On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy is joined by Missouri baseball radio's Matt Michaels. They discuss the sights and sounds of the Tigers' opening weekend in Puerto Rico, optimism about the lineup being more effective in 2025, the development of closer Xavier Lovett and much more.

Highway to Hoover is presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. At Academy Sports + Outdoors, they carry all the best gear from the top brands — all at prices you'll love. And now shopping is more convenient than ever at Academy.com and on the Academy app. Enjoy free shipping on orders of $25 or more with sign-in. Plus, easy in-store or curbside pickup. Shop anytime, anywhere and find the widest selection of colors, styles, and sizes. From grills to fitness equipment to workout clothes, everything you need to have fun out THERE is right HERE at Academy.com.

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Learn more about SEC Extra: https://d1ba.se/SEC-Extra-Info
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On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge recap opening weekend around the SEC. They discuss the weekends in Arlington for Ole Miss and Texas, Vanderbilt winning weekend in Arizona, the hosts' in-person looks at Florida and Georgia, and much more.

Highway to Hoover is presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. At Academy Sports + Outdoors, they carry all the best gear from the top brands — all at prices you'll love. And now shopping is more convenient than ever at Academy.com and on the Academy app. Enjoy free shipping on orders of $25 or more with sign-in. Plus, easy in-store or curbside pickup. Shop anytime, anywhere and find the widest selection of colors, styles, and sizes. From grills to fitness equipment to workout clothes, everything you need to have fun out THERE is right HERE at Academy.com.

Subscribe to the Highway To Hoover Podcast: Apple | Spotify
Learn more about SEC Extra: https://d1ba.se/SEC-Extra-Info
Follow SEC Extra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D1SECExtra

On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge continue to preview the 2025 SEC season with our preview episode on Alabama. 

00:00 Welcome and Sponsor Introduction
02:28 Alabama's Recent Performance and Coaching Changes
05:23 Key Players to Watch
10:05 Newcomers and Transfers
15:27 Pitching Staff Overview
21:11 Season Outlook and Final Thoughts
23:40 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

Highway to Hoover is presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. At Academy Sports + Outdoors, they carry all the best gear from the top brands — all at prices you'll love. And now shopping is more convenient than ever at Academy.com and on the Academy app. Enjoy free shipping on orders of $25 or more with sign-in. Plus, easy in-store or curbside pickup. Shop anytime, anywhere and find the widest selection of colors, styles, and sizes. From grills to fitness equipment to workout clothes, everything you need to have fun out THERE is right HERE at Academy.com.

Subscribe to the Highway To Hoover Podcast: Apple | Spotify
Learn more about SEC Extra: https://d1ba.se/SEC-Extra-Info
Follow SEC Extra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D1SECExtra

On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge continue to preview the 2025 SEC season with our preview episode on Auburn. 

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment
01:10 Recap of Auburn's Last Season
03:48 Auburn's Improved Lineup for 2025
12:26 Pitching Staff Analysis
19:58 Plainsman Park Renovations
22:08 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

Highway to Hoover is presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. At Academy Sports + Outdoors, they carry all the best gear from the top brands — all at prices you'll love. And now shopping is more convenient than ever at Academy.com and on the Academy app. Enjoy free shipping on orders of $25 or more with sign-in. Plus, easy in-store or curbside pickup. Shop anytime, anywhere and find the widest selection of colors, styles, and sizes. From grills to fitness equipment to workout clothes, everything you need to have fun out THERE is right HERE at Academy.com.

Subscribe to the Highway To Hoover Podcast: Apple | Spotify
Learn more about SEC Extra: https://d1ba.se/SEC-Extra-Info
Follow SEC Extra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D1SECExtra

On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge continue to preview the 2025 SEC season with our preview episode on Florida. 

00:00 Welcome and Exciting Announcement 
01:33 Florida Gators Season Recap 
05:51 Key Players and Transfers 
14:47 Pitching Staff Analysis 
21:43 Listener Questions and Best Players Discussion 
26:18 Closing Remarks and Thank You

Highway to Hoover is presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. At Academy Sports + Outdoors, they carry all the best gear from the top brands — all at prices you'll love. And now shopping is more convenient than ever at Academy.com and on the Academy app. Enjoy free shipping on orders of $25 or more with sign-in. Plus, easy in-store or curbside pickup. Shop anytime, anywhere and find the widest selection of colors, styles, and sizes. From grills to fitness equipment to workout clothes, everything you need to have fun out THERE is right HERE at Academy.com.

Subscribe to the Highway To Hoover Podcast: Apple | Spotify
Learn more about SEC Extra: https://d1ba.se/SEC-Extra-Info
Follow SEC Extra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D1SECExtra

On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge continue to preview the 2025 SEC season with our preview episode on Georgia.

00:00 Introduction and Overview 
01:02 Georgia Bulldogs: Last Season Recap 
02:16 Team Dynamics and Transfers 
06:03 Pitching Staff Analysis 
10:05 Lineup Depth and Key Players 
13:09 Expectations for the Season 
18:48 Fan Engagement and Stadium Renovations 
21:32 Conclusion and Housekeeping

Highway to Hoover is presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors. At Academy Sports + Outdoors, they carry all the best gear from the top brands — all at prices you'll love. And now shopping is more convenient than ever at Academy.com and on the Academy app. Enjoy free shipping on orders of $25 or more with sign-in. Plus, easy in-store or curbside pickup. Shop anytime, anywhere and find the widest selection of colors, styles, and sizes. From grills to fitness equipment to workout clothes, everything you need to have fun out THERE is right HERE at Academy.com.

Subscribe to the Highway To Hoover Podcast: Apple | Spotify
Learn more about SEC Extra: https://d1ba.se/SEC-Extra-Info
Follow SEC Extra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D1SECExtra

On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge continue to preview the 2025 SEC season with our preview episode on Kentucky. 

00:00 Introduction and Hosts 
00:20 Kentucky Wildcats Overview 
01:48 Roster Turnover and Challenges 
02:29 Transfer Portal and New Talent 
06:56 Player Development and Key Players 
21:03 Defensive Strengths and Concerns 
23:48 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

Subscribe to the Highway To Hoover Podcast: Apple | Spotify
Learn more about SEC Extra: https://d1ba.se/SEC-Extra-Info
Follow SEC Extra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D1SECExtra

On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge continue to preview the 2025 SEC season with our preview episode on LSU. 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 
00:20 Recap of LSU's Rollercoaster Season 
01:23 Challenges and Turnaround 
02:16 Pitching Staff Rebuild 
03:45 Pitching Options and Strategies 
13:40 Position Players Overview 
19:51 Infield and Outfield Analysis 
26:47 Conclusion and Plugs

Subscribe to the Highway To Hoover Podcast: Apple | Spotify
Learn more about SEC Extra: https://d1ba.se/SEC-Extra-Info
Follow SEC Extra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D1SECExtra

On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge continue to preview the 2025 SEC season with our preview episode on Mississippi State. 

00:00 Introduction and Hosts 
00:26 Mississippi State's Bounce Back Season 
01:03 Key Players and Developments 
02:32 Pitching Improvements and Challenges 
09:36 Lineup Questions and Transfers 
14:54 Season Outlook and Schedule 
23:07 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Subscribe to the Highway To Hoover Podcast: Apple | Spotify
Learn more about SEC Extra: https://d1ba.se/SEC-Extra-Info
Follow SEC Extra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D1SECExtra

On this episode of Highway to Hoover, Joe Healy and Mark Etheridge continue to preview the 2025 SEC season with our preview episode on Missouri.

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:19 Missouri Tigers: A Team Overview
01:46 Pitching Strengths and Offensive Struggles
04:03 Early-Season Challenges and Opportunities
04:36 Recruitment and Development Strategies 
05:52 Pre-Conference Schedule Insights 
07:22 Historical Performance and Future Prospects 
17:52 Administrative Support and Facility Concerns 
27:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Subscribe to the Highway To Hoover Podcast: Apple | Spotify
Learn more about SEC Extra: https://d1ba.se/SEC-Extra-Info
Follow SEC Extra on Twitter: https://twitter.com/D1SECExtra