4/27/23 Football Articles

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John Cohen prepared to hash out new SEC schedule at spring meetings

Nathan King

4–6 minutes

ATLANTA — With Texas and Oklahoma officially on their way to expand the conference for the second time in 11 years, it's likely that the majority of the Hugh Freeze era at Auburn will be in a new age of SEC scheduling.

It's unclear at the moment which direction the conference will go in that department, and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey will soon consult his athletic directors and presidents next month at SEC spring meetings.

That, of course, includes Auburn AD John Cohen, who said Tuesday he and his peers will need to work hastily to cement those plans with one another. The Sooners and Longhorns will be here this time next year.

“We've got to make that decision,” Cohen said before an Auburn AMBUSH alumni event in Atlanta. “Obviously, you're talking about the '24 season, and a lot has to happen quickly.”

After clearing payouts to the Big 12 in February, Texas and Oklahoma are officially set to join the league next year. That not only means the conference's impact will grow traditionally and geographically, but it also puts future SEC schedules — and the overall scheduling model in the league, at that — in line to be axed, as it's assumed the conference will go to a nine-game league schedule to accommodate the two additional teams.

But all options will be on the table, of course, during the spring meetings, and Cohen said he’s viewed proposals for not only nine-game schedules, but a revised version of the current eight games of SEC competition that have been sensible, in his opinion. He wants to keep an open mind, and he hopes the other decision-makers do the same.

“I see benefits to both sides of that issue, with the eight- and nine-game schedule,” Cohen said. “And I feel like a lot of the athletic directors feel the same way. There's merit in both ways, both options.”

If the SEC goes to nine games, it's assumed that the conference's divisions are likely toast. The popular answer for an expanded SEC schedule is three permanent opponents and six rotating foes each season. That would mean over the course of four years, a team would face every other program in the SEC, both home and away, at least once.

Some SEC coaches have divulged their thoughts or even information about their programs' respective schedules. Nick Saban has indicated that Alabama would receive Auburn, LSU and Tennessee as its three fixed teams — and he wasn't happy about it — while Brian Kelly said he's been told LSU's most likely draw is Alabama, Texas A&M and Ole Miss.

Freeze said during spring practice that he has a good idea of who he thinks — or would prefer — Auburn's permanent opponents to be, but it's not worth diving into that discussion just yet.

"We all knew coming into this league that when we took these jobs, you’re going to have a hard schedule," Freeze said during Auburn spring practice last month. "Some of us have it harder than others and are used to that. It is what it is and me complaining about it or worrying about it certainly is not going to help us prepare for it. So it is what it is. If you ask me after they’ve decided on the format, I probably could tell you who I’d like for our crossovers to be. It’s probably not going to be those. So it’s really just not worth me worrying about it."

Cohen, formerly the athletic director at Mississippi State before being hired as Allen Greene’s replacement at Auburn on Halloween, has been working alongside Sankey since his second year as the conference’s commissioner in 2016.

Scheduling isn’t the only issue on the table for the SEC next month — just this week, Sankey said the league is considering heavier penalties for field-stormings — but it is the topic that likely requires the most expeditious attention.

“In our league, Greg Sankey has always done a great job of guiding us — not just the athletic directors but the presidents as well and the chancellors,” Cohen said. “We will make the best decision for the Southeastern Conference, collectively. I look forward to discussing that in the room."

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collegesportswire.usatoday.com

 

Ole Miss, Minnesota lead list of toughest schedules in 2023

Patrick Conn

9–12 minutes

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When it comes to the path to the College Football Playoffs, some are easier than others.

If your team plays in the Big Ten or SEC conferences, you can almost expect a tough matchup each Saturday. According to the Football Power Index (FPI) generated by ESPN, those two conferences dominate the toughest strength of schedule.

It begins with the Ole Miss Rebels at the very top with the toughest schedule. Overall you will find 12 of the conference’s 14 teams among the top 25. The Florida Gators, Auburn Tigers,  Arkansas Razorbacks, and Tennessee Vols aren’t far behind Lane Kiffin’s squad.

The Big Ten has 10 of their 14 teams in the top 25 led by the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Maryland Terrapins. The two powerhouses, Michigan and Ohio State, also rank among the 25 toughest schedules in college football according to the FPI.

The Big 12 and Pac-12 were among the least represented conferences on the list with a combined one team. We check in with the teams facing the toughest roads to the CFP in 2023.

Annie Rice/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ole Miss’ Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 2 vs Mercer Bears
• Sept. 9 at Tulane Green Wave
• Sept. 16 vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
• Nov. 18 vs Lousiana-Monroe Warhawks

Ole Miss’ Key Conference Games

• Sept. 23 at Alabama Crimson Tide
• Sept. 30 vs LSU Tigers
• Nov. 11 at Georgia Bulldogs

The nonconference schedule is manageable with games against Mercer and ULM but the Rebels will be tested by Tulane in Week 2. The good news is star running back Tyjae Spears is no longer with the Green Wave. However, they jump right into the meat of SEC play against Alabama and LSU. The Nov. 11 matchup with Georgia will be the toughest game on the slate for Lane Kiffin.

Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota’s Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 9 vs Eastern Michigan Eagles
• Sept. 16 vs North Carolina Tar Heels
• Sept. 30 vs Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

Minnesota’s Key Conference Games

• Aug. 31 vs Nebraska Cornhuskers
• Oct. 7 vs Michigan Wolverines
• Oct. 21 at Iowa Hawkeyes
• Nov. 4 vs Illinois Fighting Illini
• No. 25 vs Wisconsin Badgers

The only nonconference game that sparks my interest will happen in Week 3 when the Tar Heels host the Gophers in Chapel Hill. Minnesota will find out how the competition in the Big Ten West stacks up for P.J. Fleck and company in Week 0 as they host Nebraska. Iowa, Illinois, Purdue, and Wisconsin will also big massive tests for Minnesota.

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Florida’s Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 2 at Utah Utes
• Sept. 9 vs McNeese Cowboys
• Sept. 23 vs Charlotte 49ers
• Nov. 25 vs Florida State Seminoles

Florida’s Key Conference Games

• Sept. 16 vs Tennessee Volunteers
• Sept. 30 vs Kentucky Wildcats
• Oct. 14 vs South Carolina Gamecocks
• Oct. 28 vs Georgia Bulldogs
• Nov. 11 vs LSU Tigers

Year 2 under William Napier won’t be an easy campaign for the Gators. They kick off the season in a rematch from last year’s opener against Utah. This time around they won’t have Anthony Richardson. Other key games include Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, and LSU. The season finale against Florida State will also reveal how far the team has come in 2023, they just better find a quarterback who can lead this unit.

More Florida Coverage: Gators Wire

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Maryland’s Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 2 vs Towson Tigers
• Sept. 9 vs Charlotte 49ers
• Sept. 15 vs Virginia Cavaliers

Maryland’s Key Conference Games

• Sept. 23 at Michigan State Spartans
• Oct. 7 at Ohio State Buckeyes
• Nov. 4 vs Penn State Nittany Lions
• Nov. 18 vs Michigan Wolverines

Mike Locksley reloaded his coaching staff this offseason adding Kevin Sumlin, Josh Gattis, and Latrell Scott. Not to mention the offense received a boost with Taulia Tagovailoa announcing his return for the 2023 season. They will be tested in conference play with trips to East Lansing and Columbus on the docket relatively early in the year. Can they weather the storm?

Jake Crandall/USA TODAY Network

Auburn’s Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 2 vs UMass Minutemen
• Sept. 9 at California Golden Bears
• Sept. 16 vs Samford Bulldogs
• Nov. 18 vs New Mexico State Aggies

Auburn’s Key Conference Games

• Sept. 23 at Texas A&M Aggies
• Sept. 30 vs Georgia Bulldogs
• Oct. 14 at LSU Tigers
• Oct. 21 vs Ole Miss Rebels
• Nov. 25 vs Alabama Crimson Tide

After two very poor seasons under Bryan Harsin, Auburn turns to former Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze to turn it around. The biggest question for this team will be on the offensive side of the ball, which is Freeze’s calling card. The team went with Robby Ashford at quarterback but he completely less than 50% of his passes. T.J. Finley feels like a lost cause and Holden Geriner doesn’t have any experience. That position will be key, they need to figure it out quickly with a trip to College Station in Week 4 of the season. They follow that up by hosting the two-time defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs.

More Auburn coverage: Auburn Wire

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Arkansas’ Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 2 vs Western Carolina Catamounts
• Sept. 9 vs Kent State Golden Flashes
• Sept. 16 vs BYU Cougars
• Nov. 18 vs Florida International Panthers

Arkansas’ Key Conference Games

• Sept. 23 at LSU Tigers
• Sept. 30 vs Texas A&M Aggies (Arlington, TX)
• Oct. 14 at Alabama Crimson Tide
• Nov. 11 vs Auburn Tigers

The Razorbacks are looking to return to their 2021 form when they won nine games, including the Outback Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions. The team returns quarterback K.J. Jefferson and running back Raheim Sanders to the roster. On defense they will have to figure out who can replace the production lost by Drew Sanders’ departure to the NFL draft.

More Arkansas coverage: Razorbacks Wire

Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State’s Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 1 (Friday) vs Central Michigan Chippewas
• Sept. 9 vs Richmond Spiders
• Sept. 16 vs Washington Huskies

Michigan State’s Key Conference Games

• Sept. 30 vs Iowa Hawkeyes
• Oct. 21 vs Michigan Wolverines
• Nov. 11 at Ohio State Buckeyes
• Nov. 25 vs Penn State Nittany Lions

In Year 2 at Michigan State, Mel Tucker improved the Spartans from 2-5 in 2020 to 11-2 in 2021. The team came crashing back down to earth last season with a 5-7 finish. The matchup with Washington will be a tough contest against a team expected to compete for the Pac-12 title in 2023. Fortunately for Sparty, they have two of three key games at home against Michigan and Penn State, but will travel to Columbus to face the Buckeyes.

More Michigan State coverage: Spartans Wire

Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tennessee’s Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 2 vs Virginia Cavaliers
• Sept. 9 vs Austin Peay Governors
• Sept. 23 vs UTSA Roadrunners
• Nov. 4 vs UConn Huskies

Tennessee’s Key Conference Games

• Sept. 30 vs South Carolina Gamecocks
• Oct. 21 at Alabama Crimson Tide
• Oct. 28 at Kentucky Wildcats
• Nov. 18 vs Georgia Bulldogs

The Vols rise in 2022 was one that many didn’t see coming. They were in contention for the College Football Playoffs and Hendon Hooker seemed like the Heisman front runner until his injury. In 2023, head coach Josh Heupel has to replace his quarterback and both of his top receivers. Offense really won’t be the question, can they survive games against South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia in 2023 is.

More Tennessee coverage: Vols Wire

Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

Rutgers’ Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 9 vs Temple Owls
• Sept. 16 vs Virginia Tech Hokies
• Sept. 30 vs Wagner Seahawks

Rutgers’ Key Conference Games

• Sept. 23 at Michigan Wolverines
• Oct. 7 at Wisconsin Badgers
• Nov. 4 vs Ohio State Buckeyes
• Nov. 18 at Penn State Nittany Lions

Greg Schiano and Rutgers has their work cut out for them in 2023. The team is seeking its first winning season since 2014 under Kyle Flood and their first winning season in conference play since 2012. Given that they play Michigan in Ann Arbor, Wisconsin in Madison, and Penn State in Happy Valley, it doesn’t look good for the Scarlet Knights.

More Rutgers Coverage: Rutgers Wire

Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Indiana’s Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 8 (Friday) vs Indiana State Sycamores
• Sept. 16 vs Louisville Cardinals (Indianapolis)
• Sept. 23 vs Akron Zips

Indiana’s Key Conference Games

• Sept. 2 vs Ohio State Buckeyes
• Oct. 14 at Michigan Wolverines
• Oct. 28 at Penn State Nittany Lions
• Nov. 4 vs Wisconsin Badgers

Tom Allen is looking for a little magic in 2023. After the Hoosiers finished 14-7 in 2019 and 2020, the team has won just six combined games over the past two seasons. The schedule is setting up for a third-straight losing season and it kicks off against Ohio State in Bloomington. Trips to Ann Arbor and Happy Valley will determine if Indiana can earn their third winning season since 2008. The team also hasn’t won a bowl game since 1991.

Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina’s Nonconference Schedule

• Sept. 2 vs North Carolina Tar Heels
• Sept. 9 vs Furman Paladins
• Nov. 4 vs Jacksonville State Gamecocks
• No. 25 vs Clemson Tigers

South Carolina’s Key Conference Games

• Sept. 16 at Georgia Bulldogs
• Sept. 30 at Tennessee Volunteers
• Oct. 28 at Texas A&M Aggies
• Nov. 18 vs Kentucky Wildcats

Shane Beamer surprised both the Vols and Tigers towards the end of the 2022 season. That set up a Gator Bowl berth against Notre Dame. With Spencer Rattler returning to Columbia, can he lead South Carolina to a SEC East crown? It will be tough sledding as Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky have all reloaded for the 2023 season.

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si.com

A quarterback with Alabama and Auburn ties enters the transfer portal

Matthew Jacobs

~3 minutes

James Foster is an extremely interesting quarterback transfer

James Foster, a former 4-star recruit measuring out at six-foot-two and 220-pounds, out of Montgomery, Alabama, has entered the portal again. If the name sounds familiar, he was a highly touted prospect that Jimbo Fisher of Texas A&M snagged away from Alabama, LSU, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, and FSU back in 2018. He was even on Auburn’s campus as a high school sophomore for a few official visits.

Foster didn’t get much of a chance to develop at A&M and transferred out of the conference to the Charlotte 49ers. He was a dynamic player when he was on the field, but they were brief moments of greatness as injury problems kept him sidelined and unable to start. Now he has entered the portal from there hoping for a better finish to his career.

He makes for an interesting portal quarterback because of his size and athletic ability. He has spent a ton of time in the weight room getting stacked while injured and looks ready to step up to a Power 5 school. There isn’t a lot of film or experience to draw from with Foster, but there is a ton of potential in what little we do get to see. A great arm, great football IQ, and size could really benefit a team looking for quality depth.

Auburn has made no move toward Foster publicly. However, he is a local guy that would love to come back closer to home. Not sure if he fits any need that Auburn has, but he sure is a curiosity with his size and ability. Keep refreshing Auburn Daily to be updated on any transfer portal activity that could affect the Tigers!

The Tigers have now had five players depart from the program within the last couple of weeks, including three backup linebackers:

Wide Receiver Tar'Varish Dawson

Defensive lineman Jeffrey M'ba

Linebacker Kameron Brown

Linebacker Desmond Tisdol

Linebacker Powell Gordon

Auburn has pulled in an impressive haul thus far during Hugh Freeze's first season on the Plains, currently sitting at No. 3 nationally in 247Sports' transfer portal class rankings.

You can check out our transfer portal tracker here. Stay up to date on all of the Tigers' commitments, departures, and prospects for key positions at auburndaily.com.

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auburnwire.usatoday.com

Auburn offeres veteran edge transfer Isaac Ukwu

JD McCarthy

~2 minutes

The Auburn Tigers are still looking to build depth at the jack linebacker spot and a new transfer target has emerged.

Isaac Ukwu has spent the past six seasons at James Madison before entering the transfer portal on Tuesday. The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder picked an Auburn offer up just two hours after announcing his plans to transfer.

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He arrived in 2017 and took a redshirt before appearing in three games in 2018. He then missed both 2019 and 2020 with injuries before returning with a vengeance in 2021, being named Second Team All-CAA. He was even better last season, making First Team All-Sun Belt Conference.

Ukwu totaled 83 tackles, 27.0 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery over the past two seasons.

The Tigers are set to have four players at the jack linebacker spot but redshirt Dylan Brooks is the only returning player after the departures of Derick Hall, Eku Leota, Marcus Bragg, and Joko Willis.

Auburn has brought in Vanderbilt transfer Elijah McCallister and freshmen Keldric Faulk and Brenton Williams but is looking to add one more experienced transfer, something Ukwu has plenty of.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15.

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How cool is this! Those football games were fun! check out the graphics..............

 

 

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Cam Newton still honors Iron Bowl rivalry 13 years later in humorous Bryce Young message

Andrew Hughes

~3 minutes

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Cam Newton still honored the Iron Bowl while answering a question on the April 26 edition of “Cam Newton’s Take” about Bryce Young — sarcastically, though still in a true Auburn man way, saying that the only drawback was Young’s choice of school, Alabama.

“Honestly, it hurts me to say, and the only hurt comes because of the college that he decided to go to,” Newton said. “Other than that, all roads and all fingers are pointing to Bryce Young. You probably say: Why not C.J. Stroud? You probably say: Why not Anthony Richardson? My only knock on Bryce Young is he went to Alabama. And how petty it may sound to some people, you have to be from Alabama or to have gone to Auburn or Alabama to understand the severity of that topic.”

Young is the odds-on favorite to be selected No. 1 in the 2023 NFL draft as of April 26.

Cam Newton urges Carolina Panthers to take Bryce Young No. 1 overall

Newton urged his former team, the Carolina Panthers, to take Young No. 1 overall when they are on the clock. The fellow Heisman winner urged Panthers owner David Tepper to draft the Alabama product.

“If I’m the GM, if I’m the head coach, if I’m (team owner) David Tepper, I’m selecting Bryce Young,” Newton said.

Newton broke down the intangibles he feels Young has that make the 2021 SEC Offensive Player of the Year the clear top prospect in this year’s quarterback class.

“This is how I judge quarterbacks as a whole,” Newton prefaced before saying, “Everybody can throw. Everybody has talent. Everybody has upside. Everybody has intangibles. But the thing that everybody doesn’t have, and it’s simple, is leadership and can you get a (expletive) to follow you. Like, straight up: Can you get somebody to follow you? He has had the ability to play in big games, perform in big games and to get guys to buy into him. You see guys selling out for him.”

Newton knows a thing or two about leading his men in big games, having led Auburn to an undefeated season and BCS National Championship in 2010/11 and then bringing the Carolina Panthers to Super Bowl 50 in 2016. An Auburn football legend and former No. 1 overall pick in his own right, Newton blessed his rival’s quarterback G.O.A.T. ahead of his potential crowning as the No. 1 pick.