The games haven’t been played yet, but there’s still inventory that needs to be taken ahead of Week 1. The market is open, and here are the stocks that are up and the stocks that are down as we kick off the season.
Stock Up: Ole Miss being America’s team
Ole Miss has thrived during this breakup so far. At least when it comes to the public perception and winning neutral fans over on whose side they should be on. The uniforms have always been great. The tailgating is elite. But, this newfound metaphorical post-breakup revenge body they are currently flaunting has gotten the attention of everyone.
Silence has been golden for the Rebels, and it feels like every time LSU finds itself in the spotlight, it only makes Ole Miss more likable. In 2019 LSU became America’s team thanks to a charismatic coach, incredibly talented and likable quarterback, and toppling the longstanding monkey on their back (Alabama) that everyone had grown tired of. It doesn’t feel like this Ole Miss team is going to touch the accomplishments of what that LSU team did seven years ago, but they are currently the leader in the clubhouse when it comes to earning the “America’s Team” moniker.
Stock Down: LSU chaos
Everyone is over it, and I totally get it.
I’ve been on the record multiple times that I think the former NFL players should be allowed to play if every other player from the 2022 class was ruled eligible. That’s just my personal opinion, and it’s become increasingly clear that I am in the very small minority in believing that. That’s completely understandable.
This offseason has been incredibly busy in Baton Rouge. The old adage that all publicity is good publicity has really been put to the test in Lane Kiffin’s first year at LSU. No one needs to get to the actual games being played more than the LSU Tigers.
Stock Up: Alex Golesh
Alex Golesh continues to win the offseason at Auburn. That was once again the case this past weekend when the Tigers and Golesh hosted their first Victory Day. If you need a smile, here you go.
Stock Up: LaNorris Sellers
LaNorris Sellers revealed on Monday that he never once considered leaving South Carolina for another program despite the seven figure deals being thrown his way after the four win season for the Gamecocks a season ago. Whether that’s true or not, it’s nice to hear that a quarterback as talented and marketable as Sellers decided to not leave for a higher payday like some of the others in the sport. There’s nothing wrong with that in this day and age of college football, but it does speak volumes about a player like Sellers that should be a fan favorite this season.
Stock Down: Neutral site games
This is your annual reminder that college football games belong on college campuses. Going to Dublin, Ireland is a cool novelty and all, as are Ole Miss fans taking over Nashville this weekend for the Louisville game. But, Auburn and Baylor playing in Atlanta just for a quick payday sucks despite there being more Auburn fans in Atlanta than in Auburn itself. Trust me, as a 38 year native of Atlanta, I can confirm that.
Bottom line, play college games on college campuses. Period.
