Oklahoma, which ranked No. 5 in the poll, is coming off three-straight Big 12 Championships, back-to-back top 10 recruiting classes and welcomes back 11 players on national awards watch lists, but comes in too high for McElroy. Washington Wisconsin, Miami, Penn State and Auburn round out the top 10.
McElroy’s microphone cut out before he could finish his statement, but fellow panelist (and fellow SEC alumnus) Marcus Spears defended his colleague’s take. Spears pointed to obvious questions about the Oklahoma defense, which finished 67th in the FBS and allowed 349.9 yards per game last year.