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News from MrSEC.com

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:16:48 +0000

More Trouble For Kiffin’s First Signing Class

It seems that Tennessee has had yet another freshman football player find himself in trouble with the law in recent days.

Read the entire story here.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays —
12:20pm CT on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence, Alabama.

Thursdays —
1:20pm CT on “The Thom Abraham Show” with Thom Abraham and Brad Hopkins on Sportsradio 560 AM in Nashville, Tennessee… 730 AM The Ump in Huntsville, Alabama… and 103.9 FM in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Fridays —
3:30pm ET on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3FM and 990AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Fridays —
5:05pm CT on “SportsTalk” with Dave Barr on KREB 1190 AM in Bentonville/Fayetteville, Arkansas … KTTG ESPN 96.3 FM in Fort Smith, Arkansas … and KABZ 103.7 FM “The Buzz” in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Saturdays —
9:40am ET on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:35:02 +0000

Two Vols Dismissed, Jackson Remains

This one is far from over in Knoxville. Read the entire story here.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays —
12:20pm CT on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence, Alabama.

Fridays —
3:30pm ET on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3FM and 990AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Saturdays —
9:40am ET on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:07:10 +0000

A Little Something For The Conspiracy Nuts

Read the entire story here.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays —
12:20pm CT on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence, Alabama.

Fridays —
3:30pm ET on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3FM and 990AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Saturdays —
9:40am ET on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:28:21 +0000

SEC Pure Defensive Efficiency – Which defenses are the toughest to score on in SEC games?

SEC Pure Offensive Efficiency — Which offenses score with the greatest ease in SEC play?

SEC Commitment Comparison — Who’s making moves in the latest SEC recruiting rankings?

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays —
12:20pm CT on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence, Alabama.

Fridays —
3:30pm ET on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3FM and 990AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Saturdays —
9:40am ET on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

‘Workmanlike’ Cats put away EKU 37-12

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:38:24 +0000

Style points don’t carry as much weight when you’re holding your team together with wire and duct tape.

(more)

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:06:09 +0000

Urban Meyer fined $30,000.

Read the MrSEC.com take here.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays —
12:20pm CT on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence, Alabama.

Fridays —
3:30pm ET on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3FM and 990AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Saturdays —
9:40am ET on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

Don’t Forget Our Recruiting Page

John — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:42:53 +0000

Just wanted to do a little pimping for Josh Ward and the great work he does over on our Recruiting page.

For those of you who like to keep track of what’s being written about each SEC school’s recruiting, our Recruiting page is the perfect place hang out.

Josh has a number of new stories, bits, blurbs and links up today as a matter of fact.

Check it our right here.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:50:14 +0000

Georgia’s Waushaun Ealey says Florida’s Brandon Spikes should NOT have been suspended.

Talk of Tennessee’s Nu’Keese Richardson transferring (possibly to Florida) seems to have been premature.

Mark Richt has a number of reasons for sticking with Joe Cox at quarterback… his own tail for one.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays —
12:20pm CT on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence, Alabama.

Fridays —
3:30pm ET on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3FM and 990AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Saturdays —
9:40am ET on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

Arkansas Gets Win, Confidence Boost in 63-27 Victory Against Eastern Michigan

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:45:16 +0000

FAYETTEVILLE (AP) – Ryan Mallett went 14 of 16 for 248 yards and three touchdowns, and Broderick Green added a 99-yard touchdown run to lead Arkansas to a 63-27 rout of Eastern Michigan on Saturday night.
(more)

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:30:33 +0000

Slive’s reprimand to Kiffin now public

Read the entire story here.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays —
12:20pm CT on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence, Alabama.

Fridays —
3:30pm ET on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3FM and 990AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Saturdays —
9:40am ET on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:50:11 +0000

SEC Stats: Efficiency Ratings… In-Conference Games.

Prepare to be surprised.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays —
12:20pm CT on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence, Alabama.

Fridays —
3:30pm ET on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3FM and 990AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Saturdays —
9:40am ET on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:57:33 +0000

Which defenses are the best at forcing turnovers?

Which SEC offenses best take care of the football?

Do good teams get the good calls? Not necessarily.

How the league has caught up to Gus Malzahn’s offense.

Lane Kiffin’s brash talk has actually landed him a mention in a Lil Wayne rap.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays —
12:20pm CT on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence, Alabama.

Fridays —
3:30pm ET on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3FM and 990AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Saturdays —
9:40am ET on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:50:44 +0000

SEC Officials Do NOT Try To Influence Games

Read the entire story here.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays at 12:20pm CST on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence/Huntsville, Alabama.

Thursdays at 2:20pm CST on “The Thom Abraham Show” with Thom Abraham and Brad Hopkins on Sportsradio 560 AM in Nashville, Tennessee, 730 AM The Ump in Huntsville, Alabama and 103.9 FM in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Fridays at 3:30pm EST on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3 FM, 990 AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Most Saturdays at 9:40am EST on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 and 1370 AM.

MSU Headlines – 10/28/09

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:27:22 +0000

1. As you know by now, Dan Mullen is a reprimanded man.

2. The SEC has told Kyle Veazey of The Jackson Clarion-Ledger that the controversial touchdown/no touchdown call against the Bulldogs on Saturday was not overturned due to insufficient evidence.

“The instant replay process operates under the fundamental assumption that the ruling on the field is correct. The replay official may reverse a ruling if and only if the video evidence convinces him beyond all doubt that the ruling was incorrect. Without such indisputable video evidence, the replay official must allow the ruling to stand.”

3. State defensive back Jonathan Banks is quickly making a name for himself.

4. In basketball news, forward Elgin Bailey might miss the entire season due to an ankle injury.

MSU Headlines – 10/28/09

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:26:11 +0000

Fast-starting Cats put away ULM 36-13

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:36:06 +0000

Kentucky proved Saturday night that a fast start can be enough to beat a slow finish.

(more)

Breaking News from MrSEC.com

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:23:15 +0000

UK’S WALL NOT ELIGIBLE YET?!?!

Read the entire story here.

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:42:35 +0000

The SEC Should Lead The Way On Dark Jersey Issue

Read the entire story here.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays at 12:20pm CST on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence/Huntsville, Alabama.

Fridays at 3:30pm EST on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3 FM, 990 AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Most Saturdays at 9:40am EST on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM.

The Big Fear For Auburn Fans

admin — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:10:23 +0000

No one has done a better job of coaching through the season’s first five weeks than Gene Chizik at Auburn.

And much — if not most — of his success can be traced back to one decision: hiring Gus Malzahn.

Auburn’s new offensive coordinator has done it again. His fast-break, wild formation offense is mowing through the SEC.

This past weekend, though he was slowed in the red zone, Malzahn rolled up more than 450 yards against Monte Kiffin’s Tennessee defense. Just as everyone learned that Urban Meyer’s spread was no gimmick, Saturday performance went a long way toward validating Malzahn’s attack.

Why if Malzahn keeps this up…

Ah. And that brings us to the fear.

If Malzahn keeps this up, the man who was the head coach of a high school team in the fall of 2005 might just wind up being the head coach of a college team by the fall of 2010.

There will certainly be a number of jobs that open up after this season. Programs like Colorado, Virginia and Indiana might be open. Louisville and Texas A&M — with some extreme circumstances — might be vacant as well.

And there will be some surprise firings, too. There always are.

Well if you’re an athletic director of a school that’s losing games wouldn’t you want to know more about the man who had a hand in Arkansas’ wildcat formation? The man who took Tulsa to the top of the nation’s offensive rankings? The man who’s turning Auburn around?

You’re darn right you would.

Not only would Malzahn provide the buzz that comes with any fresh hire, but his offense would help sell tickets. And in this economy, that’s a big-time plus for Gus.

Right now, Malzahn is making $350,000 on The Plains. If his offense continues to produce, you can expect the Tiger athletic department to raise his pay moving forward.

But if Malzahn gets the right head coaching offer, it would be awfully hard for Auburn to hang onto him. Chizik is a young man. There will be no “head coach in waiting” deals at AU.

And if I were an athletic director putting together a list of potential coaching candidates, you can bet Malzahn’s name would be right near the top.

Texas A&M cut down by Razor-sharp passing

admin — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 10:54:23 +0000

ARLINGTON — With the roof closed, Cowboys Stadium can house the Statue of Liberty. But it might have to open up to the sky to contain Arkansas sophomore quarterback Ryan Mallett if he continues to mature as he seemed to Saturday.

(more)

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:05:55 +0000

MrSEC.com makes Maxim’s list of “100 Twitter Accounts Every Guy Should Follow.”

“For college football fans, especially SEC devotees, it’s a must,” wrote Maxim. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Check out the story here. Thanks to Maxim for the mention and thanks to you for making MrSEC.com the number one destination for news and information about America’s premier conference.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays at 12:20pm CST on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence/Huntsville, Alabama.

Fridays at 3:30pm EST on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3 FM, 990 AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Most Saturdays at 9:40am EST on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

Vanderbilt vs. Rice: Vanderbilt’s big plays bring home victory

admin — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:34:21 +0000

HOUSTON — Everything is bigger in Texas, including the plays that Vanderbilt’s offense produced Saturday night.

The Commodores snapped out of their two-game funk with their two biggest gains of the season in a 36-17 win over host Rice before a crowd of 19,753.

(more)

What will it take for UK to beat Florida

admin — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:35:15 +0000

Kentucky is more than a three-touchdown underdog against top-ranked and defending national champion Florida on Saturday night. But nobody around the Nutter Training Facility has forgotten what happened the last time a No. 1 team visited Commonwealth Stadium.

(more)

Gator Receivers “Not Up To Florida Standards”

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:29:55 +0000

To heck with the flu, Florida’s main concern is their wide receiving corps.

More specifically, the big vacant slot left wide open by Percy Harvin’s departure to the NFL.

“Right now,” said Urban Meyer, “our receiving corps is not up to Florida standards.”

Receivers coach Billy Gonzales admits that his unit is hurt by depth issues, but he won’t say anything bad about the group’s talent.

“I’ve got some young guy and they are talented. I’ve just got to keep on them and make sure they develop. And that’s my responsibility. That’s why I’m coaching here, and I would never put anything on a player.”

Couple the Gators’ woes at receiver with the fact that they don’t intend to use Emmanuel Moody as a pure tailback and it looks like Tim Tebow might have to run the ball more than Meyer and the Gators had originally planned.

Tebow might be able to beat Tennessee, Kentucky and a few others single-handedly, but a trip to LSU or an SEC Championship Game rematch with Alabama could be a lot more difficult.

In other words, some receiver had better step up as a playmaker. Soon.

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:46:38 +0000

The battle is over, but the spin has just begun from Urban Meyer and Lane Kiffin. Read the MrSEC.com take here.

MrSEC’s Week Three Power Ratings are out

Here’s what we learned from last weekend’s games

And our latest recruiting comparison has been posted

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays at 12:20pm CST on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence/Huntsville, Alabama.

Fridays at 3:30pm EST on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3 FM, 990 AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Most Saturdays at 9:40am EST on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

LSU Headlines – 9/21/09

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:24:17 +0000

1. Randy Rosetta of The Baton Rouge Advocate writes up the fact that LSU is averaging “a respectable 325.7 total yards per game.”

2. He then writes that LSU might become a bit more focused when the competition steps up in October.

3. Here are “the bests and worsts” from Saturday’s win… which pushed the Tigers to 3-0 for the third consecutive year.

4. Receiver Brandon LaFell says the Tigers “have to do a better job of getting in a rhythm and moving the chains.”

5. The defensive worries of Week One have faded into a distant memory now that LSU is dominating teams on defense. (Yes, but those offenses being dominated belong to Vanderbilt and La-Lafayette. Check back next month.)

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:49:56 +0000

What are fans around the SEC talking about? Here’s a sample of the most popular stories posted at MrSEC.com in the past 48 hours.

Questions

Why No Love For Georgia-Arkansas?

Kiffin Compares Crompton to Palmer… Is He Right?

Florida Fans Planning To Sing “Rocky Top?”

Statistics

SEC Stats: Yards Per Pass, Week Two

SEC Stats: Ball Security, Week Two

Opinion

UK’s Violations Are Small, But The Circumstantial Evidence Against Calipari Is Not

Plus, live blogging every Wednesday from the conference calls with every coach in the SEC.

Listen to MrSEC.com on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays at 12:20pm CST on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence/Huntsville, Alabama.

Fridays at 3:30pm EST on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3 FM, 990 AM in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Most Saturdays at 9:40am EST on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on Fox Sports Chattanooga 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga.

Caesar’s Lines Set For This Weekend

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:25:41 +0000

Caesar’s Palace (which is part of the Harrah’s family of casinos) has posted their lines for Saturday’s action.

Yesterday, we had to bring you online odds. I hate doing that. So here are the lines straight from the heart of The Strip.

Mississippi State at
Vanderbilt -8.5

West Virginia at
Auburn -7

Tennessee at
Florida -28.5

Louisville at
Kentucky -13.5

Georgia at
Arkansas (PICK)

North Texas at
Alabama (NO LINE)

Florida Atlantic at
South Carolina -21

Louisiana-Lafayette at
LSU -26.5

Ole Miss Headlines – 9/8/09

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:22:04 +0000

1. You can add Jevan Snead’s name to the list of Ole Miss players who are battling fever, nausea and other flu-like symptoms this week. But as we suggested earlier today, Houston Nutt believes it’s “good timing really” since the Rebels’ open date falls on Saturday.

2. A review of the Sunday’s game tape left Nutt lukewarm on the play of left tackle Bradley Sowell. “He did some good things, but he’s got to be much, much better.” (Also in this notes column — Nutt admitted to suspending offensive lineman Rishaw Johnson for a violation of team rules.)

3. Rebel defenders refer to themselves as “Landsharks” and make a fin symbol after a big play.

Land Shark | Movies & TV | SPIKE.com

Matchups: UK vs. Miami (Ohio)

admin — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:47:34 +0000

Quarterbacks

The Kentucky coaches have talked up the improvement of junior Mike Hartline in fall camp. Now we’ll get to see if it carries over into games. Miami senior Daniel Raudabaugh has nice size at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds. He will make his 18th career start and needs 318 passing yards to reach the 5,000-yard mark.

Advantage: Even
(more)

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:42:02 +0000

You Can Start Work On Spurrier’s Coaching Obituary

Read the entire story here.

Listen to MrSEC on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays at 12:20pm CST on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence/Huntsville, Alabama

Fridays at 3:30pm EST on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3 FM, 990 AM in Knoxville, Tennessee

Most Saturdays at 9:40am EST on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on “Fox Sports Chattanooga” 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga, Tennessee

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:16:33 +0000

The SEC’s Most Likely Losses – Week One

Read the entire story here.

Listen to MrSEC on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays at 12:20pm CST on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 FM The Score in Florence/Huntsville, Alabama

Fridays at 3:30pm EST on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1 FM, 99.3 FM, 990 AM in Knoxville, Tennessee

Most Saturdays at 9:40am EST on “Fox Football Saturday” with Chris Goforth and David Jenkins on “Fox Sports Chattanooga” 1310 AM and 1370 AM in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Versatile Dickson doing it all for Tigers

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:30:15 +0000

If you look at some NFL draft scouting services, Richard Dickson is often listed as a draft prospect at fullback.

Look on LSU’s depth chart and you’ll find him somewhere else, as a second-year starting tight end.

(more)

Athlete To Visit Alabama Officially

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:14:13 +0000

Alabama is among the three teams Keenan Allen plans to visit officially.

The athlete from Northern Guilford High School in Greensboro, N.C., told EerSports.com he plans to take official visits to Alabama, Clemson and Oregon.

News from MrSEC.com

Mike Mitchell — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:14:21 +0000

MrSEC.com Gets The 8-Ball Rolling

Ever played with a Magic 8-Ball? What am I saying, of course you’ve played with a Magic 8-Ball.

Everyone’s played with a Magic 8-Ball at one time or another.

Well I’ve decided to apply a little of that classic toy’s magic to this preview of the 2009 SEC football season.

Read the entire story here.

Listen to MrSEC on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays at 12:20pm CST on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 The Score in Huntsville, Alabama

Fridays at 3:30pm EST on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1, 99.3, 990 in Knoxville, Tennessee

Andrews A Celebrity First

John — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:55:59 +0000

When news of the Erin Andrews “peephole video” first broke, my partner and I discussed whether or not we should take down “the web’s largest Erin Andrews gallery” from our site.

It was not an easy decision.

Andrews is better known as “Erin Pageviews” by webmasters who’ve come to find that a mere mention of ESPN’s sideline reporter will spike traffic to their sites. And a picture is worth a thousand words, I must admit.

Ultimately, we decided to leave the gallery up for the following reasons:

a) Andrews has often herself blurred the line between reporter and celebrity

b) Nothing in our gallery is crude or too revealing

c) ESPN, Sports Illustrated’s “Hot Clicks” page, Deadspin.com and magazines like GQ continue to show off Andrews’ sexy side

d) If it’s good enough for their businesses, it’s good enough for ours

and e) she’s a Florida grad who’ll probably be working a fair share of SEC games in the months ahead.

Deciding to keep the gallery up, we expected some amount of backlash.

In the immediate aftermath of the peephole video, numerous news organizations and online columnists began to blame anyone who had ever posted or looked at a photo of Andrews for helping to create an environment in which a “peephole” villain might exist.

Turns out, we only received two negative notes. Both were very professional and friendly. One even came from one of college football’s most-respected writers.

Both emails were taken seriously.

However, with the release of this month’s GQ magazine… complete with a new sexy Andrews photoshoot… we feel even more secure in our decision to keep the gallery on our site.

For those who haven’t seen the new photos, one features Andrews in a short skirt and slightly see-through top. Another shows her standing on a Gatorade tub surrounded by a gaggle of football players. Two others feature her covered in mud.

For the record, there is absolutely nothing at all wrong with this. People in America use their looks every day in an attempt to gain an advantage in the business world.

Andrews has been featured in tight pants, short skirts, and cleavage-baring dresses everywhere from sidelines to clubhouses to the red carpet of ESPN’s own ESPY Awards.

She is a beautiful woman. And choosing to show off her figure certainly doesn’t make her a bimbo. We’ve seen bimbos.

In the past, various networks have tried to hire model-like babes to walk the sidelines at games. But they couldn’t talk sports. As a result, none of the complete airheads have survived… and they certainly haven’t thrived like Andrews.

Unlike the lookers, Andrews actually seems a bit tomboyish in her knowledge of sports. To millions of American men she’s not just eye candy, she knows her stuff.

Because of that, she comes across as likeable and approachable. And she’s open.

She’s talked about wanting to take part in “Dancing with the Stars.” She’s discussed the fact that she has dated professional athletes. And according to the folks at GQ, it was ESPN’s honchos who tried to reel in the new photoshoot while Andrews was “up for doing anything.”

She’s a celebrity. And she’s making more money than any sideline reporter in history because of it. Can you remember another person in her role who’s landed endorsement-type gigs with companies like Gillette and EA Sports?

Andrews knows what she’s doing. Her photoshoots and clothing choices have helped to make her a star. And that has nothing to do with a cretin secretly videotaping her and then releasing it to the internet.

Neither do the countless galleries (like ours), websites, or television shows that provide as many glimpses of Andrews as possible.

(By the way, was I the only one who noticed major news outlets like CBS and Fox News tsk-tsking the peephole video… while simultaneously showing as much of it as they could?)

To blame websites or talkshows or “Entertainment Tonight” for the horrible invasion of privacy Andrews had to endure is like blaming Google for the recent attack on the Mona Lisa.

Perhaps all photos of the Mona Lisa should be removed from internet search engines, lest some other loon toss a mug at Da Vinci masterpiece.

Jodie Foster did not give up her film career because a disturbed John Hinkley tried to assassinate Ronald Reagan in a cockamamie scheme to woo her.

Andrews was the victim of a criminal. Simple as that.

She should not be ashamed of her looks or her success. Just as folks across the internet should not be ashamed to view pictures of her (as millions do). Or to post clean pictures of her (as thousands do).

An internet photo doesn’t lead someone to drill a hole in a hotel room wall and use a lipstick camera to tape someone without their knowledge.

I was asked in one of the two emails I received how Erin’s father would feel if he saw our gallery.

I would guess he’d feel the same way he does when looks at her new photos from GQ: “My daughter is a sharp, beautiful, young woman who shares a connection with the American people. She’s turned her name into one of the country’s top brands. And I’m proud of her.”

She’s proven to be a first-of-her-kind phenomenon — the sideline reporter who’s become bigger than the sports she covers.

And it takes more than just looks to accomplish that.

Here’s hoping fans in SEC stadiums and arenas this fall, remembering what she’s been through this summer, show her the support and respect she deserves.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts

News from MrSEC.com

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:43:18 +0000

MrSEC is your source for every SEC-related story out there. And now you can get involved and TALK about every SEC-related story we cover.

The MrSEC.com Messageboard features two categories: SEC News and SEC Recruiting. Each of our posts on the website will create its own thread on the messageboard, where you can discuss the story… or our take on the story.

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Pre-season camp – it’s a team thing

admin — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:48:02 +0000

In less than two weeks, the University of Kentucky football veterans will be able to return to their off-campus apartments while the young players move into Smith Hall, the newest dormitory on South Campus.

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UK’s freshman QBs experiencing growing pains

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:34:24 +0000

Fall camp for a true freshman quarterback in the Southeastern Conference can make even the simplest of things seem difficult.

Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks used part of practice this week to try and school young signal callers Morgan Newton and Ryan Mossakowski on clock management.

There was only one problem.

“They weren’t looking at the play clock,” Brooks said. “They were supposed to be looking at the play clock.”

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News from MrSEC.com

Mike Mitchell — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:16:46 +0000

SEC Rookie Coaches Bat 50-50 In First Seasons

Read the entire story here.

Listen to MrSEC on the radio! John Pennington can be heard:

Tuesdays at 12:20pm CST on “The Boomo Bugg Show” with Harold Bugg and Brett Beaird on 93.9 The Score in Huntsville, Alabama

Fridays at 3:30pm EST on “SportsTalk” with Jimmy Hyams and John Wilkerson on The Sports Animal 99.1, 99.3, 990 in Knoxville, Tennessee

Ryan Mallett stretches Arkansas’ passing attack

admin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:58:40 +0000

Because the Razorbacks now have a starting quarterback in Ryan Mallett, a 6-7 University of Michigan transfer that was timed one day with a radar gun throwing a football 115 miles per hour, there’s the thought that the Hogs now have the ability to go deep more often.
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No Need To Panic, Swine Flu No Worse Than Regular Flu

John — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:49:51 +0000

Off-topic, did you see what US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said yesterday:

“What the epidemiologists are seeing now with this particular strain of H1N1 is that the severity of the disease, the severity of the flu — how sick you get — is not stronger than regular seasonal flu.”

If you read this site, then you know I’ve gone off-topic a couple of times to lampoon the media’s overreaction to this story… which has led the public to, in turn, overreact to this story.

It’s the flu. It’s not the Black Death. Yet everyone has lost their minds, canceled travel plans, stopped eating pork (to the point of crushing the American pork industry), stopped shaking hands, etc.

So, in the interest of the common good… forward this note to someone you know who might be taking this whole bit just a TAD too seriously.

Unless you have a terrible immune system, the swine flu — if you even caught it — would only make you sick. It wouldn’t kill you.

In all honesty, the biggest concern regarding swine flu has been the insane panic it has created in people.

And that’s why I write this. Just my little part to help spread the word that H1N1 isn’t coming for you.

And a reminder that in most cases — even when it comes to sports stories — the urge to overreact should be kept in check.

Happy April 15th!

John — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:12:21 +0000

A Stormy Friday At MrSEC

John — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:07:49 +0000

One day after switching to our team-by-team news format, we’re switching back. But only for a day and only because of Mother Nature.

I’m going to bring you several notes and headlines from the SEC East and then from the SEC West this morning due to some major electrical storms passing over MrSEC Worldwide Headquarters.

Any more lightning and I’d swear that tripods are gonna rise up outta the ground.

I love ya, but I don’t want to get electrocuted for ya.

With that, as Paul Harvey used to say, “Stand by for news!”

Liberty Bowl To Stay On January 2nd

John — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:06:22 +0000

For the second year in a row, the Liberty Bowl will be played on the day AFTER New Year’s Day.

However, the game is moving its kickoff time back by a half-hour to try to create a better 1-2 punch with the Cotton Bowl.

For SEC fans, last year’s Cotton Bowl between Ole Miss and Texas Tech ran long (thanks to a lot of scoring) and clipped the start of the Liberty Bowl featuring Kentucky and East Carolina.

So instead of a 4pm EST kickoff, the game will begin at 4:30 this season.

Both games will also benefit from the fact that January 2nd falls on a Saturday in 2010.

Around The SEC West – 3/31/09

John — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:10:13 +0000

Here’s the latest news from the SEC West this afternoon.

Bama: The big word in Tuscaloosa this spring is “leadership,” but to Nick Saban, it’s much more than just a word.

Bama: The shifting and moving in Alabama’s linebacking corps hasn’t resulted in any full-time moves just yet.

Bama: Here’s a practice report from yesterday’s action.

Bama: Saban’s staff received raises yesterday. Can you say, $2.7 million?

Bama: The two newest coaches on Saban’s staff are making good first impressions. (Do you ever hear that a new coach just flat sucks?)

Bama: UA basketball has released Cully Payne, an Illinois guard, from his signed letter of intent.

Bama: This writer believes that Anthony Grant understands that Tide football can be his friend.

Bama: Hell, even Paul Finebaum likes the hiring of Grant.

Bama: The Birmingham News believes Grant should keep Philip Pearson on his staff.

Aub: The fastest newcomer on Auburn’s football team has spent years trying to outrun poverty.

Aub: Tailback Ben Tate is now convinced that Guz Malzahn’s spread attack will be more physical and “a lot different from what we did last year.”

Aub: Malzahn and running backs coach Curtis Luper have been impressed with Tate this spring.

Aub: Jeff Lebo is no longer a candidate for the VCU job, possibly because of his buyout. (That and VCU hired Florida assistant Shaka Smith.)

Ark: The Arkansas staff has made sure not to get caught empty-handed at the running back position this year.

Ark: Want one word to describe the Hogs’ spring practice? Try “physical.”

MSU & UM: Jarvis Varnado beat out Terrico White and David Huertas to be named the state of Mississippi’s best basketball player. The big question is: will Varnado turn pro?

MSU: Varnado said, “I’m undecided right now” when asked about his NBA view last night. (It would sense to put his name in the pool, avoid agents, and see how it goes.)

UM: Houston Nutt wasn’t pleased with yesterday’s practice… which you can read about in this notes report.

Calipari Update — 8:05pm EDT

John — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:05:15 +0000

Just a few more notes on Calipari for you:

UK president Lee Todd believes expectations for the next coach are going to be extremely high both on and off the court. But he never mentioned John Calipari by name.

A source says that an announcement on Calipari’s hiring could come as soon as tomorrow.

Interestingly, Memphis recruit DeMarcus Cousins said today that Calipari told him that all the talk of him leaving for Kentucky was “untrue.”

Donovan Says He’s Staying At Florida

Josh Ward — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:13:13 +0000

Billy Donovan has issued a statement saying he isn’t a candidate for the Kentucky job and intends to stay at Florida.

Here is Donovan’s statement, which was posted by the Gainesville Sun.

The Fox television affiliate in Orlando reported that Donovan will resign from Florida to take the Kentucky job.

The Music City Bowl Gets A New Sponsor

John — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:03:30 +0000

The Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl is no more… replaced by The Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl in 2010.

Where’s the tradition?

(Yes, that’s sarcasm.)

Low’s Latest From ESPN

John — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:58:23 +0000

ESPN.com’s Chris Low has some updates on his blog page:

1) Georgia opens spring practice today and the number of players out or limited could be as high as 30. The Bulldogs have had more than 30 surgeries since last pre-season.

2) Sophomore quarterback Larry Smith got off to a solid start in a weekend scrimmage at Vanderbilt.

3) Mr. Low also ranks the top five SEC running backs heading into the 2009 season:

Anthony Dixon (MSU), Charles Scott (LSU), Michael Smith (Arkansas), Caleb King (Georgia) and Trent Richardson (Alabama).