Fayetteville Super Regional (Fayetteville,AR)
1.Arkansas
NC State
Schedule:
Game 1: June 11, 5 PM CT, ESPNU
Game 2: June 12, 2 PM CT, ESPN2
Game 3 (If necessary): June 13 CT, 5 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Breakdown:
Carter’s Pick: Arkansas in 3
Author: Carter Huff
University of Arkansas KΣ 2028
Razorbacks Communications Intern
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The College Football Playoff management committee will consider expanding the current four-team field to a 12-team format when it meets in Chicago next week. The proposal does not include guarantees for conference champions. Instead, it calls for the bracket to include the six highest-ranked conference champions, plus the six highest-ranked other teams as determined by the CFP’s selection committee. There would be no limit on the number of participants from a conference, and no league would qualify automatically. Funny enough, with the way that the Pac-12 has been pushing for expansion of the CFP to get their first team in since 2016, there would not have a team that would have qualified under those parameters in 2020. Instead AAC conference champion Cincinnati and Sun Belt conference champion Coastal Carolina would’ve gotten bids over Oregon, the Pac-12 conference champion. “This proposal at its heart was created to provide more participation, for more players and more schools. “In a nutshell, that is the working group’s message” CFP executive director Bill Hancock said. The proposal written by a subcommittee made up of SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick, and Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson was presented to the entire group group of FBS Commissioners Thursday morning. The 10 FBS commissioners and Swarbrick must agree on a format when they meet next Thursday and Friday to discuss the topic in person for the first time since before the coronavirus pandemic. While the four members of the working group spent the past two years researching the possibilities to ultimately conclude that 12 teams provide the best opportunity, it’s still possible the seven other members of their group might support another format or take issue with the recommendation. Many are confident that they will agree on a consensus and will be able to meet in Dallas the following week.
What the field will look like:
Four highest-ranked conference champions would be seeded 1-4 and receive a first-round bye
Teams 5-12 would play each other in the first round would play each other in the first round on the home-field of the higher ranked team.
The quarterfinals and semifinals would be played in bowl games and the national championship game would remain at a neutral site.
The first-round games would take place on campus sometime during the two-week period following conference champion games. The quarterfinals would be played on January 1 or January 2 when New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday and on an adjacent day.
Notre Dame or any other independent team if ranked number one in the country cannot be seeded higher than no. 5. The selection committee’s top 25 is different from the seeding because the top four seeds go to the highest-ranked conference champions.
This model allows for the possibility of teams competing in 17 games, but Swarbrick said it’s “highly unlikely” but its not “impossible”. He pointed out that in order for that to happen, a team seeded No. 5-12 would have to play in a conference championship game, qualify for a first-round game and then run the table.
What’s coming:
If the group agrees on a model in Chicago , it will present the plan to the 11 presidents and chancellors who comprise the CFP’s board of managers at a meeting in Dallas on June 22.
Like I said last week, I do not know as much about college baseball as football or basketball so I will just state everything you need to know about each super regional and my prediction for it.
(All times Eastern Time Zone)
Fayetteville Super Regional (Fayetteville,AR)
1.Arkansas
NC State
Carter’s Pick: Arkansas in 3
Game 1: June 11, 6 PM, ESPNU
Game 2: June 12, 3 PM, ESPN2
Game 3 (If necessary): June 13, 6 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Lubbock Super Regional (Lubbock,TX)
8.Texas Tech
9.Stanford
Game 1: June 11, 3 PM, ESPNU
Game 2: June 12, 3 PM, ESPNU
Game 3 (If necessary): June 13, 3 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Carter’s Pick: Texas Tech in 3
Nashville Super Regional (Nashville,TN)
4.Vanderbilt
13.East Carolina
Game 1: June 11, 12 PM, ESPN2
Game 2: June 12, 12 PM, ESPN2
Game 3 (If necessary): June 13, 3 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Carter’s Pick: Vanderbilt in 3
Tucson Super Regional (Tucson,AZ)
5.Arizona
12.Ole Miss
Game 1: June 11, 9 PM, ESPN2
Game 2: June 12, 10 PM, ESPNU
Game 3 (If necessary): June 13, 9 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Carter’s Pick: Ole Miss in 3
Knoxville Super Regional (Knoxville,TN)
3.Tennessee
LSU
Game 1: June 12, 7 PM, ESPN2
Game 2: June 13, 12 or 3 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Game 3 (If necessary): June 14, 4 PM or 7 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Carter’s Pick: Tennessee in 3
Columbia Super Regional (Columbia,SC)
Virginia
Dallas Baptist
Game 1: June 12, 12 PM, ESPNU
Game 2: June 13, 3 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Game 3 (If necessary): June 14, 1 PM, ESPNU
Carter’s Pick: Dallas Baptist in 3
Starkville Super Regional (Starkville,MS)
7.Mississippi State
10.Notre Dame
Game 1: June 12, 6 PM, ESPNU
Game 2: June 13, 3 PM, ESPN 2
Game 3 (If necessary): June 14, 6 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Carter’s Pick: Notre Dame in 3
Austin Super Regional (Austin,TX)
2.Texas
South Florida
Game 1: June 12, 9 PM, ESPNU
Game 2: June 13, 9 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Game 3 (If necessary): June 14, 4 PM or 7 PM, ESPN2 or ESPNU
Carter’s Pick: Texas in 2
Per ESPN’s Heather Dinich, “next week commissioners will meet in Chicago next Thursday and Friday to have the most important and significant discussions about the college football postseason since it went from two to four (teams)”. Dinich went onto explain that the 12-team model, “which has been floating around for a month now” could be seen as the right way to move forward or it might not be. Commissioners including the SEC’s Greg Sanky and the Big 12’s Bob Bowlsby among many others, are set to look at different twelve team models. If there is a consensus, a model they agree on, the following Tuesday in Dallas, the commissioners will present it to the CFP Selection Committee, the eleven university presidents and chancellors with the power to change the playoff. If the eleven presidents approve “they will be given the green light” to figure out how to do this. Dinich confirmed that the first time the 12-team playoff could be seen as a reality is as early as September.
What a 12-team format could look like, “fix” in college football:
According to an article on SI, a likely twelve-team format would include automatic bids to every Power 5 conference champion and the best Group of 5 conference champion plus six other at-large bids. The Group of Five has not been included in any CFP since its inception in 2015, but with a twelve team model that could change the Group of Five’s grudge versus the CFP.
As I get more information, I will keep updating readers on CFP expansion.
After four innings in game seven, the regional final of the Fayetteville Regional, Nebraska starter (and ace of their staff) Caleb Povich walked off the mound having retired 12 of the first 14 batters he faced, just one hit and one walk, and a two run lead, you would have thought Nebraska cruises to a victory. Plus, Arkansas freshman starter Jaxon Wiggins only made it two innings but was replaced by the best pitcher in college baseball, Kevin Kopps. Many hog fans probably did not worry but he had never gone six innings, especially when Wiggins left him with two men on and no one out in the third. Though, the best pitcher in baseball showed why he was in this outing. But, in the top of the fifth, Arkansas catcher Casey Opitz finally got the bats going for the hogs with just his second home run of the season, a solo shot that made the score 2-1. It was his first home run since game two of the opening SEC series versus Alabama on March 20. Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn explained that “We’ve seen Casey hit a bunch of balls out of here but I haven’t seen him go down and hit a line drive right handed that hard” about his star catcher. The swing energized not only the Razorback dugout but everyone at Baum-Walker Stadium too. An inning later, Robert Moore, the man many Razorback fans call “Big Hit Bob” launched a 2-1 pitch from reliever Cam Wynne to beyond right field to make it a whole new ball game. It was his fourteenth home run of the year. Offenses became quiet for an inning and a half before star center fielder Christian Franklin at bat in the bottom of the eighth, with a 2-2 count. Nebraska reliever Koty Frank got a quick two outs to open the eighth, so it looked like the game was going to go to the ninth inning tied. But, Franklin fouled off pitches and worked a walk to put the go-ahead baserunner on board. Before you knew it Razorback fans had beer hats on because the bases were loaded after back to back walks following Franklin’s. Replacing Cullen Smith, who went 0-3 batting on Monday, pinch hitter Charlie Welch came to potentially give the hogs their first lead of the game. Welch pinch hit to give Arkansas the outright SEC regular season title with a walk-off hit that looked like Welch would have made it to third base against Florida. Yet another pitcher was in the game for the Cornhuskers, Andrew Bunz, who threw a wild pitch that went behind home plate. That brought the speedy Franklin home. And on the very next pitch, Charlie Welch sent Baum-Walker stadium into a frenzy. Welch hit a no-doubter three run home run. Kevin Kopps only allowed one to reach in the top of the ninth, with two strikeouts in the half inning plus the final out being a popup to his star center fielder Christian Franklin. Arkansas moves on to the Super Regionals to face NC State, the winner of the Ruston Regional, in Fayetteville. My 2021 Super Regional Predictions and 2021 Fayetteville Super Regional Preview will both come out in the coming days.
The newest Manning has come to the forefront of high school football. It is Arch Manning, the son of Cooper Manning, and the nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli Manning. You might think Manning’s recruitment will just include the likes of Ole Miss (where his father, uncle, and grandfather attended) and Tennessee (where his other uncle attended). But, today, I am here to tell you different.
Per 247Sports, Arch ranks as:
3.Arch Manning (#1QB) New Orleans,LA (Isidore Newman) Undecided in the rising junior 2023 class.
Visits he has/will take in June:
Clemson (June 4-6)
It is a perfect fit for Arch Manning. NFL quarterbacks have come through Clemson and have moved on to the pros almost flawlessly (Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence). Clemson may be viewed as an outsider especially because of their lack of tradition compared to other schools on Manning’s recruiting board but the way that head coach Dabo Swinney recruits at other positions as well should be an indicator that Clemson is a team that can land the young Manning.
SMU (June 11-13)
SMU may be even less than a traditional football power than Clemson, but Arch Manning wants to keep all of his options open and this proves it. That being said, Manning will likely not end up in Dallas. Good luck, Mustangs.
Texas (June 18-20)
Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian has been tasked with turning the Texas football program back into a powerhouse. Landing Arch Manning in 2023 would be a major statement. Having Manning would be a huge advantage, meaning it would take him away from quarterback whisperer and Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley, but the Longhorns have their work cut out for them.
Georgia (June 25-27)
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has had a ton of success on the recruiting trail during his time at Georgia. It started out and is continuing to be the defensive players he lands to be his meal ticket. But, in the past few classes Smart has landed former five-star and USC transfer JT Daniels, former five-star Carson Beck, and former five-star Brock Vandagriff. But, landing Manning would be more than huge, especially considering beating out legacy programs Ole Miss and Tennessee not to mention SEC powerhouses Alabama, (hometown) LSU and many other big programs.
Manning, having already looked at LSU and Ole Miss, is looking to visit Alabama, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Stanford, USC, and Virginia soon.
As a hog fan, it is my duty to go game by game to predict my number one overall seed Arkansas’s regional this weekend. Here we go:
Fayetteville Regional
Friday, June 4:
Game 1: No. 1 Arkansas (46-10) vs. NJIT (26-22), 3 p.m. ESPN3
NJIT is by far the worst team in the tournament to be frank. And there is no way in heck that they are going to beat a team that has won every SEC series this season as well as the SEC Tournament on Sunday.
Game 2: Northeastern (36-10) vs. Nebraska (31-12), 8 p.m., ESPN3
The Big Ten Champions head into Fayetteville against the winner of the CAA, Northeastern. This will be the close game of the two openers but expect the bats of Nebraska to get things going against the Northeastern ace fairly early. Nebraska wins a close game.
Saturday, June 5:
Game 3: 1.Arkansas vs. Nebraska
Arkansas Head Coach Dave Van Horn’s old school heads into face his current top ranked Razorbacks in a potential winner’s bracket regional semifinal. Nebraska will definitely pose challenges for the hogs not seen by NJIT but the top seeded team in the country should be okay in this one.
Game 4: NJIT vs. Northeastern
Northeastern should have a much easier time versus NJIT then Arkansas. Northeastern easily wins, knocks NJIT out of the field.
Sunday, June 6:
Game 5: Northeastern vs. Nebraska
In a rematch from June 4, Nebraska wins a one-run game to get a rematch with Arkansas.
Game 6: 1.Arkansas vs. Nebraska
You are not going to win every game against the same team every time. Nebraska sends the Fayetteville Regional to a seventh and deciding game.
Monday, June 7 (if necessary):
Game 7: 1.Arkansas vs. Nebraska
Arkansas survives a scare from Nebraska and heads to the Supers.
As a fair-weather college baseball fan that just became invested in my hogs within the past three years, I am just going to be making picks on who I think will get out of each regional, super regional, College World Series game, and the winners of the CWS Finals.
If you are a little out of line on how the NCAA Baseball Tournament works here it goes:
1.The first round is called regional play. It includes 16 four team regionals (Top seeds are seeded 1-16). The top seed in each regional hosts. This year due to the ongoing pandemic, a few weeks ago, 20 host sites were selected based off of the current landscape of college baseball to best control COVID-19 regulations. The committee was pretty great about choosing regional locations a few weeks early because the only regional not hosted by the actual team from that location is the Columbia Regional hosted by Old Dominion, the number 11 seed. The two seed matches up with the three seed and the one seed in each region matches up with the four seed. The winners of each of those games plays each other in the winners bracket and losers play each other in the losers bracket in a double-elimination style bracket. The winner of the winner’s bracket game moves on to the regional final while the loser plays a win or go home game versus the team that won in the loser’s bracket. Of course the team that loses in the loser’s bracket goes home. The winner of the game between the winner in the loser’s bracket and the loser in the winner’s bracket determines who will face the team that has not lost in the regional final. The loser’s bracket team has to beat the winner’s bracket team to force a seventh and deciding game in the regional. But if the winner’s bracket team wins the sixth game, then they go to the Super Regionals, the second round of the tournament.
2.In the Supers (Super Regionals) it is much more simple. The higher seeded team hosts the super regional of the two competing. It is a best two out of three series to determine who goes to Omaha for the College World Series, comprised of the eight remaining teams.
3.The College World Series is made up of two four team brackets similar to the way regional play is played. The two winners face each other in the winner’s bracket and the two losers face each other in the loser’s bracket. When a team loses two games, they are out in the double-elimination setting. The two teams that make it through the winner’s bracket face off in the College World Series Finals.
4.The College World Series is a best two out of three event.
Regionals (June 4-7):
Fayetteville Regional (Fayetteville,AR)
1.Arkansas
NJIT
Nebraska
Northeastern
Carter’s Pick: Arkansas
Ruston Regional (Ruston,LA)
16.Louisiana Tech
Rider
NC State
Alabama
Carter’s Pick: NC State
Lubbock Regional (Lubbock,TX)
8.Texas Tech
Army
UCLA
North Carolina
Carter’s Pick: Texas Tech
Stanford Regional (Stanford,CA)
9.Stanford
North Dakota State
UC-Irvine
Nevada
Carter’s Pick: UC-Irvine
Nashville Regional (Nashville,TN)
4.Vanderbilt
Presbyterian
Georgia Tech
Indiana State
Carter’s Pick: Vanderbilt
Greenville Regional (Greenville,NC)
13.East Carolina
Norfolk State
Charlotte
Maryland
Carter’s Pick: East Carolina
Tucson Regional (Tucson,AZ)
5.Arizona
Grand Canyon
Oklahoma State
UC-Santa Barbara
Carter’s Pick: Arizona
Oxford Regional (Oxford,MS)
12.Ole Miss
Southeast Missouri State
Southern Miss
Florida State
Carter’s Pick: Ole Miss
Knoxville Regional (Knoxville,TN)
3.Tennessee
Wright State
Duke
Liberty
Carter’s Pick: Tennessee
Eugene Regional (Eugene,OR)
14.Oregon
Central Connecticut State
Gonzaga
LSU
Carter’s Pick: Gonzaga
Fort Worth Regional (Fort Worth,TX)
6.TCU
McNeese
Oregon State
Dallas Baptist
Carter’s Pick: TCU
Columbia Regional (Columbia,SC)
11.Old Dominion
Jacksonville
South Carolina
Virginia
Carter’s Pick: Old Dominion
Starkville Regional (Starkville,MS)
7.Mississippi State
Samford
VCU
Campbell
South Bend Regional (South Bend,IN)
10.Notre Dame
Central Michigan
Michigan
Connecticut
Carter’s Pick: Michigan
Austin Regional (Austin,TX)
2.Texas
Southern
Arizona State
Fairfield
Carter’s Pick: Texas
Gainesville Regional (Gainesville,FL)
15.Florida
South Florida
Miami
South Alabama
Carter’s Pick: Florida
Super Regionals (June 11-14):
Fayetteville Super Regional (Fayetteville,AR)
1.Arkansas
NC State
Carter’s Pick: Arkansas in 3
Lubbock Super Regional (Lubbock,TX)
8.Texas Tech
UC-Irvine
Carter’s Pick: Texas Tech in 2
Nashville Super Regional (Nashville,TN)
4.Vanderbilt
13.East Carolina
Carter’s Pick: Vanderbilt in 3
Tucson Super Regional (Tucson,AZ)
5.Arizona
12.Ole Miss
Carter’s Pick: Ole Miss in 3
Knoxville Super Regional (Knoxville,TN)
3.Tennessee
Gonzaga
Carter’s Pick: Tennessee in 2
Fort Worth Super Regional (Fort Worth,TX)
6.TCU
11.Old Dominion
Carter’s Pick: TCU in 3
Starkville Super Regional (Starkville,MS)
7.Mississippi State
Michigan
Carter’s Pick: Michigan in 3
Austin Super Regional (Austin,TX)
2.Texas
15.Florida
Carter’s Pick: Florida in 3
College World Series (Omaha,NE) (June 19-30):
1.Arkansas
8.Texas Tech
Carter’s Pick: Arkansas
4.Vanderbilt
12.Ole Miss
Carter’s Pick: Vanderbilt
3.Tennessee
6.TCU
Carter’s Pick: Tennessee
15.Florida
Michigan
Carter’s Pick: Florida
Winner’s Bracket:
1.Arkansas
4.Vanderbilt
Carter’s Pick: Vanderbilt
3.Tennessee
15.Florida
Carter’s Pick: Tennessee
Loser’s Bracket:
8.Texas Tech
12.Ole Miss
Carter’s Pick: Ole Miss
6.TCU
Michigan
Carter’s Pick: TCU
Loser’s Bracket:
1.Arkansas
12.Ole Miss
Carter’s Pick: Arkansas
6.TCU
15.Florida
Carter’s Pick: TCU
Winner’s Bracket:
1.Arkansas
4.Vanderbilt
Carter’s Pick: Arkansas
3.Tennessee
6.TCU
Carter’s Pick: Tennessee
College World Series Finals (June 28-30)
1.Arkansas
3.Tennessee
Carter’s Pick: Arkansas in 3
Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, the winningest coach in Division 1 men’s basketball history, plans to retire following the 2021-2022 college basketball season. According to multiple reports, it was announced that associate head coach Jon Scheyer will be the head coach in waiting in Durham. Scheyer was the lead recruiter for now NBA stars Zion Williamson and Jayson Tatum, thus being Duke’s top choice to replace Coach K. I will make a post on who I think has a better future following the retirements of legendary head coaches in the Tar Heel State, Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski.
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