Longshore and McKnight: Bruce Pearl’s transformation of Auburn basketball, North Carolina could be most valuable expansion target for SEC, and more…

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March 7, 2025

On today’s episode of Longshore and McKnight, our hosts, John and Barry preview Alabama vs. Auburn at Neville Arena, where Auburn enters as an 8.5-point favorite with a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed on the line. Alabama, having lost four of its last six games, looks to rebound and solidify its own tournament positioning.

The hosts discuss whether Auburn should rest key players like Johni Broom ahead of the SEC Tournament, while bracketology projections place Auburn as a No. 1 seed and Alabama as a No. 2. Guest Mike Griffith (AJC/DawgNation) praises Bruce Pearl’s transformation of Auburn basketball and weighs in on potential ACC exits for Florida State and Clemson, arguing that North Carolina is the most valuable expansion target for the SEC.

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The conversation shifts to college football’s shifting landscape, with Auburn’s 2025 win total set at 7.5 and Alabama’s at 8.5, sparking debate over which team has a better shot at the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.

SEC revenue distribution concerns fuel speculation that powerhouse programs like Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and LSU could push for a larger share, mirroring ACC tensions. The hosts also discuss Auburn’s season opener against Baylor being moved to a Friday, whether midweek games help or hurt national exposure, and conference realignment’s long-term impact.

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