Podcaster Poll

          In today’s article, we take a look at what THE Bunch of Nuts Podcast sees unfolding in college football in 2023. While we have many answers here, make sure to listen to the nuts’ recent episode of their podcast where they answered even more and talked Big 10 and Big 12 football. Plus a little Notre Dame.

The SEC

          The nuts’ ballot in the Pod Poll foresees a race to the SEC championship between Tennessee and Alabama, and a neck and neck one at that. But with the loss of Hendon Hooker on Tennessee’s side, not all is certain. Even so, Alabama loses an equally if not more vital player at the quarterback position,”I believe Tennessee repeats and shocks the college football world. Getting over the hump against Bama reminds me a little too much of Michigan finally beating Ohio State in 2021. Although the game is a home game for Alabama I believe Joe Milton and company shock the world once again!” With that being said, it is clear that the nuts are expecting a downgrade in QB play from the Crimson tide,”[Alabama can’t replace Bryce Young] with the current quarterbacks on roster. Jalen Milroe is a much better runner for sure, but not refined as a passer. Now you never know he could turn into the next great Alabama quarterback. But Bryce Young was a generational talent in my opinion. Milroe reminds me of a the k-mart version of Jalen Hurts. Still a high honor to be compared to a player like Hurts.”

          But the SEC goes much deeper than just Alabama and Tennessee, now there’s a new old kid on the block, LSU. And the Tigers are back for blood. We asked if Brian Kelly can really compete in the SEC,”They can absolutely compete. A second year with Coach Kelly and Jayden Daniels could shock the SEC west. Expect LSU to be in the same position they were last season. The question is can they win that early game against Florida State to really give them momentum as they head into the SEC gauntlet.”

          For the last three teams itching to make waves, where do they stand. Specifically, is this the best South Carolina team in recent memory,”This is a very good South Carolina team, but no not the 2011 South Carolina team that had so much NFL talent.” On the other end there’s an Ole Miss team contending for the best running back room in the country, we asked if they could be a dark horse in the SEC,“Felt like they have been a dark horse since 2020, but I am out on Ole Miss as a true contender. With that said their running back Quinshon Judkins could have a Darren McFadden type of year for Lane Kiffin’s squad. Expect Judkins to be a highlight reel and make this team competitive, but not better than Alabama or LSU.” Finally we look at good old Texas A&M, can they finally live up to the level of talent they recruit,“Doubtful, but their recruiting has been so dominant the last few seasons there is no way to keep them out of the top 25 on this poll as much as they do not deserve it.”

The PAC 12

          One notable disclusion on the nuts’ ballot was Washington. Many think this could pan out as the year of the Husky, a breakout season for a veteran Washington team, but the nuts see things differently,”Outside of Michael Penix Jr. I just don’t see many play makers on this team. I know they have two 1,000 yard receivers returning but I believe they hit those milestones as a result of Penix and not the players. Go check the wide receivers numbers from 2020 Indiana when they had Penix and then after he was hurt and that will show you everything you need to see. They were 11-2 out of nowhere last season, but I expect major regression. With that being said I am a huge Michael Penix believer and hope he proves my argument completely wrong by putting the Huskies on his back. But it takes a team to be great and I just don’t see them being better than a couple of teams in their own conference.”

          With Washington and Oregon being placed well below their average by the nuts, we asked where USC stands,”The conference is USC’s to lose. Utah will always be a pest for them. The state of Oregon can also make some noise between the Beavers and Ducks. Finally Michael Penix Jr. and Washington lurk so this conference feels deeper in 2023.”

          With a USC powerhouse and Utah, Oregon, and Washington looking to shot, Oregon State remained on the nuts’ ballot, but do they even stand a chance,”Absolutely! They have a ton of momentum going into this season. 5th year head coach and former Oregon State QB Jonathan Smith has this program primed for a legitimate push for a Pac 12 championship game berth. He gets big time transfer QB DJ Uiagalelei in a system that fits himself better. Also Damien Martinez is a name to really keep an eye on this year. He can end up being one of the best running backs in the conference.”

          To hear about Notre Dame football, tune into THE Bunch of Nuts Podcast here.

The Big 12

          To hear about Texas and TCU, tune in the nuts’ podcast where they answered the questions of who comes out on top of the Big 12, whether or not Texas is truly back, and what TCU can expect out of 2023.

Ohio State

          To hear more about the Big 10 and where it stands check out the pod, but as per tradition, we asked for the nuts’ predictions for their Buckeyes,”The defense becomes the strength of this team similar to 2019. The defensive backs between Davison Igbinosun, Denzel Burke, Lathan Ransom, and company rebound to be one of the best coverage units in the country. McCord proves himself as a student of the game and demonstrates why he is the next great Ohio State quarterback. Finally, the Buckeyes will make the CFP and have a chance to contend for a National Championship.”

Closing

Be sure to listen to the nuts and also check out their Twitter, the Pod Poll Twitter, and the new PodPollCast!

A big thank you to all readers and voters for sticking with the project!