What gives? I say we’re going to give them more than they bargained for today.

Ohio State Michigan TCU Georgia CFP.

So does Alabama make it into the CFP since TCU and USC lost?

Hey Julie I just saw where Drew Pyne is entering the portal. Could he be in play if JD walks?
Also do you see him as a take anyways(if JD leaves)and do you think he would be an upgrade over Nuss and Howard??

Caleb Williams is a fine QB. USC Is is barely ranked with out him.

At the start of the season, I never imagined we'd be here today with LSU competing for the SEC title. Fun Year 1 for Brian Kelly & Co.

Tigers vs. UGA at 3 p.m. CT. See y'all then!

Rod Serling is calling this game....

Members of the College Football Playoff (CFP) Board of Managers have agreed to begin the newly-expanded 12-team playoff during the 2024-2025 season.

"We're delighted to be moving forward," said Bill Hancock, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff. "When the board expanded the playoff beginning in 2026 and asked the CFP Management Committee to examine the feasibility of starting the new format earlier, the Management Committee went right to work. More teams and more access mean more excitement for fans, alumni, students and student-athletes. We appreciate the leaders of the six bowl games and the two future national championship game host cities for their cooperation. Everyone realized that this change is in the best interest of college football and pulled together to make it happen."

The first round of the playoff in 2024 will take place the week ending Saturday, December 21, at either the home field of the higher-seeded team or at another site designated by the higher-seeded institution. (No. 12 at No. 5, No. 11 at No. 6, No. 10 at No. 7, and No. 9 at No. 8.) The specific game dates, likely late in that week, will be announced later.

For the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the four quarterfinal games and two Playoff Semifinal games will be played in bowls on a rotating basis. The 2024 quarterfinals will take place in the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, while the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl will host the Playoff Semifinals. The 2025 quarterfinals will take place in the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, while the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl will host the Playoff Semifinals. Specific dates for all quarterfinal and semifinal games will be announced at a later time.

The national championship games will be played January 20, 2025, in Atlanta, and January 19, 2026, in Miami.

"On behalf of the Management Committee and the Board of Managers, this is thrilling," Hancock added. "It's been a long process, but we are pleased that more teams and more students will have the opportunity to compete for the national championship beginning in the 2024 season. A new era of college football is about to begin. I look forward to it."

"This is a great day for college football," said Mark Keenum, President of Mississippi State University and chairman of the CFP Board of Managers. "I'm glad we are able to follow through and launch the expanded playoff early. It's very exciting for schools, alumni and everyone involved."

Members of the CFP Board of Managers are Timothy Caboni – Conference USA (President, Western Kentucky); Jim Clements– Atlantic Coast Conference (President, Clemson); Gordon Gee – Big 12 Conference (President, West Virginia); Jack Hawkins – Sun Belt Conference (President, Troy); Rev. John Jenkins – President, Notre Dame (Independent); Kristina Johnson – Big Ten Conference (President, Ohio State); Mark Keenum (chair) – Southeastern Conference (President, Mississippi State); Kirk Schulz – Pacific-12 Conference (President, Washington State); Satish Tripathi – Mid-American Conference (President, Buffalo); Gerald Turner – American Athletic Conference (President, SMU); Keith Whitfield – Mountain West Conference (President, UNLV).

Todd McClure, a four-year starter at center for LSU and a 1998 first team All-America, will be honored during a pre-game ceremony as part of the 2022 SEC Football Legends Class on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

LSU and Georgia meet for the SEC title on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The game will be televised on CBS.

McClure is one of 14 former SEC football greats who make up the 2022 SEC Football Legends Class. The group will be introduced on the field at the 10-minute mark prior to kickoff.

Tonight, McClure and the other members of this year’s class will take part in the annual SEC Legends Celebration presented by T-Mobile at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

A four-year starter at center for the Tigers from 1995-98, McClure earned All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association as a senior in 1998. He was selected first team All-SEC as both a junior and senior.

He took over as LSU’s starting center midway through his true freshman season in 1995, helping LSU to its first winning record and bowl appearance in seven years. LSU’s team captain as a senior, McClure played his entire college career blocking for College Football Hall of Famer Kevin Faulk, who holds the school record for career rushing yards with 4,557. With McClure at center, LSU led the SEC in rushing yards in both 1996 and 1997.

He was selected in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons and played 14 seasons in the NFL, all with the Falcons. He appeared in 198 games, starting 195 times for the Falcons at center. It was announced in July of 2022 that he would be inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor.

McClure, a Baton Rouge native who prepped at Central High School, was honored earlier this year in Tiger Stadium.

The 2022 Football Legends Class includes 14 former stars who excelled on the gridiron and helped write the rich history of the sport at their respective institutions. This year’s class includes All-Americans, All-SEC selections, Academic All-Americans, a Heisman Trophy winner and a Hall of Fame head coach. The group represents teams that won SEC Championships, won Super Bowl titles and are represented in state, school and college football halls of fame.

Below is a listing and biographies of the 2022 SEC Football Legends:

• Alabama – Ozzie Newsome, Split End, 1974-77
• Arkansas – Steve Korte, Offensive Guard, 1981-82
• Auburn – Ben Tamburello, Guard/Center, 1983-86
• Florida – Alex Brown, Defensive End, 1998-2001
• Georgia – Thomas Davis, Linebacker, 2002-04
• Kentucky – Joe Federspiel, Linebacker, 1969-71
• LSU – Todd McClure, Center, 1995-98
• Ole Miss – Eli Manning, Quarterback, 1999-2003
• Mississippi State – K.J. Wright, Linebacker, 2007-10
• Missouri – Gary Pinkel, Head Coach, 2001-15
• South Carolina – Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, 2009-11
• Tennessee – Peyton Manning, Quarterback, 1994-97
• Texas A&M – Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, 2012-13
• Vanderbilt – Allama Matthews, Tight End, 1979-82

We're finally in December and it's a big month for the current team and the future.

The Tigers obviously have a tall task ahead against UGA Saturday afternoon and then on Monday the transfer portal is open for 45 days. The Early Signing Period is right around the corner too a few days before Christmas. With all of that coming up, just wanted to drop a few tidbits on where I feel things stand.

The expectation is that LSU hopes to finish with Javien Toviano, Desmond Ricks, Isaac Smith, potentially TE Ka'Morreun Pimpton or Jackson McGohan and hopefully add another high school defensive lineman. Who that DL might be? I'm not sure yet. Jamar Cain & Co. are still recruiting Nyckoles Harbor (who could play TE), Jayden Wayne, A'mauri Washington, Jordan Hall, Jamarious Brown and then obviously doing a deep dive on senior evaluations.

Harbor will take an OV to LSU in January and sign at a college in February.

I said yesterday in the chat that we'll have to see if Brown actually visits before we can call him a flip candidate because he's a Mississippi kid committed to Ole Miss and those are hard to change. Same goes for Ayden Williams, who LSU would definitely take even with all the WRs committed. But now that Lane Kiffin is sticking around, that truly may be easier said than done. I haven't heard much movement of Ayden as of late but will continue monitoring.

Smith will officially visit LSU this month either the 9th or 16th weekend. That final weekend (16th) prior to ESP is week Ricks plans on visiting LSU officially.

As far as getting Pimpton on an OV, that's in the works but I haven't heard a confirmed date yet. Pimpton is committed to Vanderbilt and really likes the way they have recruited him thus far so it's likely down to them and LSU for the TE. There's a good chance his OV may also be next weekend but that's still being worked out. McGohan on the other hand has confirmed to TigerDetails that he will be taking his OV next weekend.

Unless a senior evaluation pops in the next few days, I'm expecting LSU to use the portal to fill any remaining roles they miss on. No matter what though, defensive tackle and cornerback will be needs in the portal. Likely to look at TEs too.

Player that some folks were worried about him being in trouble with the law and now he's going into the portal and we wonder if we want him? I have a somewhat super secret, decoder ring level person within the College Station PD that would be willing to help and let me know if everyone there is on a first name basis with the guy.

Went to see if I could find a scorecard on JD and did not see anything worthy of review - took a shot at my own using the 10 Factors Grade. Thoughts from the crowd - do you see things differently than me? Forgive any lingo that is off / used some creative liberties along the way.

Accuracy Short – 6.5

Strong accuracy on squat routes and a comeback route but occasionally bailed out by great receivers on lead routes– lots of low balls. Occasionally struggles throwing a player to space – crossing, slant, wheel. Can be low to the flats causing deflections. Statistics suffered from several drops as well. Not sure if a chemistry issue with new receivers, velocity, or simply receiver focus..

Accuracy Outside the Pocket – 6

Some moments of greatness and some moments of frustration. Offensive coordinator does not appear to call for designed rolls often – perhaps concerned with impulse for QB to dismiss progressions and scramble. Chemistry with receivers could also impact this figure but QB mobility usually wins out.

Accuracy Deep - 3

As with some short passes, player was bailed out with great fortune or good timing on several longer passes. Players regularly having to come back to the ball or completed stop on a fly route. Far too often a player is stopping to wait for a ball with defenders approaching when a slightly better ball would lead to longer plays and more scores. Several back shoulder throws found teammates on the sideline rather than on the field. A few great throws on the year but the needle points the other way more often. Timidity is a major issue. Great QBs will trust their wide receiver to win 50/50 balls. Too often he would not throw, and, when thrown, would not throw a winnable ball. Seems very concerned about a turnover. Not a horrible things but there is a say - patience is a virtue but timidness will be the death of us all.

Arm Strength - 8

The QB can sling it but, as shown above, does it always go where it needs to.

Clutch – 7.5

QB faced a deficit in several games this year and did not bail. Outside of the Tennessee loss (strong stat line but some decisions cost), the other two losses had some form of comeback along with several wins. The throw for the 2 point conversation to defeat Alabama was fantastic. Some of his better play came when the scoreboard was not in his favor. The reverse to consider is why it took some time to get out of the chute.

Decision Making – 5

It is unknown how much audible / check allowances are given. Decision making on when to pull and let go on RPO is decent but not great. Really has to see a receiver open before releasing the ball. Several wide open receivers throughout the year that were not given a chance. Very reluctant to thrown down field – it seems he almost has to be directed to do so. Has really good vision when the middle of the field opens up a rushing lane and accelerates quickly once committed. Offensive line woes hindered rushing and throwing the first half of the season but they have played much better the second half so this is not a massive factor in this score. Better schemes from the OC would have led to a higher score so we bumped our original “4” to a “5”.

Mechanics - 6

Nothing woefully wrong with mechanics. Not a lot of lame ducks but the same pass can be 5 feet overhead, on the numbers, and at the cleats within a few minutes of each other – some accuracy but also mechanics. Fields a challenging snap cleanly. Holds on to the ball well when rushing. Slides are clean. Placement for RB exchange can get a little high making a tougher exchange. Gets a little erratic when the walls are closing in – critical fumbles behind the line of scrimmage when known contact was coming. Didn't see many toss / pitch plays this year. Seems to deliver well on sweeps.

Mobility – 8.5

Once in the open field, lookout against a traditional defense. When spied, as done the last couple of games in the season, rushing ability is somewhat negated. Some plays should go for 6 instead of 3. But when in full stride or turning the corner, many a DB have been left scratching their head. Sadly, score was dipped a half point as mobility is hindered by shallow safety / stacked box play due to lack of concern for a stretched field. An original 9 was reduced to an 8.5.

Pocket Presence - 4

As the season progressed, so did the O Line. Pockets were better forming and time until pressure increased. Sadly, the stats did not fully reflect the improvement of the supporting cast. A couple of games, QB had moxie back there. But others, fans were left hoping something good would happen.

Health – 6.5

Player played season without serious injury but defenders are different at the pro level and defenses are more talented and complicated – the blitz can come from anywhere. Players frame could use some bulk but at what expense to speed. Not major, but some durability concerns at the next level.

Weighted Score – 6.1

Bottom line - seems like a great kid. When that smile flashes on the screen, you can't help but route for him. Teammates seemed to warm up more throughout the year. Does not appear to possess traits that would negatively affect a locker room - seems to be just the opposite. Hoping talent and a smidge of confidence can rise to meet the personality.

2022 Draft Grade Comps:

#127 Rated QB Bailey Zappe from WKU (6.8) – drafted 137th (4)

#171 Rated QB E.J. Perry from Brown (6.4) - Undrafted

#173 Rated QB Kaleb Eleby, W Mich (6.4) – Undrafted

#201 Rated QB Jack Coan, Notre Dame (6.1) – Undrafted



Expectation if entered in draft in 2023 – late 5th to early 7th

A clear 5 to 6 QBs ranking ahead and then is part of the next 5-6. Would likely be the 8th to 10th QB off the board. Quality of competition in schedule is considered by scouts and he has seen several defenders that will dress on Sunday. If a well-rostered team has an extra pick in the mid-4th to early-5th, player could be drafted to executed on specific down and distance / red zone scenarios.

Possible improvement in draft in 2024

Could improve a couple of rounds with some areas of improvement. The Tigers are very familiar with transfer improvement. Some guy that transferred from Ohio State went from a projected 6th round pick to the number one pick in a span of 4 months. JD’s ceiling is lower but he could move into the 3rd. I expect an improved supporting cast to assist. A former 5-star QB is waiting in the wings so we’ll see how this plays out.

As ugly as we were on defense, 3 offensive plays were The real momentum changers. The first 2 were the dropped third down passes by Lacy.
The 3rd was the fumble and score on 3rd and one. Not only was the fumble really bad, but the read was worse. A$M sold out on the read, with everyone believing Daniels would keep. They overloaded the edges and walked down both safeties. If he had read it and given to Emery, not only was it a 1st, but it was a huge gain and possibly 6. Some of our read options, don’t really seem like reads, but it’s called presnap as to whether he keeps or hands off. A$M actually tipped hand presnap and he still kept. It.
That play was very possibly a 14 point swing….and gave them all the momentum

According to Brian Kelly in his Thursday Zoom press conference, quarterback Jayden Daniels, running back Josh Williams and cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse will play in the SEC title game.

Daniels has practiced all week, Kelly said. He added that Williams looked like himself again at practice yesterday while Bernard-Converse cleared concussion protocol.

51 receptions, over 1000 yards receiving, 15 TD’s receiving and 1 TD on a kickoff return.

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Don't shoot the messenger...

It's beginning to sound like LSU will not be getting a commitment today like originally thought.

2024 four-star LB Sterling Dixon is making his announcement today. I put my FC in on him earlier this month but I've flipped the pick to Alabama this morning and here's why...

Throughout Dixon's recruitment over the last few months it's fair to say LSU has been the leader. He visited more times than I can count without actually looking it up BUT he then visited Alabama for the Iron Bowl and coming off that visit made his decision very difficult. He's from Mobile so there's no doubt that the Crimson Tide didn't want to lose an in-state player and it seems as though the Tide impressed him enough to take the lead just as he's planned to announce this afternoon. Obviously still a ways to go before he actually signs and I'm sure LSU will continue their relationship with him because he has grown close to the staff. At this point though, I'm not expecting him to pick LSU today.

Dixon is ranked as a Rivals250 prospect and a top ten player in Alabama.

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Let’s see if the staff takes any interest

The College Football Playoff announced today that the members of the CFP Board of Managers have agreed to begin the newly-expanded 12-team playoff during the 2024-2025 season and that the Allstate Sugar Bowl will serve as a CFP Quarterfinal in each of those seasons.

“We’re delighted to be moving forward,” said Bill Hancock, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff. “When the board expanded the playoff beginning in 2026 and asked the CFP Management Committee to examine the feasibility of starting the new format earlier, the Management Committee went right to work. More teams and more access mean more excitement for fans, alumni, students and student-athletes. We appreciate the leaders of the six bowl games and the two future national championship game host cities for their cooperation. Everyone realized that this change is in the best interest of college football and pulled together to make it happen.”

“The CFP announcement comes as good news for the Sugar Bowl, New Orleans and Louisiana,” said Jeff Hundley, Allstate Sugar Bowl CEO. “Simply put, this means the Allstate Sugar Bowl will carry national significance on an annual basis, and that should translate into a lot of positives for all involved.”

Next season will be the final season of the current four-team playoff format and the Allstate Sugar Bowl will serve as one of the two Playoff Semifinals on January 1, 2024. It will mark the fourth Playoff Semifinal for the Sugar Bowl.

In 2024, the first round of the expanded playoff will take place the week ending Saturday, December 21, at either the home field of the higher-seeded team or at another site designated by the higher-seeded institution (No. 12 at No. 5, No. 11 at No. 6, No. 10 at No. 7, and No. 9 at No. 8). The specific game dates, likely late in that week, will be announced later.

For the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the four quarterfinal games and two Playoff Semifinal games will be played in bowls on a rotating basis. The 2024 quarterfinals will take place in the Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, while the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl will host the Playoff Semifinals. The 2025 quarterfinals will take place in the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, while the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl will host the Playoff Semifinals. Specific dates for all quarterfinal and semifinal games will be announced at a later time.

The national championship games will be played January 20, 2025, in Atlanta, and January 19, 2026, in Miami.

This year’s Allstate Sugar Bowl will be played on Saturday, December 31 and will feature the champions of the Big 12 Conference and the SEC unless either or both of those champions are selected for the College Football Playoff. If either of the champions do qualify for the playoff, another highly-ranked representative from the conference(s) will play in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. In the case of the SEC, the replacement team would be the top-ranked non-playoff team. In the case of the Big 12, the replacement team would be the next non-playoff team with the best record in the regular-season standings.