Did I hear that Sark presser right that Jahleel's suspension isn't for something at Texas OR Alabama? What other stops does he have that he'd be getting a suspension for?
Todd Monken was the best hire Kirby has ever made. He was a good college HC too before leaving for the NFL, have to imagine he'll be a hot commodity this offseason.
It's been hinted at that some schools have guys pretty much signed in blood with whatever they're doing on the NIL front. Wonder what Texas is doing, if anything, to make these commits stick.
To be clear, I think the odds on USC are low. I just don't see another 4th team standing out either.
Also, my pick is based on their portal class pretty much completely overhauling the team. They have 20 (!!) incoming transfers and obviously some of them at the highest level. That's the only way they can see such a rapid turnaround.
I'll go:
Bama
Ohio St
UGA - their offense was actually pretty efficient last year. Monken is a good OC. And their schedule is soft after Oregon.
4th spot is a crapshoot but I'll say USC - Their O should be one of the best in the country thanks to all the transfers, many of which already know the system. Their D will probably suck. They'll lose at least one of Utah and ND, but they get in if they only have one loss.
Tbh I don't really understand the purpose of hiding the depth chart. I'm sure the coaches have one and the players probably know it (or will soon). I'm guessing Sark sees it as a culture thing? A little gimmicky if so imo.
With that said, who gives a shit. These sports "reporters" have some of the most overinflated egos...
I haven't watched an Arch game either but it's hilarious that so many people think they know better than the staffs of Alabama, UGA, Clemson, Ole Miss and Texas, all of whom have way more data points and made Arch their #1 QB target (plus I'm sure other schools who probably would've loved a chance).
Just googled it and looks they return 5 starters on defense, 7 on offense. Basically return the DL and nothing else. Could easily see a big dropoff but maybe not. That Mason hire was a good replacement.
UGA's schedule is soft af. They'll still have plenty of talent on D with elite coaching on that side, and the O is good enough for them to run the regular season schedule (Stetson game managing, insane TE room, good running game is all they need imo). I don't see them as #1 again but I do see them getting in. Agree that the 4th playoff spot is totally up for grabs.
Just for kicks, returning starters for some other Big 12 teams (per Athlon):
OU - 5 returning on O, 4 on D
Baylor - 7 and 7
ISU - only 5 and 3
KSU - 6 and 6
Texas - 6 and 6
I know there were whispers before but it's starting to become real clear how much of a culture impact Casey had on our team last year. First sign was him publicly throwing shade all offseason. Second sign was our guys publicly throwing shade back on social media (you don't do that to someone you like). Now we've seen a vintage 2nd half performance from him with the familiar reaction to match.
Not saying everything will be solved now but having an influence like that as your starting QB/leader means a lot.
Still can't believe how much that Casey performance was like last year. Amazing first half, then total turtle mode in the 2nd. When pinned inside the 10, absolutely nothing doing. Pretty much exactly like half our games last year.
So A&M has now announced a new $160 million practice facility and this big stadium project in the last month. Didn't they just redo both of those within the last 10-15 years? And aren't their practice facilities already considered top 5 in the country?
Point being, do they still spend money on education or is this just a pure football operation at this point? It's honestly sad to see.
https://12thman.com/news/2022/8/26/texas-am-to-add-23-premium-suites-at-kyle-field.aspx