This Week on the College Football Game Time Podcast we visit with an old friend. Max Howell spent nine years on the radio here in Atlanta talking college football. It was great to connect with Max. A true southern gentleman, he shared some stories and certainly didn’t hold back when it came to his opinion on what was happening in the Southeaster Conference. After hearing from Max, I thought I’d share my thoughts on each of the 14 teams in the SEC.
Alabama: Can we talk about Devonta Smith for the Heisman? The numbers don’t lie. The loss of Jaylin Waddle hasn’t impacted the Bama offense at all. Smith is the reason why. Alabama just replaced the best wide receiver in college football with the best wide receiver in college football.
Arkansas: Maybe Sam Pittman won’t be the run away winner of the SEC Coach of the Year award. Pittman has brought some new life to Razorbacks football. Pittman and OC Kendal Briles have brought out the best in QB Felipe Franks.
Auburn: When is Malzahn not on the hot seat at Auburn? Tank Bigsby has been the offensive bright spot for the Tigers. Stop Tank and you stop the Tigers. Malzahn will join Tennessee’s Jeremy Pruitt on the hotseat going into 2021.
Florida: Dan Mullen should be the SEC’s Coach of the Year in 2020. The swagger is back in Gainesville. The Offense will put up some points in the SEC Championship game, but can the defense get enough stops against Alabama?
Georgia: This hasn’t gone the way Georgia fans expected. Disappointment is the word most fans would use. Even a disappointment will find UGA in a New Years Six game. The best news is, it appears the Dawgs have found themselves a quarterback than can mash the gas pedal and make this offense go.
Kentucky: Mark Stoops appears ready to clean house on the offensive side of the ball. This offense is…well, offensive. Kentucky needs to find an OC and a QB coach that can introduce the Wildcats to the concept of the forward pass.
LSU: My goodness, the fall has been spectacular. A bowl ban is now in place. Freshman Tight End Arik Gilbert has opted out. Word around LSU is the Gilbert is home sick. Home is Marietta so don’t be surprised if Gilbert ends up at Georgia or Tech to start next season.
Ole Miss: Lane Kiffen has made “The Grove” fun again. Matt Corral has been splendid at quarterback. Corral says he’ll be back next year. Elijah Moore has played himself into some post-season awards and helped his draft grade along the way.
Mississippi State: Don’t give up on Mike Leach just yet. It will take the Pirate a few years to get his players in place. Can Leach recruit the elite level defensive guys you have to have to win big in the SEC.
Missouri: Eli Drinkowitz has done a nice job. He’s made a strong showing giving the talent that he has. The Tigers will say goodbye to Larry Roundtree but welcome back most of the other central pieces on their offense next year.
South Carolina: Shane Beamer becomes the first SEC coach hired this year. What does his staff look like? Beamer can recruit but he’s going to have to have some X’s and O’s guys to help him out. That’s not his strength.
Tennessee: My feeling is that Jeremy Pruitt is back, but there has to be some shake up on the offensive side of the ball. QB Coach Chris Weinke has been unable to develop a consistent SEC quarterback. Pruitt joins Malzahn headed into the Hot Seat in 2021.
Texas A&M: Looks like Jimbo has the Aggies on the verge of something big. They still have to show they can and until they do, I’ll continue to doubt.
Vanderbilt: Derek Mason is on his way out. Is it time for Vandy to go the route of Army and switch to an option offense? Not a bad thought. Army Head Coach Jeff Monken would get a bit of a raise headed to the SEC.
See you back here next week. Tune in on Saturday morning from 9am to 12pm. Randy Is out of town so Nick Kayal will be hanging with Jon Chuckery and myself. See you then.