College Football Live - Last Days of SEC Media Days

Episode Date: July 18, 2024

It's the final day of SEC Media Days and host Victoria Arlen is joined by Greg McElroy and Dusty Dvoracek to bring you all the sites and sounds of the day. Plus, insider Pete Thamel and Heather Dinich give insights on certain teams and the 12-team playoff format. Also catch interviews with Auburn head coach, Hugh Freeze, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko, and Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, with QB Riley Leonard, all in this jam-packed hour of CFB Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have made it to the final day at the Omni for SEC Media Day in Dallas, Texas. And we've got Texas A&M's head coach Mike Elko who arrived for his first SEC Media Day. And he's going to join us in just a bit. Plus, Auburn's Hugh Freeze will be joining us as well. And what will year two look like on the planes? We'll discuss. Welcome into college football live. I'm Victoria Arlen.

And we have made it to the final day of the SEC Media Day. And they say that everything is bigger in Texas. I might not be in Texas. We've got a big show for you. We've got Greg McElroy, Dusty Dvorchek, Pete Thammel and Heather Dinnich joining us in all the fun. But since we've been talking Texas all week, of course, we're going to kick things off there. Let's check back in with one of the newcomers to the conference. Texas joins the SEC fresh off of a college football playoff appearance. And the last time the Longhorns joined a new league was back in 1996. They won the Big 12 in their first year. Now this The player's schedule includes a trip to Michigan and a visit from Georgia, making Texas the only team in college football this season playing the last two national champions.

Quarterback, Quinn Ewers, is back for his third season in Austin. Now, he lost wide outs Xavier Worthy and A.D. Mitchell, but transferring in our Isaiah Bond from Alabama and Silas Bolden from Oregon State. Head coach Steve Sarkeesian spoke about his team on Wednesday. It's been a long time coming for Texas to get back to this stage. Last year was a tremendous run. We fell short in the semifinals in the Sugar Bowl coming off of being Big 12 champions. There's an idea of obsession going on in our locker room right now. They got a taste of what it can taste like of being a Big 12 champion, playing in a college football playoff, and we fell short.

And this idea of obsession, the obsession that our players have. have is one that really came from them. They couldn't wait to get back to work. They couldn't wait to get back in the wait room. And when I took the job, I don't know if I could have said that. It was almost like kind of prod and cattle to make sure that what they were doing day in and day out to get them to that point. Now we've got a team full of hungry players. Now, Pete Fam, well, I have an obsession for you to explain more about this obsession. The obsession comes from heartbreak. It was first. 10, I'm sorry, first and 10 from the 12, 10 seconds remaining in that sugar bowl.

Texas has had four cracks to win the game. They fell just short. You saw the clip of that ball getting batted away there. And fast forward a few months later, Texas had 11 players, a program record. That program has produced a lot of pros, a record 11 players drafted the NFL draft. So I think this offseason, there's playing time open right now, and C. Sarkesian can feel the competition for that. I think there's no position group that's more intriguing at Texas than the defensive

line. They obviously had Tevondre Sweat and Byron Murphy the best defensive tackle pairing in the country last year. Both of those guys were high NFL draft picks. So in their place comes Traymore from UTS. 35 and a half TFLs. The coaches told me this offseason. He's the best defensive player on the Longhorns. All right. A lot to take. Take in Pete. Thank you so much. All right. Let's bring Greg and Dusty into the discussion. Dusty with Texas, you know, despite being the newcomers to the SEC. They are not new when it comes to winning. everything you're hearing, including that obsession just mentioned, would it be fitting to say that it is championship or bust for the Longhorns?

Well, I think by their standard, yes. I mean, Sark said yesterday, this is his deepest team. And as we've heard about that obsession, they got the taste of what it's like to be in the playoffs so close to a national championship game. They want more. But for me, it's just making the playoff. Look, first year in the SEC, I know that the schedule sets up well for them. I don't have that as high of aspirations.

for them. I think if they still go 10 and 2, make a playoff spot, can make a run in the postseason, even if it's without an SEC championship or national championship, Greg, I still think this can be deemed a successful season. First year in the SEC championship or bust, that's a pretty tall bar, my friend. Come and swinging. I'm all for it. I'll say this. Look, Steve Sarkeesian's done an amazing job in getting this program to compete for 60 minutes in the ballgame. When he got there, they'd get off to great starts, and then the second half, teams would come back. And, can score a bunch of points and maybe steal a victory away from the Texas Longhorns many, many times. Now they've gotten to the point where they can really play with anybody,

but they also have had moments in the last couple of years where they played down to other teams as well. And in the SEC, you're not afforded the luxury of playing down and still surviving. Last year, for example, played down to TCU, still won, but it wasn't pretty. Last year, against Kansas State, played down to that competition. They won, but it was ugly. In the SEC, you won't be able to play down to the level of the competition and still survive. You've got to bring your A game on a weekly basis. And if you don't, you run the risk of being defeated.

And that's the adjustment that will change the most for Steve Sarkesian and the Texas Longhorns. I think it's safe to say that there's no luxury given out to any of the teams in the SEC. I will mention, though, about the Longhorns. All-State playoff predictor gives them the third best odds to win the national title behind Georgia. Georgia and Oregon. Auburn got a big boost with Peyton Thorne returning for a second season on the planes. The senior quarterback made defenses hurt with his legs last year, ranking third among SEC

quarterbacks in rushing yards. The Tigers top rusher is also back in Jarquez Hunter who racked up over a thousand scrimmage yards in 2023. A new addition to the squad is wide out Cam Coleman, the fifth ranked overall prospect in the 2024 ESPN 300 class. And they also have a pair of new. coordinators Derek Nix will oversee the offenses after spending the previous 16 years at Ole Miss while DJ Durkin takes over the defense following two seasons in the same role at Texas

A&M. So let's welcome the man of the hour Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze and coach year two what's been the biggest change between this year and last year. Victoria, thanks for having me first and the War Eagle to all the Auburn fans out there. But the biggest change is really the, I believe, the chemistry that we sense in the building from our staff first, that is breeding confidence into the players that are returning for the second year in our systems. And, you know, I love the hire of Derek Nix and DJ Durkin and Charles Kelly. I think those guys have brought great experience and great energy to the building, especially on the defensive side. And then having Nicks with me on offense, you know, everybody.

now in that offensive room has coached with me before. And so that that comfortableness and that chemistry, I think, that is breeding some confidence in our players, especially players like Peyton Thorne. Now let's talk about Derek Nix. You guys work together at Ole Miss. How has that collaboration been so far in Auburn? Incredible. I mean, he, you know, knows my terminology and is able to run the meetings. And when I can't be in there, along with Ken Austin, who's been with me also and then I walk in there and I say I really like this change with this. He already knows what I'm talking about and I think it's going to just really help us be able to adjust better and you know as we formulate a game plan of course there's always all

of us and then you know he'll have free reign to call what we've what we've decided is best for that game plan and I have the freedom to jump in because it's you know the terminology I'm very familiar with. And then Kent will will be involved in third and long for sure also. So it's been really, really easy transition because, again, we were together so long. Now, speaking of that synergy where you've worked together with others, your QB Peyton Thorne is also back. What improvements have you seen Peyton make with him this offseason? Well, I think ever since January and we were all frustrated with some of the way the season ended. of course, not winning the Iron Bowl when we had a chance and losing the bowl game.

But he has taken it really personal to be the leader of our culture. And he's on the culture council and has really set the tone for accountability in our building. I think, again, I point to two things that I think have given him. He walks with confidence right now. And I think it's because of two things. One, second year with us. And I think he has a better understanding of, I want you to get out of this.

I want you to get in this. And I think he senses that that building feels better from a staff perspective. But probably more importantly is I think he feels better about the guys he has around him. That receiver room has changed. And I think he has the confidence to let the timing throws go on time, believing that he has guys that can win. Okay, coach, what can you tell me about the improvements you've made to the wide out receiver room that hopefully can help navigate the struggles and hopefully mitigate the struggles you had in the passing game last year. Yeah, there's no question we've improved that room and,

you know, starts with getting an experienced guy like, like Dre from Penn State and Robert from Georgia State and Sam from California. Those guys have played a lot of snaps. And that's, and then you combine that with, I think we arguably had the number one receiver in recruiting class in the country and Cam and Perry and Malcolm and Bryce. So I just, yeah, Camden Brown is back also. So I just, we've improved that room. And now they've got to go make plays. They give Peyton the confidence to turn the ball loose on time.

And we can hopefully stay balanced this year. Well, Coach, we look forward to seeing what you and the Tigers do. Thank you for joining us. Oh, thank you so much, Victoria. you. I think bringing in that, you know, comfort in chemistry can only help, you know, especially amongst coaches and players should hopefully be a necessary tool to hopefully help them turn things around. All right, Dusty, with everything you've seen all the pieces coming together, what can we expect from Auburn this year?

I think you'll see improvement, Victoria, but I don't think it's going to be massive improvement. Look, the passing game can't be much worse. There are 121st in the country throwing the football last year. And all those weapons are going to help Peyton Thorne. Cam Coleman should be an excellent five-star coming out right away. I really like Candre Lambert Smith coming in. Robert Lewis helps as well. And don't forget either, they've got an excellent tied-in Revaldo Fairweather. So I think from a weaponry standpoint, Peyton Thorne will be in a better place. I just wonder defensively, DJ Durkin comes over. He obviously knows the SEC extremely well. How much massive improvement can we see? I like Jalen McLeod coming off the edge defensively.

but I still think they need to make improvements up front along the defensive line. They do have eight home games next year. I think they're improved. I think they're bowling. I just don't think they're going to make a real push to be a real player in the SEC when it talks about a road, a path to Atlanta. Yeah, I think Atlanta's probably out of the question at this point, but I really believe this is a team that's going to be a huge problem.

They were last year. They gave Georgia all they wanted. They gave Bama all they wanted. And that was with a roster that really wasn't overly competitive on the hoof. they've now gone out. They've added really good pieces at wide receiver. And Peyton Thorne, I expect to take a step because it's just hard to play quarterback by yourself.

Jarkas Hunter, I think, is one of the best backs in the league. No one talks about them. So I think they're going to be able to run the football, take some of the pressure off the passing game. And I think they finally have weapons on the perimeter that can win one-on-one matchups. So I'm really actually pretty optimistic about where Hugh Fries have the Auburn Tigers going into this season.

The problem is they're on the road at Georgia, They're on the road at Bama and there are some tricky games scattered throughout the schedule. Yeah, those tricky games might get in the way. And since the playoff rankings debuted in 2014, the Tigers only have one top 10 finish. All right, this year is the start of the new 12-team college football playoff format, which will see the five highest-ranked conference champions automatically in with the top four receiving first-round buys. The next seven highest-ranked teams will round out the field.

But even before we see the new format in action, we found out when we might, see any changes. So now we welcome in Heather Dynich. Now Heather, you reported yesterday that leaders of the college football playoff won't make any decisions about what the sports postseason format will look like will look like in 2026 and beyond until after a national champion has been crowned in the inaugural season of a 12-team field. Can you explain what led to this decision? Well, two things. One is the timing of the current contract, which goes through the 2025 season. And there was also a sense of agreement to let this 12-team playoff play out and unfold to see if there are any changes that they need to make to it. First, General Rich Clark, who took over for Bill Hancock as the CFP's executive director, told me here that they won't do that until January was when they'll start to talk about 20, 26 and beyond, and then next April to start to talk about whether it should be 12 teams or 14 teams.

So when you look at what the CFP has right now, his priority is to make sure those first round home games go off without a hitch. And for college football fans who are getting to know this system, the four highest ranked conference champions will receive a first round by, and everyone else is going to play a home game on campus of the higher seed. So that's where their focus is right now, and they're going to wait to see how it unfolds, and then they'll tackle 2026. and beyond. We'll keep an eye on that. Heather, thank you so much for your insight. And coming up, we've got Texas A&M's newest head coach joining us to talk about his return to a familiar place. And the Fighting Irish led by head coach Marcus Freeman and newly transferred QB Riley Leonard stopped by to preview their quest to the playoff. After leading Duke to back-to-back bowl games, the 22 ACC coach of the year Mike Alco traded in blue for Maroon when he was

introduced as Texas A&M's newest head coach. This is not the first time he's been a part of the Aggies coaching staff. From 2018 to 2021, Elko served as the defensive coordinator and safety's coach in Aguiland. We've got a lot of buzz around SEC Media Day for our next guests. Coach Mike Elko, this is your second time at College Station, first as a defensive coordinator for four years. And now as head coach, how does it feel to be back? Yeah, it feels great. Obviously, really enjoyed my time there as a defensive coordinator.

Texas A&M is a really special place, and so getting the opportunity to get back here and now be the head football coach, obviously a really special time for me. Now, there were high expectations with the previous regime in College Station. How will you measure success in your first season there as head coach? Yeah, I think, listen, everybody knows what Texas A&M is capable of. And I think from day one, we've talked about rolling up our sleeves and trying to become the best version of ourselves to actually become the program that everyone talks about what we're achieving and not what we should be achieving. And I think that's been the mindset throughout the off season. I think we've really embraced that.

And I think our challenge now is to continue that in the fall. And regardless of the results, we know there's going to be huge emotional swings every game that we play. And so, you know, just making sure that we stay focused on getting better every day, making sure that we continue to move this program forward so that ultimately we get where we want to go. When you, I know you kind of kept tabs from a distance. I mean, you had plenty going on in Durham. So I know that. But when you got back and you evaluated your roster, was it where you thought it was?

Did you have to maybe fortify a couple spots? When you came back and you kind of inherited what you inherited, were you kind of where you expected it to be? Yeah, you know, it's interesting. You know, we probably were a little bit vacant in some areas. You know, some areas we were strong. I think when we looked at the roster, it was weird because I had recruited a lot of kids, but I hadn't coached a lot of them.

And so, you know, there were all these names that we had seen as high school kids, and it was like, okay, well, let's see what they've become. And so, yeah, I think we were really successful in the portal. I think we had to be a little bit more active than maybe you would necessarily want to be. But I think we were able to kind of fill the holes in the roster in a really good way. And so I'm excited for the group that we have and looking for. forward to this fall. Yeah, it's like, hang on, I remember that name, but he was 2.30 now. Now he's 270. What happened? There's no doubt. College. Right. And it's like, you know,

like I spent so much time working. I'm getting you here. It's cool to get back here and now actually get to coach you. Yeah, and you're a good player. I knew you would be. That's great. Another guy that is a great player, I mean, keeping him healthy is huge, but Connor Wigman now going into the year as a starter, I love your offensive coordinator higher. I think Conn's a stud. I love the guy. Anyone that played the position just understands how to protect that guy. So when you were thinking about your OC hire, knowing what you had at quarterback, how did those two factors kind of weigh in? Yeah, I think obviously being a defensive guy, you know, what we do on the offensive staff is really important. Quarterback

production is critical, right? You can't play good offense without good quarterback play. And so I've always wanted to have an OC who did the quarterback. I thought that was always really important and to understand that position to be able to go out and get Colin, who I think is one of the elite offensive coordinators in the country, but also a guy who played the position at an elite level. You get instant credibility and instant respect for who he is and what he does. And so, you know, it's not lost on anybody. The last three years, we have not kept our quarterback healthy.

And you can look over the history of football and not see a lot of successful seasons where that's a statement that's made. Our starting quarterback got hurt. And so we've got to find ways to make sure that we're not only able to maximize what Connor can do, but we can do it for all 12 games. Now, Coach, this year will also mark the return of the Texas, Texas A&M rivalry for the first time in over a decade. How excited are you that this rivalry is back on the schedule? Yeah, I mean, really excited.

I think you grow up in this state, and it's the game people talk about. It's the two big brands in the state. Nobody can argue that. You know, everyone's got an opinion on which one is one and which one is two. But, you know, nobody has any opinion about who are the top two. And so, you know, they should play each other. They should play each other every year. They should play each other on Thanksgiving weekend,

and it should mean an awful lot. And, you know, now both of us being in the SEC, I think it will. It's amazing to me as a Texan. That game being back means a lot to me. But that's week 12. Like, we got a lot between now and then. The schedule's got it. It's got as a coach that's a competitor, people are like, oh, the schedules are so hard.

Isn't that what you're signed up for? Like, why are people making such a big deal out of the schedule? being challenging for everyone in the entire conference. No, the reason why we come to the SEC is because we want to compete against the best. And I don't know that you can shake up our conference and come up with an easy schedule, you know. And even the games that you hear people talk about as being easy games as coaches, you're like, there's no way. There's nothing easy about that game. And so, you know, it's it is.

It's why you want to coach in this league. It's why kids want to play in this league. It is. It's the elite league in college football and there's no question about it. Yeah, we, we are all hearing the gauntlets the word of the week as far as schedules and everything going on here. Now, speaking of schedules, take a look there. You open the season against Notre Dame and your former QB at Duke Riley Leonard. What will it be like going against someone you had formerly coached? Yeah, I mean, it's one of the ironies of this world we live in now, right?

I have so much respect for that kid and everything he did for our program at Duke and he's a phenomenal leader. I was actually joking with him. We were on the phone about three weeks ago joking that we should come up with some scripted answer that we both give for the amount of times. This question is going to get answered asked this offseason. He has asked. He's extremely competitive. No, he's extremely competitive. And, you know, we're going to get one shot at this and there's not going to be a rematch.

And so someone's going to be one and oh and one. And so I think we're both going to do. everything we can to make sure we're on the right end of that for sure. We're shooting for those bragging rights. And, you know, Week 1, Notre Dame at Texas A&M and college game day will be there as well. We're all super excited for that. Thank you, Coach, for joining us. No, thank you guys for having me on.

I want to know that scripted answer and those bragging rights as well. But Pete, you spoke earlier with Coach Elko. What did he tell you will be the identity of the team in his first year? Well, he pointed immediately, Victoria, to the defensive line. Texas A&M has one of the most talented groups in the entire country. If they're going to turn things around at A&M, it's going to start there. They took Purdue transfer, Nick's score, and he led the Big Tenon Sacks last season. He's from nearby Brian. And then from there, we're going to see if some of these new coach cliches that we hear every time his coaching

change comes true. There's a new strength coach in Tommy Moffat. There's more discipline now than there was under Jimbo Fisher. The players told us today. Could that help Shamar Turner? He was second team all SEC last year on the D line. He gained a bunch of good weight. He slides inside at tackle. And then there's Shemar Stewart. He's a former top 10 recruit in the entire country. He may have the most physical gifts of anyone in that Texas A&M defensive line room.

So if they have three first round D line talents there, you could look for them to make an impact on the Irish and Riley Leonard in that opener. This is why we love you, Pete. All right. We're going to bring Dusty in as well. Dusty, what would you consider a success? first year for Elko. First of all, I'm loving what Pete is selling with that defense. That D-line is going to be nasty.

Nick Scorton is going to be the best defense alignment in the SEC. But it's eight and four to me. This was a seven-win team a season ago, and I see a path to that with their toughest games this season coming at home, Kyle Field, having played there previously as the number one of the team of the country, I can tell you. It's one of the most daunting places to play in college football. The Irish come to Kyle Field. Missouri, LSU, and then Texas at the end of the season.

I don't think Mike Elko could have asked for more favorable matchups in his backyard this season. And you also have to like Connor Wigman coming back. Nine games he's played, 16 touchdowns, just two interceptions. Get that ankle right. And I think that he's got a chance with weapons coming back to have a big time season. Love Colin Klein, the offensive coordinator. I think there's a big opportunity in College Station for a breakout year number one for Mike Elko. We'll be watching.

And I also want to note that last time Mike Alco with that A&M, the coaching on the coaching staff in 2021, the Aggies ranked third nationally in scoring defense. All right, before Notre Dame takes the field at Yankee Stadium later this season, find out what their head coach is doing to calm his nerves. Snap up ancestry DNA's lowest price ever in our incredible cyber sale. With 50% off ancestry DNA kits, it's the perfect time to help a loved one unwrap the past.

And with our latest update, They'll discover their family origins like never before, with even more precise regions and new and exclusive features. Their best gift, our lowest price. 50% off Ancestry DNA only until December 2nd. Visit Ancestry.ca for more details. Terms apply. Notre Dame enters the season with college football playoff aspirations. The Allstate Playoff Predictor gives the Fighting Irish a 59% chance to make it, which is the sixth highest among all teams. Now, Riley Leonard.

We'll be Notre Dame's second straight transfer quarterback coming over from Duke to replace Sam Hartman. Leonard was top three among ACC players and QBR before being sidelined with an injury in October. Safety Xavier Watts returns after winning the Bronco Nagorski Award as the nation's best defensive player. Watts tied for the lead in the FBS with seven interceptions last season with two coming in the win over rival USC. Marcus Freeman enters his third full season as head coach of the fighting Irish. Now, it's worth noting that four of their eight AP national titles were won by coaches in year three with the program. Freeman's predecessor, Brian Kelly, led Notre Dame to the championship game in his third season. Now, the man running out the tunnel joins us. Welcome, Marcus Freeman.

Now, year three, coach, how have you seen yourself evolve since taking this position? I think every year you find ways to enhance and to learn from your experiences. And it's no different. for me going into year three. And so it's been two fun years, two years of growth, and I'm looking forward to what year three presents. Xavier Watson, we just saw Howard Cross, Benjamin Morrison as well. How excited are you about this defense coming up in year two for Al Golden? Well, I think, you know, Coach Golden has done an unbelievable job

at really getting our guys to understand what's and the wise of how we're going to play defense. And I think as you look at, me being the head coach for year three, Coach Golden being our defensive coordinator for year three, our guys understand the details of what we're asking them to do. And so I'm excited with this veteran group of playmakers coming back that are going to uphold a high standard that we have for defense at Notre Dame.

Marcus, Greg McElroy, man. It's so good to visit with you. I love your team, your defense and everything. And he stole the defense. I will go quarterback. Why not? When you're evaluating the portal and all the options, you guys know you want to go add one to at least create

competition. What was it about Riley that made you think, all right, this is the guy we need to take our offense to the next level? I think you look at the guys that are in the portal and you watch them play football. And again, I was familiar with Riley because we played Duke last year. But I think more than anything, it was the fit. It was the person he is. It was him being a part of this football team. The leader he is. And that to me was the most important thing we were looking for. Like there's a lot of great quarterbacks out there. But what you're one will fit to be a part of this Notre Dame football program. And that's really what attracted us to Riley Lennel. Now, coach, there's a lot of buzz on the playoff with Notre Dame being an

independent. Your team can't receive anything higher than a fifth seed. How does that factor into the preparation both on and off the field? I think our approach to the season hasn't changed much. We have an objective to obviously win every game we play and we have our process and our plan to make sure we're ready to go. The planning has to be. come after week 12, right? We're different than some other teams that are in conferences. We don't have a chance to play for a conference championship, but we also have one less game, so we won't play that week 13 championship game. So we have to utilize that week. Then what are we going to be doing from week 12 to the first round of playoffs? We have to have a great plan. You're talking about

trying to practice when guys have finals. You're talking about an early signing period for high school recruits. There's a lot of different things that we've been preparing for that I think we have a great plan. Marcus, when you look at the higher that you made this offseason, I don't know why more people aren't talking about it. With what Mike Denbrock did and bringing Jaden Daniels along and really calling an offense last year that let's just, let's call it what it was.

It was unstoppable. You obviously have a great relationship with him and know him well. How were you able to lure him away from LSU when you take into account what LSU brings back offensively this year? Yeah, I think it wasn't anything I did to lure him away. It was him making a decision that, you know, him and his family wanted to move to South Bend and be a part of what this program is doing. I know he has a close relationship with Coach Kelly. You know, me and Mike Denbrock spent four years together at Cincinnati.

So he has a relationship familiar with both programs. But ultimately, he felt like that was what's best for him personally and his family. and we're so excited to have him a part of this program leading our offense. He's done a great job. Again, I've gone against him for four years on opposite side of the field to now be the head coach and knowing that he's running our offense. There's a lot of confidence. That opening weekend of college football can't get here soon enough.

You guys have a big one, prime time in college station, a coach that knows your quarterback very well. Just kind of your thoughts here mid-July about that big opener against the Aggies. Yeah, what a way to start the season, right? down in Texas. I've never been there, but I've heard a lot of, you know, things about, you know, the environment that we're going to come into.

I have a lot of respect for Mike Elko. He was the defense of coordinator at Notre Dame previously before I got here. And we had a chance to face each other this year when we played Duke. And so I know he'll have that program ready. Our focus on making sure this group is ready to go and perform at the highest level when we play Texas A&M. And so we need to get to work,

but we're excited for the opportunity. Now, coach, before we let you go, we hear that you're actually throwing out the first pitch at the Yankees game tomorrow. Also a place where you'll face Army on November 23rd. But we're going to take a look at this is not the first time you've thrown out a first pitch. That was last year's White Sox game. You also threw it out at the Mets game. And look, I've thrown out a first pitch to you. It is freaking nerve-wracking.

How would you compare the nerves to that versus running out the tunnel on game day? Great pitch, by the way. Listen, there's nothing like experience, right? And the more opportunities you get to throw out that first pitch, the less nerves that you have. But, again, I know when I take that mound, my adrenaline will be rushing to, you know, it's not every day you throw out a first pitch in Yankee Stadium.

So go through your routine, right? And know where you're throwing it. Aim high. Just don't bounce that ball. That's the objective. Just get it to home base. Get it to home base. Thank you, coach.

And good luck this season. Thank you guys. It's been awesome. All right. Coming up, the fight is the Irish fight on. Riley Leonard traded his Duke blue for gold and we chat with the QB in his new role at Notre Dame. That's next. All right, Riley Leonard transferred to Notre Dame after injuries limited him to seven games in his final year at Duke. And in 2022, he was one of six QBs with at least 20 touchdown passes and 10 rushing scores. Two of the other players were top 12 picks in this year's NFL draft. Greg, what do you make of the fit with Riley and Notre Dame? I think it's a great fit. And I actually think that his skill set is pretty similar to that of a young Jaden Daniels, who Mike Denbrock, the new offensive coordinator, really did a tremendous job developing over the last couple of years. He has great mobility.

I mean, a tremendous athlete, a guy that could create with his legs. The underneath accuracy is also excellent. So on the short throws and running around, he is awesome. One thing that he's just got to grow with a little bit are the intermediates and the deep ball, because that's the next step of the evolution. Because if he can start hitting those with more regularity, the sky is the limit. The big thing, though, with Notre Dame was for Sam Hartman, and it's been really for the last few years is that the wide receiver position as a whole has kind of underperformed.

This group, though, has played quite a bit. They've added a couple veteran transfers. So I'm cautiously optimistic the passing attack as a whole is going to be more consistent heading into this season. Yeah, Chris Mitchell, Bo Collins from Clemson. Can they step up and emerge as weapons? Great House. You expect he's going to take a big jump in year number two. And having the Clemson Duke game in the opener last year,

you got a chance to sit with Riley. I'm a big fan. Yeah. His, you know, what he brings to the table from a leadership standpoint and tangible? And the athleticism, Greg Touchdown, he's a great athlete. But can he be a consistent thrower? He had more interceptions than touchdowns last year. He's obviously got to get himself healthy and stay healthy.

But that's what I'll be intrigued with Mike Denbrock. putting him in good situations, maybe cleaning up some of his footwork and getting him on time on rhythm, and getting him to where he's completing passes at a higher clip and taking better care of the football. Fumbles interceptions were an issue last year when he was healthy. I love the upside. Riley Litter brings to the table, and I can't wait to see exactly what Mike Dinnbach's able to bring out of him. Well, we're all big fans of Riley Leonard, so let's talk to Riley. All right, let's bring in Riley.

We haven't seen you on the field since your injury last season. And so first and foremost, how has your health and recovery been going? Good. It took a minute for us to get back, but finally feeling good. It's been a great summer so far, so I've been able to get out on the field to compete, and I'm feeling like 100% right now, so it's all good. I appreciate you asking. That's great to hear.

And what went into your decision to transfer from Duke to Notre Dame? Yeah, it was a pretty easy decision overall. Notre Dame was the only school I took a visit to, and once I got here, I knew I was bound to be in Notre Dame. athlete. So whether it was the coaching staff, whoever I talked to on the visit, it was very welcoming. And yeah, it was just the right fit for me. I think the overall tradition of this place is incredible. And I know I made the right decision for sure. So what's been the best part about joining the Irish? The best part. It's got to be the teammates. Everybody in the locker

is like the best dude in the world. Everybody's very smart. Everybody's always looking out for each other. So, you know, if you ever see us on the weekend, we're always, as a unit, we're always hanging out with each other. So it's been a good time hanging out with them. Now, September 7th is your first home game. So what are you most excited for running out the tunnel? Yeah, I think just seeing the fan base. I mean, we have so much support everywhere you go all around the country. I mean, there are Notre Dame fans everywhere.

So just being able to support their support for us. And being able to show out for them, this first home game will be a lot of fun in South Bend. Now, I understand there's a very unique tradition with you and your mom. Can you explain to those who don't know what that tradition is? Yeah, so she actually sent me, You Suck Bracely, right before I got, right before I came on this trip, and she sent me some extra motivation before I got on this show. But my mother, starting at high school, a lot of people would always praise me and compliment me, and I was kind of, you know, I got to a point where I was like, man, somebody just needs to tell me I suck every once in a while.

So my mom gladly raised her hand, and ever since then, for every game, before ever interview, before every test, she always sends me a You Suck message, give me that extra motivation. So will this continue on at Notre Dame? Okay. Yeah, this is a me and her thing. Yes, ma'am. Oh, I love that. I love that.

Also, we have a little message. We spoke to your former coach, and this is what he had to say about you. Yeah, I mean, it's one of the ironies of this world we live in now, right? I have so much respect for that kid and everything he did for our program at Duke, and he's a phenomenal leader. I was actually joking with him. We were on the phone about three weeks ago, joking that we should come up with some scripted answer that we,

we both give for the amount of times this question is going to get answered asked this off season. But, you know, he's extremely competitive. No, he's extremely competitive. And, you know, we're going to get one shot at this. And there's not going to be a rematch. And so someone's going to be one and oh and one. And so I think we're both going to do everything we can to make sure we're on the right end of that for sure. Have you guys started a draft about what you guys are going to say about one another? Yeah, yeah, we joked about that. He's telling the truth there. Yeah, sorry for anybody who wants some animosity between us.

I can tell you we're both very competitive. I know his defense very well, and he knows my tendency, so it should be a good game to watch for sure. We'll be very excited watching that. Thank you, Riley, and good luck this season. Thank you so much. God bless. Coming up, it's the final day of SEC media, and Greg has his final

SEC win totals locked. Who did he go over and under? That's next. The WMBA All-Star weekend begins tomorrow night in Phoenix with the three point contest and skill challenge at nine Eastern on ESPN. And the Saturday night, we've got the 20th annual All-Star game that's on ABC at 830 Eastern. The U.S.

Women's Olympic team takes on the WMBA All-Stars, coverage tips off with countdown at 8 Eastern. We are closing things out in Dallas on the final day of SEC media and gearing up for an epic college football season. So let's get to some epic SEC win totals. All odds are brought to you by ESPN Bet. So before we get to today's picks, we got a look at Greg's picks

from the last three days. And Dusty, I'm going to encourage you to give us your thoughts on Greg's picks. Let's see. They're all right. Let's check out Mr. McElroy. You know what? All right.

He's actually pretty smart. I like the old miss over. I like the OU over. I like the Missouri under. I like the Bama over. Georgia under 10 and a half, Greg? What is you talking about? Hardest schedule.

in America. It's the hardest one. I don't care. Give the Georgia over. Greg doesn't know what he's talking. Oh, wait. 11 and 1? Yeah. I mean, Vegas, you know what? You're just joining the public. That's fine. I thought you're sharp. I'm also confused about the Texas. I actually agree with most of that, Victoria. All right. All right, we're going to get to today then. All right. Maybe you can redeem yourself and be a little more optimistic. All right. Auburn, over or under seven and a half, Greg? Auburn, I like the over. I think Auburn's got a chance to be very, very dangerous. Now, I hate that there's two road trips for them as it relates to the win total to Alabama and two Georgia.

That's a tough one to envision. They also have to go to Missouri, which I think is a team that's probably going to be starting the season in the top 10. But Auburn's a momentum team. If they can get out of the gates and start strong first five games at home, they could be 5-0 before they head to Athens. telling you, seen it in 2013. We've seen it in 2010. When Auburn gets going, they become very, very, very beat, difficult to beat.

Disagreement already. I haven't started 4-0. I see improvement in year-two for Hugh Freeze. I just see them a seven-win team, not an eight-win team. I think the swing game in that one is at Kentucky. If they can win that game, I can see them going over the total.

I have them losing that game. I'm going to go slightly under the seven-half wins. All right, Greg. Texas A&M. we're under eight and a half. I'm going to take the under with A&M. I'm very bullish on their upside. The problem is I just don't know for sure

about how things are going to look on the perimeter defensively. And in this league corners, you have to have great corners. And there's some question marks in the back end defensively. For me, I think their defensive line has a chance to be elite.

But I also look at the schedule and there's games that people are just giving them wins in at Florida, I think that's a really tough game. I think A&A is a top 25 football team, no doubt about it. But 8 and 4 is where I have them landing this year. However, a couple very difficult home games that I think they will win. I think they can get LSU and I think they will get Texas at the end of the year. Over the eight and a half in year one for Mike Elko.

Wow. I've got them 9 and 3 out of the blocks. Listen, Mike Elko talked about it today. He said it's been a quiet off season. we've been working. He talked about Tommy Moffitt, the strength conditioning coach. I think this team is focused. I think there's more discipline. I think there's a better work ethic. We know they've got players in College Station. What helps guys outside a pass rush? And they're going to have that with Nick Scorton coming over. Plus, if Connor Wigman stays healthy, I think that he's got to have

a chance to have a great year. Hardest games are at home. I like the Aggies. Dusty, I'm right there with you. Sorry, Greg. All right. Kentucky, Greg, over under six and a half. I like the over here for Kentucky. You kind of talked a little bit about the swing game being Auburn. I think it's a swing game for Kentucky too. So you really look at this team and no one's really talking about Kentucky this year. I think they've upgraded a quarterback with the addition to Brock Fandigriff. Devin Leary last year threw a really uncatchable ball.

And as a result, it led to a lot of drops. And as a result, it led to a lot of inefficiencies offensively. If you look at how things kind of set up for them, Georgia on the schedule at Ole Miss very difficult but I think you can get four of the first six for sure you start four and two and you're really in a good spot to get to that seven win total but I think seven

feels about right for Kentucky but I like the over agreement with Greg over I've got him seven and five and what I really like is the defense for Mark Stoops Dion Walker is 6 6, 340 plus and he is a menace inside. J.J. Weaver coming back

on the edge. They've got talented corner They've got talented linebacker. The defense will be stifling, and they're going to do just enough to get over that six and a half win total. I'm sorry for my shock, but I'm glad we're all agreeing as we round out the final one. All right, Arkansas over under four and a half, Greg. Well, I'm sensing a disagreement here as well. I'm going to go over for Arkansas at four and a half. And it's partly because I look at the addition to Bobby Petrino in the offseason.

I think Bobby Petrino knows this league like the back of his hand. I think they've upgraded a quarterback, even though KJ Jefferson departs Arkansas as one of the all-time leaders in both passing touchdowns and passing yardage. Tailing Green comes in. He's a dynamic runner. They're going to utilize downhill run game. And while I do have some question marks defensively, I think they have individuals that they can hang their hat on that can potentially take over the game along the front defensively. So I look at Arkansas and I think they can be a real problem at home. it's the road games that I think that will be real challenging for them. But be careful

if you're Texas, be carefully if you're Ole Miss and be careful if you're LSU and Tennessee. They need to beat Oklahoma State on the road in week two and quite frankly. I don't think they're going to I think Ollie Gordon and Mike Gundy get that game. Look, I want to be wrong, but I've got under the four

and a half wins. Sam Pittman was four and eight last year. I want to be wrong so bad. I'm such a fan of Coach Pittman. How can you not be? But Taylin Green, he was up and down at Boise State. And look, I love Bobby Petrino. The offensive line last year, most sacks given up per game in the SEC.

They couldn't run the ball to save their life. Now, they've tried to rebuild that new old line coach. Transfer is coming in. I'm just going to have to see it to believe it. But grudgingly, I go under, Victoria. Okay. Well, we're going to talk more about Patrino because coming up in college football live,

Coach Pimman brings back that familiar face to the Razorbacks. And what kind of impact will that have? We'll discuss. Bobby Petrino will return to Arkansas. The program's offensive coordinator. Now, this is not the first time Petrino has been on the sidelines for Arkansas. He coached the Razorbacks from 2008 to 2011 before a tumultuous departure. He then spent the 2023 season as offensive coordinator at Texas A&M after a few years at Missouri State.

Here's Sam Pittman on his newest edition. Bobby, I didn't know he was available. I mean, I knew he was available, but I didn't know he'd have interest in coming back to Arkansas. I got a text from his agent saying that he would. So I immediately called him. Talk to him. I talked to several different guys. The reason that Bobby wanted to come back and the passion that he had for coming back,

you know, he's a brilliant offensive mind. That all played a factor and everything. And then it became just a no-brainer. If we can get him, let's go get him. And I went to the athletic director and said, hey, I'd like to hire Bobby. What do you think? And he made it happen. Dusty, what kind of impact can Batrino have on Arkansas's offense?

Huge. I mean, this is one of the great offensive minds in college football, and he's got to have an impact on tailing green, unlocking him, figuring out how to get him comfortable, maximizing what he brings the table. Greg said last segment's right. He is a dynamic athlete. He's 6-6. He's 225. Got that long stride. And he has a skill set, but he's been inconsistent as a thrower. Finding out the best way to utilize him is going to be a key. And winning close games is going to be huge for Arkansas. Three and nine and one-score games the last two years. I think one area that Bobby Petrino has done such a great job in over his career is attacking tendencies. And I think the league as a result of the high flying offenses that you've seen all over the league since Burrow and Tua and all these guys, the league's become very quarterback and wide receiver driven. As a result, defensive players, especially at the second level linebackers, they're like 220 pounds. So what's Bobby Petrino going to do? Implement a downhill rushing attack that involves pullbacks, that involves big, willing, blinds.

Lockers at tight end, and that, I think, is going to be different for a lot of teams that don't see that every week. So I'm really optimistic about them being able to score points. It's just about will they be able to score enough because there might be in some shootouts. If they can get that offensive line right, what you said is correct. They can line up, they can run the football, and that's a huge aspect of this team, including the quarterback. Can they get back to running? That's hog football, and if the hog can run wild, they're going to have a chance to have some success. Yeah, well, look, FBI ranks the Razorbacks 44th with a 48% chance to win six games this season.

Now, something very popular at SEC Media Day is the Mechanical Bull Photo Op. So take a look at Texas head coach Steve Sarkeeson, horns up. And then we've got Oklahoma coach Brett Venables with horns down, but there won't be a penalty like this in the B12. So it's fine. We're good. We love win rivalries carry over into new conferences. Dusty, have you tried the bowl? I mean, you can't go wrong with it, right?

Guys, you can't go wrong with the bowls. You can't go wrong. It's amazing. Yeah. It's fantastic. I love the bitterness. The horns up, horns down. I thought it was a long horn.

So the fact that Venables got next to it was pretty cool to begin with. It's smart. Hey, I just, why aren't Greg and I on that for this final segment? I mean, Lord knows. I'm good. I could get it. I'm good. I'm good.

We're good. All right. We don't need a football live. We'll see you next week.