Its SEC week this week at the Sports Cast. Throughout this week we have had SEC players on, previewing Bama and their roster with Stephen M. Smith. And tonight we are previewing the SEC as a whole, what I like to call the greatest college football conference in the World.
Contributors
Matt Caddell
Santiago Leon – @sleon
SEC East
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Missouri
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vanderbilt
SEC WEST
Alabama
Arkansas
Auburn
LSU
Mississippi State
Ole Miss
Texas A&M
Florida
Dan Mullin, Kyle Trask
Kyle Pitts will be one of the nation’s best pass-catching tight ends
The backfield lost leading rusher Lamical Perine to the New York Jets, but it has a shot at being more dangerous. Junior Dameon Pierce was second on the team with just 305 yards and four scores, but he’s got the home run-hitting ability to do more. Ready to roll is former Miami superstar recruit Lorenzo Lingard, who was declared eligible by the NCAA for this year.
Georgia
QB- Justin Fields, Coach Kirby Smart
new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, let’s get this thing going already. A pro OC over the last few years after serving for three seasons as the Southern Miss head coach, Monken has to improve an attack that wasn’t miserable, but should’ve done more than 408 yards and 31 points per game.
The offensive backfield just reloaded. It would’ve been nice if this was when the Justin Fields era kicked in full force, but getting Jamie Newman to transfer over from Wake Forest was a fantastic plus – he’s got the size and the NFL tools Jake Fromm was missing.
The receiving corps has a few superstars, but it needs more options rise up. The Bulldogs have 1-2 true sophomore, five-star punch of George Pickens and Dominick Blaylock about to do a whole lot with more opportunities. Throw in junior Demetris Robertson – who finished third on the team with 30 catches – and 6-5, 245-pound Florida State tight end transfer Tre’ McKitty, and the new starting quarterback will have plenty of weapons to work with.
Kentucky
New Quarterback
2019 Record: 8-5 overall, 3-5 in SEC
Head Coach: Mark Stoops, 8th year, 44-44
Best Kentucky Wildcats Offensive Player
C Drake Jackson, Sr.
- QB Terry Wilson, Sr.
- RB Asim Rose, Sr.
- OT Landon Young, Sr.
- RB Kavosiey Smoke, Soph.
Best Kentucky Wildcats Defensive Player
LB Jamar Watson, Sr.
- CB Brandin Echols, Sr.
- DT Quinton Bohanna, Sr.
4. S Yusef Corker, Jr. - P Max Duffy, Sr.
Missouri
2019 Record: 6-6 overall, 3-5 in SEC
Head Coach: Eliah Drinkwitz, 1st year, 0-0
Enter new head coach Eliah Drinkwitz, who’ll handle some of the offensive coordinator duties along with former TCU co-OC Curtis Luper. Together. they have more tweaking to do than a total overhaul despite the O losing six starters.
It all starts with cranking up an offensive line that wasn’t up to the normal Missouri snuff when it came to pass protection and giving everyone time to work.
Is this the start of the Taylor Powell era? The junior got plenty of work when Bryant was hurt, but he only hit 47% of his passes for 297 yards with a touchdown and two picks. TCU transfer Shawn Robinson had to sit out last season, but he’s been around for a year, has the all-around skills that fit what Drinkwitz wants to do, and he’s got the experience Powell is missing.
The starter won’t have TE Albert Okwuegbunam around – he left early and hooked back up with QB Drew Lock with the Denver Broncos – and top yardage guy Jonathan Nance is done.
The receiving corps gets a shot in the arm with Virginia Tech transfer Damon Hazelton almost certain to be the new No. 1 target. The grad transfer averaged 17 yards per catch with a Hokie-high eight touchdowns last year.
South Carolina
2019 Record: 4-8 overall, 3-5 in SEC
Head Coach: Will Muschamp, 5th year, 26-25
Quarterback: Collin Hill
The offense just didn’t work. How painful was it? The O failed to score more than 27 points against anyone but Charleston Southern, and it closed out the year scoring a grand total of 24 points in the final three games.
The passing game tried, but nothing was happening down the field on a consistent basis – the Gamecocks were fourth-worst in the nation in yards per completion – and moving the chains on third downs was like pulling teeth at times.
In comes new offensive coordinator Mike Bobo – the former Colorado State head coach who should be able to get the passing game going.
Quarterback: Former Colorado State Ram bomber Collin Hill is coming in as a grad transfer, but he’s coming off a knee injury and he’s mainly going to be used as the reliable backup option with former starter Jake Bentley transferring to Utah.
It all starts with getting more out of sophomore QB Ryan Hilinski. He’s a big, talented passer who threw for 2,357 yards and 11 touchdowns with five picks after taking over the gig, and he’s got the talent to be fantastic with a little more time to work.
Tennessee
2019 Record: 8-5 overall, 5-3 in SEC
Head Coach: Jeremy Pruitt, 3rd year, 13-12
It wasn’t a phenomenal year for the Tennessee offense, but after two disastrous seasons for the attack, averaging 366 yards and 24 points per game wasn’t bad. The O scored more than 24 points against five FBS teams after doing that just three times in the previous two years.
Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney has to get more out of the ground game, but the deep plays were there for a passing attack that averaged more than 14 yards per pass.
And now the quarterback situation will be a big thing early on.
Jarrett Guarantano was good. He led the team to the bowl win – even with a mediocre game – and he had moments when he looked and played like a potentially special talent to work the O. However, he was maddeningly inconsistent, and that opened the door for Brian Mauer, a talented freshman who failed to hit 50% of his passes with just two touchdown passes and five picks.
The offensive line has the potential to be phenomenal as long as all the parts are there. Trey Smith is the star of the show at his left guard spot. He’s the All-SEC anchor and next-level starter, but sophomore Wanya Morris is growing into a special blocker, too, at least tackle.
Vanderbilt
2019 Record: 3-9 overall, 1-7 in SEC
Head Coach: Derek Mason, 7th year, 27-47
Arkansas
Coach: Sam Pitman
Auburn
Coach: Gus Malzahn
QB: Bo Nix
LSU
Head Coach: Ed Ogeron
Mississippi State
Head Coach Mike Leach
Ole Miss
HC: Lane Kiffin
last year 4-8 overall , 2-6 in SEC
Texas A&M
Jimbo Fisher, 3rd year 17-9
8-5 overall, 4-4 SEC
Quarterback Kellen Mond
Predictions
All GAMES 9/26/20
(23) Kentucky (8)Auburn – 12pm ET
Matt Caddell: Auburn
(5) Florida at Ole Miss – 12pm ET
Matt Caddell: Florida
MissSt at (6)LSU – 3:30pm ET
Matt Caddell: LSU
(4)UGA at ARK – 4pm ET
Matt Caddell: UGA
(2)AL at MIZ – 7PM ET
Matt Caddell: AL
(16)TENN at SC 7:30pm ET
Matt Caddell: TENN
VAN at (10)TA&M 7:30PM
Matt Caddell: TA&M
NBA
LAL-DEN
Matt Caddell: LAL
NFL
MIA-JAX 8:30pm FOX
Stephen: MIA
Matt Caddell: JAX
Transcript
Santiago Leon
The sports cast September 24 2020. If you haven’t yet, please subscribe in all our channels Periscope, iTunes, and YouTube. And if you’re an iTunes, please leave a rating and a review it will help us out tremendously. And visit us on the sports cast dotnet, the sports cast dotnet and on Twitter at the sports cast one. This episode is brought to you by Insta Bible app, you can get the Insta Bible app on the iOS App Store. It’s SCC week this week at the sports cast. Throughout this week, we’ve had sec players on previewing Bama and the roster with Steven Smith and tonight we are previewing the SEC as a whole what I like to call the greatest college conference in the world. And we got Matt condell all the way from Georgia. Welcome back to the sports cast.
Matt Caddell
Glad to be back man it’s sec we got the real boys playing football let’s get started.
Santiago Leon
That is right it is the real boys um you know something that I definitely was definitely pondering for this week we look at the sports guys we had a special few articles that were going on. And then of course we had Marvin and Justin with a whole crew with with with a lot of whole lot different guys Chris Samuels was their drill Johnson and Evan Smith. So quite quite a weak when it comes to sec and of course, we’ll just top it off with that CODEL.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, say the best one the last you know say the best for last.
Santiago Leon
Okay. Should we go sec? His first ever math is that’s his name. I got a correction. Evan Mathis. You remember? You remember him?
Matt Caddell
Yeah, Evan Mathis is great. Yeah, play with him. Great guy. Oh my gosh. Yes. A teammate. Oh, yeah. Yeah,
Santiago Leon
it’s funny because I was producing that show on Tuesday night he’s a very focused man very quiet. But focus.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, he’s a great guy man. Big time wrestler come out of high school to play at home at alone poker as well. So
Santiago Leon
yeah, he played for the Eagles. I think he really stuck with the Eagles because he played with like four different teams.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, the Eagles I think he had his best success there.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, he played for the dolphins for a season but you know, when you’re at Eagles for like four years you’re gonna you’re you’re probably gonna be home grown and and prior route for whence so?
Matt Caddell
Yeah, hopefully when steps is gained back up another Philly fans are really upset right now. You know, they take their football very seriously. Yeah, and get it turned around.
Santiago Leon
And Jalen hertz is I want to watch he’s actually QB too. I mean, do you think he’ll be starting soon?
Matt Caddell
Oh, no, he I mean they’re probably I know he played some Saturday I mean Sunday they put him in a package in the backfield. So now the Philly fans are calling for him as well as dolphin pins are calling through to learn how they played at night.
Santiago Leon
I’m saying look, I’m told I mean what I told Stephen Smith yesterday and he agreed with me Hey, save to a toll December
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I don’t know if they’re gonna be able to exist they keep on losing games you know? It’s gonna be kind of hard. You might as well just if you don’t lose my world player future franchise quarterback see what you got. So I know they got some tough games coming up. But then we got like after the Jaguars tonight they got Seattle and some I think I forgot who they play. I think some tough games I think they’re gonna probably bring to him later in the season with the no software opponent. You know, this is kind of building up from there. This is my guess.
Santiago Leon
Absolutely. Well, definitely keeping track of banjo players in the NFL. So far, so good for for most of them. Josh Jacobs is doing well. But will will will cover NFL and Alabama players in a later show because we’re going to cover the SEC and there’s two parts of the SEC, the east and the west. Let’s go with the east. Florida Gators. Dan Mullen. Kyle Trask. Matt How do you see this team ending or finishing this season with the SEC.
Matt Caddell
I got them when in sec ease. As you mentioned Dan Mullen contrasts, they they return a lot of players offensively defensively. You know, they’re just a good team. They have a lot of continuity. Dan Mullen, you know, he’s a great play caller. They got a good defense, a lot of speed down there. I just think, you know, with Newman not coming, you know, often not for Georgia, I think this is the year for, you know, Florida’s Make some noise in the east. And I’ve got to pick up my sec champion sec champion. Sorry about that. And I just think they’re gonna be really good this year. I think Kyle Trask, probably in passing, possibly in the sec, and get brought over to the SEC side. Oh,
Santiago Leon
you’re the third guy within the sports cast that have said Florida will win it. So you’re not the only one?
Matt Caddell
Yeah. So yeah, I’m high on them. I was high on them before the year, I just thought they had, you know, a lot more coming back. And I think, you know, they finished in the Orange Bowl last year, and I think that’s very, they’re gonna have so much continuity, but coming back, I think they’re gonna do well.
Santiago Leon
I was more like Florida has like a year away from being good. But I guess it might be a year earlier than I thought.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I mean, Georgia still has probably the best, you know, talent on the roster. But I mean, I just don’t know, I know, they’re trying to install a new offense, they got a tougher schedule for the has an easier sec schedule this year, it’s in game schedule. So they probably have the easiest graph to the SEC. championship. So that’s what I’m given for the night. With the whole quarterback situation, I think contrast down last year to them just being no calling plays, knowing their strengths. I think Florida is gonna be my
Santiago Leon
thing. And their tight end is a first round draft pick.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, Copeland is the real deal. He’s really good. You can’t beat that guy. I mean, he was one matchup is kind of like a receiver. They have so many weapons. So it’s going to be very important to get that offense going. I think ml is going to utilize this whole offense to really, you know, get things going for the games this year.
Santiago Leon
Let’s talk about Georgia. Of course, Matt has spoke a little bit about them. There might be the one or two team in the sec. He of course, Georgia has the top two recruiting team in the nation. They’ve definitely been beating out Alabama by intro to quarterback is Justin fields coach is Kirby smart? How do you see this team mad? Do you think they’re capable? Maybe, you know, squeezing Florida out? Or do you think they’re kind of like one step behind?
Matt Caddell
I think they’re more than capable. I mean, you look at their roster, you know, Kirby has been doing a great job recruiting, you know, building depth and talent. I just think, you know, this is going to come down to the Florida Georgia game. Luckily, it’s not in Jacksonville this year. And I think it’s actually in Athens. So that’s going to be a very competitive game. And you know, they can do they can win that game. Obviously, the, you know, be ahead and leading the, obviously the SEC east, but I just think it’s gonna come down to you know, Kirby, like I mentioned earlier, they’re trying to install a new offense, more spread type offense, obviously trying to, you know, kind of, you know, develop the game even more. But I think that Jamie Newman was a huge loss for them, you know, defensively, Kirby’s gonna have those guys playing. They’re going to be one of the top defenses, obviously, in the country. And I just think, you know, with the slot going on in Athens, so I just think right now, they’re going to be competitive, but then they’re going to be afforded other winners that definitely have Georgia when they’re probably go with either Mathis or JT Daniels, but I don’t think JT Daniels is medically cleared yet so they have a great receiver in parkins they have some running backs back their office lines. Good so you know, it’s just a matter of what kind of offense they’re going to try to run and they got a tough one this week with Arkansas. Well, not a tough one. But so roll game Arkansas and I did not know Philippe Franks was starting quarterback in August. I didn’t even know he was still in college football me
Santiago Leon
either. That’s news to me right now.
Matt Caddell
Oh my god.
Santiago Leon
Hey, I mean, Arkansas has a chance maybe I guess I’m losing wide receivers. But yeah.
Matt Caddell
Georgia problem with him but
Santiago Leon
yeah. And Matt mentioned a Newman Jamie Newman he opted out due to a Coronavirus concerns. So that is he is he transformed from Wake Forest. And a great no actually quarterback. He’s a quarterback. Yeah. So yeah, so he obviously is is opted out. Okay, let’s go to the next to that. We’ll talk about it a little bit Kentucky got new quarterback What are your thoughts on more Kentucky
Matt Caddell
I got Kentucky being one of the most underrated teams in sec overall especially the SEC ease you know they’re gonna, you know rehearsals and then they got Auburn this weekend and Jordan hare and a lot of people taking off and I know it’s only a 10 point spread but you know Kentucky I wouldn’t be surprised if they get some things going. Now the NCAA cleared Joey gatewood the former four star quarterback from Auburn, but I think they’re waiting on the SEC actual approval so that’ll be kind of interesting to see. But yeah, I can I can Mike stoops has done a great job I think they got one of the top offensive lines in the country I think that tackles probably pro football focus top linemen, they got a really good secondary, my Susan’s got a lot of guys rarely make noise in the low stakes thing.
You know, they have like a quarterback. This ain’t bad last year, you know, so I think there’ll be a lot much better improve and you know, it always all been I’ll be kind of on the lookout. I really focused on Kentucky. They are super team in the east.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, I think half the crew and more than half the crew from Tuesday show was picking Kentucky Of course they hate Auburn. So I don’t know if he has a has sense of some of a chance. Of course the spread is 10 points.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, yeah, that means Vegas sees the same thing as well. I think everybody’s seeing that’s one game. You’re gonna have to be prepared for it. And you know, always an SEC, you’re gonna have to bring your A game weekend and week out. But you know, it’s going to be interesting. I think Aubrey eventually gets a win, but the game might be closer than expected. And I wouldn’t be surprised. You know if Kentucky actually win this game, but I think it’s gonna be a tall task. And I think at the end of the day, I’ll probably get the win, but I won’t be surprised I wouldn’t be shocked if this one not upset so
Santiago Leon
let’s look on to Missouri. They got a new coach Elijah drink wits. How do you see this Missouri team? Of course, they’ll be facing now Bama this weekend? Right? Is that correct?
Matt Caddell
Yeah, they got Bama I think six o’clock on Saturday, you know, dig with the closest from upstate. So you know, they’re, you know, a powerhouse in that division. You know, they’ve upset some, you know, power five schools, so they’re gonna be focused, I think he’s gonna, you know, change the culture down there. And, you know, Missouri, I think he’s a disciple of Gus malzahn. So I think that’s going to be a good good test for our our defense you have some young guys you know, in the secondary and I think that’s going to help Alabama’s you know, give some media today, you know, that spread really, hopefully get a win on the road to Missouri, you know, they have a really good thing they really have pretty good defense, some you know, some guys that, no, they just play with effort on the defensive end. So, I know they’re missing like 12 guys with opener, but they’re going to be competitive, but I still think they’re like two or three years away from really making some noise. Nice.
Santiago Leon
something to definitely look at, of course, that game with Alabama is at 7pm. Eastern game. So a lot of our show listeners will be looking at that game and see what where does Alabama stand cuz that’d be a good game to know where at where Alabama is at? You know? Yes, for sure. Yeah, I
Matt Caddell
think I think it is, I think, you know, my my thoughts is that, you know, Alabama is important for them, you know, to get a good road win and sec to really kind of set the tone and for the season, because they have such competition with this team game sec schedule, and I think, you know, we’re gonna have to get some tough road wins. So I think this would be a good game for the team to really get some identity and really, you know, establish you know, their dominance in sec especially on the road. So, you know, Missouri is going to be I know they’re going to be missing some players but quite sure they’re going to be you know, better prepared to bring on everybody brings her a game or some of them can be interesting in Missouri, Columbia, Missouri this weekend.
Santiago Leon
And I want to remind the audience that the SEC teams will play playing sec only so 10 sec teams. gains for each team. The SEC has never been been has never been done before. So everyone’s looking at this conference specifically. Because the other conferences, you know, pretty good, but this is great. This is like every like every week is gonna be exciting. Yes. Like, there’s no easy games like set it out. None of that. No, every game will be tough.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, we ACC cleanser.
Unknown Speaker
Right? Really?
Matt Caddell
Come on. Now.
Santiago Leon
I know. I know. It’s funny because we had another commentator for the sports guys, Turner and he said, Yeah, I mean, Clemson just has to win one big non conference game and they’re in the playoffs. Yeah, they got the easiest road.
Matt Caddell
But you know, they’re gonna if they lose they’re gonna it was gonna be kind of tough because it would the big three and planning the big things very competitive. You know, maybe Wisconsin over
Santiago Leon
well they say that, like Ohio State is by far like the best team there they say. I don’t
Matt Caddell
know. Yeah. So it depends. It depends on how everybody you know last year, the big 10 in sec had the two toughest conferences so it’s going to be interesting to see how the ACC pans out but I will say North Carolina is gonna be a tough opponent. And I think Miami I don’t say they want to say that you is back back how it was in the glory days, but they’re they’re just trending in the right direction.
Santiago Leon
Somewhat competitive this year.
Unknown Speaker
Yeah.
Matt Caddell
Yeah. No, thank you. That’s gonna be a challenging game. Yeah,
Santiago Leon
me. I’m looking forward to it because because I thought there was some doubts with Manny Diaz. But I think like the doubts have been quieting. So we’ll see what Miami does. Maybe Miami will be that third second fourth and the ACC it’s just what they need. Let’s go into the South Carolina Gamecocks head coach will a month champ fifth year as coach there were four and eight last year overall and three and five in the sec. I’ve been hearing good things about Carolina What have you been hearing
Matt Caddell
you know what my Sam does a great job you know, recruiting and having defensive plan focus and discipline and I know they played Alabama talk last year and I know they beat Georgia at Georgia last year was probably their biggest wins. Yeah. I know they started a new quarterback this year.
Santiago Leon
Colin Hill Yes, he was named the quarterback about a week or two weeks ago it was a surprise huge surprise but everyone seems like pretty intrigued to see this guy play
Matt Caddell
Yeah, yeah. And I think the
secondary is going to be pretty well I think that’s probably one of the strongest points on the defensive end and they got some guys that are like six to six three at the corner position. They fly around they play hard nosed defense so they opened up with Tennessee which is gonna be an interesting game I should
Santiago Leon
be a good match. Oh,
Matt Caddell
no.
Santiago Leon
Should be even Yeah, even balance ish.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I mean, I know I’ll probably give a slight edge to Tennessee Yeah. But you know that game is gonna be tough I think to see is you have a spread is three points right now so okay, that’s close
Santiago Leon
to the Alabama Missouri
Matt Caddell
matchup Yeah, that’s gonna be whoever obviously wins games you know, helping themselves get in the driver’s seat and sec ease but you know, they’re playing Tennessee is playing at South Carolina. Now that can be kind of challenging. And that’s gonna be a great matchup and be looking forward to seeing that thing that’s at 730 eastern standard time
Santiago Leon
during the Alabama game, but I doubt you’d be watching that one.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, oh, no, I would not.
Santiago Leon
I’ll let you put something back and forth but
Matt Caddell
but my focus would definitely be on the side I’ll be are glued in
Santiago Leon
let me know if you do that. I really curious if you will flip to that game.
Matt Caddell
I’ll probably I don’t know it’s gonna be it may be commercial last clip,
Santiago Leon
if you remember or you see a highlight. Okay, the game looks pretty tight in that other channel. Let me check it out.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I’m be glued 24 seven. Um, and the reason why we brought up column Hill, he is a grad transfer from Colorado State. Um, I never saw him playing Colorado State. Have you heard anything when he played there? No, the only thing I’ve heard is that, you know, he’s gonna be obviously the quarterback. He wanted a job this year. So it’s going to be interesting. You know what machines I believe he’s 71 all the time against the ball. So it’s going to be very interesting is going to be a bay. It’s going to be one of those games to really see who’s going to really, you know, take the lead in sec kind of put themselves in the foot for an SEC. Ease.
Santiago Leon
Yeah. Yeah, we’ll see what happens. The sportscast interns are South Carolina fan so we’ll definitely have them Oh, wow. I don’t think we’ll be covering the game. I think I think Justin will be live tweeting the Alabama game which he should because we have a huge following from Alabama and our sports cast Twitter. So definitely we’ll definitely keep you guys up to date. This Saturday is gonna be busy weekend with NFL sec starting this weekend. And of course the NFL on Sunday. So it should be exciting. Okay, back to Tennessee going into Tennessee, which we touch on a little bit. Head coaches. Jeremy Pruitt, last year there at five. Some people have been saying the sparks of the old Tennessee might be coming back but Matt, what do you Think about Tennessee this year.
Matt Caddell
Well, I have a lot of respect for Jeromy Pruitt. I think he’s a really good head coach in the program he’s the culture he’s kind of changed there so early at Tennessee and I think it’s gonna be great. I think he’s on the cusp of getting them back to really you know controlling the SEC like they used to back in the Peyton Manning days things like that so it’s gonna be pretty interesting. I think they have a three the spread is three points and it’s going to be a challenging game you know having to go to Columbia I think for for Tennessee, they have everything else. Maybe they might not have the receivers but they you know, typically have, you know, the defense of defense plays really well with Derrick ansley. Obviously. I forgot who they started as a quarterback, but I think it might be guarantano but they just play really good football this winter football and they usually have a really good running back
Santiago Leon
it is your quarantined. Oh, yes, yes, he’s a he. Yeah, the starting quarterback, correct.
Matt Caddell
Yeah. So it’ll be be important for him to play good games and not get frustrated because I think I saw the ballgame when he plays. Well, they didn’t do well offensively in the defense with Harry’s torso to allow them to really want him at the middle linebacker. They have a lot of guys that play downhill fast enough. Looking to stop the run. So Tennessee is actually one of my sleepers. Actually, in the east. So
Santiago Leon
interesting. So they’re in your top three in the sec east.
Matt Caddell
Yes, I have Florida, Georgia, Tennessee. And Kentucky. Yes.
Santiago Leon
quenched? Yeah, Tennessee is definitely a team that is a very traditional team the SEC has had has had their glory days in the past, and hopefully could bring that back and maybe become a potential rivalry again with Alabama.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I mean, I think the SEC Traditionally, the SEC is always competitive when you have Tennessee really dominating the east or Florida so really helps the SEC and the SEC so the mega conferences and so it’s always good to have one of those bigger conferences, bigger schools and sec needs to be competitive. So
Santiago Leon
let’s go on
Matt Caddell
to the X Factor for them.
Santiago Leon
You think so? Yeah.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I think it’s all on him. If he plays well. He doesn’t then you know, it’s gonna be a long season.
Santiago Leon
Some people might say Vanderbilt might be the worst team in the sec east. There were three nine last year one in seven coaches Derrick Mason, um, you know, what are your quick thoughts for Vanderbilt?
Matt Caddell
Well, you know, Ben and Brad Pitt and they have like seven players opt out. I mean, you know, it’s trite to say it but they probably like yeah, you know, I don’t want to get beat up in sec but I believe they they named true passion and Ken seals as a starting quarterback. I think that’s gonna get them a lot of upside offensively you know with better but I think if they can keep games close, you know, kind of have a fighting chance then I can kind of implementing claims it’d be a little bit more competitive but you know, they have an uphill battle playing at number 10. Texas a&m this Saturday, so that’s probably gonna be a tough one. I know they had a linebacker color Anderson and at the transfer portal. So it’s gonna be pretty interesting. So you know, inability Vandy for you you know they’re all about academics over there so in baseball they think they might get a beat up during a football season become baseball season they get all their revenge back
Santiago Leon
and they’re the closest thing the closest thing to see a two to like a Citadel
Matt Caddell
Yeah, yeah. Or Yeah, something like that. So yeah.
Santiago Leon
Or Mercer you know, these schools Alabama plays right before Auburn for the iron bowl. They got to have a nice easy game and and hopefully get no injuries. Okay, let’s go to the the heaviest side of the ACC we call the SEC West scores as debatable. Let’s start with Alabama. Of course, Mack Jones is a starting quarterback. We got two Heisman candidates, as in Smith and waddle in the wide receiving range. Matt, how do you see this team from Tuesday? A lot of these players said that this might be the best team in a while. But what are your thoughts over this Bama team?
Matt Caddell
Well, you know, I just want them to prove that that’s one of the best things I think they kind of know re establish that swagger the way they finish the season against Michigan. Matt Jones got a lot of experience last year with tiller being down. You know, he played actually pretty ahlborn going against one of the top defenses in sec. You know they had to defense with Monaco in the first round I believe so, you know, the challenging game but you know, just the Segway those turnovers actually Alabama probably wins those games that gang stuff. But I got a lot of confidence in McDonald’s, I believe with the addition of Bryce young that’s going to help push him. As you mentioned earlier, we have two Heisman candidates nicely Harris two I think it’s going to be I just don’t work. Walker finalists won’t be surprised if he wins it. Heisman Trophy finalists will be surprised about that. And he can do just about everything on offense. And then so as the team’s and he’s our secret weapon for Alabama in the special team so he can be expected for us. Obviously demand to know that position. One of the top sec receivers coming back who left last year, probably got drafted late first round, but decided to come back, you know, gradually and not really focus on winning a championship. So Alabama has a stable of running backs. I think when it’s submissively obviously the offensive line but you know, Evan Neal and and Dickerson Brown, Alex leatherwood, all those guys, I think they’re going to be essential. And now that was wrote to the SEC title into the college football playoff, so they have a lot of depth there have a lot of depth at the running back position. receivers have some depth, but you got to get a lot of young guys. And sometimes I know john Mitchell, probably the third guy slay Bowden Javan Baker, those guys probably get into rotation. So have a lot of strength at the tight end position. You know, Miller foresaw major tense and a little Billingsley. cocksucker those guys so on the defensive end, that’s where you know, most Alabama fans want to see the improvement. It hasn’t been past couple years Alabama defense that you know, I don’t think
Santiago Leon
especially last year
Matt Caddell
dominant. Yeah. Especially last year had a lot of young guys but you know, you have those guys coming back. You know, Dylan Moses, I hear, yeah, Dylan Moses being, you know, who’s all American, probably a top draft pick, you know, he had an unfortunate injury, but I think he’s gonna, you know, be that key piece of, you know, really set the tone and really get those guys lined up on the defensive for a lot of depth defensive line, you know, DJ Christian Baltimore, those guys have some freshmen coming off the edge. Will Anderson, I believe he’s a pastor, a specialist. From what I’m hearing. I think the big leader in the secondary obviously is Pastor team, do you want to top draft picks next year? And I think he’s going to solidify that corner position and really help, you know, be that leader in the secondary and bringing along those guys in the position. So I know we need to establish some depth there as well. And I think we’ll have these couple first couple of games. So special teams is always a big issue. We want to know our own fans kickers.
Santiago Leon
I know, man, this past what, two, three seasons, maybe more. It feels like this comes
Matt Caddell
down to the kicker. Yeah, so I know last year will Ryder was injured, so he’s back. So and allow them who’s a standout coming out of Hoover. So I think, you know, him being healthy, that’s going to help us at the kickers. And I think you know, obviously the partners will do a solid job out there. And like I said, Jalen was back there, parliamentarians, you know, he can change the game. Just that fast. So, you know, I think with this team with his leadership with the coaching staff coach Saban’s assemble in all season, or the continuity he has back Sarkeesian on the offense, I think they know what to do, how to get things executed to dominate and win the SEC.
Santiago Leon
Also a few names we got to mention, that are also NFL Draft prospects from Alabama. McMillan, Josh McMillan and Brian Ray. All returned from injury as well,
Matt Caddell
yes, yeah. liberar waves gonna be a horse at the defensive end position. And, you know, just when he’ll definitely be in the rotation, he just gives us much more leadership added depth on the defensive end at the linebacker position.
Santiago Leon
And also keep in mind, guys, I think the kicker that’s coming back from injury, he was like, like the number one recruit, when it comes to kicking. Is that what I’ve heard, is that true? Yeah, I believe so.
Matt Caddell
number one or number two in the country. So yeah,
Santiago Leon
man, this should be enough. Please,
Matt Caddell
please. I know I’ve been praying a lot. You know, that’s probably the most times when Alabama hasn’t won a kick. Most album friends or fans are like praying or like, either hoping for the worse. We got to try to change and I think will Riker will give us confidence and be successful. You know, you don’t have to be 100% We just want you to get you know, hey, survivor say
Santiago Leon
five years old. You should make those. Yeah.
Matt Caddell
Hopefully we get it right. But I’m confident I believe
Santiago Leon
Yeah. And but I mean, obviously, the iron bowl will not be played in Auburn this year, it will be in Alabama. So if they go to another big stadium like LSU or something like that, you know, there’s most likely not be any fans. So like the pressure is a little bit less.
Right.
Matt Caddell
Yeah.
Santiago Leon
So
Matt Caddell
yeah, I think it would be most fans are gonna be like 20% so you’re still gonna have some fans? You know, everybody’s gonna be piping in crowd noise. So, yeah, I mean, I’ve been watching any NFL games, and I’m like, I’m not even noticing the fans would be I didn’t either. Yeah, I think I noticed that in the Cowboys Falcons game, I believe obviously, that really helped the Cowboys.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, they had like, by like, 25 30,000 fans at Cowboys Stadium, which is
Matt Caddell
Yeah, so I think, you know, as the season goes on, probably stadium attendance is going to increase but you know, that’s all local government state guidelines. So that varies in different locations. So no, don’t don’t be tough, you know, having to win on LSU you know, those are always that’s always a tough road game. But Alabama historically has played well down there. So
Santiago Leon
yeah, that’s Valley. There’s a reason why they call it Death Valley.
Matt Caddell
Death Valley. Yeah, it’s gonna be exciting to be excited.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, and what’s not exciting is Arkansas Razorbacks. Another team that is as bad as Vanderbilt. There were over eight last season and with the ACC two and 10 overall I’m not sure who was at two they beat their head coaches Sam Pittman first year maybe he’ll he’ll turn things around. Matt What have you heard about Arkansas this season?
Matt Caddell
Um, you know, I haven’t heard much. As you mentioned, Sam Pittman is the new head coach he was at Georgia funding they opened up against Georgia so I know he’s gonna be trying to prove a point. Obviously though Philippe Franks is named the starter for Arkansas so I think that gives him some experience but they you know, they have some some some depth and they’re trying to get things started focusing around I think they have to recruit more ham things like that but you know, Arkansas is they’re pretty tough so it’ll be interesting to see you know, they have linebacker take Crowder those those high players so that they they’re gonna be pretty you think
Santiago Leon
they’ll get a win or you think this is this is not the way to get a win.
Matt Caddell
Oh, they’ll probably get a win you never know you know, sec against Vanderbilt rinda Yeah, maybe against Vanderbilt but i think you know, having Philippe Franks that really gives him some
Santiago Leon
yes a man really good. Yeah. remind the audience that he played for Florida about two years ago right. Is that it? Yeah.
Matt Caddell
So pretty good. And yeah, he was a big prospect. Yeah, so I think you know, having quarterback experience really gives you an edge so I won’t be surprised they were made in one game or two so it’s gonna be interesting.
Santiago Leon
something to definitely look at. Let’s look at Oh, money Auburn. The biggest rival of alabama football. Bigger than Tennessee used to be Tennessee. Now it’s Auburn. Um, let’s look at quarter the quarterback boat next. It will be second year in Auburn. What are your thoughts over Auburn? Of course, they’re ranked number eight in the AP college football polls, which is looking good for them. will be will they be a force for the SEC West maybe be that two or one B team obviously LSU is going through a reconstruction year but what are your thoughts over Auburn?
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I think aubertin is going to be one of the you know, pushing for the SEC was you know, I got them picked number two and sec was I just think they have you know, you mentioned Bo Nix. He’s returning You know, he had a pretty solid year as a freshman quarterback won some big games obviously. And I think you know, they’re recovering and returning him. The big issue for Auburn is can they get the running game get a running back armor usually has success when they have the running back factor that can you know really moved the ball and it really makes our offense we’ve got smells on mixing up plays to have solid receivers at receiver position. That being said, number 18. Seth Williams Williams is pretty solid number five. I think he’s a speechwriter for them so our offensive line I think they have a return a few guys so I think they’re going to be pretty good. Offensively obviously got some Amazon with him in the play call and they’re going to be you know, very competitive, they’re going to put up points so the key is to stop them I think defensively. They lost a lot at the defensive front with brown and Davidson so they’re going to have to replace those guys. So I think why Becker’s they have a lot of guys that fly around hit hardware downhill. Now they lost some guys in the second year. I think chemistry Though does a really good job of you know having discipline solid defense with homines tigers and overall they always have good special teams kickers especially so I think overall there’s gonna be a tough team this year you know that number number eight ranked in the sec and I think they’re gonna do well I got them finished a second sec West obviously in Alabama so swim is always tough team they always come prepared and they got a lot of returning players coming back this year so they’re going to be pretty pretty competitive this year.
Santiago Leon
And Auburn will be starting a freshman running back
Matt Caddell
we thought oh wow yeah, I think it’s pretty good.
Santiago Leon
kJ Britt his name Oh, sorry. He’s a linebacker No, I don’t know his name but the running back but I’m getting reports is it’s a freshman. Let me look. Let me look them up because
Matt Caddell
they had a big time recruit running back.
Santiago Leon
DJ Williams. DJ Williams. We’ve heard about him
Matt Caddell
Well, I know he’s a big time running back I know at one point Alabama was recruiting him from the top sec schools in the sec. So he’s a pretty solid runner, but I think he’s gonna do great for them. No, kind of give them that. That is what they need offensively in the running back still.
Santiago Leon
His nickname is the tank Can you believe that?
Matt Caddell
Oh, wow. Awesome. That’s pretty cool.
Santiago Leon
That’s good for him. So also about Gus malzahn of course last season even like the year prior. There was rumors of him just sacking him. Do you think he needs to prove something this year for the Auburn fans or what are your thoughts over his job security at Auburn?
Matt Caddell
I just think for him you know obviously the big thing for him as the when the big games obviously out to be Alabama and so he did that last year so he’s probably good. They’re probably getting an extension or something like that. The usual you know, the usual and then maybe you know, they might not be as competitive in games they are more fans will be one to fire him so it’s like a love hate relationship. But you know, I’d say for guys whose needs wins the game who’s supposed to get land and win some of those games are those bigger? sec schools like LSU Alabama has those sight games to Georgia so Satan wins.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, something that definitely look at Auburn is always the third or second best team in the sec West. Usually Ailey’s Alabama number one and then LSU and Auburn are usually bent on laughs I mean, try to balance out for that to spot in the sec West andeans but it looks like Auburn might take that. You know in paper, it looks like they will but we’ll see if they do it in real life. Let’s look at LSU head coaches at odhran of course they’re in the rebuilding. They lost a lot of players in NFL Draft they lost their starting quarterback Mr. Joe burrow which is doing well with the Bengals. Um, of course LSU has a recruiting department and they do have a pipeline of like of like of great talent coming in. But of course you know the expectations are low. Matt, what are your expectations for LSU this year?
Matt Caddell
Oh my god. Let’s see being the number three team an SEC. Wes, you’re going to have lead miles Britain’s going to be their quarterback. They lost Joe Brady offensive coordinator the passing game coordinator but they still have Steven in finger so really kind of you know managing calling the place but they’d lost in a lot of guys out the ship and had like maybe six or eight guys opt out for the season. You know they lost tomorrow Chase. So but you know, they still have a lot on the offensive in thing they have a pretty stable back and in the backs pretty good offensive line. Like I said, Myles Brennan is going to get the nod to have a lot of time on the receiver position even without Jamal Chase, so they’re going to be competitive. And you know, but now there’s Jia to everybody’s gonna be focused to try to beat them this year because what they did last year, this is how it is in I just think defensively you know, they have a lot of guys coming back. It just starts with me with insanely the corner. I just think he’s one of the best corners who would come to the SEC. He’s really good. Cover corners just super athletic. So they’re gonna they’re gonna be pretty good. So
Santiago Leon
they should not be overlooked. Even though you’re going
Matt Caddell
Yeah, well, that’s Valley. Yeah, even though you’re going to Death Valley. Derek silly is the real deal. Jacoby Stevens. I think he’s our sec first team defense. Like I mentioned, even without your March as they should have cherished Marshall on the ICC team. And they return you know, left guard Eddie groom, and like you said earlier, they recruited pretty well and so I know they recruited a couple The highly coveted title. Rick, Eric Gilbert is out of Georgia so quite sure he’s going to be eager to play so it’s going to be pretty interesting. I still think they’re going to be competitive but I still think given us Alabama and Auburn and LSU
Santiago Leon
let’s go on to Mississippi State new head coach. They Mike Leach he used to coach for Washington State. Um, Matt, how do you see this team panning now with a new coach named Mike Leach
Matt Caddell
I believe they’re gonna be pretty good but this thing all the coaches in the state of Mississippi say they have Lane Kiffin now you got Dr. Sanders that Jackson State I’m like, this is like all the the characters that you probably couldn’t have
Santiago Leon
had the real estate’s really cheap Mississippi I mean, that’s the reason to go.
Matt Caddell
He so it’s gonna be interesting so you know they got an interesting game against LSU actually this Saturday so it’s gonna be really interesting to see how Mike Leach you know really has the offense going you know, he’s offensive guy. You know he goes guys like garden issue those type players so it’s gonna be very interesting. This is going to be tall tasks for the difference coordinator Zach Arnett you know to really kind of start LSU this weekend but you know, I think they’re gonna be a little bit more competitive than than what they were in the past so you know, I they’re probably gonna be this in my book in sec an SEC West, but they’re going to be competitive enough for them it’s going to be Austin’s Mike Leach is incredible play collar for you know, offenses, he likes to spread it out, you know, kind of running gun type deal so they’re going to be very competitive and I think it’s going to be challenging for them to be LSU but they have them at home so you never know what might happen in 2020 everything to be anything Who would have thought we have you know, the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat Well, I kind of Miami you kind of knew but not the Denver Nuggets actually competing for the NBA Finals which will predict Lakers tonight a little bit later on the show. So get ready for that okay.
Santiago Leon
Okay, um, yeah, so do you think this could be a winnable game for mississippi state this weekend or You don’t think so? Like what are your thoughts? Ah, it possibly could be it looks winnable to me I don’t know about you.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, it is easily could be winnable. So I mean, it’s gonna be interesting to see you know, I think they you know, they got the quarterback from Stanford Castillo I think he’s gonna be the starter so it’s gonna be pretty interesting for them. It’s one of them after like an SEC, it’s winnable and you know, Michigan State simply has really good defenses so it’s going to be pretty interesting to see how this thing goes. I’m excited I’m so glad to see some Baba
Santiago Leon
Yeah, we’ll see what happens I think we’ll definitely see how I mean how close the margin is. I want to see how close the wind was you know, I can’t I mean I don’t think we’ll blow out I don’t think
Matt Caddell
Yeah, um, but I definitely want to see how their office is gonna work
Santiago Leon
with Mike Lee’s at the house was gonna get Mike lead coming from the Pacific Northwest to the SEC now let’s go into Ole Miss another new hire link Kiffin former Alabama assistant coach that was fired kind of spontaneously before the before like the like the national championship game was coaching at FAA. You did great. Of course. He’s a character he’s a he’s a big time character when it comes to college football. Is there hope for Ole Miss now that link if is there?
Matt Caddell
Yes, there is. My thinking kind of brings that kind of peace and that type of energy back at Ole Miss. You know? He not he should not but I forgot what’s the old Miss Kosta when they be Alabama? But you know, they kind of have that swagger and I think freezes could freeze. Yeah, coast view free. Sorry.
Santiago Leon
Yes. Because he’s not coaching my alma mater liberty. So Lenny. Yeah, yeah. So what Yeah, freeze. I know that he had his issues and with recruiting and did some, I guess, bribes. Is that like the right term?
Matt Caddell
I don’t know. Yeah, something like that. Go ahead. Go ahead, man. I think they’re gonna be competitive. You know, they return sophomore Jerry aliette running back their quarterback.
Santiago Leon
Macro.
Matt Caddell
He can Yeah, he can. I don’t believe is Matt corral. It’s
Santiago Leon
let me look that up. Go ahead. I’ll look it up.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, but then he I think they put up like maybe 20 or 30 points against Alabama last year. No credit. Alabama defense was the best last year why that was but I think he gives them you know with lanes. He’s so special in the office of in you know playing matchups and you know really having an effective offense regarding regarding the you know, the talent he might have so they’re going to be competitive. I think for them that I think there’s still maybe a year or two out recruiting wise and as I mentioned earlier, having Mike Leach and Deion Sanders instead. They say is really not gonna make things easier for him but I think he can. He can do the right thing and get the right guys in there for him. It’s gonna be interesting.
Santiago Leon
It is Matt corral and will not be john Plumlee. Mark corral will be the starting quarterback for Ole Miss.
Matt Caddell
Oh wow. Corral. That’s interesting. I thought it’d be Plumlee. But that is interesting. But yeah, I you know, laying like I said he knows quarterbacks he knows how to, you know, change things, but I’m quite sure, Plumlee will begin some playing time because he can kind of run and things like that. So I’m quite sure you see a lot of stuff. But then bored. So I think one is gonna have to be on a game because you never know what Lane Kiffin didn’t play in this Saturday. So it’s going to be interesting by Sunday. They like the depth you know, possibly up front on offensive and defensive line and, but I think they’re gonna be way more competitive this year. So those are one thing you’re gonna have to be prepared to play just because Lane Kiffin brings so much offensive mindset and energy to this program. So
Santiago Leon
yeah, we’ve been hearing that Matt corral is more of a Kiffin quarterback. So I guess probably fixes system. Kiffin you know about them? You know? Is he a character? Or is he a real deal? COACH? Like, do you think this is his moment? To you know, to play with the big boys? Like, what are your thoughts over him going to Ole Miss?
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I think his mom, I think it’s, you know, typically is a kid of his office of jeans, he knows how to call plays. He knows how to put up points. And I think it was important for him to really learn and kind of learn from the notes about saving to coaching and head coach and so I think that really helped him you know, he with the FAA internet program around so I think he’s going to kind of bring out that I think he’s more mature now. I think he’s going to kind of do that as well as or miss. So it’s going to be pretty interesting. I’m quite sure he’s gonna he’s gonna be competitive to be one of those coaches to really look out for an SEC. I think he’s got a good fit at Ole Miss, I think.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, and of course on Tuesday there is saying, hey, as long as kink, Lane Kiffin stays out of the bars, he should be fine.
Matt Caddell
Oh, yeah. bars and I guess frat parties one of the two. Yeah,
Santiago Leon
true. He I’ve heard he’s attended some frat parties.
Matt Caddell
He that’s gonna be kind of
Santiago Leon
the students on campus and like, like, I mean, in most sec schools, like what have you heard?
Unknown Speaker
about laying kids?
Santiago Leon
No, I mean, like, no, like, you know, having students on campus. Is there going to be students on campus this fall? or?
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I’m quite sure. Yeah, I’m quite sure. You know, Alabama has students on campus, you know that.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, they’re not gonna they’re not gonna Fret not going to college. Yeah, Ben Moran was is gonna be open. They’re gonna have tailgate. Stay gonna be half empty. That’s for sure.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, or?
Santiago Leon
Yeah, anyways, let’s go to the last one. We saved the best for last. Maybe for some people that might not be the case. Texas a&m Head Coach Jimbo Fisher quarterback Kellen Mond last year there were four and for the SEC eight and five overall. Um, you know, Texas a&m, you know, big name, you know, but they haven’t made that spark they haven’t pushed that third spot in the sec West. What are your thoughts about this year and are you optimistic or we’ll see more of the same
Matt Caddell
I was more optimistic, you know, before the season, but then they started having all these players opt out and receiver player but he had a wide receiver opted out. Very good
Santiago Leon
season,
Matt Caddell
Matt. Yeah, I was like if anybody could pull off of what LSU kind of did under the radar school and sec to kind of, you know, make some noise in the sec. I thought it would be Texas a&m before all those guys do, you know opted out for the for the season. So it’s going to be interesting, but um, you know, Kevin Martin starts with Kellen Moore. You know, he’s athletic quarterback dual threat he can do a lot. He gives him a chance offensively to move the ball just his running ability to have a really good tight end. Jalen wildomar. I’d say a spill at the running back position is really good. So it’s gonna be pretty good. They have defensive lineman Bobby Brown know who our number one a couple years ago, so it’s gonna be pretty good. They typically have really good offensive tackles. They go To the NFL now they have Carson green and Dan Moore and a guard Kenya green. So they’re going to be pretty good so like I mentioned the big receivers my husband opted out so it’s going to be pretty interesting so quite sure but you know I think he’s gonna kind of get more of the same from Texas and now obviously competitive Kelvin mind seems like he’s been there for forever but you know, I just think they were fortunate with a lot of guys out there now but I still think they’re gonna be very competitive and have them pick fourth and sec less you know, behind their armor in LSU. So they might continue concerned with that third spot, you know, you never know what to do so Hey,
Santiago Leon
man, that’s very common right there.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, yeah, I still got on pick fourth and sec West.
Santiago Leon
As on bass wars a is better than what they did last year. Um, but yeah, obviously, looking at the SEC West. And for my for my understanding my research and listening to two other podcasts in the sportscast. Alabama is number one in the sec West and then I have afterwards is Auburn. But Auburn could be a strong too, though. Like they could be breathing down Alabama’s neck if something happens without Oh, yeah.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I mean, it’s always competitive like that, you know, it was something like that last year. Yeah, it was, you know, armoring could have easily won that game. And then number one in sec West, so Alabama could have easily won that game. So you just got to, you know, take it week by week and control what you can throw was to go out there and dominate and focus on that. So you know, what that
Santiago Leon
reminded me is liking code. I mean, because I’m a programmer, like one, like one character of code can mess up your whole program. Same for football, one little flaw can mess up your whole game, and, and also your whole season.
Matt Caddell
I mean, nobody knows that more. I mean, better than Alabama. I mean, obviously, they don’t, it doesn’t follow that first job, they easily score. And if they don’t, you know that you never know how the game might change is so crazy. And they still almost came back and won the game. And so, you know, it’s funny that those little codes those little mistakes can always change the
Santiago Leon
little character that which I take when I said this every year, no matter what the iron bulls are crazy, but I think they’re crazier when they played an Auburn I don’t think Alabama Yeah, there is as crazy.
Matt Caddell
No, it’s not as crazy but it’s gonna be interesting this year because they return a pretty good team this year with the quarterback so I just it’s always crazy year. You never know what’s gonna happen at Jordan hair. So that’s what I love. When
Santiago Leon
I know it is tough. I mean, it’s not easy. This is not a walk. You got to like it’s battle. And I love like, especially last year, when you’re watching like the NFL commentators, they all talk about like, yeah, did you see that iron bowl game yesterday?
Matt Caddell
I love it. It’s the top robbery in college football. I know your Ohio State Michigan fans always try to say, Oh, it’s the number one robbery but you’re not in the in state. Like if you have to. You have to live in state with each other. Like that’s, that’s tough. So it’s 20 473 65 a game is always interesting. Everybody seems to ends up being one of the top games of the year. So yeah,
Santiago Leon
which which? Which actually, I’ve not told Matt days I’m or maybe or maybe he’s heard. Mike Lee lived in Birmingham for about a year and a half. So I know that rivalry football has got an Alabama Auburn. Yeah, like you’re an Auburn fan or an Alabama fan. It was crazy. But yeah, it is. I mean, football is in a whole different dynamic, whole different level in Alabama itself.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, and I live in Georgia. And I’m like, y’all nothing, you know, obviously had the Braves and the Hawks and the Falcons. Like Georgia fans are like they try to push like oh, it’s all about Georgia. But I’m like, y’all don’t know like in the state of Alabama. It is 20 473 65 Alabama, Auburn every every sport ever recruit is always about so so intense.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, that’s something that I’ve learned with interviewing you and other Alabama former Alabama players is the recruitment wars out there and, and a lot of them said like, you know, very similar teams, Auburn was out. I mean, it was between Alabama and Auburn Georgia Tech at one moment. LSU Texas a&m so and and you were talking about it. Like you know, there’s certain players that played for other teams that were also under consideration from Alabama. So it’s quite interesting how the SE is definitely the capital of college football in my opinion. And of course, you know, anywhere else in the country is it’s not the same In the NFL, that’s more you know, more like, you know, up north or out like the West. So it’s quite interesting, the whole dynamic when it comes to football, but pretty excited. So so far, your SEC championship prediction would be Alabama versus Florida.
Matt Caddell
Yes.
Santiago Leon
And who
Matt Caddell
definitely,
Santiago Leon
and how would I mean? I mean, I mean, obviously his way out is it’s a the game will be played in December. How will that game look like to you?
Matt Caddell
Oh, man, I right now I got a win and a close one. But I mean, you never know about them. So I think regardless, the game is going to be closest going to be one of the more competitive sec championships that we’ve seen. In the past, you know, LSU blew out. Georgia last year, Alabama came back the Georgia year before that, so I think it’s going to be back and forth game. So I think it’s going to be really competitive. So right now have Alabama with the given and not over Florida. So it’s gonna be very interesting.
Santiago Leon
And we got some breaking news, Pac 12 has voted to play. But But I don’t know when I have not received the news.
Matt Caddell
I just think they’re gonna be about to play off. Do you think so? Yeah, I think they’re gonna be too late to the party to be on. I think so to Matt
Santiago Leon
is fragmented big 10 I hope to make it in
Matt Caddell
bits in they’re gonna make it because they started in their Sunday season in October. I think that gives you some time. But I don’t think the tax was going to have enough.
Santiago Leon
I know, it’s too
Matt Caddell
bad. isn’t too bad for Yeah, they’re gonna try to have a season where they’re gonna play six, seven games. Like that’s gonna be pushing it. So I just don’t see how it’s gonna work. I think they’re gonna be left out just to be
Santiago Leon
you know, it’s, even though this season is pretty much all fragmented. You know, it’s just, you know, different different schedule types. You know, some conferences are playing 10. Some are playing eight, something five or something like that. It’s just, it’s just an asterick. And, and we totally agree with Rudy Griffin, like two weeks ago. It’s an asterick. I’m sorry, Matt. It’s an asterick.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I mean, yeah, I mean, I can see I understand your point. But I don’t think anybody from the pexels would be there. Anyway, I think it was gonna drill, you know, either two sec teams, Clemson and Ohio State. So I mean, you know, it’s Friday. I just think it’s so funny. All these conferences are playing now. I’m like,
Santiago Leon
Yeah, and I give credit to sec. give credit to sec. They said September 26. They stuck to the date and they’re gonna happen it’s gonna happen.
Matt Caddell
Great decision. Yeah. Greg, thank you for that. I just think they just they, you know, really had them they were just credit the Greg Sankey, like he said he was Barry. He had his medical team, he had his, his advisors, he know he was in contact with the NFL, which I think is just blows my mind, you know, I didn’t know and NFL is called. Yeah, the NFL. He was talking about the NFL. I think he contacted them last week, you know, he’s just really getting, you know, a lot of advice of how to make things work. And I just think he just trusted his medical advice too. So I’m methodical where I feel like the big 10 was kind of, you know, be ahead of the curve and like be out in front of everything. I think it just kind of hurt them in the end, even though they’re trying to play football now. I think it has hurt they’re kind of bland from a leadership perspective or administration or civic perspective, in my opinion. So you know, credit Greg Sankey in sec. I think he did it the right way.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, yeah.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, the SEC is second tonight.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, absolutely. sec. I like them as a conference their competition but also their administration, their brand, the SEC championship games, things like that. Yes. And yeah, it’s just a great a great brand of football. Not just like the talent but also the brand and the leadership. You know, this is the first time I hear anything about the leadership I didn’t know there was a Greg Sankey out there. There is a he’s definitely proven it and hopefully a NFL commissioner. I’m talking too much.
Matt Caddell
No, I don’t think he’s gonna let him get away.
Santiago Leon
Anyway, anyways, l
Matt Caddell
et them get away.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, yeah, we’ll see. Yeah, I I agree. The progam a big, big, huge pay raise soon. Anyways, that is our sec preview. Now let’s go into sec week one predictions. Are you ready, Matt? I’m ready. Let’s go for the first game at noon, Kentucky at Auburn.
Matt Caddell
I’m gonna say armor is gonna win but I don’t be surprised if turkey wins and upset.
Santiago Leon
I’ve heard that but from only from Alabama fans. I’m Florida at Ole Miss.
Matt Caddell
Wow, this is my second game it’s possibly to be upset. But I just think Florida at the end is gonna win the game.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, if one wants to be the best that got to beat Ole Miss mississippi state at LSU
Matt Caddell
whoo I got LSU winning in the close one.
Santiago Leon
Let’s see if Matt has any upsets in this predictions you Georgia at Arkansas.
Matt Caddell
I got Georgia winning.
Santiago Leon
And I want to actually make a make a reiteration here of upsets. Typically, well, it could have been week one but a lot of these teams like these teams can mess this one up anyways, Bama and
Matt Caddell
I got Bama winning.
Santiago Leon
Give us a score on that
Matt Caddell
score on that one. I know the spread is 26 points. Oh crap. I think they might cover it late but I didn’t might you know you never know how it’s gonna go so I go score 3018 Bama.
Santiago Leon
What do you want to see for this Alabama team this weekend? Do you want to see like the offense or defense like like you know which part do you really have reassurance towards us like okay, I’m feeling confident for Alabama this season.
Matt Caddell
Oh, you know just defense being dominant and stopping playing four quarters in the offense has been effective, you know, converting on third down not turning the ball over having effective drives and you know, scoring points when needed be so utilizing the playmakers so that’s kind of what I want to see.
Santiago Leon
There haven’t Tennessee at South Carolina Gamecocks
Matt Caddell
whoo man Africa. There’s gonna be a time when it’s gonna be close. Three points spread. I think Tennessee has the nod. Oh my god. But I’m sitting there playing at South Carolina. I might have to go soccer.
Santiago Leon
Vandy. Oh, South Carolina. I put Tennessee on put South County that’s you’re upset of the week?
Matt Caddell
Possibly. Let me go to the see. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
Santiago Leon
No, it’s okay. It’s okay. I mean, I gave you grace.
Matt Caddell
I’m gonna give me grace. I’m not gonna overthink, I’m not gonna overthink.
Santiago Leon
You go in your head and your heart. Vandy at Texas a&m.
Matt Caddell
Texas a&m in a big one.
Santiago Leon
This is interesting guys. I want to keep you guys in mind here. This is all sec teams are only playing sec teams. This is gonna be bizarre like this is a real season. One guy put it as like the NFL every week is pretty hard. pretty difficult.
Matt Caddell
Yeah. Definitely. Like the NFC West. Yeah. With Yeah, yeah. With Seattle and
Santiago Leon
well times Arizona. Arizona. Cisco.
Matt Caddell
Used to be certain Cisco but they’re kind of handicapped right now.
Santiago Leon
Ya know, like the turf. Like messed up on and on. And they got played again against the Giants this weekend.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, like they need to the NFL is probably gonna investigate that. I’m quite sure.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, for sure. Okay, NBA tonight Celtics in my no sorry, the Lakers in the nuggets. Lakers are up to in one nugget to add like the last win. Who do you got?
Matt Caddell
I think the Lakers are gonna win. But I wouldn’t be shocked if Denver wins this game. But I think the Lakers gonna regroup and win this game tonight.
Santiago Leon
I’m pulling for the nuggets, Matt.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I mean, I like I like underdogs. I wouldn’t be surprised that they I mean, they, if you look at it quietly, the nuggets easily be up to line. If you know Anthony Davis and make that amazing shot, you know, nuggets had a chance to win that game. So they could easily be up to one. So I mean, I think you’re kind of right in your prediction with a negative night. I hope
Santiago Leon
I hope I’m a Murray fan and a jokey fan. So we’ll see how it goes. I want to be a little bit more competitive. I’m glad to hear one last night. I thought the return of the Boston player. Yes, when he came back I thought I will change the whole dynamic. Not as bad as I thought. Um, my, my, my neighbor causes the garbage game. The dolphins at the Jaguars
Matt Caddell
I’m the one with the Jaguars garden means to think they’re gonna be prepared. They’re gonna be pretty good. They’re actually playing better than I thought I thought Jacksonville was you know, trying to change for Trevor Lawrence and all that stuff. And they have they lose all these players and they’re still competitive in that South Division. So it’s pretty interesting.
Santiago Leon
And they have no DJ shark. would that change your mind?
Matt Caddell
No.
Santiago Leon
Okay. He’s out injured a lot of injuries last weekend. Of course that like me and Matt, Matt and I were talking about, especially in the San Francisco versus the Jets game, Nick bosa got in injured the quarterback garofolo and of course Barkley got injured so a yes, there needs to be an investigation because I heard week one the turf was great players like wow is the best turf ever. And then week two, all of a sudden was called many players were saying like the field was sticky. And you saw like a couple injuries.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if NFL is investigating. I think the most bizarre story I’ve ever heard of NFL is tyrod Taylor team doctor actually puncturing his lungs administered painkiller medicine like, that isn’t bizarre. That’s that’s
Santiago Leon
Yeah, that’s a very bizarre I don’t know if it was a Justin Herbert fan, though.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, that’s probably what it probably was. Herbert looks freaking amazing. Especially in the home, even though
Santiago Leon
he lost but they look pretty good. I mean, he looked pretty good.
Matt Caddell
He was very good. Very confident. I was actually surprised how well he played. Yeah, he was very good. So he’s tall. very tall.
Santiago Leon
I mean, he’s like, 6466. And he can run.
Matt Caddell
Yeah. So impressed. You’re on tour in Miami.
Santiago Leon
No, no, man. I don’t want that pressure. I don’t care. Oh. Breaking News. High. 12. starts in November. Okay, that’s not enough time at.
Matt Caddell
That’s not enough time does not play what five games? They’re not gonna be anything. Yeah.
Santiago Leon
Now. Yeah, they’re Yeah, they’re not what, like November 1. Now, that’s just, I mean,
Matt Caddell
they’re screw I hate to say it.
Santiago Leon
Yeah. Like what I mean, what if organic goes undefeated? They’re not gonna put on fourth seed. No,
Matt Caddell
no, no, everybody else played at least eight games. And
Santiago Leon
yeah, so yeah, the college football playoff committee is gonna have an interesting year, maybe maybe a will be an opportunity for teams like UCF that could potentially challenge that fourth seed.
Matt Caddell
Yeah, that’s gonna be interesting. To see everything like Memphis is going to be pretty interesting. So now, they’re focused on most guys. So
Santiago Leon
but you know, it’s funny, because there’s a lot of leagues and awesome sports, they’re experimenting some new stuff. Would you be open to a 16 playoff or 18 playoff this year?
Matt Caddell
I think is any year is to be an expanded playoff. I think this is the year definitely go to either 18 or 16. You know, I think that’ll be pretty interesting because you’re gonna have really big competitive teams, I believe in Florida and Alabama. So I just don’t see how you see, you know, take one of them out of the playoff. I just think you know, the Clemson is going to come out the ACC and Ohio State come out the big 10 so it’ll be good to have an expanded playoff this day no put a UCF put the second sec team in there. So you got your 60s right there.
Santiago Leon
Yeah, that’s if I’m revising Hey, you know if you put in the USC a You see, USF team. You should put no UCF I say USA South Florida. They’re not gonna make it. UCF give us a you know, second sec team. I like that. I’ll take it anyways. Um, sec begins this weekend, of course at 12pm. With the first game of Kentucky versus Auburn is a good start. It’ll be on CBS. And of course, Alabama plays that night. So Justin Riley, who’s listening to the show is probably gonna like tweet it, I hope. I mean, as long as this cable or when you fit well, we’ll talk about that. We’ll figure out a way to live tweet it. I’m Matt gadelle. What is the best way to reach you online? During the Alabama versus Missouri game?
Matt Caddell
Face Book, I’ll probably post them all throughout the game. All sec. Saturday, especially some upsets happen. Wink wink at Jordan hare. I will be all over Facebook.
Santiago Leon
And someone asked who will be the offensive MVP for Alabama this weekend.
Matt Caddell
I’m going with Nigel Harris. I just think he’s gonna have a vanilla. You know, game plan. Obviously, they probably want to show too much and I think office lines gonna dominate it’s probably handed to Nigeria. Give them an edge on a couple times and just, you know, get out there with a victory focus on texting.
Santiago Leon
That’s a safe pick. I will choose AJ Harris as well. You can reach us at the sports cast one on Twitter. Matt wins. When will your Twitter account be? I mean, I’m available. This weekend
Matt Caddell
would be perfect. Okay, I’m gonna do it tonight. I can’t push I keep forgetting obviously I get glue but I’m gonna work on as soon as I get off the phone. I will do it. Do it
Santiago Leon
man. Cuz I’m telling you, you could probably get like, you know, 10,000 followers overnight.
Matt Caddell
And my wife’s like you need to start your Twitter. So
Santiago Leon
there you go. Your wife is listening to this. Show. Um, if it’s not Mac Adele, you put Macedon one if that’s not available, you know?
Matt Caddell
Yeah, I’ll do that Macedon one.
Santiago Leon
Exactly anyways, you can reach us at the sports cast one on Twitter or at the sports cast dotnet you’ll see the latest and greatest in sports articles. And of course, we have launched a 24 seven online digital radio station. If you want to listen to the sports cast in a radio format, you go to the sports cast one, or you can download the football radio app for Alabama, on the iOS App Store and on radio three. So if you want to listen to a day hear conversation from Jared Johnson, or from Justin Riley or even Matt condell, you go on to the radio style of the sports cast. We’re still working on some kinks but it’s working right now. And we’ll we’ll definitely have more shows more content in the future. And of course this week, this fall is pounded to a sports I’m glad NFL is doing great this so far zero cases from the COVID. And hopefully will be the same for the ACC because they should because they’re being consulted by the NFL, and things like that. And of course we’ll be we’re still working on the game day show guys. We’re we’re working now on everything and the hose and the kinks and everything but I think Matt will be involved eventually so we’ll let you know.
Matt Caddell
Awesome, man. Thanks for having me on man. Glad to be on the show.
Santiago Leon
Matt. Roll Tide.
Matt Caddell
Roll Tide.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
Santiago Leon is the Founder and CEO of the Sports Cast. He covers NFL, NBA, and world soccer. He’s also founder of sleon productions, which he specializes in technology and serves clients with solutions to make their business grow.
