SEC 2024 Preview
Publisher's Note
OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin
It’s that time of year again. Yeah, it's still hotter than seven hells outside, but it’s football time and that means Saturdays are appointment television for fans across the country. Don’t plan a wedding, don’t expect to bingewatch any shows on the streaming services, just buckle up for the best sport in the world, in my opinion at least, college football.
It’s a sport undergoing a sea change. The SEC welcomes Texas and Oklahoma, which I admit feels weird, but I’m not going kicking and screaming into this new era, I’m accepting and embracing it. I’ll miss the annual rivalries and pine for them as time goes on, but Pandora’s box was opened with NIL and conference realignment, and there is no going back. So, for me, acceptance is the only choice. The quality of the product on the field may even improve. There is a new 12-team playoff format that some hate, but I believe will be extremely entertaining. New teams in all the major conferences, and the Pac-12 now only has two teams in Oregon State and
OWNER & CEO
Ian Griffin
MANAGING PARTNER
Chris Forino
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Childers
WRITERS
Ian Griffin, Nina Lovel, Mark Suroviec, Curry Teems
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Andy Calvert, Ivan Felipe
AD DESIGN
Elizabeth Childers
PUBLISHER
V3 Publications, LLC
CONTACT hello@v3collective.com
CREATOR
Neal Howard
and
Surrounded by natural splendor on the banks of Eagle Lake, the simple things in life are made even better at The Spires. With all the serenity of our 27,000 wooded acres yet all the vitality of our location at Berry College, it’s second nature to explore new opportunities and make genuine connections when you’re here.
This spectacular setting is brought to life by resort-style amenities, chef-prepared dining, friendly neighbors and a carefree lifestyle — plus the assurance of quality care available on-site if ever needed.
Are Y’all Ready for Some Foosball?
Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the perspective of the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. Nero Romansky, the unqualified, long-lost descendant of Julius Caesar, answers his letters from his less-thanloyal subjects. It’s like being a college football player with a lucrative NIL sponsorship deal for diaper rash crème.
There is no pithy intro paragraph this month. Nero has too much sports stuff to shovel.
First question.
DEAR NERO,
“My guy friends constantly invite me to pub night at River Remedy Brewing, but they always talk about sports, mainly football. Sports do not interest me at all. Can you give me some buzzwords or key phrases to say so I can contribute to the conversation without watching any football contests? — ANONYMOUS DUDE | Don’t tell anyone I asked you for help
DEAR DUDE,
Here is a list of pigskin pontifications to share with your beer bros that demand no explanation.
“NIL is ruining college football.”
“Alabama is overrated this year.” [Always true, regardless of the season.]
“The recent conference realignment is confusing. Did DeVry and the University of Phoenix Online end up in the Atlantic Coast Fifteen or the Pac Thirty?”
“NIL is saving college football.” [No one will remember you took the opposing viewpoint earlier. Silly sausage, your bar
friends aren’t listening to you, but are waiting for their turn to talk.]
“Tom Brady is ruining college football. Did you know he thinks strawberries are gross and un-American? As if we needed another reason to detest that guy.”
“War Eagle / Hoddy-Toddy / Roll Tide / Boomer Sooner / WE ARE Penn State / Wooo, Pig Sooie / Ohhhhh-oh-ohhhhohhhhhhhhh / Geaux Tigers” [Interchangeable celebrations. Pick any at random to shout with fury.]
If all those suggestions fail, select any state and the birth year of an elderly relative. Confidently declare, “Remember the team from the [University of Delaware] in [1938]? They should have won it all.”
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
DEAR EMPEROR,
“My usually responsible husband spent $150 to get the new College Football video game. Since it arrived, he’s been glued to the TV 24/7 and even called in sick for work on Monday. Can you please explain what the big deal is? And how do I get the father of my children back from this childish video game coma?”
— Brandi D’Elmore | Concerned Wife, Coosa High School Class of ‘01
Mark Suroviec, M.Ed., is the Chief Ambassador of Fun at WorkPlay Solutions, the author of Forever Sisters, and the Vice President of the Children’s Museum of Rome. He hopes you pity laugh at his humor and satire stories, especially the ones that aren’t funny.
DEAR BRANDI,
The last college football game was released in 2013. To put your hubby’s longing into perspective. Imagine if Taylor Swift had an eleven-year absence between concerts, and on the night of her glorious comeback, she got married on stage, and Justin Timberlake officiated the ceremony. When Taylor said, “I do,” fans witnessed a total solar eclipse AND the return of Halley’s Comet. Now multiply your enthusiasm for that once-in-a-lifetime experience by 100, and you will come close to the appropriate level of excitement for this video game.
For your second question, my advice is simple. Challenge him to play Dynasty Mode as Tennessee. The simulation is so realistic that he’s guaranteed to give up after the third or fourth football game.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
DEAR NERO,
“Are you a sports fan? Who’s your favorite?”
— Angel Del Ray | 4th Grader at East Central Elementary
DEAR ANGEL,
Most people like a good underdog story, but Ole’ Nero always roots for the Lions. But with all the red tape and government bureaucracy, finding prisoners willing to “volunteer” to fight in the coliseum is becoming increasingly challenging. And then, even if you find a place to hold the festivities afterward, the venue won’t refund the deposit due to “excess cleaning fees.”
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
DEAR EMPEROR NERO,
“Simone Biles is my hero, and Katie Ledecky is a legend. My new favorite meme star is the Turkish athlete who won a silver medal with a hand in his pocket and no safety gear. Do you have any thoughts on the Olympics? I cannot get enough!”
— Belvary McAldletots | Only Person in History to Subscribe to NBC’s Peacock Streaming Service
DEAR BELVARY,
Thank you dearly for your fandom of Biles, Ledecky, and internet sensation Yusuf Dikec.* Your casual name-dropping raised this story's SEO by 10,000 Google points.
Nero loves the Olympics—the pageantry, the poetry in motion, the intense competition between Snoop Dogg outfits. As far as the emperor is concerned, it's all gold-medal sports entertainment.
Except swimming.
Olympic swimming has too many absurd variations to be different legitimate sports. Instead of moving through the water as fast as you can, it's swimming with your hands above your head, hugging a grizzly bear. Now, backwards. Now kick the water like a tree frog and some nonsense about butterflies.
Imagine if other Olympic sports used the same false logic as swimming events. Noah Lyles may be the fastest man to run the 100-meter dash this year, but would he still win if everyone in the finals hopped on one leg? Would Sha'Carri Richardson find redemption in Paris if she had to run the 200 meters facing the wrong direction and punching at the clouds? How long would the marathon last if contestants had to walk like crabs?
Nero could go on and on to fill the minimum word requirements for this article. But do you get my point? Not even Snoop Dogg could prevent the ridiculousness of Olympic Swimming. But we sure would like to see him try.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
Disclaimer: Emperor Nero Romansky is a satirical character written and created by Mark Suroviec, M.Ed. All people and quotations are fictional, invented by the limited imagination of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of the author, editors, or V3 Magazine. *Yusuf Dikec is the G.O.A.T.
Do you have questions? Emperor Nero has answers.
Please send your letters to: EmperorNeroRomanskyKnowsAll@gmail.com or scan the QR code
HARBIN CLINIC HAS RECENTLY WELCOMED A NEW INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGIST, DR. GODLY JACK, TO HARBIN CLINIC CARDIOLOGY CARTERSVILLE.
Get to know Dr. Jack’s medical philosophies, his devotion to heart health and his work as an interventional cardiologist.
MEET DR. GODLY JACK
Dr. Jack believes knowing his patients and their families personally is of the utmost importance. Not only do these moments help patients trust him, but he says understanding his patients and their families provides valuable insight into why patients make decisions that affect their hearts. With cardiology, understanding lifestyle or stressors can be extremely valuable.
“I want to know you, and I want your buy-in as a patient,” said Dr. Jack. “I want to be on your level and work with you as a partner with your health as the priority. The direction of your health care plan should be a team effort.”
Dr. Jack believes it is vital for patients to see that he has their best interests at heart, and this perspective has been central to his mission to become a physician since college. When he was 21 years old, he attended a two-week clinical research experience in Ohio. There, he walked through his first catheterization lab. Seeing the work of interventional cardiologists up close, he said, “This is exactly what I want to do with my life.”
In those first experiences, Dr. Jack was fascinated by the depth of knowledge cardiology required – stress tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms and cardiac MRIs. Drawn to the challenge, he was also curious about the heart and all the knowledge it required.
INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY
As an interventional cardiologist, he received specialized training in minimally invasive catheter-based treatments for heart disease, congenital heart and structural heart conditions. This expertise allows him to perform procedures such as angioplasties, stent placements and valve repairs or replacements, reducing the likelihood his patients will need open-heart surgery in the future.
Dr. Godly Jack, Harbin Clinic Cardiology Cartersville
Describing the medical philosophy he developed while training as an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Jack said, “I am here to serve patients, and I would not be here without them. My goal is to stay focused on a patient-first mindset. I aim to consider every aspect of my patients as I care for them: their background, families, etc. I’m not just treating a heart. I am treating a citizen, a family member, a friend.”
Dr. Jack is also passionate about caring for medicallyunderserved populations. One of his most impactful seasons as a physician was serving in a small, under-resourced hospital in Kenya in a women’s ward. Looking back, he described his work as challenging because he was practicing without many of the common technologies and tools readily available to physicians in the United States. He was also moved by the compassion he witnessed as sick patients in the ward helped care for each other.
BEYOND HIS PRACTICE
Outside of the office, Dr. Jack enjoys opportunities to serve as a motivational speaker and has been invited to speak on topics beyond medicine such as educational mentoring, financial literacy and leadership training at events such as the National
Leadership Institute hosted by the Student National Medical Association. Dr. Jack also loves to travel and said visiting places like the street markets of Phuket, Thailand expanded his horizons and impacted his outlook on life.
Dr. Jack is seeing patients at Harbin Clinic Cardiology Cartersville. To learn more about Dr. Jack and Harbin Clinic Cardiology Cartersville, visit harbinclinic.com.
Dr. Godly Jack and Dr. Digant Bhatt, Harbin Clinic Cardiology Cartersville
A BRAVE NEW WORLD
The SEC welcomes two newcomers in Oklahoma and Texas, there will be no more East vs. West and Nick Saban is no longer roaming the sidelines in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Welcome to 2024. Who knows how long this iteration of the conference will last? With the ACC in turmoil, we are certainly going to see more teams on the move, but Greg Sankey has made it clear he is focused on the 16 teams the SEC currently has, while “paying attention” to what’s going on with the ACC.
Until that comes to fruition, the Sooners and Longhorns will now mix it up with the rest of the league and the top two teams at the end of the regular season will duke it out in Atlanta for the SEC Championship.
This is also the first season of the expanded 12-team playoff, so more teams will have an opportunity to get hot at the right time to make a run for the ultimate glory, and it would be foolish to think 5 or more teams from the SEC won’t be in the mix at the season’s end.
Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs are the front-runner for good reason, followed by Texas, Alabama and Ole Miss. Missouri is coming off a dark horse 11-2 season, but won’t catch anyone sleeping on them this season, and there are several teams like LSU, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas A&M that could jump up and put themselves in the conversation for the playoffs.
Can Kalen DeBoer sustain what Saban built? will Kirby continue to dominate? Is Texas the real deal? Can teams like Auburn and Florida find a return to glory?
It’s just about time to find out!
TEXT: IAN GRIFFIN
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Overview:
After adding one more SEC Championship to the trophy case and narrowly missing a chance for another natty, Nick Saban decided it was time to retire. The Tide quickly found his replacement in Kalen DeBoer, who led the Washington Huskies to the National Championship game last season. DeBoer is a heck of a coach, but with over 40 players leaving the program either via the NFL Draft or Transfer Portal, it’s going to be challenging to keep pace with the lofty expectations in Tuscaloosa. I like the schedule though, and even with the mass exodus, there is plenty of talent left in the cupboard.
Offense:
That remaining talent has to start with quarterback Jalen Milroe, who just kept getting better as the last season went on, saving his best game for the win over Georgia in the SEC Championship game. Milroe is an unbelievable athlete with a strong arm. His playing style fits what DeBoer likes to do on offense, which is pushing the ball downfield through the air. There is blue-chip talent at the skill positions like running back Justice Haynes and incoming 5-star freshman wide receiver, Ryan Williams, but the offensive line has some question marks and we all know how important the trenches are in this conference.
Defense:
This unit was always where Saban hung his sun hat. They bring back some experience in players like lineman Tim Keenan III, linebackers Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson, and safety Malichi
Moore, but edge and corner are positions of concern. Kane Wommack will coordinate and try to adjust his “Swarm” 4-2-5 defense to the personnel he inherits.
Special Teams:
Will Reichard seemed like he was at Alabama as long as Nick Saban. He too is gone and will be replaced by Miami (Ohio) transfer Graham Nicholson. Nicholson was a rock-solid 27-28 on FGA last season so it seems the place-kicking will keep its footing. James Burnip returns to handle the punting duties.
Final Thoughts:
There are hard acts to follow, and then there is following Nick Saban. DeBoer can win 10 games and still have an unhappy fanbase. For the program’s sake, they should be patient. With the expanded playoff and the talent on campus, Bama will be right in the mix to make the field of 12. The schedule isn’t awful and if they manage to knock off Georgia, it could yet be a really special season in DeBoer’s first year at the helm.
KALEN DEBOER
JALEN MILROE
MALICHI MOORE
ARKANSAS
2024 SCHEDULE
UAPB (IN LITTLE ROCK) @ OKLAHOMA STATE UAB
@ AUBURN
TEXAS A&M (IN ARLINGTON)
TENNESSEE
LSU
@MISSISSIPPI STATE
Overview:
Time heals all wounds...or maybe it's winning? Either way, a familiar face will be back on the sidelines for the Hogs, with Bobby Petrino taking over as offensive coordinator this season. Sam Pittman had to make some changes and Petrino still has his creative and competitive edge, so it will be interesting to see how that works out.
Offense:
The Hogs bring back plenty of experience at all of the skill positions, with seven such starters returning, headlined by running backs, Rashod Dubinion and
Issiah Augstave. The quarterback position looks like it will be filled by 6-6 Boise State transfer Taylen Green. He will need to improve upon his sub 60% completion rate to navigate the SEC, but the talent and athleticism are there. If a retooled offensive line can gel and stay healthy this team should be able to put up points.
Defense:
Arkansas really turned things around on defense in 2023 under new defensive coordinator Travis Williams. He will need to fill out a thin linebacker room but has experience up front and in the
secondary with linemen Cameron Ball and Eric Gregory and safeties Hudson Clark and Jayden Johnson. This unit could improve on last year’s numbers if the linebacker position gets sorted out.
Final Thoughts:
The non-conference games are all winnable, and that’s a good thing considering the conference slate is brutal. But whose isn’t in the SEC? If the Hogs can steal a few, they may just go bowling, but 6 or 7 wins would be an accomplishment and perhaps enough to keep Sam Pittman employed.
RASHOD DUBINION
SAM PITTMAN
ISAIAH SATEGNA
AUBURN
2024 SCHEDULE
Overview:
The Tigers’ first year under Hugh Freeze was up and down, but was one Hail Mary away from ruining Alabama’s season. If you think that wouldn’t have changed the temperature on the plains, you don’t know Auburn football. It’s only year two for Freeze though, so patience is still present with the fans. The Tigers’ schedule isn’t too bad, but how they fare in a trio of mid-season road games against Georgia, Missouri and Kentucky will make a huge impact on their overall record.
Offense:
The passing game with Payton Thorne at quarterback was a bit of a struggle in 2023. While Thorne himself needs to improve his play, he needed some help from his receivers and Hugh Freeze hopes his transfer portal additions along with freshman Cam Coleman will make a huge difference. The offensive line should be solid and the three-headed monster at running back consisting of Jarquez Hunter, Damari Alson, and Jeremiah Cole all return. That unit ranked 4th in the conference in 2023 and with the improvements in the passing game, they should thrive again in 2024.
Defense:
DJ Durkin takes over for Rob Roberts as defensive coordinator and there will be a lot of new faces aside from Durkin for Auburn fans to familiarize themselves with. Five key transfers with Power Five experience will fill those vacancies and give the Tigers the potential to be very good on this side of the ball. One name to watch is Jalen McLeod, who is a buck linebacker with the potential to be an elite pass rusher. Getting to the quarterback was an issue last season, but should be a major area of improvement for Auburn in 2024.
Special Teams:
There are absolutely no worries when it comes to special teams. The Tigers return both Alex McPherson at placekicker and Oscar Chapman at punter. They form arguably the best-kicking tandem in the SEC.
Final Thoughts:
All the non-conference games are winnable and the schedule isn’t too bad. If Thorne takes a major leap forward at quarterback my projected win total could get as high as nine games. I worry about Thorne’s ceiling already being met, but this team should be better than last year’s, if only by a little bit.
PAYTON THORNE
HUGH FREEZE
FLORIDA GATORS
Overview:
Three straight losing seasons is not the expectation in Gainesville, Florida, but that’s the reality Gator fans are living with. The schedule is absolutely brutal. Only the Samford game in week 2 is automatic in my opinion and the opener against Miami is a must-win for Billy Napier’s job security. There is a lot of experience returning, but the Gators will need to win the few games they are favored in and pull off quite a few upsets if they want to go bowling.
Offense:
When the Gators got former five-star recruit and three-year starter at Wisconsin, Graham Mertz at quarterback, there was more gripe than hype from the fanbase. After struggling in the opener against Utah, Mertz was outstanding, posting a 72.9 completion percentage along with 20 touchdowns
and only 3 interceptions. National Gatorade Player of the Year, DJ Lagway is expected to be the savior at quarterback, but a year under Mertz will only make him better. Eugene Wilson heads up what should be a very talented receiver group and while Montrell Johnson will miss being spelled by Travis Etienne’s surprise defection to Georgia, Treyaun Webb got plenty of experience last year and should help with the one-two punch at running back. The line is as deep as it’s ever been under Napier so fans should expect more out of the offense in 2024.
Defense:
When a coach is on the hot seat, heads will roll at the end of the season and Napier canned his defensive line and secondary coaches. Austin Armstrong remains as coordinator but is joined by Ron Roberts who will serve as co-coordinator. The talent, experience, and depth are all there for this unit to take a step forward. Jason Marshall’s decision to return for his senior season along with Devin Moore’s return from injury give the Gators lockdown corners and the addition of Grayson “Pup” Howard to an experienced linebacker room should pair up nicely with a deep and experienced group of linemen. Much like the offense, this group should be better in 2024.
Special Teams:
Jeremy Crawshaw was an excellent punter and Trey Smack was 17-21 on field goals in 2023. The pair return to round out a solid kicking game. Eugene Wilson will return kicks, bringing a game-changer to the return game.
Final Thoughts:
This is the deepest, most experienced group Napier has had at Florida, but the schedule is rated as the toughest in the country and perhaps one of the hardest of all time. The opener against Miami is crucial, but the five-game stretch against Georgia, @Texas, LSU, Ole Miss, and @ Florida State to close the season is a meat grinder that will require at least one win to go bowling. It’s possible the Gators overachieve, but in this writer’s opinion 5 or 6 wins should get Billy another year.
GRAHAM MERTZ
EUGENE WILSON III
DJ LAGAWAY
BILLY NAPIER
GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Overview:
If Florida has the toughest schedule, Georgia’s has to be right behind it. Road trips to Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss along with neutral site games against Clemson and Florida highlight the games away from Athens, just to name a few of the challenges on the slate. The Dawgs lost narrowly to Alabama in the SEC Championship game last season and had to sit at home without a chance to defend their backto-back national championships. With the 12-team format now in place, I don’t think that will be an issue in 2024.
Offense:
Carson Beck returns to lead the offense at quarterback and Florida running back transfer, Trevor Etienne will be electrifying behind the dawgs in the Classic City. They lose Brock Bowers at tight end, but Oscar Delp certainly looks capable of having a breakout year to fill those shoes. Dominic Lovett highlights an explosive receiver group. With four starters returning on the offensive line, and a bunch of young players who gained experience last season, the boys in red and black won’t have problems scoring this season.
Defense:
Talent and experience are returning on the defensive line and linebacking positions, and fivestar talent has arrived to replace the three secondary players lost to the NFL draft in Ellis Robinson IV and KJ Bolden. Smart has recruited so well, it’s hard to imagine a drop-off, and players like linemen Nazir Stackhouse, Warren Brinson, and linebacker Mykel WIlliams are just a few names you will hear called a lot this season for wreaking havoc on offenses.
Special Teams:
The kicking game returns starting punter Brett Thorson and placekicker Peyton Woodring. The latter got steadier and steadier as the season went along while Thorson has been the picture of consistency. The return game wasn’t flashy last season, but Anthony Evans III’s speed could deliver big-play potential.
Final Thoughts:
Kirby Smart is now running unchecked in the SEC after the retirement of Nick Saban. I don’t see things slowing down in Athens anytime soon and this roster is capable of bringing home another national title. Even if they stumble a time or two in the regular season, it's hard to imagine the Dawgs falling outside of the top 12, and as long as they are on the field, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
NAZIR STACKHOUSE
KIRBY SMART
CARSON BECK
Mark Stoops continued his
and after flirting with the Texas A&M job, it’s hard to imagine him anywhere else. With the arrival of yet another high-profile quarterback from the transfer portal, former Georgia Bulldog, Brock Vandagriff, along with a new offensive coordinator, there are plenty of reasons to believe another strong season is on the horizon.
Offense:
With Ray Davis gone, it falls on Ohio State transfer DeaMonte Trayanum to be the workhorse at running back, while the aforementioned Vandagriff will
have two established weapons at wide receiver in Barion Brown and Dane Key. With Liam Coen leaving for the NFL, Stoops hired Bush Hamdan away from Boise State to call plays for the Wildcats this season. Replacing offensive coordinators has become a trend in Lexington and how quickly Vandagriff and his teammates pick up the system, along with an offensive line that only returns one starter from a unit that struggled last season will determine how far Kentucky goes this season.
Defense:
Kentucky was a run-stuffing machine last season, allowing only 113.1 yards a game in 2023. The anchor of that unit, Deone Walker, who stands at 6-6, 348 pounds, returns and will be a problem for offenses every week. Lockdown corner, Maxwell Hairston is also back and yet another former Georgia Bulldog, Jamon Dumas-Johnson will lead the linebacker group. Stoops hangs his hat on
defense and this should be another stingy crew on that side of the ball this season. If the offense gels and can sustain drives, they should rank near the top of the league statistically.
Special Teams:
The Cats are steady at placekicker with Alex Raynor returning after hitting 10-11 field goal attempts last season and Barrion Brown will return kicks again coming off a season in which he led all of college football with 3 kickoffs returned for touchdowns.
Final Thoughts:
The Cats only leave Lexington once in the month of September, but Georgia comes calling in week three, and after a trip to Ole Miss to close out the month, things just get tougher from there. If the offense finds its way with Brock Vandagriff under center, 8 or 9 wins aren’t out of reach, but if they struggle, it could be a battle to reach bowl eligibility.
BROCK VANDAGRIFF
BARION BROWN
LSU TIGERS
2024 SCHEDULE
Overview:
Brian Kelly won’t have Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels this season and while LSU always has talent at the skill positions, it is hard to replace the production Daniels provided through the air and on the ground. Garrett Nussmeier got a chance to get his feet wet in the bowl game victory over Wisconsin and performed well, but establishing the run game with a prototypical pocket passer will be a new wrinkle for Kelly and his staff.
Offense:
Along with a new quarterback, a new offensive coordinator will be dialing up plays in Joe Sloan. Sloan will look to sophomore Kaleb Jackson to lead his rushing attack, while Kyren Lacy and Brian Thomas are poised for breakout seasons at wide receiver. The offensive line returns four starters from 2023, so Nussmeier should be able to lean on a downhill running game and solid protection in the passing game while he settles in as the new starter. The offense won’t be as good as it was with Daniels, but they will be good enough to stay in every game on their schedule.
Defense:
For years, you could count on LSU’s defense to lead the way, but that hasn’t been the case under Kelly, or Orgeron before him to be fair. Last season's defense was not one to remember, allowing 416.6 yards and 28 points per game. They have to improve on that number with the expected dip in offensive production. Harold Perkins Jr is a beast at linebacker and the secondary returns production
and experience led by safety Major Burns, but the line is a question mark that Kelly failed to address in recruiting and the transfer portal so that is something to keep an eye on.
Special Teams:
Zavion Thomas has game-breaking ability in the return game and Damian Ramos is a dependable placekicker, leading the FBS in PAT’s made (77-77). Peyton Todd is an unknown at punter, but LSU has a tradition of playing great special teams so I would expect him to settle into his new role quickly.
Final Thoughts:
This team has playoff potential, and entering year three at the helm, Kelly needs to at least be in the running to stay in the good graces of LSU fans. If the defense can improve its numbers, the offense should hold its own. I haven’t looked at all the rankings and to their credit, LSU plays both Southern Cal and UCLA in non-conference tilts, but the conference schedule might be the easiest I’ve seen. If they win a few of the swing games in the SEC and take care of the California schools, I would expect this team to reach the playoffs.
BRIAN KELLY
GARRETT NUSSMEIER
HAROLD PERKINS JR
Overview:
The whirlwind this program has endured since the passing of Mike Leach has been painful to watch. Leach was beloved and Will Arnett had the best intentions, but his short tenure was doomed from the start. Enter new head coach Jeff Lebby, an offensive mastermind who runs an attack similar to rival head coach Lane Kiffin. Lebby will cover the X’s and O’s but will need the Jimmy’s and Joe’s if he is going to compete with Ole Miss for state supremacy.
Offense:
Baylor transfer and 2022 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention quarterback, Blake Shapen offers a gamer at the most important position on the field. Lebby will take advantage of that as he likes to push the ball downfield. His offenses have finished in the top 25 nationally in plays of 20 or more yards from scrimmage every season since 2019, so he will take his shots. He has some young, but unproven guns at receiver, so their development will be key in how successful this offense can be.
Defense:
The defense lost a ton of production from a unit that wasn’t that great last season. They will depend on a lot of new faces, including new defensive coordinator, Coleman Hutzler. They have some experience coming back in all three position groups, but they will need to grow up quickly.
Special Teams:
Kyle Ferrie returns to kick field goals after a strong 2023 campaign and Zachary Haynes takes over the punting duties. The Bulldogs have lots of shifty options in the return game and may need them to excel to pull off a few upsets that could be the difference in bowl eligibility.
Final Thoughts:
Lebby will draw up the plays like he always has, but he has to build his roster to match the talent he will face week in and week out. Three cupcakes to open the season will give this team time to get their feet under them and several of the conference games are winnable, including Florida and Arkansas in Starkville. If the Bulldogs win those two, they will go bowling.
JEFF LEBBY
DE'MONTE RUSSELL
COREY ELLINGTON
MISSOURI TIGERS
to watch, but with Cook calling plays and the speed and skill he has to throw to, I expect this offense to be better than last year.
Defense:
The defense has to replace three of their four leading tacklers from 2023 and lost three defensive backs to the NFL. Corey Batoon will take over as Defensive Coordinator and identifying the replacements for that productivity will be job number one. Johnny Walker Jr. does return and will likely be haunting opposing quarterback’s dreams all season, and Drinkwitz had success in the transfer portal to fill some of the gaps created by departing players.
Special Teams:
The thicker kicker, Harrison Mevis, is gone and his range and accuracy will be hard to replace. In fact, both kicking positions will have new starters. Mevis’s shoes looked to be filled by Blake Craig, while Luke Bauer and Orion Phillips are battling it out for the punting duties.
Overview:
My biggest swing and miss projecting the SEC last season was Missouri. To be fair, nobody was high on the Tigers entering 2023, but boy did they prove everyone wrong. If they didn’t self-implode against LSU that team would have been in the playoff conversation. Eli Drinkwitz won’t sneak up on anyone this season, but he returns the majority of a team that should carry a lot of confidence into 2024 and has the easiest schedule in the SEC.
Offense:
The offense is loaded at the skill positions, led by quarterback Brady Cook and a deadly trio of receivers in Theo Wease Jr., Mookie Cooper, and the electrifying Luther Burden III. Brett Norfleet also returns at the tight end position, so Cook has no shortage of weapons to throw to. They do have to replace Cody Schrader at running back and two starters on the offensive line so that will be something
Final Thoughts:
I mentioned the schedule in the opening paragraph and I really think every game is winnable for this veteran team. The trip to Tuscaloosa is the loss I see coming and there are certainly other games they could lose, but they should be favored in all of them. If they take care of business, this will be a playoff team and perhaps play the first weekend in December at Mercedes Benz Stadium.
BRADY COOK
OKLAHOMA SOONERS
Overview:
If the once king of the Big 12 Sooners want to go bowling in 2024, they better not lose a nonconference game and former five-star recruit Jackson Arnold better live up to his billing. He was erratic filling in for Dillon Gabriel last season but did show flashes of the player fans were expecting. Brent Venables is a defense-first coach and this should be the best squad on that side of the ball he has fielded in his short tenure. This is a good football team, but I’m not sure they are ready to excel in the SEC just yet.
Offense:
Arnold is really the key piece in how far Oklahoma can go this season. They need him to be elite to navigate the schedule. Seth Litrell takes over play-calling duties after Jeff Lebby’s departure to Mississippi State. They have some standout receivers in Jalil Farooq, Nic Anderson, and Andrel Anthony, but need to find a bellcow at running back and have to retool the entire offensive line.
Defense:
The defense is in the opposite position. Safety Billy Bowman Jr. And linebacker Danny Stutsman return, providing fierce competitors that understand the inner workings of Venables’ defense. These two, along with a host of returning starters should lead a defense that will allow the offense to work through their growing pains.
Special Teams:
Farooq will be one of the best returners in the country, while the kicking game is in the capable feet of Zach Schmit and Luke Elzinga.
Final Thoughts:
The defense should be good enough to keep the Sooners in games, but the offense will have to find
its way by a week four matchup with Tennessee. Even great defenses wear down if they are on the field too long and Oklahoma’s success will depend on the offense doing just that. If Arnold and the offense find their mojo, my prediction for the Sooners’ final record could be way off.
JACKSON ARNOLD
DANNY STUTSMAN
Overview:
If Lane Kiffin could lease out quarterback talent, he would be an even richer man. Even with Jaxson Dart coming off a stellar season, elite quarterbacks in the transfer portal want to hop on the Lane train. The portal king brought in some help on defense and both sides of the ball have the majority of their top contributors returning. Expectations in Oxford are high, and they should be.
Offense:
Dart decided to run it back and just about everyone else followed suit. He has weapons all over the field. The dynamic duo of Tre Harris and Jordan Watkins will be joined by All-SEC South Carolina transfer, Antwane Wells Jr., to bolster an already elite receiving corps, and Caden Prieskorn returns at tight end for another excellent target in Dart’s arsenal. The Rebs do have to replace Quinshon Judkins at running back after his defection to Ohio State, but Ulysses Bentley IV looks like he is up to the task.
Defense:
This side of the ball has never been Kiffin’s calling card, but he has managed to bolster this unit through the portal as well. The additions of Walter Nolan and Princely Unmanmielen could give Kiffin the best defense he has fielded at Ole Miss. They highlight a stellar portal haul on this side of the ball and Pet Golding will be hard at work integrating them with the returners from last year's already much-improved unit.
Final Thoughts:
The Rebels should cruise to 6-0 and then the sledding gets a little tougher. They get Georgia in Oxford and that will be a measuring stick game for this program after getting smacked in Athens 52-17 last season. With the returning experience and added talent through the portal, the sky is the limit for the Rebels, and I would be shocked if they aren’t one of the top eight in the playoffs.
LANE KIFFIN
Defense:
Overview:
The honeymoon period might still be lingering for Shane Beamer, who is a high-energy coach who can find sustained success at the right school. I’m not sure South Carolina is that place. Spencer Rattler is gone and while there are options at quarterback, none of them are proven winners.
Offense:
True freshman LaNorris Sellers will take over at quarterback but will be looking over his shoulder at Auburn transfer Robby Ashford while acclimating to life in the SEC. If Sellers is a phenom and the offensive line can get the push they lacked in the running game last season, the Cocks could surprise us all. Rahiem “Rocket” Sanders was a huge get at the running back position, and the Arkansas transfer could thrive if the aforementioned O-line improves. The wide receiver room has numbers but lacks size and won’t have time to get open if the line gives up 41 sacks like they did in 2023.
After a dismal season against the pass, defensive coordinator Clayton White has made the change from a 4-2-5 to a 3-3-5 base to take advantage of the experience returning in the secondary. Jalon Kilgore, DQ Smith, and Nick Emmanwori will anchor that unit but need to be more consistent if Carolina is going to slow down air attacks in the SEC. Debo Williams returns at linebacker and will be the quarterback of this defense, but a few transfers that will have to be replaced by young inexperienced players leave me wondering if this defense will be a repeat of 2023’s.
Special Teams:
Beamer Ball is alive and well and will need to deliver some game-changing performances if the Gamecocks are to overachieve. The place-kicking duties are still undecided, but punter Kai Kroeger is back and you know there will be riverboat gambling from a Beamer-coached team.
Final Thoughts:
With some big departures, led by Spencer Rattler, there are a ton of question marks when it comes to this South Carolina team. I’m not sure they have the answers.
TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
2024 SCHEDULE
Overview:
When Josh Heupel landed in Knoxville, there wasn’t really any fanfare. The revolving door for the head coach hadn’t stopped swinging from the last four coaches they hired and they had a few swings and misses before the former UCF coach got the call. While last year was a bit of a step back from the Hendon Hooker-led season of 2022, the Vols have a potential game-changer taking over at quarterback Nico Iamaleava. The question for the Vols is, will there be enough talent around him to reach the playoffs in 2024?
Offense:
While Iamaleava is getting a lot of the preseason hype for the Vols, he won’t be able to accomplish much without guys getting open. Bru McCoy will be a big help in that area, returning from a seasonending injury in 2023. Along with him, the versatile Squirrel White will be joined by a few freshmen with big potential in Mike Matthews and Braylon Staley, as well as Tulane transfer Chris Brazzell II. They return three starters on the offensive line and Dylan Sampson looks ready to take the lion’s share of the carries at running back. If Nico is as advertised and the guys step up around them, this offense will be fast and furious. Defense:
There isn’t much not to like about the Vols front seven. James Pearce Jr. Is back after posting 10.5 sacks last year off the edge and both Arion Carter and Keenan Pili are solid and experienced at linebacker. The area of concern comes in the secondary. Ten players left the program either through the draft or
transfer portal, which means new faces will have to step in and step up against elite competition. If the Vols can rush the passer like they did last year, that could help the secondary's cause.
Special Teams:
The Vols have a switch-hitting punter in Jackson Ross, so if he wants to go with the left foot for that backspin he has it in his arsenal. Joh Turbyville will take over the place-kicking duties.
Final Thoughts:
I like the way the Vols schedule is set up. Oklahoma is a question mark to me so that road trip could be a toss-up, but honestly, Alabama and Georgia are the only games they will be underdogs. Iamaleava will need his offensive line to gel, but I expect them to do so before they run into any really stiff competition. If they only lose to Bama and Georgia or perhaps steal one of those, this will be a playoff team.
NICO IAMALEAVA
JOSH HEUPEL
SQUIRREL WHITE
Overview:
The Longhorns were a few plays away from taking on Michigan in the National Championship game and Steve Sarkisian worked some portal magic to replace what they lost at the skill positions and talked Quinn Ewers into running it back for one more year. The schedule is far from easy, but it could be worse and though the defense lost some big-time players, it would be hard to imagine the final 12 teams not including the Longhorns.
Offense:
Ewers lost all of his top targets to the NFL Draft, but his head coach didn’t leave him hanging, landing Isiah Bond of Alabama, Silas Bolden of Oregon State, and Matthew Golden of Houston in the transfer portal. They return 4 starting offensive linemen and have two running backs ready to play feature roles in Jaydon Blue and CJ Baxter. Even with the losses from last year's squad, this offense should be formidable.
Defense:
The NFL raided some of the Longhorn’s best defensive players, but there is plenty of talent and experience returning. Most of the replacements are along the front seven, but freshman All-American Anthony Hill Jr. Is back and looks like he will move
to middle linebacker this season to anchor that unit. The secondary is experienced from top to bottom, but the defensive line is counting on young players and portal recruits to step up. We all know how important the line of scrimmage is in the SEC. Last season’s front four seemed up to the task, which is an unknown in 2024.
Special Teams:
True freshman Michael Kern will take over at punter, while junior Bert Auburn returns after a strong 2023 campaign. Isiah Bond could be a weapon in the return game.
Final Thoughts:
I could be way off on my projection here, but I don’t think Michigan will be able to maintain what they accomplished last year. That game could go the other way early in the season and if the Longhorns defensive line doesn’t gel, there could be a few other losses on this schedule. They get Georgia and Florida in Austin, Oklahoma is a neutral site game and I’m sure College Station will be rocking for the last game of the regular season, but overall, the schedule is pretty friendly and the talent is there. I’d be shocked if they aren’t in the playoffs.
TEXAS A&M
2024 SCHEDULE
a juggernaut have always been there and Elko will make this a blue-collar team with the talent to win in time.
Offense:
From transfers to injuries, the quarterback position has been a revolving door the past few seasons, and Conner Weigman, who had a strong start to 2023 before a season-ending injury, will look to bring consistency to the most important position on the field. He has a talented group of receivers to throw to, led by Moose Muhammad III, Jahdae Walker, and Noah Thomas. Rueben Owens looks like he will start at running back, and will hopefully provide some consistency at that position. The Aggies return three starters on the offensive line, but that group has to show improvement after a dismal 2023 campaign.
Defense:
Overview:
The Jimbo Fischer project came to an expensive end in College Station, but Mike Elko seems like a really solid hire after what he achieved at Duke. He will have his work cut out for him as he puts his stamp on the program, but there are pieces in place for him to make noise in his first season with the “12th Man” at his disposal. The resources to build
Even with several players transferring, the front seven should be stout. They are young at linebacker, but Taurean York is going to be a star and got plenty of experience during his freshman season. Shemar Turner is back at tackle to anchor the middle of the line and will be joined by former Purdue Boilermaker and last season’s sack leader in the Big 10, Nic Scourton. Rushing the passer shouldn’t be an issue in Aggieland this season. The secondary has question marks, but that aforementioned pass rush should provide guys like Tyreek Chappel a chance to find their footing.
Special Teams:
Special teams for the Aggies were far from special in 2023. Returning placekicker, Randy Bond must improve on his 74.3 percentage on field goal attempts and the battle for the punting position could bleed into the first few games.
Final Thoughts:
Elko seems to be just what the Aggies need. He will bring an edge to this team, to replace the ego of the former staff. It might not result in more wins this season, but I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t have this program in the mix for conference championships and more by year three. They could make noise this season if the offensive line and secondary overachieve.
CONNER WEIGMAN
Offense:
VANDERBILT COMMODORES
2024 SCHEDULE
Overview:
Clark Lea is still striving to make the Commodores relevant in the SEC. He scored a few big wins in year 1, but last year’s 0-8 conference record was more of the norm for this program. The offense was bad, and that made it hard on the defense, which was on the field way too much in 2023. Wholesale changes have been made, but will that be enough to get in the win column in SEC play? It might be a stretch to say yes.
After averaging 3.3 yards per carry on the ground last season, the Dores are moving to the option. This may sound like a stone-age move, but with the talent discrepancy on the offensive line, it could be just what the doctor ordered. Look for Vandy to limit the mistakes, stay ahead of the chains and force their opponents to beat them, instead of the self-implosion fans witnessed last season. It works in theory at least.
Defense:
Lea is taking over the play-calling duties on this side of the ball after the pass defense was eviscerated in 2023. They lacked a pass rush and the corners were torched consistently. The good news is they returned several key players and got a few more in the transfer portal that could help turn things around. Langston Patterson returns at middle linebacker, as does safety CJ Taylor. To help with the woes at corner, transfers Marlon Jones Jr. And Kolbey Taylor could provide the lockdown coverage that was lacking in 2023, but that isn’t a guarantee.
Special Teams:
The Dores landed a punter in the portal with Jesse Mirco leaving Ohio State to head to Nashville, but placekicking is a huge question mark with Brock Taylor having never swung his leg at an attempt of any kind at the college level.
Final Thoughts:
Lea is making a valiant effort to build the program at Vandy, but the mountain is steep and treacherous. It’s hard to see a conference win on this schedule, but the option attack can be tricky for defenses with only a week to prepare for it, so maybe they will steal a few games along the way.
CLARK LEA
LIGHTBULB MOMENTS
with Matthews Lighting & Electric
AUGUST: House Project Safety
As summer winds down, many people are trying to finish up projects around the house in time for fall and the holiday season. Follow these tips and stay safe!
Home repairs with power tools:
• Store electrical equipment indoors
• Never use electric tools around water.
• Never store electric tools in places where insects or rodent’s nest.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Make sure your work area is clean and organized.
• Store fuel away from heat sources and out of the sun.
Planting, Pruning & Mowing:
• Be sure your trees have enough room to grow, especially when close to power lines.
• Trim back branches from your electrical system, including nearby power lines.
• Trees growing into power lines are expensive to fix, can decrease tree health, and cause trees to become dangerous.
• When mowing the lawn or pruning with power tools, be sure to wear thick-soled, rubber shoes, and NEVER go barefoot.
We hope you knock out all your projects safely and successfully, but if you ever need help or have questions about anything electrical, make sure to call us and we’ll be happy to help.
A Practice made Perfect
Having a general and pediatric dental practice under one roof provides the patients of Weldon Dentistry with the foundation for healthy teeth that can last a lifetime.
Text: Ian Griffin
Photo: Andy Calvert
If a person is lucky, they only see their dentist twice a year, yet even in those few and far between visits, we form a bond with both doctor and hygienist.
Luck isn’t the only factor of course. Good oral hygiene from a young age certainly plays a role, and that takes the combined effort of both doctor and patient. At Weldon Dental, the husband-andwife team of Drs. Ryan and Leigh Weldon have combined their expertise to offer comprehensive care for both adult and pediatric patients, with a focus on building relationships with their clients that build both friendships and healthy teeth.
Achieving an atmosphere that is welcoming to young and older patients was a carefully thoughtout process and one the space at 1013 North 5th Avenue was well equipped to handle. The layout allows pediatric and general patients to have their own waiting and treatment areas, with design aesthetics suited for both demographics and the latest tools and technology to provide the highest quality of care.
The paths Ryan and Leigh took to get to this point started in Ringold and Rome, but converged at the Dental College of Georgia in Augusta, Ryan via Georgia Tech and Leigh via the University of Georgia.
“My father was an OBGYN and always encouraged me to consider practicing medicine,” recalls Ryan Weldon. “I always knew I wanted to care for people in some form or fashion and when my younger brother applied to dental school, it opened my eyes to that opportunity. I’ve always loved drawing and engineering, and dentistry gave me the opportunity to combine those two skills into helping others.”
For Leigh, the road to that decision had a few more twists and turns, but when the calling presented itself, she knew it was the right career choice for her.
“My path was a little less direct than Ryan’s,” admits Leigh Weldon. “I originally wanted to teach British Literature at Model High School because that’s where I went to school, and I loved the idea of being a teacher. Most of the women in my family are educators, but as I progressed through college at the University of Georgia, I changed my major from education to biology. I actually landed on the idea of pursuing a career in dentistry at the 11th hour after joining the pre-dental club on a trip to the dental school in Augusta with a sorority sister. It was an unexpected twist, but I’m so glad this career found me.”
After graduating from dental school, Ryan and Leigh both took part in residency programs to complete their training. Ryan was accepted to the prestigious General Practice Residency (GPR), a year-long advanced surgical residency program focused on specialized training and honing skills in specialty dental services including dental implant placement, oral surgery, and advanced restorative techniques.
“Completing the GPR program was probably the biggest piece of me building the confidence and skills I needed to create the kind of practice I wanted to have,” says Ryan. “The hands-on training was amazing, but the weekly case reviews with my peers and mentors were invaluable.”
Leigh went on to take part in two additional years of pediatric dentistry residency, resulting in her crowning achievement, becoming a BoardCertified Pediatric Dentist.
“For me, I came into dental school not really knowing what kind of dentistry I wanted to specialize in”, Leigh recalled. “The summer after my first year in Augusta, I went on a dental mission trip to Bulgaria and was paired with a pediatric dentist for most of the week and absolutely loved the experience. Working with children allowed me to do the things I was hoping to do as an educator, which was to connect with and educate kids in a fun
and positive way. When I began my second year of dental school that fall, I spoke to the program director of the pediatric department and started shadowing and working with pediatric residents during any free time I could find. I was accepted into the program and spent two years working in both the pediatric clinics in Augusta as well as spending every third month working with the dentists at Children’s Health Care of Atlanta’s Scottish Rite Hospital. I was fortunate to have some incredible mentors who taught me so much and encouraged me to always continue learning.”
Leigh eventually moved home to Rome to begin practicing, while Ryan was working at an office in Cartersville. The couple had joked around about working together, but never seriously considered it until Ryan was approached in 2021 about purchasing Dr. Dennis Heller’s practice on North 5th Avenue in Ansley Park.
The more he thought about it, the more the opportunity made sense for their family. Dr. Heller’s patients needed a dentist and while Ryan was happy in Cartersville, the idea of taking care of patients in his own local community was something that he couldn’t pass up, so he decided to take the leap.
The former practice was only using about half the available space and after about a year of Ryan learning how to manage both patient care and small business ownership, the idea of Ryan and Leigh
bringing their skills together under one roof started to become a reality. The division of the building allowed them to separate the kid-friendly and adult atmospheres, allowing the Weldons to offer a lifetime of dental care to their patients.
“We never planned on this happening, but Ryan and I already shared the same ethos on patient care,” said Leigh. That shared ethos is putting the patients and their care as their top priority.
“We work really hard to make sure every decision is made through the lens of caring for our patients to the very best of our ability. That means we need to be able to see them when they have an emergency or any dental concern,” states Ryan. “That means putting quality service over quantity of patients. We want to grow, but we want to grow responsibly so we can provide the best care possible to our patients.”
Leigh adds that she thinks about every moment of a child’s experience in her office. “Our specialty at Weldon Dental is always taking a gentle and kind approach to dentistry with our pediatric friends. We begin seeing patients as early as age one – or when babies get their first tooth! - so we want to create a safe and fun environment for our kids and their parents. Our time is reserved specifically for each child and their family, parents are welcomed and encouraged to join their child during their appointments, and we want to consistently provide “wow” experiences! From having lots of fun toothpaste flavors to choose from to keeping a stocked wall of prizes, we want our toddlers to teens to look forward to coming back.”
Another crucial part of that quality service comes with the team surrounding the Weldons. From the hygienists to the administrative staff, they inherited and assembled an excellent group of people.
“We couldn’t do this without our team,” says Ryan. “Our hygienists Candy and Keri have a
combined 60-plus years of experience. They know our patients by name, and we couldn’t provide the level of service we do without them. The administrative team of Christi and Tabitha goes above and beyond to answer patients’ questions and to make sure we value our patients’ time and stay on schedule. And my chairside assistants Autumn and Ashley are excellent. They are experienced at what they do, but are also quick with a smile, a warm blanket, or anything else a patient may need to feel comfortable.”
“I couldn’t agree more and feel lucky to work with such great people,” says Leigh. “My assistant Allie is also amazing. She has several years of pediatric experience, makes work fun, and the kids absolutely love her. One of our patients asked for a selfie with her just this week!”
From the advanced technology to the coveted prize station, the pediatric and adult patients at Weldon Dental are treated like family by a team that always tries to go the extra mile. Whether it’s two cleanings a year or more frequent visits, Ryan and Leigh approach each patient with the same attention to detail, because for both, this profession is a calling and the relationships they build are what it’s all about.
“We had a patient of Dr. Heller’s that I saw not too long ago tell me that she was so glad that I was the one that bought his practice,” says Ryan. “I get
chills thinking about it. It means a lot to me knowing our patients – old and new – trust us and are happy with the care we provide.”
“I was picking our kids up from school recently,” recalls Leigh, “and suddenly one of my patients ran over excited to see me and told me their 'tooth was feeling so much better!’. To see a child feel
excitement over seeing their dentist and to build those types of relationships is an incredible feeling and why we do what we do.”
At Weldon Dental, of course it’s about the smiles and the teeth behind them, but just as much, it's all about the people.
