SEC 2010 Football

[symple19]

Here's a breakdown of the SEC from Rivals.


Signing Day Blitz: Ranking the SEC
1. Florida
Headliner: The Gators went to California to land the country's top prospect in the athletic defensive end Ronald Powell.
Sleeper: Darrin Kitchens is a great athlete that projects as a linebacker.
Overview: This is a defensive recruiting class for the ages. Florida landed the top three defensive line prospects in the nation in DE Ronald Powell, DT Sharrif Floyd and DT Dominique Easley. DT Leon Orr and DE Lynden Trail have serious upside. The secondary is loaded with athletes, especially safeties Matt Elam and Jonathan Dowling and cornerbacks Joshua Shaw, Jaylen Watkins and Cody Riggs. On the other side of the ball, Florida landed a big-time back in Mack Brown and playmaking receivers in Chris Dunkley, Quinton Dunbar and Solomon Patton. Offensive tackles Chaz Green and Ian Silberman each have a high ceiling. All told, Florida landed five five-star prospects and 11 members of the Rivals100.
2. Auburn
Headliner: Running back Michael Dyer headlines this talented recruiting class.
Sleeper: Offensive tackle Ed Christian has a chance to shine for the Tigers.
Overview: This is a class that is balanced from top to bottom. The Tigers landed a five-star QB in junior college transfer Cameron Newton. Another five-star signee is running back Michael Dyer, a small but powerful back. Auburn did very well at wide receiver, landing Jeremy Richardson, Antonio Goodwin and Trovon Reed. Auburn added another five-star prospect along the offensive front in Shon Coleman. The defense is led by tackle Jeffrey Whitaker, ends Corey Lemonier and Craig Sanders and linebackers LaDarius Owens and Jake Holland. Defensive backs Jonathon Mincy and Demetruce McNeal are talented as well. Auburn did much better with in-state recruiting, and it also landed some big-time players from Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina and Georgia.
3. Alabama
Headliner: Demarcus Milliner is a very talented, "bigger" cornerback that's headed to Tuscaloosa.
Sleeper: Deion Belue is a playmaker on either side of the ball.
Overview: This is another rip-roaring class for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. No one in the land signed a better group of defensive backs. Alabama landed another five-star in standout DeMarcus Milliner, as well as high four-star prospects like cornerbacks Dequan Menzie and John Fulton and safety Jarrick Williams. Alabama did well up front, especially with defensive ends Alfy Hill and Adrian Hubbard. Linebacker C.J. Mosley is a player that can find the football in a hurry. Quarterback Phillip Sims leads the offensive class, and he is one of the nation's best at his position. The Tide landed a little thunder and lightning with the signatures of Jalston Fowler and Corey Grant. Wide receiver DeAndrew White and tight end Brian Vogler lead this group of pass catchers. Alabama closed on the offensive line with Arie Kouandjio.
4. LSU
Headliner: Spencer Ware is a big-time athlete that's headed to Baton Rouge.
Sleeper: Linebacker D.J. Welter is one of many to keep a close eye in the future.
Overview: The LSU recruiting machine continues to roll with the 2010 class. Tigers coach Les Miles brought in another impressive haul. This LSU class is led by five-star athlete Spencer Ware. He should shine at running back for the purple and gold. Linebacker D.J. Welter, running backs Brandon Worle and Alfred Blue and defensive end Houston Bates are some three-stars that could really shine for Miles and company. Defensive end J.R. Ferguson, wide receiver Kadron Boone and linebacker Jarrett Fobbs were big Signing Day gets for the Tigers. Other big-time prospects include defensive end Justin Maclin, tight end Travis Dickson, running back Jakhari Gore, quarterback Zach Lee, wide receiver James Wright, defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, offensive tackle Evan Washington and athlete Ronnie Vinson.
5. Tennessee
Headliner: Five-star wide receiver Da'Rick Rogers was an absolute steal in the end for coach Derek Dooley and his Vols.
Sleeper: Marcques Dixon was a good late get for the Vols. He brings some serious speed to Knoxville.
Overview: New Tennessee coach Derek Dooley and his staff did a very good job considering the circumstances they inherited. First, Dooley kept all the early enrolles in Knoxville. That was a recruiting coups that gave Dooley a ton of early credibility. The Vols landed their quarterback of the future in Tyler Bray. Running back Rajion Neal, wide receivers Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter, offensive linemen James Stone and Jawuan James, defensive ends Jacques Smithand Corey Miller, wide receiver/safety Ted Meline and linebacker Eddrick Loften are all big-time recruits.
6. Georgia
Headliner: Defensive end T.J. Stripling should thrive in the new Georgia defense.
Sleeper: Demetre Baker is a smaller linebacker that can really run. He should remind many Bulldogs fans of Rennie Curran.
Overview: Rivals100 safety Alec Ogletree is a star in the making that will likely grow into a linebacker. The Bulldogs did well along the defensive front by landing Mike Thornton, Jalen Fields, Brandon Burrows, Garrison Smith, Dexter Morant and T.J. Stripling. That's the core of this Mark Richt class. Other standouts are running back Ken Malcome, cornerback Derek Owens, and offensive guard Kolton Houston. Offensive tackle prospect Brent Benedict is one of the most talented players at his position.
7. Ole Miss
Headliner: Carlos Thompson is an elite defensive end prospect headed to Oxford.
Sleeper: Linebacker Clarence Jackson is a two-way standout that's very athletic and has good speed.
Overview: Houston Nutt and his Rebels cracked the top 25 with another strong close. There are plenty of talented players in the class, but this group is led by defensive end Carlos Thompson. Ole Miss did very well in the junior college ranks, pulling defensive end Wayne Dorsey, safety Damien Jackson and athlete Randall Mackey. Once again, the Rebels hit south Florida and landed cornerback Cliff Coleman and running back Jeff Scott. A couple of sleepers to keep a close eye on are running back/fullback Martez Eastland and linebacker Clarence Jackson. Two defensive tackles to watch are Carlton Martin and Mike Thomas. Like last season, the Rebels closed with a bang. This year they landed defensive end Delvin Jones, cornerback Tony Grimes, wide receiver Vincent Sanders and linebacker Ralph Williams.
8. South Carolina
Headliner: Running back Marcus Lattimore is a versatile talent at running back. He is the kind of special player at the position that Steve Spurrier has been desperate to find.
Sleeper: Offensive guard/center prospect Tramell Williams has a chance to be an outstanding interior offensive line prospect in Columbia.
Overview: The Gamecocks landed a little bit of everything with this class. Leading the way is five-star running back prospect Marcus Lattimore. He can run and catch, and should be an ideal fit. Another good fit will be quarterback Connor Shaw. He doesn't have the biggest arm in the world, but Spurrier should love the intangibles he brings to the table. Other standouts are wide receiver Ace Sanders, offensive linemen A.J. Cann and Tramell Williams, defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles, cornerbacks Victor Hampton and Brison Williams and safety Sharrod Golightly. Wide receiver Javon Bell from Jacksonville was a nice late addition.
9. Mississippi State
Headliner: Kaleb Eulls has great size and length at the defensive end position.
Sleeper: Defensive back Jamerson Love looked very good during the Alabama/Mississippi all-star game.
Overview: The Bulldogs landed a quartet of four-star prospects in defensive tackle James Carmon, athlete Robert Johnson, defensive end Kaleb Euless, and wide receiver Michael Carr. No doubt Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen is attracting some athletes to Starkville. Players like Johnson, Carr, Brandon Hill, Jameon Lewis, and Matthew Wells are likely in the fold because of the new regime. Linebackers Ferlando Bohanna and Corvell Harrison and defensive backs Chris Hughes and Jamerson Love should bolster the Bulldogs defense. Offensive tackle Damien Robinson was a big-time signee for the Bulldogs.
10. Arkansas
Headliner: Arkansas won a huge Signing Day battle over Oklahoma State for defensive tackle Calvin Barnett.
Sleeper: He didn't have a lot of buzz, but Luke Charpentier is a terrific OL from the Bayou State.
Overview: Bobby Petrino's 2010 class is loaded with athletes - of the big and small variety. At 6-2 and 265 pounds, Jatashun Beachum is one of the nation's most intriguing big man. What position he'll play is the big question because he is so versatile. Safety Daunte Carr fell to Hogs from Stanford. Defensive linemen Calvin Barnett, Bryan Jones and Jeremiah Jackson are very good. Florida prospects Joseph Byrd and Marquel Wade are two underrated players from the Sunshine State.
11. Kentucky
Headliner: The headliner here is tight end Alex Smith, who the Wildcats pulled very late.
Sleeper: Raymond Sanders got overlooked in Georgia because of the great depth at the running back position.
Overview: The Wildcats got a big one on signing day when they turned four-star tight end Alex Smith away from North Carolina. Then they pulled some very good recruits in the end. Athlete Jerrell Priester, running backs Brandon Gainer and Miles Simpson and linebacker Tim Patterson joined the fold late. The Wildcats have a solid defensive end class, which is led by Mike Douglas. He is a steal from the Sunshine State. Cornerback Dale Trimble, linebacker Jabari Johnson and running back Raymond Sanders are all sleeper-type recruits. Kentucky went to 10 states to land prospects for their class.
12. Vanderbilt
Headliner: Running back Rajaan Bennett was a huge, late pull for the Vandy class. He is one of the top running backs from the south.
Sleeper: You have to love to motor of defensive tackle Jared Morse.
Overview: This could be the top Vanderbilt class in many years. The Commodores set their sights on Georgia and landed nine Peach State prospects in the end, highlighted by running back Rajaan Bennett. Vandy went to New Jersey to get defensive tackle James Kittredge, Alabama to get Jared Morse, Florida to nab Thomas Ryan, Mississippi to ink Vince Taylor and Virginia to sign Andre Simmons.

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Chili? Romad? Dirk? Anybody else have thoughts on the recruiting classes or the upcoming season?

I'll be posting articles here and other stuff over the offseason


I think Tenn and Dooley closed really well considering the whole Kiffin fiasco

Ole Miss and Miss St had solid classes, helping to pave the way for a nightmarish western division in the years to come. IMO, there really won't be any weak teams.

Florida is fucking ridiculous. Another unbelievable class, even with Urban Meyers future in question. (No more Tebow....Wooooohoooo)

UGA running an attack 3-4?

USCe to become a run focus team with Lattimore under the ole' ball coach?

Kentucky looking good again, no more a doormat.

Arkansas should be much better with QB Ryan Mallett returning.

Alabama, well, being Alabama. Top notch recruiting class and defending SEC/Natty champion

LSU with another good class, but can they get the offense going?

Can Auburn maintain their momentum?

Will Vandy get any better like many thought they would (me included) last year?

No shortage of stuff to talk about. Will start to ramp up again around spring practice when we can start to get an idea of what kind of team will take the field come kickoff.

[romad_20]

I'm curious as to what the new 3-4 will look like. Good luck to Ok, Willie Martinez is your problem now, although he is only DB coach there. (which is what he's good at)

It hurt losing Da'Rick Rodgers to Tenn, but understandable. He has a chance to start there right away and would have been red shirted at UGA. We picked up some good recruits and having a top 5 class hasn't put us over the top anyway, so I don't put so much stock in it until they get on the field. David Pollock was an unranked fullback when he came to Georgia.

Its fun to watch Florida have the kind of offseason its having. Top recruiting class or not, they've got some stuff brewing with Meyer flip flopping ever other week about his future and Edwards bolting on them the day after signing day.

The rest I've been laying low about. Don't ever really get a chance to follow high school recruits too much out here in Austin and I'm finishing school (13 fucking years later :lol )and trying to find a new job in this garbage economy. Right around July the college football juices will get flowin' again.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

looks like chizik is really doing the damn thing in the recruiting department down in auburn

[symple19]

looks like chizik is really doing the damn thing in the recruiting department down in auburn

He definitely is. Trooper Taylor, Tracy Rocker, Curtis Luper, Gus Malzahn, and Ted Roof get a ton of credit too. They were able to close on kids who had big schools after them, most notably Shon Coleman.

I'm still just a bit hesitant though. A lot of these blue chip kids are coming in looking at playing significant snaps next near, and that's not ideal for a consistent, championship contending team. When the depth chart gets a bit deeper will Auburn be able to continue to get these top-notch players in the numbers they did this year? The way teams like UT, UF, Bama, USC do? I hope so, but there will have to be a lot of success on the field for that to happen.


UTs class was sick. 11 kids that run a 4.5 or lower?! LOL, that's pretty ridiculous. Team speed. Very strong WR class.

[symple19]

I'm curious as to what the new 3-4 will look like. Good luck to Ok, Willie Martinez is your problem now, although he is only DB coach there. (which is what he's good at)

I love the 3-4. It's the most versatile deensive set, IMO. You have to have a ton of LBs though, and in most cases it would take time to recruit them. I don't think that's the case with UGA though, since they recruit so well and seem to have good depth.


It hurt losing Da'Rick Rodgers to Tenn, but understandable. He has a chance to start there right away and would have been red shirted at UGA. We picked up some good recruits and having a top 5 class hasn't put us over the top anyway, so I don't put so much stock in it until they get on the field. David Pollock was an unranked fullback when he came to Georgia.

Tennessee is in the same position as Auburn. They were thin in a lot of areas, and you're right, he will probably see early playing time. I have to give Dooley credit for coming in and salvaging that class.


Its fun to watch Florida have the kind of offseason its having. Top recruiting class or not, they've got some stuff brewing with Meyer flip flopping ever other week about his future and Edwards bolting on them the day after signing day.

Drama. Meyer is is a weird situation. I think the class they had represents the school and the program more than anything else. With their recent success it's not hard to woo recruits.


The rest I've been laying low about. Don't ever really get a chance to follow high school recruits too much out here in Austin and I'm finishing school (13 fucking years later :lol )and trying to find a new job in this garbage economy. Right around July the college football juices will get flowin' again.


Good luck with the job search. I'm getting transferred to Lexington Ky, so i'll be back down south. The only good part of that is it's cheaper, and I'll get to see the Tigers when they play next year in Lexington. And southern women, can't forget that. :toast

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Running back Rajaan Bennett, one of Vanderbilt (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/clubhouse?teamId=238)'s top-rated signees for the 2010 class, was killed early Thursday morning in an apparent murder-suicide at the family's home in Powder Springs, Ga.


A Tearful Tragedy for Vanderbilt

The death of Rajaan Bennett in an apparent murder-suicide hurts so many people -- in his family, at his high school and at Vanderbilt, where teammates and fans won't get to know just how special a player and person he was, writes Chris Low.



The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported the story on its Web site.
Police responded to a 911 call about 2:30 a.m. ET on Thursday from Bennett's home. When they arrived about four minutes later, they heard gunshots, Powder Springs police Maj. Charles Spann told the Journal-Constitution.
Two people ran from the house following the gunshots, including Bennett's mother, Narjaketha Bennett, and her brother, Taiwan Hunter, who had been shot. Both were hysterical, police said.
The Cobb County SWAT team was called to the scene, and officers found two people who had been shot and killed inside the home: Bennett, 18, and Clifton O'Neal Steager, 39, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, according to Powder Springs police Lt. Matt Boyd.
Police said Hunter, 32, was wounded and is in surgery.
Steager was later identified as a former boyfriend of Bennett's mother, Narjaketha Bennett.
Bennett, listed at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, rushed for 1,857 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior at McEachern High School and led his team to an unbeaten regular season. He was recruited by several SEC schools, including Kentucky and Tennessee, before choosing Vanderbilt.




"All of us at Vanderbilt are devastated by news of Rajaan's death. This is just so tragic to everybody who knew and loved Rajaan," Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. "Initially, our thoughts and prayers are with his mother, Narjaketha, and family members. I know he meant so much to them.

"Rajaan was an extraordinary young man and an ideal fit for Vanderbilt University. As we got to know Rajaan, it became very clear to our coaches that he was a better person than he was an athlete," Johnson said. "He was a leader, a young man who gained the respect of the entire community at McEachern High School."
Bennett was rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN's Scouts Inc., and as the 25th best player in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Fab 50, which was published earlier this month. Bennett's high school coach, Kyle Hockman, said Bennett was one of the best kids he's ever coached.
"I'm sure you want to talk about Rajaan on the football field, but I promise he's a better person than he is a player," Hockman said when Bennett signed with Vanderbilt. "He has a great head on his shoulders, a guy that has been the man in his household for quite a while, yet still worked to maintain a solid GPA in class and become such a great player.
"Rajaan is both humble and hard working. He's a guy that is very respected by his teammates and the McEachern community. I think the world of this young man," Hockman said.
This is the second murder that has rocked the Vanderbilt football program during Johnson's tenure as coach. Former running back Kwane Doster was shot and killed in December of 2004 while sitting in the back seat of a friend's car in Tampa, Fla.
Doster had just finished his junior season at Vanderbilt. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Year two seasons earlier after rushing for 798 yards.

[romad_20]

Just read that. Sad day for Vandy. Johnson a damn good coach and runs a good program, he was breaking down in the press conference. I just don't understand these people, if you want to end your life, fine, but don't kill a 18 year old kid with a future.

[romad_20]

And southern women, can't forget that. :toast


You're damn right. Austin has its share, but I really miss that southern drawl. My wife is German from Dallas, so no luck on that for me :lol

[symple19]

Just read that. Sad day for Vandy. Johnson a damn good coach and runs a good program, he was breaking down in the press conference. I just don't understand these people, if you want to end your life, fine, but don't kill a 18 year old kid with a future.

:tu

[symple19]

From ESPN



What to watch in the SEC West this spring
February, 22, 2010
FEB 22
11:00
AM ET
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By Chris Low
Here’s a breakdown of some of the issues facing each SEC West team heading into the spring:

ALABAMA

Spring practice starts: March 12

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:
Retooling the secondary -- The Crimson Tide are losing three starters in the secondary, and another guy who played a good bit last season, safety Robby Green, is in limbo. The battle for the two starting cornerback spots this spring will be fierce. Sophomore Dre Kirkpatrick has star potential with his combination of talent and swagger. Coveted freshman signees DeMarcus Milliner and John Fulton both enrolled early and will go through spring practice, while sophomore B.J. Scott will also get a shot at one of the three starting positions in Alabama’s nickel defense along with LSU transfer Phelon Jones, who already has SEC experience. Junior college newcomer DeQuan Menzie arrives this summer, so there will be a bunch of new faces in the Alabama secondary next fall. And with Green’s eligibility in question, another guy to watch at safety is sophomore Robert Lester, a teammate of Julio Jones’ in high school. Scott could also play safety if needed.
Cody’s replacement -- Even though Terrence Cody wasn’t an every-down player for Alabama, he was a one-man wrecking crew against the run. Teams simply didn’t run between the tackles against the Crimson Tide. Junior Josh Chapman is the most experienced of the inside guys and played behind Cody the last two seasons. The defensive coaches are eager to get a more extensive look at sophomore Kerry Murphy this spring. He may have as much pure talent as anybody up front. He got a late start getting to Alabama because of qualifying issues, but was a big-time recruit. Damion Square is a wild card and can play any position on the defensive line. He’s back after tearing his ACL in the second game, but will be limited this spring.
Special teams makeover -- Don’t underestimate the importance special teams played for Alabama each of the past two seasons. Place-kicker Leigh Tiffin and punter P.J. Fitzgerald both had excellent senior seasons. Freshman place-kicker Cade Foster is already enrolled in school and will show off his leg in the spring. Christian Kauffman is walking on and will be on campus this summer. Freshman punter Jay Williams will be on campus in the summer. Equally important is finding a dynamic return man. How many games did Javier Arenas win for the Crimson Tide the last few seasons? Julio Jones, Dre Kirkpatrick, Trent Richardson, Marquis Maze and Terry Grant are all more than capable candidates. We’ll see who emerges.
ARKANSAS

Spring practice starts: March 30

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:
Playing without Mallett -- It will be sophomore Tyler Wilson’s show this spring at quarterback with Ryan Mallett out with a broken bone in his left foot. Wilson will get some help from redshirt freshman Brandon Mitchell and true freshman Jacoby Walker, who enrolled early and will also participate in spring practice. Obviously, the Hogs would like to have their main guy under center with everybody getting better around him, but it’s also a chance for Wilson and some of the other quarterbacks to get valuable practice time with the first unit. Having a second-team quarterback who’s ready to step in as opposed to having one who’s in over his head is the difference between saving a season and going belly-up if the starter happens to go down.
Making strides on defense -- The Hogs will be older and more experienced on defense next season, and they’re hopeful that means they will be stingier. Depth at linebacker remains a concern, but the secondary should be better with the return of cornerback Isaac Madison, who missed all of last season with a knee injury. For precautionary reasons, Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said he’s not sure how much contact Madison will get this spring. Malcolm Sheppard and Adrian Davis are gone from the defensive line, but Petrino thinks the defensive front will be good. Jake Bequette, Damario Ambrose, Tenarius Wright, Zach Stadther, D.D. Jones, Patrick Jones and Lavunce Askew are all back. Petrino says it’s paramount that the Hogs develop more depth at linebacker this spring, and ultimately, find a way to eliminate the big plays.
Loaded backfield -- It’s no secret that Arkansas is loaded at receiver, but Petrino really likes the potential in the backfield, headlined by sophomore Ronnie Wingo Jr. He has track speed and has beefed up to 230 pounds. He’s primed for a breakout season. It’s also a backfield that appears to have all the pieces. Broderick Green is pushing 250 pounds and gives the Hogs that power back down around the goal line, while Dennis Johnson and Knile Davis are guys who can do a little bit of everything. With new offensive line coach Chris Klenakis coming over from Nevada, look for the Hogs to tweak their running game and use a lot of the Pistol formation that was so successful for Klenakis at Nevada.
AUBURN

Spring practice starts: March 22

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:
Linebacker depth -- The Tigers were so thin at linebacker last season that Josh Bynes and Craig Stevens had to play every snap in the overtime win against Northwestern in the Outback Bowl. Both of those guys are back, and both should be primed for big seasons. But one of the priorities this spring is building some depth around them. Junior Eltoro Freeman should be more consistent in 2010 after coming over from junior college last season. Redshirt freshman Harris Gaston was injured for much of last season, while sophomore Jonathan Evans played well late when he was forced into action. Freshman signee Jessel Curry was a midterm enrollee. The rest of the linebacker reinforcements -- LaDarius Owens, Jake Holland and Jawara White -- will be on campus this summer.
Newton stepping in at quarterback -- All signs point to junior college newcomer Cameron Newton being the guy to beat at quarterback. He’ll go through spring practice after signing in December. The 6-foot-6, 247-pound Newton can run and pass, which is what Gus Malzahn is looking for in his spread offense. Redshirt freshman Tyrik Rollison was thought to be the Tigers’ quarterback of the future until his suspension prior to the bowl game last year. Now, his status remains up in the air. Senior Neil Caudle will also get a shot this spring. Remember that Chris Todd sort of came from the back of the pack last season to win the job.
Difference-makers on defense -- Antonio Coleman was the SEC’s sacks leader and tackles for loss leader a year ago, but now he’s gone. Who’s going to take his place when it comes to making the big plays on defense? Senior Antoine Carter is the odds-on favorite at Coleman’s end spot, but the guy the Auburn coaches were really excited about last season was freshman Nosa Eguae, who injured his foot just prior to the season and wound up redshirting. It’s also a big spring for junior tackle Nick Fairley. He made some big plays inside last season after coming over from junior college, but needs to show more consistency. Junior college players are typically much better their second season in the program.
LSU

Spring practice starts: Feb. 25

Spring game: March 27

What to watch:
Finding an identity on offense -- After last season’s woeful showing, the Tigers have to find an identity on offense. They weren’t particularly good at anything a year ago and finished 112th nationally in total offense (304.5 yards per game). The first part of that equation this spring will be revving up the running game. Even though Charles Scott and Keiland Williams are both gone, junior Stevan Ridley has all sorts of ability, and senior Richard Murphy will be back after missing most of last season with a knee injury. LSU coach Les Miles also brought in former Florida assistant Billy Gonzalez to be the Tigers’ passing game coordinator. It’s not a talent issue. There’s more than enough talent on LSU’s roster to be one of the top offensive clubs in the league. The key is utilizing that talent properly.
Searching for Russell Shepard -- It’s pretty obvious by now that Shepard isn’t going to be an every-down quarterback at LSU. In fact, don’t be surprised if he takes very few snaps at quarterback this spring. Miles believes Shepard might have been spread too thin last season at all the different positions, which is the reason he’s going to work primarily at running back and receiver this spring. He’s one of the most dynamic athletes on LSU’s roster, and the Tigers have to find a way to get his hands on the ball more than they did during his freshman season. Finding his niche in this offense will be critical this spring.
Jefferson’s next step -- It’s true that quarterback Jordan Jefferson tended to hold onto the ball too long last season, but it’s also true that there were more than a few breakdowns in LSU’s offensive line. The Tigers gave up a staggering 37 sacks. Jefferson has to get a better feel for the pressure this spring, where it’s coming from and when he has to get rid of the ball. The LSU coaches will be looking for him to make a big jump from his sophomore to junior season. Either way, redshirt freshman Chris Garrett will get a good look this spring, too. The 6-4, 220-pound Garrett is more of a classic drop-back passer with a big arm.
MISSISSIPPI STATE

Spring practice starts: March 23

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:
Tyler Russell’s stage -- Certainly nobody is going to hand the starting quarterback job to redshirt freshman Tyler Russell, who was one of the prizes of the Bulldogs’ 2009 signing class. But he will get every chance to win the job this spring. Junior Chris Relf isn’t going anywhere and was effective as Mississippi State’s designated running quarterback when he returned from his suspension last season. Still, it’s Russell who has the most upside to be the kind of every-down quarterback Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen is looking for in his offense. Mullen didn’t think Russell was ready last season and didn’t push him. We’ll have a better idea of how ready he is after this spring.
Life after Anthony Dixon -- When you take away almost 1,400 yards rushing from an offense, that means somebody waiting in the wings better be really special or that two or three people better be poised to step up and divvy up that production. It’s probably going to be the latter for the Bulldogs, who face the task of replacing Dixon and his 126.5 yards per game. Junior Robert Elliott has the most experience. Freshman Montrell Conner redshirted last season, while junior college newcomer Vick Ballard is in school and will also go through spring practice. Look for sophomore receiver Chad Bumphis’ role in this offense to grow exponentially, too. He’s one of those guys who makes plays no matter where you put him.
New identity on defense -- Mullen brought in Manny Diaz from Middle Tennessee to run the Mississippi State defense along with Chris Wilson from Oklahoma. Wilson will serve as co-defensive coordinator and also coach the defensive line. The Bulldogs finished 11th in the SEC last season in both total defense and scoring defense. There’s some young talent in place defensively, not to mention a dominant presence up front in senior end Pernell McPhee. Diaz’s goal is to bring more of an attacking mentality to Mississippi State’s defense, and that starts this spring. The Bulldogs have a chance to be really good in the secondary when you look at all the young guys who made plays back there last season.
OLE MISS

Spring practice starts: March 27

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:
Overhauling the offense -- With a new coordinator (Dave Rader) and new players at just about every position, the Rebels will take on a different look in 2010. The first order of business is settling on a starting quarterback. Sophomore Nathan Stanley is probably in the best position to win the job, but redshirt freshman Raymond Cotton will also get a long look this spring. Don’t count out multipurpose junior college newcomer Randall Mackey once he arrives in the summer, either. With Houston Nutt calling the shots on offense, the running game is always going to be what drives Ole Miss. Dexter McCluster won’t be around to break 70- and 80-yard touchdown runs anymore, which means Brandon Bolden, Rodney Scott, Tim Simon (if he’s healthy) and Enrique Davis will have split up the backfield duties. If Davis is going to make his move, it needs to be this spring.
Sophomores stepping up -- Several talented, younger players in the program will need to take that next step if Ole Miss is going to have the kind of success it has during Nutt’s first two seasons in Oxford. In particular, there are a cluster of sophomores who showed a lot of promise last season as freshmen. They have to become leaders and prime-time players this coming season. Some of those guys include D.T. Shackelford at linebacker, Jesse Grandy at running back, return specialist or anywhere he can get his hands on the ball and Pat Patterson at receiver. If Patterson matures both on and off the field this spring, he’s got a chance to be Ole Miss’ next great receiver in the mold of Shay Hodge. And on the offensive line, tackle Bobby Massie needs to become a dominant player.
Plugging in Dorsey at end -- The Ole Miss coaches will get their first look at 6-8, 255-pound Wayne Dorsey in their defense this spring. He’s the kind of guy who should fit perfectly into what defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix is looking for from his ends and was a force in junior college as a pass-rusher. Dorsey signed in December and is already enrolled in school. The Rebels had to have an impact player at end after losing Marcus Tillman, Emmanuel Stephens and Greg Hardy. Dorsey was one of the top junior college players in America, and getting him on campus for spring practice was huge.

[symple19]

...And the East


What to watch in the SEC East this spring
February, 22, 2010
FEB 22
10:00
AM ET
Comment Email Print Share
By Chris Low
Here’s a breakdown of some of the issues facing each SEC East team heading into the spring:

FLORIDA

Spring practice starts: March 17

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:
Meyer’s involvement – Florida coach Urban Meyer says he will be refreshed enough to be back in time for the start of spring practice. That means his leave of absence will have lasted all of a month. It will be interesting to see how involved he is, because Meyer has always been such a hands-on coach in the past. In particular, does he back away from his role as special teams coordinator? Since Meyer arrived at Florida in 2005, the Gators have had some of the best special teams in the country. And with so many new faces on offense next season, special teams and/or field position will be more important than ever. The Gators will lose something if Meyer’s not running the show in the kicking game.
Brantley takes the reins – The Tim Tebow era is over, and now it’s John Brantley’s turn to put his stamp on Florida’s offense. This will be the second spring that he’s gotten a lot of the work with the first-team offense. He was extremely impressive last spring when Tebow was taking it easy with his shoulder. Obviously, Brantley is a different kind of quarterback than Tebow. He’s a pure passer who’s going to beat teams with his arm and not his legs. That’s not to say he’s a statue in the pocket, but he’s also not going to be bulling over safeties on third-and-2. As much as anything, Brantley needs to establish himself as one of the leaders this spring. With Maurkice Pouncey, Riley Cooper and Tebow all gone, new leaders have to emerge on offense.
Finding more playmakers – An even more important story this spring than Brantley taking over is who’s going to have his back on offense. In other words, who can he count on to make plays? Redshirt freshman Andre Debose is certainly a guy the Gators are counting on at receiver after undergoing hamstring surgery last year. Running back Emmanuel Moody will get a chance to be the workhorse on the ground, and Chris Rainey is moving to the slot position, meaning he’ll line up some at running back and some at receiver. Replacing Aaron Hernandez at tight end isn’t going to be easy. Freshman Gerald Christian enrolled early, and he will push redshirt freshmen Jordan Reed and Desmond Parks.
GEORGIA

Spring practice starts: March 4

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:
Quarterback competition – With 10 starters coming back on offense, the quarterback race will be where all the drama is this spring at Georgia. Nobody has any meaningful experience to speak of. Junior Logan Gray played in spots last season. He’s a terrific athlete and may be better suited to play another position at some point, but he’s not giving up on quarterback. The two redshirt freshmen, Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger, both have their strengths. Murray is the more versatile of the two, while Mettenberger is a bigger pocket passer who can really throw it. We’ll see if anybody separates himself this spring or if the competition goes into preseason practice. Because of his versatility, Murray is probably the favorite. Mettenberger might still be a year away.
Implementation of the 3-4 – New defensive coordinator Todd Grantham takes over a Georgia defense that gave up big plays and points in bunches the last two seasons. The Bulldogs will shift from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 this spring, meaning some defensive ends will be moving to outside linebacker. The Bulldogs lost three senior defensive tackles, so somebody needs to step forward at nose tackle. DeAngelo Tyson may be the guy there. Justin Houston, who had 7.5 sacks last season, looks like a good fit at outside linebacker after playing end a year ago. Cornelius Washington is another guy who could blossom in the 3-4 as a pass-rusher. He has great speed and was always a bit thin at defensive end.
Replenishing the secondary – The Bulldogs lost three starters in the secondary, including both safeties. The decision by Reshad Jones to turn pro early really hurt their depth. This is a big spring for sophomore cornerback Branden Smith, who made more of an impact last season on offense. The top candidates at safety are Baccari Rambo and Jakar Hamilton, a junior college transfer who enrolled early and will go through spring practice. Down the road, top 2010 signee Alec Ogletree will be a factor somewhere, either at safety or linebacker. After finishing 10th in the SEC in pass defense last season and allowing a league-high 25 touchdown passes, the Bulldogs have to improve across the board when it comes to defending the pass.
KENTUCKY

Spring practice starts: March 31

Spring game: April 24

What to watch:
Settling on a quarterback – All eyes will be on the quarterbacks this spring. Morgan Newton finished last season as the starter and struggled through the normal growing pains any true freshman goes through in the SEC. Newton wasn’t very consistent throwing the ball, but the Wildcats were also careful in what they asked him to do. Senior Mike Hartline opened last season as the starter, but went down with a knee injury. He clearly has the most experience. We’ll see how his knee holds up. The third guy in the Wildcats’ quarterback derby is redshirt freshman Ryan Mossakowski. He tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder toward the end of his senior season in high school and wasn’t healthy enough to compete for the starting job last fall. He is now, though, and might be further along mentally at this stage of his career than any quarterback the Wildcats have had, according to first-year coach Joker Phillips.
Big shoes to fill on defense – Freshman linebacker Qua Huzzie will make his debut after injuring his shoulder in the preseason a year ago. He could be Micah Johnson’s replacement in the middle. Sophomores Ridge Wilson and Ronnie Sneed and redshirt freshman Will Johnson are three others who will get a lot of work at linebacker, especially with Sam Maxwell gone. Junior college safety Josh Gibbs is already in school and will get a shot right away in the secondary. Corey Peters was a force at tackle last season. But now that he’s gone, the Wildcats need Shane McCord and Mark Crawford to step up and be every-down players in the middle.
Rebuilding the offensive line – The Wildcats have to replace four starters on the offensive line. The only returning starter is junior guard Stuart Hines, who has All-SEC potential. The good news is that there are seven lettermen returning, so there is some experience. Junior Billy Joe Murphy will probably get first crack at left tackle. He started three games in 2008. Senior Brad Durham, who’s started seven games over the last two seasons, is the front-runner at right tackle. Sophomore Larry Warford played some last season as a true freshman and is a good bet to start at the other guard opposite Hines. The center position will be a battle between senior Marcus Davis and sophomore Matt Smith, although junior Jake Lanefski could move to center when he returns from a knee injury in August. Lanefski has starting experience as a guard.
SOUTH CAROLINA

Spring practice starts: March 16

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:
Sorting it out in the offensive line – For all the issues that have hounded Steve Spurrier since he took over at South Carolina in 2005, none have plagued him more than the Gamecocks’ inability to consistently get it done in the offensive line. Heading into next season, there’s enough talent in place for the Gamecocks to make a run in the East if they play better up front. Shawn Elliott, who comes over from Appalachian State, steps in as Spurrier’s third offensive line coach in the last three years. He inherits three returning starters, but nothing is set in stone. Some new faces to watch are tackle Rokevious Watkins and guard Nick Allison, both of whom redshirted last season. There’s a chance T.J. Johnson could move to center. However it shakes out, this is the telltale area for the Gamecocks in 2010.
Getting a clear plan on offense – This encompasses so many things, including finding some continuity in the offensive line and getting continued improvement from junior quarterback Stephen Garcia. But the other big component is establishing who the principal play-caller is going to be this fall and getting the chemistry down on the offensive staff. Spurrier has talked about getting better in the running game, but the Gamecocks have to commit to being a better running team, part of which means calling more running plays. Steve Spurrier Jr. has called the bulk of the plays the last two years. And while play-calling on game day can often times be overrated, the guy the South Carolina fans would like to see calling all of the plays is the Head Ball Coach.
Replacing Norwood and Geathers -- Between them, Eric Norwood and Clifton Geathers made their share of big plays for the Gamecocks last season, particularly Norwood. Shaq Wilson will likely move from middle linebacker to Norwood’s weak side spot. Wilson can blitz like a safety, and South Carolina will put in some special blitz packages for him. Reggie Bowens and Tony Straughter are two other guys to watch at that spot. At Geathers’ end position, redshirt freshman Chaz Sutton and sophomore Devin Taylor both have a ton of potential. And with Cliff Matthews on the other side, the Gamecocks have a chance to be really good on the defensive line if Sutton and Taylor come through.
TENNESSEE

Spring practice starts: March 18

Spring game: April 17

What to watch:
Quarterback competition – If experience in the program counts for anything, then senior Nick Stephens will have a leg up this spring in Tennessee’s starting quarterback competition. But for the third straight year, the Vols will have a new guy calling the shots on offense. Derek Dooley takes over the Vols’ program, and Jim Chaney will be his offensive coordinator. Chaney was under-utilized on the previous staff. One of the things Chaney will be looking for from Stephens is increased accuracy. Freshman Tyler Bray will also get a chance to show what he can do this spring. A heralded prospect from California, Bray is already enrolled in school. His first order of business is bulking up and getting stronger. The Vols also brought in junior college newcomer Matt Simms, the younger brother of NFL quarterback Chris Simms.
Finding offensive linemen – The anchor of Tennessee’s offensive line is sophomore tackle Aaron Douglas, who was a Freshman All-American in 2009. The only problem is that last season was his first on the offensive line after playing tight end in high school, and he’s the so-called veteran of the unit. He’ll probably shift to left tackle this spring after playing on the right side last season. After Douglas, it’s a scramble. Freshman Ja’Wuan James, who enrolled early and will go through spring practice, will get every chance to win a job. It’s critical for the Vols that JerQuari Schofield and Dallas Thomas have big springs. Tennessee’s going to need both of them to play next season. The center position is a huge mystery. Victor Thomas moved over from defense and could be the answer.
Finding leaders on defense – The backbone of Tennessee’s defense is gone in the form of Eric Berry, Dan Williams and Rico McCoy. All three were defensive playmakers and leaders. As new defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox takes over, he’ll be looking for both playmakers and leaders this spring. Senior defensive ends Chris Walker and Ben Martin fit the bill in both areas. Getting Nick Reveiz back at middle linebacker after he tore his ACL last season is also a big lick for the Vols, although he’ll be limited this spring. The secondary is wide open. Not only is Berry gone, but Dennis Rogan turned pro, too. Sophomore safety Janzen Jackson is the most talented guy back there. Taking care of business off the field may be his greatest challenge. This is also a big spring for sophomore safety Darren Myles Jr., who could be a breakout player for the Vols.
VANDERBILT

Spring practice starts: March 17

Spring game: April 10

What to watch:
Larry Smith has some competition – Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson hasn’t given up on Smith, not in the least bit. Most of the time last season, Smith simply didn’t have enough help around him to be successful. But what Johnson does want is for somebody to push Smith, which is the reason the Commodores brought in junior college quarterback Jordan Rodgers in January. Smith missed the final three games a year ago after tearing his hamstring and will have to play well to hold off Rodgers, the younger brother of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The best scenario would be for one of those guys to win the job in the spring so that decision isn’t still hovering out there throughout the summer and into preseason practice.
Offensive line continuity – The Commodores have to replace the left side of their offensive line as well as center Bradley Vierling, who was a two-time captain. Left tackle Thomas Welch played in the Senior Bowl, so that tells you that Vanderbilt is losing some talent at that position. James Williams returns at right tackle after breaking his ankle in the second game a year ago and missing the rest of the season. Sophomore Ryan Seymour is the favorite to replace Welch at left tackle. This will be an important spring for him after moving over from defense last spring. Junior Kyle Fischer can play guard or tackle and is one of the most talented offensive linemen on the roster. Four younger guys to watch are redshirt freshmen Justin Cabbagestalk, Wesley Johnson and Mylon Brown along with sophomore Jabo Burrow.
Passing game – Johnson moved some duties around on his offensive coaching staff this offseason. Quarterbacks coach Jimmy Kiser will now be calling all of the offensive plays. His most pressing duty will be trying to establish some semblance of a passing game, which starts with identifying receivers. Anybody who shows the ability to make a play down the field this spring will get a chance come fall. The Commodores, who will continue to try and develop their no-huddle offense, have several promising young running backs and look set back there. It will be interesting to see how they incorporate redshirt freshman Wesley Tate into the offense. But overall, they desperately need to build some confidence and some momentum in the passing game this spring if they’re going to improve offensively in 2010.

[symple19]

More good stuff from Chris Low


No matter how you slice it, some familiar faces in the SEC are gone.

In fact, some might say the league has lost its star power, especially when you consider the likes of Tim Tebow, Rolando McClain, Eric Berry, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden, Javier Arenas, Dexter McCluster, Anthony Dixon, Eric Norwood and Terrence Cody are all now embarking on their professional careers.

[+] Enlarge
Kim Klement/US Presswire
Arkansas hopes quarterback Ryan Mallett will rise up and be one of the league's new stars.
Can any league, even one that captured four straight BCS national championships, sustain such deep personnel losses and expect to stay atop the college football mountaintop?

“I don’t think it will be any different,” said Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, entering his third season in the SEC. “You’re going to see those other guys step up and be good players and be leaders. Hopefully, we have a few on our team.”

No doubt, and a good place to start is a marquee quarterback. Arkansas has one of the best passers in the country in junior Ryan Mallett, who threw 30 touchdown passes a year ago and is the ideal building block.

If the Hogs can plug the holes on defense, they might end up being one of the new faces of the league.

The last couple of years, it’s pretty much been an Alabama/Florida stranglehold.

The Crimson Tide haven't lost a regular-season game in two years. They were 14-0 in winning their first national championship in 17 years last season.

The Gators had a 22-game winning streak snapped last season by the Crimson Tide. Prior to last season’s breakthrough by Alabama, Florida had won two of the last three national titles.

And the one in that stretch that wasn’t won by Florida was won by LSU in 2007.

The odds of the SEC making it five straight with so many new faces playing starring roles?

Well, that depends on how you look at it.

The league does have a chance to be more balanced in 2010. A year ago, there was a pretty clear separation between Alabama and Florida and everybody else.

But with the Gators losing five juniors to the NFL in addition to Tebow, Spikes and the other seniors, they’re going to have their work cut out merely getting out of the East alive.

As soon as you say that, you look around the East and realize there’s not a clear-cut challenger. Everybody has their warts, and everybody has major question marks to address this spring.

South Carolina has 19 starters returning, but this is South Carolina we're talking about. The Gamecocks have made a living of stumbling all over themselves any time they face real expectations.

Georgia has 10 starters coming back on defense, but will be guided by a first-year starter at quarterback, probably a redshirt freshman who will be taking his first college snap. The Bulldogs are also overhauling their defense, as Todd Grantham takes over for Willie Martinez as coordinator.

Georgia last played in the SEC championship game in 2005, which was also the last time the Bulldogs won an SEC title.

The door might not be cracked open this much again in the East for a long time when you examine how relentlessly and how well Meyer has recruited at Florida -- regardless of how bizarre the whole resignation/leave of absence flip-flop was.

New stars will emerge for the Gators, and don’t be surprised if junior quarterback John Brantley is one of those stars next season.

There’s a reason nobody has repeated as champion in this league since Tennessee did it in 1997 and 1998. It’s the same reason this league has been so cyclical over the last two decades.

On any Saturday, the eighth best team can beat the best team. And when the tide turns in this league, it turns quickly.

[+] Enlarge
Gary A. Vasquez/US Presswire
Despite losing many starters on defense, Alabama has young players like Marcell Dareus waiting to take up the mantle.
Just ask Tennessee.

Speaking of the Tide, the class of the league remains defending national champion Alabama, which has a chance to be even better on offense in 2010.

The defense loses nine starters, but that’s deceiving. The young talent Nick Saban stockpiled on that side of the ball has simply been waiting its chance.

Marcell Dareus, Nico Johnson, Dre Kirkpatrick, Kerry Murphy, Dont’a Hightower and the rest of their cohorts get a chance to step into leading roles this fall.

Arkansas isn’t the only team in the West capable of taking down Alabama. Auburn and LSU are both talented enough to make a run. Like Arkansas, Auburn has to prove it can take that step defensively to play championship-caliber football. LSU has to rediscover itself after finishing 11th in the league in total offense a year ago.

Looking for a surprise?

Mississippi State is poised to be one of the league’s most improved teams. The Bulldogs might not be ready to contend for a championship, but it would be a huge disappointment in Starkville next season if they’re not in a bowl game.

They also have one of those fresh, new faces that should become familiar to just about everybody next season.

Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen is counting the different ways to get the ball in Chad Bumphis’ hands after a promising debut season in the SEC.

So sit back and enjoy. It all cranks back up on Friday when LSU opens spring practice.

If recent history is any indication in this conference, it will all end on Jan. 10 in Glendale, Ariz., site of the 2011 BCS National Championship Game.

[symple19]

12 Shocking SEC Moments


By Brian Harbach
Collegefootballnews.com
Posted Mar 3, 2010


The last decade in the SEC was full of amazing moments, but let's take a look at twelve that stand out as some of the most shocking. Coaches coming or going, upsets and incidents on the field are all part of this list that looks at the moments we can't forget about.

By Brian Harbach

Twelve is such a small number to try to fit every shocking moment from the past decade in the SEC but why not try. These are the twelve moments from the last ten years that made my mouth drop open and nearly hit the floor. Some are games, some are coaching hires or dismissals and some are just moments that stuck out in my mind. But no matter what you think of them they are the moments that shocked me and keep in mind they are not ranked or numbered in any way.

Steve Spurrier stepping down from Florida to go to the NFL
One of my favorite SEC coaches was Steve Spurrier. I speak about him in the past tense because even though he is still in the SEC, the Spurrier in Columbia is not the Spurrier we had in Gainesville. January 4th, 2002 after a BCS bowl win over the University of Maryland he stepped down shocking the University of Florida and the rest of the country. He has not been the same since stepping down as the Gators head ball coach while taking over the Redskins in the league and replacing Lou Holtz at South Carolina. Maybe it was the talent in the state of Florida, maybe it was coaching in a place he loved, but he isn’t the same HBC and the College Football world was shocked when he decided to move on from his alma mater.

Auburn left out of the 2004 National Championship Game
The odd trait with this moment is that at the time it really wasn’t shocking at all, but after five seasons and four SEC BCS Championships in a row it seems pretty ridiculous that any SEC Champion, nevermind an undefeated one, be left out of the BCS Championship game. At the time there were two better teams ahead of Auburn, Oklahoma and USC, and if you ignore the upcoming sanctions for USC and forget how bad Oklahoma was blow out, those two teams deserved that game as much as Auburn. Looking back it seems odd or shocking that the best team in the best conference that has never lost a BCS Championship game was left out and not given the opportunity to play for it. Back in 2004 it didn’t shock anyone, now it would be unthinkable.

David Cutcliffe Fired at Ole Miss
The only people that may have understood this are Ole Miss fans because the rest of the SEC was caught off guard with the dismissal of David Cutcliffe and the subsequent hiring of Ed Orgeron. Cutcliffe was let go after his first losing season for the Rebels which came after five straight bowl games and a 10-win season the year before. Cutcliffe did not have a huge personality or recruit particularly well but he won games. The entire situation was handled poorly and the hiring of Ed Orgeron was equally as shocking as the firing of Cutcliffe. That move set back the Ole Miss program and the hiring of Houston Nutt seems to have put them on the same path they had with Cutcliffe five years ago.

The Mike and Mike Situation at Alabama
Mike Price coached roughly six months at Alabama, one spring practice, one National Signing day and zero games. He was unceremoniously fired for an alleged indiscretion in Pensacola, Florida with a stripper. It was an odd hire from the start with Price being a west coast guy with no real connections to the Southeast or Alabama but being forced to hire a head coach in May was an even worse situation for the Crimson Tide. Former Alabama quarterback Mike Shula was surprisingly hired as the next head coach at Alabama which was almost as shocking as the firing of Mike Price earlier in the month.

The Palmetto Brawl
Two words come to mind with regards to the Clemson/South Carolina brawl in 2004…the first is shocking and the second is embarrassing. When watching this melee ensue between two rivals my mouth had to be picked up off the floor. It was so sad watching Lou Holtz run around the field trying to reign in his players as they fought with Clemson players. It was hard to watch and hard to believe that Lou Hotlz’s last game as a coach will be remembered for a brawl against Clemson. Even more shocking is that his mentor, Woody Hayes, went out the same way…losing a game to Clemson that ended in a fight. The only difference is that Holtz didn’t throw the first punch.

The 2001 SEC Championship Game
One of the most shocking upsets of the last decade was this Championship game between LSU and Tennessee. The Volunteers came in ranked number two in the AP poll, Coaches Poll and the BCS rankings while the Fighting Tigers were only ranked 21 in the AP. A Tennessee win meant a trip to the National Championship game, Phil Fulmer’s second in 4 years, but the 31-20 loss to LSU could be thought of as the start of Fulmer’s downfall. He did last another 7 seasons in Knoxville, but his team never again made it into the BCS discussion even though Tennessee did play in 2 more SEC Championship games after 2001. It was a devastating loss for Tennessee, an incredible win for LSU and one of the most shocking upsets of the last decade.

LSU’s 2007 National Championship
Undefeated in regulation but two losses in games that went to three overtimes make the 2007 LSU team the most controversial and shocking BCS Champion. I would agree that LSU was the best team in the country that year, but unless we have a playoff there is no reason any championship team should have two losses. Not to mention two losses to teams that both finished the year with five losses, but there has to be a champion each year. The only one loss team that was an option that year was Kansas, but they were not really a BCS Championship caliber team. Never would I have thought that a two loss team would win the BCS Championship and hopefully it never happens again.

The Mitch Mustain Situation
The story of Mitch Mustain is probably one of the most disappointing and shocking from the last decade. A young man that grew up in Arkansas, starting as a true freshmen for his home state’s school with his high school coach calling the offensive plays as the newly hired Offensive Coordinator and it didn’t even last a year. OC Gus Malzahn left to go to Tulsa, the family drama between the Mustain family and Houston Nutt began, Mitch transferred with high school teammate Damian Williams to Southern Cal and has yet to start another college football game. The situation probably cost Houston Nutt his job, cost Mustain his future playing college football and cost Arkansas a SEC Championship. The way the whole thing played out was more and more shocking with each detail and none of it was good for anyone.

Urban Meyer Resigning/Stepping Down/Leave of Absence
This one is still fresh in my mind since it was only three months ago but I was sitting in a bar in Orlando with my wife on vacation when we heard the news. My phone immediately blew up with text messages and calls from co-workers and friends. Each one of them was shocked at what they were watching and were trying to get answers out of me and I had none. I was just as surprised as the next guy and sadly immediately thought the worst for Meyer. Luckily it was not a worst case scenario and his health issue was not anything life-threatening. Even though he is now back and looks to be coaching this spring and probably this fall…that one moment in December shocked us all.

Vanderbilt’s first bowl game in 25 years
Twenty five years without a bowl game, let me repeat that…Vanderbilt went 25 years without playing in a bowl game. There is not a tougher coaching job in the country than Vanderbilt because of the academic requirements and the fact they get beat up by the SEC for eight games a year. But since Bobby Johnson took over the program they have started to really hold their own, develop players that are desired by the NFL and they got their first bowl victory since 1955. It was shocking that Vanderbilt made it to a bowl game after 25 seasons and even more shocking that they won their first bowl game in over 60 years against Boston College in the Music City Bowl.

The Bluegrass Miracle
How many crazy games was LSU involved in the first decade of the 21st century? Not everyone is going to agree with me on this one, but to me this game had the most memorable play from the past decade. There are so many moments that stand out in just seconds of football, the premature gatoradation of Guy Morris, Marcus Randall putting all of his strength into the hail mary pass, the ball being tipped in the air by Michael Clayton, Devery Henderson catching the tipped pass and running through the endzone, the Jefferson Pilot crew flashing the final score Kentucky 30 – LSU 27, the look on Jared Lorenzen’s face and the celebration that ensued. No moment can top the drama, heartbreak and excitement that came with that one play. It wasn’t for a championship, it wasn’t for a division title, it was just the most shocking moment in any game I have ever seen.

The Cocktail Party End-zone Celebration
Georgia’s Mark Richt can be described in many positive ways…loyal, reserved, hard-working, level-headed, etc and that is why the stomping incident in October of 2007 was so shocking. There are only two coaches that I would not have expected to pull a stunt like this allowing the entire team to celebrate in the opponents’ end-zone after a touchdown, Mark Richt or Bobby Johnson. That celebration helped UGA win the game over their rival Florida, but they have not come close to beating the Gators the last two seasons. The Cocktail Party was always a game that Florida and Georgia players, coaches and fans point to each year, but it is obvious that Urban Meyer has not gotten over that stunt and won’t any time soon.

[The Gemini Method]

Question for you Symple...

Why is Auburn known as the Tigers, but keep an Eagle on hand and chant War Eagle?

I know there is an explanation on Wikipedia, but I'd rather hear it from an actual fan lol.

[symple19]

Question for you Symple...

Why is Auburn known as the Tigers, but keep an Eagle on hand and chant War Eagle?

I know there is an explanation on Wikipedia, but I'd rather hear it from an actual fan lol.

Quite frankly, Wiki does a good job of explaining it. War Eagle is the battle cry, a throwback to the civil war era. Some soldier found an eagle and nursed it back to health, and when he returned to Auburn he brought the bird with him. During a game, the eagle freed itself and flew around the field, marking the beginning of what is now a tradition at Auburn, the Eagle circling the field and then diving to the center before every game. Thus, "War Eagle". Auburn is an excellent veterinary school, so an animal such as the Eagle can always find a home there, and many do. A lot of great research is done, and Auburn is usually at the forefront.(It's also a good agricultural school)

The fight song is molded around the ubiquitous "War Eagle". I've sung this song so many times that I'd be a millionaire if I had dollar for each performance. It's as follows:

War Eagle, fly down the field
Ever to conquer, never to yield
War Eagle, fearless and true,
Fight on you orange and blue
Go! Go! Go!
On to vict'ry, strike up the band
Give 'em hell, give 'em hell,
Stand up and yell, Hey!
War Eagle, win for Auburn,
Power of Dixie Land!

"Basically, the mascot and fight song have their roots in the civil war. It's a symbol of non-racial southern pride. Perseverance. Refusing to die or to quit. An acknowledgement that forward is the only direction and that giving up is never an option". (my words)

War Damn Eagle (or WDE, as Auburn fans tend to sign their takes) has even found it's way to the Jim Rome show, where he basically makes fun of it by attaching "War" to random statements.


The War Eagle legend started during the Auburn-Georgia football game in 1892. In the stands that day was an old Civil War soldier with an eagle that he had found injured on a battlefield and kept as a pet. The eagle broke free and began to soar over the field, and Auburn began to march toward the Georgia endzone. The crowd began to chant, "War Eagle" as the eagle soared. After Auburn won the game, the eagle crashed to the field and died but, according to the legend, his spirit lives on every time an Auburn man or woman yells "War Eagle!"


The following is kinda gay, so take from it what you will:


"Aubie is Auburn University's award-winning costumed tiger mascot. Aubie has won a record six mascot national championships, more than any other mascot in the United States. Aubie was among the first three college mascots inducted to the Mascot Hall of Fame, inducted on August 15, 2006. A popular character among Auburn fans and one of the more animated mascots in the country, Aubie has been on the job since 1959. Aubie's existence began as a cartoon character that first appeared on the Auburn/Hardin-Simmons football program cover on October 3, 1959. Birmingham Post-Herald artist Phil Neel created the cartoon Tiger who continued to adorn Auburn program covers for 18 years. Aubie's look changed through the years. In 1962, he began to stand upright and the next year, 1963, wore clothes for the first time--a blue tie and straw hat.


Basically, Tigers are the mascot, and War Eagle is the battle cry. Similar to Bammers having "Crimson Tide" and Elephants as their mascot.

When you are a student at Auburn, you are known as a, "Plainsman". This is why Auburn is known as, "The loveliest village on the plains". Auburn is located in the flatlands of eastern Alabama.

It's certainly confusing, but steeped in tradition. A significant part of why I love college football so much!!!

Auburn and Georgia are known as, "the oldest rivalry in the south". That aforementioned "War Eagle" earned it's name during an AU/UGA matchup in which Auburn was destined to lose, but ended up winning the game in 1892, the first meeting in the old rivalry. Who the fuck knows if it's true, but it sure sounds good. :lol:toast

[symple19]

ESPNU 150 Watch List running back Demetrius Hart said Saturday he has narrowed his list to two schools, and his decision won't be long in coming.

Hart, a 5-foot-8½ speedster from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, took an unofficial visit to Auburn on Saturday. He was at Florida on Friday. And he said he'll choose one or the other, probably before his school begins spring practice on May 1.



Though he wouldn't label either one his leader, Hart, who plans to graduate in December and enroll in college next January, said that would change quickly.

"Honestly, I'll have one by tonight," Hart said. "I just left Auburn, so it is fresh on my mind. I need a little time to process things and I will take it from there."

He left no doubt that the visit to Auburn was a big hit.

"This is my first time being up here in Alabama, period," Hart said. "What I saw here, I've never seen anything like it. The family thing, a lot of places say it. But just to have kids running around speaks for itself. Little kids run up to you and say 'Hi. How are you doing.' Then they go to their dad and say 'I love you.' That means a lot to some people who don't have the opportunity to tell their dad they love him. That says a lot."

Hart had more than 2,000 all-purpose yards and scored 25 touchdowns as a junior last season. He said Gus Malzahn's offense would fit him well.

"They have a running back system that consists of two or more," Hart said. "There are a lot of ways they can use you in the Auburn offense."

Hart spent Saturday touring the campus, talking about academics and meeting with coaches.

"It was great," Hart said. "I got a chance to talk to all the coaches. The visit was great. They showed me around the campus. We went to the stadium. They showed me everything. I loved everything. They showed me what family is really about. I really liked it."


Auburn continues to stay in the minds of the nations top high school RB talent. Auburn is also very much in the hunt for another 5* RB, Isaiah Crowell, from Columbus Ga, as well as 4* Kevin Grooms.

AU is doing a great fucking job of continuing their momentum from the hugely successful 2010 recruiting season

[symple19]

From Scout


Does SEC Title = BCS Title? By Pete Fiutak

I was just in Las Vegas for the first weekend of March Madness and perused the early betting lines and odds to win the 2011 BCS Championship game (for the 2010 season). In today’s day and age, for good (at least for SEC fans) and bad (for everyone else), it was easy to tear the sheet in half the long way and forget about most of the teams on the list. (No, Stanford and Connecticut aren’t going to win the whole ball of wax.) And it was just as easy to tear the sheet the other way and eliminate another boatload of teams like Missouri and Wisconsin.

Oh sure, I sort of like Nebraska at 14-to-1 considering the improved offense, strong defense, and favorable schedule, but this is about guessing who’s going to win the national championship. That means figuring out who’s going to win the SEC title.

It really has been an impressive run for the SEC winning the last four national championships and five of the last seven, and Auburn might have made it six in eight years had it gotten a break in 2004, but it hasn’t been without a few breaks.

Alabama knocked out Colt McCoy in last year’s championship, but that’s part of football and has to be let go of by those trying to diminish the accomplishments of a great team. 2007 LSU needed a slew of wacky things to happen so it could play for the title after losing two games; 2006 Florida got its big break when USC gagged away a 13-9 loss to UCLA; and 2003 LSU got on the right side of the debate going from third to second in the BCS rankings thanks to an Oklahoma Big 12 title loss and then catching a bigger break playing the Sooners instead of USC. But the SEC put the ball in the hole once it got the chance in each of the title games, no matter how the teams got there, and after so much success, the big spring question is whether or not the 2010 national championship will be settled in the Georgia Dome on December 4th instead of in Glendale, Arizona, on January 10th.

And that could lead to the big, ugly, elephant-in-the-room theoretical debate that the BCS has avoided so far. What happens when there’s a one-loss SEC team and two unbeaten teams from BCS leagues?

Considering what the SEC has done in national championships, would anyone pick anyone but the SEC champion in the title game? Remember, of the five recent national champions from the SEC, only Alabama of last year was able to get through clean, and if you hate the BCS and are looking for a big-time brouhaha, this could be your year.

Say, for argument’s sake, that Florida loses at Alabama in the regular season, wins every other game, and then beats the Tide in a rematch in the SEC Championship. In this hypothetical situation, Ohio State and Texas finish unbeaten. There would be little question that the Buckeyes and Longhorns would play for the national title, considering how big those two are, but would everyone truly believe that the best two teams were playing for the championship?

To take this a step further and to what might have been, say Terrence Cody doesn’t block a Tennessee field goal attempt in the final seconds of last year’s 12-10 Tide win, Alabama loses, but goes on to stomp Florida in the SEC Championship game. Meanwhile, Texas and Cincinnati both go undefeated. Would the Bearcats have gone to Pasadena? Maybe, and no one would’ve been thrilled with that.

Now the stakes are higher than ever for the SEC because of all the recent success, and the pressure is even greater for Alabama, Florida, and LSU, the three projected top teams in the league. The SEC has also put pressure on the entire system with a case of champion-until-proven-otherwise issue, and unless something happens from out of left field, like a two-loss SEC champion and two juggernaut seasons from big name programs like Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio State or USC, it’s the SEC’s BCS world and everyone else is standing in line.

The Top Five SEC Players Who Need A Big Spring
1. John Brantley, QB Florida
2. Josh Chapman, DT Alabama
3. Branden Smith, CB Georgia
4. Nick Stephens, QB Tennessee
5. Shaq Wilson, LB South Carolina

The Top 5 Position Concerns/Battles
1. Alabama cornerback
2. Florida receiver
3. Georgia quarterback
4. LSU running back
5. Auburn quarterback

The 5 Biggest SEC Spring Storylines
1. Urban Meyer’s health. He has had a month off to try to recharge the batteries, but will that be enough? This is one of the premier coaches in all of sports and one who can take a fantastically talented, but extremely green team to the national title if he’s at the top of his game. But if he’s struggling to stay healthy and the stress becomes a problem, then his rush to come back will effect more than just this 2010 Gators; it’ll effect the entire program (to say nothing of his health and well-being).
2. How fast can Alabama and Florida rebuild and reload? Almost anyone else would be looking at this season as a time to retool with so many personnel losses, but instead, the Gators and Tide will be among the favorites to win the national title. Get them now, because each program is stockpiled with young NFL talent amassed from the recent recruiting classes.
3. Is Georgia ready to rebound and be a player again? The Dawgs missed their turn on the SEC national championship run in 2008, and now the window appears to be slammed shut and nailed down. This doesn’t appear to be the year they’ll get their groove back with a ton of major concerns on both sides of the ball, but the schedule isn’t that bad and there are athletes in place to hope for a surprise.
4. Is LSU ready to rebound and be in the national title chase again? The offense has to be far, far better and the defensive line has to undergo an overhaul, but Les Miles has done a great job of recruiting over the years and he has enough primetime players to challenge Alabama for the West. This isn’t a good enough team to go undefeated, but if LSU can win the division, win the SEC, and hope for the right breaks, it would’ve be a shocker if a third national title in eight years comes to Baton Rouge.
5. Who’s ready to take the next step and be back among the top teams between Arkansas, Auburn, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, and where does South Carolina fit in? All these teams are good enough to beat anyone in the conference on the right day, but can one put it all together to become a player? Arkansas, because of the offense, might have the most interesting mix and the best chance to be on the inside of the velvet rope.

The Spring SEC Team Rankings
1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. LSU
4. Arkansas
5. Auburn
6. Georgia
7. South Carolina
8. Ole Miss
9. Tennessee
10. Kentucky
11. Mississippi State
12. Vanderbilt

The Pre-Spring Call For Player Of the Year
1. Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
2. John Brantley, QB Florida
3. Ryan Mallett, QB Arkansas
4. Jordan Jefferson, QB LSU
5. A.J. Green, WR Georgia

[symple19]

From CBS Sports


NCAA decision to strip Alabama of victories stands

March 23, 2010
CBSSports.com wire reports

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The NCAA has denied Alabama's appeal of a ruling vacating 21 football victories from 2005-07 and records from three other sports for widespread violations involving free textbooks.




The NCAA Division I Infractions Appeals Committee announced Tuesday that the Committee on Infractions' ruling in June 2009 stands. Alabama President Robert E. Witt expressed disappointment with the "inconsistent decision."

Alabama had argued that no other case involving textbooks had resulted in vacated victories and that the penalties were "so excessive as to constitute an abuse of discretion." The NCAA vacated the football wins, one postseason win for men's tennis and several individual and team records in men's and women's track.

The NCAA countered in the decision released Tuesday, stating that "two cases are seldom exactly alike and that the Committee on Infractions must have latitude to tailor the penalties to the specific facts of each case."

The Alabama case involved 201 athletes in 16 sports who obtained textbooks they weren't entitled to under their scholarships, including 22 "intentional wrongdoers" in football, track and tennis who knowingly exploited the system to get books for others.

"The Appeals Committee acknowledged that their decision in our case is not consistent with the NCAA's prior textbook and vacation-of-wins cases, which was the heart of UA's appeal," Witt said in a statement. "Despite that acknowledgment, however, the Appeals Committee did not find an abuse of discretion. We are disappointed by the committee's inconsistent decision given the negative impact the decision has on hundreds of uninvolved student-athletes and their coaches."

Alabama must vacate all 10 wins from the 2005 season -- including the Cotton Bowl victory over Texas Tech -- all six wins in 2006 and the first five in 2007, when the textbook violations were discovered, leading to the suspension of five players before the Tennessee game. Mike Shula was the Crimson Tide's coach in 2005 and 2006, before Nick Saban took over the program and led the Tide to the national championship last season.

Alabama was placed on three years probation in June and fined $43,900 in addition to the vacated records and wins. The university did not appeal the other penalties.

"We're very disappointed because the Committee missed an excellent opportunity to follow its precedent set in recent cases, the precedent we followed due to the nature of the case," Alabama athletic director Mal Moore said.

He noted that the university has corrected the process that failed to stop the violations.

"We are eager to move forward while continuing to build a program that not only is successful on the field, but also reflects the values of our university," Moore said.

Alabama had also argued that its cooperation with the NCAA was not factored into the penalties. The appeals panel noted that the Infractions Committee's public report noted that cooperation several times.

The vacated football wins include:

• 2005: Middle Tennessee, Southern Mississippi, South Carolina, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Utah State, Mississippi State, and Texas Tech (Cotton Bowl).

• 2006: Hawaii, Vanderbilt, Louisiana-Monroe, Duke, Mississippi, and Florida International.

• 2007: Western Carolina, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Houston, and Mississippi.

The penalties don't affect Alabama's wins over Tennessee or against Colorado in the Independence Bowl in 2007.

[symple19]

From SI.com


Gamecocks finally have chance to win SEC East -- if they can change

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The first sign that something had changed at South Carolina came during last Saturday's scrimmage, when the entire offense stayed at the line of scrimmage after a play to wait for the next play to come in from the sideline. It had to be a two-minute drill. Steve Spurrier wouldn't just run no-huddle in the middle of a game, would he?
He might.
The second sign came when tailback Jarvis Giles took a handoff, scanned one side of the field for a hole, bounced outside and blazed down the field for a huge gain. The play looked less like something Fred Taylor might have run and more like something Steve Slaton might have run. Spurrier wouldn't ditch his draw-oriented run game for a zone scheme, would he?
He might.
With the SEC East as open as it has been since the league split into divisions in 1992, Spurrier knows the Gamecocks finally have a real chance to break the Florida-Georgia-Tennessee triumvirate that has won every East title. To pull off that feat -- which might get him elected governor in the Palmetto State -- he knows he'll have to change. Using the scheme that helped Spurrier win the first five East titles as Florida's coach, South Carolina finished 11th in the SEC in scoring offense. The Gamecocks finished second in the league in passing (232.4 yards a game), but they got dragged down by a rushing game that finished last (125 yards a game) and helped produce another late-season swoon that saw them lose four of their final five SEC games.


SPRING PRIMER: Who will win open East?
So, after years of running a Michael Jordan offense in a LeBron James world, Spurrier appears ready to seriously adapt. If that surprises you, imagine how it surprised first-year offensive line coach Shawn Elliott, who came to the Gamecocks from Appalachian State and found a coaching legend receptive to almost all of Elliott's ideas for tweaks to the offense. "Coach had been so successful with his offense throughout the years," Elliott said. "I just felt like maybe they needed a change."
So Elliott brought in the no-huddle and the inside zone runs. The plays -- used well by West Virginia, Oregon and others -- allow linemen the flexibility to block the closest defender and backs the flexibility to go where the play takes them instead of hitting a specific hole. South Carolina experimented with some zone plays last year, but abandoned them shortly after the season began. Spurrier's current excitement suggests he'll be willing to commit to the zone plays in 2010. He certainly has committed to Elliott, upon whom he has bestowed the title of Run Game Coordinator.
"That's his thing. It's not mine. This is some new stuff for me," Spurrier said. "We used to just run draw plays and throw it, run a few sweeps and this, that and the other. So we're running that inside zone. That's what they call it now. It can go anywhere. That's the beauty of the play. You can block any defensive front."


Spurrier wasn't the only one praising the scheme at South Carolina's scrimmage. Tailback Marcus Lattimore, the Gamecocks' top recruit for the class of 2010, drove down from his home in Duncan, S.C., to watch the offense he almost certainly will play a role in this fall. "I'm really excited about that," Lattimore said. "It's something I'm used to. We did a lot of zone stuff [in high school] -- the same way they're doing and the same way they're blocking it."
Will the man who fought the shotgun until his Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback nearly got killed by Florida State rushers in 1996 be comfortable running a no-huddle? Not entirely, but Spurrier is willing to give it a try. "I'm not a big believer in all-the-time no-huddles," Spurrier said. "I believe, at times, you've got to look a guy in the eyes and tell him, 'Here's the play.' We've still got some communication problems, but we'll do a lot of it, no question."
Perhaps Spurrier is more comfortable because he can once again give his quarterback the hook. Last year, Stephen Garcia was South Carolina's only viable option. This year, freshman early enrollee Connor Shaw is learning fast, and Spurrier believes Shaw -- a Flowery Branch, Ga., native and the younger brother of former Georgia Tech quarterback Jaybo Shaw -- will play if Garcia doesn't meet his coaches' expectations.
"We will have two ready to play," Spurrier said. "For the first time in my coaching career -- in 28 years -- I only had one guy who could play [last year]. We will play two if the first guy doesn't play the way the coaches ask him to play. It's like the left guard, safety, whatever. You've got to demand that your players play the way you coach them to play."
Maybe this is the kick in the shorts Garcia needs. Spurrier's best quarterbacks at Florida always proved themselves against a worthy competitor on the practice field. Danny Wuerffel beat out Eric Kresser. Rex Grossman beat out Jesse Palmer. Will Shaw's presence light a fire under Garcia? "We've been trying to push Stephen since he's been here," Spurrier said. "We're still trying to push him."
Garcia, meanwhile, plans to keep his job. "They're always going to bring somebody in," Garcia said. "So you've just got to be prepared for it and just do what you've got to do to keep your spot."
There is a third potential signal caller who has so far gone unmentioned. His name is Stephon Gilmore, the 6-foot-1 sophomore cornerback who might be the best athlete in the SEC. Coaches didn't want Gilmore to neglect his defensive responsibilities as a freshman, so they didn't use him in a wildcat package until the Gamecocks faced Clemson in their regular-season finale. Gilmore provided a spark that helped South Carolina beat the Tigers, and Spurrier promised to use him more on offense in 2010.
That, of course, will lead to much conjecture about what South Carolina will call this package. The standard nomenclature is "Wild" plus a school nickname or mascot. Think Wild Hog, Wild Rebel or -- at Virginia Tech -- Wild Turkey. Needless to say, if South Carolina follows this trend, the result will launch debates among editors about whether they can print the name of South Carolina's package in a family publication.
If that's the biggest hurdle South Carolina's offense faces, Spurrier will be thrilled. It probably required quite a bit of soul-searching for the proud coach to realize he needed to adapt his offense to excel, but with the SEC East open for the taking, the ultimate prize is worth swallowing his pride.


Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/andy_staples/03/23/south-carolina/index.html?utm_source=bleacherreport.com#ixzz0j7IC N2bB
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[symple19]

LSU acknowledges violations
By Chris Low
ESPN.com

LSU has acknowledged NCAA violations in a report outlining the university's internal investigation into the recruiting of defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.

In the 53-page report, LSU said it found violations committed by former Tigers receivers coach D.J. McCarthy, including improper phone calls, transportation and summer housing for Hicks, a junior college transfer. Hicks did not play in 2009, his only season with the team, and his scholarship was not renewed. He has since left the university.

Had Hicks played, the Tigers would have potentially faced forfeits of any victories in which he participated.

McCarthy was not allowed to recruit last fall, after the school launched its investigation, and has not been retained on LSU's staff.

"We stand ready to assist the NCAA with any further information they may need to complete this process," LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said in a release announcing the findings.

"It is a very serious matter any time violations of NCAA rules are discovered, but I take comfort in the fact we have a compliance program in place that discovered these issues early and took swift action to minimize the severity of the situation," Alleva said.

LSU chancellor Michael Martin said he believes the school avoided "potentially more severe sanctions" because the school detected the violations early and took the proper disciplinary measures.

[symple19]

from national football post


As if the SEC ever needs any added intrigue, Ole Miss just brought a whole lot more of it into the conference.

After head coach Houston Nutt offered him a place on the Rebels as a walk-on following a visit to Oxford this weekend, Jeremiah Masoli accepted the invite and will be eligible to play this fall.

The former Oregon quarterback, who was dismissed from the Ducks after two run-ins with the law, acknowledged on his website Sunday that he will play at the SEC school.


ICON
Former Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli has a new home.
“I am very excited about this opportunity and very thankful Ole Miss is giving me this chance,” Masoli wrote on the home page of www.jeremiahmasoli.net. “I really want to thank Coach Nutt for believing in me.”

Because the California native earned his undergraduate degree and is enrolling in graduate school, he can play immediately under NCAA rules. On his website, he also said that he will enter the parks and recreation management program.

Nutt and the Rebels instantly become better with the addition of Masoli even when factoring in how late it is in the summer that the signal-caller is coming on board. Rebels newcomers will report to camp August 8 and he isn’t even versed in the team’s offense yet.

However, not only does he possess the talent of a Heisman Trophy contender following his outstanding ‘09 season for the Ducks, but Masoli is a perfect fit for Nutt’s Wild Rebel offense. If he picks up the playbook within a month, there’s no doubt that his talent instantly makes the team’s offense much better.

Nate Stanley is currently in line to start under center for Ole Miss, but he played sparingly last season. He was, however, solid while subbing for the injured Jevan Snead in the Cotton Bowl last January. With the recent transfer of Raymond Cotton, the only other quarterback on the roster is junior-college transfer Randall Mackey.

Last season, Masoli led the Ducks to their first Pac-10 title since 2001 and their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1995. The 5-11, 220-pounder threw for 2,147 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 668 yards and 13 scores in ‘09.

[symple19]

interesting. you hear about this Dirk? what are peeps saying around oxford? any chance he plays much?

[DesignatedT]

Losing McCluster is going to hurt Ole Miss. Snead>>Masoli and Stanley also. They'll still make a bowl but I see them taking a step back IMO.

[symple19]

If Masoli can handle learning the offense in a hurry then their biggest question (QB) is answered. Nutt knows what to do with athletes.

Rebs also return a pretty damn good defense.

I agree they make a bowl

[texas_gator]

snead is probably kicking himself in the ass right now...

[romad_20]

Getting close. Ready for the talk to end and the games to begin!

[symple19]

snead is probably kicking himself in the ass right now...

damn right he is. He just got cut from the TB Bucs to make room for their 1st round pick.

[symple19]

Getting close. Ready for the talk to end and the games to begin!

s' goin on man. I can definitely catch the faint smells of pigskin in the air. Needs to hurry up and start

any thoughts on this UGA/NCAA thing that has come out lately?

[Texas Chili Dog]

I'd love to go to a game this year, but the closest UGA will get to Dallas is Starkville, and I don't see myself being able to go to Athens this season.

[symple19]

I'd love to go to a game this year, but the closest UGA will get to Dallas is Starkville, and I don't see myself being able to go to Athens this season.

sucks man. You didn't get to a game last year either, did you?

Since I now live in Lexington, I'm going to Commonwealth to see the Tigers crush Kentucky on Oct 9th. First AU game in person since 01'. Needless to say, I'm stoked. Might drive down to Auburn for one too.

[Dave Mustaine]

interesting. you hear about this Dirk? what are peeps saying around oxford? any chance he plays much?

I don't know how much he might play, but if he does, it pretty much means a national title.

[Dave Mustaine]

Losing McCluster is going to hurt Ole Miss. Snead>>Masoli and Stanley also. They'll still make a bowl but I see them taking a step back IMO.

Losing McCluster does hurt because he was that nigga, but are you serious about Snead>>Masoli? Can you say that with a straight face? Any way you look at it, his down syndrome having ass is the reason Ole Miss was such a letdown last year.

[symple19]

Losing McCluster does hurt because he was that nigga, but are you serious about Snead>>Masoli? Can you say that with a straight face? Any way you look at it, his down syndrome having ass is the reason Ole Miss was such a letdown last year.

Snead might be a slightly better pure passer, but I'd say masoli is better at everything else and would be a much better fit for Nutt's offense.

To me, the rebs would be crazy not to stuff the playbook down Masoli's throat and crown him starter now so the team can start to rally around him. No reason the Rebs couldn't be a huge surprise in the west. QBs like that give teams fits

Honestly, the rebs might be better this year (if Masoli can step in), the more I think about it.

No McLuster + Masoli > McLuster + Snead My reasoning for this is that QB is a much more important position than TB/Ath (McLusters pos)

Ultimately, the OM defense will have the most impact, imo, in terms of how much success the rebs have. If the defense plays well and so does Masoli, there's really no team out there the Rebs aren't capable of beating

[Texas Chili Dog]

sucks man. You didn't get to a game last year either, did you?

Since I now live in Lexington, I'm going to Commonwealth to see the Tigers crush Kentucky on Oct 9th. First AU game in person since 01'. Needless to say, I'm stoked. Might drive down to Auburn for one too.

I came close to going to the game in Fayetteville last year, which turns out was an awesome game. But I just couldn't get tickets at a reasonable enough price. I know Fayetteville like the back of my hand and have been a huge supporter of the Hogs my whole life. I would have loved to go to that because I love the atmosphere they have at Arkansas games.

And I was driving from Arkansas back to Dallas during the Independence Bowl vs A&M, so I had to listen to that on the radio. :(

[romad_20]

s' goin on man. I can definitely catch the faint smells of pigskin in the air. Needs to hurry up and start

any thoughts on this UGA/NCAA thing that has come out lately?

I got tickets to the 1st game this year on Sept 4th, so I'm stoked.

As far as the NCAA thing, all reports from the newpapers and blogs back home said its believed it all centered around AJ Green and that Miami party, which AJ said he's never been to Miami. I'm not too worried about it. He seems like he has his head on straight.

Auburn is a darkhorse to win the West this year. Chizik seems to have them headed in teh right direction.

I didn't mention this while it was going on but did anyone see the new Vandy head coach? His presser was awesome. Looks like another "character" in the SEC.

[The Gemini Method]

I look forward to watching the SEC on CBS in a few weeks! It'll be great to get some football in.

[TFloss32]

snead is probably kicking himself in the ass right now...

Why Snead entered the draft after coming off of a 20 INT season with a year of eligibility left is beyond me. Did anyone hear the rumor that Todd McShay was the main reason Snead came out?

http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2010/04/20/todd-mcshay-of-espn-responds-to-alleged-backlash/

Good article about McShay and the way he's viewed in the football world.

[DesignatedT]

Ole miss will go 3-5 in conference play

[texas_gator]

Why Snead entered the draft after coming off of a 20 INT season with a year of eligibility left is beyond me. Did anyone hear the rumor that Todd McShay was the main reason Snead came out?

http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2010/04/20/todd-mcshay-of-espn-responds-to-alleged-backlash/

Good article about McShay and the way he's viewed in the football world.

good article...i'm not a fan of mcshit and wonder how dbags like him get a job like that...

Snead (IMO) was better than Colt when they were both stepping onto the field...I'm not too sure (or don't remember or care to remember) why Colt beat out Snead but obviously it was for the best (i think?)

[symple19]

SEC has no peers on the field, video and story here

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview10/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=5448863

[texas_gator]

SEC has no peers on the field, video and story here

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview10/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=5448863

winner of the SEC wins the national championship...5 straight!

[Brutalis]

Was that list from last year? Without reading any posts that has to be the worst rankings ever. Auburn over bama? Ark at ten?

This list just sent a roar of laughter in the office building and most arent even hog fans. Whata joke.

[tlongII]

Ole miss will go 3-5 in conference play

Ole Miss will be good if they're smart and start Masoli right away.

[tlongII]

The Pac-10 needs more inter-conference games with the SEC. The Ducks should smack Tennessee this year. Tennessee isn't very good though so that's not saying much.

[romad_20]

For all those who say "oh, the SEC wins the titles but is weak otherwise" in the BCS era

LSU 2x national champion (4-0)BCS
Fla 2x national champion (5-1) BCS
Bama 1x national champion (1-2) BCS
Tenn 1x national champion (1-1) BCS
Auburn undefeated 2004 season (may be given title, although kind of bullshit) (1-0)
UGA #2 2007 (2-1) BCS

That's 6 national title-esqe teams, not to mention the "mid-tier" teams

Its on bitches! Conference smack talk! :lol

[Texas Chili Dog]

Not to abandon UGA, but I really wish one of these days there will be a SMU skin. I guess it's hopeless to continue asking for one. :depressed

[symple19]

The Pac-10 needs more inter-conference games with the SEC. The Ducks should smack Tennessee this year. Tennessee isn't very good though so that's not saying much.

Tennessee has talent. Not sure about the new coach though. Will be interesting

I agree that the Ducks should win...

Who in the hell is replacing Masoli anyway? Does the kid have experience?

[tlongII]

Tennessee has talent. Not sure about the new coach though. Will be interesting

I agree that the Ducks should win...

Who in the hell is replacing Masoli anyway? Does the kid have experience?

Nate Costa and Darren Thomas are competing for the Ducks' starting job. Both have some experience, but not a lot. Their situation is very similar to the Beavs actually. The team is loaded and just needs the QB to be "serviceable." Both QB's do have talent though.

[symple19]

Following Alabama's 2009 SEC and BCS football championships, fans expect more of the same from the Crimson Tide. Meanwhile, hopes for the Auburn Tigers continue to rise.

Alabama was picked to repeat as SEC champions by more than two-thirds of voters in an unscientific poll at al.com, the online home of The Birmingham News.

More than a third think Alabama will go undefeated again. An eight-ein season was the most common prediction for Auburn, building on seven wins during the 2009 regular season.

In the East, Florida holds its position as the preseason favorite, with 85% of voters ranking the Gators first in the division.

An overwhelming 95% believe the winner of the SEC Championship game will come out of the West.

See how the SEC's football information directors ranked the league for 2010.

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-sports/2010/06/birmingham_news_sec_football_p_2.html

http://media.al.com/birmingham-news-sports/photo/2010-sec-football-fans-polljpg-6e8897f2a0137985_large.jpg

[symple19]

this is a birmingham news poll, which explains the Auburn homerism

[Brutalis]

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20100818/SPORTS0402/8180348/AUBURN-FOOTBALL-Dyer-makes-waves-in-scrimmage

Not harping on AU defense but it was a Dyer read as well...

[symple19]

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20100818/SPORTS0402/8180348/AUBURN-FOOTBALL-Dyer-makes-waves-in-scrimmage

Not harping on AU defense but it was a Dyer read as well...

I'm not high on the AU defense either dude, and never have been. Will be a few years before it can return to a solid situation, at least depth-wise. It's still a huge question mark, as is the DC.

[Brutalis]

I'm not high on the AU defense either dude, and never have been. Will be a few years before it can return to a solid situation, at least depth-wise. It's still a huge question mark, as is the DC.

So is our defense. Just glad we got depth now after a good defensive class.

[symple19]

Season preview from Chris Lowe, ESPN http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/tag/_/name/preview-picks-083010


The more things change in the SEC, the more they seem to stay the same.

If you’ve enjoyed watching Alabama and Florida tango each of the past two seasons in the SEC championship game, then why not make it a best 2-out-of-3 series with a third straight meeting in Atlanta this season?

Actually, it would be the fourth meeting, because the two teams clash in the regular season this year.

Alabama and Florida remain the class of this league, but defending their divisional titles will take some doing. The Crimson Tide lost nine defensive starters from their national championship team a year ago, and the Gators will be without nine players who were taken in the first five rounds of the NFL draft.

The rest of the field in the SEC is lining up to catch them. The chase begins this week.

What would a football season be without a few predictions?:

East champion: Florida. The Gators have a standing reservation in Atlanta for that first Saturday in December. They’ll make it back this season, but getting past Georgia won’t be easy.

West champion: Alabama. A third straight perfect regular season might be too much to ask, but the Crimson Tide will ride a powerhouse running game to a third straight West title.

SEC champion: Alabama. Just like Florida a year ago, until somebody proves differently, Alabama is still the team to beat. Don’t let the personnel losses on defense fool you, either. The Crimson Tide still have more talent than anybody in the league.

Offensive MVP: Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett. He can throw from the pocket. He can throw on the move, and he has great receiving talent around him. He’s also become one of the Hogs’ strongest leaders.

Defensive MVP: Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Defense will always be what sets the SEC apart, and now that he’s healthy again, Hightower will be a force, whether he’s lining up at middle linebacker or putting his hand down and rushing the passer.

Surprise team: Georgia. The Bulldogs will push Florida to the limit in the East, and in doing so, will re-establish themselves as one of the powers in the SEC.

Team most likely to disappoint: South Carolina. Nobody’s predicting the Gamecocks will have a lousy season, but history tells us they probably won’t live up to those grandiose expectations in the Palmetto State.

Surprise player: Florida receiver Deonte Thompson. He was known more for the passes he didn’t catch last season. But with John Brantley looking his way early and often, Thompson will be known more for the passes he catches this season.

Freshman of the Year: South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore. The Gamecocks needed a burst of something in their running game. They got it in Lattimore, who has the speed, power and acceleration to be a great one.

Newcomer of the Year: Auburn quarterback Cameron Newton. The way Newton describes himself is that he’s a pocket passer who can scramble when he has to. Sounds like a perfect fit for Gus Malzahn’s offense.

Coach of the Year: Georgia’s Mark Richt. Other than last season, the guy has been incredibly consistent. Finally, he gets some recognition for that consistency as the Bulldogs bounce back with a vengeance in 2010.

Can’t miss game: Florida at Alabama, Oct. 2. They’ve met in the past two SEC championship games and won the past two national championships. Their first regular-season meeting since 2006 is one nobody will want to miss.

[symple19]

Fearless predictions from Chris Lowe http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/tag/_/name/fearless-predictions-083010


Anybody can pick divisional winners, players of the year and games of the year.

But let’s delve a little deeper into what to expect this season in the SEC.

Here are 10 fearless predictions to live by in 2010:

1. Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson will both rush for 1,000 yards: That’s never happened at Alabama, and it’s not something that has happened very often, period, in the SEC. The gold standard in this league for teammates rushing for more than 1,000 yards in the same season was established by Arkansas’ Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in 2007. They combined for 2,943 yards. McFadden finished with 1,830 and Jones with 1,113 that season, each averaging at least 5.6 yards per carry.

2. Mississippi State will violate the great Cowbell Compromise by the first SEC game: It’s a novel concept. But you know the first time Auburn is backed up deep in that Thursday night affair, that stadium starts to rock and Cameron Newton is trying to change a play, those bells are going to clang away.

3. Vanderbilt will score 20 points or more in an SEC game: OK, I know you’re saying, ‘Way to go out on a limb there, Low.’ But keep in mind that the Commodores never scored more than 16 points last season in an SEC game and averaged just 8.9 points in eight games against league foes.

4. Jeremiah Masoli will take the bulk of the snaps this season at quarterback for Ole Miss: However, he won’t take the first snap. Look for sophomore Nathan Stanley to start the opener, but for Masoli to take over by that first SEC game against Vanderbilt.

5. For the third time in the past six seasons, Tennessee will lose at least six games: There’s just too much youth and inexperience for Derek Dooley to overcome in his first season in Knoxville. The real goal will be avoiding a third losing season in the past six years. Since joining the SEC in 1933, the Vols have never had three losing seasons over a six-year span

6. The LSU threesome of Terrence Toliver, Rueben Randle and Russell Shepard will emerge as one of the most dangerous receiving triumvirates in the SEC: They combined for five touchdown catches last season. Don’t be surprised if that number triples in 2010.

7. Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett will throw 40 touchdown passes: Yep, that seems like a lot. But Mallett has the arm, the presence in the pocket and the talent at receiver and tight end to do it. Kentucky’s Andre Woodson is the only SEC quarterback to throw 40 or more touchdown passes in a season. He threw exactly 40 in 2007.

8. Georgia will win at least 10 games, the seventh time that Mark Richt has done that in 10 seasons in Athens: Granted, they judge you in this league by how many championships you win. But consistency counts for something.

9. Kentucky’s Randall Cobb will score touchdowns four different ways – running, passing, receiving and on special teams: The guy’s so versatile that he might even write a few of my stories after games this season, direct traffic off campus and then finish his night by cleaning up the stadium. He was second in the SEC to Mark Ingram with 15 touchdowns last season.

10. SEC commissioner Mike Slive will average three more hours of sleep per night with Lane Kiffin no longer in the conference: And Slive's cell phone bill will be cut in half now that he won't be making daily calls to Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton, who's probably sleeping better himself.

[Trainwreck2100]

where's the article about their cheater ass refs?

[symple19]

where's the article about their cheater ass refs?

Unfortunately for you, cheating refs aren't the reason SEC teams have won the last 4 natty championships.
:cry

[texas_gator]

I kinda wish the Gators were a little more under the radar (play better that way) as much as Tebow was one of my all time favorite players, Brantley is the better qb...(saw them both spring game '09...Brantley has a cannon) and hopefully now we can open the playbook instead of bubble screen right, left and qb dive...

[Brutalis]

Unfortunately for you, cheating refs aren't the reason SEC teams have won the last 4 natty championships.
:cry

That's exactly why Florida beat Arkansas last season. Personal foul what?

Slike the NBA influenced the SEC big time here recently.

[texas_gator]

That's exactly why Florida beat Arkansas last season. Personal foul what?

Slike the NBA influenced the SEC big time here recently.

as a Gator fan, I couldn't agree with you more...

but I think he was referring to :01 back on the clock

[symple19]

I had huge problems with the way several games were officiated in the SEC last year. Alabama had a lot of things roll their way.

But I was referencing the fact that the eventual SEC champion never needed any help from officials to steamroll their way to national championships.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Florida looks like total A.H.

I knew Urrrrrrrban was too special and genius to drive it up the middle on fourth and inches. But that's why he's such a good coach!

Florida is mortal again.

[Texas Chili Dog]

yawn...easy game for Jawja, and without their best player. Unfortunately, I don't see UGA winning next week.

[Texas Chili Dog]

:lol @ Ole Miss!! Jacksonville St just got a 30 yd TD pass on 4th and 15 in 2OT. :rollin

[Texas Chili Dog]

OLE MISS LOSES!!!!!!!! :rollin

JSU 2 pt conversion is GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD :rollin

[symple19]

Cam Newton is ludicrous

Auburn offense is stupendous

Auburn defense may be horrendous

[symple19]

and wow, ole miss...wow

[Brutalis]

Yeah Auburns defense letting Arkansas State score that much was a wowzer.. they may have the Arkansas syndrome. Score but can't stop the other team scoring.

Ole Miss was awesome. They had every recruit attending that game too.... wow...wowowow...

Arkansas gets ULM in LR Saturday, should be a blowout. Then off to Athens.

[symple19]

AU win too fuckin close... ugh

[DesignatedT]

Auburn hasn't looked as impressive as I thought they would but it's still early and they're still undefeated. I think Georgia is flying somewhat under the radar. I like there squad and I think they will show it vs South Carolina this week which will set up an interesting game vs Arky.

[Brutalis]

I wouldn't be overly concerned with AU only putting up 17 on Misstake. Their defense is better than average this year and they are weening a new QB and a second year offense.

Georgia is def flying under the radar. Problem is they are on their fourth QB in four years and the best reciever in the country is out for some of the biggest games of the year for the Dawgs. Especially Arkansas.

I'm looking for a 48-10 score against ULM tonight out of my Pigs.

[Texas Chili Dog]

Unfortunately, I don't see UGA winning next week.

UGA is way too easy to predict. Totally knew that South Carolina would beat them.

[DesignatedT]

Arkansas gets ULM in LR Saturday, should be a blowout. Then off to Athens.

What's going on with this game? Still 7-0 in the 3rd?

[Dave Mustaine]

:lol Ollllllllllllllle Miss almost choking away another game to the mighty Tulane Green Wave.

[tlongII]

LOL SEC. That conference is so overrated it's ridiculous. The Pac-10 and Big-10 are both stronger conferences this year.

[Brutalis]

What's going on with this game? Still 7-0 in the 3rd?

Yeah 31-7 victory in the end. Arkansas is having trouble running the ball.

However..

People around the football team are saying Petrino is not using even a quarter of his playbook. That goes for how the offense block to the defensive sets and all the way to how Arkansas shows blitzes.

[Brutalis]

Arkansas an eeeaarly 2.5 favorite @ Georgia Saturday. That means shit.

Apparently UGA has a first year defensive cord and BP isn't giving up his strategy until that very game. Which sounds just like him. He never answers a question fully and with details. Always hiding something.

It's no shocker his aces are still in the sleeve awaiting the first SEC game.

And the other day when Nick Saban's family was at a movie premier about.. Nick Saban in Alabama.. his wife said Nick stayed home to study the Razorbacks.

The fuck???

Smart.

Good coaches plan ahead.. and do not reveal their tricks until it's time. ;saldf;sflolololololhoustonnutt..sadfjdlflololol

[symple19]

LOL SEC. That conference is so overrated it's ridiculous. The Pac-10 and Big-10 are both stronger conferences this year.

rofl, just like last year right?

[symple19]

Great to see the gameday crew on the plains. At some point I have to sleep, but the Ale still beckons...

Rest motherfucking assured, I'll be up to see the game at 7

[symple19]

Random anecdote...Living here in Lexington I've had the pleasure of talking to a great many Cats' fans, and they've all had nothing but nice things to say about the Auburn faithful. A cab driver recently commented to me that AU fans are the nicest he's experienced in 20+ years of driving here in town. He said that LSU, UT, UF, and Bama fans were the absolute worst. I hadn't even commented on the fact that I was an AU guy. We simply started talking SEC football and he started recounting stories of his experiences with the different SEC fans. It's always good to hear that the Tiger faithful travel with class.

He also had nice things to say about UGA, Vandy, OM, and USCe. Interesting. I'm looking forward to my trip to Commonwealth on Oct. 9th.

[symple19]

War Goddamn Eagle

[texas_gator]

Random anecdote...Living here in Lexington I've had the pleasure of talking to a great many Cats' fans, and they've all had nothing but nice things to say about the Auburn faithful. A cab driver recently commented to me that AU fans are the nicest he's experienced in 20+ years of driving here in town. He said that LSU, UT, UF, and Bama fans were the absolute worst. I hadn't even commented on the fact that I was an AU guy. We simply started talking SEC football and he started recounting stories of his experiences with the different SEC fans. It's always good to hear that the Tiger faithful travel with class.

He also had nice things to say about UGA, Vandy, OM, and USCe. Interesting. I'm looking forward to my trip to Commonwealth on Oct. 9th.

Auburn fans are the class of the SEC IMO (and that's coming from a gator fan)....

met a bunch of AU fans and they've all been nothing but class...LSU is probably the worst IMO of the SEC...

[symple19]

Auburn fans are the class of the SEC IMO (and that's coming from a gator fan)....

met a bunch of AU fans and they've all been nothing but class...LSU is probably the worst IMO of the SEC...

Very nice of you to say.

Never had a bad experience with any Gator fans myself, or UT fans for that matter. Bammers are horrible, as are LSU fans. Miss St fans deserve an (dis)honorable mention. I'd like to shove those cowbells into a place where the sun doesn't shine, although I wish the SEC would leave their traditions alone.

[dirk4mvp]

Masoli tbh

[dirk4mvp]

fuck this team.

[Texas Chili Dog]

Jawja sucks so bad.

[symple19]

Wow, Auburn really didn't deserve to win the way they played in the first half. Too many penalties, d-line play subpar (except Fairley), too many blown coverages, too many ints...

But, they fought back from 17-3 down and figured out a way to win. I like the heart.

Nevertheless, they're going to get their faces smashed in by USCe,Ark,LSU,Bama if they don't get better.

[symple19]

What are you guys thinking about USCe/Aub, WVU/LSU, UK/UF???

LSU will be tested by WVU, but since they're at home I'll give the Tigers the edge

UK has a solid combo of Cobb and Locke, while Hartline has been error free. This game will be closer than most think, but again I'll go with the home team

As for Auburn, I don't know what to think of them. The Cocks have been solid, with true freshman RB M. Lattimore being every bit as good as advertised. The Tigers have had a tough time stopping the run, so Latt will probably have a big day. I'm not going to make a pick on this yet because Auburn had a lot of injuries in the Clemson game (so many big hits!). I'd like to see if RB McCalebb and OL Green are going to be okay by Saturday. Greens injury looked bad, but his replacement filled in well.

My guess is that the team who passes the ball better will win. Aubs secondary was terrible often against Clemson, so I'm very worried about that aspect of the game. Cam Newton is only going to Darvin Adams and not spreading the ball around. He's got to stop staring down receivers or USCe will have a few picks

[Texas Chili Dog]

^ Not a slight against Auburn, but I definitely pick South Carolina to beat y'all. SC was my preseason pick to win the SEC East.

[texas_gator]

What are you guys thinking about USCe/Aub, WVU/LSU, UK/UF???
UK has a solid combo of Cobb and Locke, while Hartline has been error free. This game will be closer than most think, but again I'll go with the home team
s

I don't think they will score enough on our d...if our offense ever gets going this season, watch out....our D is solid! corners are probably our weakest area on D but as long as our front 4 can pressure/rush the qb, doesnt matter...

it'll probably be a repeat of last week

Gators 31
UK 17

(unless our offense gets going) -- on another note, game 3 of Pouncey gate, kids been nothing but great for the Gators, but it's already week 3 and we still can't snap the ball in shotgun, sorry Pouncey, move back to guard and get a real center in there...

[texas_gator]

Jawja sucks so bad.

you've got a young team..I had a feeling that would happen, a lot of "experts" predicted UGA to make noise and possibly challenge for the SEC title but i knew they'd be a 2-4 loss team...not a proven qb, this year isnt a waste (can still play spoiler) but the future doesnt look so bad for the dawgs...

[Texas Chili Dog]

you've got a young team..I had a feeling that would happen, a lot of "experts" predicted UGA to make noise and possibly challenge for the SEC title but i knew they'd be a 2-4 loss team...not a proven qb, this year isnt a waste (can still play spoiler) but the future doesnt look so bad for the dawgs...

I predicted a fourth place finish for UGA in the division. I knew what was up.

[texas_gator]

I predicted a fourth place finish for UGA in the division. I knew what was up.

you were one of the few...let me ask you tcd, is richts seat warming up? and if so do you think it should be??

[Brutalis]

I think the Dawgs QB is going to be fucking good as he matures more in the SEC.

[Texas Chili Dog]

you were one of the few...let me ask you tcd, is richts seat warming up? and if so do you think it should be??

I think his seat is warming but I'd be pissed if he was let go. I still think he's a good coach. UGA just doesn't have the talent that some people must have thought they did.

[texas_gator]

I think the Dawgs QB is going to be fucking good as he matures more in the SEC.

:tu


I think his seat is warming but I'd be pissed if he was let go. I still think he's a good coach. UGA just doesn't have the talent that some people must have thought they did.

i agree with you...hate when a seat warms for a proven coach...IMO college coaches should be given a minimum of 3-5 years to implement their system, players, etc.

[tlongII]

I think Kentucky might take Florida down to the wire.

[The Gemini Method]

Is Mark Richt on the hot seat in Athens? He's been okay the past few years, but I'm sure the UGA alums and administration must be chompin' at the bit seeing Florida, LSU, and now Alabama climb to the top of the SEC...

[Brutalis]

I think Kentucky might take Florida down to the wire.

Very likely. Joker has the 'Cats playing good.


Is Mark Richt on the hot seat in Athens? He's been okay the past few years, but I'm sure the UGA alums and administration must be chompin' at the bit seeing Florida, LSU, and now Alabama climb to the top of the SEC...

LSU?? After Sabans recruits graduated what's happened to LSU?? Back down they go...

Georgia is fine. Even the annually good teams have a down year. If UGA removes him they are f'ing sthuped.

[symple19]

gonna be fun to see two of the best true freshman backs in the nation going head to head tonight. Woulda been awesome if Lattimore had signed with Auburn instead, considering it came down to USCe and Auburn

Latt is starting for USCe, but Dyer isn't for Auburn. He'll get some carries though

[Brutalis]

We lost. But I'm happy. We should have won, but the score is what it is. We proved we have risen a level in CFB.

[symple19]

We lost. But I'm happy. We should have won, but the score is what it is. We proved we have risen a level in CFB.

I agree. Ark can play with anyone and your season is far from over. The hog defense is legit as well, they really did what they needed to do.

[symple19]

A big WOW at UGA losing to Miss St

UF dominated what I thought was a capable UK team. Does this mean they're back to normalcy?

LSU quietly handling opponents. They are definitely under the radar right now. WTF was with that Bayou Bengal striking a heisman pose in the endzone? lol

[Brutalis]

No offense sym cause I like you as a ST poster.. but I think Auburn is overrated. Maybe they'll prove me wrong.

New poll has Arkansas at 15, tops the one loss teams.

[symple19]

No offense sym cause I like you as a ST poster.. but I think Auburn is overrated. Maybe they'll prove me wrong.

New poll has Arkansas at 15, tops the one loss teams.

not gonna offend me dude. everyone is entitled to their opinion

[Texas Chili Dog]

:lol @ Jawja

[romad_20]

:lol @ Jawja

Hey, shutup man! :depressed :lol

In all seriousness, this team and program is in shambles right now. I really don't know how the school is going to address it. I don't want to get rid of Richt but there's still no accountability for poor discipline, awful, awful play calling and players being out of position. The worst part is they don't look that awful when they play, but they still manage to lose in the most heartbreaking ways possible.

[texas_gator]

this sums up saturday...

http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/558900/bamabeatsgators_medium.gif

[symple19]

^ LSUfreek is awesome, lol

[Brutalis]

Man Georgia losing like this is shocking me. Wonder if Richt is gone?

[Marklar MM]

No offense sym cause I like you as a ST poster.. but I think Auburn is overrated. Maybe they'll prove me wrong.

New poll has Arkansas at 15, tops the one loss teams.

You are not alone. They could easily be 2-3 instead of 5-0.

[Brutalis]

LSU is going to get fucking power slammed by Auburn, Arkansas and Bama. They are awful to watch.

Tennessee. Wow.. still not sold on Dooley.

Auburn looks better every week but against ULM not much can be said. They moved into the top ten and I am still waiting for them to have a convincing victory over a good team. You could say USCe but that almost went either way.

Arkansas has A&M this week in Arlington.. I think we will roll them up like last year but it's a good test for our defense.

Florida has lost a step that's for sure.

[symple19]

Going to the Auburn/Kentucky game. got seats on the 40 yard line and only a few rows back. Gonna take the digital camera and get some pictures. Can't wait to see Cam & Co in action.

War Damn Eagle

[symple19]

from al.com


Blogger roundtable: Why it's great to be an Auburn Tiger

Will Collier


*In this edition of the al.com blogger roundtable, Will Collier of the Auburn blog From the Bleachers breaks down Auburn and Alabama's respective performances against South Carolina.

Auburn question: The tables have turned, as Auburn is now ahead of Alabama in the SEC West, the major polls and number of wins against South Carolina this year. Tell me why it's great to be an Auburn Tiger.
Disclaimer: both teams have seven weeks and six games of regular season left, and with only one common opponent to date, anybody who makes "no doubt" predictions about something that won't happen until the end of those seven weeks and six games is nuts. That said, here's a big part of why it's great to be an Auburn Tiger this morning:

Total offense vs. South Carolina:
Auburn 492, Alabama 351.

Rushing yards vs. South Carolina:
Auburn 334, Alabama 36.

Rushing yards allowed vs. South Carolina:
Auburn 79, Alabama 110.

Individual rushing yards vs. South Carolina:
Cameron Newton: 180
Michael Dyer: 100
Mark Ingram: 41
Trent Richardson: 23

Sacks allowed vs. South Carolina:
Auburn 1, Alabama 7.

And maybe the most telling, since it indicates a team's ability to overcome adversity, turnovers vs. South Carolina:
Auburn 2, Alabama 1


Besides all that, even though I don't live in Alabama any more, I can only imagine what a pleasant week it's going to be for Auburn folks who've been bombarded with two and a half years of full-on media tongue baths for the Tide and Nick "I'm not going to be the Alabama coach" Saban. I'm guessing a stat that won't show up on the box scores will be the drastic drop in public displays of UAT car flags, t-shirts and magnets over the next several days. That alone is cause for plenty of celebration -- and that doesn't even mention the entirely-satisfying sight of a fan base that holds rankings in the AP poll above all other priorities having to look up to see the Auburn Tigers.

[Ghazi]

Auburn was also at home while Bama was on the road.

and SCAR had a bye week before Bama.

SCheduling gods really fucked bama this year with nearly all their SEC opponents (if not all???) getting bye weeks before playing them.

I hope the voters factor that in when 12-1 Bama is weighed against 0 loss BSU/TCU(or Utah) and other 1 loss teams.

[symple19]

Game was way too close for comfort, but I had a great time. UK fans were cool and the atmosphere at commonwealth was a lot better than I had expected. Watched bama lose while tailgating. Some AU fans had a flat screen set up and it was awesome to cheer USCe to victory along with a bunch of Aub and UK fans.

UK coeds are unbelievably hot

Cam in person is amazing. Auburn defense, not so amazing.

If UK had a defense they would be very, very good. Randall Cobb is a stud

[symple19]

Auburn was also at home while Bama was on the road.

and SCAR had a bye week before Bama.

SCheduling gods really fucked bama this year with nearly all their SEC opponents (if not all???) getting bye weeks before playing them.

I hope the voters factor that in when 12-1 Bama is weighed against 0 loss BSU/TCU(or Utah) and other 1 loss teams.

It was inevitable that Bama would fall at some point. what was it, 29 straight games won during the regular season? That's fucking amazing

Yes, Bama will absolutely get the nod over TCU or BSU, but before you pencil in a 12-1 season you should consider the rest of Bama's upcoming schedule and a potential rematch with USCe

The Tide defense is just not as good as it was last year, and I find it highly likely that Bama will lose again before the end of the year. Not saying it will be Auburn, because realistically they still aren't as good as bama, much as I hate to say it. I think the SEC is once again underrated as a conference (crazy as that sounds) and with the exception of Vandy, pretty much anybody is capable of winning on any given weekend

[texas_gator]

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/564331/spurriercocktripssaban.gif

you might like this one symple

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/564271/lesmilesgambler_medium.gif

[symple19]

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/564331/spurriercocktripssaban.gif

you might like this one symple

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/564271/lesmilesgambler_medium.gif

lulz

love the guy with the tide box and toilet paper on his head

lsufreek delivers

[texas_gator]

heck yeah he does!

I've learned something very important this past weekend as a Gator fan...Texas fans should feel spoiled as Greg Davis as there oc, at least he mixes it up and does not run the dive play on 1st and 2nd down...I'm a Gator fan till I die but something needs to be done with the play calling, we are built around speed and just run the damn dive all game and he's been quoted (steve addazio) to saying the dive is the staple of the offense because it opens up the pass?!?!?!?!?


:bang:pctoss:hang:frying:

[symple19]

What to watch in the SEC: Week 7

By Chris Low
These past few weeks in the SEC are exactly what people who are against a playoff in college football point to as their most compelling argument why we should leave the sport alone.

There’s a playoff every weekend in the SEC, and it continues this Saturday.

The marquee game has Arkansas traveling to Auburn in a pivotal Western Division showdown.

As last weekend showed us, just about anything can happen. The balance in this league is as good as it’s been in a while, which means we’re in for a wild ride this second half of the season.

Here’s a look at what to watch in the SEC in Week 7:

1. Survival of the fittest: Auburn and LSU are the only two teams in the league still unbeaten. By the end of next weekend, there will be one team unbeaten at most. Auburn and LSU square off Oct. 23 in Jordan-Hare Stadium. And if Arkansas takes down Auburn this Saturday and then Auburn takes care of LSU the following weekend, there won’t be anybody unbeaten in this league. In fact, the way it’s shaping up, don’t be surprised if everybody in the SEC, maybe with the exception of one team, has at least two losses following the SEC championship game. It’s that kind of year in this league when balance and parity might end up being the big winners.

2. Mallett vs. Newton: It’s the best matchup of quarterbacks in college football to this point. Between them, Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett and Auburn’s Cam Newton have thrown for 2,886 yards and 25 touchdown passes. They rank No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the SEC in total offense. Newton is first in the SEC in passing efficiency (180.7), and Mallett is third (170.3). They have two of the biggest arms in college football. Mallett is the guy who will beat you from the pocket. Newton will beat you passing and running. He’s leading the SEC in rushing. As individual matchups go, the one on the Plains Saturday should be one of the best of the season.

3. Blitzing Newton: The scouting report on Newton in the first six games says Arkansas might want to go easy on blitzing the 6-6, 250-pound junior. For starters, all five of his interceptions this season have come when teams have dropped back at least seven defenders into coverage. And when teams have blitzed, Newton has been lethal. He’s completing 70.8 percent of his passes to go along with seven touchdown passes and no interceptions when teams come after him with extra defenders. Here’s the other thing: He’s also averaging 11.6 yards per carry on 14 quarterback draws this season.

4. Fourth-quarter dominance: Who’s been the best team in the fourth quarter/overtime this season? In terms of point differential, it’s Florida. The Gators have scored 59 points and given up 23. But Alabama and Auburn have done the best job of holding other teams down in the final quarter and overtime. Alabama has outscored opponents 38-10, while Auburn has outscored opponents 44-13. The only other three teams in the league on the plus side in the fourth quarter are Mississippi State (45-23), LSU (45-36) and Georgia (30-27). The worst team statistically after the third quarter has been Ole Miss, which has scored 41 points and given up 75. Tennessee isn’t too far behind, having scored 30 points and allowed 51.

5. No more booing: It’s not a Halloween thing. They were actually booing in the Swamp last week, and the boos were directed at Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio and his play-calling. But that’s what happens when you sink to 11th in the SEC in total offense, have trouble scoring in the red zone and generally don’t show much spark across the board offensively. This is Florida, where they’ve scored points the past few years the way most of us use up minutes on our cell phones. Running back Jeff Demps has been upgraded to probable for Saturday’s game, and that helps. But this is an offense right now that nothing is coming easy for, and when that happens, the guy calling the plays is usually the one who gets most of the blame.

6. Running to glory: Anthony Dixon was pretty much Mississippi State’s entire offense last season. He led the SEC with an average of 126.5 rushing yards per game. They leaned on him as much as any team in the league leaned on one player. But with Dixon gone, the Bulldogs are still running the ball with great success. They’re third in the SEC in rushing (211.8 yards per game), and that’s a credit to Mississippi State’s offensive line and some inspired running by all the backs, namely Vick Ballard, who’s averaging 7.2 yards per carry and has already scored 12 touchdowns. Running the ball against Florida will be critical, and quarterback Chris Relf will play a key role. Last week, LSU was able to churn out 161 rushing yards against the Gators, which ended up being a huge factor in that game.

7. Spurrier’s streak: South Carolina hasn’t lost to Kentucky for 10 straight games. But Steve Spurrier has never lost to the Wildcats. He’s 17-0 against them going back to his days at Florida, a streak that started in 1990. The Head Ball Coach knows, though, that all streaks come to an end, and he’s especially concerned because his team is coming off such a big win against Alabama. What’s more, Kentucky is due. The Wildcats have lost eight SEC games since 2008 by a touchdown or less. They were on the verge of beating South Carolina in Columbia last season until quarterback Mike Hartline went down with a knee injury. And speaking of streaks, the Gamecocks have one working against them. They’ve lost six straight SEC road games. Their last win on the road in the conference came on Oct. 11, 2008 against … Kentucky.

8. Cobb going solo: It doesn’t appear that running back Derrick Locke will be healthy enough to play against South Carolina. He’s doubtful after suffering a shoulder stinger last week against Auburn. That puts even more pressure on Randall Cobb to make plays for the Wildcats and allows South Carolina’s defense to shadow Cobb even more. The Wildcats have done a good job of moving Cobb around. He’ll line up at different receiver spots and will also get several snaps at quarterback in the Wildcat formation. Cobb accounted for four touchdowns last week in the 37-34 loss to Auburn. Without Locke, he might need at least that many Saturday if Kentucky's going to end its three-game skid.

9. Julio’s hand: There are tough guys all over the place in football. It’s not a sport for the meek. But few players in the SEC have consistently demonstrated the ability to play with pain and play through injuries the way Alabama junior receiver Julio Jones has. He is one tough customer. After breaking his left hand last week against South Carolina and then having surgery to insert screws and a plate, Jones was back on the practice field Wednesday catching passes. Alabama’s medical staff will evaluate him following Thursday’s practice. But in Jones’ mind, he’s playing Saturday against Ole Miss. He’s had an array of injuries during his career at Alabama and at least four different surgeries, but the guy shows up to play every weekend.

10. Green vs. Hayward: Everybody in this league knows who Georgia receiver A.J. Green is. And now that he’s back, Georgia’s offense has a much more explosive element to it. But keep an eye on his matchup with Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward, who’s quietly emerging as one of the best cornerbacks in this league. He’s tied for the league lead with four interceptions and is also an excellent tackler. He’s from Perry, Ga., too, so you know this is a game he’s had circled. Vanderbilt has produced several outstanding cornerbacks under secondary coach Jamie Bryant. D.J. Moore and Myron Lewis come to mind, but Hayward, only a junior, has a chance to be just as good and has the skills to give Green a run for his money on Saturday in Athens.

[Brutalis]

Mallett is a far better QB than Newton right now. There is no comparison.

Newton has got some learning to do, and how to throw the deep ball or the 15 yard range accurately. That's his weak spot atm.

Fuck LSU.

[Stump]

Mallett is a far better QB than Newton right now. There is no comparison.
If you're purely talking about passing ability, sure. If you consider the whole package, Newton is probably better, but it's close.

[symple19]

Mallett is a far better QB than Newton right now. There is no comparison.

Newton has got some learning to do, and how to throw the deep ball or the 15 yard range accurately. That's his weak spot atm.

Fuck LSU.

You almost can't compare them. Mallett is a prototypical pocket passer, already NFL ready. While Newton is a runner first, and a passer second. Cam is also unlikely to play QB in the pros, as it stands now anyway. You're right that he must improve his accuracy. He also must improve his ability to make quick reads and check down.

As far as leadership, Cam has been huge. I don't follow the Hogs as closely, but I'm betting that Mallett is also the undisputed team leader. In that there certainly is a comparison. There is also a comparison in team record, which right now favors Newton.

These two guys are one (Mallett) and two (Newton) in total yardage in the best conference in america. It's gonna be fun to watch

[symple19]

Oh yeah, and as far as being electrifying, I think Cam definitely has the edge. IMO, other than maybe that Michigan QB, there is no single player in America who is more fun to watch

[Brutalis]

Horrible loss to Auburn.

Who signaled TD when Auburn fumbled on the 1? No video evidence or pictures.. CBS nor ESPN could find one... terrible call .. might as well spot them 7 free points.....

Then secondly, the fumble Auburn returned for 40 yards for a TD? Well the replay showed his knee was down. CBS commentators were sure that this play will be overturned but sure enough they don't when the video clearly shows his knee down. Blown call and another free 7 points.

The real score:

Auburn 51
Arkansas 43

Not even the Florida game last year was that bad.... even Aubbie fans are on hogville saying wow..

[Ghazi]

I still think LSU is the 5th best team in the SEC

Auburn, Arkansas, Alabama, and S. Carolina are better teams

i hope this gimmick ass team gets exposed quickly. they've been playing w/ fire all year, Newton gonna make them pay.

[symple19]

yeah, those two calls were bad... I hate having that hang over a win

[tlongII]

Oh yeah, and as far as being electrifying, I think Cam definitely has the edge. IMO, other than maybe that Michigan QB, there is no single player in America who is more fun to watch

The player that's the most fun to watch of any in America is Jacquizz Rodgers. No contest.

[symple19]

The player that's the most fun to watch of any in America is Jacquizz Rodgers. No contest.

:lol pshhhh, please