Divisions gonna be gone after over 30 years... (SEC Preview thread 2023)

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Believe it or not, this was what the Southeastern Conference used to look like 25 years ago. AND... it's nowhere near that now.
Soooooo... anybody ready for another round of SEC previews with this thread?

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Louisiana State

The first preview segment for the Southeastern Conference: The LSU Tigers

Last season: Why was I so worried about Brian Kelly adjusting to the culture of Baton Rouge last year? Why did I think that Brian would struggle with the transition from Notre Dame to LSU? The guy wins at about every place he coaches, for christ's sake!
Just go ask Alabama, who LSU shocked last year en-route to an SEC West title. Ask THEM if Brian Kelly has turned around LSU!

Good news: Things could be even better for LSU this year; for one QB Jayden Daniels has returned for his senior season. LSU also has a stout O-line, a deep group of WR's, and lethal speed on the defense.

Bad news: Depth in the secondary is thinner than Brian Kelly really wants it, and he is hoping that a superstar running back can emerge. But the biggest worry is actually special teams; there were some glaring problems over there last year.

Key games:
9/3 vs. Florida State (As I said on a previous thread, this will be the biggest game in Week 1... by a pretty big margin.)
9/23 vs. Arkansas (Whew! For the first time in a little while, LSU doesn't have to face rival Arkansas immediately after a game with Alabama.)
9/30 @ Ole Miss (But what's THIS? LSU has to go to Ole Miss right after the Arkansas game?! If it's not one thing, it's another.)
11/4 @ Alabama (...We all know what happened between these two rivals last year.)
11/25 vs. Texas A&M (By this time, Texas A&M will be either one of two things: A SEC West contender, or an angry team ready to dump their head coach. Either way, LSU will want revenge for that season-finale loss to the Aggies last year.)

Bottom line: Critics of LSU hiring Brian Kelly can now take a hike; he has this team from Baton Rouge thinking about national championships again. In 2023, the offense should be flying! But if LSU wants to make the playoff and/or beat Alabama again, some holes on defense has to be filled in.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Kentucky

Preview segment: The Kentucky Wildcats

Last season: Hopes were high for Kentucky in 2022 after they started 4-0 and entered the AP Top 10. But then the offense crapped out on them, and then Kentucky would stumble. The end result was a 7-6 season that fans in Lexington called a failure.
But then again, I guess that is a indication of how far Kentucky football has risen: They're at the point now where a 7-6 record is considered a failure. Now let's see if Kentucky can reclaim their identity on the field.

Good news: Nobody is truly worried about Kentucky's defense; watch for NFL prospect J.J. Weaver to be a team leader. We also have some new playmakers on offense, like Vanderbilt transfer RB Ray Davis and NC State transfer QB Devin Leary.

Bad news: Devin Leary suffered a couple of injuries at NC State, so his health will be a focal point for the Wildcats (especially since depth at QB is not great). Transfers will be counted on to rebuild the O-line, but what if it struggles again?

Key games:
9/30 vs. Florida (Talk about strange! Kentucky now has a winning streak against the Gators for the first time since the mid-70's. Could the Wildcats shock the Gators again?)
10/7 @ Georgia (If all goes well, Kentucky could be 5-0 when they enter this contest against mighty Georgia.)
10/28 vs. Tennessee (Tennessee completely neutered any grand plans for Kentucky last year when they whacked them 44-6.)
11/11 vs. Alabama (Yay! People will watch Kentucky's Senior Day game! ...Oh, shit! It'll be against Alabama... who Kentucky has only beaten twice in their history.)
11/25 @ Louisville (On the flip-side, Kentucky has now won 5 of their last 6 meetings against rival Louisville.)

Bottom line: No more Chris Rodriguez. no more Will Levis, and a disappointing record from last year. All of that means that outside expectations for Kentucky in 2023 will be a little low. But then again, Mark Stoops' Wildcats does well when people doubt them. If they rediscover their offense, the Wildcats can surprise someone in the SEC this year.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Auburn

Preview segment: The Auburn Tigers

Last season: Yet again, Auburn made more headlines off the football field than on it. First, they dump Brian Harsin in the middle of the season. Then Carnell "Cadillac" Williams kept the program afloat for a little bit before Auburn finished 5-7. But at least the bad times ended AFTER the season for a change.
That's because Auburn is bringing back one of the biggest "lightning-rod" coaches in the country. Yep, Hugh Freeze is back in the SEC, baby!

Good news: Oh, trust me. There is a LOT of good and bad with this Auburn squad. On the good side, they have a crowded and loaded running-back room. They have a veteran O-line. And they also have a good kicking game and a killer secondary.

Bad news: Now for the other side of the coin. Only 2 starters are back on offense. The defensive line needs more depth. So does the WR group. And... oh yeah! Nobody knows who the starting QB is gonna be (to me, it's down to either Robby Ashford or Payton Thorne)!

Key games:
Old stand-by's:
9/30 vs. Georgia (Back to the yo-yo effect; Auburn gets to host both the loaded Bulldogs...)
11/25 vs. Alabama (...and the loaded [and desperate] Crimson Tide in the same season.)
Other key games:
9/9 @ California (This game might not LOOK so big, as Auburn is expected to win. But this road trip should go a LONG way in determining who will be Auburn's new starting QB.)
10/14 @ LSU (No, I didn't forget about Auburn's rivalry with LSU, silly! Auburn will get a bye week to prepare for Jayden Daniels and company.)
11/11 @ Arkansas (This will just be a simple "revenge game" for the Tigers against the Razorbacks.)

Bottom line: People at Auburn seems excited about Hugh Freeze being here to save them. Plus, they got a great recruiting class and kept "Cadillac" Williams on the coaching staff! But there are just too many "ifs" to make Auburn a viable contender in the SEC West in 2023.
At the very least, Tigers fans will be hoping to surprise either Georgia or Alabama in those big home games.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Missouri

Preview segment: The Missouri Tigers

Last season: Missouri's 2022 season was the definition of "blah". Blah offense, blah QB play, and a blah record of 6-7. If coach Eli Drinkwitz is gonna survive in the SEC, he have BETTER get some excitement back into this program.

Good news: Missouri had the most improved defense in the SEC last year, and most of it returns for 2023. Of note, a strong secondary and DT Darius Robinson will be hard to stop. For the offense, new coordinator Kirby Moore is looking to open up the passing game.

Bad news: Thing is, the O-line struggled last year and could be a place of concern again. And QB Brady Cook is back, but his starting job is anything but secured; Jake Garcia and Sam Horn will be nipping at his heels during summer ball.

Key games:
9/16 vs. Kansas State (Hey! Missouri gets another meeting with an old friend from the Big 12, this time in Columbia. Hopefully this time Missouri won't lose to them by 28 points.)
10/7 vs. LSU (The Missouri defense should do their part, so if their offense gets better we could have an upset.)
10/21 vs. South Carolina (Missouri was able to defeat the Gamecocks last year.)
11/4 @ Georgia (Excluding Ohio State, no one gave Georgia more headaches last year than the Missouri Tigers! Missouri will get a bye week to prepare themselves for their trip to Athens.)
11/25 @ Arkansas (The Tigers bypassed Arkansas by 2 points last season in order to secure a bowl berth.)

Bottom line: Things are actually quiet right now at Missouri, as all the fans want right now is a better offense... and maybe a season where they get more than 6 or 7 wins. Time for the Tigers coaching staff to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Texas A&M

Preview segment: The Texas A&M Aggies

Last season: Texas A&M fans were expecting a memorable 2022 thanks to a Top 10 preseason ranking, right? Well, it WAS memorable... for all the wrong reasons. Stupid loss to App. State! Stupid 6-game losing streak! Stupid run defense getting gutted over and over again!
But it's alright now! Because now we have a media circus coming over to College Station for one big reason: Jimbo Fisher and Bobby Petrino have teamed up!

Good news: With everyone paying attention to Petrino and the offense, nobody is paying attention to their defense. And that is a mistake; it returns 8 starters and has loaded up on 5-star linemen to fix their awful run D. The offense returns more experience than at first glance, which will be great for Petrino as he works his magic.

Bad news: Now here is a checklist of what Petrino needs to do. Step 1: Decide among-st Conner Weigman or Max Johnson who will be the starting QB. Equally as important is finding the right mix of players to fix a terrible O-line from a year ago.

Key games:
9/9 @ Miami (This new Aggie offense going to Miami to face a Hurricanes team desperate to get back to the big time? Oh, a lot of people will SO watch this game.)
9/30 vs. Arkansas [from Arlington] (Well, here we go again: The Aggies and Razorbacks facing off in "Jerry World".)
10/7 vs. Alabama (Remember 2 years ago, when A&M was able to shock Nick Saban and Alabama? Jimbo Fisher SO wants to get back to that this season.)
11/4 @ Ole Miss (During that 6-game losing streak, A&M suffered a heartbreaking home loss to Lane Kiffin and the Rebels. Can A&M return the favor in Oxford?)
11/25 @ LSU (At least A&M were able to shock LSU in their season finale last year. If the Aggies do that again, they could ruin LSU's national title hopes.)

Bottom line: To say Jimbo Fisher is on the hot seat entering this season is like saying the grass is green: It's so freaking obvious. But, remember! He's got Bobby Petrino now, and with those 2 joining forces we'll be in for fun all season long! And that's why the Aggies are the "wild-card team" in the SEC in 2023.
The wild-card of the year? Nah. Bobby was hired for a reason; to fix that offense. And if it somehow doesn't work, Jimbo is out at College Station. It's that simple.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Alabama

Preview segment: The Alabama Crimson Tide

Last season: In 2022, we got another indication of how sick it has gotten in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Now you can lose 2 games by a total of 4 points, have both of them occur on the final play of the game, and people will call your season a failure. That is what happened to the Tide last season.
(On a side note, my "runner-up curse" was able to work again!)

Good news: It's the same old, same old around here; Alabama has a shitload of talent all across the place. This year, watch for the D-line to be outstanding and for the WR's to be terrifying.

Bad news: It's the same old, same old around here; another round of defections to the NFL for the program. This includes QB Bryce Young, who went #1 overall. And across the board, this roster could be the youngest that Nick Saban has used in his tenure at Alabama.

2023 X-factor: Quarterback- Jalen Milroe looks to be the frontrunner to replace Bryce, but Tyler Buchner (from Notre Dame) and Ty Simpson are still in the mix. Oh, and for whoever wins the fight, let me give you guys a roll-call of recent Alabama quarterbacks.

• A.J. McCarron (Won the Maxwell Award, runner-up for the Heisman in 2013, helped the Tide win titles in 2011 and 2012.)
• Jalen Hurts (Recently led the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl)
• Tua Tagovailoa (Just had his best season ever starting for the Miami Dolphins)
• Mac Jones (Helped Alabama win the title in 2020, still starting for the New England Patriots)

And of course, I just mentioned Bryce Young. So for Jalen Milroe or whoever wins the starting job, good luck. You've got some big shoes to fill.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Texas (Oh! On the topic of quarterbacks, I sure hope Alabama will nail down their starter before this monster rematch with the Texas Longhorns.)
10/7 @ Texas A&M (Well, Alabama DOES have one thing going for them: A gentle road schedule, as this game might be the hardest trip that the Tide will take in 2023.)
10/21 vs. Tennessee (...Uh oh. That means that Alabama will get to host the two rivals that stunned them last year, starting with the Vols and their new QB Joe Milton.)
11/4 vs. LSU (And here's the other one. The SEC West WILL come down to these two teams this season, trust me.)
11/25 @ Auburn (Then again, if Hugh Freeze gets it going in Year 1 at Auburn, THIS might be Alabama's toughest road game.)

Bottom line: I'm not counting out Alabama for the national title this year. I'm not that naive; sure, they no longer have Bryce Young and the roster is quite young, but Nick Saban will surely dig up some people and keep going. But beating teams like Georgia, LSU, or Texas will depend on the new quarterback... and whether or not he can withstand the pressure he'll be under.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Mississippi State

Preview segment: The Mississippi State Bulldogs

Good news: QB Will Rogers is still in Starkville, and so is his top WR Lideastrick Griffin. The defense is loaded at linebacker with 3 seniors leading the group.

Bad news: The secondary is the biggest worry on the squad, as Emmanuel Forbes is now in the NFL.

Key games:
9/9 vs. Arizona (New head coach Zach Arnett has some big shoes to fill. His first big test of the 2023 season will come when a now-confident Arizona team visits them.)
9/16 vs. LSU (How hard will this SEC opener be for Miss. State? It'll all depend on the play of Will Rogers... and how the Bulldog secondary slows down LSU's attack.)
10/21 @ Arkansas (The Bulldogs are hoping that they can whack Arkansas again... just like they did last year.)
11/23 vs. Ole Miss (Prepare yourself for another emotional "Egg Bowl" encounter between Miss. State and Ole Miss here.)

Bottom line: Sorry if I'm glossing over some details in this preview, but then again Mississippi State is in a very tough situation. The tragic passing of Mike Leach has shocked everyone in the college football world, and the guys in Starkville is still trying to figure out where to go from here.
With 8 home games on the docket, Zach Arnett will be looking to unite the team and find a bowl berth in 2023.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Vanderbilt

Preview segment: The Vanderbilt Commodores

Last season: There was some actual signs of life at Vanderbilt last year! With the offense doing (somewhat) better the Commodores shocked Kentucky and Florida, and had a shot at a bowl game entering their season finale with Tennessee! I mean, they didn't get it, but it was still a sign of progress under 2nd-year coach Clark Lea.

Good news: Quarterback AJ Swann did very well as a freshmen, and has the chance to be a great QB in the SEC. AJ will have WR Will Sheppard to throw to again, and for the first time in YEARS we have continuity on the Vanderbilt coaching staff.

Bad news: Vandy is still behind most of the SEC schools in terms of speed. That can be seen mostly on the defense, which needs a MASSIVE improvement.

Key games:
9/9 @ Wake Forest (Vandy might be going to Wake Forest this year, but hey! At least Wake doesn't have Sam Hartman anymore.)
9/23 vs. Kentucky (Overall, Vanderbilt's SEC schedule is nicer than last year's. This will be seen when the Dores look to beat Kentucky again...)
9/30 vs. Missouri (...and then seek revenge against Missouri a week later.)
11/4 vs. Auburn (Hmm... The record in this SEC series is actually tied at 21-21-1.)
11/25 @ Tennessee (56-0 is all Vanderbilt will need to do better in this installment of this in-state rivalry.)

Bottom line: For the first time in a little while, players and coaches in Nashville are actively talking about a bowl berth being their goal. That MIGHT happen in 2023 if the team continues to improve, but it won't happen if the Dores stumble out of the gate.

 

[Xeliou66]

Here is my preview for each SEC team this year -

Georgia - The Dawgs have won back to back national titles and will be going for an unprecedented 3 in a row this year, and they definitely have a shot at it. While losing Stetson Bennett hurts, I expect new QB Carson Beck to have a good season, and they are loaded with talent on offense - they have 3 good RBs returning, and a very deep and talented receiving unit. They return most of their defense, 6 of their top 8 tacklers are back, and they are a very deep team with a lot of talented players at each position. It would be historic an unprecedented if they won a 3rd title in a row, but this team is capable of it.

Tennessee - The Vols got back to national prominence last year with an 11 win season where they beat Alabama and finished by winning the Orange Bowl. They lose Hendon Hooker this year, but Joe Milton should have a strong year at QB as well as he is very talented and played very well in the games he was in last year. They return their top 3 RBs, and their receiving unit is talented and deep despite losing their top guy. Most of the defense returns as well and it looks to be in strong shape. They will have to upset Georgia in order to get to the SEC Title but they are a darkhorse playoff contender and have a good shot at double digit wins again.

Florida - The Gators have struggled the last 2 seasons and to be honest this looks like a rebuilding year. I have no confidence in new QB Graham Mertz, he was underwhelming at Wisconsin, and their receiving unit is mostly inexperienced. They do have 2 good RBs returning. On defense they lose their top 5 tacklers and are fairly inexperienced as well. They have to face Utah and Florida St out of conference, and to be honest I think just getting to a bowl game this year would be a good accomplishment for the Gators.

South Carolina - Shane Beamer is doing a good job with the Gamecocks, and they’ve outperformed expectations the last 2 years, having a winning season both times and upsetting Tennessee and Clemson last year. They lose over half of their starters this year, but they do return QB Spencer Rattler who finished red hot after a slow start to the season and he should have another good season, and the receiving unit looks in decent shape. The rushing game is kind of a concern, and on defense, the front 7 is inexperienced and a concern as well, while the secondary looks to be in good shape. They do face Clemson and UNC out of conference and have road trips to Georgia and Tennessee, but they have a lot of winnable home games and they are capable of pulling an upset or two and should get back to a bowl.

Vanderbilt - The Commodores finished just one game away from a bowl birth last season and while they look to be the weakest team in the SEC East they are capable of surprising. AJ Swann should have a decent year at QB and their top 3 receivers return, their RB unit looks weaker though. They return most of their defense, which was weak last year but should be improved. Their schedule is much easier at the start of the season than at the end, so they must start very strong if they want to make their first bowl since 2018, it’s an uphill battle but it is a possibility.

Missouri - The Tigers have finished 6-7 each of the last two seasons, each time losing their bowl game and finishing under 500. This looks to be Eli Drinkwitz’s best team yet, they return most of their starters - QB Brady Cook is back, as are their top 2 rushers, and while they lose their top 2 receivers they still have a decent unit there. Most of their defense is back including their top 4 tacklers. Mizzou should get back to a bowl and I predict they finish above 500 for the first time under Drinkwitz.

Kentucky - Mark Stoops has done a great job of building a consistently winning program here, and not counting the COVID year they haven’t had a losing season since 2015. This year expectations are much lower for them as Will Levis and Chris Rodriguez are gone, but I think they could actually have a better team, they add in QB Devin Leary from NCST who’s a solid QB, and they get a 1,000 rusher transfer from Vandy in at RB. Their entire receiving unit returns, so their offense will improve IMO. On defense the front 7 looks pretty good while the secondary is inexperienced and the biggest concern. The Wildcats are under the radar this year and no one is talking about them, but I think they have a good chance at topping last years 7 wins and pulling a couple of upsets.

Auburn - I’m really not sure what to expect from this team, expectations are higher this year from their fanbase with the hiring of Hugh Freeze, but I’m not sure how much better they’ll be. Their QB play was dismal last season, they return leading passer Robby Ashford and add in transfer Payton Thorne from Michigan St this year, their QB play should be better but I’m not sure by how much. They should get more out of their receivers this year as well, and they have 2 solid RBs. On defense their secondary looks to be improved, but their front 7 is something of a question mark. They have a decent shot at getting to a bowl this season but I’m not expecting a ton of improvement.

Alabama - Bama is a dynasty under Nick Saban, we all know that, they’ve won at least 10 games in every year since 2007, including 6 national titles. This year Bama isn’t the preseason favorite to win the national title or the SEC, as they lose a lot of talented players, but they are always loaded with talented players. It will be interesting to see who emerges as the starting QB, Jalen Milroe or transfer Tyler Buchner, either way it’s unlikely they match the terrific play of Bryce Young, their receiving unit is more experienced and should be improved though. Their backfield is deep as usual. The defense is more inexperiencedand the LB unit is the biggest question mark on the team, but they have very talented guys at each level and the secondary should be one of CFB’s best. Bama is a definite title contender once again and the fact that most people are not picking them will make them even more hungry for a title.

Mississippi St - I’m not sure what to expect from this team following the tragic death of Mike Leach last year, it‘s still hard to believe “the Pirate” is no longer with us, he was awesome. Zach Arnett takes over as head coach, and most of their offense returns, including QB Will Rogers, their leading rusher is back and most of their receivers are as well. The defense isn’t very experienced, although their top 3 tacklers are back. The offense will be changing into a more balanced system instead of an extremely pass heavy system. Miss St looks like the weakest team in the West and I don’t see them matching last years 9 wins, just getting back to a bowl would be a successful season for them.

Ole Miss - The Rebels started off 7-0 last year and then finished 1-5. They will be interesting to watch this season, they have a pretty good team, QB Jaxson Dart returns, as does RB Quinshon Judkins who ran for over 1,500 yards last season, and they add in a couple of transfers at receiver which should offset the loss of their top 2 guys. On defense the secondary should be good while the front 7 is less experienced, but they should have a solid unit overall. They have to go to Alabama and Georgia which is extremely difficult but I think they have a good chance at topping last years 8 wins.

LSU - The Bayou Bengals had a 10 win season last year in Brian Kelly’s first year in Baton Rouge, and they look to have an even stronger team this season. Jayden Daniels is a strong dual threat QB, and they return several good receivers and 5 experienced rushers on offense. The defense should be strong, their LB unit looks particularly excellent. They face Florida St in Orlando to start the season and they go to Alabama on November 4, so the schedule is tough as usual, but the Tigers are a darkhorse playoff contender and can definitely get back to double digit wins.

Texas A&M - The Aggies had a massively disappointing season last year, finishing 5-7. They will need to have vastly improved QB play this season, and I think they will be better, Conner Weigman will likely be the starter. They do return almost all of their receivers, they lose their top rusher but still have some talented guys in the backfield. The defense should be much improved as well, with 6 of their top 7 tacklers back. The Aggies should definitely have a winning season and get back to a bowl and could definitely pull off a couple of upsets.

Arkansas - Sam Pittman is doing a fantastic job with the Razorbacks, and they should have another good team. QB KJ Jefferson returns, he’s a strong dual threat player, and RB Raheim Sanders is back as well, he rushed for over 1,400 yards last year. Their receiving unit is the biggest concern with the top 4 receivers gone but they add in several transfers who should make an impact. On defense the secondary should be much improved after a rough year last year and the front 7 looks solid as well. The Hogs should have another good season and I expect them to top last year’s 7 win total.


I’m picking Georgia to win the SEC and make the playoff, and I think there’s a decent chance the SEC has 2 playoff teams, most likely Georgia and Bama.

 

[Clayton]

I think if Mizzou can get anything going on offense then they'll be a pretty strong team but there isnt a ton of evidence that they can get anything going. 2021 was 'give the ball to Tyler Badie' so that wasnt exactly rocket science and the offensive line last year might have been the worst of any power 5 team relative to their competition. Maybe Mizzou can hire Andy Reid again and get things going but the season pretty much starts and ends with the oline and QB play.

 

[Xeliou66]

I think if Mizzou can get anything going on offense then they'll be a pretty strong team but there isnt a ton of evidence that they can get anything going. 2021 was 'give the ball to Tyler Badie' so that wasnt exactly rocket science and the offensive line last year might have been the worst of any power 5 team relative to their competition. Maybe Mizzou can hire Andy Reid again and get things going but the season pretty much starts and ends with the oline and QB play.

This Missouri team is Drinkwitz’s strongest team, I think they could finish 3rd in the SEC East and I think they will have a winning record.

 

[Clayton]

This Missouri team is Drinkwitz’s strongest team, I think they could finish 3rd in the SEC East and I think they will have a winning record.

That's my Homer glasses thought, too, but there is a chance it's the exact same team as last year

 

[batchaps4me]

2021 was 'give the ball to Tyler Badie' so that wasnt exactly rocket science and the offensive line last year might have been the worst of any power 5 team relative to their competition.

Wannabet???? Sorry but Auburn's O-line was still practicing covid protocol. Never got within 6 feet of their assigned block ...

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Georgia

Preview segment: The Georgia Bulldogs

Last season: Remember when during the 2022 preview, I said that Georgia was like God's practical joke where he would screw them over at the worst times from 1982-2020? And when Georgia won the 2021 national title, the joke was over?
Well, when the 2022 season ended, Georgia was again on top of the CFB mountain. And I think I know why: Last season was God's apology to the Georgia program. He was like "Thank you for indulging Me for so many years. Here is a 15-0 season and a Hollywood story at QB for your troubles."

Bad news: It's now 2023, and that Hollywood-story QB (Stetson Bennett) is now gone and in the NFL. And also joining him in the NFL are offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and defensive monsters like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith. Carson Beck is looking like the new starting QB, but can he fill Stetson's shoes?

Good news: Maybe Carson CAN do that; Georgia has more offensive weapons than ever before, like TE Brock Bowers and a group of fast WR's. Nobody is panicking (too much) on the defensive front, which will be led by a veteran secondary.

Key games:
9/16 vs. South Carolina (By this time, Carson Beck [or another QB, god-forbid] will be cooking in the Georgia offense. And that's what Georgia will need when the Gamecocks comes over to give them more of Spencer Rattler.)
9/30 @ Auburn (A rivalry game on the road? That is a tough task no matter WHO you ask.)
10/28 vs. Florida [in Jacksonville] (Georgia has sipped on Florida's tears 5 of the last 6 times they have shared cocktails in Jacksonville.)
11/11 vs. Ole Miss (This may be Georgia's toughest part of the season, as they'll host a capable Ole Miss team...)
11/18 @ Tennessee (...right before they go to Knoxville for the game that could decide who'll win the SEC East. Don't forget, Tennessee wants to snap a 6-game losing skid in this rivalry.)

Bottom line: Of all the college football history I've read, I can only remember 2 schools that has won 3 straight national titles: Mount Union in Division III, and North Dakota State in the FCS. And now the Georgia Bulldogs wants to join that exclusive list. Well, Bulldogs, good luck on your quest! I mean, you're still super talented, but now EVERYBODY that plays will want to destroy your dreams.
I guess the big question now is, can the new QB keep the dream train going in Athens?

 

[Clayton]

Wannabet???? Sorry but Auburn's O-line was still practicing covid protocol. Never got within 6 feet of their assigned block ...

The Auburn-Mizzou game was pretty embarrassing last year

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Florida

Preview segment: The Florida Gators

Last season: I mean, it started out well for the Gators in 2022 as they shocked Utah in the season opener. But then they went 5-7 the rest of the season! Oh sure, there were close calls against Tennessee and Florida State, but there were also embarrassments like a home loss to Vanderbilt and a 30-3 bowl loss.
And all of that was WITH top NFL quarterback prospect Anthony Robinson! What is Billy Napier gonna do WITHOUT him in 2023?!

Good news: Florida can lean on it's running game again on offense, as Montrell Johnson Jr. and Travis Etienne both return. The defense looks much improved thanks to some new potent talent, and Graham Mertz (from Wisconsin) has been tapped as the new starting QB.

Bad news: Mertz struggled QUITE a bit during spring ball, so if he doesn't get better the passing game could turn into a disaster. The WR group is inexperienced, and a excellent O-line from last season has lost 4 starters.

Key games:
8/31 @ Utah (This season opener is a real mine-field for the Gators; Utah will be seeking revenge for that tough loss in Gainesville last year, so that new Florida offense [and Graham Mertz] have BETTER be ready for a fight.)
9/16 vs. Tennessee (Had a couple more plays go the way of the Gators last year, Tennessee's fun joy-ride would have been dead before it even get started. So the Gators should be fired up for revenge in this rematch with the Vols.)
9/30 @ Kentucky (Florida will just be looking to scratch a very annoying itch here against the Wildcats.)
10/28 vs. Georgia [in Jacksonville] (Like I said earlier, Georgia has beaten Florida 5 out of the last 6 years. If Florida wants to reverse that trend, that darn offense have better get going.)
11/25 vs. Florida State (This rivalry game looks to be back on the national stage! It'll be that way again if FSU is rolling to the playoff... and then the Gators ruin everything.)

Bottom line: It looks like Billy Napier is going to do with Florida what Mike Norvell did at Florida State; spend 2 or 3 years to get your ducks in a row, and then swing for the fences. So how much progress will the Gators make in 2023? It'll all depend on whether or not their new defense can hold up the rebuilding offense. Expect about 7 or 8 wins from Florida this year.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Tennessee

Preview segment: The Tennessee Volunteers

Last season: Just phenomenal! Tennessee is now coming off their best season since 2001. During the 2022 campaign the Vols whacked future SEC West winner LSU, won a thriller over Florida, whacked Kentucky, and dismissed Clemson in the Orange Bowl. And... what else? Shoot, I forgot!

Good news: Even though Henson Hooker is gone, new QB Joe Milton is very capable (just look at him in that Orange Bowl). If Joe plays with that level of consistency, the Vols offense should be flying again. All the top running backs from 2022 are back, Bru McCoy leads a strong WR group, and the run defense ranked second in the SEC last year.

Bad news: There is some rearranging going on when it comes to the O-line, and Darnell Wright is now in the NFL. But the biggest worry is actually the secondary; sure, it's returning a few people, but it got gashed over and over and over and OVER again in 2022.

Key games:
9/16 @ Florida (Tennessee broke the Florida jinx last year! But there is still work left to do; the Vols hasn't won in Gainesville since 2003.)
9/23 vs. UTSA (The month of September is gonna be busy for Tennessee! First is the Florida game, then the Vols will host maybe the toughest "Group of Five" school we'll have in 2023.)
9/30 vs. South Carolina (And finally, it's time to get some revenge! The Gamecocks killed Tennessee's playoff chances last year in Columbia.)
10/21 @ Alabama (...OH! I finally remember! In 2022, Tennessee actually defeated a Nick Saban-led Alabama team! ...Uh oh. That means Alabama will be PISSED when the Vols come to visit them in Tuscaloosa.)
11/18 vs. Georgia (Like I said yesterday, Tennessee wants to snap a 6 game skid to those damn Bulldogs from Georgia.)

Bottom line: I don't think Tennessee's offense is gonna be as good as it was last year. But hey! Coach Josh Heupel has turned the Vols around, and now Tennessee believes they can thrive in the SEC... like they did way back in the 1990's. If Joe Milton keeps the passing game going and the secondary does SOMEWHAT better, Georgia will need to be careful in the East in 2023.

 

[Dolgevillefootballfan]

Arkansas

Preview segment: The Arkansas Razorbacks

Last season: Okay, so they won a thriller over Kansas in the Liberty Bowl. But overall, 2022 was a disappointing year for Arkansas as they went 3-5 in the SEC and 6-6 in the regular season. I blame that shitty defense of theirs!

Good news: So we're getting one more year of K.J. Jefferson as the Razorbacks' top QB. The running game looks to be on solid ground, and depth at defensive-end looks good.

Bad news: Much like Tennessee, Arkansas' biggest worry is in their secondary; it got gashed over and over and OVER again last year, and it didn't look that much better during spring ball. Arkansas also lost their top 4 receivers from last year's team, so which one of the new guys will step up?

Key games:
9/23 @ LSU (Despite their defense doing their best job of the season, Arkansas STILL lost to LSU last year! The Razorbacks should be 3-0 entering this HUGE SEC opener.)
9/30 vs. Texas A&M [from Arlington] (You know, had they gotten a few more breaks, Arkansas would have beaten A&M last year.)
10/21 vs. Mississippi State (After hard trips to Ole Miss and Alabama, hosting Miss. State will be a welcome sight for the Razorbacks.)
11/25 vs. Missouri (You know... Ever since Missouri told Arkansas "Hey! Let's be rivals!", the Tigers have beaten them 7 out of the last 9 years. Hopefully, the Razorbacks will reverse this trend.)

Bottom line: Hmmm... This will be a tough team to forecast. True, K.J. Jefferson is back for one more year and the coaching staff sounds confident. But Arkansas only returns 9 total starters from last year, and the defense might drag them down again. The Razorbacks might be doomed to a middle-of-the-road finish in the SEC once again.

 

[HuskerOC]

This has undoubtedly gotten better. Kudos.

I'll need to go back and read through them all. Good stuff. Thanks.