The crew also debates the growing SEC vs. Big Ten rivalry and whether conference pride still matters as several key non-conference matchups could reshape the national college football conversation.

Plus, the guys unveil their 2026 NFL playoff predictions, including division winners, wild-card teams and Super Bowl picks. Can Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs return to the postseason? Are the Rams legitimate Super Bowl favorites? And which surprise teams could crash the playoff field?

Also discussed: LSU’s ongoing battle with the SEC, potential SEC expansion candidates, Steve Sarkisian’s championship pressure, Arch Manning, Brent Venables and Oklahoma, Michigan, Missouri-Kansas, Tennessee-Georgia Tech and much more.

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The Next Round crew breaks down Maye’s performance, Seattle’s dominant defense, and what it means for New England’s playoff hopes before turning to a huge weekend of college football.

At Michigan, pressure is already building around quarterback Bryce Underwood after head coach Kyle Whittingham made it clear the starting job isn’t guaranteed. The guys discuss Underwood’s response, Brian Kelly’s comments about how Michigan should use the talented quarterback, and the challenge of facing Brent Venables and Oklahoma.

Plus, Arch Manning shows off some classic Manning humor ahead of Texas’ showdown with Ohio State, Steve Sarkisian faces mounting pressure to deliver a championship, and the crew examines the early Heisman Trophy race.

NFL reaction, Michigan-Oklahoma, Texas-Ohio State, Bryce Underwood, Arch Manning, Drake Maye and much more on this episode of The Next Round.

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Plus, Dabo Swinney is feeling the heat at Clemson after a brutal loss to LSU. Was his response to questions about roster construction justified, or is this another sign that Clemson's championship era is slipping away? The crew debates Dabo's future, his legacy, and whether he could eventually walk away from Clemson.

Then it's time for the NFL season kickoff with Week 1 survivor picks, bold predictions, playoff projections, and a look at Seattle vs. New England. Which teams are headed for a breakout season—and which 2025 playoff teams could be staying home this year?

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Chip breaks down Texas’ loaded roster, the impact of Will Muschamp’s defense, the emergence of Hollywood Smothers, and why he believes Texas can beat Ohio State by 10. The guys also examine Arch Manning’s development, Ohio State’s weapons and a brutal Longhorns schedule that could have major College Football Playoff implications.

Plus, the crew reacts to the latest LSU-SEC controversy, debates the best and most overrated teams from Week 1, and dives into the possibility of expanding the College Football Playoff to 16 or even 24 teams. Would a 16-team field with first-round campus games create the ultimate postseason?

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Then it’s time for College Football Week 2 Upset Alert. The guys make their picks on Arizona State-Texas A&M, Georgia Tech-Tennessee, Arizona-BYU, UCF-Pitt and San Diego State-UCLA and identify the underdogs they believe could shake up the weekend.

Plus, LSU continues to surge after its dominant performance against Clemson. The guys discuss whether the Tigers deserve the No. 1 ranking, Lane Kiffin embracing LSU’s villain role, and the growing controversy surrounding the SEC and LSU.

The show also looks at the teams making an early impression after Week 1, including USC, Tennessee and Mississippi State, and asks which programs could emerge as surprise College Football Playoff contenders.

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The Next Round reacts to SMU’s wild 27-24 win over Florida State, including the bizarre power outage, Kevin Jennings’ roller-coaster performance, the pressure mounting on Mike Norvell, and why Florida State’s problems may run much deeper than one loss.

Former Georgia Tech head coach and SEC defensive coordinator Geoff Collins joins the show to give a coach’s perspective on the biggest storylines in college football. Collins breaks down LSU’s dominant performance and why the Tigers look like a legitimate contender, what impressed him about Alabama’s defense, the talent and physicality he saw firsthand at Georgia, and why John Sumrall has already made an impression at Florida.

Plus, Collins weighs in on the controversial Michigan-Western Michigan finish, Lance Taylor’s handling of the aftermath, Jeremiah Smith’s similarities to Julio Jones, and Clemson’s disastrous start.

The guys also debate Michigan’s struggles, Bryce Underwood’s future at quarterback, the latest ACC contenders, and much more as college football moves from Week 1 into Week 2.

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The Next Round is joined by On3’s Andy Staples to break down a wild opening weekend of college football after LSU’s dominant win over Clemson. Staples reveals where he has LSU in his updated College Football Playoff projection and discusses whether Lane Kiffin’s Tigers have already established themselves as legitimate national championship favorites.

The guys also debate the controversial ending to Michigan vs. Western Michigan. Staples explains why he believes the Big Ten’s clock explanation — while calling for conferences and networks to give fans greater transparency during replay reviews.

Plus, what should Alabama fans make of Keelon Russell’s debut? Staples explains why the Crimson Tide quarterback’s ability to escape pressure could create major problems for SEC defenses.

The crew also reacts to Ole Miss and Louisville, Miami’s explosive offense, Oregon’s scare against Boise State, USC’s impressive start, Tennessee’s freshman quarterback Faison Brandon, Florida’s new-look offense, Penn State, Washington and the biggest winners and losers from Week 1.

From LSU and Lane Kiffin to Alabama, Michigan and the College Football Playoff race, The Next Round has everything you need coming out of the opening weekend of the college football season.

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The Next Round breaks down Michigan’s wild finish against Western Michigan after the Wolverines were given another second — and another Hail Mary attempt — in a decision that immediately ignited controversy over the Big Ten’s replay and clock procedures. Did Michigan get bailed out, and what does the performance say about Bryce Underwood and the Wolverines heading into their showdown with Oklahoma?

Plus, LSU absolutely dismantles Clemson, prompting a bigger question: Is the Dabo Swinney era nearing the end? The guys debate whether LSU deserves to be ranked No. 1 after its dominant performance and whether Clemson’s approach to NIL and the transfer portal has finally caught up with the program.

They also break down Ole Miss’ thriller against Louisville, Auburn surviving Baylor, Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell’s debut, concerns about the Crimson Tide offensive line, and the biggest winners and losers from the opening weekend of college football.

Jim Dunaway, Lance Taylor and Ryan Brown have all the reaction from a wild Week 1 on The Next Round.

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Furman reacts to UMass’ stunning upset of Rutgers as a 29.5-point underdog and Colorado’s dramatic win over Georgia Tech before turning his attention to a loaded Week 1 slate. Can LSU cover against Clemson amid all the noise surrounding Lane Kiffin’s program? Is Louisville a live underdog against Pete Golding and Ole Miss? And what should bettors expect from Auburn-Baylor, Florida State-SMU, Oregon-Boise State and Alabama’s opener?

Furman also reveals one of his favorite under-the-radar plays, backing Liberty against James Madison, and explains why several college football totals are drawing attention from professional bettors.

Plus, the guys discuss John Sumrall’s expectations at Florida, whether the Gators could become one of college football’s surprise teams, and what a pivotal early-season matchup with Auburn could mean for both programs.

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The Next Round breaks down LSU’s escalating eligibility battle with the SEC as Lane Kiffin and the Tigers prepare for a massive showdown with Clemson. With LSU fighting to potentially roster players who previously spent time in NFL camps, the guys discuss the legal battle, Greg Sankey’s response, LSU President Wade Rousse’s statement, and whether the controversy could become a major distraction heading into one of the biggest games of the weekend.

On the field, Deion Sanders and Colorado opened the season with a gritty 14-13 road win over Georgia Tech. The guys debate whether this was the best-coached Colorado team of the Deion era, what JuJu Lewis showed in his debut, and why Georgia Tech’s offensive approach raised serious concerns.

Plus, UMass pulls off a stunning upset of Rutgers as a 29.5-point underdog, UAB gives Illinois everything it can handle, the Big Ten takes some early hits, and the guys make their predictions for what could happen during a wild weekend of college football.

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Chizik explains why Alabama enters the season with major questions on offense, including an offensive line replacing significant experience, uncertainty in the running game and a new starting quarterback. He also discusses the potential of Keelon Russell and what Kalen DeBoer’s staff must figure out as the Crimson Tide begins another championship-or-bust season.

Chizik also makes a bold SEC prediction, declaring Oklahoma his pick to have the conference’s best defense. He breaks down Brent Venables’ defense, John Mateer and why a more explosive Sooners offense could make Oklahoma extremely dangerous.

Plus, could Byron Brown transform Auburn’s offense? Chizik explains why he believes the new Tigers quarterback has the “it factor,” discusses Jeremiah Cobb and offers Auburn fans some much-needed optimism heading into the Baylor matchup. He also predicts a breakout season for former Auburn receiver Cam Coleman at Texas alongside Arch Manning.

Chizik also settles an incredible college football debate: Cam Newton or Vince Young with the game on the line? The former national championship coach explains what made both quarterbacks special and why the choice is closer than you might think.

Later, Clay Travis joins the show to break down the LSU-vs.-SEC legal battle over the eligibility of players who pursued NFL opportunities before attempting to return to college football. Travis lays out both sides of a case that could have enormous implications for the future relationship between college football and the NFL.

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The Next Round breaks down the explosive excerpts surrounding John Talty’s Lane Being Lane, including claims about Kiffin’s time working under Nick Saban at Alabama and stories surrounding his off-field reputation. The guys examine what’s being alleged, what’s disputed and whether the controversy becomes another distraction for Kiffin as he prepares LSU for a massive matchup with Clemson.

Dabo Swinney also responds directly to the suggestion that Kiffin tipped him off about Clemson’s alleged tampering situation, insisting Kiffin had “zero” involvement in his decision to report it. The crew weighs in on Dabo’s response and what the growing drama could mean heading into LSU vs. Clemson.

Plus, college football Week 1 is underway. The guys preview Colorado vs. Georgia Tech, debate whether Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes can cover, break down LSU-Clemson and Auburn-Baylor, and examine quarterbacks who could make a Fernando Mendoza-style leap this season.

Later, former USC player Petros Papadakis unloads on Lincoln Riley, arguing Riley has failed to connect with USC fans and alumni amid questions about attendance at the Coliseum. Could Riley already be approaching a make-or-break season — and could Texas Tech eventually become his next destination?

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The guys break down DeBoer’s reported $87 million commitment, Alabama’s expectations for the College Football Playoff and why offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb could actually be facing more pressure if the Crimson Tide struggle to run the football. They also discuss potential coaching dominoes involving Alabama, USC, Texas, Steve Sarkisian, Clark Lea, Rhett Lashlee and other major programs.

Plus, Lane Kiffin prepares LSU for the marquee Week 1 showdown against Clemson in Death Valley. Kiffin addresses the massive hype surrounding his LSU debut, while the guys debate whether Dabo Swinney and Clemson are being overlooked heading into one of college football’s biggest opening-weekend games.

The crew also previews the Week 1 college football TV schedule, including Alabama, Auburn-Baylor, Clemson-LSU, Colorado-Georgia Tech, UCLA-Cal and more, while examining the unusually large number of three-touchdown favorites across the opening weekend.

On the NFL side, The Next Round makes its NFC South predictions and debates whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Carolina Panthers will emerge as division champions.

Plus, West Virginia finally prepares to retire legendary quarterback Pat White’s jersey nearly two decades after his historic run with the Mountaineers.

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Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney weighs in ahead of his showdown with LSU, calling the current state of college football “embarrassing” while criticizing the lack of rules and governance in the sport. With Lane Kiffin making his LSU debut under the lights in Death Valley, the guys discuss the enormous media attention surrounding Clemson-LSU and whether Kiffin could use the controversy to keep pressure off his players.

Plus, The Next Round makes its biggest Week 1 college football predictions, including potential breakout players, surprise teams, disappointments and upset picks involving Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn, Michigan, Kentucky, Oregon, Memphis, UCLA and more.

ACC Network analyst and former Clemson star Eric Mac Lain joins the show to preview Clemson vs. LSU, explain why Clemson still has championship-level talent and break down Miami, Virginia, NC State and the ACC’s opportunity to change the national narrative against the SEC.

The guys also react to Tennessee’s massive 10-year, $120 million First Horizon jersey-patch deal and what the rapidly growing corporate sponsorship market means for college athletics.

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Moscona explains the situation surrounding the former NFL players working with LSU, whether any could actually take the field against Clemson and why Kiffin appears determined to squeeze every possible advantage out of his roster.

The guys also dive into the hype surrounding Sam Leavitt and whether his physical tools could make him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks Kiffin has coached. Plus, how will LSU's revamped offensive line and running game look, and what role could Leavitt's legs play in transforming the Tigers' offense?

Then it's time to preview LSU vs. Clemson in Tiger Stadium, including the atmosphere awaiting Clemson's new starting quarterback and why Moscona believes the ingredients are there for a massive night in Baton Rouge.

Plus, The Next Round runs through the SEC's biggest nonconference games and makes picks for Alabama-Florida State, Auburn-Baylor, Texas-Ohio State, Oklahoma-Michigan, South Carolina-Clemson, LSU-Clemson and more.

And later: Auburn women's basketball searches for male practice players, and Last Chance U legend Buddy Stephens is out at East Mississippi Community College after 17 seasons and five national championships.

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Joel Klatt has Auburn fans fired up after comparing the Tigers to Texas A&M and describing Auburn as a “popcorn program” that occasionally explodes onto the national stage without consistently sustaining success. Jim Dunaway, Lance Taylor and Ryan Brown debate whether Klatt was talking about Auburn’s recent struggles or disrespecting the program’s history — and examine just how bad the Tigers’ results against ranked opponents have been over the past five years.

Then it’s back to Baton Rouge, where Lane Kiffin and LSU are embroiled in a growing battle with the SEC over the Tigers practicing former NFL players. Could sanctions, probation or even more severe consequences enter the picture? The guys debate whether Kiffin is creating an unnecessary distraction ahead of LSU’s showdown with Clemson — and whether Clemson could make the Tigers pay for it.

Plus, Upset Alert returns for Week 1, with underdogs including Clemson, Arkansas State, Tulsa and Youngstown State entering the conversation. The guys also make their early Heisman Trophy predictions, debating Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin, CJ Carr and other contenders who could emerge as college football’s biggest star.

It’s a loaded edition of The Next Round with SEC football, Week 1 predictions, upset picks, Heisman contenders and everything you need as the college football season gets underway.

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The guys react to Florida State’s shaky start and look ahead to a huge matchup with SMU, including why the early betting line could make the Seminoles one of the most fascinating teams to watch. Is Mike Norvell already facing serious pressure in Tallahassee, and could Virginia’s Tony Elliott eventually become a name to watch for the Florida State job?

Plus, the crew debates the best and worst coaching performances of the weekend, including Tony Elliott, Charles Huff and Sonny Dykes; examines Jackson Arnold’s UNLV debut and whether Dan Mullen can finally unlock the former Oklahoma and Auburn quarterback; and reacts to Bill Belichick’s latest chapter at North Carolina.

Then it’s time to ask: Who won the breakup? From Tom Brady vs. Bill Belichick and Lincoln Riley vs. Oklahoma to Brian Kelly vs. Notre Dame, Jimbo Fisher vs. Florida State, Nico Iamaleava vs. Tennessee and the developing Lane Kiffin-LSU vs. Ole Miss storyline, the guys decide which side came out ahead.

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Memphis makes an early statement with a win over UNLV as Charles Huff’s Tigers emerge as a potential College Football Playoff contender. The guys react to Jackson Arnold’s performance, Dan Mullen’s start at UNLV, Virginia’s dominant win over NC State, USC’s surprisingly sparse crowd at the Coliseum, and Bill Belichick showing signs of progress at North Carolina.

Plus, North Dakota State makes an impressive FBS debut, Alabama settles its kicking competition, and the conversation turns toward one of Week 1’s biggest games: Lane Kiffin and LSU hosting Clemson in Death Valley.

On the NFL side, Aaron Donald is coming out of retirement to rejoin the Los Angeles Rams, adding another superstar to a defense with serious Super Bowl expectations. The guys also react to NFL roster cuts and some surprising names hitting the open market.

Also on the show: Ole Miss’ massive Heisman campaign, the latest college football eligibility controversy, Scottie Scheffler passing Tiger Woods in career on-course earnings, and much more.

It’s a packed football edition of The Next Round as Week Zero gives way to the first huge weekend of the college football season.

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Fuhrman breaks down the biggest games on the board, including TCU vs. North Carolina, Virginia vs. NC State, Jacksonville State vs. North Dakota State, USC vs. San Jose State, Memphis vs. UNLV and Hawaii vs. Stanford. He explains where he sees betting value, why USC could light up the scoreboard, and why Memphis-UNLV could turn into a lower-scoring battle between two teams with College Football Playoff aspirations.

Then Bold Prediction Friday takes over as the guys and listeners fire off their wildest calls for the 2026 season. Could Texas miss the College Football Playoff and turn up the heat on Steve Sarkisian? Could Alabama reach the national championship game, Auburn make a major jump, Notre Dame miss the playoff, or Lane Kiffin eventually return to the NFL?

The predictions get even crazier: Alabama going 8-4, Auburn winning nine or ten games, Arizona winning the Big 12, a non-quarterback taking home the Heisman Trophy, and a national championship game without Ohio State, Georgia, Texas OR Oregon.

Plus, the guys discuss the Heisman Trophy race, SEC Championship, College Football Playoff picture, Lane Kiffin, Lincoln Riley, Notre Dame, LSU, Oklahoma, Miami, Clemson, BYU, Mississippi State and much more as another college football season gets underway.

The Next Round brings you college football news, SEC football analysis, predictions, betting talk and everything you need for the biggest games of the weekend.

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Could Texas miss the College Football Playoff and move on from Steve Sarkisian? Will Arch Manning win the Heisman Trophy? Could Oklahoma go 10-2 and reach its first SEC Championship Game? Is this finally the year Oregon wins the national championship?

The crew makes its boldest calls for Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Clemson, USC, Oklahoma, Texas, Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, Miami and more — including predictions that Dabo Swinney could retire after winning the ACC, Alabama could reach the playoff despite continued problems running the football, LSU could stumble, and Navy, BYU and USC could all crash the College Football Playoff party.

Plus, the audience gets involved with its own wild predictions, including Auburn beating Alabama in the Iron Bowl, Keelon Russell becoming a Heisman finalist, Clemson upsetting LSU, Georgia Tech winning the ACC and more.

Also on the show: Ty Simpson continues to impress during the NFL preseason with the Los Angeles Rams, Chris Sale delivers an emotional masterpiece as the Atlanta Braves sweep the Dodgers, ESPN announces its six-part Nick Saban documentary, and the guys react to the latest headlines across college football and sports.

It’s a loaded edition of The Next Round as the 2026 college football season gets underway.

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Clay reacts to Tennessee naming Faizon Brandon its starting quarterback and explains why the true freshman could set the Volunteers up for a big future — while September’s matchup with Arch Manning and Texas could provide his first major test.

Then the conversation turns to one of the biggest issues facing college athletics: eligibility, NIL, transfers and the possibility of former NFL or NBA players returning to college sports. Clay explains why he believes Congress needs to give college athletics an antitrust exemption to establish enforceable rules and bring some stability to the system.

Plus, Clay weighs in on the backlash surrounding the controversial Good Good Golf and Callaway ad, while the guys debate brands that have taken a step backward — including the Kansas City Chiefs, Alabama football, Nike, MTV, McDonald’s and Outback Steakhouse. Clay says he doesn’t understand the outrage surrounding the Good Good controversy or why the product should be pulled from shelves.

The hour wraps with a look ahead to Week 1 of the college football season and the preseason Top 10 teams most vulnerable to an upset, with Ole Miss vs. Louisville looming as one of the biggest potential trouble spots.

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In Hour 1 of The Next Round, the guys debate the quarterbacks and coaches facing championship-or-bust expectations this fall. ESPN’s Louis Riddick says Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell is the player under the most pressure in college football, but does Texas QB Arch Manning have an even bigger weight on his shoulders?

The conversation also hits Oregon’s Dante Moore, Miami’s Darian Mensah, Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, Sam Leavitt and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, along with the massive expectations surrounding coaches Dan Lanning, Steve Sarkisian, Kalen DeBoer, Lincoln Riley and Marcus Freeman.

Plus, the guys break down the best weekends on the 2026 college football schedule, the growing money being paid to top college quarterbacks, the latest NFL preseason action, and whether exhibition games still have a place in today’s NFL.

It’s a packed Hour 1 of The Next Round with Jim Dunaway, Lance Taylor, Ryan Brown and Tyler Brooks.

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The guys break down the growing battle between LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and the NCAA over players attempting to return to college after entering the NFL. With reports that LSU staff members may have encouraged players to challenge NCAA eligibility rules in court, could Kiffin and LSU eventually face penalties? And has LSU suddenly become the biggest villain in college sports?
Plus, ESPN’s Top 100 raises some major questions about Alabama’s roster and talent level, while the guys look ahead to the Crimson Tide's season and the SEC race. They also break down the conference’s quarterbacks, including Arch Manning at Texas, Tennessee’s offense, Oklahoma’s John Mateer and the players who could determine the College Football Playoff picture.
Also on the show: LSU vs. Clemson, the SEC’s biggest contenders, Week Zero, the longest college football season ever, early College Football Playoff predictions and a tribute to Dolly Parton.

The Next Round with Jim Dunaway, Lance Taylor and Ryan Brown has everything you need as the 2026 college football season gets underway.

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LSU is recruiting players who have already suited up in the NFL, and Kiffin isn't hiding his reasoning: if the rules and court rulings make those players available, they're either going to play for LSU or against them. Meanwhile, the Big Ten is moving to prevent former NFL players from returning to its schools, with the SEC considering how it will respond.

The guys debate whether Kiffin has officially embraced his role as college football's biggest villain, Ryan Day's reaction to the eligibility madness, and just how far programs will go to build championship-caliber rosters. They also discuss the bizarre story surrounding security measures at Ole Miss following Kiffin's departure.

Plus, which college football fan bases will go DEFCON 1 if their teams fail to meet expectations? Alabama, LSU, Texas, USC, Clemson, Nebraska and others enter the conversation as the guys examine win totals, College Football Playoff expectations and coaches who could face serious pressure if their seasons go sideways.

Also on the show: Vanderbilt's surprising quarterback situation, Deshaun Watson's relationship with Cleveland Browns fans, Aaron Rodgers' place among the NFL's all-time great quarterbacks, Week Zero college football, and predictions for where Alabama could suffer its first loss of the season.

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On the debut episode of The Next Round on Sport & State, Jim Dunaway, Ryan Brown and Lance Taylor break down Alabama's decision to hand the keys to Keelon Russell, Tennessee's freshman quarterback surprise, playoff contenders flying under the radar, and why Deshaun Watson may have one of the most uncomfortable situations in the NFL. Along the way, it's the chemistry, arguments, random detours and sports bar conversations that have made The Next Round a daily habit for fans across the South, including Pluto's demotion, Columbia House memories and a celebration 101 losses in the making.

Subscribe to The Next Round and join us every weekday on Sport & State for SEC football, college sports, the NFL, breaking news, strong opinions and whatever else has the sports world talking

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