July 4, 2025 • 25 mins
Ryan "BEEF" Coyle and Nick McClay preview the SEC in this edition of Football Is King.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Number one on your car radio preset hand the new
and improved Diehard Radio, WAYES and WD two seven three
D Philadelphia. I is Fox Sports Radio like Gambler.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Football
is King here on Fox Sports. The Gambler July first
recording this Today, Nick I went out on my launch break,
got us our phil Steel college football magazines. We're a
month away from football. We have an NFL preseason game
at the end of this month, so fast and furious,
(00:31):
we decided it was a good time to start doing
some deeper dives on the conferences in college football, the
big boy conferences. I mean, I feel like to start
it off, there's no better place to start than down South.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
It just means more.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
The SEC, the Big Ten, I think though, you can
make an argument is king of the college football world
right now with Michigan and Ohio State winning the last
two national championships. But the SEC, you know, nothing, nothing
short of excellence down there as well, had Texas, Georgia
and Tennessee. I think we're the three teams yeah to
go to the playoff last season, and this season is
(01:05):
shaping out to be another fun one down down in
the South in the SEC.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
But Nick, welcome back. How are we in football right
around the quarter man?
Speaker 4 (01:13):
Yeah, man, I can't wait, especially to talk about it
with the SEC. I mean, there's so many things that
can happen in this conference with three teams being said
at nine and a half, and I feel like that's
kind of it's crazy to say that that might be
low for like the highest total as an SEC. I
feel like there's always at least one at ten and
a half. But there's as of now that I've checked
(01:35):
the latest, it's only at nine and a half the highest.
Texas has a favorite now plus two sixty, Georgia right
behind him three sixty, then at Bama three eighty, LSU
plus eight hundred. But it's going to start out early
in Week one with SEC play like at LSU going
to Clemson, Texas going to Ohio State. You know, if
both those SEC team SEC teams win, you can put
(01:58):
you know, the rest of the conferences early are on
notice early, So I think, you know, you win those
two games, you can say SEC's back as the top
conference in college football to.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Start the year.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Yeah, I want to start it with you know, like
you said, it's it's got some big games there at
the beginning.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
I want to start with Alabama, you know, for you.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Know, I think the better part of our lifetime, Alabama
has been the standard program, the flagship program.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
In all of college football.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
I'm obviously Nick Saban departs and they take a step
back last year. They don't even make the playoff. In
the first year under Kailyn de Bor. He's doing a
great job out on the recruiting trail. They are sitting
here at plus three eighty was it, yeah, plus three
eighty to win the SEC as you touched on, behind
Georgia and Texas at the moment, but like Georgia kind
of took over that that title, you know, as the
(02:47):
flagship program I think over the past five years or so.
But I still give it to Obama and just terms
of their longevity. But I do think that they need
a big kind of season this year. Definitely have to
get at least to the playoffs and probably be in
you know, contention at least going into that last week
to get a birth in the SEC title game for
it to be considered a successful season for for Alabama
fans because they go back to back years with no playoff.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
I think that they're going to be trying to run
the boor out of town.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
So just thoughts on Obama big picture wise and can
they get back to that number one program in the sport.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Yeah, I mean if not, the alb fans gonna start
to get inpatient because, like you said, like our whole lifetime,
the Alabama way is to get you know, national.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Title or buster or at least they get there.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
So they have another season in nine to four missing
the playoffs. I think, you know, post sabin era, you know,
calender Wore is going to be you know, under.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
A lot of pressure.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
There's only so much patience town in Tuscalusha, where the
standard is you know, winning national titles. You know, it's
gonna be a lot of different or more different team,
a lot of different, more different play style. Milroe was
more of that electric style running quarterback with you know,
limited pass ability, which kind of made that offense run
more a run heavy offense, which was completely different compared
(04:02):
to the few seasons before that with Bryce Young and
Mac Jones and two where they were more pass heavy.
So you know, Debor reunites with Ryan Grubb Washington, you know,
former offensive coordinator where they put up numbers with Michael Phoenix.
So you know, they enter the season nine and a
half still with question mark said quarterback though hy Simpson,
you know who still hasn't been able to win the
(04:22):
job the past couple of seasons. Is he gonna win
the job? Austin Matt comes over from Washington with the
Boar and they have freshmen in Russell. So, you know,
if you have that many quarterbacks, I feel like you
don't really have one. They kind of struggled with the
consistency last year. But I think with you know, they
don't have the toughest schedule, they have great defense or
a great surrounding roster around this you know, questionable quarterback.
(04:46):
So I think defense is going to win them a
lot of games and is going to be the reason
that if they do.
Speaker 3 (04:51):
Make the playoffs, it's going to be because of the defense.
I think.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
So overall, I don't really feel too strong on the
over under at nine and a half. But what do
you field on Alabama here?
Speaker 2 (05:01):
Yeah, looking at the schedules, sitting here at nine and
a half, I think they go undefeated in the non
conference at Flora State. I think they're a two touchdown
favorite in that one ul Monroe Wisconsin should be an
interesting one, but that one is at Alabama, and then
they have a real difficult one second to last week
of the season with Eastern Illinois, so I'll pencil the
man as four and oh. For their non conference they
(05:24):
go to Georgia. I'd probably give them an L in
that one. Hopefully it lives up to the last year's
game because I was one of the better ones of
the season. But they host Van Dy at Missoo versus Tennessee,
out South Carolina versus LSU versus Oklahoma.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
And at Auburn.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
You know, it's never really going to be that easy
of a time going through the SEC, but I think
they got some good draws there with the home games,
especially Tennessee at home, LSU at home, Oklahoma at home.
I think Auburn's in for a step up this year,
and I really like South Carolina so I could see
this team potentially going nine to three if they lose
a couple of those road games there.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
It's not going to be a walk in the park
for sure, but.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
I think anything less than you know, ten wins, there's
gonna be some real heat on the board. We'll see
how good the SEC is we'll see if nine and
three gets you in the playoffs. But remember, you know
last year, after losing to Vandy, they still had a
chance to get in and they lose to a really
bad Oklahoma team, So you know what team shows up
on a week to week basis.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
I think that was the main.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Thing with Alabama last year, their lack of consistency. It
was kind of alarming. So that's what I'm gonna be
looking for more. And the Boor and Grub are supposed
to be quarterback whispers, so you know you're saying how
you're down on the quarterback spot here. If these guys
are as good as you know quarterback coaches as they
are claimed to be, and what we saw them do
with Michael Pennix, hopefully you know they're able to elevate
(06:43):
whoever they decide to bring under center. But Alabama's got
a ton of pressure on them this year, especially when
you got a team like I want to get into
next with Texas that is starting to look like they
might be the top dog in the conference, maybe taking
that title away from Georgia. They enter as the preseason
favorite to win it to win the SEC to second
to win the national title at plus five point fifty
(07:05):
and the Heisman favorite in Arch Mannyl plus seven hundred.
What are your expectations for the longboard so as we
had in the twenty twenty five.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
Yeah, I mean, they start, like you said, with the
second Arch's second favorite in the Heisman, and then the
second or no, yeah, and then their second favorite to.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
Win the title.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
So you know, we saw some flashes of Arch last year,
we just haven't seen too much of him. They also
have one of the best overall rosters offense and defense,
combined with a great coach, so I think, you know,
they do have to replace three offensive lineman three offensive
or three defensive linemen, but you kind of bring in
the depth that was there already. Most of the projected
(07:43):
offensive line was working with the second team with Arch last.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Year anyway, so they got that chemistry.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
And probably one of the better defenses in the entire country,
let alone the SEC bring back Colin Simmons nine sacks
last year, Anthony Hill eight sacks last year, So you know,
you lose Jay Baron in the defensive backgroun, but you
have Malik Muhammad, who should be one of the top
defensive backs in the board, in the draft light or
in upcoming. So combine the talent that they have on offense,
(08:11):
there's a reason that they're the favorite to win the
conference and second best to win the title. So I
think they are the favorite, So I would I would
take them to win. But what are your kind of
expectations of Arch and this this Texas team.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Yeah, I want to bring up the Paul fine Bond
tweet from this morning because I understand it's his last
names Manning. I understand he was the number one recruit,
But like this guy's played, He's had two starts. We've
seen him in spots of other games. I think we're
getting a little bit too ahead of ourselves with the
hype of Arch Manning. Sure he's shown talent, he's shown flashes.
(08:45):
I think the most impressive thing that we see him
from him is his wheels, Like I didn't know he
was that good of an athlete coming from you know.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
His uncles and Eli and Payton statues in the pocket.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
But fine Bahn said today on ESPN, Arch Manning is
the best football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebow
entered the scene in two thousand and six.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
We've had some great college quarterbacks.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
So over that time, we had this season that Joe
Barrow had, We've had Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson, we
had Cam Newton. Like, we're already elevating this guy as
to the number one overall player since Tim Tebow at
the quarterback spots at two thousand and six. I understand
the hype, but I understand you know, it's July first,
so we might need to get some views out there,
some clicks out there. But let's let's pump the brakes
(09:27):
a little bit here. I think we didn't really even
see him get challenged much last year. And that's a
crazy Week one game to open up with for your
first ever start at Ohio State. That's going to be
a pretty crazy game if they lose that game or
if Urge kind of looks shaky in that one.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
How worried are you about that Texas team?
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Are you just kind of writing it off to that
actually might be number one versus number two as as
we entered the season.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
Yeah, if it depends on really how that game goes,
you can say that with anything, But if he looks
really bad, then you kind of do have to worry
because you expect he's going to get thrown right to
the fire. You kind of expect him, you know, to
be the top guy. He's a top high guy for
a reason. But the tough matchup, he's going to be
tested right away, and there's no you know, sugar cocit.
(10:12):
He's gonna have to you know, excel in that game.
And you know, no better time to show, you know,
on the national stage than the first week of the season.
So if he really wants to make a run and
make a name for himself and you know, be a
number one draft pick who obviously we don't know if
he's another draft but if he really wants to do that,
then he's gonna have to start off hot and win
this game.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Yeah, and that's a i think a little bit more
of a challenging schedule than we what we just went
through with Alabama obviously starting to at Ohio State. You
lose that game, you know, it's a thorn on your
side maybe from getting the number one overall spot, but
like you're you're gonna have plenty of opportunities from from.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
There on out.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Non conference games against San Jose State, UTEP and SAM Houston.
You would assume three cupcakes there, but they go to Florida,
who I think we're expect I'm going to take a
step up this year.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
They play Oklahoma as always in the.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Red River Game, you know throughout the record books when
those two teams play, and we are expecting Oklahoma to
have a bounce back. At Kentucky and Assissippi State, I
think two easier games. Versus Vandy, you know, should be
a win. But Vandy's a spunky team. But they go
end the season at Georgia versus Arkansas and versus A
and M. You know, not many as we talked about
with the Alabama cupcakes in there, and you lump in
(11:25):
an Ohio State game as well.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
A lot of eyes on the Longhorns this year. I
do like though that they're gotten.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Themselves back to you know, a high level of a
program because I do think there's a lot of eyes on,
a lot of attention always on them.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
It's cool to see them good.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Let's transition over now to the third big dog in
the Conference of Georgia Bulldogs plus seven hundred to win
the national title this year. I think they are plus
three sixty right now to win the SEC. Gunner Stockton,
the guy in there at quarterback, Carson beck out Gunner
Stocked in in we see this team lose in the
playoff last year to notre game and now kind of
back to back years where they haven't lived up to
(12:00):
their standard, not winning the national championship that played in simple,
that's what it is. It's kind of crazy to judge
a team by that high a standard, but I think
that's what Kirby expects.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
Weekend, week out or year in year out down there
in Athens.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
What are your thoughts on Gunner Stock and his role
on this Georgia team, because we saw what Stetson Meda
did with you know, the game manager label on him
and he went back to that national titles Gunnerstock that
I think kind of made from the same mold there.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
It kind of is, you know, this play style is
kind of the same.
Speaker 4 (12:29):
They're kind of you know, stockier guys that aren't afraid
to take the contact. So you know, they also lose
a bunch of players in the draft. Most of them
are key guys too. The only return I think seven
maybe eight starters from last season, the whole new offensive line,
I think four new offensive line, and big question mark there.
But they bring in some nice pieces on the outside
(12:49):
in Branch from USC you know Thomas from A and M.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
So the wide receiver corp is going to be a
lot more improved.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
From a Georgia team that had the most drops in
the whole entire country last season, which is pretty unlike them.
So pretty revamped Georgia roster doesn't really look like the
typical roster I feel like compared to last year, they
definitely have to improve the run game. It's also flashes
of Nate Fraser last year with etn out so you
know he flashed as a freshman a little bit, so he's.
Speaker 3 (13:16):
Gonna have to step up. And you know, the defense
is going to be Georgia defense.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
I feel like there is five star talent are around
the board even with the loss of Jalen Walker and
Michel Williams Wells a few guys are the portal as well, but.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
Defense should be strengthened.
Speaker 4 (13:29):
This team and their toughest games they play at home,
so Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas all.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
Come to them.
Speaker 4 (13:36):
Uh so they got a favorable schedule so they could
easily run the sec you know.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
And what like they have been Yeah, they I think,
you know, consistency wise at least over these last few
years they've been up there. But you know, let's get
back into that that national title conversation.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
Now. I think that's obviously the standard that Kirby's built.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Interesting to see what what Stockton does because they have
I've done, I think a little bit better with that
game manager type guy instead of a Carson Beck who
went out there and through his fair share of interceptions
and I think hurt that team. There's so much talent
around him there. That's something to watch and read in
the Phil Steel magazine earlier.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
He's got them.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
I know it's a small part of the game, but
it adds up, especially in the big games. He's got
Georgia as the number two special teams unit entering the season,
and you touch touched on Zacharia Branch.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
That gives them a huge weapon.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
And the kick return of the punter return game if
that offense is struggling, if that offense is sputtering, he's
a guy that can flip the game on its head
in the return game as well. So something to watch
there too. Let's travel to a team that we talked
about a lot of pressure. I think you know Sark
in Texas obviously there's pressure there, but you know, his
seats on hot Georgia and Kirby, his seats on hot Kaylin,
(14:45):
Debora down Yere.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
I think his seat could be hot.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
I see that's very hot this year, and I think
if the year goes south for LSU and Brian Kelly,
he could be on his way out. I think they're
getting a little unpatient with him. They entered the season
with the number two favorite to win the heismanning Garrett
us My at quarterback, a lot of returning pieces. Thoughts
on the Tigers, and having a bounce back season this year.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Yeah, I think this is probably the best roster that
Brian Kelly has really had at LSU. And if they
really don't make the playoffs, I'd be very surprised if
he comes back. They sit at eight and five right
now with one of the toughest schedules in the country.
Obviously being in the SEC. All these SEC teams are
going to have a tel schedule, but LSU is one
of the toughest in the country. But they bring back
Heisman caliber guy, like you said, Garrettnusemeyer coming off a
(15:29):
very productive season two, bringing two great receivers for him
to throw two two on the outside. Defense seemed to
be kind of the issue that they as a couple
of seasons, which kind of isn't the norm at LSU.
They were very bad in twenty twenty three, but made
a lot of improvements last season, but still wasn't good enough.
I think they have like six or seven projected ranked
opponents as of now, And as we touched on, they
(15:51):
open up Week one against Clemson, so they also have
to travel to Ole Miss, Alabama and Oklahoma. But you know,
not saying Week one is a must win, but outlook
for the season looks a lot much better if.
Speaker 3 (16:03):
You do win that game.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
But Brian Kelly is still looking for that first college
football playoff. I kind of I'm kind of on board
for ELIS.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
I think they do.
Speaker 4 (16:12):
I think they will be in the conversation for the playoffs.
I think it's worth a stab at plus one twenty
five to make the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
Yeah, and Brian Kelly too winless in Week one, so
I think it's a big thing for them to get
off on the right foot. And a Clemson team that
I'm expecting to be in the national title conversation as well.
We've talked a lot about them a lot, but non
conference games against Louisiana Tech, Southeast Louisiana, and Western Kentucky
pretty easy games. From there, they go to Ole Miss
(16:39):
to Vandy, Tubama to Oklahoma, and they host Florida, South Carolina,
Texas A, and m Arkansas. So you know, not the
easiest schedule. Again, it's a tough one. I could definitely
see some slip ups. I think the big thing is
that we saw we saw with teams last year, just
avoiding that kind of like slip up game like we
saw with Alabama. I'm against Vanderbilt and also against Oklahoma.
(17:03):
You know, those two losses knock you out, and with
the expanded playoff obviously.
Speaker 3 (17:07):
You have more room for error.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
But you know, maybe one slip up and then one
loss against you know, a highly ranked team like you
can't be if you're LSU and you want to make
the playoffs. You can't lose that game at Clemson week one,
and then the September thirteenth game. You can't lose to
Florida or you can't lose to a South Carolina. You
gotta beat those teams to stay in that contention. Is
(17:29):
there gonna be a nine to three team that makes
it potentially, but ten and two you're certainly feeling a
lot better if you make it to the SCC title game.
You're ten and two, obviously you're gonna be going in
from there regardless, but a lot of pressure. I think
Brian Kelly, we can make the argument, has the most
pressure of him out of any college football coach this year.
I think you throw Kaitlyn to Boor in there, and
(17:50):
I think if they're James Franklin there as well, well,
James Franklin get fired.
Speaker 3 (17:53):
No, but I do think this is the best chance
to be, you know, a national.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Title winning team and a lot a lot of pressure.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
We'll stay in the SEC though, and not get too
much into the.
Speaker 2 (18:03):
Jam Franklin discussion, but any teams kind of down the
board here, we touched on the four top dogs in Texas, Georgia, Alabama,
and LSU. I was really high on Ole Miss last year.
They fall short. They had the big win over Georgia,
but then they have a couple of slip up games
that keeps them out. Florida is getting some hype going
into this year after a really you know, tough schedule
(18:24):
last year, and they finish they finished really strong Tennessee
a lot of question marks surrounding them after Nico leaving,
any of these middle tier SEC teams according to the
DraftKings out so that you want to hit on well.
Speaker 4 (18:37):
Florida right now, I see them. I think seven and
a half. I took a little bit ago at six
and a half. Not as confident at seven and a half,
which is how tough their schedule is. They're coming off
the season or they have one of the hardest schedules
as well, and they turn it around as the season
went on. But they have seven projected opponents inside the
top twenty five, and four of them could be in
the top ten. So this schedule doesn't get any easier.
(18:59):
Have a murderer's row a schedule. I think I saw
a grafted Adam as a second artist schedule in the
whole entire country. So that's pretty tough. And we've seen
it before where Billy Napier just loses games that he shouldn't.
So combine that with a top or with a tough schedule,
I think it's hard to predict where the team kind
of goes.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
I think they surround.
Speaker 4 (19:16):
Lagway with a lot more weapons, probably the best roster
that this Napier, Florida team has had in a little
bit the return four offensive linemen and their defense is
pretty strong.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
But at the same time, I could see.
Speaker 4 (19:27):
Them going over or I did as I did take
them over their total, but I can see DJ Lagway
putting up highsman numbers and them still going under the total.
So I think this they have potential to win in
the SEC, as they did show down the board last season,
but I think I don't think he really can do
it for a full season. How do you feel on
that Florida team?
Speaker 3 (19:48):
That schedule is tough? Man open up with l IU
that that should be a win.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
Shout out LU though one of the cooler uniform combos
of football South Florida. Well, that's not an easy game.
You know that they should win that. That games at
the Swamp, they should walk it out of there with
the win, but it's not an easy easy game by
any stretch. Then they go too, l SQ to Miami.
We're both down in Miami, but that's still not going
to be an easy one. Texas at A and m Missisi.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
State should be a win.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
Georgia at Kentucky ottle Mess versus Tennessee and then they
end with Florida State.
Speaker 3 (20:21):
We'll see what Florida State it turns into after a
really down year last year.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
But you know that's a This is a Florida team
that I could see the season going one of two ways.
Like they're either going to surprise and be like a
nine to three, or this schedule is going to get
you know, the best of them.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
They're going to be a four and eight three nine,
So third team.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
I'm probably not you know, putting any money towards in
a preseason future because like you said, Lagway could go
out there and light it up and be the best
quarterback in college football and this team is soaring over
that win total, or he could struggle and be you know,
the benefit not the beneficiary, but the guy that you
know reaps the sorrows from from this tough schedule and
(20:59):
he looked, doesn't look is great, and this time next
year he's the quarterback for some other SEC school. The
Florida Gators are gonna have a lot of eyeballs on
them because they're going to be, you know, the nationally
televised game maybe every single week. You look at their schedule,
they already got two games lined up on ABC, and
I would assume a lot more that it's gonna be
(21:19):
a fun watch this year just because of how many
good teams are on that schedule. But I want to
get your thoughts before we get out on Tennessee. You know,
Nico leaves, they bring in the transfer from East Carolina.
He transfers to UCLA. Basically Nico and the names is
kaping me right now. I think it's Jake Garcia, Joey Aguilar,
Agular and then they are Michigan just brought in Garcia
(21:42):
from to go with Underwood. But yeah, Aguilar basically gets
swapped out and traded for Nico.
Speaker 3 (21:48):
Nico.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
Tennessee calls NCO's bluff that that he won't play there
if he doesn't get a raise. They say, you know,
don't let the door hit you on the way out, buddy,
And we got a.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
New situation for tennis See. And that was a team I.
Speaker 2 (22:01):
Thought when we watched them last year throughout the season
played a lot better when they focused on their defense
and running the football.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
Do you think that similar formulas kind of there this year?
Speaker 2 (22:10):
And Aguilar just has to make the open throws, make
the open reads and can this Tennessee team compete there.
Speaker 3 (22:16):
They're twenty two to one right now to to win
the SEC.
Speaker 2 (22:18):
I've seen some publications have them finishing, you know, in
the bottom half of the conference.
Speaker 3 (22:23):
Yeah, I think it's gonna be a lot different than
what it was before.
Speaker 4 (22:26):
I think, you know, obviously, with the quarterback switch, you
also lose Dylan Samson in the backfield, who's been there
for years, been very productive in that offense.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
They kind of have an unproven receiving core.
Speaker 4 (22:37):
They got some talent, but just had no proof that
they can really produce or they really have, you know,
the click with Joey Aguilar who obviously just coming in.
They're not going to have that chemistry right away. Offensive
line they got revamped at a little bit. The strong
point of this team I think is gonna be their defense,
even without James Pearce obviously losing him to the draft.
(22:59):
They do have one of the easier schedules in the SEC.
Not to say it's an easy schedule, but for an
SEC schedule, two toughest are at Alabama and at Florida,
but they have to play Georgia, Arkansas.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
And Oklahoma all at home.
Speaker 4 (23:13):
I mean, obviously you like that they're at home, but
there's still three tough teams. I think this is I
think it's a worse team than last year, honestly, but
I still think with you know, this offense, I think
there's a lot to prove honestly with this Tennessee team.
Speaker 2 (23:29):
Yeah, it's a team too that I think has a
little bit too many questions right now.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
I think that they're taking a step back.
Speaker 2 (23:35):
It's a shame because the Nego situation, like he wasn't
that awesome last year, but he was on.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
The right path, like it was his first year starting.
Takes a team to the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
Obviously, they have a rough playoff team against Ohio State,
but Ohio State looked like the Ohio State that we
expected in the playoff, that we expected for the entire season.
But they were on the right path, the right trajectory,
and I feel like this is kind of a step
back year.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Maybe Aguilar is able to prove us wrong.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
But all right, before we get out of here, you know,
one bold prediction on the SEC this year, looking at
the board, anything that catches your eye, I'll go bold.
Speaker 4 (24:10):
I'll take LSU to win it. I'll take eliss You
to win the Conference.
Speaker 2 (24:14):
What was that?
Speaker 3 (24:15):
I think it was plus nine. That's eight hundred. Yep. Yeah,
I left you to win win this. I already took
him to win the.
Speaker 4 (24:22):
Or go to at least go to the playoffs at
plus one twenty five, So might as well keep Ryan
ls up here.
Speaker 2 (24:27):
I'll go John Mattier or Lenoris Sellers is your first
team ll s CCQB and not arch Manning. I think
arch Manning will be either second or third, and Nussmyer
maybe in there as well, Like there's gonna be a
really good SV quarterback lift left off the list. But
I think John Mittier or the Norse Sellers are gonna
put up great numbers. They have super tough schedules, so
if they are able to get one or two of
(24:48):
those upset wins as well, that's really gonna elevate them.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
But I'm gonna go John.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
Mittier or the North Sellers as the first team ll
CCQB over Arch Manning. I don't even think arch is
gonna finish top five for the Heisman. I think that
the hypes a little to a little bit too much
right now. But he could shut us all up on
that Labor Day Saturday game in Ohio State, but I'll
do it for this episode of Football is King here
on Fox Sports The Gambler. I'm on vacation next week, Nick,
(25:13):
so maybe you can get somebody else to hop on
with you if you want to go, But if not,
we will get back on and do some Big ten
when I get back. But then, do you everyone for
tuning it in? Please like, please subscribe. I'm going to
talk to you next time here on Fox Sports The Gambler.
Speaker 1 (25:25):
If you can wager on it, we're talking about it.
It's The Gambler.
Number one on your car radio preset hand the new
and improved Diehard Radio, WAYES and WD two seven three
D Philadelphia. I is Fox Sports Radio like Gambler.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of Football
is King here on Fox Sports. The Gambler July first
recording this Today, Nick I went out on my launch break,
got us our phil Steel college football magazines. We're a
month away from football. We have an NFL preseason game
at the end of this month, so fast and furious,
(00:31):
we decided it was a good time to start doing
some deeper dives on the conferences in college football, the
big boy conferences. I mean, I feel like to start
it off, there's no better place to start than down South.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
It just means more.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
The SEC, the Big Ten, I think though, you can
make an argument is king of the college football world
right now with Michigan and Ohio State winning the last
two national championships. But the SEC, you know, nothing, nothing
short of excellence down there as well, had Texas, Georgia
and Tennessee. I think we're the three teams yeah to
go to the playoff last season, and this season is
(01:05):
shaping out to be another fun one down down in
the South in the SEC.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
But Nick, welcome back. How are we in football right
around the quarter man?
Speaker 4 (01:13):
Yeah, man, I can't wait, especially to talk about it
with the SEC. I mean, there's so many things that
can happen in this conference with three teams being said
at nine and a half, and I feel like that's
kind of it's crazy to say that that might be
low for like the highest total as an SEC. I
feel like there's always at least one at ten and
a half. But there's as of now that I've checked
(01:35):
the latest, it's only at nine and a half the highest.
Texas has a favorite now plus two sixty, Georgia right
behind him three sixty, then at Bama three eighty, LSU
plus eight hundred. But it's going to start out early
in Week one with SEC play like at LSU going
to Clemson, Texas going to Ohio State. You know, if
both those SEC team SEC teams win, you can put
(01:58):
you know, the rest of the conferences early are on
notice early, So I think, you know, you win those
two games, you can say SEC's back as the top
conference in college football to.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
Start the year.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Yeah, I want to start it with you know, like
you said, it's it's got some big games there at
the beginning.
Speaker 3 (02:14):
I want to start with Alabama, you know, for you.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Know, I think the better part of our lifetime, Alabama
has been the standard program, the flagship program.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
In all of college football.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
I'm obviously Nick Saban departs and they take a step
back last year. They don't even make the playoff. In
the first year under Kailyn de Bor. He's doing a
great job out on the recruiting trail. They are sitting
here at plus three eighty was it, yeah, plus three
eighty to win the SEC as you touched on, behind
Georgia and Texas at the moment, but like Georgia kind
of took over that that title, you know, as the
(02:47):
flagship program I think over the past five years or so.
But I still give it to Obama and just terms
of their longevity. But I do think that they need
a big kind of season this year. Definitely have to
get at least to the playoffs and probably be in
you know, contention at least going into that last week
to get a birth in the SEC title game for
it to be considered a successful season for for Alabama
fans because they go back to back years with no playoff.
Speaker 3 (03:10):
I think that they're going to be trying to run
the boor out of town.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
So just thoughts on Obama big picture wise and can
they get back to that number one program in the sport.
Speaker 4 (03:18):
Yeah, I mean if not, the alb fans gonna start
to get inpatient because, like you said, like our whole lifetime,
the Alabama way is to get you know, national.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
Title or buster or at least they get there.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
So they have another season in nine to four missing
the playoffs. I think, you know, post sabin era, you know,
calender Wore is going to be you know, under.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
A lot of pressure.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
There's only so much patience town in Tuscalusha, where the
standard is you know, winning national titles. You know, it's
gonna be a lot of different or more different team,
a lot of different, more different play style. Milroe was
more of that electric style running quarterback with you know,
limited pass ability, which kind of made that offense run
more a run heavy offense, which was completely different compared
(04:02):
to the few seasons before that with Bryce Young and
Mac Jones and two where they were more pass heavy.
So you know, Debor reunites with Ryan Grubb Washington, you know,
former offensive coordinator where they put up numbers with Michael Phoenix.
So you know, they enter the season nine and a
half still with question mark said quarterback though hy Simpson,
you know who still hasn't been able to win the
(04:22):
job the past couple of seasons. Is he gonna win
the job? Austin Matt comes over from Washington with the
Boar and they have freshmen in Russell. So, you know,
if you have that many quarterbacks, I feel like you
don't really have one. They kind of struggled with the
consistency last year. But I think with you know, they
don't have the toughest schedule, they have great defense or
a great surrounding roster around this you know, questionable quarterback.
(04:46):
So I think defense is going to win them a
lot of games and is going to be the reason
that if they do.
Speaker 3 (04:51):
Make the playoffs, it's going to be because of the defense.
I think.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
So overall, I don't really feel too strong on the
over under at nine and a half. But what do
you field on Alabama here?
Speaker 2 (05:01):
Yeah, looking at the schedules, sitting here at nine and
a half, I think they go undefeated in the non
conference at Flora State. I think they're a two touchdown
favorite in that one ul Monroe Wisconsin should be an
interesting one, but that one is at Alabama, and then
they have a real difficult one second to last week
of the season with Eastern Illinois, so I'll pencil the
man as four and oh. For their non conference they
(05:24):
go to Georgia. I'd probably give them an L in
that one. Hopefully it lives up to the last year's
game because I was one of the better ones of
the season. But they host Van Dy at Missoo versus Tennessee,
out South Carolina versus LSU versus Oklahoma.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
And at Auburn.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
You know, it's never really going to be that easy
of a time going through the SEC, but I think
they got some good draws there with the home games,
especially Tennessee at home, LSU at home, Oklahoma at home.
I think Auburn's in for a step up this year,
and I really like South Carolina so I could see
this team potentially going nine to three if they lose
a couple of those road games there.
Speaker 3 (05:59):
It's not going to be a walk in the park
for sure, but.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
I think anything less than you know, ten wins, there's
gonna be some real heat on the board. We'll see
how good the SEC is we'll see if nine and
three gets you in the playoffs. But remember, you know
last year, after losing to Vandy, they still had a
chance to get in and they lose to a really
bad Oklahoma team, So you know what team shows up
on a week to week basis.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
I think that was the main.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Thing with Alabama last year, their lack of consistency. It
was kind of alarming. So that's what I'm gonna be
looking for more. And the Boor and Grub are supposed
to be quarterback whispers, so you know you're saying how
you're down on the quarterback spot here. If these guys
are as good as you know quarterback coaches as they
are claimed to be, and what we saw them do
with Michael Pennix, hopefully you know they're able to elevate
(06:43):
whoever they decide to bring under center. But Alabama's got
a ton of pressure on them this year, especially when
you got a team like I want to get into
next with Texas that is starting to look like they
might be the top dog in the conference, maybe taking
that title away from Georgia. They enter as the preseason
favorite to win it to win the SEC to second
to win the national title at plus five point fifty
(07:05):
and the Heisman favorite in Arch Mannyl plus seven hundred.
What are your expectations for the longboard so as we
had in the twenty twenty five.
Speaker 4 (07:11):
Yeah, I mean, they start, like you said, with the
second Arch's second favorite in the Heisman, and then the
second or no, yeah, and then their second favorite to.
Speaker 3 (07:22):
Win the title.
Speaker 4 (07:23):
So you know, we saw some flashes of Arch last year,
we just haven't seen too much of him. They also
have one of the best overall rosters offense and defense,
combined with a great coach, so I think, you know,
they do have to replace three offensive lineman three offensive
or three defensive linemen, but you kind of bring in
the depth that was there already. Most of the projected
(07:43):
offensive line was working with the second team with Arch last.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Year anyway, so they got that chemistry.
Speaker 4 (07:49):
And probably one of the better defenses in the entire country,
let alone the SEC bring back Colin Simmons nine sacks
last year, Anthony Hill eight sacks last year, So you know,
you lose Jay Baron in the defensive backgroun, but you
have Malik Muhammad, who should be one of the top
defensive backs in the board, in the draft light or
in upcoming. So combine the talent that they have on offense,
(08:11):
there's a reason that they're the favorite to win the
conference and second best to win the title. So I
think they are the favorite, So I would I would
take them to win. But what are your kind of
expectations of Arch and this this Texas team.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Yeah, I want to bring up the Paul fine Bond
tweet from this morning because I understand it's his last
names Manning. I understand he was the number one recruit,
But like this guy's played, He's had two starts. We've
seen him in spots of other games. I think we're
getting a little bit too ahead of ourselves with the
hype of Arch Manning. Sure he's shown talent, he's shown flashes.
(08:45):
I think the most impressive thing that we see him
from him is his wheels, Like I didn't know he
was that good of an athlete coming from you know.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
His uncles and Eli and Payton statues in the pocket.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
But fine Bahn said today on ESPN, Arch Manning is
the best football quarterback we have seen since Tim Tebow
entered the scene in two thousand and six.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
We've had some great college quarterbacks.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
So over that time, we had this season that Joe
Barrow had, We've had Trevor Lawrence and Deshaun Watson, we
had Cam Newton. Like, we're already elevating this guy as
to the number one overall player since Tim Tebow at
the quarterback spots at two thousand and six. I understand
the hype, but I understand you know, it's July first,
so we might need to get some views out there,
some clicks out there. But let's let's pump the brakes
(09:27):
a little bit here. I think we didn't really even
see him get challenged much last year. And that's a
crazy Week one game to open up with for your
first ever start at Ohio State. That's going to be
a pretty crazy game if they lose that game or
if Urge kind of looks shaky in that one.
Speaker 3 (09:42):
How worried are you about that Texas team?
Speaker 2 (09:44):
Are you just kind of writing it off to that
actually might be number one versus number two as as
we entered the season.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
Yeah, if it depends on really how that game goes,
you can say that with anything, But if he looks
really bad, then you kind of do have to worry
because you expect he's going to get thrown right to
the fire. You kind of expect him, you know, to
be the top guy. He's a top high guy for
a reason. But the tough matchup, he's going to be
tested right away, and there's no you know, sugar cocit.
(10:12):
He's gonna have to you know, excel in that game.
And you know, no better time to show, you know,
on the national stage than the first week of the season.
So if he really wants to make a run and
make a name for himself and you know, be a
number one draft pick who obviously we don't know if
he's another draft but if he really wants to do that,
then he's gonna have to start off hot and win
this game.
Speaker 2 (10:32):
Yeah, and that's a i think a little bit more
of a challenging schedule than we what we just went
through with Alabama obviously starting to at Ohio State. You
lose that game, you know, it's a thorn on your
side maybe from getting the number one overall spot, but
like you're you're gonna have plenty of opportunities from from.
Speaker 3 (10:50):
There on out.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Non conference games against San Jose State, UTEP and SAM Houston.
You would assume three cupcakes there, but they go to Florida,
who I think we're expect I'm going to take a
step up this year.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
They play Oklahoma as always in the.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Red River Game, you know throughout the record books when
those two teams play, and we are expecting Oklahoma to
have a bounce back. At Kentucky and Assissippi State, I
think two easier games. Versus Vandy, you know, should be
a win. But Vandy's a spunky team. But they go
end the season at Georgia versus Arkansas and versus A
and M. You know, not many as we talked about
with the Alabama cupcakes in there, and you lump in
(11:25):
an Ohio State game as well.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
A lot of eyes on the Longhorns this year. I
do like though that they're gotten.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Themselves back to you know, a high level of a
program because I do think there's a lot of eyes on,
a lot of attention always on them.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
It's cool to see them good.
Speaker 2 (11:38):
Let's transition over now to the third big dog in
the Conference of Georgia Bulldogs plus seven hundred to win
the national title this year. I think they are plus
three sixty right now to win the SEC. Gunner Stockton,
the guy in there at quarterback, Carson beck out Gunner
Stocked in in we see this team lose in the
playoff last year to notre game and now kind of
back to back years where they haven't lived up to
(12:00):
their standard, not winning the national championship that played in simple,
that's what it is. It's kind of crazy to judge
a team by that high a standard, but I think
that's what Kirby expects.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
Weekend, week out or year in year out down there
in Athens.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
What are your thoughts on Gunner Stock and his role
on this Georgia team, because we saw what Stetson Meda
did with you know, the game manager label on him
and he went back to that national titles Gunnerstock that
I think kind of made from the same mold there.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
It kind of is, you know, this play style is
kind of the same.
Speaker 4 (12:29):
They're kind of you know, stockier guys that aren't afraid
to take the contact. So you know, they also lose
a bunch of players in the draft. Most of them
are key guys too. The only return I think seven
maybe eight starters from last season, the whole new offensive line,
I think four new offensive line, and big question mark there.
But they bring in some nice pieces on the outside
(12:49):
in Branch from USC you know Thomas from A and M.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
So the wide receiver corp is going to be a
lot more improved.
Speaker 4 (12:55):
From a Georgia team that had the most drops in
the whole entire country last season, which is pretty unlike them.
So pretty revamped Georgia roster doesn't really look like the
typical roster I feel like compared to last year, they
definitely have to improve the run game. It's also flashes
of Nate Fraser last year with etn out so you
know he flashed as a freshman a little bit, so he's.
Speaker 3 (13:16):
Gonna have to step up. And you know, the defense
is going to be Georgia defense.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
I feel like there is five star talent are around
the board even with the loss of Jalen Walker and
Michel Williams Wells a few guys are the portal as well, but.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
Defense should be strengthened.
Speaker 4 (13:29):
This team and their toughest games they play at home,
so Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas all.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
Come to them.
Speaker 4 (13:36):
Uh so they got a favorable schedule so they could
easily run the sec you know.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
And what like they have been Yeah, they I think,
you know, consistency wise at least over these last few
years they've been up there. But you know, let's get
back into that that national title conversation.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
Now. I think that's obviously the standard that Kirby's built.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Interesting to see what what Stockton does because they have
I've done, I think a little bit better with that
game manager type guy instead of a Carson Beck who
went out there and through his fair share of interceptions
and I think hurt that team. There's so much talent
around him there. That's something to watch and read in
the Phil Steel magazine earlier.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
He's got them.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
I know it's a small part of the game, but
it adds up, especially in the big games. He's got
Georgia as the number two special teams unit entering the season,
and you touch touched on Zacharia Branch.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
That gives them a huge weapon.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
And the kick return of the punter return game if
that offense is struggling, if that offense is sputtering, he's
a guy that can flip the game on its head
in the return game as well. So something to watch
there too. Let's travel to a team that we talked
about a lot of pressure. I think you know Sark
in Texas obviously there's pressure there, but you know, his
seats on hot Georgia and Kirby, his seats on hot Kaylin,
(14:45):
Debora down Yere.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
I think his seat could be hot.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
I see that's very hot this year, and I think
if the year goes south for LSU and Brian Kelly,
he could be on his way out. I think they're
getting a little unpatient with him. They entered the season
with the number two favorite to win the heismanning Garrett
us My at quarterback, a lot of returning pieces. Thoughts
on the Tigers, and having a bounce back season this year.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Yeah, I think this is probably the best roster that
Brian Kelly has really had at LSU. And if they
really don't make the playoffs, I'd be very surprised if
he comes back. They sit at eight and five right
now with one of the toughest schedules in the country.
Obviously being in the SEC. All these SEC teams are
going to have a tel schedule, but LSU is one
of the toughest in the country. But they bring back
Heisman caliber guy, like you said, Garrettnusemeyer coming off a
(15:29):
very productive season two, bringing two great receivers for him
to throw two two on the outside. Defense seemed to
be kind of the issue that they as a couple
of seasons, which kind of isn't the norm at LSU.
They were very bad in twenty twenty three, but made
a lot of improvements last season, but still wasn't good enough.
I think they have like six or seven projected ranked
opponents as of now, And as we touched on, they
(15:51):
open up Week one against Clemson, so they also have
to travel to Ole Miss, Alabama and Oklahoma. But you know,
not saying Week one is a must win, but outlook
for the season looks a lot much better if.
Speaker 3 (16:03):
You do win that game.
Speaker 4 (16:05):
But Brian Kelly is still looking for that first college
football playoff. I kind of I'm kind of on board
for ELIS.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
I think they do.
Speaker 4 (16:12):
I think they will be in the conversation for the playoffs.
I think it's worth a stab at plus one twenty
five to make the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
Yeah, and Brian Kelly too winless in Week one, so
I think it's a big thing for them to get
off on the right foot. And a Clemson team that
I'm expecting to be in the national title conversation as well.
We've talked a lot about them a lot, but non
conference games against Louisiana Tech, Southeast Louisiana, and Western Kentucky
pretty easy games. From there, they go to Ole Miss
(16:39):
to Vandy, Tubama to Oklahoma, and they host Florida, South Carolina,
Texas A, and m Arkansas. So you know, not the
easiest schedule. Again, it's a tough one. I could definitely
see some slip ups. I think the big thing is
that we saw we saw with teams last year, just
avoiding that kind of like slip up game like we
saw with Alabama. I'm against Vanderbilt and also against Oklahoma.
(17:03):
You know, those two losses knock you out, and with
the expanded playoff obviously.
Speaker 3 (17:07):
You have more room for error.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
But you know, maybe one slip up and then one
loss against you know, a highly ranked team like you
can't be if you're LSU and you want to make
the playoffs. You can't lose that game at Clemson week one,
and then the September thirteenth game. You can't lose to
Florida or you can't lose to a South Carolina. You
gotta beat those teams to stay in that contention. Is
(17:29):
there gonna be a nine to three team that makes
it potentially, but ten and two you're certainly feeling a
lot better if you make it to the SCC title game.
You're ten and two, obviously you're gonna be going in
from there regardless, but a lot of pressure. I think
Brian Kelly, we can make the argument, has the most
pressure of him out of any college football coach this year.
I think you throw Kaitlyn to Boor in there, and
(17:50):
I think if they're James Franklin there as well, well,
James Franklin get fired.
Speaker 3 (17:53):
No, but I do think this is the best chance
to be, you know, a national.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Title winning team and a lot a lot of pressure.
Speaker 3 (18:00):
We'll stay in the SEC though, and not get too
much into the.
Speaker 2 (18:03):
Jam Franklin discussion, but any teams kind of down the
board here, we touched on the four top dogs in Texas, Georgia, Alabama,
and LSU. I was really high on Ole Miss last year.
They fall short. They had the big win over Georgia,
but then they have a couple of slip up games
that keeps them out. Florida is getting some hype going
into this year after a really you know, tough schedule
(18:24):
last year, and they finish they finished really strong Tennessee
a lot of question marks surrounding them after Nico leaving,
any of these middle tier SEC teams according to the
DraftKings out so that you want to hit on well.
Speaker 4 (18:37):
Florida right now, I see them. I think seven and
a half. I took a little bit ago at six
and a half. Not as confident at seven and a half,
which is how tough their schedule is. They're coming off
the season or they have one of the hardest schedules
as well, and they turn it around as the season
went on. But they have seven projected opponents inside the
top twenty five, and four of them could be in
the top ten. So this schedule doesn't get any easier.
(18:59):
Have a murderer's row a schedule. I think I saw
a grafted Adam as a second artist schedule in the
whole entire country. So that's pretty tough. And we've seen
it before where Billy Napier just loses games that he shouldn't.
So combine that with a top or with a tough schedule,
I think it's hard to predict where the team kind
of goes.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
I think they surround.
Speaker 4 (19:16):
Lagway with a lot more weapons, probably the best roster
that this Napier, Florida team has had in a little
bit the return four offensive linemen and their defense is
pretty strong.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
But at the same time, I could see.
Speaker 4 (19:27):
Them going over or I did as I did take
them over their total, but I can see DJ Lagway
putting up highsman numbers and them still going under the total.
So I think this they have potential to win in
the SEC, as they did show down the board last season,
but I think I don't think he really can do
it for a full season. How do you feel on
that Florida team?
Speaker 3 (19:48):
That schedule is tough? Man open up with l IU
that that should be a win.
Speaker 2 (19:54):
Shout out LU though one of the cooler uniform combos
of football South Florida. Well, that's not an easy game.
You know that they should win that. That games at
the Swamp, they should walk it out of there with
the win, but it's not an easy easy game by
any stretch. Then they go too, l SQ to Miami.
We're both down in Miami, but that's still not going
to be an easy one. Texas at A and m Missisi.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
State should be a win.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
Georgia at Kentucky ottle Mess versus Tennessee and then they
end with Florida State.
Speaker 3 (20:21):
We'll see what Florida State it turns into after a
really down year last year.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
But you know that's a This is a Florida team
that I could see the season going one of two ways.
Like they're either going to surprise and be like a
nine to three, or this schedule is going to get
you know, the best of them.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
They're going to be a four and eight three nine,
So third team.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
I'm probably not you know, putting any money towards in
a preseason future because like you said, Lagway could go
out there and light it up and be the best
quarterback in college football and this team is soaring over
that win total, or he could struggle and be you know,
the benefit not the beneficiary, but the guy that you
know reaps the sorrows from from this tough schedule and
(20:59):
he looked, doesn't look is great, and this time next
year he's the quarterback for some other SEC school. The
Florida Gators are gonna have a lot of eyeballs on
them because they're going to be, you know, the nationally
televised game maybe every single week. You look at their schedule,
they already got two games lined up on ABC, and
I would assume a lot more that it's gonna be
(21:19):
a fun watch this year just because of how many
good teams are on that schedule. But I want to
get your thoughts before we get out on Tennessee. You know,
Nico leaves, they bring in the transfer from East Carolina.
He transfers to UCLA. Basically Nico and the names is
kaping me right now. I think it's Jake Garcia, Joey Aguilar,
Agular and then they are Michigan just brought in Garcia
(21:42):
from to go with Underwood. But yeah, Aguilar basically gets
swapped out and traded for Nico.
Speaker 3 (21:48):
Nico.
Speaker 2 (21:50):
Tennessee calls NCO's bluff that that he won't play there
if he doesn't get a raise. They say, you know,
don't let the door hit you on the way out, buddy,
And we got a.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
New situation for tennis See. And that was a team I.
Speaker 2 (22:01):
Thought when we watched them last year throughout the season
played a lot better when they focused on their defense
and running the football.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
Do you think that similar formulas kind of there this year?
Speaker 2 (22:10):
And Aguilar just has to make the open throws, make
the open reads and can this Tennessee team compete there.
Speaker 3 (22:16):
They're twenty two to one right now to to win
the SEC.
Speaker 2 (22:18):
I've seen some publications have them finishing, you know, in
the bottom half of the conference.
Speaker 3 (22:23):
Yeah, I think it's gonna be a lot different than
what it was before.
Speaker 4 (22:26):
I think, you know, obviously, with the quarterback switch, you
also lose Dylan Samson in the backfield, who's been there
for years, been very productive in that offense.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
They kind of have an unproven receiving core.
Speaker 4 (22:37):
They got some talent, but just had no proof that
they can really produce or they really have, you know,
the click with Joey Aguilar who obviously just coming in.
They're not going to have that chemistry right away. Offensive
line they got revamped at a little bit. The strong
point of this team I think is gonna be their defense,
even without James Pearce obviously losing him to the draft.
(22:59):
They do have one of the easier schedules in the SEC.
Not to say it's an easy schedule, but for an
SEC schedule, two toughest are at Alabama and at Florida,
but they have to play Georgia, Arkansas.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
And Oklahoma all at home.
Speaker 4 (23:13):
I mean, obviously you like that they're at home, but
there's still three tough teams. I think this is I
think it's a worse team than last year, honestly, but
I still think with you know, this offense, I think
there's a lot to prove honestly with this Tennessee team.
Speaker 2 (23:29):
Yeah, it's a team too that I think has a
little bit too many questions right now.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
I think that they're taking a step back.
Speaker 2 (23:35):
It's a shame because the Nego situation, like he wasn't
that awesome last year, but he was on.
Speaker 3 (23:41):
The right path, like it was his first year starting.
Takes a team to the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (23:44):
Obviously, they have a rough playoff team against Ohio State,
but Ohio State looked like the Ohio State that we
expected in the playoff, that we expected for the entire season.
But they were on the right path, the right trajectory,
and I feel like this is kind of a step
back year.
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Maybe Aguilar is able to prove us wrong.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
But all right, before we get out of here, you know,
one bold prediction on the SEC this year, looking at
the board, anything that catches your eye, I'll go bold.
Speaker 4 (24:10):
I'll take LSU to win it. I'll take eliss You
to win the Conference.
Speaker 2 (24:14):
What was that?
Speaker 3 (24:15):
I think it was plus nine. That's eight hundred. Yep. Yeah,
I left you to win win this. I already took
him to win the.
Speaker 4 (24:22):
Or go to at least go to the playoffs at
plus one twenty five, So might as well keep Ryan
ls up here.
Speaker 2 (24:27):
I'll go John Mattier or Lenoris Sellers is your first
team ll s CCQB and not arch Manning. I think
arch Manning will be either second or third, and Nussmyer
maybe in there as well, Like there's gonna be a
really good SV quarterback lift left off the list. But
I think John Mittier or the Norse Sellers are gonna
put up great numbers. They have super tough schedules, so
if they are able to get one or two of
(24:48):
those upset wins as well, that's really gonna elevate them.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
But I'm gonna go John.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
Mittier or the North Sellers as the first team ll
CCQB over Arch Manning. I don't even think arch is
gonna finish top five for the Heisman. I think that
the hypes a little to a little bit too much
right now. But he could shut us all up on
that Labor Day Saturday game in Ohio State, but I'll
do it for this episode of Football is King here
on Fox Sports The Gambler. I'm on vacation next week, Nick,
(25:13):
so maybe you can get somebody else to hop on
with you if you want to go, But if not,
we will get back on and do some Big ten
when I get back. But then, do you everyone for
tuning it in? Please like, please subscribe. I'm going to
talk to you next time here on Fox Sports The Gambler.
Speaker 1 (25:25):
If you can wager on it, we're talking about it.
It's The Gambler.
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