Nick Saban to Billy Napier, what I got right and wrong in SEC football takes, 2023

I call ‘em as I see ‘em, but that pledge doesn’t come with guarantee that I’ll accurately predict the future. My crystal ball occasionally requires a stop in the repair shop.

With the college football season concluded and the coaching carousel slowing, I can take stock of my divination skills from the past year.

Here’s a review of my best and worst SEC football takes and opinions from 2023.

See, I told you so

Headline: Georgia football repeats while Nick Saban becomes talking head. A torch passed

Published: Jan. 9

My take then: The imagery of Georgia’s national championship rout of TCU felt striking. While Kirby Smart’s program won a second straight national title, Nick Saban provided commentary. Saban took a spot on ESPN’s on-site panel of analysts. Georgia crushed its opponent, while Saban was on set. A torch passed. Alabama won’t relinquish relevance and will continue to attract talented players. But, “We Want Baba,” gained a hint of truthfulness, because facing Bama sure beats playing Georgia.

Verdict: Saban retired after the 2023 season, and Georgia remains in prime position for its future under Smart. Worth noting, though: Saban got the last laugh against Smart. Alabama ended Georgia’s three-peat quest and won the SEC Championship. Saban exited atop the SEC, if not atop college football. His future as a talking head awaits.

Headline: Texas football recruiting puts SEC on notice. Is Arch Manning just the beginning?

Published: Feb. 3

My take then: Talented players want to play for Texas and Steve Sarkisian. That includes Arch Manning, but Manning mania overshadowed the bigger picture – Texas’ overall recruiting momentum. Fans of opposing teams chortle when they hear, Texas is back! But, combine a competent coach like Sarkisian with this recruiting trajectory, and the Longhorns are…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nick-saban-billy-napier-got-110901031.html

Author : The Tennessean

Publish date : 2024-01-17 11:09:01

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