Biscuits & SEC 2023 season preview
Questions and storylines abound entering the 2023 season. Can the B&S Crew make some decent picks and not fall flat on their face?
By: Bossman Slim, Hammer, Waco Kid
Week 0 is in the rearview mirror and Week 1 is NOW. I can smell the barbecue, bourbon, and beer. Who doesn’t like the smell of a freshly cracked Miller Lite in the morning?
With the season upon us, it’s time for the annual conference picks from the B&S crew. Can LSU repeat as SEC West champs? Will Alabama find a QB to take them back to the promised land? Does A&M finally live up to their hype? Can Ole Miss get back to the magic of that 2021 season?
What about Georgia…is Carson Beck the guy? Can they three-peat? Does Tennessee have an encore in them with Joe Milton at the helm? Does Kentucky move up with Devin Leary? Can South Carolina keep up the momentum?
Plenty of great storylines to watch and questions to be answered in 2023. For our in-depth look at each program, don’t miss our 2023 14-in-14 series. Let’s dig in.
SEC WEST
Hammer: After a disappointing 10-2 regular season a year ago in which the Crimson Tide lost on the last play of the game on the road at Tennessee and at LSU, Alabama is in an odd place. Aside from the two games they lost last year, Alabama also played several close games that could have gone either way. They looked vulnerable for the first time in what seemed like forever. So coming into this season, they have some question marks, especially at QB. Jalen Milroe will start week one, but I would not be shocked if we see some Ty Simpson and possibly Tyler Buchner throughout the season as well. This question mark, along with the departures of Bryce Young and Will Anderson, has led many to doubt the Tide in 2023. I won’t be one of those people. I think Alabama will be really, really good this year. Their defense should be very good and Kevin Steele, although not a splashy hire, knows what he’s doing. Jahiem Otis, Chris Braswell, and Dallas Turner will lead a strong front seven and they return several defensive backs, including Kool-Aid McKinstry at corner. Despite the questions at QB, I think this team can win without Bryce Young's level of play at that position. Tommy Rees is a good OC and should be able to score points with the weapons they have. Doubt Alabama at your own risk.
Wins: Middle Tennessee, Texas, at South Florida, Ole Miss, at Mississippi State, Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU, at Kentucky, Chattanooga, at Auburn
Losses: at Texas A&M
Record: 11-1
Bossman: This team is loaded yet again. They have dudes all over the field on both sides of the ball and weapons on special teams. I’m fascinated to see what Tommy Rees and Nick Saban cook up on offense because it feels like Saban’s preference is to rely heavily on the stable of running backs he has with Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and freshman phenom Justice Haynes. Giving the nod to Jalen Milroe as QB1 makes me think we’re going heavy all year. The defense will be stout and the hope is that Kevin Steele can eliminate the anomaly games like Tennessee and LSU last year. I’m feeling an Alabama revenge tour with everyone doubting Saban and David Pollack making his blood boil for seven months. Alabama gets back to the boa constrictor method and “joyless murderball” on their way to an SEC West title and playoff appearance.
Wins: Middle Tennessee, Texas, South Florida, Ole Miss, at Mississippi State, Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU, at Kentucky, Chattanooga, at Auburn
Losses: at Texas A&M
Record: 11-1
Waco Kid: Bama gonna Bama. There shouldn’t be much of a drop-off this year but that all lies on the shoulders of quarterback Jalen Milroe. Still, if Nick Saban can do one thing it’s win without a top-tier play caller. We saw it with Blake Sims and Jacob Coker, etc. and I think we will see it again this year. That being said, I think this team has a loss or two waiting throughout the season. It can come from many teams but I think it will be from A&M, Tennessee, LSU or perhaps Arkansas. For that reason, I’m giving them a loss on the season, outside of the SEC title game where they most likely face Georgia.
Wins: Middle Tennessee, Texas, South Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Arkansas, LSU, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Chattanooga, Auburn
Losses: none
Record: 12-0
Hammer: Hopes are high in Fayetteville this year, despite a disappointing 6-6 record a year, the departures of both coordinators, and 31 players leaving via the portal. Addition by subtraction is what Hog fans are hoping for but I’m skeptical. The return of KJ Jefferson and Rocket Sanders gives them the best returning QB and RB duo in the conference, so they should be strong on offense if Dan Enos can get his system implemented. Outside of those two guys though, it’s difficult to expect much of a change from a year ago. Their defense is full of transfers at every level, and perhaps they work out, but I’ll believe it when I see it. Arkansas is a team that if put into another conference would probably be a contender, but in the SEC West it’s going to be a dogfight and I’m not sure the Hogs have the depth and top-end talent to make noise.
Wins: Western Carolina, Kent State, BYU, at Florida, Auburn, Florida International, Missouri
Losses: at LSU, Texas A&M, at Ole Miss, at Alabama, Mississippi State
Record: 7-5
Bossman: I think this Arkansas team rebounds from a disappointing year in 2022, if only slightly. Experience at QB and a special talent at RB in Rocket Sanders helps. The offensive line is inexperienced, but they’re coached by the best developer of O-line talent in the country in Sam Pittman, so that doesn’t worry me too much. My biggest worry is on the defensive side of the ball. Hogs fans are high on the transfers this team brought in, especially along the defensive front. This pass defense was porous last year and suffered a few devastating injuries. Jalon Catalon is also gone (off to Texas), but I think the unit will improve. The only way to go is up, right? Right? Also, watch out for Isaiah Satenga at WR. I think it’s his breakout year.
Wins: Western Carolina, Kent State, BYU, Mississippi State, at Florida, Auburn, FIU
Losses: at LSU, Texas A&M, at Ole Miss, at Alabama, Missouri
Record: 7-5
Waco Kid: Woo pig! Arkansas comes in with high hopes for good reason. They are returning quarterback KJ Jefferson as well as running back Raheim Sanders. These two accounted for the majority of the Razorbacks offensive production in 2022. Sam Pittman is looking for a breakout season for his squad and this year may be the best time to capitalize on both talent and experience. Look for the piggies to rely heavily on these two and you could see a surprising season out in Fayetteville.
Wins: Western Carolina, Kent State, BYU, Ole Miss, Florida, FIU, LSU, Missouri
Losses: A&M, Bama, Mississippi State, Auburn
Record: 8-4
Hammer: Welcome to the Hugh Freeze era on the Plains. I really don’t know what to expect from Auburn. Talent-wise, they have still recruited well enough to be in the Blue Chip Ratio, and Freeze brought in the #5 ranked transfer portal class. Given those two data points, fans are getting excited and rumors from camp have been positive. Could Auburn be better than many expect? It’s possible but again I’m skeptical they can make any real noise. Will Hugh Freeze and Auburn get a big, upset win or two this year? Probably. But they need another year or two before they can really compete for the SEC West. Transfer QB Payton Thorne has won the starting job, and the running backs should be good as usual. I’m still not sold on the offensive line or wideouts. Defensively, Auburn always has a solid unit so I expect them to be pretty good but not great. A middle-of-the-pack of the pack SEC defense. Hugh will have his time in Auburn but it won't be this year.
Wins: UMass, at Cal, Samford, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, New Mexico State
Losses: at Texas A&M, Georgia, at LSU, at Arkansas, Alabama
Record: 7-5
Bossman: There’s a ton of hype around the Hugh Freeze hire and if he can get Auburn back to national prominence. He can, it just won’t be in year one. I look for this Auburn team to be much improved and Freeze flipped the roster with a great transfer class. They’ll get a couple SEC wins and will suffer a couple of close losses. I think they’ll play Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Arkansas close but fall late. Auburn fans won’t be happy with 6-6, but the overall play of the team and the continued recruiting/portal prowess of Freeze will give Tigers fans hope going into 2024.
Wins: UMass, at Cal, Samford, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, New Mexico State
Losses: at Texas A&M, Georgia, at LSU, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Alabama
Record: 6-6
Waco Kid: Auburn is in crisis mode after last year. After winning no away games they brought in a familiar SEC face in Hugh Freeze to rebuild this struggling program. And I think Freeze may just be the man for the job. There will be significant leaps this year with the progression of second-year QB Robby Ashford but it will be a process. I see slow and steady improvement and this team being back to national relevance in the next five years but not before at least three under Freeze. There’s not a whole lot to say about this squad other than it is a watch-and-see type of year.
Wins: UMass, at Cal, Samford, Vanderbilt, New Mexico State, Arkansas
Losses: at Texas A&M, Georgia, at LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Alabama
Record: 6-6
Hammer: Coming off an SEC West title, the LSU Tigers have sky-high expectations in 2023. Their fans expect to win the SEC West again and make it to the CFP, possibly by winning the SEC outright. I don’t think they are there yet. I still have questions about whether Jayden Daniels can throw this team to a win if they get behind early. He’s very talented and a good college QB, no doubt. But he had several clunker games a year ago and if LSU gets behind can he be trusted to throw them back into a game if his legs are not really a threat? The front seven on defense is loaded with talent and should be one of the better units in the SEC, but the secondary is questionable. They stocked up on transfers in the secondary and perhaps they pan out, but I need to see it to believe. I worry they will be susceptible to the pass if their front seven can’t generate constant pressure. I think LSU will be really, really good this year but the SEC West is a gauntlet and the margins are thin. LSU won a bunch of close games a year ago and I expect them to lose a few this year.
Wins: Grambling State, at Mississippi State, Arkansas, Missouri, Auburn, Army, Florida, Georgia State, Texas A&M
Losses: FSU, at Alabama, Ole Miss
Record: 9-3
Bossman: Expectations are back to normal levels in Baton Rouge - and by normal, we mean championship or bust. The Tigers return QB Jayden Daniels who looks to have another big year before jumping to the NFL. The pieces around Daniels are solid, starting with WR Malik Nabers who had over 1,000 yards receiving and 72 catches last year. The defense is going to be mean again, especially up front and Harold Perkins is back and should build on his freakish freshman year. If there’s a weakness in this team (if you can call it that) it looks to be the secondary which is rebuilt with transfers on the outside. They have talent and I expect them to round into form later in the year, but I’m thinking LSU stands pat record-wise this season. Brian Kelly will have this team competing year-in-and-year-out from now on, but this year I see a third in the West finish.
Wins: Grambling State, at Mississippi State, Arkansas, Missouri, Auburn, Army, Florida, Georgia State, Texas A&M
Losses: Florida State, at Alabama, at Ole Miss
Record: 9-3
Waco Kid: As defending SEC West champs, the pressure in Baton Rouge is on for Brian Kelly. He set expectations way too high in his first year at LSU and now will be judged on whether or not he can continue to perform at that high of a level. It’s obviously not hard to think they will take a step back from the SEC title game but with returning quarterback Jayden Daniels anything could be possible. I just don’t see it this year. In any other conference, they would be top cat, hands down. In the SEC West, they have to get past Alabama, Texas A&M, the Mississippis, and an out-of-conference top-ten team in Florida State. Within those five games alone are potentially four losses and then add in the volatility of teams throughout the season and we could see an Arkansas team beat the Tigers too. This will be the season we all expected in 2022 and best believe LSU will bounce back after 2023 and be competing for the West yearly going forward. There’s just no easy path to Atlanta this year and I do not think Alabama leaves the door open for the possibility of another berth.
Wins: Florida State, Grambling State, Ole Miss, Missouri, Auburn, Army, Florida, Georgia State, Texas A&M
Losses: Alabama, Mississippi State, Arkansas
Record: 9-3
Hammer: Mississippi State is the most difficult team to predict in the SEC West given the tragedy that happened last year with Mike Leach. I have no idea what to expect from Zach Arnett and the rest of this staff. It’s a brand new system on offense, and I have confidence in Cowboy Will Rogers but a full sale change from the Air Raid to Kevin Barbay’s system is bound to have hiccups in year one. The team is stocked with veterans on both sides of the ball so theoretically they should be good but so is everyone else in this division. I see Mississippi State playing a ton of close games but suffering a bunch of heartbreaking losses due to a new offensive system and a new head coach.
Wins: Southeastern Louisiana, Arizona, at South Carolina, Western Michigan, at Arkansas, Southern Miss, Ole Miss
Losses: LSU, Alabama, at Auburn, Kentucky, at Texas A&M
Record: 7-5
Bossman: This is the most intriguing team in the West this season with new head coach Zach Arnett. We know the offense will be different with new OC Kevin Barbay, but it helps to have a steady hand at QB in senior “Cowboy” Will Rogers. Jo’Quavious Marks is also a stud at RB. Lideatrick Griffin at WR is also dangerous. This was a solid defensive unit this year and should be again this year, but for the first time in a while, the secondary is suspect with just one returning starter and a couple of transfers filling gaps. I think teams will be able to exploit that and will cost the Bulldogs as they go through growing pains in Arnett’s first season. They make a bowl game, but the record isn’t what State is accustomed to.
Wins: Southeastern Louisiana, Arizona, Western Michigan, Southern Miss, Ole Miss
Losses: LSU, at South Carolina, Alabama, at Arkansas, at Auburn, at Kentucky, at Texas A&M
Record: 5-7
Waco Kid: Anytime a player like Will Rogers returns, you are looking at a good start to the season. The gunslinger will look to improve on his success last year and continue to help build the program in honor of Mike Leach’s legacy. These guys are still Leach’s and I’m sure they want to give it all they’ve got for the late coach. Zach Arnett proved he could win, as a head coach, in their bowl victory last year. He will make strides with new OC Kevin Barbay and an experienced backfield. The Bulldogs also return key starters on defense, mainly the secondary, and will try to keep their defensive tenacity throughout the 2023 season. It will be a down year for State but by no means a bad one.
Wins: Southeastern Louisiana, Arizona, Western Michigan, LSU, Arkansas, Southern Miss, Ole Miss
Losses: Alabama, Texas A&M, Kentucky, South Carolina, Auburn
Record: 7-5
Hammer: Like many teams in the SEC West, I have no clue what to do with Ole Miss. Talented? Yes. Unproven? Yes. Transfer Portal King Kiffin struck again this offseason, bringing in 23 transfers, ranking as the #3 transfer portal class according to 247Sports. The jury is still out on whether that strategy can work on a year-in and year-out basis. You can certainly catch lightning in a bottle and hit on the right guys, but you can also struggle with depth and consistency. Hence Ole Miss went 10-2 in 2021 and 8-4 in 2022 with a really lackluster finish to the year after starting 7-0. I have no worries about the Rebel’s offense. As long as Kiffin is in Oxford, they will put up points. The defense could take a step forward with new DC Pete Golding, but the personnel on that side of the ball remains a bit of a mystery given that they will need many transfers to step up. It could absolutely happen but simply expecting it to seems like wishful thinking a bit. Bottom line is I expect Ole Miss to be a good, competitive team but with the depth in the SEC West, they’ll be in a ton of close games. The Rebs also draw Georgia on the road in one of their SEC East crossover matchups so good luck with the Dawgs.
Wins: Mercer, at Tulane, Georgia Tech, LSU, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, ULM
Losses: at Alabama, at Auburn, at Texas A&M, at Georgia, at Mississippi State
Record: 7-5
Bossman: Picking the middle of both divisions in the SEC is hard as hell, man. Ole Miss could go 9-3 or they could go 6-6. Same with Arkansas, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, etc. Ole Miss is talented and they brought in a strong transfer class. Jaxson Dart enters his second year under center and the Rebels are rebuilding the defense with new DC Pete Golding. Look out for freshman LB Suntarine Perkins, I think he will burst onto the scene and wreak havoc in a couple of games this season. Even with that talent, someone has to slide and I think Ole Miss takes a step back this year. That doesn’t mean the program is in trouble…just a minor bump in the road because someone has to finish near the bottom of the division.
Wins: Mercer, at Tulane, Georgia Tech, LSU, Arkansas, at Auburn, Vanderbilt, ULM
Losses: at Alabama, Texas A&M, at Georgia, at Mississippi State
Record: 8-4
Waco Kid: Lane Kiffin is getting a little too comfortable in Oxford. And when Lane lets his guard down, he tends to get left on the tarmac or fired in the air. He is by no means in the hot seat but I think he gets a reality check this year and realizes he may need to buck up if he has plans on competing as a head coach in the SEC. Yes he returns Jaxson Dart and more importantly, running back Quinshon Judkins, but this is still a team that leaves a lot to be skeptical about on defense. The Rebs weren’t bad defensively but they weren’t good either in 2022. Mississippi loves running in track meets but after a few years, the competition always seems to catch on and catch up. I think this is the season we see that. This offense isn’t as high-powered as Tennessee but what they can do, which Kiffin doesn’t want to do, is pound the rock and control the game clock. That is what this team is built for with a back like Judkins but not what they want to do. They want to score a lot and quickly but will find issues doing so against better defensive fronts and secondaries all across the West. It’s not a rebuilding year but a wake-up season for Ole Miss.
Wins: Mercer, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Vanderbilt, ULM
Losses: Tulane, Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi State
Record: 5-7
Hammer: “Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice…strike three you’re out.” - Michael Scott. This should apply to Texas A&M this year because they have fooled me, and many others, for years with disappointing results. Why will this year be different? Well, I have plenty of reasons but it sure is scary to believe in the Aggies yet here I am. We don’t need to rehash how badly 2022 went, everyone is aware. But heading into this year, all those young players who saw meaningful snaps return. 19 starters are back and according to Bill Connely of SP+, the Aggies are in the top 10 nationally in terms of returning production. And despite losing tons of players to the transfer portal after last year, most of the impact players stayed and the Aggies still have the #4 most talented roster in the country according to 247Sports. The ingredients and experience are all there for a big jump in 2022, and the secret sauce is Bobby Petrino. I’m not expecting A&M to be a top 10 offense in the country, but Petrino will undoubtedly improve the offense and with the Aggies defense, if they can average 30+ points per game, which is very attainable, they will be scary. Conner Weigman is poised to take a step forward at QB and bring stability to a position A&M hasn't had since they went 9-1 in 2020. The Jimbo and Petrino dynamic and relationship scares many pundits, but I’m not worried about it in the short term. Jimbo and Petrino have huge egos, sure. But what college coach doesn’t? A&M threw Petrino a lifeline. If he has any hope to return to major college football coaching, he has to play nice and perform well in College Station. I think he will and I think the offensive jump will result in a lot of wins for the Aggies. Feel free to flame me when this goes horribly wrong (again).
Wins: New Mexico, at Miami, ULM, Auburn, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, at Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Abilene Christian
Losses: at Tennessee, at LSU
Record: 10-2
Bossman: Here’s where the rubber meets the road. This A&M program is getting laughed at across the country for their abysmal 5-7 season last year after reeling in the #1 recruiting class in 2022. The Aggies battled injuries, off-field issues, and Jimbo Fisher coaching against himself on offense. With all that said, it’s a new season. If A&M can stay healthy, this is a team that can make some serious noise in 2023. They have one of the most talented rosters in the country, Bobby Petrino is an offensive guru who was hired at OC, and the defense has dudes all over the field. The run defense must improve and so must the offensive line. The Aggies were young last year, but all of those young guns got a ton of meaningful snaps last season. I think that seasoning, plus all the talent and the addition of Bobby Petrino at OC, means the Aggies will put the SEC on notice and are ready for a breakout season in 2023.
Wins: New Mexico, at Miami, ULM, Auburn, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, at Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Abilene Christian
Losses: at Tennessee, at LSU
Record: 10-2
Waco Kid: Bobby Petrino is the key to success this season. No program goes and hires a top head coach as an offensive coordinator with expectations any less than the best. Petrino is an offensive mastermind and matched with QB whisperer Jimbo Fisher could make for a deadly duo. The Aggie defense should be pretty stout with the only questions coming from the linebacker position. This D is stacked on the line and secondary and should not have an issue translating that talent to success on the field. They also cut the fat that was bringing down the locker room so it should make for a better culture throughout the program. On offense, they return QB Conner Weigman, receiver Evan Stewart, and tight end Donovan Green. They also have what could turn out to be one of the deepest running back rooms in the nation. We are talking Amari Daniels, Le’Veon Miss, Reuben Owens, and big back Earnest Crownover. These four could all see significant playing time between the offense and special teams. I think the Aggies surprise a lot of people this year and even though I have them with three losses, could see them finishing the season with only two, possibly even one with a win over Saban.
Wins: New Mexico, Miami, ULM, Auburn, Arkansas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Abilene Christian
Losses: Alabama, Tennessee, LSU
Record: 9-3
SEC EAST
Hammer: Here is another team I have no idea how to project. I sound like a broken record but this is one of the more unpredictable SEC seasons in recent memory. Florida was disappointing a year ago and Billy Napier is under pressure from fans to show serious improvement. Vegas has set their win total at 5.5 though, so the sharps don’t expect much from Gainesville. The Gators lost a ton of offensive line talent and I question whether Graham Mertz is going to be better at Florida than he was at Wisconsin. That said, I do trust Napier to put out a competent offense, especially with Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson in the backfield. I expect the Gators to be better than many think and will win a couple of big games, but they are not a real contender for the SEC East. Plus their schedule is a murderer’s row. They always play FSU out of conference and this year they go on the road to Utah as well. Add that into their conference schedule where they play UGA of course, along with LSU and Arkansas from the West. Brutal.
Wins: at Utah, McNeese State, Tennessee, Charlotte, Vanderbilt, Missouri
Losses: at Kentucky, at South Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas, at LSU, FSU
Record: 6-6
Bossman: I don’t know, man. There are a lot of question marks on this roster, starting at QB. Can Graham Mertz step up and be the guy? And who is he throwing it to other than Ricky Pearsall in the slot? The defense is inexperienced and was backfilled with transfers, so that is a big question mark too. I think there are a few improved teams in the East as well that are ahead of Florida…I think it will be a long year in Gainesville and Billy Napier will be squarely on the hot seat after a 5-7 season. His biggest challenge will be hanging onto that top-notch recruiting class. If he can do that, that future is still bright in Gainesville…just power through, Gators.
Wins: at Utah, McNeese State, Charlotte, Vanderbilt, at Missouri
Losses: Tennessee, at Kentucky, at South Carolina, Georgia, at Arkansas, at LSU, Florida State
Record: 5-7
Waco Kid: Billy Napier is doomed to lose at Florida and it can all be traced to Marco Wilson throwing his cleat against LSU. Everything for the rest of time that goes wrong for Florida, will always be attributed to that one infamous moment due to the arrogance and narcissism shown by Dan Mullen. In reality, this team should be good. Huge on both the offensive and defensive line, a transfer quarterback in Graham Mertz, and a stable of running backs. The weakest part of this roster is the receivers. There are no big playmakers and only one reliable guy in second-year starter Ricky Pearsall, who in all honesty does not wow anyone on the field. He’s a Wes Welker/Chris Hogan-type player. Reliable but not going to blow the top off of defenses or go up over the secondary to catch the difficult ball. The Gators also lost Anthony Richardson, a top NFL draft pick, and will have quite a drop off from his exit from the program. Napier is in trouble with no tin boat in sight.
Wins: at Utah, McNeese State, Charlotte, Vanderbilt
Losses: Tennessee, at Kentucky, at South Carolina, Georgia, at Arkansas, at LSU, Florida State, at Missouri
Record: 4-8
Hammer: Finally a prediction I feel good about. Georgia is going unbeaten in the regular season. Part of that is due to the ridiculous talent on that roster, and part of it is due to their schedule. Thanks to the removal of OU from their out-of-conference slate, the Dawgs play a bunch of nobodies outside of SEC play. Carson Beck is talented and this is his 4th year on campus so despite the lack of experience, Beck should be serviceable at worst and a Heisman contender at best. We know the Georgia defense will be elite, even if they take a slight step back from the last two years. That side of the ball will be fine. It wouldn’t shock me if the Dawgs lay an egg one week and lose a game. Tennessee and Ole Miss likely have the best chance to take them down but I don’t feel good enough about either of those teams to predict it. Complacency is the biggest enemy of UGA this fall but if Kirby can keep this team focused and motivated, there is no reason they won’t go 12-0.
Wins: UT Martin, Ball State, South Carolina, UAB, at Auburn, Kentucky, at Vanderbilt, Florida, Missouri, Ole Miss, at Tennessee, at Georgia Tech
Losses: Nada
Record: 12-0
Bossman: Where are the losses? Yet again, I don’t see many holes in this roster as the Dawgs chase a three-peat. The biggest question marks to me are Carson Beck and the health of the running back room. If Carson Beck is that dude and the backs can stay healthy, Georgia should be back in the playoffs, with or without an SEC Championship. I don’t think Georgia misses a beat, and their schedule is Charmin-soft early on. Georgia wins the East again, but falls to Alabama in the SEC Championship.
Wins: All of them
Losses: None of them
Record: 12-0
Waco Kid: Tennessee is Georgia’s only potential roadblock this season. And it is not a speed bump, more like a pile-up on I-75 that needs to be taken care of quickly and efficiently to avoid more damage. UGA drew some easier competition out of the West with Auburn and Ole Miss. Mississippi could give them fits but is not equipped to go pound for pound against the Dawgs on defense. With a new quarterback for the first time in 30 years, Kirby Smart will have to put his offense in the best position to succeed by playing lights-out defense. Carson Beck can be a stud but it is his first year starting so we will see if the young gunslinger can handle SEC competition week in and week out. That is why I am giving Georgia a single loss on the season. If Tennessee hits the ground running and scores fast, I am not sure the Dawgs can outpace them in a track meet. It’s highly unlikely but I’d like to see another team out of the East get a shot at a conference title and playoff berth.
Wins: Everyone else
Losses: Tennessee
Record: 11-1
Hammer: I’m super interested to see how this year plays out for the Wildcats. There is a ton of hype coming out of Lexington around NC State transfer Devin Leary, the return of OC Liam Coen, and several highly touted wide receiver transfers. Of course, Coen was the OC in 2021 and there was a significant drop off in his absence last fall. Leary put up great numbers at NC State when he was healthy so is capable of playing high-level college football. They also added transfer running back Ray Davis, who rushed for over 1,000 yards at Vandy last year, so he should really help replace Chris Rodriguez’s production. With Mark Stoops as head coach, I always trust the Kentucky defense. He consistently puts a good unit on the field, and I expect nothing less this season. The real question here is the offensive line, which was abysmal last year. If that unit can improve and give Leary time, the Wildcats should be a good team this fall.
Wins: Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Akron, Vanderbilt, Florida, Missouri, Mississippi State, Louisville
Losses: at Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina
Record: 8-4
Bossman: I’m feeling good about this Kentucky team. Devin Leary is one of the biggest transfer names in the conference this year. If he is who the Wildcats coaching staff thinks he is, then it should be a good year in the Bluegrass State. Ray Davis was also a nice addition at RB out of the portal, and Leary will have a stable of WR weapons to choose from. The offensive line lost some talent to the portal but brought some in as well, and they should be a solid line even if it doesn’t measure up to the “Big Blue Wall.” On the other side of the trenches, this defensive line will be stout with Deone Walker returning and North Carolina transfer Keeshawn Silver. An inexperienced secondary is a question mark but they’re talented. Their schedule gives them three tune-ups before conference play, which should help the Wildcats all get on the same page before they get to the big dogs, a big advantage. I think Kentucky can make a jump this year and will battle with Tennessee and Mizzou for the 2-4 spots in the East.
Wins: Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Akron, at Vanderbilt, Florida, Missouri, at Mississippi State, at South Carolina, at Louisville
Losses: at Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama
Record: 9-3
Waco Kid: This Kentucky team is intriguing. I could see them competing for second in the East but on the other hand, they could end up in the middle of the pack where they feel most comfortable. This team has a nasty habit of losing at least one game they should win. This year I think that may be against Mizzou. The Tiger defense is going to be a problem, and if Brady can get it cooking on offense it could be a dreary day in Lexington for the Wildcats. This, of course, will have a lot to do with how quarterback Devin Leary meshes with his new team. If he is as productive as he was at NC State, UK could be looking at 9 maybe even 10 wins with an upset. I am not sure they have the talent or potential to beat one of the big 3 (Bama, UGA, or Tennessee) but anything is possible in college football. And even more probable in the SEC where teams are beat and worn week to week.
Wins: Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Akron, at Vanderbilt, Florida, at Mississippi State, at South Carolina, at Louisville
Losses: Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Missouri
Record: 8-4
Hammer: Missouri is a fascinating team this year. Their defense was good last year and they return many of those guys so expectations are high on that side of the ball. Offensively, it was a different story. The Tigers averaged just under 25 points per game last year and Drinkwitz fired himself as OC, hiring Kirby Moore from Fresno State. If Moore can turn the offense around, and the Tigers get above-average QB play from Brady Cook or Sam Horn, Mizzou could surprise people. I’m not convinced that happens though. Cook is tough but doesn’t strike me as a top half of the SEC quarterback. Horn was a highly touted recruit but has no experience and has been unable to beat out Brady Cook, who was very average a year ago. Missouri will be in a ton of close games this fall but won’t end up being a factor in the SEC East race.
Wins: South Dakota, Middle Tennessee State, Memphis, Vanderbilt, South Carolina
Losses: Kansas State, LSU, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas
Record: 5-7
Bossman: Similar to Kentucky, I really like this Mizzou team. The defense returns eight starters and is going to cause opponents issues all season and will keep the Tigers in games. Mizzou’s secondary should be solid with returning starters Ennis Rakestraw and Kris Abrams-Draine. On offense, they lost top WR Dominic Lovett to UGA, but added Theo Wease Jr., a former five-star. Luther Burden returns as well and is ready to burst onto the scene. RB and QB are a question mark, but I think Brady Cook makes strides this year and will be one of the better QBs in the East by year’s end. The schedule also sets up nicely for the Tigers to start the year 5-0 if they can get past a pesky Kansas State team in Columbia. I think this is the year Eli Drinkwitz finally breaks out from .500 purgatory.
Wins: South Dakota, Middle Tennessee, Kansas State, Memphis, Vanderbilt, South Carolina, Florida, at Arkansas
Losses: LSU, at Kentucky, at Georgia, Tennessee
Record: 8-4
Waco Kid: I think Mizzou is a .500 team at best with their current schedule. For Drinkwitz’s squad that’s not a horrible year, but the Mizzou fanbase is getting antsy. They return quarterback Brady Cook and running back Luther Burden which are two huge layovers for this Tiger offense. Unfortunately, they did lose leading receiver Dominic Lovett to the defending champs Georgia in the transfer portal. Their defense was one of the better ones in the nation last year and returns a ton of starters. This team will live and die by the defensive stands they can put together in big-time games. They will make a bowl game with the potential of winning that and have already started hot on the recruiting trail. If they can win six games it could launch them into a turnaround 2024 season.
Wins: South Dakota, Middle Tennessee, Memphis, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Florida
Losses: Kansas State, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Arkansas
Record: 6-6
Hammer: Interesting time for South Carolina. Shane Beamer has overachieved, at least based on the Vegas pre-season win totals in his first two years in Columbia. He seems to have built a great culture and they are recruiting well, but still lost some really key pieces in the transfer portal. Spencer Rattler returns but his first season as a Gamecock was riddled with inconsistency. Maybe the new offense under Dowell Loggains will be exactly what Rattler needs because talent has never been his issue. With Rattler under center and Juice Wells on the outside, there are pieces for this South Carolina offense. I worry about both lines of scrimmage, especially the offensive line which was a real weak spot last year. I still believe that Beamer is a good coach, but their schedule is rough when you play both UNC and Clemson in the non-conference.
Wins: North Carolina, Furman, Florida, Jacksonville State, Vanderbilt, Kentucky
Losses: Georgia, Mississippi State, Tennessee, Missouri, Texas A&M, Clemson
Record: 6-6
Bossman: Like Ole Miss or Mississippi State in the West, I don’t feel great about picking Carolina 6-6 at all. This is a talented team, but again, someone has to finish near the bottom of the conference. While I think Shane Beamer is doing great things in Columbia and has upgraded the talent/culture in the program since his arrival, I think they’re still just a step behind their SEC East counterparts. I could easily see them winning eight games this year, but with Kentucky and Mizzou being my darkhorse picks and A&M, UNC, and Clemson on the schedule, it’s going to be a grind from start to finish. Better eat your Wheaties, Gamecocks. I think Spencer Rattler has a solid year and I like the weapons he has around him. The defense is inexperienced and lost a lot. I think that is Carolina’s downfall in 2023.
Wins: North Carolina, Furman, Mississippi State, Florida, Jacksonville St, Vanderbilt,
Losses: at Georgia, at Tennessee, at Missouri, at Texas A&M, Kentucky, Clemson
Record: 6-6
Waco Kid: Ugghhh I hate writing about this team with Spencer Rattler. Every year I say it and he always proves me right by making stupid mistakes and constantly being overrated. It will be so much easier to root for the success of Shane Beamer once this guy gets the heck out of Columbia. Still, Rattler is not the worst QB in the nation and finds ways to make plays and stack his stats. He is the Dak Prescott of college football. Good on paper but cannot finish the job. It does not help that they lost MarShawn Lloyd to Lincoln Riley at USC. He was their workhorse, power back that controlled the tempo of the game. This is a bowl-eligible team but not much more. A good season is finishing a game over .500 but I do not expect that from them. They have to beat out of conference rival North Carolina as well as juggernauts Georgia and Tennessee. Oh, and they also play A&M and MSU out of the West which will be no walk in the park. This will be a disappointing year for the Gamecocks but necessary to finally start over and bring in Beamer’s guys.
Wins: Furman, Mississippi State, Florida, Jacksonville St, Missouri, Clemson
Losses: North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Kentucky, Vanderbilt
Record: 6-6
Hammer: Was last season the exception or the rule moving forward in Knoxville? After their first really good season in over a decade, Tennessee fans are riding high. So high that the idea of a drop-off this year hasn’t entered their mind. Josh Huepel has done a great job and has undoubtedly elevated the Vols' floor, but 10 wins in the SEC is tough as hell. I don’t expect Tennessee to be living in that realm every year. Joe Milton has yet to prove he can be a consistent college quarterback and I don’t expect him to simply step in for Hendon Hooker and perform to that standard. I don’t anticipate Milton being bad, but he’s not Hendon Hooker. Plus, he doesn't have Cedric Tillman (yes, I know he was hurt a ton last year) and Jalin Hyatt to throw to. Bru McCoy is good and Squirrel White is getting a ton of hype so there are weapons but a slight drop-off in offensive production seems reasonable to me. On defense, I could see a slight improvement but they are a long way from being an elite unit. And with the offense that Huepel runs, they may never be elite. Tennessee will be a good team this year but still on the outside looking in for an SEC title appearance or CFP contender.
Wins: Virginia, Austin Peay, UTSA, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Kentucky, UConn, Missouri, Vanderbilt
Losses: Florida, Alabama, Georgia
Record: 9-3
Bossman: Hey good lookin’, what you got cookin’? The Vols are sitting pretty heading into 2023 after being the surprise team of last season. They are from Tennessee, and they only ten-I-see is ten wins. Joe Milton enters a critical year for UT as their starting QB. Can he keep the Vols near the top of the SEC and the country, or do they take a step back? Milton’s measurables and tools jump off the charts. He was blessed with superhuman arm strength, but can he tame it and be consistently accurate? He’s got plenty of weapons with two big-time RBs and multiple WR targets. The defense needs to improve and cut down on giving up so many yards, but I believe they’ve got the players to do it. I think it’s another big year on Rocky Top, but still a step behind Georgia.
Wins: Virginia, Austin Peay, at Florida, UTSA, South Carolina, Texas A&M, at Kentucky, UConn, at Missouri, Vanderbilt
Losses: at Alabama, Georgia
Record: 10-2
Waco Kid: Tennessee is going to be the number two team in the East hands down. They are returning way too many starters on both sides of the ball to have a huge drop-off from last year. They also have some key pieces on defense that are set to return and help slow opposing offenses just enough to outscore them. At the end of the day, this team will win or drop close games depending on the play of QB Joe Milton. He’s not a far cry from last year’s phenom Hendon Hooker. And his stature is even more impressive. Tennessee plays Big 12 football on offense, they are high-paced and love the big play potential. I have them at 11-1 just to rattle the cage because that one loss will not be to Georgia but rather to Alabama. The Dawgs will see a dip in offensive production but should still be a national contender. I just think the way the Vols play may cause issues for Kirby Smart and that offense to keep up with. Tennessee has all of the pieces to make a run this year. Which begs the age-old question: If not now, then when?
Wins: Virginia, Austin Peay, at Florida, UTSA, South Carolina, Texas A&M, at Kentucky, UConn, at Missouri, Vanderbilt, Georgia
Losses: Alabama
Record: 11-1
Hammer: Well, bad news for Vandy is that they are the final team in my preview and I have them marked as a win for every one of the conference opponents. The ‘Dores improved drastically last fall and won two conference games. So there is a very good chance I’ll be way wrong here and they jump up and win a game or two again. It’s just hard to predict that on paper, especially after seeing them against Hawaii (which is cheating, I know). AJ Swann is a capable quarterback but I don’t think the offensive line will give him much time in SEC play. There are winnable games on their schedule but when their ceiling is 1-2 conference wins, it's hard to predict them ahead of time. Not to mention, Vandy’s stadium is under construction and is at like half of its normal capacity. The ‘Dores have never been known for a strong home-field advantage, but come on guys, get that done in the offseason. It looks silly to have a half-demolished stadium during football season.
Wins: Hawaii, Alabama A&M, Wake Forest, at UNLV
Losses: Kentucky, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss, Auburn, South Carolina, Tennessee
Record: 4-8
Bossman: I want Vandy to be good again, and they showed life last year by clipping Florida and Kentucky. I think they can do that again this year but predicting it I just don’t see where those wins are. Maybe they can get Florida again as that might be their best chance, but it’s much harder to win in The Swamp no matter who the Gators are trotting out. Clark Lea has this program on the right trajectory, but I think they take a step back in 2023, only winning their out-of-conference games. I’m sure I’ll be wrong about this one but on paper, it’s hard to pick Vandy in any SEC game.
Wins: Hawaii, Alabama A&M, at Wake Forest, at UNLV
Losses: Kentucky, Missouri, at Florida, Georgia, at Ole Miss, Auburn, at South Carolina, at Tennessee
Record: 4-8
Waco Kid: Vandy still sucks, plainly put. They aren’t going to become a national contender overnight but what they can do is compete. And if they compete then I think we can take that as a win. I mean this is a team that was getting blown out just a couple of years ago by every team they stepped on the field against. I think they put together a couple of surprising games to add to the win column.
Wins: Hawaii, Alabama A&M, Wake Forest, UNLV, South Carolina
Losses: Kentucky, Missouri, at Florida, Georgia, at Ole Miss, Auburn, at Tennessee
Record: 5-7
And that’s a wrap! It’s going to be a blast watching how this year plays out…and you can be sure our picks will go south. That’s just the nature of the beast. Make sure to bookmark this and flame us on social media at the appropriate time.
Finally, check out our final standings in the graphics below:
