off season. I believe the number is seven, maybe eight. I could have. I think it was seven. Then they added another one. But again, my number might, may be off by one. But they've, they've. That's how many offensive linemen they've added this off season. So they are, they are doing what they can to fix this group over a single off season. I literally don't know what else they could have done. So shout out the offensive line. Hopefully they're a lot better and we'll get a much better team here in Columbia. As far as most underrated player returning, this was a little bit different or difficult for me as well. Stephen. There's a lot of case to be made for some of these defensive players, but I went, how about receiver Jaden Sellers? When everybody's talking Sellers, he's always the second Sellers for good cause. I mean, his brother's a quarterback and was a Heisman hopeful last year, but I think Jaden is very good. Breakout year last year. Thoughts on that selection?
[108:11]
Stephen Lassen
I'm buying Jaden Sellers, Mike. I think With Nick Harper and Jaden Sellers, they got a pretty solid one two punch. I think South Carolina is going to have an improved just offense receiving core. Overall. I was kind of going to go with maybe kind of like a. A little bit maybe too under the radar, but I was going to go with Brownlow Dindy, the defensive tackle. I thought, you know, did some nice things in limited time last year. Gonna be asked to take on an even bigger role this year. But I thought South Carolina's got a couple of interesting players you could throw in there. Johnson at linebacker, maybe even Collier in the secondary too. So interesting defenders. I think you can make a couple different choices there.
[108:52]
Michael Bratton
All right, so let's do Mighty Texas. Steve it again. I have an idea of where you're going. Make or break position group for the Longhorns. Please say Arch Manning.
[109:04]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I. I would just want to welcome you to the Arch Manning bus over here. I've had a seat for you. First class ticket. But of course, Mike, you got to protect the franchise, got to be able to run the ball better. It's got to be that offensive line. 3.3 yards per carry in SEC games last year. I like what they did in the portal. They added some starter help, they added some depth. Trevor Goosby is one of the top linemen in the country. Also, if you think about the way last season played out, it felt like. And I looked at some of Arch Manning's time to throw and I in his average depth of target kind of changed like in the first half, the second half, the. The average depth of target actually got like less in the second half and the time to throw got less. So they were trying to get the ball out of his hands quicker. And you think about now you have a better offensive line, maybe you can let some of those deeper routes develop with a Cam Coleman with Orion Wingo because you have the better offensive line this year plus the better run game. So I think maybe those tweaks in the second half we saw were good to survive last year. But I think maybe Arch gets back to having some more of those deep connections in the passing game because of that better offensive line and weapons. So I'm boring. I went with offensive line for Texas.
[110:24]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, well, I do appreciate the insight because I had not heard those statistics before. So a lot easier than just announcing the offensive line. But of course it is the offensive line. We've. We've been hearing it all off season with Texas and that's kind of the. The area of maybe concern question. However you want to sell it they've moved some guys, different positions. They've added guys via the transfer portal like you said. They bring back Goosby who could be in the NFL right now. So there's a. There is. There are things to like about the offensive line. Unfortunately for that position group you could have four stellar all conference type players. You have one weakness that's going to get exploited each and every Saturday in this conference. So yeah, it's got to be the offensive line for old Texas. Good call by you Steven, as usual. But in terms of underrated player, how about this one? How about edge defender Lance Jackson? I think he could have a big year with must champ coming over. Thoughts on that selection?
[111:28]
Stephen Lassen
I was going to go hero Canoe. So I think we're kind of on the same page of like defensive line help around Colin Simmons. I think Jackson is. Is so critical because you lose Burke. You've got to have another edge rusher to complement Simmons. It's. It's like the South Carolina thing where you don't want too much pressure on Dylan Stewart. You need other edge rushers to step up. So I think Jackson's a good call. I think Canoe on the interior how this all fits too under must champ scheme. I think that'll be kind of wait and see for me but I think there's a lot of really, really promising pieces. Probably one of the top five defensive lines in the country this year.
[112:05]
Michael Bratton
And speaking of canoes, just a little love pop quiz or. Or trivia. No trivia. Maybe cousin Shane, big Canoe fan. Keep it if it's his birthday if anybody wants to send him something.
[112:18]
Stephen Lassen
All right. Last birthday cousin Shane. I forgot to tell him yesterday.
[112:22]
Michael Bratton
Canoes headed your way via Stephen Lassie. Vanderbilt Steve at position group that'll make or break the Commodores.
[112:31]
Stephen Lassen
Mike, I think the correct answer here is quarterbacks because Jared Curtis, the other the investment, the high upside filling the shoes of pavia. But you know we can't close the show without talking some offensive line Mike because four starters are gone. How do you help a young quarterback? You run the ball, you protect it. That's why this group is my position group that will make or break Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt does a good job with like the strong side and the quick side and kind of the funky formations they can use at times just one starter back though some transfers. How does this all fit? You don't want your freshman quarterback tried to win third in the in 12 all all day. They got to be able to protect give set Alexander some room and protect Jared Curtis.
[113:15]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, I think you Nailed it, Stephen, again, that's why I kind of held these teams at the end, because I knew you were going to go offensive line, offensive line, offensive line. So again, that's what I said as well, you know. And you know, when we think of the greatness of Diego Pave, there's a lot of things that he did. Pinpoint passer, tough as hell, ran the football with, with just anger at times. Even though he was kind of a. Not kind of. He was a diminutive type player, but he was never lacking for toughness or heart. Now can you get that from young in quarterbacks? I don't know. That's, that's a huge question mark. But also, Stephen, he made plays when the line did break down. I mentioned this the other day, but the, the LSU one will forever be burned in my memory. Where LSU had just had a free rusher somehow Pavia had eyes in the back of his head, did a little, you know, like a flip around. And I don't know how he made the guy miss, but he did. And that was fourth down that Vanderbilt converted in a one possession type game. So can you get that again this year? Fingers crossed we can. With Jared Curtis. I think he's a phenom waiting to happen, but you know, they've got to protect him because I don't think you can expect him to make those types of plays. Year one in college football.
[114:37]
Stephen Lassen
I agree, Mike. I think for as much as, you know, we trust Beck and I think we trust the upside of Curtis, you still have to have the solid play of the offensive line, especially since Vanderbilt was, I think, a Joe Moore semifinalist last year, you know, which goes to one of the top offensive lines in the country. So they were probably underrated last year up front. Now they're losing a lot of those guys and we mentioned they got probably two, two or three transfers that are going to start. I know that Vanderbilt kind of looks for certain, you know, characteristics to kind of match that strong side, quick side, some of those quirky formations that they do. So I think they have a pretty good feel on it. But to be breaking in a true freshman quarterback, four new starters on the line. The good news is you have that offensive continuity, but man, that is a lot of questions for an offense with a true freshman quarterback.
[115:28]
Michael Bratton
All right, so final thing here, Stephen, most underrated player for the Commodores. How about this one, tight end Cole Spence. Because Eli Stowers was awesome, I think we could all recognize that. But I think the guy that was underrated, it was consistent that always did his job. Cole Spencer. Now he's going to be step stepping up into a larger role this year. Thoughts on that selection?
[115:50]
Stephen Lassen
I love that call. I. I was going to say I don't think. I don't. I think he's probably properly rated but Junior Cheryl, maybe a little bit some extent to like somebody in the passing game. I think so. Cheryl, throw Cole Spence in there. Overshadowed by what Stowers did last season. Also think Spence could be maybe a guy who sneaks into all SEC honors because he could be that safety valve for a true freshman quarterback and he's maybe going to take on more of that role at tight end in the offense for Vanderbilt. So I like the call for Cole Spence. I was gonna throw Martro Height in there at four interceptions. He's good on returns for Vanderbilt as well.
[116:27]
Michael Bratton
All right Steven, so we went nearly two hours talking every single SEC team. I don't think anyone else is doing that. Monday, July 13 so again not to pat ourselves on the back but we do it for you guys. We do it for you for show it up for all the kind donations. Oh we had one at the buzzer here. Cousin Lou, appreciate you. I'm back from South Korea. Cousins. Let's go Texas. Mike and Steven Archbid Texas fight hook up. We appreciate you cousin Lou. Anything. I mean you've already said so many nice things about Texas Steven, but anything. Any additional comments for cousin Lou? Lou, I don't know if you've seen the quarterback rankings but we both, we both now have Arch as the. The best quarterback since sliced bread over here. Since. Since paid Manning I guess you could say. But any additional nice things you want to say about Texas for cousin Lou?
[117:23]
Stephen Lassen
Yeah Mike, you know one. One stat that I have thought about a little bit this offseason for Texas was they were 66th in the nation last year in success rate against the pass. I am curious to see when you lose Michael Taft, you lose Malik Muhammad. How does will must champ improve the pass defense a little bit this year? It feels like there's some room especially by the stats to get better. Well maybe one way is you just create some more havoc up front. So I think there's a lot of intrigue for me to like. I think we're very high on the defensive line. A little bit of turnover at linebacker, a little bit of turnover in the secondary. I think interested to see how it all fits together. I. I feel very good about the end product that Texas. Texas is going to have a good defense but maybe some guys like Jelani McDonald stepping up too this year. I like Rasheen Biles, the transfer from Pitt, coming over to play linebacker at Texas, but just wondering kind of how it all fits together. I we talk about these teams so much and we talked last year and we probably didn't put enough emphasis on the offensive line for Texas. But every one of these teams are trying to just make sure what are we missing and just wondering how all these pieces fit together for must champs. Defense is kind of one of my X factors this year, but I think they're still going to be a great defense.
[118:34]
Michael Bratton
Well, speaking of that past defense and slightly improving, I remember Gunner kind of sliced and diced them. Of course, George was very good. But which teams on the schedule, Steven, stand out to you where Texas needs to get better in past defense to ensure they get a win this fall? Are there any that really stand out to you, Mike?
[118:57]
Stephen Lassen
I think it's got to be that Ohio State game, Week two. Julian Saenz, one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten. You've got Jeremiah Smith from Ohio State. I think probably the best just pound for pound player in college football this year. Also, in a weird way, Mike, I actually think the opener against Texas State will be good for the Texas defense because Texas State has a really good offense. Brad Jackson, their quarterback, they got a couple receivers that are good. I'm not saying they're going to upset Texas or anything like that. What I think is they are a good offense in week one to where you can have to push yourself a little bit that gets you ready for Ohio State. They still got to play Trinidad, Chambliss, Matier. I think by November too, I think Sam Levitt and certainly Marcel Reed will know a lot more about those offenses. But man, that second week of the season saying Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State's offense, that's the game that I will be paying attention to because maybe Texas could get revenge for what Ohio State did last year to him on defense in that first game of the season.
[120:04]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, I think that's a good answer, Stephen, but any consideration, I know you just kind of briefly hit on it there, but Florida, you know, they had a lot of success against Texas last year. Eugene Wilson in particular, you know, so. Or, or yes or was that Trey? I get those guys mixed up. But yeah, the freshman receiver was phenomenal and then again Trinidad and then how about a wild card here? How about Camario? So all three in a row and again you're, I think you're going to be heavy, heavy favorites on all of them. Maybe not Ole Miss, maybe just like a six point favorite, I don't know. But you'll be favorites at all of them. They're all at home. So I'm not suggesting you're going to lose any of them. But those three stand out to me as, as three where you got to make sure you're on your game. Otherwise you could be in for a lot longer of a or more competitive game than you realize today.
[121:01]
Stephen Lassen
What about Tennessee, too? 26. The road games. You mentioned that one.
[121:07]
Michael Bratton
I didn't, but I've. I'm just trying to keep it under the radar, Stephen.
[121:10]
Stephen Lassen
Okay.
[121:10]
Michael Bratton
I don't want them to know about it.
[121:12]
Stephen Lassen
I was just. I was having flashbacks. You remember that Alabama, Tennessee game a few years ago where like Tennessee like shell shocked Alabama with some of the big plays? It was Jalen Hyatt, I think in that game. Yeah, but you know, I think about like, okay, what did you get? Faison, Brandon going early in the year with Matthews and Staley and Ethan Davis stepping up. If like, like what if. What if Colin Simmons doesn't have a running mate on the other side and they block him up. And based on Brandon sitting a few bombs to Braylon Staley in that game. So there's a, there's a. I think just in general one of my kind of storylines that I'm. Everybody's focused on Arch and the offensive line and rightfully so. I'm just fascinated by this idea that, you know, Texas was not bad on defense last year, but now they're swinging to be great. And I like when you try to swing for the fences and get it right if you're a team, it's like, hey, this wasn't good enough. We got to do something different. I like being bold and that's. And I think what must champion his success level this year is going to be a very fascinating story because if you pair that with this offense, I mean there's a good chance that Texas hoist the national championship come January because
[122:20]
Michael Bratton
of Lou's gonna like it. He says, yes, sir.
[122:23]
Commercial Announcer
Hook up.
[122:24]
Michael Bratton
That another one, Julian. Say it. I'm saying we kick their ass. Hook up. We appreciate you because of Lou bad so generous here at the buzzer. So let me. Let me ask you a couple more Texas questions, Steven, while I got you here for cousin Lou, who leads. Who leads Texas in rushing next year? Rushing yards and then rushing touchdowns. And you know, it doesn't have to be the same player, but I'm just kind of curious your thoughts there.
[122:51]
Stephen Lassen
I've been Going back and forth on this one. And I, and I, I wrestled with this, with the, the all conference honors. I probably would go Hollywood smothers for rushing yards. I'm kind of tempted to take Arch to lead the team in rushing touchdowns. He had 10 last year. I could see it being almost like five, seven and eight kind of divided among those three players. But I, I could be convinced a couple different ways. Mike, they, those, they all feel like they're going to be very productive. How would you, would you go Smothers or Brown to lead the team in rushing?
[123:28]
Michael Bratton
Man, I would almost say Brown. Interesting, because I've just liked what I've seen from him at Arizona State and I haven't seen enough of Hollywood's mother. So maybe that's not fair for me to say that. But the fact that we're like this guy, that guy or this. It's good to have options, Stephen. I, I would rather have that than not. And, and again, that's not, that's not me calling out one or the other. I, I think you could. It's like pick your poison. Which is exactly what Steve Sarkeesian wants. His full.
[124:01]
Stephen Lassen
This, this also goes to the same conversation that we've had like with defensive lineman is you want more than one good running back to make it through the season because the wear and tear is going to add up. And so I, you know, for, for those of us who are trying to like, project fantasy stats, it's a nightmare for the coaches. It's a great thing to have because you could just go throw smothers in there.
[124:20]
Michael Bratton
Throw.
[124:20]
Stephen Lassen
Really? Brown let Arch take it on the goal line. They got some other younger backs too, so having that depth is a good thing. It's a nightmare if you're trying to figure out who to draft for your college fantasy league, though.
[124:32]
Michael Bratton
All right, Steven. So we went past the two hour mark. Can't thank you enough for dropping all this knowledge. Oh, and we also had. Oh, I don't want to. I want to forget him at all. We had Mizu Fan 07 gifted 20 memberships. I said I'd get to it. Shout out Dale Doback Josh Rebel J Buckmaster floated Possible Pee Wee Mike Elizondo play to win Doug Malder Man Quint Davis Oklahoma man 1990 R. McKee Brendan. Dang it. Hold on. Brendan. Brendan M. I think crazy mixture Kenny McCormick. Heartbroken hog. I feel you, brother. Cocky gaming text mex oh u7time and Christopher Hamilton. Welcome to the family. Yeah. Courtesy Bazoo fan number seven. We appreciate you, buddy. Before we go, Stephen, tell the cousins where to follow you and where they can get up their edition of the Athlete Sports College football magazine.
[125:41]
Stephen Lassen
Hey, Mike, one quick note before we
[125:44]
Michael Bratton
close out the show.
[125:45]
Stephen Lassen
Somebody asked about the Gator bowl and I did some quick check on my notes. By the way, this is a bit ambiguous because depending on where you look, there is still a level of ambiguity. So I. I apologize for not having the firm answer, but I wanted to make sure that I had right answer. The answer is, I don't think anybody knows right now. So to be determined, maybe it'll be because of Shane's backyard. Who knows? But appreciate all the cousins who pick up the magazine. You can pick it up at like grocery stores, bookstores, Target, like CVS and all that. You can also order at AFF magazines at the very top. Last time I checked, all of the SEC covers are still in stock, so still time to order. Order one and get it shipped to you before the season starts.
[126:25]
Michael Bratton
Yeah, get that info in your hands. We got a couple weeks before college football. You gotta study up using your Athlon Sports College Football preview. That's gonna do it for this episode. We'll be back tomorrow in the afternoon with Wild Man Marler and then cousin Shane, of course, in the evening. Until then, we appreciate each and every one of you. Until the next one. Bye.
[126:48]
Stephen Lassen
Bye.
[126:51]
Michael Bratton
Hey, buddy. This beer's for you, Mike and cousin Shane. That SEC podcast loves the pirate and the pirate loves that SEC podcast.
[127:02]
Stephen Lassen
Hail State. I want to grow the game so every kid can fall in love with soccer like I did.
[127:13]
Michael Bratton
So I asked myself, what would you
[127:15]
Stephen Lassen
like the power to do?
[127:16]
Michael Bratton
My answers inspired me to invent a
[127:18]
Stephen Lassen
pop up soccer goal that can turn any basketball court into a street soccer pitch.
[127:24]
Commercial Announcer
Bank of America champion street soccer advocate Kyle Martino and everyone who dares to ask, what would you like the power to do? Bank of America proud to be the Official bank of U.S. soccer and FIFA World Cup 2026 bank of America NA Member FDSE.
[127:38]
Stephen Lassen
Stitch Fix. Stop shopping. Get styled. Not today, sweatpants. Somebody's wearing jeans that fit.
[127:45]
Commercial Announcer
Wow.
[127:46]
Michael Bratton
No photos, please.
[127:47]
Stephen Lassen
I'm just a regular dad who happens to have a stylist. I really look my best when someone else makes the decisions. Hey, we can all see you two way mirrors. Just share your size, style and budget and your stylist sends personalized looks right to your door. Stitch Fix, get started today@stitch fix.com. i want to hug you. I'm gonna hug you. I'm coming in for a hug.