ESPN SportsNation NCAA FB with Chris Low

Chris Low

Sorry about the delay. A few technical issues to work through. But let's get started.

Tim (AL)

Does it make any sense to you why Florida is ranked above Auburn in the polls? Both are in the rebuilding process, but Auburn beat Florida and their vaunted defense last year. Try and explain.

Chris Low

Honestly, preseason polls are such a crap shoot. When you get down past the top 15 or so, it's a lot of guess work. My sense is that Florida will be the more improved of the two this year and will be very good on defense. Plus, Auburn has to play in the West. Both have unproven QB situations. To me, the difference will be Florida's defense.

Ryan (Detroit)

were you ever offered a role in the Coneheads move?

Chris Low

Yes, twice ... actually.

Will (Baton Rouge)

I've heard all about Mettenberger and the deep ball, but how are his short throws? Is he accurate, or will he be one who throws for fairly high yardage and TD, but also high Int? What about Tyler Russel? Same for him?

Chris Low

LSU def. coordinator John Chavis told me this summer that Mettenberger gave his defense a lot of trouble -- period. Yes, he throws the deep ball well, but can make all of the throws. LSU's staff feels more comfortable in letting him make throws the Tigers wouldn't have tried a year ago.

ole miss terrell aka lexington steele (jury duty in atlanta)

hey chris if ole miss beats texas & mac brown gets fired, will nick saban take that job and get out the sec?

Chris Low

I wouldn't hold my breath that Saban is going anywhere, although I do believe that Texas would love to have him if Brown steps away. Not going to happen, though, and I mean Saban leaving Alabama.

Josh (Atlanta, GA)

Is it a good or bad thing for Georgia that Gurley was the most impressive back in yesterdays scrimmage?

Chris Low

Richt wants to play more than one back anyway, so I think it's going to take Gurley, Malcome, Marshall and even Samuel at FB this season.

Tyler (Charleston)

Any idea of how good UT's linebackers corps will be? All the talk is about the offense, but no one talks about a seasoned linebacker unit with two freshman all-americans retuning.

Chris Low

No question Lathers, Johnson and Maggitt can play. It's a big season for Jacques Smith at OLB. The concern is depth. The Vols can't afford to get anybody hurt there.

madison (Yankee Stadium)

when do you think Knile Davis's breakout game will be this season?

Chris Low

I'd be surprised if Arkansas ran him too many times those first two games. They're going to be careful with him. He'll get some contact this preseason. He has to. But let him use those first two games to really get the feel back again and then turn him loose against Alabama that third week. The great thing for the Hogs is that they also have Dennis Johnson, who could start for a lot of SEC teams and is so versatile. They shouldn't have to wear out Davis.

Josef (Starkville, MS)

What do you think of Mississippi State offense this season? Do you see them beating any teams in the west this year besides TSUN?

Chris Low

TSUP = The School Up North. Let's get that out of the way first. Dan Mullen is still looking for his first win over a Western team not named (Ole Miss). I can say it even if Mullen can't. But, yes, I think the Bulldogs break through this season and win against somebody else in the West. I really like their RB stable and this should be the year that the veteran receivers along with promising redshirt freshman Joe Morrow make their mark. The thing I'm not sure about is how well they will be able to protect Tyler Russell. That could be a problem.

Michael (Florida)

Who do you see as being the starter at the quarterback position at Florida?

Chris Low

My pick is Jacoby Brissett, but I think they will both play in the first game.

Patrick (St. Louis)

Is Mizzou's James Franklin the top 5 QBs in the SEC? Either way, what would your top 5 be? Look at his numbers last year compared to Denard Robinson. And he did it against better corners in the Big 12 last year. I feel like he is a little under appreciated...

Chris Low

I would say you're right. We had him ranked No. 5 among the SEC QBs and you could make an argument that he should be a spot or two higher. His ability to hurt teams running the ball sets gives him that extra dimension. I want to see how healthy his shoulder is and how well he holds up running the ball against SEC defenses. Can't wait to see him play in this league. He's a really exciting player.

Science (Carolina)

I'm worried Lattimore is injury proned. What would you put the odds at for him finishing his first full season this year?

Chris Low

I'm not ready to say he's injury prone yet. He hurt his knee last season and that happens. I will say that I was worried even before he got hurt last season that the odds were against him staying healthy with how many carries he was getting. Coach Spurrier has told me they will do a better job of spreading those carries around this season. They like their depth at RB.

jon (prattville)

with the addition of prosch in the backfield at auburn freeing up lutzy do you see lutzy having a chance at winning the mackey award

Chris Low

Yes, I do. Lutzenkirchen is as good as any TE I can remember in this league at finding creases and pockets and just getting open. He's masterful at getting open down around the goal line, and I think the Auburn QBs will look for him often this season.

Kendall (manhattan beach )

who is your pick for the heisman?

Chris Low

Matt Barkley. He will put up monster numbers with those receivers, and USC should be really good this season.

Josh (Charlotte, NC)

With James Franklin tearing it up on the recruiting trail do you think Vandy will ever become a middle of the road SEC team?

Chris Low

Still have to believe it to see it. But you're right. He's significantly upgraded the talent level and is winning some battles against big-time teams for recruits. The Commodores are still a long way from being a 7- or 8-win team on a consistent basis, but the way to get there is to keep winning recruiting battles against teams you have to beat on the field.

Rett (Oregon)

Talk to me about Bama's WRs. People say they have talent, But Maze and Hanks were only "decent" last year, and no one on the roster could put them on the bench. Shouldn't Bama fans be worried?

Chris Low

A little bit. I will reserve my evaluation of the Alabama WRs until I see them against a good secondary. They really like the two freshmen -- Cooper and Black. Don't forget about Christion Jones. He's a guy who will make some plays for them, and Norwood and Bell stepped up in the BCS title game. That offensive line will make a lot of people look good on offense this season for Bama.