Seth Emerson
@sethemerson.bsky.social
Senior writer for The Athletic, covering college football with a focus on the SEC. Longtime Georgia beat writer, still based in Athens.
Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek has been elevated to chairman of the CFP selection committee to replace Mack Rhoads.
Yurachek also has to hire a football coach so fun times for him.
Yurachek also has to hire a football coach so fun times for him.
November 13, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek has been elevated to chairman of the CFP selection committee to replace Mack Rhoads.
Yurachek also has to hire a football coach so fun times for him.
Yurachek also has to hire a football coach so fun times for him.
Well, that’s wonderful timing.
News: Baylor announces AD Mack Rhoades is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons.
Rhoades is the chair of the CFP selection committee, no word on what that means yet.
The school also has a decision to make soon on coach Dave Aranda's future.
Rhoades is the chair of the CFP selection committee, no word on what that means yet.
The school also has a decision to make soon on coach Dave Aranda's future.
November 13, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Well, that’s wonderful timing.
The biggest Georgia home games this century - either because of the importance or the brand-name opponent:
In advance of Texas making its first-ever trip to Sanford Stadium, I asked some Georgia people what they thought were the biggest home games since 2000:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
In advance of Texas making its first-ever trip to Sanford Stadium, I asked some Georgia people what they thought were the biggest home games since 2000:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The 12 biggest games in Sanford Stadium since 2000: Will Georgia-Texas join the list?
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:18 PM
The biggest Georgia home games this century - either because of the importance or the brand-name opponent:
In advance of Texas making its first-ever trip to Sanford Stadium, I asked some Georgia people what they thought were the biggest home games since 2000:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
In advance of Texas making its first-ever trip to Sanford Stadium, I asked some Georgia people what they thought were the biggest home games since 2000:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Texas: Doin’ great why ya ask.
November 13, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Texas: Doin’ great why ya ask.
The semifinalists for the Joe Moore award will be announced tonight at 8 ET on this stream:
www.youtube.com/live/8B5Okt8...
www.youtube.com/live/8B5Okt8...
Joe Moore Award - Semifinalists Announcement
YouTube video by Joe Moore Award
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:07 PM
The semifinalists for the Joe Moore award will be announced tonight at 8 ET on this stream:
www.youtube.com/live/8B5Okt8...
www.youtube.com/live/8B5Okt8...
Billy Napier was at Georgia's practice on Tuesday, Kirby Smart confirmed on the SEC coaches teleconference.
Napier was Florida's coach when it beat Texas on Oct. 4. Not unusual for Smart to invite coaches who aren't busy to watch a practice, maybe offer up some advice.
Napier was Florida's coach when it beat Texas on Oct. 4. Not unusual for Smart to invite coaches who aren't busy to watch a practice, maybe offer up some advice.
November 12, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Billy Napier was at Georgia's practice on Tuesday, Kirby Smart confirmed on the SEC coaches teleconference.
Napier was Florida's coach when it beat Texas on Oct. 4. Not unusual for Smart to invite coaches who aren't busy to watch a practice, maybe offer up some advice.
Napier was Florida's coach when it beat Texas on Oct. 4. Not unusual for Smart to invite coaches who aren't busy to watch a practice, maybe offer up some advice.
Kirby Smart tried to get Arch Manning. Instead he's winning with Gunner Stockton - who's having a better year than Manning.
That's the story with Smart at QB: He goes after five-stars and experienced transfers, and often gets them. Then he wins with other guys.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
That's the story with Smart at QB: He goes after five-stars and experienced transfers, and often gets them. Then he wins with other guys.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
As Arch Manning comes to Georgia, Kirby Smart’s history of picking QBs — or falling into them
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Kirby Smart tried to get Arch Manning. Instead he's winning with Gunner Stockton - who's having a better year than Manning.
That's the story with Smart at QB: He goes after five-stars and experienced transfers, and often gets them. Then he wins with other guys.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
That's the story with Smart at QB: He goes after five-stars and experienced transfers, and often gets them. Then he wins with other guys.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
SEC teams in the new CFP rankings:
3. Texas A&M
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
7. Ole Miss
10. Texas
11. Oklahoma
14. Vanderbilt
23. Tennessee
3. Texas A&M
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
7. Ole Miss
10. Texas
11. Oklahoma
14. Vanderbilt
23. Tennessee
November 12, 2025 at 12:14 AM
SEC teams in the new CFP rankings:
3. Texas A&M
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
7. Ole Miss
10. Texas
11. Oklahoma
14. Vanderbilt
23. Tennessee
3. Texas A&M
4. Alabama
5. Georgia
7. Ole Miss
10. Texas
11. Oklahoma
14. Vanderbilt
23. Tennessee
Georgia Tech is up to No. 16 in the CFP rankings. Pitt, which the Jackets face in two weeks, is No. 22, but plays at No. 9 Notre Dame first.
Still a scenario where Georgia Tech wins out - including a win over Georgia - and makes it regardless of being in or winning the ACC championship.
Still a scenario where Georgia Tech wins out - including a win over Georgia - and makes it regardless of being in or winning the ACC championship.
November 12, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Georgia Tech is up to No. 16 in the CFP rankings. Pitt, which the Jackets face in two weeks, is No. 22, but plays at No. 9 Notre Dame first.
Still a scenario where Georgia Tech wins out - including a win over Georgia - and makes it regardless of being in or winning the ACC championship.
Still a scenario where Georgia Tech wins out - including a win over Georgia - and makes it regardless of being in or winning the ACC championship.
Is Auburn still a national championship caliber program, or doomed to the SEC's second tier?
The pros and cons, and why this hire is so important for the program's direction.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The pros and cons, and why this hire is so important for the program's direction.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Is Auburn a national championship caliber program, or doomed to the SEC’s second tier?
Auburn has paid $51 million in buyouts to its last three coaches. Is it set up for success this time?
www.nytimes.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Is Auburn still a national championship caliber program, or doomed to the SEC's second tier?
The pros and cons, and why this hire is so important for the program's direction.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The pros and cons, and why this hire is so important for the program's direction.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Chris Hatcher gave Kirby Smart his first full time coaching job, at Valdosta State in 2002. Would imagine Smart returns the favor if Hatcher is interested.
Samford has fired head coach Chris Hatcher, the winningest coach in school history.
He reached three playoffs, including a top-10 finish in 2022, but he's 5-16 the last two years, including 1-9 this year. Led the program since 2015.
They also play Texas A&M in two weeks.
He reached three playoffs, including a top-10 finish in 2022, but he's 5-16 the last two years, including 1-9 this year. Led the program since 2015.
They also play Texas A&M in two weeks.
November 10, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Chris Hatcher gave Kirby Smart his first full time coaching job, at Valdosta State in 2002. Would imagine Smart returns the favor if Hatcher is interested.
Please, world, give us Diego Pavia in the College Football Playoff.
That and a not-unrealistic SEC chaos scenario for the playoff, in this week's vibes rankings:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
That and a not-unrealistic SEC chaos scenario for the playoff, in this week's vibes rankings:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
SEC vibes rankings: Seven teams in the Playoff, including Vanderbilt?
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Please, world, give us Diego Pavia in the College Football Playoff.
That and a not-unrealistic SEC chaos scenario for the playoff, in this week's vibes rankings:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
That and a not-unrealistic SEC chaos scenario for the playoff, in this week's vibes rankings:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
For all playoff talk, the SEC is also still holding its championship game. With three weeks to go, here's where it stands:
- Two teams control their destiny.
- If one or both slips up, we may get to that fourth tiebreaker.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
- Two teams control their destiny.
- If one or both slips up, we may get to that fourth tiebreaker.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The SEC Championship Game race: Alabama and Texas A&M on a collision course?
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:29 PM
For all playoff talk, the SEC is also still holding its championship game. With three weeks to go, here's where it stands:
- Two teams control their destiny.
- If one or both slips up, we may get to that fourth tiebreaker.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
- Two teams control their destiny.
- If one or both slips up, we may get to that fourth tiebreaker.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The ACC right now is a lot of teams declining to have longer football seasons that would interfere with basketball season, and that seems good and right.
November 9, 2025 at 3:13 AM
The ACC right now is a lot of teams declining to have longer football seasons that would interfere with basketball season, and that seems good and right.
Reposted by Seth Emerson
If they close this out, this would be Mark Stoops fifth win against Florida as Kentucky's head coach, as many as the Wildcats had over the Gators from 1957-2017.
November 9, 2025 at 2:41 AM
If they close this out, this would be Mark Stoops fifth win against Florida as Kentucky's head coach, as many as the Wildcats had over the Gators from 1957-2017.
Vanderbilt is now 8-2. Next it gets Kentucky at home, after a bye. Then it finishes at Tennessee.
If the Dores finish 10-2 with their only losses at Alabama and Texas, they're getting in the CFP.
If the Dores finish 10-2 with their only losses at Alabama and Texas, they're getting in the CFP.
I don't know if it'll happen, but Vanderbilt and Diego Pavia in a first round CFP game would be INTRIGUING.
November 9, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Vanderbilt is now 8-2. Next it gets Kentucky at home, after a bye. Then it finishes at Tennessee.
If the Dores finish 10-2 with their only losses at Alabama and Texas, they're getting in the CFP.
If the Dores finish 10-2 with their only losses at Alabama and Texas, they're getting in the CFP.
Now that Hugh Freeze has been fired, Auburn has resorted to the simple strategy of throwing the ball to Cam Coleman and whaddayaknow.
Now that Hugh Freeze has been fired, officials are letting Auburn blockers tackle defenders from behind on touchdown runs, another good reason for Auburn making the move IMO.
November 9, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Now that Hugh Freeze has been fired, Auburn has resorted to the simple strategy of throwing the ball to Cam Coleman and whaddayaknow.
I don't know if it'll happen, but Vanderbilt and Diego Pavia in a first round CFP game would be INTRIGUING.
November 9, 2025 at 12:09 AM
I don't know if it'll happen, but Vanderbilt and Diego Pavia in a first round CFP game would be INTRIGUING.
Now that Hugh Freeze has been fired, officials are letting Auburn blockers tackle defenders from behind on touchdown runs, another good reason for Auburn making the move IMO.
November 8, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Now that Hugh Freeze has been fired, officials are letting Auburn blockers tackle defenders from behind on touchdown runs, another good reason for Auburn making the move IMO.
As someone who's spent too much time writing about and talking to people about officiating the last year, my main takeaway on the catch is what a great call by the back judge.
November 8, 2025 at 8:31 PM
As someone who's spent too much time writing about and talking to people about officiating the last year, my main takeaway on the catch is what a great call by the back judge.
Indiana isn't going to miss the playoff if it loses this game. Penn State has already fired its coach.
And yet that atmosphere is still amped. Exhibit 2,371 that the playoff didn't run college football.
And yet that atmosphere is still amped. Exhibit 2,371 that the playoff didn't run college football.
November 8, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Indiana isn't going to miss the playoff if it loses this game. Penn State has already fired its coach.
And yet that atmosphere is still amped. Exhibit 2,371 that the playoff didn't run college football.
And yet that atmosphere is still amped. Exhibit 2,371 that the playoff didn't run college football.
Gus-ness is happening over in Indiana-Penn State.
Suspect many Georgia fans have already migrated over.
Suspect many Georgia fans have already migrated over.
November 8, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Gus-ness is happening over in Indiana-Penn State.
Suspect many Georgia fans have already migrated over.
Suspect many Georgia fans have already migrated over.
Not sure Texas has that much an advantage getting a bye this week. Georgia is rolling in a way that it badly needed for its confidence, and will be able to rest its starters most of the second half anyway.
November 8, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Not sure Texas has that much an advantage getting a bye this week. Georgia is rolling in a way that it badly needed for its confidence, and will be able to rest its starters most of the second half anyway.
The only criticism of Kirby Smart there is using this maneuver against Mississippi State, in a game you're leading and look like you should win comfortably.
Then again, it had to be a lot of fun.
Then again, it had to be a lot of fun.
Georgia sent the punt team out on fourth-and-3 ... then switched in the offense. Mississippi State called timeout.
After the TO, Georgia sent the punt team out again ... then switched in the offense again. Mississippi State jumped offsides.
A few plays later, Georgia touchdown.
After the TO, Georgia sent the punt team out again ... then switched in the offense again. Mississippi State jumped offsides.
A few plays later, Georgia touchdown.
November 8, 2025 at 6:40 PM
The only criticism of Kirby Smart there is using this maneuver against Mississippi State, in a game you're leading and look like you should win comfortably.
Then again, it had to be a lot of fun.
Then again, it had to be a lot of fun.
Georgia sent the punt team out on fourth-and-3 ... then switched in the offense. Mississippi State called timeout.
After the TO, Georgia sent the punt team out again ... then switched in the offense again. Mississippi State jumped offsides.
A few plays later, Georgia touchdown.
After the TO, Georgia sent the punt team out again ... then switched in the offense again. Mississippi State jumped offsides.
A few plays later, Georgia touchdown.
November 8, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Georgia sent the punt team out on fourth-and-3 ... then switched in the offense. Mississippi State called timeout.
After the TO, Georgia sent the punt team out again ... then switched in the offense again. Mississippi State jumped offsides.
A few plays later, Georgia touchdown.
After the TO, Georgia sent the punt team out again ... then switched in the offense again. Mississippi State jumped offsides.
A few plays later, Georgia touchdown.