Month: May 2021

Projected Starting Lineup

**=Returning Starter

Offense 
QB:*Ken Seals, Sophomore*
RB:Re’Mahn Davis, Junior
WR1:*Cam Johnson, Junior*
WR2:*Amir Abdur-Rahman, Junior*
WR3:*Chris Pierce Jr., Senior*
TE:*Ben Bresnahan, Junior*
LT:*Tyler Steen, Senior*
LG:*Cole Clemens, Senior*
C:Kevo Wesley, Freshman
RG:Bryce Bailey, Senior
RT:Bradley Ashmore, Sophomore

Defense
DE:Elijah McAllister, Junior
DT:Derek Green, Sophomore
DT:*Raashann Wilkins Jr., Senior*
DE:Rutger Reitmaier, Senior*
OLB:Feleti Afemui, Senior
MLB:Alston Orji, Junior
OLB:*Anfernee Orji, Junior*
CB:*Allan George, Senior*
CB:BJ Anderson, Junior
SS:*Maxwell Worship, Senior*
FS:Brendon Harris, Junior

Special Teams
K:Joseph Bolovas, Senior
P:Harrison Smith, Senior
KR:Donovan Kaufman, Freshman
PR:Cam Johnson, Junior

Returning Production:
Vanderbilt returns its QB, its entire receiving core, and multiple defensive pieces.

New Starters:
Vanderbilt replaces half of its offensive line, two of its linebackers and half of its defensive line.

Schedule Preview

East Tennessee State (9/4)
Despite its struggles in the SEC, Clark Lea should get its first win as Vanderbilt head coach. Projected Score: Vanderbilt 42, East Tennessee State 24

at.Colorado State (9/11)
Colorado State has upset SEC schools in the past but Vanderbilt should be focused. Projected Score: Vanderbilt 35, Colorado State 24

Stanford (9/18)
Stanford is a tough team no matter how talented they are. Vanderbilt will have a tough time with the Cardinal. Projected Score: Stanford 35, Vanderbilt 17

Georgia (9/25)
Georgia is just going to be too talented. Projected Score: Georgia 59, Vanderbilt 17

Connecticut (10/2)
Vanderbilt should get a pretty easy win over the Huskies. Projected Score: Vanderbilt 35, Connecticut 20

at.Florida (10/9)
Florida may not be as talented as Georgia, but they are far and away better than the Commodores. Projected Score: Florida 55, Vanderbilt 10

at.South Carolina (10/16)
This will be a conference game for Vanderbilt that they will actually have a shot in. Converting touchdowns on multiple drives is going to be key in this one. Projected Score: South Carolina 38, Vanderbilt 17

Mississippi State (10/23)
Mississippi State may have talent but Vanderbilt could have a shot. Projected Score: Mississippi State 45, Vanderbilt 24

Missouri (10/30)
Vanderbilt will not be able to stop Missouri’s offense. Projected Score: Missouri 49, Vanderbilt 17

Kentucky (11/13)
The combination of Kentucky’s offense and talented defense should be enough to beat Vandy. Projected Score: Kentucky 49, Vanderbilt 17

at.Ole Miss (11/20)
Ole Miss’ defense needs to improve but their offense will destroy the Commodores. Projected Score:

at.Tennessee (11/27)
A likely battle for the sixth spot in the SEC East yet again will be a fun one. This game will be close. Projected Score: Tennessee 31, Vanderbilt 24

Projected Score: 3-9 (0-8) SEC

Incoming 2021 Recruits (per 247sports) 
191.Marcus Bradley, DL, Gaithersburg,MD Quince Orchard

Projected Starting Lineup

**=Returning Starter

Offense 
QB:Haynes King,RS Freshman
RB:*Isaiah Spiller, Junior*
WR1:*Ainias Smith, Junior*
WR2:*Chase Lane, Sophomore*
WR3:Caleb Chapman, Junior
TE:*Jalen Wydermyer, Junior*
LT:*Kenyon Green, Junior*
LG:Aki Ogunbiyi, Freshman
C:Luke Matthews, Junior
RG:Layden Robinson, Sophomore
RT:Jahmir Johnson, Senior

Defense
DE:*DeMarvin Leal, Junior*
DT:*Jayden Peevy, Senior*
DT:McKinnley Jackson, Sophomore
DE:*Tyree Johnson, Senior*
OLB:Aaron Hansford, Senior*
MLB:Andre White Jr., Junior
CB:Myles Jones, Senior*
CB:*Jaylon Jones, Sophomore*
NB:*Erick Young, Junior*
SS:*Leon O’Neal Jr., Senior*
FS:*Demani Richardson, Junior*

Special Teams
K:Seth Small, Senior
P:Nik Costanitinou, Senior
KR:Jalen Preston, Junior
PR:Ainias Smith, Junior

Returning Production:
Texas A&M returns one of the best tailbacks in the SEC in Isaiah Spiller. Ainias Smith, Chase Layne, and Jalen Wydermyer return as targets for new QB Haynes King. A&M also returns one of the most talented defensive lines in the country, led by DeMarvin Leal. The Aggies returns most of its defensive backfield as well.

New Starters:
Haynes King steps in at QB for the Aggies. King will be the deciding factor if Texas A&M can compete with Alabama and win an SEC Title (and make the playoff).

Schedule Preview

Kent State (9/4)
A&M should crush the Golden Flashes. Projected Score: Texas A&M 56, Kent State 3

at.Colorado (9/11)
Two old Big 12 foes battle in what should be a decisive win for the Aggies. Projected Score: Texas A&M 45, Colorado 23

New Mexico (9/18)
Aggies get an easy win. Projected Score: Texas A&M 63, New Mexico 10

vs.Arkansas (Arlington) (9/25)
Arkansas has played A&M close since they joined the league but the Aggies have won nine consecutive times. I see another close game here. Projected Score: Texas A&M 28, Arkansas 20

Mississippi State (10/2)
Mississippi State will be able to score but Texas A&M’s defense will hold strong. Projected Score: Texas A&M 38, Mississippi State 27

Alabama (10/9)
Texas A&M is Alabama’s biggest challenger in the SEC West. But, let’s be real, they are miles away from the Aggies. The Tide get a win. Projected Score: Alabama 45, Texas A&M 35

at.Missouri (10/16)
The two old Big 12 foes battle it out. This game is going to be won by the quarterback. Young Missouri QB Connor Bazelak versus young Texas A&M QB Haynes King. This should be fun. Projected Score: Texas A&M 35, Missouri 24

South Carolina (10/23)
This game could be a trap game for Texas A&M. Their defense will have to step up and get many stops. Projected Score: Texas A&M 38, South Carolina 30

Auburn (11/6)
Texas A&M should not worry about Auburn when it comes to the S SEC West. With the tigers coming into Kyle Field, it will be hard for them to win. Projected Score: Texas A&M 35, Auburn 20

at.Ole Miss (11/13)
Texas A&M’s defense will have to step up to stop the high-volume Ole Miss offense. Projected Score: Texas A&M 38, Ole Miss 28

Prairie View A&M (11/20)
Easy win for A&M. Projected Score: Texas A&M 63, Prairie View A&M 7

at.LSU (11/27)
This game will likely be for second in the SEC West. Which offense can execute on third downs? That will be the key in deciding who wins this rivalry game. Projected Score: Texas A&M 35, LSU 31

Projected Score: 11-1 (7-1) SEC

Incoming 2021 Recruits (per 247sports) 
21.Shemar Turner, DL, DeSoto,TX DeSoto
38.Tumise Adeleye, DL, Katy,TX Tompkins
45.LJ Johnson, RB, Cypress,TX Cy Fair
65.Bryce Foster, IOL, Katy,TX Taylor
111.Shadrach Banks, WR, Houston,TX North Shore
131.Marcus Burris, DL, Texarkana,TX Pleasant Grove
148.Reuben Fatheree, OT, Richmond,TX Foster
169.Eli Stowers, QB, Denton,TX Guyer
204.Elijah Jeudy, DE, Philadelphia,PA Northeast
207.Jahzion Harris, DE, Brooklyn,NY Erasmus Hall
224.Deuce Harmon, CB, Denton,TX Guyer

Projected Starting Lineup

**=Returning Starter

Offense 
QB:Hendon Hooker, Senior
RB:Jabari Small, Sophomore
WR1:Velus Jones, Senior
WR2:Cedric Tillman, Junior
WR3:Jalin Hyatt, Sophomore
TE:Austin Pope, Senior
LT:*Cade Mays, Senior*
LG:Javontez Spraggins, Sophomore
C:Cooper Mays, Sophomore
RG:Jerome Carvin, Senior
RT:*Darnell Wright, Junior*

Defense
DE:*Matthew Butler, Senior*
DT:Omari Thomas, Sophomore
DT:*Darel Middleton, Senior*
DE:Tyler Baren, Sophomore
OLB:Aaron Beasley, Junior
MLB:Jeremy Banks, Junior
OLB:Morven Joseph, Sophomore
CB:*Alontae Taylor, Senior*
CB:Kennenth George Jr., Senior
SS:*Treon Flowers, Senior*
FS:*Jaylen McCollough, Junior*

Special Teams
K:Chase McGrath, Senior
P:Paxton Brooks, Senior
KR:Velus Jones, Senior
PR:Velus Jones, Senior

Returning Production:
Tennessee only returns two players on their offensive line, parts of their defensive line, and parts of their defensive backfield.

New Starters:
Virginia Tech transfer Hendon Hooker comes in at QB for the Volunteers. The Vols also replace all of their receivers, tight end, and linebacking core.

Schedule Preview

Bowling Green (9/2)
Bowling Green won’t just roll over for Tennessee but they should get the win. Projected Score: Tennessee 42, Bowling Green 24

Pittsburgh (9/11)
Pittsburgh should be one of the best teams in the ACC and challenge North Carolina and Miami for a coastal division title. Tennessee’s inexperienced offense and defense should have trouble with the panthers. Projected Score: Pittsburgh 38, Tennessee 21

Tennessee Tech (9/18)
Tennessee easily wins. Projected Score: Tennessee 56, Tennessee Tech 17

at.Florida (9/25)
Florida, despite losing a lot of their offensive and defensive talent, is so much more talented than Tennessee. Florida should dominate this game. Projected Score: Florida 42, Tennessee 24

at.Missouri (10/2)
Missouri is a talented offensive team that has a very underrated defense. The tigers might overlook Tennessee, so this is the time for the Vols to step up it up. Projected Score: Missouri 38, Tennessee 31

South Carolina (10/9)
The fight for fifth place in the SEC is between the Gamecocks and Volunteers. If Tennessee wants multiple SEC wins, this is where they can get it.Projected Score: South Carolina 24, Tennessee 17

Ole Miss (10/16)
Tennessee will not be able to stop Ole Miss’ offense. Projected Score: Ole Miss 38, Tennessee 17

at.Alabama (10/23)
Alabama will continue its dominance over Tennessee. Projected Score: Alabama 35, Tennessee 17

at.Kentucky (11/6)
Kentucky is very underrated and should be a great challenge for the Vols. Shutting down Kentucky’s new passing offense will be difficult. Projected Score: Kentucky 28, Tennessee 17

Georgia (11/13)
Georgia’s talent level is extreme. New head coach Josh Heupel and the Vols will not be able to stop that. Projected Score: Georgia 38, Tennessee 10

South Alabama (11/20)
Tennessee should handle South Alabama. Projected Score: Tennessee 49, South Alabama 20

Vanderbilt (11/27)
If there is any SEC game Tennessee can win, it’ll be this one. Projected Score: Tennessee 31, Vanderbilt 24

Projected Score: 4-8 (1-7) SEC

Incoming 2021 Recruits (per 247sports) 
136.Aaron Willis, LB, Colonial Heights,VA Life Christian Academy
153.Kaemen Marley, ATH, Ramsueur,NC Eastern Randolph
155.Kaidon Salter, QB, Cedar Hill,TX Cedar Hill

Projected Starting Lineup

**=Returning Starter

Offense 
QB:Luke Doty, Sophomore
RB:*Kevin Harris, Junior*
WR1:EJ Jenkins, Senior
WR2:OrTre Smith, Senior
WR3:Ahmarean Brown, Junior
TE:*Nick Muse, Senior*
LT:*Jakai Moore, Sophomore*
LG:Jordan Rhodes, Senior
C:*Eric Douglas, Senior*
RG:*Jovaughn Gwyn, Junior*
RT:*Dylan Wonnum, Senior*

Defense
DE:*Aaron Sterling, Senior*
DT:*Zaach Pickens, Junior*
DT:*Jabari Ellis, Senior*
DE:*Kingsley Enagbare, Senior *
OLB:*Damani Staley, Senior*
MLB:Rosendo Louis Jr., Junior
OLB:*Sherrod Greene, Senior*
CB:Cam Smith, Sophomore
CB:O’Donnel Fortune, Freshman
SS:*RJ Roderick, Senior*
FS:Jaylin Dickerson, Junior

Special Teams
K:Parker White, Senior
P:Kai Kroeger, Sophomore
KR:Jalen Brooks, Senior
PR:Josh Vann, Senior

Returning Production:
South Carolina returns one of if not the best running back in the SEC in Kevin Harris. South Carolina also returns most of their offensive line as well as most of their defense.

New Starters:
Luke Doty is expected to be the new starting QB at South Carolina. They also replace all of their receiving core.

Schedule Preview

Eastern Illinois (9/4)
South Carolina rolls. Projected Score: South Carolina 56, Eastern Illinois 7

at.East Carolina (9/11)
East Carolina is a step up from Eastern Illinois but it shouldn’t be much harder for the Gamecocks. Projected Score: South Carolina 45, East Carolina 21

at.Georgia (9/18)
South Carolina should struggle against an experienced Georgia team. Projected Score: Georgia 45, South Carolina 13

Kentucky (9/25)
South Carolina definitely needs at least one conference win before October. But, it will be hard to come by. Projected Score: Kentucky 35, South Carolina 10

Troy (10/2)
Troy is a top half Sun Belt team. The Trojans will challenge the Gamecocks but I believe Shane Beamer will have the Gamecocks ready. Projected Score: South Carolina 38, Troy 24

at.Tennessee (10/9)
This game will be very close. The projected fifth and sixth place teams in the SEC will battle it out for the fifth spot in the division likely. Two awesome offensive minds that are both new SEC head coaches (South Carolina’s Shane Beamer, Tennessee’s Josh Heupel). This will be fun. Projected Score: South Carolina 24, Tennessee 17

Vanderbilt (10/16)
South Carolina rolls. Projected Score: South Carolina 38, Vanderbilt 17

at.Texas A&M (10/23)
Texas A&M is as talented as their recruiting classes the past few years have been. This means that Texas A&M should be really good in 2021. It will be tough for South Carolina to get a win here, but I could see a trap game set up in this one for A&M. Projected Score: Texas A&M 38, South Carolina 30

Florida (11/6)
South Carolina could set up another trap game against their Florida rivals. Projected Score:Florida 24, Missouri 10

at.Missouri (11/13)
With it being Shane Beamer’s first season as South Carolina’s coach Missouri should get the win. But, the Gamecocks will make it competitive. Projected Score: Missouri 28, South Carolina 20

Auburn (11/20)
Auburn gets revenge on South Carolina for upsetting them last season. Projected Score: Auburn 42, South Carolina 20

Clemson (11/27)
Shane Beamer and South Carolina are far away from what Dabo Swinney has done at Clemson. I’m not saying he can’t do it, but it will take time. Clemson rolls. Projected Score: Clemson 49, South Carolina 20

Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6) SEC

Incoming 2021 Recruits (per 247sports) 
7.Bam Martin-Scott, LB, Dodge City,KS Dodge City CC

Projected Starting Lineup

**=Returning Starter

Offense 
QB:*Connor Bazelak, Sophomore*
RB:Tyler Badie, Senior
WR1:Keke Chism, Senior
WR2:Tauskie Dove, Junior
WR3:Jalen Knox, Senior
TE:Nicko Hea, Junior
LT:*Zeke Powell, Senior*
LG:*Xavier Delgado, Junior*
C:*Michael Maletti, Senior*
RG:*Case Cook, Senior*
RT:Javon Foster, Junior

Defense
DE:*Isaiah McGuire, Junior*
DT:Akial Byers, Senior
DT:Kobie Whiteside, Senior
DE:*Trajan Jeffcoat, Junior*
MLB:*Devin Nicholson, Junior*
OLB:Blaze Alldredge, Senior
CB:*Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Sophomore*
CB:Jarvis Ware, Senior
SS:*Martez Manuel, Junior*
FS:Shawn Robinson, Senior
BS:Jalani Williams, Sophomore

Special Teams
K:*Harrison Mevis, Sophomore*
P:Grant McKinniss, Senior
KR:Tyler Badie, Senior
PR:Mookie Cooper, Freshman

Returning Production:
Missouri returns starting QB Connor Bazelak, most of its offensive line, most of its front seven, and some of its defensive backfield. Missouri kicker Harrison Mevis was good in 2020 and returns for his sophomore season in 2021.

New Starters:
Despite replacing many skill positions on offense, it is clear that most of the new starters are not freshman. They are experienced players in the depth chart, so they can adapt and play early.

Schedule Preview

Central Michigan (9/4)
Missouri’s high powered offense should not skip a beat entering the 2021 season. They explode and easily defeat CMU. Projected Score: Missouri 49, Central Michigan 21

at.Kentucky (9/11)
Projected Score: Kentucky 35, Missouri 31

Southeast Missouri State (9/18)
Missouri easily wins. Projected Score: Missouri 63, Southeastern Missouri State 13

at.Boston College (9/25)
Boston College’s defense is easily the best one that Connor Bazelak and the Missouri offense will see in their non conference slate. BC’s offense does just enough for them to pull off a win over the tigers. Projected Score: Boston College 35, Missouri 31

Tennessee (10/2)
This game will be a trap game on Missouri’s schedule. Josh Heupel’s offense should be more than installed in Knoxville by then. Missouri looks to avoid dropping back to back games. Projected Score: Missouri 38, Tennessee 31

North Texas (10/9)
Missouri gets another game they can handle pretty easily. Projected Score: Missouri 38, North Texas 24

Texas A&M (10/16)
Missouri can compete with Texas A&M, especially on the offensive side of the ball. If A&M figures out their quarterback position, Texas A&M is the clear winner. Projected Score: Texas A&M 35, Missouri 24

at.Vanderbilt (10/30)
Missouri gets an easy win over the Commodores. Projected Score: Missouri 49, Vanderbilt 17

at.Georgia (11/6)
Georgia’s offense is primed with weapons in QB JT Daniels and receivers Darnell Washington Arik Gilbert, two of the top receiving cores in the SEC face off. Whoever scores more wins this game. Projected Score: Georgia 49, Missouri 45

South Carolina (11/13)
With it being Shane Beamer’s first season as South Carolina’s coach Missouri should get the win. But, South Carolina will make it competitive. Projected Score: Missouri 28, South Carolina 20

Florida (11/20)
This game is a toss-up. I see the Dan Mullen led, veteran coaching staff of Florida out scheming Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri’s coaching staff. Projected Score: Florida 42, Missouri 38

at.Arkansas (11/26)
Missouri has won every game versus Arkansas since 2016, many in comeback, high-scoring fashion. This time, I see a KJ Jefferson led Arkansas get revenge on Missouri, and get a win at home headed into bowl season. Projected Score: Arkansas 45, Missouri 42

Projected Record: 6-6 (3-5) SEC

Incoming 2021 Recruits (per 247sports) 
5.Jadarrius Perkins, CB, Perkinston,MS Mississippi Gulf Coast CC (JC)
210.Travian Ford, DE, Saint Louis,MO Lutheran North

Projected Starting Lineup

**=Returning Starter

Offense 
QB:*Will Rogers, Sophomore*
RB:*Jo’quavorious Marks, Sophomore*
WR1:*Jaden Walley, Sophomore*
WR2:*Austin Williams, Senior*
WR3:*Malik Heath, Senior*
WR4:Makai Polk, Junior
LT:*Charles Cross, Sophomore*
LG:LaQuinston Sharp, Senior
C:*Cole Smith, Junior*
RG:*Kwatrivious Johnson, Junior*
RT:Scott Lashley, Senior

Defense
DE:Randy Charlton, Junior
DT:Cameron Young, Junior
DE:*Jaden Crumedy, Junior*
OLB:*Tyrus Wheat, Senior*
MLB:Nathaniel Watson, Junior
LB:*Aaron Brule, Junior*
CB:*Martin Emerson, Junior*
CB:*Emmanuel Forbes, Sophomore*
SS:*Collin Duncan, Junior*
FS:Jalen Green, Senior

Special Teams
K:*Brandon Ruiz, Senior*
P:*Tucker Day, Senior*
KR:Lideatrick Griffin, Sophomore
PR:Lideatrick Griffin, Sophomore

Returning Production:
Mississippi State returns QB Will Rogers, running back Jo’quavorious Marks, multiple receivers, and most of their defense.

New Starters:
Mississippi State replaces their left guard and right tackle as well as their safety and most of their defensive line.

Schedule Preview

Louisiana Tech (9/4)
Louisiana Tech has been one of the better group of five teams in recent memory but the bulldogs should handle business at home. Projected Score: Mississippi State 38, Louisiana Tech 24

NC State (9/11)
NC State’s tough defense will make it hard for Mississippi State to sustain back to back scoring drives. This will be a tough game for both squads. Projected Score: NC State 24, Mississippi State 20

at.Memphis (9/18)
Another talented group of five team should give Mississippi State everything it can handle. Projected Score: Mississippi State 38, Memphis 31

LSU (9/25)
LSU will get revenge on Mississippi State following last year’s debacle where they became the first team in year’s to lose their opener following a national championship. Mississippi State will keep it competitive though. Projected Score: LSU 31, Mississippi State 17

Texas A&M (10/2)
Texas A&M, due to recruiting nearly as well as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, has upped their talent level tremendously since joining the Big 12. Mississippi State will try to make it a trap game for the Aggies but they will fail doing so. Projected Score:Texas A&M 38, Mississippi State 27

Alabama (10/16)
Mississippi State will not be able to compete with Alabama’s talent, it will just be too much . Projected Score: Alabama 38, Mississippi State 13

at.Vanderbilt (10/23)
Vandy may be able to score, but they won’t be able to stop Mississippi State’s offense. Projected Score: Mississippi State 45, Vanderbilt 24

Kentucky (10/30)
Kentucky is going to be no joke this season. Can Mississippi State turn this into a trap game at home for the wildcats? We will have to wait and see. Projected Score: Kentucky 27, Mississippi State 24

at.Arkansas (11/6)
A year ago in this match up, Arkansas got its first SEC win in three years. This match up is perceived to be for the sixth and seventh spots in the SEC West but both fanbases and teams think they can do better. It’ll be a good one in Fayetteville. Projected Score: Arkansas 24, Mississippi State 21

at.Auburn (11/13)
Both Auburn and Mississippi State need wins here to even have a shot at a blow berth. Both teams need to make a statement. Auburn gets a blowout win. Projected Score: Auburn 49, Mississippi State 28

Tennessee State (11/20)
Easy win. Projected Score: Mississippi State 56, Tennessee State 14

Ole Miss (11/25)
The Egg Bowl is always a good one on Thanksgiving. Lane Kiffin versus Mike Leach number two. Projected Score: Mississippi State 49, Ole Miss 42

Projected Record: 5-7 (2-6) SEC

Incoming 2021 Recruits (per 247sports) 
133.Sawyer Robertson, QB, Lubbock,TX Cornado
244.John Lewis, LB, Madison,MS Germantown