Jake Crain, host of the JBoy Show, talks SEC storylines ahead of Media Days

Key notes from Jake Crain interview

• I think it should be an eight-team playoff. With 12, it's a slippery slope, and it waters down the regular season. I'm not a fan of the four byes either. Expanding the playoff helps the recruiting pitches because kids want to play in the biggest games in front of the scouts. Playing in these playoff games could help turn second-round grades into first-round grades.
   
• I coached college football for nine years, five at the Division I level. I was at Montana and used to work 24/7. I started this podcast all willy-nilly during the pandemic. It blew up really quickly. When I was supposed to fly back, I made up my mind that I was going to try this full-time.
   
• There are only a couple of places outside of the dominant programs with the resources to have a ton of success in the SEC, and Texas A&M is one of them. Jimbo Fisher has won before at Florida State. He has built this A&M program from the inside out from a recruiting standpoint. The difference for me is the Aggies’ front seven. Look at what they return under Mike Elko. It just seems to me like Texas A&M is starting to look like one of the prettiest girls at the dance.
   
• The Alabama-Texas A&M is turning into an important game from an SEC West standpoint. The division is as deep as it has ever been. By the same token, the gap between Alabama and A&M is not that large anymore. Alabama has to replace a lot this season. I think the gap can be bridged, and all it takes is one. It takes only one win to flip the narrative. Jimbo is not afraid of Nick Saban, and that's the first thing you have to have if you're going to beat Alabama.
   
• This will be my first SEC Media Days. It's a stepping stone. We're through spring and the draft. Once you get through media days, you can start smelling the start of the season. I'm excited.
   
• Georgia could be one of the teams to dethrone Alabama. I haven't been one of these people who say that every year. When I look at the 2021 team and this roster, I really do think they have their best chance this year. Does that mean they're a lock to do it this year? No. I think they are a complete team in 2021, and they've added a lot through the portal. Offensively, with Jeff Monken and JT Daniels, it looks like Kirby Smart is on the same track as Saban to start opening it up. They could be more verticle, which would make them more dangerous. Georgia has been up on Alabama at halftime the last three times they've played, but they haven't had enough firepower offensively to keep it up.
   
• Georgia-Clemson is a great week one game. It could be the best game of the year even though it's the first game. I'm looking forward to every game. In the first three weeks, that Georgia-Clemson game stands out. I think Alabam runs through Miami like a wet paper bag. I'm excited for the Colorado matchup for A&M. You've got Auburn-Penn State in week two. I'm sure a lot of people will be watching Arkansas-Texas as well.