Tag: Greg McElroy

Greg McElroy says Texas is ‘Quinn Ewers team’ despite Arch Manning’s star turn

ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy says slow down on Arch Manning as the starter talk, Texas Longhorns are ‘Quinn Ewers Team.’

Arch Manning’s breakout performance against UTSA has made the celebrity backup and the Texas Longhorns the talk of college football this week.

Already, Paul Finebaum has said Manning would definitely win the Heisman at Texas, Joel Klatt has stated that having two great QBs is a ‘win-win’ for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and Stephen A. Smith has laughed at the notion of a ‘quarterback controversy.’

Now, former Alabama QB Greg McElroy is talking about Arch in his weekly Takeaways on his ‘Always College Football‘ podcast.

The ESPN college football analyst thinks talk of Arch Manning permanently replacing Quinn Ewers is silly.

“I love what I saw from Arch Manning. I LOVE what I saw from Arch Manning. But there are people right now that are saying Arch Manning should 100% be the starting quarterback over Quinn Ewers. The same Quinn Ewers that went to to Michigan the week before and dominated the Wolverines. The same Quinn Ewers was crazy efficient on third down on the road against a Top 15 team at the time. The same quarterback that went to Tuscaloosa last year and won. The same quarterback that engineered a playoff run last year. Now, because Arch Manning took off and ran for a 67-yard touchdown, he’s the answer. Has to be!” — Greg McElroy

McElroy says fans have an obsession with backup quarterbacks.

“The backup always gonna be better than the starter! Until he isn’t.” — Greg McElroy

McElroy loves what he sees from Manning, but he says Ewers is 100% going to be the starter when he’s healthy.

“Now, I look at it and I thought Arch was fantastic. Had a couple touchdown passes. Had a 51-yard touchdown pass that was on a bubble screen. They had the broken play that resulted in a touchdown pass, the broken defensive play to Ryan Wingo after they bust the coverage. I mean the numbers are outrageous. His first completed passes were amazing. He produced 276 yards on the first nine plays and five scores. But he’s also filling in for a guy that was 14 of 16 with 185 and two touchdowns before he got hurt. Right now, do you realize that Arch Manning was 150-1 to win the Heisman? That was the 33rd shortest odds entering Saturday. Now, he’s at 16-1, which is actually ahead of Quinn Ewers at 18-1. That’s crazy to me. I love Arch Manning and he’s going to be an amazing player, but his time will come. It’s Quinn Ewers’ team for now, for sure, moving forward. ” — Greg McElroy

ESPN’s Greg McElroy ranks the top four SEC football teams

Former Alabama QB Greg McElroy has ranked the top four teams in the SEC including the Georgia Bulldogs

Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy has his top four teams in the SEC ahead of Week 3. McElroy, who is an ESPN college football analyst, ranked his top SEC teams on the “Always College Football with Greg McElroy” podcast.

“This is just a power ranking,” said McElroy. “And what I think a team might be capable of as they move forward, so it’s also a little bit based on strength of record. Because it’s hard for me to, for example, put Ole Miss in the top four in the SEC when they haven’t played anybody.”

The Georgia Bulldogs are the No. 1 team in McElroy’s SEC power rankings, but he considers the Bulldogs to be the best team in the SEC.

Greg McElroy’s SEC power rankings (top four only)

1. Georgia Bulldogs

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
McElroy and most other college football experts have the Georgia Bulldogs as the team team in the country. Georgia dominated Clemson in Week 1 and faces its first SEC road game of the season in Week 3. However, McElroy thinks Texas can compete with UGA for the title of best team in the SEC.
“I think that gap between one and two, in the SEC, got really close this past weekend with Texas’ performance on the road at Michigan,” said McElroy.

2. Texas Longhorns

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Texas’ road win at Michigan is one of the most impressive wins this season. Quarterback Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns will host McElroy’s No. 1 team in the SEC, Georgia, on Oct. 19.

3. Tennessee Volunteers

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

“Really liked what I see from their (Tennessee’s) defense,” said McElroy. “Now, offense a bit of a work in progress, but they have the personnel and the pieces along both the offensive line, at running back and at wide receiver to make life a little bit easier for Nico Iamaleava.”

Tennessee’s 51-10 drubbing of NC State is one of the most impressive performances of any team this season.

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

Will McLelland-USA TODAY Sports

“You’re going to say, well, they looked really, really rough last week against USF. Fair enough,” said McElroy. “USF made them look really bad last year, too. This year, the big difference is they ran away from them in the fourth quarter and that showed growth.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=2]

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and the Crimson Tide aren’t having too much of a drop-off from the Kalen DeBoer era. However, McElroy failed to bring up Alabama’s schedule. The Crimson Tide have not played a Power Four opponent yet just like Ole Miss and Missouri, so that’s not a great reason to rank Alabama over those teams.

Greg McElroy makes his Texas vs. Michigan prediction

Who will win the biggest non-conference game of the year between Texas and Michigan? Greg McElroy makes the call.

The Texas Longhorns showdown with the Michigan Wolverines is getting closer. Both teams are putting in final preps as they countdown to their meeting in Ann Arbor.

The predictions are starting to roll in. In his ‘Always College Football‘ podcast, Greg McElroy provides an in depth breakdown of the Texas-Michigan game.

The former Alabama QB is impressed with the way Texas has been able to reload its WR corp.

“The Longhorns lost all of their receivers from last year for the most part. Their top five wide outs from last season … gone. It did not slow them down at all in the opener. It shouldn’t. It was Colorado State. They went out and attacked the portal. They were able to get big-time transfers. All three of their transfers looked pretty good in the opener.” — Greg McElroy

But McElroy says he sees this as a ‘line of scrimmage’ game.

“We know what Quinn Ewers is. He’s only going to be able to win the game if he has a supporting cast that steps up against what I think is a excellent defense. New (Michigan) defensive coordinator Wink Martindale … we know he wants to pressure. We know he wants to blitz. He was actually No. 2 in the NFL last year in blitz rate. Against Fresno, they brought pressure. I think that’s going to be something to watch. The cat and mouse game between Texas O-line and protection and Steve Sarkisian calling the plays against Wink Martindale and how much he decides to pressure. — Greg McElroy

So, what the verdict? Who is McElroy picking?

“Based on what I saw last week, I think Texas is ahead of Michigan at this point. I think the offensive line of Michigan is a concern. I think Texas’  weapons will be able to create enough space and I think the veteran play of Quinn Ewers gives Texas a slight advantage. He’s won big games and I think he can do so again on the road in what should be a hostile environment. I like the Texas Longhorns. — Greg McElroy

More Texas vs. Michigan Coverage:

 

Greg McElroy picks LSU to win season-opener against USC on Sunday

This Sunday, the LSU Tigers will be taking on the USC Trojans in what should be one of the best games of the Week 1 slate.

This Sunday, the LSU Tigers will be taking on the USC Trojans in what should be one of the best games of the Week 1 slate. The only game I can think of that can match up with the hype around this game is Georgia vs. Clemson.

When it comes to what team will win the game, most writers and college football experts are split. These are two teams that had zero defense last year. If this game plays out like last year it will be one of the highest-scoring games of all time. ESPN’s [autotag]Greg McElroy[/autotag] recently made his prediction for the game on his “Always College Football” podcast. Here is who he picked.

“I’m taking LSU, but I think it’s going to be close,” McElroy said, per On3. “LSU is more equipped to be able to win those shootouts with a slightly more experienced quarterback in [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag]. So I’m taking LSU.

“I think they’ll get it done, but I expect this game to kind of come down to the wire, and it could be a scenario where whoever has the ball last ultimately wins.”

Beating USC would be a great way to start off the 2024 season. That win could help lead the Tigers to a playoff berth.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy on Clemson’s offense improving, getting back in the playoff mix

McElroy on Clemson’s offense and what they can look like in 2024.

What if Clemson’s offense really steps up in 2024?

ESPN’s Greg McElroy, who will be the color commentator for Clemson’s Week 1 game against Georgia, talked about this on his show, Always College Football. McElroy considered how a better offense could change Clemson’s season.

“I’m always confident in Clemson’s defense,” McElroy said. “But if the offense is giving them trouble in practice, they might be a lot better than we thought. If that’s the case, Clemson could quickly get back into the playoff mix.”

This season is the second with Garrett Riley as offensive coordinator and Cade Klubnik as the starting quarterback. McElroy mentioned that while Klubnik’s spring performance was mixed, reports from fall camp suggest he’s made real progress.

“Clemson’s offense might surprise us this year,” McElroy said. “Riley’s system is clicking, and Klubnik is showing more confidence and better ball security. If the offense comes together, they’ll be a tough team.”

McElroy also pointed out reasons for optimism, such as Phil Mafah’s performance at running back, the offensive line, and wide receivers.

“Klubnik was a top recruit, and it’s too early to judge him,” McElroy said. “With Mafah in the lineup and a stronger offensive line, Clemson’s offense could be much better this season. The wide receivers, who have struggled with consistency, also look ready to make a bigger impact.”

If these improvements happen, Clemson could be in for a strong 2024 season.

ESPN’s Greg McElroy reverses course, believes Michigan football may be a championship contender after all

The fall camp hype is building! #GoBlue

At the outset of fall camp, ESPN analyst Greg McElroy was bearish on Michigan football’s chances in 2024. However, as the Wolverines progress towards the season opener, McElroy is adjusting his tune.

On the Always College Football Podcast, McElroy shares some nuggets he’s hearing out of Ann Arbor in fall camp, and it sounds to him like maybe the maize and blue have a more dynamic offense and complete team than he realized.

Thus, instead of insisting that Michigan is likely to take a step back as he had earlier this month, now he appears to believe that the Wolverines are firmly in the hunt to repeat as national champions.

“What if Michigan, defending national champs, what if they are more dynamic offensively this year?” McElroy said. “We’ve said for a while, Michigan is going to win with defense. Michigan is going to be able to get it done because of their depth in the front seven. Defensively, Michigan’s going to be able to basically hold everybody under 20 points, and if they want to win game 17-14, they are very comfortable taking that path to victory.

“Didn’t really think about the possibility that they would be potentially more dynamic (offensively).

“How could you? You lose J.J. McCarthy, who’s a first round pick at quarterback. You lose Blake Corum, an all-time great running back there for the Michigan Wolverines. You lose Roman Wilson, who was always super clutch, super clutch, made big plays when it needed to be made — he always seemed to make it. And Cornelius Johnson, who had great, big-play potential every time he stepped on the field — not to mention an offensive line that pretty much all went on to the NFL. So we kind of knew what the offense was these last couple years. It was, hey, we’re going to ground and pound it, we’re going to shrink the game, we’re going to play ball control, we’re going to create big plays off play-action. Our offensive weaponry is very underrated, but the star of the show is really going to be the offensive line, and that’s really who we are.

“But it sounds like so far in fall camp, the new OC Kirk Campbell is kind of opening things up a little bit. There’s been a lot of competition. Given the fact that this team lost 13 players to the NFL draft last year, means there’s a lot of vacancies offensively, a lot of guys vying for those jobs, and maybe that’s made everybody a little bit better. Sounds like the offensive line is coming together. And if you listen to some of the defenders that have been speaking on behalf of the guys that they’re playing against, sounds like this offense is winning their fair share of the battles, which wouldn’t be expected when taking into account some of the pieces that are back off of last year’s national championship winning team on the defensive side.

“It also sounds like Alex Orji, who primarily in his career has been asked to be a runner, be athletic — I mean, the guy’s got 21 carries for 123 yards and three touchdowns in his career. He has one pass attempt for five yards, so you kind of look at what he’s been asked to do, and I don’t think they’re going to deviate too much from his strength. He’s going to be a factor in the run game, but it sounds like the advancements he’s made throwing the football have been pretty drastic. This offseason, been buzz about multiple touchdown passes throughout the scrimmages. Sounds like he’s been kind of carving them up, and it sounds like this underrated group of wide receivers is actually ahead of schedule. It also sounds like they’re a little deeper at running back than I had originally anticipated.

“So if Michigan’s more dynamic offensively, they come into the season ranked No. 9. Y’all, they’re going to be back in the playoff mix because this defense will be able to carry them, but if their defense doesn’t have to carry them, and the offense is actually super dynamic and difficult to defend, then look out, they’re back into not just being a playoff contender, but back into becoming a national championship contender — even in spite of the 13 absences of the guys that are now playing professionally.”

ESPN’s Greg McElroy lists Auburn as a ‘spoiler’ for the 2024 season

McElroy says that Auburn could catch a few teams sleeping this season.

Despite adding several talented players to its 2024 roster, Auburn will enter the season with plenty to prove.

The Tigers will look to improve upon its 2023 campaign which ended with a 6-7 record. Many are predicting Auburn to be a bowl team this season and to take one step closer to becoming a College Football Playoff participant. One of those experts is former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst [autotag]Greg McElroy[/autotag].

McElroy revealed his preseason SEC Power Rankings this week on his podcast Always College Football, placing all 16 teams into five tiers. As for Auburn, the Tigers are in tier three, labeled spoilers.

Auburn joins Oklahoma and Texas A&M as teams that “are capable of beating pretty much any team in the league, but he does not expect them to make the playoff.” McElroy expects these teams to reach eight wins this season, and to upset a team ranked above them.

Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Texas are projected to earn a playoff bid while Tennessee, Missouri, and LSU are on the cusp. Below Auburn in tier four are Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina. McElroy projects Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State to miss bowl games this season.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

ESPN’s Greg McElroy releases SEC football power rankings

Former Alabama QB Greg McElroy has announced his SEC power rankings. McElroy has UGA as one of the SEC’s four championship contenders

Former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy released his SEC football power rankings. McElroy, who is an ESPN college football analyst, ranked every SEC team into five tiers on his “Always College Football with Greg McElroy” podcast.

McElroy thinks the SEC has four national championship contenders. He included six SEC teams in his preseason top 10, but he does not think that every team in his top 10 is capable of winning a championship.

The Georgia Bulldogs are the No. 2 team in McElroy’s preseason rankings, the highest of any SEC football team. McElroy thinks Georgia has its fair share of weaknesses, but considers the Bulldogs to be the best team in the SEC.

Tier One (National Championship Contenders)

The Georgia Bulldogs are Greg McElroy’s top preseason SEC team. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

1. Georgia

“Carson Beck is the best quarterback that George has had in quite some time,” said McElroy. The media has predicted Georgia to win the SEC and has Beck as the conference’s preseason All-SEC first-team quarterback.

2. Texas

“Texas, they’re a national championship contender, especially with what they bring back on the offensive side,” said McElroy. Texas is ready to make some noise in its first season in the SEC.

3. Alabama

Alabama returns elusive quarterback Jalen Milroe and a great deal of talent from the Nick Saban era. McElroy does not think Alabama will have much of a drop-off to start the Kalen DeBoer era.

“Alabama is maybe slightly thinner as far as depth is concerned, but their best is still as good as anybody else in the entire conference,” said McElroy.

4. Ole Miss

McElroy tabbing Ole Miss as a championship contender will surprise some folks, but the Rebels return much, including quarterback Jaxson Dart.

“We need to wake up and get on board with the possibility that Ole Miss could win the whole dang thing,” said McElroy. McElroy likes how the Rebels improved in the trenches this offseason.

Tier Two (College Football Playoff Contenders)

5. Tennessee

6. Missouri

7. LSU

Tier Three (Spoilers)

Greg McElroy puts three SEC teams in the spoilers category. Spoilers are capable of beating pretty much any team in the league, but he does not expect them to make the playoff. “The floor should be eight wins,” said McElroy on spoiler teams, “But there’s a possibility you could rally up.”

8. Oklahoma

9. Texas A&M

10. Auburn

Tier Four (Bowl Game Bound)

“Teams that are almost guaranteed to go to the postseason, but their ceilings at about eight wins,” said McElroy on teams that are in his fourth tier.

11. Florida

12. Kentucky

13. South Carolina

Tier Five (Work In Progress)

McElroy thinks if Tier 5 teams make a bowl game that “would be a remarkable achievement.”

14. Arkansas

15. Mississippi State

16. Vanderbilt

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy calls Texas lock to be in College Football Playoff

That includes ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, who chose the Longhorns as one of his five locks to be in the College Football Playoff

With the start of the college football season less than a month away, analysts nationwide have started making their playoff predictions. That includes ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, who chose the Longhorns as one of his five locks to be in the College Football Playoff.

On August 7, McElroy said a team needs to go 10-2 to be in the big dance. The teams from the SEC that he thinks will accomplish that are Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M. While a lot can change as the regular season plays out, getting five teams in would be a significant accomplishment for the SEC.

As the Longhorns look to prove McElroy right, they have a roster full of talent ready to build on a 12-win season. They will be led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and running back Jaydon Blue. Their list of offensive weapons includes Johntay Cook, Matthew Golden, Ryan Wingo, and Amari Niblack.

Although they will be in a tougher conference, it is a challenge the Longhorns are ready for. A new playoff format will also benefit Texas, giving them and teams nationwide a better shot at playing for a national championship.

On August 31, the Longhorns will open their season against Colorado State, giving them their first opportunity to show why they are a playoff team.

Greg McElroy outlines his expectations for Cade Klubnik, Clemson offense in 2024

Here’s what ESPN’s Greg McElroy had to say about his expectations for Cade Klubnik and the Clemson Tigers’ offense in 2024.

Cade Klubnik is looking for more consistency and overall improvement as he enters his second season in offensive coordinator Garrett Riley’s system.

Klubnik started all 13 games last season and threw for 2,844 yards to go with 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also coughed up 10 fumbles with five resulting in turnovers.

The Tigers started 4-4 but closed the season on a five-game winning streak that Klubnik helped engineer, culminating in a 28-point fourth-quarter comeback against Kentucky in the Gator Bowl.

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy had a lot to say about Clemson on the Thursday edition of his Always College Football podcast. He shared that he thought the former five-star recruit out of Austin, Texas, could be poised to make a “significant jump” in 2024.

“People forget that while Cade Klubnik was a five-star (recruit) and they sprinkled him into some action in his true freshman year, the guy’s only started 13 or 14 games. It’s not like he’s played a ton of football,” McElroy said. “So, Cade Klubnik, I think, maybe he’s poised to make a significant jump his second year in the offense, his second year with Riley, and with what should be a better receiving corps.

“Now, he’s got to make better decisions. He threw nine picks last year, and he’s got to have better ball security. He put the ball on the ground 10 times, five of which were lost.”

RELATED: Greg McElroy lists three things Clemson must do to upset Georgia

McElroy added that he expected the Tigers’ rushing attack to be strong with Phil Mafah back at tailback.

“The good news is, I do think they’re going to be able to run the football,” McElroy said. “I look at Phil Mafah, and while he was kind of used as a piece to kind of spell Will Shipley throughout the first half of last season, down the stretch he really got it going. The last six games, nobody ran for more rushing touchdowns, and there were only two guys in the league who had more rushing yards down the stretch than Phil Mafah last year.”

Clemson opens the season against Georgia, the preseason No. 1 team in the US LBM Top 25 Coaches Poll. The Tigers are ranked No. 14 in the coaches poll. Kickoff is at noon ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The game will be televised on ABC.

Follow us @Clemson_Wire on X and on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news, notes and commentary.