Kirk Herbstreit explains 2015 SEC predictions
ESPN College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit predicted LSU and Tennessee will play in the SEC championship game, with LSU prevailing and landing a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Herbstreit also picked an off-the-radar final four of Ohio State, LSU, Oklahoma and Arizona State.
He joined Russillo and Kanell on ESPN Radio Wednesday to explain the rationale behind his SEC picks. Herbstreit was asked if LSU’s quarterback position concerned him.
“Of course, but that’s what interesting this year,” Herbstreit said. “If you look at the SEC West — I don’t know who you guys are favoring, but I can make a case for them and make case against them.
“If it’s Alabama, I’m terrified of their quarterback-wide receiver combination right now going in as they get ready for the season. If it’s Arkansas, I look at that schedule. Are they really ready to make a run with their schedule? At the end of the day, they might be the best team, in my opinion, as we sit here in August. But I don’t know if they can get through that gauntlet that they have to deal with. But you can go down the line — Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss. Is Chad Kelly going to be the guy this year?”
Herbstreit then explained why he chose the Tigers to win the SEC West.
“With Brandon Harris, LSU has to get more balanced,” Herbstreit continued. “Last year, they were very very predictable, very conservative running the football, and in today’s day in age, it’s not good enough. I’ve seen Harris throw and I think he’s got what it takes. It’s just a matter of whether or not he can read coverage or make good decisions and give them a threat throwing the ball down the field. Can you imagine if he does with the group of receivers they have, with that offensive line and that running back? LSU’s defense is always going to keep them in the game.
“[LSU pick] It’s just kind of a hunch. I think that Harris develops, and he, along with Leonard Fournette, it’s a pretty lethal combination.”
Herbstreit was asked who he has winning the East, and he said he was leaning towards Georgia at first, but he’s officially picking Tennessee.
“I liked what we saw of [Joshua] Dobbs last year. I think Jalen Hurd’s about to have a monster year. I think that through incredible recruiting efforts that Butch Jones has them back where they have some skill now in the secondary and at receiver.”
“The East is obviously a long way away from being the West, but I think that division winner will be whichever team will be able to stay the healthiest. Yeah, I’m giving Tennessee the edge in the East.”
Tennessee, ironically, is the most banged-up SEC East team entering the season, with season-ending injuries suffered to two offensive linemen Marcus Jackson (biceps) and Austin Sanders (biceps), along with defensive back Rashaan Gaulden (foot). Safety LaDarrell McNeil will also miss significant time with a neck injury.
I just cannot see LSU winning the West. I agree that their defense always keeps them in the game, but their offense isn’t dynamic enough or strong enough to knock the other team out of the game.
Only serious contenders are probably Alabama, Auburn, and Miss St. and I only throw in Miss St. because they always have a heavy line and are returning Dak and Wilson.
You lost all credibility putting Moo State in as a “serious contender”. They lost 90% of their 2 deep on offense and defense. Moo State will be lucky to win 7 or 8 games. Mullen should have taken another job when he had the chance. He had his “perfect storm” last season, and will now fall back to the middle/lower tier where MSU belongs.
Lost 90% of their 2-deep O and D? Want to check your stats and get back to us? With the exception of center, pretty much everyone who isn’t a returning starter this year had significant playing time last year.
We had 50 letters last year and return 35 of them.
(50-35)/50 = 30%
30% =/= 90%
Your comment is bad and you should feel bad.
They win 1 close game against SC, beat a bad KU and Vandy team, and everybody is jumping on Tennesee’s bandwagon. I don’t get it. I think they win 7 games this year
THANK YOU that’s exactly what ive been saying!!!1 Espn is buying into recruiting classes way too much as a florida fan I know its not about the talent its about how u develop it and utilize it and that has yet to be proven in Knoxville (IMO).
I like Auburn or Alabama to win the west, but I have to admit that ole Kirk knows his football and therefore he is probably right, so LSU will play for a NC this year. I think their qb is a little weak, but may be has improved.
I am an LSU fan and believe me, LSU fans are just as shocked by these predictions as anyone else. Of course, at the same time, what we do know is that every other segment of the team, from the running backs to the receivers to the OL, to the DL, to the DBs and even the special teams LSU does have the talent to actually win a NC. The same can be said for at least six or so other teams. What LSU does not have and what these “analysts” are predicting is that the LSU QB will be able to be a productive part of the team rather than a cold blanket that basically flounders around the whole game. Yes, if LSU can get good and consistent play, especially under pressure, from the QB position, it is actually possible for them to have a really good season.
Apart from the QB position, LSU is probably the most complete team in the West. So the guys who are sticking their necks out are thinking the QB position will improve enough to make a difference. The guys who are skeptical are making the “safe” choice of either Alabama or Auburn. Some people seem to think that if Alabama doesn’t look good enough to win it, then Auburn wins it by default. That may usually be the case, but LSU gets one in there every four years.
I like where the Tigers are headed with Harris and see 2016 being a possible title yr. The entire LSU roster is title caliber this yr and if the qb is consistent, they can make a run……… but I hate Herby is picking them.
UGA defense this year should be more dominant this year than last year. The offence should be even better too. I don’t think Tenn has improved so much that it can overcome UGA and it’s improvements. Georgia will have 2 linebackers that are pro quality, on the field, all the time, and that includes the rotation. It won’t be hard to have a better passing attack than last year and the running game should be even better too. There are some key players that need to stay healthy, that haven’t so far… we’ll see, and it won’t be long:)
Tennessee’s overall talent level has improved a whole lot. They are faster, stronger, and a little bit deeper. We also have two NFL caliber LBs with Jalen Reeves Maybin and Curt Maggit and arguably the best DL in the SEC. Sure, UTs secondary took a hit when it lost McNeil, but the talent level at that position group should be enough to get by. Unless of course the group takes another hit. UGA has an advantage on offense despite the unknown at the QB position. Georgia’s OL is a heck of a lot stronger. Tennessee only needs Josh Dobbs to do what he did at the back end of last year, be consistent enough to move the ball down the field and score points. I think it will be a good season and a tight race the whole way.
Yal gotta be able to stop the run which at times u had issues with, but I think this is Chubbs year if he stays healthy yal will be hard to stop.
Can’t see TennerC winning the east. Ellis Who’s D may keep them in games but the hatter offense won’t be that great unless they get a passing game. I don’t see it happening with the same QBs. Bama will have the best D in the country, mark it down. AU will be a juggernaut on O and Muschamp might get enough out of the D to be great. Bama or AU in the west with Ark as a dark horse. GA or MZ in the east until further notice.
It’s very simple. If LSU has a quarterback show up this year, we’re a contender. If not, we’re not.
Can we get a quarterback coach?
I’d have to agree. Not sure why everyone says Bama is a complete team aside for QB questions so is a favorite, but LSU is a complete team aside from QB questions which knocks them out of the discussion. Maybe that’s because of recent history showing Alabama can take a running back and make a good QB out of him, while LSU can’t seem to take a talented QB and make a good QB out of him.
But agreed, if Harris shows significant improvement this year, you guys will be dangerous. Of course, State will still beat them because, well… we have a QB.
Bama’s quarterbacks are a problem because they haven’t had significant time in games, LSU’s are a problem because they are terrible.
Funny LSU’s qb’s were a problem last year due to lack of pt but ur giving Bama’s qb’s a pass for the same thing. Harris is a 5* talent so doubtful he’s “terrible” due to lack of talent. He’ll be better this year
I don’t know why everyone is so down on TN this year, we are shaping up to be a championship school again, maybe not this year but very soon. Most of us have been around long enough to know when it’s all talk or actually showing the talent and drive to win games. Of course everyone always backs their own team but it doesn’t take much to look at our success over the past couple of years and the success Butch has had rebuilding teams. Now that he is somewhere he can do what he wants and be in it for the long haul we’ll finally see him winning championships. We’re coming back, and it won’t be long.
I’m a Bama fan so naturally I’m down on UT. I admit I did see some improvement when Dobbs took the helm but there wasn’t a big win to use as evidence that the program is contending in ’15. So I’m left with a “believe it when I see it” stance on UT.
Regularly mentioned as a dark house candidate to win the East, yet everyone is down on Tn. What??
As a UGA fan, UT scares the hell out of me. Then again, as a UGA fan, every team scares the hell out of me haha
Its the team that everyone is counting out that should scare you…. even with questions on offense their defense will keep them in every game they play… #alligatorarmy
All That Orange!…… Everyone? Never said it myself and Herbstreit didn’t say it! Certainly not many Vols fans said it! To me they are an unknown sleeper, even with all the injuries. I plan on being at the Tenn/Ga. game this year as well. The reason: I’ve been to many Tennessee games at Neyland and Tennessee has lost each time!
Success Butch has had rebuilding teams? More like success Butch has had riding behind Kelly and then moving on. Best recruiting he has done, but jury still out on his ability to turn those stars into wins. Vols are shaping up like another ut, all hat…
I’m a Bama fan and honestly I think almost every team (in the SEC West anyway) can beat anyone on any given day. I think it will be a wild year full of surprises. RTR
I’m a chronic optimist so I like LSU as a contender, but it really depends on where Harris is above the neck. JJ’s problem was he never had the capacity up there. I understand that players can develop, but you either have mental capacity or you don’t. That is what I’ll be looking for in BH.
Keep waiting on Brandon Harris to develope. Yeah, that plan worked well for Jeff Driscoll at Florida. Sad really. Imagine what LSU could accomplish if they had a Dak… Or a Joshua. .. or even a Brandon Allen. They’d massacre everyone. Is Harris a good qb but the hat and crew just suck at developing that particular position? Or was his star rating out of hs a fluke? I don’t think we’ll ever know,
Since when is Brandon Allen an elite QB? He’s been the weakness of that team for the last couple years, and now bc hes an 18th year senior he’s elite gtfoh…… Your RB and d line were your strengths and now ur d line was drafted and a RB is out for the year… I don’t think an Arkansas fan can tell an LSU fan anything…..
I pick the winner of the West to be……………..the winner of ……….a wild ass tiebreaker system. It could go multiple levels. I’d love to pick MSU but, we play in the West – oh yea, so does everyone else in the West. NO ONE will go undefeated in the West – every team you want to pick still has to play those road games – anybody think road games at LSU, A&M, AUBURN or T-TOWN won’t be a challenge. Hell, at Ark or OM should scare any other team. We in Starkvegas can win a few home games too!! Anyone calling a winner is guessing more this year than EVER. You CANNOT win without a QB – advantage State. We will know after weeks 1 AND 2, who actually has a QB & then reasonable claims can be made. Have to say it – UT hype is ALL based on 2 things: 1) recruiting & 2) Dobbs – here’s the stupid irony (IMO) of the talking heads – UT picked to win the East mainly based on Dobbs while MSU picked last in the West w Pre-season 1st Team All SEC QB! That all adds up to respect (historical not present success) vs no respect (historical vs present success). Sorry it was so long!
All of the comments I read are three weeks old. I’m wondering if anyone thinks different now after three weeks.