Michael Spiers
Moving On Up
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Kennesaw State’s leap from FCS to FBS football for the new season will be a significant challenge, but the program has a solid foundation to build on.
While the transition won’t be easy, there’s reason to believe the Owls can find success fairly quickly. Jacksonville State’s smooth transition in 2023 offers a positive example, though Kennesaw State’s path might be more like Sam Houston’s.
The Bearkats struggled early after their move up, starting 0-8 before turning things around with three wins in their last four games. Kennesaw State could face similar struggles, but they have the potential to make a strong start.
The Owls have a supportive fan base, strong donor backing, and a prime location in the college football landscape. These factors should help them succeed long-term, but their immediate focus will be on how well they adapt to the bigger, faster competition in FBS.
KSU has been a powerhouse on the ground since 2015, averaging nearly 300 rushing yards per game, more than any other FBS team in Georgia. The Owls’ offense relies heavily on the zone read and RPO schemes, with the quarterback playing a crucial role in their success.
The departure of signal caller Jonathan Murphy leaves a gap at quarterback, but junior Davis Bryson is ready to step up. He’s the only quarterback on the roster with experience, having thrown a few passes last season.
While Bryson is still developing as a passer, he’s a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his legs, a key factor in Kennesaw State’s run-heavy offense. The Owls ran the ball more than twice as often as they passed in 2023, and their quarterbacks accounted for a significant portion of those rushing attempts.
The offensive line, though younger this year, will need to rise to the occasion against tougher competition.
In the backfield, senior running back Michael Benefield is expected to play a crucial role. He finished last season strong, scoring two touchdowns in each of the Owls’ final three games.
Leading receiver Gabriel Benyard, who was listed as a running back last season, is another versatile weapon for the Owls. He’s likely to be used all over the field, including in the return game, where he’s already set program records.
Virginia Tech transfer Christian Moss, a Kennesaw native, could also make a significant impact when the Owls decide to air it out.
Defensively, it’s harder to predict how Kennesaw State will perform in their first FBS season. The Owls played just nine games last season, with their wins coming against non-FBS opponents.
Junior linebacker Donelius Johnson will be a key leader after recording 40 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and six tackles for loss last season.
Kennesaw State also welcomes South Carolina transfer linebacker Donovan Westmoreland, the highest-rated recruit in program history. Although Westmoreland didn’t see much action at South Carolina, he has the size and speed to be an impact player for the Owls.
Special teams were a weak spot for Kennesaw State last year, particularly in the kicking game, the Owls made just 6 of 16 field goal attempts.
However, senior punter Joshua Huiet has been reliable, and Benyard is a dangerous returner who has already set records for punt and kick return yardage since joining the team in 2021.
Since its inception in 2015, Kennesaw State’s football program has quickly found success under head coach Brian Bohannon.
The team has made four FCS Playoff appearances, largely due to their powerful option running attack. The last couple of seasons have been rough, including a 3-6 run as an independent in 2022.
Now, with key players returning and some fresh talent joining the roster, the Owls have the experience, coaching, and potential to be competitive in their first FBS season.
Success might not come immediately, but Kennesaw State has the makings of a dangerous team as they adjust to the higher level of play.
If the offense can find its rhythm and the defense holds up, the Owls could surprise some people in their inaugural FBS season.
The Owls roster has several players that may be familiar to high school football fans who are also readers of The Southern Sports Edition. Senior LB Jalen Barnum played at Wayne County High School and redshirt junior kicker, Britton Williams, was a standout for Richmond Hill.
The team also includes a couple of redshirt freshman from the old GHSA Region 1-7A in OLB Qway McCoy, who played at Colquitt County and TE Ian Pederson from Camden County High School.
The 2024 schedule for the Kennesaw State Owls is:
Aug 31 at UTSA
Sept 7 vs Louisiana
Sept 14 at San Jose State
Sept 21 OPEN DATE*
Sept 28 vs UT Martin
Oct 4 vs Jacksonville State
Oct 12 OPEN DATE*
Oct 15 at Middle Tennessee
Oct 23 vs Liberty
Oct 30 at WKU
Nov 9 at UTEP
Nov 16 vs Sam Houston
Nov 23 vs FIU
Nov 30 at Louisiana Tech
*one of the open dates should become a contest with New Mexico State
Camden County Wildcats Coach’s Show w Travis Roland August 13
Geaux Tigers
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
In Brian Kelly’s third year as head coach, LSU aims to secure a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.
Key to this ambition is developing a strong ground game to complement their potent passing attack and improving their defense to at least average performance levels. If these goals are met, LSU is likely to be a top-12 team when the regular season ends.
Significant changes will mark the 2024 season, starting with Garrett Nussmeier replacing Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels at quarterback, and Joe Sloan stepping in as the new play-caller.
Nussmeier, known for his pocket passing, led LSU to a victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin, throwing for 395 yards. While he lacks Daniels’ rushing ability, Nussmeier’s passing skills are promising.
LSU’s offense faces the challenge of establishing a solid running game, relying on Kaleb Jackson and Josh Williams.
Head coach Kelly expects wide receiver Kyren Lacy, who learned under a pair of 2024 NFL first round draft picks in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, to have a breakout season.
Other key receivers include Chris Hilton Jr., Aaron Anderson, and transfers CJ Daniels and Zavion Thomas. Tight end Mason Taylor, son of NFL legend Jason Taylor, is expected to play a significant role in the short passing game.
The offensive line, considered the team’s strength, is anchored by juniors Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. at the tackle positions. Redshirt freshman DJ Chester is taking over as center.
Defensively, LSU struggled last season, leading to the dismissal of coordinator Matt House and his assistants.
Blake Baker, formerly of Missouri, is now in charge of improving the defense, which allowed 416.6 yards and 28 points per game in 2023.
Key players include linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., who returns to inside linebacker despite previous struggles, and Greg Penn III, who recorded 89 tackles last season.
The defensive line’s performance, led by Jacobian Guillory and Sai’vion Jones, will be crucial, and the secondary, led by Major Burns, brings experience.
Special teams see the return of kicker Damian Ramos, who led the FBS in extra points made and attempted, and newcomer punter Peyton Todd. Kelly places significant emphasis on the return game, with Zavion Thomas expected to handle most duties.
Despite losing top players like Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas Jr. to the NFL, LSU’s offense will remain strong, supported by an elite offensive line and a transfer portal reinforced receiving corps. The primary concern on defense will be the secondary.
Improvement in this area is critical for LSU’s chances to make the 12-team playoff.
In terms of roster changes, notable additions from the transfer portal include wide receivers CJ Daniels (Liberty) and Zavion Thomas (Mississippi State), and safety Jardin Gilbert (Texas A&M). Losses include running back Logan Diggs (Ole Miss), offensive tackle Lance Heard (Tennessee), and cornerback Denver Harris (UTSA).
LSU is ranked No. 12 in USA Today’s first Coaches Poll for the 2024 season. The Tigers’ first game is against the University of Southern California, ranked No. 23, on September 1st in Las Vegas.
Here’s LSU’s full schedule for the 2024 season:
Sept. 1: USC (neutral-site game in Las Vegas)
Sept. 7: Nicholls State
Sept. 14: at South Carolina
Sept. 21: UCLA
Sept. 28: South Alabama
Oct. 12: Ole Miss
Oct. 19: at Arkansas
Oct. 26: at Texas A&M
Nov. 9: Alabama
Nov. 16: at Florida
Nov. 23: Vanderbilt
Nov. 30: Oklahoma
Arresting Developments
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Georgia football has been marred by several off-field incidents involving its players in the last few weeks, continuing what has already been a difficult year of police interaction for Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs.
Among the latest, starting linebacker Smael Mondon and backup offensive tackle Bo Hughley were arrested on separate misdemeanor charges of reckless driving.
Hughley was arrested Tuesday, July 9th and charged with reckless driving and failure to maintain lane. He posted a $26 bond and was released from custody. Mondon was arrested the following day, July 10th on charges of racing on highways and reckless driving, similarly posting a $26 bond for his release.
The incidents involving Mondon and Hughley highlight ongoing issues within the program. Mondon was observed racing alongside freshman defensive back Demello Jones, driving at 75 mph in a 40 mph zone.
When stopped by police, Mondon denied knowing Jones, despite evidence to the contrary. Jones, who pulled over voluntarily, received a citation for racing. Mondon’s attempt to dissuade Jones from discussing the incident in their team group chat further complicated the situation.
These arrests add to a troubling pattern for the Georgia football program. Back in March of this year, teammate Trevor Etienne was arrested for driving under the influence.
Etienne ultimately pleaded no contest to reckless driving, and the more serious DUI charge was dismissed. All of this brings the number of traffic-related incidents involving Georgia football players to 24 in the last 18 months.
The year 2023 began with a fatal crash involving Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy, which resulted in misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing for former Georgia player Jalen Carter.
Three months later, Carter was selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL draft.
The frequency of these incidents has drawn significant attention and criticism. Head Coach Kirby Smart has acknowledged the issue, expressing disappointment and emphasizing the need for better behavior off the field. Despite efforts to address these problems, the arrests continue to cast a shadow over the program.
Further complicating matters, wide receiver Rodarius “Rara” Thomas was arrested on July 26th and charged with multiple felonies, including family violence battery and second-degree cruelty to children.
This incident follows a previous arrest last year for false imprisonment and family violence, for which Thomas completed a pre-trial diversion program. Thomas has been suspended indefinitely from the team. His recent arrest underscores the ongoing legal troubles faced by Georgia football players.
The arrests of Mondon and Hughley, coupled with Thomas’ legal issues, reflect broader challenges within the program. Despite being one of the top teams in college football, Georgia has struggled to maintain discipline off the field. These incidents have the capacity to not only tarnish the program’s reputation but also raise concerns about the overall culture and management.
Coach Smart, during SEC Media Days, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues. He expressed disappointment in the outcomes of these incidents and reiterated the program’s commitment to fostering better behavior among players.
However, the recurring nature of these problems suggests that more significant changes may be necessary to ensure a safer and more disciplined environment.
The 2024 football season officially kicks off for Georgia in less than a month. The Bulldogs will host the Clemson Tigers on Saturday August 31st at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Dogs will start the season at, or near, the number one spot in most national preseason rankings.
New War Chant
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Charlton County High School Indians are heading in the 2024 football season with a new chief.
After finishing the 2023 season with a disappointing record of record of 2 – 9, and what has admittedly been a difficult last few years, the Charlton County Indians made a change at the top.
In December, the Tribe hired Demario Jones as their new head football coach. Coach Jones arrives in Folkston after spending the last two seasons as the head man at Godby High School in Tallahassee, FL.
Jones spent those two years at Godby working to put the once-proud Cougar program back on the track to success. Even though the win/loss record wasn’t what fans might have hoped for right away (the Cougars finished last season 3-6), Coach Jones is confident they were moving in the right direction.
Jones said, “At first things were a little rough out on the football field, but a lot more competitive this past year. I knew what a rebuilding job it was going to be coming into Godby, maybe not a lot of people would have wanted it considering it wasn’t going to be instant success.”
Coach Jones is a native of Jacksonville and played football at Raines High School. He was a walk-on defensive lineman at Valdosta State University. He worked hard and played well, eventually earning All-Gulf South Conference status. He ultimately received two first team all-conference nods in 2008 and 2010, and won a national championship with the Blazers. Jones was also the president of the Student Government Association at VSU.
After spending eight years as an assistant coach at Valdosta High School, Coach Jones became familiar the region Charlton plays in (GHSA Region 2, Single A Division II) by spending a couple of seasons calling the defense for Charlton’s long-time region foe, Turner County.
Coach Jones is known as a defensive coach, but he has made a splash on the offensive side of the ball by bringing in new Offensive Coordinator, Arturo Meza.
Coach Meza will handle play calling duties for the Indians after spending last season as an offensive assistant at Lowndes High school.
The Indians will be expecting continued growth out of sophomore QB A.J. Glover, who accounted for 6 touchdowns and finished his freshman year with the third most passing yards in the region.
Also returning is last year’s leading rusher, Omari Wilson, who carried the ball for 453 yards, averaging 56.6 yards per game played.
The defensive unit will be young and hungry. Only a few starters from last season will return for 2024. Junior free safety Brandon Woolard returns for the Indians as one of last year’s leading tacklers, along with senior outside linebacker/running back Maurice Sims and sophomore defensive tackle, Tim Sapp.
As with all GHSA regions, there will be realignment in 2024 for Region 2-1A Div. II. Along with Charlton County, the region will include Lanier County, Turner County and last year’s region champ, Clinch County.
New for this season will be the removal Atkinson County, while adding Irwin County and Brooks County to the group. The region will now have six teams, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs.
With a 2-2 record in the region last year, Charlton qualified for the playoffs but fell in the first round to Jenkins County.
There is a new attitude in Folkston this summer, and certainly a new energy. Coach Jones is focused on getting his team prepared to compete for region championships for many years to come. His philosophy is to empower his young men. He plans to use his experience to give his players the tools they need to be successful and then hold them to that expectation.
The 2024 Schedule for the Indians:
August 16th vs Brantley County
August 23rd at Mcintosh County Academy
August 30th at Jeff Davis
September 6th vs Yulee
September 13th vs Toombs County
September 27th at Lanier County (Region Opponent)
October 4th at Clinch County (Region Opponent)
October 11th at Irwin County (Region Opponent)
October 25th vs Brooks County (Region Opponent)
November 1st vs Turner County (Region Opponent)
The Wildcat Way
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Following the retirement of legendary Wildcats head coach Jeff Herron at the end of 2023 high school football season, which included a trip the GHSA 7A semifinals last November and a career that included three state championships at Camden, the Wildcat Way is going to have a new look for 2024.
Enter new Camden head coach, Travis Roland.
After spending a little time with him, you begin to understand that he doesn’t feel the need to fill the huge shoes left by his predecessor. Instead, the 2023 Florida High School Athletic Association 3S Coach of the Year is bringing his own pair of shoes to Kingsland.
Roland comes to Camden County after three years as the head man at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, FL where his Buccaneers finished last season as the Florida 3S state champions after a dramatic come-from-behind victory against St. Augustine.
Daytona was home for Coach Roland and he finished his time at Mainland High School, which is also his alma mater, with a 30-10 record. Prior to Mainland, he spent four years as the head coach at Flagler Palm Coast. His career record as head coach stands at an impressive 58-22.
Anyone who has followed Camden County football over the years knows that the Wildcats’ signature has been as a power running team, mostly operating in the Wing-T. Coach Roland will begin to evolve that system by including more passing concepts and spread formations.
The Wildcats also have a new offensive coordinator in Grant Alford, who comes to Kingsland after spending eight years as an assistant coach at Florida’s Lake Minneola High School.
Starting quarterback Parks Riendeau returns for his junior season and is looking to continue the momentum from last year’s deep playoff run.
Riendeau is a tough-as-nails kid with all the leadership qualities you could ask for.
In addition to the QB, the Wildcats offense will undoubtedly benefit from the play of senior athlete, Elyiss Williams. The 6-foot-7, 235-pound tight end has a 5-star rating from most major recruiting services and has committed to play for Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs beginning in 2025.
Coach Roland is known as a defensive coach, and all signs point to him being the one to call plays on that side of the ball.
The Wildcats will be looking to replace the entire defensive front as that group consisted of all seniors last season.
Big things will be expected this coming year from Jam and Jav, the Daley twins, who are rising seniors. Ja’maric Daley saw action last year at the safety position, while twin brother, Ja’varis Daley, contributed as a linebacker.
Xavier Brown should step in and fill the spot at inside linebacker for his junior year, but I expect this defense to be led by senior Wayne Austell who showed incredible improvement throughout the season last year as an outside linebacker.
The Wildcats finished last season with an overall record of 10-4, earning playoff victories against Newton, McEachern and Mill Creek before losing to Walton in the state class 7A semifinal.
After all of that, Camden will enter the 2024 season in a new classification. The Georgia High School Association has done away with class 7A in an effort to decrease the distances between schools in its highest classification for football, which will now be 6A.
In addition to Camden County, the new Region 1-6A will include Richmond Hill, Colquitt County, Lowndes, Valdosta, and the return of old region foe, Tift County.
The top four teams in the region will be eligible for the 2024 playoffs.
The Wildcats schedule for 2024 is:
8/9 at Benedictine (Savannah) Scrimmage
8/16 at Brunswick HS Brunswick, GA
8/23 vs East Lake HS, FL Kingsland, GA
8/30 vs West Broward HS, FL Kingsland, GA
9/6 vs Ribault HS, FL Kingsland, GA
9/13 vs Spruce Creek HS, FL Kingsland, GA
9/27 at Valdosta HS (Region) Valdosta, GA
10/4 vs Richmond Hill (Region) Kingsland, GA
10/11 at Lowndes HS (Region) Valdosta, GA
10/25 vs Colquitt HS (Region) Kingsland, GA
11/1 vs Tift County HS (Region) Kingsland, GA
SEC Media Days
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
If you are a die-hard fan of collegiate sports just like I am, then you certainly feel the current doldrums. The College World Series is over. The volleyball, softball and tennis seasons are in the books. July can feel so empty.
But just when it feels that all hope is lost, we can count on college football Media Days to turn our attention to the unofficial start of the football season, or at least the “talking season”.
With the start of the 2024 college football season just around the corner, the excitement is building as the SEC gets ready for its annual Media Days from July 15-18 in Dallas.
This year’s event is extra special since it’s the first time Texas and Oklahoma will be part of the mix. Each of the 14 schools is sending three players, making up a total of 42 athletes.
Interestingly, 11 quarterbacks will be there, but Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, South Carolina, and Kentucky decided not to send their QBs. Instead, many schools are spotlighting their defensive talent, with 10 linebackers and nine defensive linemen on the list.
SEC Media Days is one of the biggest preseason events where players and coaches chat about their expectations and plans for the upcoming season.
Some of the standout players attending include Alabama’s Jalen Milroe (QB), Arkansas’s Taylen Green (QB), Auburn’s Payton Thorne (QB), Florida’s Graham Mertz (QB), Georgia’s Carson Beck (QB), and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier (QB). On the defensive side, players to watch include Alabama’s Malachi Moore (DB), Auburn’s Keldric Faulk (DE), Florida’s Shemar James (ILB), and Georgia’s Mykel Williams (DL). Each school is bringing a mix of talent that highlights their strengths and sets the stage for a competitive season.
The coaches will also be there to talk about their teams. Brian Kelly of LSU will start things off on Monday, followed by Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss), Shane Beamer (South Carolina), and Clark Lea (Vanderbilt). On Tuesday, we’ll hear from Kirby Smart (Georgia), Eliah Drinkwitz (Missouri), Brent Venables (Oklahoma), and Josh Heupel (Tennessee). Wednesday’s lineup includes Kalen DeBoer (Alabama), Billy Napier (Florida), Jeff Lebby (Mississippi State), and Steve Sarkisian (Texas). The event wraps up on Thursday with Sam Pittman (Arkansas), Hugh Freeze (Auburn), Mark Stoops (Kentucky), and Mike Elko (Texas A&M).
Besides the formal sessions, the vibe around Media Days is always electric. Fans, media, and analysts are eager to hear from the key players and coaches about their strategies, challenges, and outlooks for the season.
This year’s event promises plenty of buzz and storylines as teams gear up for what’s expected to be an intensely competitive season.
The SEC Network will have extensive coverage all four days. With live broadcasts and analysis, viewers can expect to get insights into each team’s preparations and prospects. Special editions of SEC Now and other shows will provide a platform for expert opinions, predictions, and behind-the-scenes looks at the event.
In short, the 2024 SEC Media Days in Dallas will be a major event featuring a strong lineup of quarterbacks and defensive players from all 14 schools, extensive media coverage, and a stellar roster of coaches ready to discuss the upcoming season. This year’s event highlights the evolving dynamics of the SEC, especially with Texas and Oklahoma joining in, promising an exciting preseason narrative for college football fans.
Get ready for an action-packed week of football talk, star players, and coach insights as the SEC sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable 2024 season.
Fine Print
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Is Trevor Lawrence’s new deal as record breaking as it seems?
When it comes to NFL contracts, the big numbers you see in the headlines are often misleading.
Take Trevor Lawrence’s new deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, for example. His five-year extension, worth $275 million, certainly grabbed attention. But, as usual with NFL contracts, the real story is in the fine print.
Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars’ star quarterback, just signed a massive contract extension, but the numbers aren’t as straightforward as they appear.
The deal, which includes $200 million in guarantees and $142 million fully guaranteed, averages out to $55 million a year. This seemingly ties him with Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals for the highest annual salary in the league. Yet, when you dig deeper, the deal isn’t as stellar as it seems.
Former Packers executive Andrew Brandt explains that to understand an NFL contract’s true value, you need to focus on the yearly cash flow, not just the headline numbers.
In his analysis, Lawrence’s contract doesn’t compare favorably to other top quarterbacks. For instance, in the first year of his new deal, Lawrence will pocket $39 million. While that’s no small change, it’s much less than the $80 million-plus that quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Lamar Jackson will earn.
Even after two years, Lawrence’s $76.5 million trails behind guys like Jackson and Burrow, who will rake in $111 million over the same period.
Over three and four years, this trend continues, with Lawrence making $114 million and $155 million, respectively, while others are pulling in significantly more, such as Jackson, who will make $207 million, and Burrow, who will earn $181 million over the same periods.
So, even though Lawrence’s contract looks record-breaking at first glance, it’s actually on the lower end compared to other recent quarterback deals when you look at the cash he’ll earn in the first few years.
This deal ties Lawrence to the Jaguars until 2030, giving him a solid financial foundation but not as much upfront cash as his peers.
For 2023, under his rookie contract, he only made $1.5 million. From 2026, his new contract will start paying out more substantially. It includes a $37.5 million signing bonus and guarantees that balance his financial security with the team’s salary cap.
There’s also a $35 million guaranteed option bonus in 2025 and 2026. The deal includes a no-trade clause and a potential out in 2029, making it more player-friendly.
Lawrence, picked first overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been the face of the Jaguars and a crucial player for them. He’s racked up over 11,700 passing yards and 58 touchdowns, ranking fourth in franchise history for both stats. He’s been a team captain each year and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2022 after throwing for over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. In 2023, he kept up his strong performance with another solid season.
The Jaguars clearly see Lawrence as their guy for the long haul, hoping he’ll lead them to future success, maybe even a Super Bowl.
For Lawrence, this big contract is both a financial win and a sign of his commitment to the team. Despite the pressure of such a huge deal, he’s focused on playing well and helping the Jaguars achieve their goals.
Ultimately, while the headline figures of Lawrence’s new contract seem huge, a closer look shows it’s less impressive when compared to other recent quarterback deals. The NFL’s funny money game continues, where contracts aren’t always what they seem at first glance.
It’s been a busy and eventful offseason for the quarterback. In addition to the recent news of the contract extension, Lawrence and his wife, Marissa, announce last week that they are expecting their first child.
On The Rocky Top
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Tennessee Volunteers grabbed their first-ever national baseball championship in a nail-biting finish against Texas A&M, winning 6-5 in Game 3 of the College World Series (CWS) finals.
Hunter Ensley scored the winning run, dodging a tag at home plate, despite a hurt hamstring, sealing the historic victory at Charles Schwab Field.
Ensley’s dramatic slide and the team’s celebrations marked the culmination of an extraordinary season under Coach Tony Vitello.
Dylan Dreiling was the star of the series, making CWS history by homering in all three final games. His timely two-run shots were crucial, including a clutch homer in the seventh inning of the final game, earning him the MVP award.
Dreiling finished the CWS with 13 hits, 3 homers, and 11 RBIs, solidifying his place as a key player in Tennessee’s lineup.
Starting pitcher Zander Sechrist played a pivotal role, striking out seven over 5⅓ innings and holding Texas A&M’s powerful offense to just one run.
Reliever Aaron Combs then shut the door in the ninth inning, striking out the last two batters to end the game and kick off a massive celebration for the Volunteers.
Coach Vitello’s enthusiasm was on full display as he jumped into the stands to celebrate with fans, while his players ran laps around the field, high-fiving the crowd.
Tennessee’s win broke a long championship drought for the school, which hadn’t won a national title in any team sport since the women’s indoor track and field team in 2009. This victory also made Tennessee the first No. 1 seed to win the national baseball title since 1999 and the first SEC team to achieve 60 wins in a season.
Texas A&M didn’t go down without a fight. They cut into Tennessee’s lead in the eighth and ninth innings but fell just short of completing a comeback. The Aggies, led by Coach Jim Schlossnagle, showed incredible resilience, especially given their late-season injuries and the absence of star outfielder Braden Montgomery.
Christian Moore set the tone for Tennessee early in Game 3 with a leadoff homer and despite some tense moments, Tennessee’s defense and bullpen held strong.
Moore, projected as a first-round MLB draft pick, had an impressive season, including hitting for the cycle in their CWS opener against Florida State.
Tennessee’s journey to the championship was marked by dominant performances in the regional rounds and a decisive victory in a must-win Game 3 against Evansville in the Super Regional. In Omaha, they beat Florida State twice and North Carolina, showing they could handle the pressure.
The win also underscores the strength of SEC baseball, with Tennessee becoming the eighth SEC school to win a national title. The Volunteers’ success extends the SEC’s streak of five consecutive championships won by different schools and their overall 16th title.
The game was attended by notable figures like Peyton Manning and Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel, adding to the excitement.
Coach Vitello, who shared an emotional moment with his father after the win, will also receive a $140,000 bonus for the championship victory.
Tennessee’s run in the CWS sets a new bar for the program, reflecting the team’s grit, talent, and Vitello’s leadership, turning a dream season into reality for the Volunteers and their fans.
Remember The Titans
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Tennessee Titans have finished their mandatory minicamp and OTAs (organized team activities). Training camp starts July 23, but we now have a clearer picture of how the team might line up when the new season kicks off.
Will Levis is locked in as the starting quarterback heading into 2024. He had a promising rookie year, but still needs to prove he’s the franchise guy.
At running back, the Titans seem ready for a dual approach with newly acquired speedster Tony Pollard, who returns to the state after a stellar collegiate career at Memphis and five years in Dallas, and Tyjae Spears, who enters his sixth season in Nashville.
Pollard is expected to take on more early-down duties, but they’ll likely go with whoever’s hot each game.
Veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins, who was the main target last season, will face stiffer competition for catches with the additions of Calvin Ridley, coming from the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tyler Boyd, from the Cincinnati Bengals.
Hopkins has an edge thanks to his existing chemistry with Levis, but Ridley is expected to share the primary receiving duties. Boyd looks set to take over the slot receiver spot, a role confirmed by first-year Titans head coach Brian Callahan.
Chig Okonkwo is expected to start at tight end unless Josh Whyle can make a strong case during training camp. Injured for substantial periods of his rookie campaign, Whyle showed potential. Okonkwo remains the clear favorite for now.
On the offensive line, rookie JC Latham is moving from the right tackle position he played at Alabama to left tackle and has shown the progress needed to start Week 1.
Titans offensive line coach Bill Callahan has called Latham his favorite player in the entire 2024 draft.
And yes, it is that Bill Callahan. The once Oakland Raider head coach, who took his team to Super Bowl XXXVII, is now the offensive line coach under his son, Titans head coach Brian Callahan. The addition of Lloyd Cushenberry at center is a big upgrade, bringing experience that will benefit Levis.
Dennard Wilson, the Tennessee Titans’ new defensive coordinator, is pushing for a more aggressive and confrontational defense in 2024 by prioritizing more press coverage.
Wilson emphasizes physicality, where cornerbacks challenge receivers right from the snap. He believes creating hesitation at the line of scrimmage disrupts the timing of the offense and forces quarterbacks into contested passes.
Last year with the Baltimore Ravens, his secondary excelled in limiting passing touchdowns while employing press coverage extensively.
The Titans’ offseason moves reflect Wilson’s philosophy, highlighted by the trade for L’Jarius Sneed from the Chiefs. Known for his physicality and proficiency in press coverage, Sneed will be a key player in Wilson’s scheme.
The Titans also signed former Bengals cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, who thrives in physical, press situations.
Wilson’s goal is to create a defense that consistently challenges and disrupts opposing offenses, helping the Titans move away from last year’s struggles and develop into a more formidable unit.
Despite their significant offseason moves, the Titans aren’t getting much love from the media. Many think they’re in for a rough season and could end up with a top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, the team is optimistic. The new talent, including Ridley and Pollard, should make them more competitive than last year, and Levis’s flashes of brilliance as a rookie add to their potential.
Winning their division won’t be easy with both the Jaguars and Texans looking strong, but the Titans have a realistic shot at a Wild Card spot.
Training camp will be crucial as the team gets used to Callahan’s system and works to improve their standing in the AFC South.
Their first preseason game is at home against the San Francisco 49ers on August 10, and the regular season kicks off August 25 in Chicago against Caleb Williams and the Bears.
Remember the Titans!
