I watched the 1989 Tennessee-Auburn full game on YouTube

[wmcovol]

Those OLs were some of our best ever. But, man today's OLs are so much bigger.

The interpretation of holding rules have changed since then.

 

[BernardKingGOAT]

To be fair, there might not be anyone from the 80s that could compete in today's game. Maybe a legend-like generational talent such a Bo Jackson. Players of today are just so much bigger, stronger and faster. It's almost not fair to even make the comparison. For reference, our starting guards in this game weighed barely weighed 290 pounds--today that's the smallest OLineman on the roster.

Wanted to point out, too: I didn't realize the SEC on CBS music has been around that long.

Both Chuck Webb and Reggie Cobb could play in today's game. The thing about the lineman: They could have put on more weight easily at that size. At that time being quicker at 290-300 was more important, mostly due to the Bill Walsh effect. And absolutely, Carl Pickens would translate into today's game.