TNR 9/11/26 | Is Auburn’s Offense Byrum Brown or Bust? Alabama’s BIG Kentucky Concerns

Did Byrum Brown make the Auburn Tigers offense look better than it really was in Alex Golesh’s debut? And should Alabama fans be worried about the Crimson Tide’s offensive line as Keelon Russell prepares for his first SEC road start at Kentucky?

The Next Round breaks down the biggest storylines heading into Week 2 of the 2026 college football season.

Auburn is coming off a win over Baylor, but Byrum Brown was asked to do a lot. The Tigers quarterback threw for 259 yards while also carrying the ball 21 times, including the game-clinching touchdown run. Southern Miss head coach Blake Anderson says stopping Auburn “starts and ends” with Brown. Is that a compliment to Auburn’s new quarterback—or a warning sign about the rest of the Tigers offense under Alex Golesh?

Then we turn to Alabama, where Kalen DeBoer could be dealing with a major concern up front. Starting right guard Michael Carroll is doubtful for the Crimson Tide’s SEC opener at Kentucky, potentially leaving Alabama without the lone returning starter from last season’s first-team offensive line. How big of a problem could that be for Keelon Russell as the young quarterback makes his first SEC start and first major road start at Kroger Field?

Plus:

• SEC Power Rankings vs. ESPN FPI — Which ranking has the conference right?

• SEC vs. Big Ten — How important is this weekend for the battle between college football’s two biggest conferences?

• Buffalo Wild Wings Pick Three — Week 2 picks are here as we try to find three winners on another loaded college football Saturday.

From Auburn and Alabama to the SEC championship race and the national battle between the SEC and Big Ten, we have you covered with everything you need to know heading into the weekend.

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