Talk about something we didn’t see last year in Athens. Not to complain too too much, but it seemed like the defense didn’t generate near enough pressure and the big gains on offense were minimal, if ever. Seems like it’s become a point of emphasis this year in the offseason.

Now, last year it was the establish the run and stop the run, which the team did well. A CFP berth and an SEC Championship is nothing to be ashamed of, after all. But there were more downfield throws on Saturday, which gives a little credence that Mike isn’t just preaching but the team is working on it, too.

On the other side of the ball, there was plenty of backfield disruption (yes, I know, it was a spring game and the defense knew there would be passing aplenty), and it looks like the last two recruiting cycles have been building to improving this. And to think, the Auburn transfer to help address this wasn’t even in action.

Now, if we can maintain the prior year’s focus on the run game and insert more havoc and explosiveness, then I think we’re nearing closer to getting back to Championship form.

Now for the biggest test of this team for the 2026 season: surviving the offseason injury season and the the off-field antics.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst, as they say.