V3 August 2020 SEC Preview

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COLUMNS 10

In building a dream home, Tammy Bar ron realizes that she must consider the value set on social image, materialism, and self-identity.

FEATURES

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Hear from three local CBD prov iders to learn about the benefits that can come from a small plant with a big stigma.

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Featuring a family farm, hunting oasis, guest house, secluded lodge home, historic dairy, secured equipment barn and so much more, this Hardy Home is 142 acres of possibilities.

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Break out the crystal ball, because Ian Griffin and Jim Alred are here to give a look into the hazy future of this year's SEC Football teams.

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Thank Goodness it’s finally football season!

GO

DAWGS!

“Rome’s Locally Owned Funeral Homes” Barry R. Henderson

Joe Paul Henderson (1919-2008)

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Publisher's Note While there are some early memories that aren’t tethered to sports, most of my first recollections connect to playing or watching them in some way. I grew up watching and playing just about everything I could participate in, so this wide world of little to no sports has been a real shock to the system for all of us who live and breathe them.

In the beginning of this pandemic, the end of August and the start of college football seemed like it was lightyears away. Even with sports O W N E R & C E O Ian Griffin shutting down completely it felt like there was enough time between March and September for things to get better. Speculation ran wild, but I decided to allow hope to persevere…what could it hurt to believe events, and especially football would happen until they were officially canceled, right?

And though sporting events, concerts and large gatherings of just about any kind continued to get the axe, I didn’t let that hope waver. With spring practices canceled, the debate as to whether or not the season would be delayed, canceled, played in full or abbreviated continues to rage on.

It varies from state to state and conference to conference, but as players reported and positive tests poured in from programs across the country, decisions were delayed, and doubts were plentiful. Then things really started getting interesting when the Big 10 and Pac 12 announced they would move to conference only schedules, leaving most to assume the other conferences would follow suit. Nonetheless, things seemed to point towards a season of some sort… or maybe I was still being hopeful?

The thought of Alabama traveling to LSU this November to play in front of a mostly empty stadium is hard for any fan to wrap their head around, but I think as weird as that might be, we would all rather see the game played than not have it at all. It will eliminate the home field advantage and without the roar of the fans that usually pack stadiums to beyond capacity, it will feel different, but hasn’t everything in 2020?

I feel for the fans that won’t be able to get to a game in person this season. I feel for the businesses that won’t see the usual revenue they enjoy on a home game weekend. I feel for the players who feed off the energy of both the cheers they receive at home and the boos they get on the road. But, I know players, fans and business owners would all unite in wanting the season to happen if there is a safe way to do so for all involved.

That remains to be seen. Programs are implementing all the safety measures advised by public health officials, but social distancing is nonexistent on a football field and not easy with an 82-man roster, coaches and support staff working closely together on a daily basis. The season could start and end abruptly if outbreaks occur. So, hold on to hope, but keep your grasp on reality.

The one guarantee is that no matter how long this season runs, it will be unlike any other before or after it. In honor of the hope I’ve held onto so tight, Jim Alred and myself have taken our best stab at what we expect to happen in the land’s mightiest conference once again this year. We based our projections on the season as originally planned, but barring some really brutal schedule changes, I think we would both stick with our picks regardless.

Perhaps we will get to see if we are right or wrong, but no matter what, I’ll be thankful for every snap I get to see from here on out. Here’s to hope and football. Enjoy the season.

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OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin MANAGING PARTNER Chris Forino MAG DESIGN Elizabeth Childers WRITERS Jim Alred, Tammy Barron, DeMarcus Daniel, Ian Griffin, Cassie LaJeunesse, Nina Lovel, Christy Quinton PHOTOGRAPHERS Andy Calvert AD DESIGN Elizabeth Childers PUBLISHER V3 Publications, LLC CONTACT 417 Broad Street Rome Ga, 30161 Office Phone 706.235.0748 v3publications@gmail.com CREATOR Neal Howard V3MAGAZINE.COM

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Double-wide, vinyl cottage, trailer, mobile home… doesn’t really matter what you call it. It’s home sweet home to me.

FOR YEARS WE DREAMED OF ONE DAY BUYING A FARM AND BUILDING A CUSTOM NEW HOME. We saved up for years and finally found a perfect parcel of land, but new construction is expensive, and we had to find more affordable housing to nudge our dream into motion.

The mobile home was always a temporary idea.“Three years max,” we told ourselves. Then “4…5…,” we counted toward the day we would be able to start the build on our dream home, bit by bit 10

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becoming more aware of prevalent stigma of living in a trailer. Last year, an article in Commonwealth Magazine described the stereotypical scene mobilehome living conjures for people: “visions of run-down trailer parks with feral cats prowling for food, piles of tires strewn about, and rusted cars on dirt driveways.”

The detail of this stereotype was a bit unsettling.

Though the article attempted to argue in favor of affordable housing options, the unmistakable bias made the point moot. I can’t speak for the validity of the stigma of trailer living, but I do know it exists.

It exists in the comedic jabs from others about our “authentic marble” laminate counter tops, and the “one-of-a-kind reclaimed barn wood” linoleum flooring. Deflecting derision, we ourselves make light of the particle board and glue construction during strong storms, though this humor is always paired with nervous laughter.

For a few years now, my daughter has been old enough to go to sleepovers. Living remotely; out in the country, Emma embraces time spent with friends in “actual neighborhoods” with “actual sidewalks,”

she recalls, telling me about how all the children play together on the block. When asked if she would like to have some friends over at our place, she immediately cried “YES!” Then she hesitated.

“What’s wrong?” I ask. Her answer made me feel quite ashamed.

She is hesitant to invite friends over to our farm because of our mobile home. The vocabulary out of her mouth were my words, said tongue-in-cheek many times over the years. The feeling of being less than and fear of not fitting in was taking shape in her self-identity. I had messed up. Our house, though small, is precious. For Emma to think her home isn’t good enough in any facet made my heart hurt. Some friends and family, having heard of her reaction, offered their homes for Emma to host a sleepover.

I know these offers came from a most sincere and generous place, but I said “no.” There is a bigger lesson here. I have to fix this.

In a heart-to-heart, we talked about what she loved so much about spending time at her friend’s house. She recalled the games they played, and the

A Home Without Illusions opened doors

By Tammy Barron

friends they met. She described the excitement of new toys and dance parties. “So,” I said flatly “If your best friend didn’t have a fancy house I guess you wouldn’t be friends.” She stared at me so incredulously. I knew she understood the point.

Children aren’t instinctively judgmental, they are taught. Society teaches them what to value and what to condemn. We had subtly been sending her the wrong messages of what is worthy.

I consider possessions, their appeal and the fallacy that they validate us somehow. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not about to denounce everything and don a burlap sack; however, I do consider it important to keep materialism in check. Perhaps there is no better time than now, as we have finally have broken ground in building our forever home.

When meticulously designing the floorplans and finishing schedule, I kept chanting the mantra, “It’s only a house. A house is just a place to keep your stuff.” My most sincere wish is that my identity and values don’t change during and after we build the house we always wanted.

“Join us for the 3rd annual Firework Extravaganza!” This year’s party was a little different, due to social distancing. As I was buzzing around the yard talking to all the guests, I saw this sweet couple sitting at the edge of the party. Smiling and waving madly, I rushed right over to say welcome.

We know them from the soccer fields where our children play together. Their boys had already immersed themselves in play with the other children, but the adults seemed a little shy. Within minutes, introductions were made and, of course, small-town connections discovered. Everyone fell into an easy good time. It was an incredible evening.

Speaking several days later, this woman explained that they had hesitated to RSVP because they thought they would be the only Hispanic family at the party. Her hesitation stuck with me.

It reminded me of Emma, again, and her sense of not fitting in. It also reminds me of a quote I read not too long ago from Jacque Franco, a selfdescribed social engineer. “Whatever happens in the world is real, what one thinks should happen is

projecting. We suffer from our fictitious illusions and expectations of reality.” Had either one of us listened to our fictitious illusions, that night wouldn’t have happened. I wouldn’t have been confident enough to entertain at our mobile home, and she wouldn’t have RSVP’d to join an unfamiliar group.

My insecurities fade away and I now embrace the home we’ve created. Above all else, it is welcoming.

My reality is a life forged by and filled with good, loving people.

A dream nearly 10 years in the making is taking shape; with the foundation dug out and the blueprints primed. I hope, against all the unavoidable stress to come, we create a space to share and love each other. I want to build a home exactly like my double-wide-vinyl cottage, only with a bit more closet space.

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From Hemp to Health: THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE

From gathering dirty looks to capturing worldwide attention, take a look into the world of CBD and the benefits that it has to offer.

Text: DeMarcus Daniel | Photos: Cameron Flaisch READV3.COM | AUGUST 2020 V3 MAGAZINE

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L-R: Larry Lassiter, Linda Wardlaw, Faith Wolf, Brenda Almaras

WHILE NATURAL REMEDIES LIKE CBD HAVE EXISTED FOR CENTURIES, recent years have seen an uptick in both interest in and use of the product.

Three local stores gave us a glimpse into what CBD is, how it has captured the attention of our society, and the benefits that it has to offer.

CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is naturally found in plants in the cannabis family. “CBD comes from the same plant origins as marijuana,” says Andrew “Red” Ross of Native Escapes. “You have the hemp plant and the marijuana plant. CBD comes in both plants, it’s just that the marijuana buds have a high THC content and have low CBD content, while the hemp plant has high CBD and very little THC content.”

“Like many other seeds or plants that have the oil extracted from them (corn, sunflower, castor for example), CBD is a product from the cannabis plant that is cold-pressed,” explains Larry Lassiter of The Herb Shop. “The oil is the beneficial part of the actual plant that helps you (with stress, anxiety, sleep, arthropathy, systemic arthritic pain) versus buying a street drug, smoking it, and getting high. It’s two totally different animals.”

The oil, which can be consumed in a variety of forms from infused drinks to gummy candies, works by affecting the endocannabinoid system in the brain. This is the regulatory system of the body that maintains homeostasis (internal stability) in other systems of the body.

Despite the medical benefits that CBD offers, the potential for negative associations with marijuana has required that local proprietors work to educate their consumer about the difference between the two products. In the 16

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Andrew "Red" Ross

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seven years that The Herb Shop has carried CBD oil, “the mindset about it has changed,” explains Lassiter. “When we first started selling CBD, we would literally have people from the churches telling us that what we were doing was wrong.

But after seeking more education on the product, now entire congregations of churches are referring CBD oil to their friends. The elderly generation in particular have been able to be more mobile and have more energy, they call it their ‘Go-Go Juice!”

“While the product falls in the family of cannabis, it is not marijuana,” says Nishad Pandya of Rome CBD Farm. “It’s not even the same as medical marijuana. A distributor of medical marijuana may sing the praises of their product but as medical marijuana is not available here, CBD is the next best option. There is no psychotropic effect; you won’t get high, you won’t have hallucinations and you’re not going to be tripping. CBD gives you all the benefits of medical marijuana, minus the high that comes associated with it, and that’s a win-win.

You cannot lose there.”

Each proprietor prides themselves on not only the quality of their product, but also the direct connection they have with their suppliers. The Herb Shop has worked with an organic farm in Canada for several years where all production steps are performed by a single source. “I don’t believe in buying at market price, where per se this guy is cheaper,” says Lassiter. “I want the quality, I want it tested, and I want the certificate of analysis saying that there are no funguses, pesticides, or other elements in the oil, so that I can provide to a customer on demand.”

Rome CBD Farm, which wholesales and distributes CBD in addition to selling retail, is affiliated with the product lab at Green Monkey Farms in South Carolina and gets their product ‘from scratch’. Green Monkey Farms focuses especially on flour and oil, with one of their most unique products being an organic MCT coconut oil infused with CBD. “Organic coconut oil is expensive. We’re about quality, we want to push the right product until the market,” Pandya says.

“Go to the right stores to get the right product.

Remember, the right product is not always cheap.

Price is the number one driving factor.”

Native Escapes takes great care to only work with transparent, reputable distributors. They are able to track their product through production from the seed all the way to bottling. “We’ve done a diligent job of taking the guesswork out for the consumer,” says Ashley Canty. “They are all third-party tested and lab-tested for quality and assurance. We supply mostly Full Spectrum products, but we do utilize a variety of brands.

We also have brochures on each product we sell for the customers and we have literature on how you could use the products.”

For more information or to purchase CBD, visit The Herb Shop at 103 Broad Street, Rome CBD Farm at 610 Shorter Avenue, and Native Escapes at 326 Ste 100 Broad Street.

Disclaimer: CBD distributors cannot diagnose or treat any symptoms a person may have. They can and do, however, stand behind their product.

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Outdoor Oasis With a multitude of spaces to offer, this must-see property has been fully renovated with all the modern amenities needed for comfortable living and luxurious entertaining. text TAMMY BARRON

photos KEITH BEAUCHAMP

F

amily farm, hunting oasis, corporate retreat — this 142-acre wonderland is full of possibilities. Originally a dairy in the 1930s, this property has been fully renovated with all the modern amenities needed for comfortable living and luxurious entertaining. This amazing listing offers a guest house, lodge, commercial-sized equipment sheds, outdoor storage, exercise facility, dry sauna and so much more. Come explore an amazing getaway just minutes from downtown Rome and less than 30 minutes from Highway 75.

The Guest House

A small turn off Blacks Bluff Road leads up a winding drive to the spacious brick guest house. This luxurious three-bed, two-bath house comfortably hosts six.

Large living quarters are adorned with richly painted shiplap and lead to the kitchen fitted with professional grade appliances. The back door opens to an expansive entertaining deck complete with a bocce court and darts plane.

The Lodge

The lodge is perched atop the hill, nestled in boxwood hedges and overlooking the old dairy and golden sunflower fields. The view continues into the horizon, where hardwoods meet the fertile banks of the Coosa River. The heart of this oasis is the kitchen and dining space. An expansive kitchen is primed with

26 | HARDY REALTY | HOME FEATURE

custom cabinetry and granite countertops, a unique copper sink, and modern appliances. This kitchen opens expertly into an exquisite pine vaulted ceiling. With room for two banquet-sized tables, this one-ofa-kind space is an entertainer’s dream. Large iron chandeliers add to plentiful natural light filtering in through the large windows, making the space perfect for both a large business event or quiet supper with the family. A 546-square-foot screened-in porch lies off the dining room and overlooks the old dairy.

Adjacent to the incredible dining room and open adjoining kitchen lie two separate unique gathering spaces. Each contains a double-facing fireplace built from reclaimed masonry. Earthy honed marble hearths give these warming rooms a sense of antiquity and call for congregating.

Heavy wood carving details in the chandeliers and antique furnishings pair nicely with the massive iron chandeliers throughout, rendering a most artistic lodge appeal.

The second warming room opens to a spacious game room and dry bar with connected large bath. This area could easily be reimagined as a master suite complete with private patio. The massive bathroom has a very solid appeal with 24-inch slate floor tiles, leathered granite countertops and antique three-paneled wood mirror. Rubbed bronze fixtures finish the room off with rugged luxury.

A rear entertaining room with comfortable lounge sitting and antique card table is uniquely accented with a large pine log wall constructed with 10-inch hand-hewn pine beams. This living space leads intuitively to an expansive hallway with an alternative entry, giving this hallway a mudroom capability. Large storage closets fit hunting gear with ease as guests come in from the fields toward their private rooms.

Two large bedrooms complete with walk-in closets share a spacious bath. This bathroom also features large slate tiling, leathered granite, and

HARDY REALTY | HOME FEATURE | 27

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bronze fixtures. Both bedrooms have access to an outdoor patio. In total, the lodge is a spacious 3,503 square feet with an additional 2,083 square feet of outdoor living space.

The Old Dairy

Originally built in 1932, the dairy has been converted into a state-of-the-art gym and exercise facility. The original feeding troughs still line the interior walls, giving this now private gym a unique historical appeal. Adjacent to the gym is the hunting storage space. Corrugated tin ceilings and unique caged lighting fixtures, as well as an original wood burning stove, give a rustic chic appeal. Currently purposed to store outdoorsman’s gear, this room is limited only to one’s imagination as it can easily be converted to suit the homeowner's needs. This building is attractively accented with stained wooden Bahama shutters.

Three shooting benches, multiple run dog kennels, and a six-person custom built cedar dry sauna with private changing quarters are the paramount details that make this an exquisite home for the outdoor enthusiast or quintessential corporate getaway retreat.

The Property

129+ acres of rolling agricultural land play host to a diverse hunting landscape. Beautiful and expansive, golden dove fields are planted with swaying sunflowers. Several leveed duck impounds are rich and fertile with sown corn and millet. Multiple deer stands hide in the canopy of hardwoods and evergreens which line and protect separate food plots and shooting lanes, giving upwards of 10 huntsmen the safety and isolation desired for a great day in the fields.

Well-groomed dirt and gravel roads give access to all prime features of the property. The Coosa River and outflowing backwater creeks feed a corner slough. Other agricultural attributes to the property are livestock ponds, three automated chicken coops, two high-fenced gardens, covered equipment storage, as well as a 7,200-square-foot equipment shed complete with high security locks.

This amazing listing is something to behold.

With so many unique amenities, it offers a diverse experience and unparalleled luxury not often found so close to town.

For additional information about the property or to schedule a showing, please contact Hardy Realty at 706-291-4321.

HARDY REALTY | HOME FEATURE | 29

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SEC 2020

Preview

EAST & INTRO TEXT IAN GRIFFIN WEST TEXT JIM ALRED PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE SEC ATHLETIC DEPARTMENTS

AT THIS POINT, THE 2019/20 SEASON FEELS LIKE IT OCCURRED IN ANOTHER LIFETIME.

THE LSU TIGERS’ MAGICAL 15-0 RUN ENDED WITH A RESOUNDING WIN over Dabo Swinney’s Clemson Tigers that left no doubt who the best team in college football was. In fact, I don’t know if I witnessed Joe Burrow make a bad decision the entire season. Burrow is now a Bengal of a different color (Cincinnati) and Ed Orgeron has to replace a lot of NFL departed talent aside from his former quarterback if he wants to make another run to the college football promised land.

So if LSU isn’t up to another title run, which teams can rise to the challenge? The obvious answer is Alabama, who lost two games by a collective eight points to LSU and Auburn last season. While the Tide lost their usual numbers to the NFL, they return plenty of talent, like running back Najee Harris and linebacker Dylan Moses. Mac Jones got plenty of experience at quarterback while Tua was injured, but blue-chip recruit Bryce Young will be ready if needed. So yeah, duh…the Tide.

But! There are others that could challenge for the throne.

In the west, Auburn, whom I’ve given up on trying to predict, has Bo Nix and a bevy of talent, Texas A&M always seems like they are ready to get over the hump and the Mississippi schools have must-watch coaches if nothing else. I don’t see anyone other than LSU, Auburn or A&M sniffing the western crown, and since I think Auburn has the best shot, expect them to go the other way.

On the eastern side, it’s a dawg eat dawg world. Kirby Smart has recruited at an elite level and thus been in Atlanta on the first weekend in December for the last three years. The Dawgs lost a ton on offense, but scoring Jamie Newman and JT Daniels in the transfer portal will help in replacing the early departure of Jake Fromm. If the offense can find itself, look out, as the defense is absolutely loaded.

The clear challenger is their bitter rival, the Florida Gators. Dan Mullen has to beat Georgia to win the East, and that monkey on his back will only get bigger if he can’t do it this year. The Gators have proven talent at the skill positions and a salty defense. The schedule sets up well too, so that game in Jacksonville should be the de facto SEC East Championship.

Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina would all like to have something to say about that, but despite a recruiting boom and a strong finish (against weak competition) to last season, Tennessee isn’t ready to challenge yet. To me, Will Muschamp is the Charlie Brown of college football. He is likeable, able and willing, but Lucy always seems to swipe the ball away from him at the last minute before he can achieve pride and glory. What Mark Stoops has achieved at Kentucky is amazing, and I could certainly see the Cats ruining a season or two, but unless Terry Wilson returns from a torn ACL and goes Johnny Football in 2020, a run at the Eastern title isn’t likely.

So the favorites are clear, but the challengers are strong enough to shake things up if things go their way.

Aren’t you ready for some football?

I know I am.

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RELEASE EAST THE

SECEAST 2019 RESULTS: 11-2 2020 PROJECTION: 11-1

FLORIDA GATORS 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Eastern Washington

9.12

Kentucky

9.19

South Alabama

9.26

@ Tennessee

10.3

South Carolina

10.10

LSU

10.17

@ Ole Miss

10.31

Georgia (Jacksonville, FL)

11.7

@Vanderbilt

11.14

Missouri

11.21

New Mexico State

11.28

@ Florida State

KYLE PITTS 32

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With 21 wins in his first two seasons with the Gators, Dan Mullen has already proven to be the right man for the job in Gainesville. Gator fans have enjoyed watching a team that can once again find the end zone with regularity, and Mullen’s quarterback coaching prowess has only been confirmed through his work with Felipe Franks in year one and then Kyle Trask in year two.

The aforementioned Trask is the ultimate underdog success story. Before being thrust into action and leading a comeback win on the road at Kentucky, he hadn’t seen playing time when things really mattered since middle school. The career backup went on to start the rest of the season, posting an 8-2 record in those 10 games while throwing for 2,941 yards and 25 touchdowns to only seven interceptions.

His backup isn’t too shabby either, as Emory Jones has seen action and looked impressive frequently over the past two seasons. Between the two, the quarterback position is in good standing.

That stability continues with the rest of the position groups on the offensive side of the ball. Even with four receivers getting drafted, the Gators return a ton of proven talent in guys like Trevon Grimes, Kadarius Toney, Jacob Copeland and Kyle Pitts. Pitts is a versatile tight end who is projected as the first at his position to be selected in next year’s draft. He hauled in 54 receptions with five touchdowns last year, so the targets for whoever is under center are skilled and plentiful.

The loss of Lamical Perine leaves some big shoes to fill at running back, as the underrated now New York Jet was a true all-purpose player in the backfield.

Dameon Pierce and Malik Davis will split snaps with former 5-star recruit Lorenzo Lingard, who transferred from Miami and was granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA. It may take all three to fill Perine’s shoes, but Mullen seems to find a way to utilize the skill sets he has on his roster.

For the first time in ages, the Gators have depth and experience up front. With three starters returning, they have the ability to cycle in linemen up to threedeep at most positions, giving offensive line coach John Hevesy the flexibility he has wanted since he arrived on campus.

The Gators should have their typically stingy defense, and since they take enough pride in their secondary to dub themselves DBU, we will start with the players on the back end.

Marco Wilson and Kaiir Elam are as good as any cornerback tandem you will find in the country,

and safeties Brad Stewart Jr., Donovan Stiner and Shawn Davis are all game-tested and interchangeable.

Throw in Trey Dean at the nickel and the argument for their nickname is certainly warranted.

At linebacker, replacing the rock that was David Reese will be tough, but the talent is on campus in guys like Ventrell Miller, James Houston IV and Jeramiah Moon. True freshman Derek Wingo could also contribute if he lives up to his recruiting hype.

The lone question mark is really on the defensive line, where starting experience is lacking but talent is abundant. Former Georgia Bulldog Brenton Cox and rising star Zachary Carter will look to pressure the quarterback, while Kyree Campbell and Tedarrell Slaton hold down the middle of the line. This unit shouldn’t be a weakness, but it’s on them to prove if they can be a strength for this team.

Junior placekicker Evan McPherson, who has converted almost 90 percent of his field goal attempts in his two seasons as a Gator, anchors special teams.

The Gators might drop a game they shouldn’t, but this season is “beat Georgia or bust” for Dan Mullen.

The schedule sets up nicely for a run at Atlanta and possibly the College Football Playoff, but that will not happen if they don’t leave Jacksonville with a win on October 31.

2019 RESULTS: 12-2 2020 PROJECTION: 10-2

GEORGIA BULLDOGS 2020 SCHEDULE 9.7

Virginia (Atlanta, GA)

9.12

ETSU

9.19

@ Alabama

9.26

UL-Monroe

10.3

Vanderbilt

10.10

Auburn

10.17

@ Missouri

10.24

Open Date

10.31

Florida (Jacksonville, FL)

11.7

@ South Carolina

11.14

Tennessee

11.21

@ Kentucky

11.28

Georgia Tech

RICHARD LECOUNTE

The beasts of the east remain the favorites in their division until someone takes them down , in my opinion, and the top-flight defense they will field this season gives them every opportunity to return to Atlanta for a fourth straight year.

That defense will be needed while a slew of new faces get things figured out on offense. Gone are Jake Fromm and Deandre Swift, along with four starters on the offensive line. Smart has recruited well, but that talent is unproven entering the season. The lack of spring practice hurts the Bulldogs more than most for that very reason. Pair that with a new offensive coordinator in Todd Monken, whose air raid roots are a far cry from the offensive scheme in Athens for, you know, forever, and it will be interesting to watch how well they execute on that side of the ball, especially early in the season.

Wake Forest transfer Jamie Newman is the expected starter at quarterback, and the RPO-laced offense Monken likes to implement is something he learned a lot about in his three years at Wake. He is surrounded by talent in the back field with Zamir White and James Cook, just to name a few of Kirby’s 5-star running backs on the roster. The receiver position is in good shape with budding superstar George Pickens and speedster Demetris Robertson.

The depth at wideout is questionable, but again, Smart has recruited so well that we may learn a few names we weren’t familiar with that end up hauling in passes in what promises to be an offense that spreads the ball all over the field.

On defense, the Dawgs are once again stacked. They have to replace a lot up front, but have a rather large anchor to build around in the 6-foot-6, 330-pound Jordan Davis at nose tackle.

The linebacking corps may be the best in the country, while the secondary, led by preseason All-American Richard LeCounte, is nothing to sneeze at either.

Incoming freshman sensation Kelee Ringo is the kind of talent that can start immediately out of high school at corner, but he could end up getting redshirted because the Dawgs are so loaded at that position.

On special teams, the man who made glasses cool,

Rodrigo Blankenship, is gone at placekicker, but they seem to grow kickers in Athens, so I expect freshman Jared Zirkel to fit the status quo at that position.

Bottom line is that points won’t come easy against these Dawgs. The question is, can they score enough on offense to take advantage of that?

The way I see it, there are only three games on the schedule Georgia has any business losing, and one of those comes on the road in week three against the team every Dawg fan wants to beat more than any other, Alabama.

That’s a tough draw, but even if they lose that game, and I’m predicting they will, don’t be shocked if they get a rematch in December. By then, maybe the offense will be ready; game three is just too much of a stretch for me. If the Dawgs do win in Tuscaloosa, they may erect a statue of Kirby the following Monday.

2019 RESULTS: 8-5 2020 PROJECTION: 8-4

KENTUCKY WILDCATS 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Eastern Michigan

9.12

@ Florida

9.19

Kent State

9.26

South Carolina

10.3

@ Auburn

10.10

Eastern Illinois

10.17

Vanderbilt

10.24

@ Missouri

10.31

Open Date

11.7

@ Tennessee

11.14

Mississippi State

11.21

Georgia

11.28

@ Louisville

BOOGIE WATSON

Mark Stoops is now in his eighth year at Kentucky and his record stands at 44-44 during his tenure. The Cats notched 18 wins in the last two seasons, and last year’s 8-5 campaign was all the more impressive considering Terry Wilson’s season-ending injury in week two. The season ended up being saved by moving wide-receiver Lynn Bowden Jr. to the quarterback position where, even though he was one-dimensional, he was too good to be shut down running the Wildcat offense.

Bowden is gone, but if Wilson can return to form, there is hope for another strong season in Lexington.

The Wildcats return four starters on the line, anchored by center Drake Jackson, and the bruising one-two punch of Asim Rose and Kavosiey Smoke at running back. Isaiah Epps and Josh Ali are both serviceable receivers who can exceed those expectations if Wilson finds his late 2018 form again or the flashes of promise he showed in his limited time at the helm last season.

Defensively, the Cats have a reputation for being tough under Stoops and return plenty of talent. They struggled against the run at times last season, though, and will have to improve in that area if they want to make a Cinderella run at the Eastern division title.

They have an excellent punter in Max Duffy, who won the Ray Guy award last year, and a proven placekicker in senior Matt Ruffolo.

While a .500 record at most SEC schools would get you run out of town, Kentucky has given Stoops the time to build a program that has every opportunity to win 8-9 games on an annual basis, which is a heck of an achievement in a town constantly waiting for basketball season.

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It’s hard to believe that Will Muschamp is entering his fifth year as the head coach at South Carolina, but that is

NICK BOLTON

2019 RESULTS: 6-6 2020 PROJECTION: 5-7

MISSOURI TIGERS 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Central Arkansas

9.12

Vanderbilt

9.19

@ South Carolina

9.26

Eastern Michigan

10.3

@ Tennessee

10.10

@ BYU

10.17

Georgia

10.24

Kentucky

11.7

@ Mississippi State

11.14

@ Florida

11.21

UL-Lafayette

11.28

Arkansas (Kansas City, MO)

When Gary Pinkel hung up his clipboard in 2015, he left the Missouri program in solid shape, and his right-hand man Barry Odom took the reins with plans to keep the momentum going. After a 1-5 finish to the season in 2019, his four-year stint came to an end, with the pinnacle of his tenure being an 8-5 season in 2018.

The Tiger faithful will now hope that new coach Eli Drinkwitz, who is fresh off his rookie head-coaching campaign at Appalachian State, is the answer to their problems. Drinkwitz led the Mountaineers to a 12-1 record in his lone season at the helm in Boone, so it’s a big if as to whether or not the offensive-minded coach can cut it in the SEC. Aside from the level of competition, Drinkwitz has his work cut out for him on the offensive side of the ball. The quarterback position vacated

by Kelly Bryant looks to be Texas Christian University transfer Shawn Robinson’s to lose, but Taylor Powell does have experience and won’t just hand the job over. Who either of them will throw the ball to is the bigger question.

The Tigers must replace their top two receivers from 2019, along with tight end Albert 34

V3 MAGAZINE AUGUST 2020 | READV3.COM

Okwuegbunam, who was one of the best tight ends in the country last season. Virginia Tech transfer Damon Hazelton is one of the hopeful prospects to fill that void, while Barrett Banister has the potential to be dangerous in the slot.

While those connections are being established, look for the Tigers to lean hard on running backs Larry Roundtree III and Tyler Badie, who will run behind an offensive line that has been retooled but has experience.

One thing that has been consistent in Columbia since they moved to the SEC is their stingy defense. The Tigers lost a little of their fury when it came to sacking the quarterback last season, finishing with only 19 sacks last season, but they still finished 14th in the nation in yards allowed.

With seven starters returning, they should be solid once again, but if the offense can’t sustain drives, talents like Nick Bolton at linebacker and Tyree Gillespie at safety won’t be enough to stop opposing offenses.

The story to follow in Columbia is, without a doubt, Eli Drinkwitz. Can a calculated risk pay off? Time will tell.

2019 RESULTS: 4-8 2020 PROJECTION: 6-6

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

indeed the case. Coming off a 4-8 campaign in which the Gamecocks went 1-5 to finish, Muschamp’s seat could get hot quickly if they stumble out of the gate.

The beginning of the Gamecocks' season should start 3-0, but things get real from that point on, with only games against Vanderbilt and Wofford looking like easy wins.

Ryan Hilinski showed flashes of promise last year but has a new offensive coordinator to work with in Mike Bobo. Bobo arrives in Columbia fresh off a turbulent tenure at Colorado State, but he is no stranger to the SEC, as most Georgia fans know thanks to his long run as OC in Athens under Mark Richt.

Bobo’s attack will depend on development at the receiver position, where experience exists, but explosiveness must be discovered. Shi Smith is a solid number-one option, but the offense will need a playmaker to emerge. Junior Josh Vann could be that guy, but he has yet to prove himself reliable in his first two seasons.

It looks like a running-back-by-committee situation will be the case in 2020, but if I had to pick a leader for that group it would be sophomore Kevin Harris.

He and his counterparts will run behind a solid offensive line that returns four starters and welcomes the highly-touted juco transfer Jazston Turnentine at tackle as well.

While Muschamp made his name on defense, the Gamecocks have struggled on that side of the ball at times. Six of their opponents in 2019 put up 30 or more points, in fact, which can’t sit well with Coach Boom.

Ernest Jones and Sherrod Greene are absolute monsters at linebacker and the secondary should be solid as well, but the defensive line is still young and that talent needs to start yielding results if the Gamecocks want to make any noise in the East.

2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Coastal Carolina

9.12

East Carolina

9.19

Missouri

9.26

@ Kentucky

10.3

@ Florida

10.10

Tennessee

10.17

Open Date

10.24

Texas A&M

10.31

@ Vanderbilt

11.7

Georgia

11.14

@ LSU

11.21

Wofford

11.28

@ Clemson

RYAN HILINSKI

JARRETT GUARANTANO

2019 RESULTS: 8-5 2020 PROJECTION: 7-5

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Charlotte

9.12

@ Oklahoma

9.19

Furman

9.26

Florida

10.3

Missouri

10.10

@ South Carolina

10.24

Alabama

10.31

@ Arkansas

11.7

Kentucky

11.14

@ Georgia

11.21

Troy

11.28

@ Vanderbilt

Thanks to a six-game winning streak and a hot streak on the recruiting trail, Volunteers head coach Jeremy Pruitt certainly deserves some credit for creating some positive momentum in Knoxville. The Vols started the season 2-5 with an embarrassing season opening loss to Georgia State, but they later rallied to become bowl eligible, which speaks to Pruitt’s ability as a leader.

While getting that kind of buy-in is impressive, whether or not the hype train is warranted remains in question. Of those final six wins, only two of those teams finished with winning records, and the Vols have had a front-loaded schedule since the SEC split into divisions in the early 90s.

That won’t be the case this season, as the annual game with Georgia has been pushed to mid-November, but overall the schedule is manageable for another successful season that could keep things moving forward in Knoxville.

The much-maligned Jarrett Guarantano returns at quarterback, but thanks to his ups-and-downs, backup Brian Maurer has plenty of game experience if needed. Ty Chandler and Tim Jordan make up an all-senior backfield that will get plenty of help up front, where the Vols return all five starters from 2019. That unit is led by the mammoth Trey Smith, who has struggled with blood clot issues that have kept him off the field throughout his career. If those issues are behind him, he will continue to be a force for UT and whichever NFL team is fortunate enough to draft him next spring.

The receiver room, like those of so many other teams in the East, is depending on unproven talent to emerge. Ramel Keyton and Brandon Johnson are the leading candidates to fill that void and will need to do so if the Vols want to avoid being one dimensional on offense.

Aubrey Solomon is just one of the many talented returning starters on a defense that has that luxury at every position. Tennessee wasn’t elite on defense, and the losses of safety Nigel Warrior and Daniel Bituli will be felt, but the experience across the board could make it a better unit overall in 2020.

Tennessee may have the best tandem of kickers in the league with Brent Cimaglia and Paxton Brooks coming off strong seasons, and Ty Chandler offers an explosive return option to round out their special teams unit.

The Vols’ season will hinge on knocking off one of the big four on their schedule (Oklahoma, Florida, Alabama & Georgia) and running the table against similarly equipped teams on the schedule (South Carolina & Kentucky). Either way, 8-4 and third in the East looks like their ceiling.

2019 RESULTS: 3-9 2020 PROJECTION: 3-9

VANDERBILT COMMODORES

Derek Mason is a likeable guy and really good coach with an acumen for defensive strategy. When he took over for Jeff Franklin, the Vanderbilt program was enjoying unprecedented success. While he couldn’t sustain the nine-win status that Franklin enjoyed in his final two seasons, he did reach bowl games in two of his first five seasons.

Then came last year’s 3-9 season, which is in line with what long-time SEC fans are accustomed to from the Commodores.

Mason’s teams are known for being stingy on defense.

With 10 starters returning, that unit will certainly be the strength of the team in 2020, but they are coming off a year in which they gave up over 400 yards and 30 points per game. This means that players like linebacker Dimitri Moore, safety Tae Daley and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo will be hungry to live up to Mason’s standard this season.

Todd Finch is taking over the play calling for the Dores and has an intriguing prospect to work with at quarterback in the 6-foot-3, 205-pound freshman Ken Seals. Unfortunately, he will be breaking him in with a retooled offensive line and a lack of playmakers at receiver, making this a baptism under fire for sure.

Much like his predecessors Ralph Webb and Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Kenyon Brooks is yet another solid running back on an undermanned team. Vandy will lean hard on his ability, but if the line doesn’t give him room to run, his production won’t be enough to put the needed points on the board.

Mason will have his team ready to the best of their ability, but the losses on offense shape up for a lot of three and outs, which will wear on even the most elite defenses in the country. If I had to guess, some lucky SEC team will be getting a great defensive coordinator for the 2021 season after things go south in Nashville this season.

DAYO ODEYINGBO

2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Mercer

9.12

@ Missouri

9.19

@ Kansas State

9.26

Colorado State

10.3

@ Georgia

10.10

Ole Miss

10.17

@ Kentucky

10.31

South Carolina

11.7

Florida

11.14

@ Texas A&M

11.21

Louisiana Tech

11.28

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WEST SIDE BOYS SECWEST 2019 RESULTS: 11-2 2020 PROJECTION: 11-1

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Southern Cal (Arlington, TX)

9.12

Georgia State

9.19

Georgia

9.26

Kent State

10.3

@ Ole Miss

10.10

@ Arkansas

10.17

Mississippi State

10.24

@ Tennessee

11.7

@ LSU

11.14

UT-Martin

11.21

Texas A&M

11.28

Auburn

Most college football teams and their fans would celebrate an 11-2 season complete with a big bowl win. But, most college football teams aren’t Alabama or coached

by Nick Saban. Losses to LSU and arch-rival Auburn left the Crimson Tide on the outside looking in for the college football playoffs in 2019, but as usual Alabama has a stockpile of talent ready to take aim at returning to the playoffs.

Alabama’s offense dazzled in 2019, and quarterback Mac Jones stepped up when Tua Tagovailoa went out with a hip injury. Jones returns and has plenty of talent around him with four of five offensive line starters returning and two great wide outs, DeVonta Smith (team-high 1,256 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns last year) and Jaylen Waddle. Smith led the Tide with 1,256 receiving yards and Waddle showed the ability to reach the end zone almost any time he touched the ball. Throw in Najee Harris, the 230-pound 38

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steamroller at running back, and Alabama’s offense shouldn’t miss a beat. And if Jones fails to dazzle, all-world recruit Bryce Young is waiting in the wings. Young is a five-star recruit who was a dual-threat player in high school and will most likely see playing time for the Tide.

Injuries took a toll on the Tide’s defense in 2019.

A few of those injured players should return in 2020, helping bolster the Tide’s defense, which showed issues stopping the run at times in 2019.

Defensive linemen LaBryan Ray, who missed the final 10 games after suffering an earlyseason foot injury vs. South Carolina last year, and nose tackle DJ Dale (missed last three games with a lower-body injury) should help tremendously. Dylan Moses returns after a year hiatus due to injury, giving the Tide a solid linebacking corps. However, the secondary took some hits from the NFL Draft and will have to do some rebuilding.

The schedule plays into the Tide’s favor. If they can survive the Sept. 19 home game against a good Georgia squad, Alabama should cruise until they hit the road to face defending national and SEC champion LSU on Nov. 7.

The Tide closes the season with home games against Texas A&M and Auburn, meaning they will face the toughest SEC West teams in a four-week period.

MAC JONES

2019 RESULTS: 9-4 2020 PROJECTION: 8-4

AUBURN TIGERS 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Alcorn State

9.12

North Carolina (Atlanta, GA)

9.19

@ Ole Miss

9.26

Southern Miss

10.3

Kentucky

10.10

@ Georgia

10.17

Texas A&M

10.31

@ Mississippi State

11.7

Arkansas

11.14

UMass

11.21

LSU

11.28

@ Alabama

In typical fashion, no one quite knows what to think about the Auburn Tigers.

The squad continues to show promise and win some big games, only to fail to remain consistent.

Head Coach Gus Malzahn has handed the offensive reins over again this time to long-time friend Chad Morris, and Kevin Steele continues to put solid defenses on the field.

Sophomore quarterback Bo Nix returns after a solid freshmen campaign where he grew up fast.

He has an abundance of wide receivers to throw to, as well as a few highly rated tight ends.

The tailback situation is more intriguing, as last year’s leading rusher Boobie Whitlow entered the transfer portal, but several backs, including D.J. Williams and newcomer Roc Thomas, should fill the void. Auburn’s offensive line has been troublesome the past couple of years. With only one returning starter, the Tigers must fill the

Not many people saw the freight train known as the 2019 LSU Tigers coming before the season began. A year later,

BO NIX

void with juco transfers and other players who need to step up.

The defense proved quite good in 2019, keeping the team in several games, including LSU, Florida and Georgia, where, if the Tigers’ offense could have just hit one more big play, it would have been a win. The line must replace Derek Brown and Montravius Adams, but Steele uses a deep rotation, so there is talent there. Linebacker will be a big strength this season, and although the secondary lost some talent, the youngsters waiting to step up have received high praise.

Auburn’s schedule looks quirky in 2020, with their rivalry game with Georgia moved from late November to early October and followed by a home game against Texas A&M. The Tigers finish the season with LSU at home before facing Alabama on the road in the Iron Bowl.

As usual, Auburn will probably not be favored in any of those games and will need at least three wins in the bunch to win the SEC West without stumbling in any other conference games.

2019 RESULTS: 15-0 2020 PROJECTION: 10-2

LSU TIGERS 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

UT-San Antonio

9.12

Texas

9.19

Rice (Houston, TX)

9.26

Ole Miss

10.3

Nicholls State

10.10

@ Florida

10.17

@ Arkansas

10.24

Mississippi State

11.7

Alabama

11.14

South Carolina

11.21

@ Auburn

11.28

Texas A&M

after an epic 15-0 campaign, most people wonder what LSU can possibly do as an encore.

A couple of key coaches and numerous key players are gone, but in typical LSU fashion the Tigers have a bevy of talent waiting to step up and try to prove Ed Orgeron’s crew is more than just a one-year wonder.

All-world quarterback Joe Burrow is gone, as is offensive coach Joe Brady, who put together most of LSU’s potent attack last year. Junior Myles Brennan is the most likely Burrow replacement, and Orgeron sings his praises. Brennan does have the good fortune to get to throw to Biletnikoff Award-winning wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (84 catches, 1,780 yards, 20 TDs) and Terrace Marshall Jr. If tailback Chris Curry can step into Clyde Edwards-Helair’s shoes, it will help. However, the Tigers have to replace four of five offensive linemen, meaning things won’t be easy for any of the offensive skill positions.

Bo Pelini returns to LSU as defensive coordinator and inherits some top-notch talent, although LSU did lose several key 2019 players to the draft.

Linebacker could be interesting for the Tigers, who lost a couple of key cogs but picked up graduate transfer Jabril Cox, an all-American from North Dakota State, who wants to prove his incredible talent works just as well in the SEC as it did for the FBS Bison.

LSU’s defensive backs should be stellar again, with Derek Stingley Jr. and JaCoby Stevens leading the way.

The Bayou Bengals face an interesting slate of games in 2020. LSU has a good shot at being undefeated when they face Florida in Gainesville on Oct. 10.

Although LSU draws Alabama at home, they also close the season with road games at SEC West rivals Auburn and Texas A&M. Odds are LSU won’t be able to replicate the 2019 season, but then again, this time last year no one thought that Orgeron’s bunch was about to take the college football world by storm.

2019 RESULTS: 4-8 2020 PROJECTION: 5-7

OLE MISS REBELS 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Baylor (Houston, TX)

9.12

SE Missouri ST.

9.19

Auburn

9.26

@ LSU

10.3

Alabama

10.10

@ Vanderbilt

10.17

Florida

10.24

Middle Tennessee State

11.7

@ Texas A&M

11.14

@ Arkansas

11.21

Georgia Southern

11.26

Mississippi State

For the past several years, Lane Kiffin has been something of a lightning rod for controversy. He’s made head-coaching stops at Tennessee, USC and the NFL, along with time spent as offensive coordinator at Alabama. Now the former FAU coach takes over the helm at Ole Miss, and the school hopes the coach can get them back on the winning track.

JOHN RHYS PLUMLEE

CHASE JA'MARR

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The Ole Miss rushing offense ranked as one of the top in the country in 2019, but it wasn’t enough to help Ole Miss do better than 4-8 in the season.

Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee returns, as does tailback Jerrion Ealy and three or four offensive linemen with significant starts. A young wide receiver corps remains for Plumlee, but the signal caller will have to up his passing game quite a bit to help give the Rebels a more balanced attack on offense.

While the Rebels’ offense has plenty of power and returning starters, the defense doesn’t fare as well. The defensive line is thin, as is the secondary.

The Rebels do have some solid linebackers, and depending on the scheme Kiffin and company choose, that could help them.

As with almost every team, not having spring practice hurt the Rebels, who could have used the time to figure out their defensive spots and install a more balanced offense.

Kiffin brought in several talented coaches to fill out his staff. While he tends to bring controversy to every team he coaches, he also has a penchant for recruiting and for winning, as well as for not being able to keep his mouth shut.

Ole Miss’ SEC schedule is brutal as the Rebels face Auburn, Alabama, LSU and Florida in their first five games. They also draw Vanderbilt in this grouping. If the Rebels can survive those games and sneak a win or two in somewhere, Kiffin’s first season will be a success.

Love him or hate him, Ole Miss has hooked their wagon to Kiffin, so only time will tell if the decision was wise.

2019 RESULTS: 6-7 2020 PROJECTION: 4-8

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

New Mexico

9.12

@ North Carolina State

9.19

Arkansas

9.26

Tulane

10.3

Texas A&M

10.17

@ Alabama

10.24

@ LSU

10.31

Auburn

11.7

Missouri

11.14

@ Kentucky

11.21

Alabama A&M

11.26

@ Ole Miss

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MIKE LEACH

Arch-rival Ole Miss made a big splash by hiring Lane Kiffin as their new coach, so Mississippi State went out and hired Mike Leach to be their new head coach, giving both schools and the state of Mississippi plenty of national headlines.

Leach is an oddball at times and has some truly interesting press conferences, but he is also an offensive wizard. Without a doubt, the Bulldogs will be airing the ball out often during the season, and transfer quarterback K.J. Costello from Stanford could put up some big numbers.

Kylin Hill returns at tailback after leading the SEC in rushing in 2019, giving the Bulldogs a big weapon on the ground, although Mississippi State will have to replace a couple of offensive linemen. While the new offense might not be record breaking in 2020, it will be much improved and probably drive many SEC defensive coordinators to a few sleepless nights during the season.

New defensive coordinator Zach Arnett brings his 3-3-5 scheme to the Bulldogs from San Diego State, where it proved quite effective. The Bulldogs also have a lot of talent on the line and at linebacker, especially in senior linebacker Erroll Thompson, who led the team in tackles in 2019. The defensive backs are young and will need to improve after allowing almost 250 passing yards per game in 2019.

October looms large for the Bulldogs as they face the heart of the SEC West, with games at home against Texas A&M and Auburn bookending the month and road trips to play Alabama and LSU occupying the middle. If the Bulldogs can grab a win or two in October, they will be looking good, but it’s not unlikely that they could go 0-4 in the month.

Ultimately, the big question will be how Leach’s offense fares against high-caliber SEC defenses.

If he can continue to work his offensive magic, the Bulldogs could be back to being relevant in the SEC West.

2019 RESULTS: 8-5 2020 PROJECTION: 9-3

TEXAS A&M 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Abilene Christian

9.12

North Texas

9.19

Colorado

9.26

Arkansas (Arlington, TX)

10.3

@ Mississippi State

10.10

Fresno State

10.17

@ Auburn

10.24

@ South Carolina

11.7

Ole Miss

11.14

Vanderbilt

11.21

@ Alabama

11.28

LSU

JHAMON AUSBON

Close but not quite seems to be Texas A&M’s football mantra since joining the SEC. The Aggies have had good teams and borderline great teams, but they haven’t been able to escape the shadows of SEC West rivals Alabama, LSU or even Auburn.

Returning quarterback Kellen Mound compiled 3,398 total yards in 2019, but it wasn’t enough to win some key games. Sophomore tailback Isiah Spiller, who just missed rushing for 1,000 yards in 2019, returns as well. And while the Aggies have several offensive linemen back, the squad has had major problems allowing sacks in the past few years. If Mound can get better protection and some wideouts step up to offer big play capability, the Aggies’ offense could be quite good.

The defense lost a couple of players, but transfers and returners should keep the Aggies’ defense stalwart this season. The defensive secondary remains young and needs to improve on defending the pass, but if it can improve and the Aggies manage to manufacture a better pass rush, they will be stout.

The Aggies do have a much easier early schedule than most other teams. They travel to play Auburn in mid-October, but the final two games of the year are brutal: they play at Alabama on Nov. 21 before finishing the season with a home game against LSU. The Aggies will need a win against at least one of those squads and a win against Auburn to better themselves in the conference.

A&M faced a much more brutal schedule last year, and it showed. If the Aggies can take care of Auburn in October, they could be undefeated when they face Alabama.

When the Aggies hired Jimbo Fisher for big bucks, many wondered if Fisher could work the same magic at College Station that he worked for Florida State. So far, the Aggies have been good but not great, and if big wins don’t start coming against big-time opponents, the natives will grow restless.

SAM PITTMAN

2019 RESULTS: 2-10 2020 PROJECTION: 3-9

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS 2020 SCHEDULE 9.5

Kent State

9.12

@ Notre Dame

9.19

@ Mississippi State

9.26

Texas A&M (Arlington, TX)

10.3

Charleston Southern

10.10

Alabama

10.17

LSU

10.24

Open Date

10.31

Tennessee

11.7

@ Auburn

11.14

Ole Miss

11.21

UL-Monroe

11.28

@ Missouri (Kansas City, MO)

The bad news is that Arkansas is coming off back-to-back 10-loss seasons and has a 19-game conference losing streak. The good news is that new coach Sam Pittman has replaced former coach Chad Morris and is hoping to get the Razorbacks back on competitive footing.

The Razorbacks’ offense returns some talent in 2020, but will have to improve from what they showed on the field in 2019. Rakeem Boyd returns at tailback after a 1,000-yard season in 2019. Arkansas also returns several offensive linemen with starting experience. Quarterback is up in the air with several possibilities, but the most intriguing is graduate transfer Feleipe Franks from Florida, who is likely to earn the starting nod. If the line play can improve and Franks can hook up with his young receivers, it should give Boyd a boost, making Arkansas’ offense potent.

The defense has nowhere to go but up after ranking 110th in total defense and 122nd in rushing defense.

Arkansas does return some line and linebacking talent, but the Razorbacks will need to greatly improve all across the defense.

The schedule doesn’t give Arkansas any favors, facing the usual SEC West gambit, including backto-back games against LSU and Alabama. Although both games are at home, the Razorbacks will be hard pressed to win either.

The biggest question might be how Pittman will handle the situation. He was the far less sexy hire after Ole Miss and Mississippi State managed to grab high caliber, nationally known coaches. A few years ago when Arkansas hired coach Bret Bielema, he joked about how he would handle the SEC West. Neither he nor Morris were able to, and now it falls on Pittman to try to right the ship.

PROJECTED FINAL STANDINGS IN THE EAST IAN'S 1 FL

JIM'S 1 GA

2

GA

2

FL

3

TN

3

TN

4

KY

4

KY

5

SC

5

SC

6

MS

6

MS

7

VB

7

VB

PROJECTED FINAL STANDINGS IN THE WEST IAN'S 1 AL 2

TXA&M

1

JIM'S AL

2

LSU

3

AU

3

TXA&M

4

LSU

4

AU

5

OLE MISS

5

OLE MISS

6

MISS STATE

6

MISS STATE

7

AK

7

AK

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP IAN'S & JIM'S PREDICTION

ALABAMA VS. FLORIDA WINNER: ALABAMA

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ADVOCATES’ 2020 BACK TO SCHOOL CAMPAIGN IN FULL SWING As the 2020-2021 school year quickly approaches, Advocates for Children’s staff members are seeking donations to equip shelter residents for a new season of learning.

“As students prepare for the start of a new school year, the impact of poverty on a child’s educational outcome can be devastating, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis,” stated Advocates’ Facebook page. “In light of this, Advocates for Children is launching the 2020 Back to School Appeal to help disadvantaged children in our communities. Go to advochild.org/back2school or text Bck2school to 41444 to support children during this challenging time.

“Mechanical pencils, notepads, Wite-Out and pens are always needed,” said Dawn Landrum, Flowering Branch Children Shelter’s manager. “Gift cards to clothing stores — Target, Kohl’s, Academy Sports — are always needed to purchase clothing and shoes for our kids, and gift cards to Walmart/Publix/Kroger are always needed for “Every dollar counts as you can help provide a child food and supplies. with daily necessities and school supplies, such as “It’s important to provide for our kids so that they have book bags, clothes, transportation to and from school, their best chance for success. When kids have all the extracurricular activities and sports equipment. As necessary supplies along with love and support, they feel we all know, donating at the start of a term is a great contribution to any child, but a donation to Advocates more confident and therefore perform better.” not only helps with daily necessities but also contributes Those interested, can drop off gift cards at the children’s to their educational goals for a better future.” shelter, 49 Monroe Crossing S.E. in Cartersville, or mail Established in the 1980s, Advocates for Children them to P.O. Box 446, Cartersville, GA 30120. assisted 6,723 area youth and 2,118 adults in 2019. Along “Unfortunately, many of our youth that get placed at with Flowering Branch Children’s Shelter, the nonprofit FBCS previously didn’t have many opportunities to go provides numerous programs that aid in the awareness, shopping for their own school clothing and/or school prevention and treatment of child abuse. supplies,” Landrum said. “They would often wear handme downs and/or donated items. Some of our youth also “The Flowering Branch Children’s Shelter opened in the experienced school semesters without the necessary ’80s for homeless youth in Cartersville,” Landrum said. “It school supplies to succeed or perform their best, such as has grown to be known as one of the programs within Advocates for Children. It provides a loving home for up scientific calculator, large binders, backpacks, etc. to 12 youth ages 7-21, but typically has teenagers.”

“Our residents would have the opportunity to handpick their own items with these donated gift cards. Our youth At this time, Flowering Branch is serving six youth, ages would be able to pick out their own creative outfits that 16 and 17. display each youth’s personal style. When our kids feel “For kids in foster care, a sense of belonging may start like they look their best, they perform their best. Having with belongings,” Landrum said. “The anguish of being all of the necessary supplies for school also enhances uprooted and entering a strange ‘home’ and having their academic performance.” been treated as if you and your belongings are trash is Underscoring the nonprofit’s appreciation for the something no child should have to experience. public’s ongoing assistance, Advocates for Children Development Director Nathan Kongthum said, “We are so blessed and grateful to have the support from the Bartow community.”

“Some communities may see these kids as forgotten, invisible or even bad, but really they are your kids, my kids, they are our kids. They do not belong to the system, they belong to us, to you, and they deserve the dignity To further assist “disadvantaged” youth, Advocates is of being afforded the opportunity to shop for their own belongings.” generating funds through its Back to School campaign.

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NEEDED ITEMS SCHOOL SUPPLIES MECHANICAL PENCILS NOTEPADS WITE-OUT PENS GIFT CARDS TARGET KOHL’S ACADEMY SPORTS WALMART PUBLIX KROGER

TO DONATE DROP OFF GIFT CARDS 49 MONROE CROSSING S.E. CARTERSVILLE MAIL GIFT CARDS P.O. BOX 446, CARTERSVILLE, GA 30120 VISIT ADVOCHILD.ORG/ BACK2SCHOOL TEXT BCK2SCHOOL TO 41444

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43

SAFECLOSECARE

Now more than ever, it’s important for families to get the medical services they need to stay healthy - and to get them close to home. At Wellstar, we take extra precautions to keep you and your family safe from infections so you can get the care you need. From Cartersville to Acworth, our primary care, diagnostic services, specialized medicine and same-day surgeries provide the convenient expert care you can count on.

We are here for Northwest Georgia, and we are ready to care for you.

WELLSTAR ACWORTH HEALTH PARK

Primary Care | Pediatrics | Women’s Health | Outpatient Surgery Center 4550 Cobb Parkway | Acworth

(470) 956-0050

WELLSTAR PRIMARY CARE LOCATIONS 2487 Cedarcrest Road | Acworth

4465 Lemon Street | Acworth

4900 Ivey Road | Acworth

4791 South Main Street | Acworth

3501 Baker Road | Acworth

4450 Calibre Crossing | Acworth

(678) 224-5730 (770) 975-9077

More than healthcare.

PEOPLECARE

44

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(470) 267-0620

(770) 529-7478

(404) 251-1600

(770) 974-6550

75 Douthit Ferry Road | Cartersville

(470) 267-0650

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45

PRIVATE DINING

CATERED EVENTS

CREATING THE MENU OF YOUR DREAMS IS WHAT WE DO. WE TAKE YOUR VISION AND MAKE IT A REALITY. 413 broad street, rome, ga 30161 lascalaromega.com 706.238.9000 706.238.9011 46

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The Dish

stro

MEDITERRANEAN

bistro

www.getjamwiched.com

www.lascalaromega.com 413 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161

706-238-9000

Hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 10pm 400 Block Bar & Lounge: 4pm-1:30am Live music each weekend.

La Scala offers both first-rate service and terrific Italian Cuisine in an upscale casual atmosphere.

50% off cafe menu from 4-6 p.m.

www.schroedersnewdeli.com 406 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161

706-234-4613

Hours: Mon-Thur: 11am-9pm Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm Sun: 11:30am-3pm

Schroeder’s menu includes sandwiches, calzones, soups, salads, potato skins, nachos, wings, and more. And don’t forget our pizza! It’s the best in town... and for a sweet treat, try our Cheesecake Calzone! (Draft and Bottled Beers & Wine also offered) Famous for: Their Roast Beef Relief!

www.hardees.com

1204 Turner McCall Blvd • Rome, GA 30161 2300 Shorter Ave • Rome, GA 30165 3110 Cedartown Hwy • Rome, GA 30161 104 S Tennessee St • Cartersville, GA 30120

We’re known as the place to go for juicy, delicious charbroiled burgers & made from scratch biscuits. Because if you’re gonna eat, you should Eat Like You Mean It!

www.fuddruckers.com/rome 706-233-9960

Hours: Monday: 11am-3pm Tues-Sat: 8am-3pm

706-314-9544

Jamwich - Serving distinctive sandwiches, salads, and soups. Sandwiches built with the finest ingredients: Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, Zelma’s Blue Ribbon Jams and Jellies, fresh sourdough bread, premium Boars Head thick cut bacon and farm-to-table produce.

www.moesoriginalbbq.com/rome 101 West 1st Street Rome, GA 30161

Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm Fri- Sat: 11am - 2am

706-622-2977

Moe’s Original BBQ is a Southern soul food revival where great food is served in an atmosphere that is relaxed, spontaneous, yet civilized….well, sometimes.

www.swheatmarketdeli.com Hours: Mon-Sat: 5am-10pm Sun: 6am-10pm

706.291.2021

595 Riverside Parkway Rome, GA 30161

510 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161

5 E Main St Cartersville, GA 30120

770-607-0067

Hours: Mon and Tue 11-4 Wed and Thur 11-4 Fri and Sat 11-8 Sun 11-3

Casual counter serve offering sandwiches, salads & American comfort food

www.maineonmain.com Hours: Sun -Thu: 11am-9pm Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm

Fuddruckers catering can help you feed just about any size group, anytime, anywhere. Our menu will please the most discerning tastes and meet the high standards you require. We know how to make your event spectacular with the WORLD’S GREATEST CATERING.

24 W Main St Cartersville, GA 30120

770-334-3813

Hours: Mon - Thurs: 11am - 9pm Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm Sun: 11am - 8pm

At Maine Street Coastal Cuisine, in the heart of historic downtown Cartersville, we pride ourselves on sourcing seafood from sustainable fisheries. Our passion is to provide a restaurant free of artificial flavors and ingredients.

Make it a meal worth remembering. Where to eat in Northwest Georgia.

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47

GET BACK IN MOTION From field goals and soccer scores to gardening and golf swings, our bodies keep us in motion from the moment we wake up. But when a bone and joint injury occurs, life is suddenly put on pause. Trust the experts at Harbin Clinic Orthopedics to get you back in motion.

HARBIN CLINIC ORTHOPEDICS

1825 Martha Berry Blvd Rome, GA 30165 762.235.2700

harbinclinic.com/orthopedics 48

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