MrSEC.com » Ask The Ace http://mrsec.com Up to the minute SEC football and basketball news Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:15:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc en hourly 1 The Bowl Outlook With Two Weeks To Play http://mrsec.com/story/the-bowl-outlook-with-two-weeks-to-play http://mrsec.com/story/the-bowl-outlook-with-two-weeks-to-play#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:06 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/the-bowl-outlook-with-two-weeks-to-play With two weeks to play, the SEC’s bowl picture is as blurry now as it was a month ago.Florida and Alabama have been dominant and both have run away from the pack.  On the other end of spectrum, Vanderbilt is the only SEC team already eliminated from the bowl picture.The other [...]]]> With two weeks to play, the SEC’s bowl picture is as blurry now as it was a month ago.

Florida and Alabama have been dominant and both have run away from the pack.  On the other end of spectrum, Vanderbilt is the only SEC team already eliminated from the bowl picture.

The other nine teams in the league are still jockeying for position.  With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of what each team has left between now and bowl bid time in two weeks:


School
Week 12 Opp.
Week 13 Opp.
SEC Title Game
Best Case Record
Worst Case Record
ALABAMA
 Chattanooga
at Auburn
Florida
13-0
10-3
ARKANSAS
Miss. State
at LSU
  8-4
6-6
AUBURN
  Alabama
  8-4
7-5
FLORIDA
FIU
Fla. State
Alabama
 13-0
10-3
GEORGIA
 Kentucky
at Ga. Tech
  8-4
6-6
KENTUCKY
 at Georgia
Tennessee
  8-4
6-6
LSU
at Ole Miss
Arkansas
  10-2
8-4
MISS. STATE
 at Arkansas
Ole Miss
  6-6
4-8
OLE MISS
LSU
at Miss. State
  9-3
7-5
S. CAROLINA
  Clemson
  7-5
6-6
TENNESSEE
 Vanderbilt
at Kentucky
  7-5
5-7
VANDERBILT
 at Tennessee
    3-9
2-10




We’ll dive into the prediction game at this point, but don’t go putting any money on these picks.  My views are likely to change a whole lot come Sunday morning.



BCS Title Game (vs Texas)
ALABAMA, 13-0
Florida got the Tide last year, this year I’ll take Bama to exact revenge.


Sugar Bowl (vs TCU)
FLORIDA, 12-1
But I could see the SEC title game going the other way, too


Capital One Bowl (vs Penn State)
LSU, 9-3
The Capital One committee would love this matchup for attendance and TV purposes


Outback Bowl (vs Wisconsin)
Ole Miss, 8-4
I believe this is a year when the Outback will request a West Division team due to their better record


Cotton Bowl (vs Nebraska)
Tennessee, 7-5
When the Cotton Bowl goes with an East Division team, it’s usually Tennessee


Chick-fil-A Bowl (vs Clemson)
Auburn, 7-5
The Tigers played Clemson in this bowl just two years ago, but this one still seems to make sense from an attendance standpoint


Music City Bowl (vs North Carolina)
South Carolina, 7-5
How can the folks in Nashville pass up a game that was SUPPOSED to start next year’s schedule?


Liberty Bowl (vs East Carolina)
Georgia, 7-5
I think an upset Georgia fanbase will be seen as less likely to travel, thus the Dawgs fall all the way to the Liberty


Independence Bowl (vs Kansas State)
Arkansas, 7-5
It’s unlikely, but an Iowa State-Auburn matchup would be interesting here, wouldn’t it?

(UPDATE — I had a typo on my spreadsheet that has now been corrected… Arkansas is currently 6-4, not 5-7.  Logic was right, record in table was wrong.)

Papajohns.com Bowl (vs West Virginia)
Kentucky, 6-6
At least the Wildcats will go somewhere south of Tennessee this year

Join the forum discussion on this post - (4) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/the-bowl-outlook-with-two-weeks-to-play/feed 0 Afternoon Nuggets http://mrsec.com/story/afternoon-nuggets http://mrsec.com/story/afternoon-nuggets#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:48:36 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/afternoon-nuggets 1.  Pat Dooley of The Gainesville Sun makes his weekend predictions here.(Mr. Dooley takes his usual shots at Lane Kiffin and Georgia as well.)2.  Charles Hollis of The Birmingham News makes his predictions, too.3.  Geoff Calkins of The MCA has posted his picks for the weekend.4.  Tony Barnhart of The AJC [...]]]> 1.  Pat Dooley of The Gainesville Sun makes his weekend predictions here.

(Mr. Dooley takes his usual shots at Lane Kiffin and Georgia as well.)

2.  Charles Hollis of The Birmingham News makes his predictions, too.

3.  Geoff Calkins of The MCA has posted his picks for the weekend.

4.  Tony Barnhart of The AJC has made his prognostications as well.

5.  Finally, there is a chance that UGA VII will be laid to rest at Sanford Stadium in a private ceremony before tomorrow’s Kentucky game.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/afternoon-nuggets/feed 0 Carolina Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:26:46 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-112009 1.  Despite injuries and youth, Carolina’s defense has continued to play well.

2.  This notes column covers USC’s special teams, Jarvis Giles’ disappearance and — yes — play-calling.

3.  Eric Norwood is a finalist for the Butkus Award.

4.  This writer doesn’t think Carolina should be trying to set up any coach-in-waiting deals.

5.  In basketball news, Carolina held off LaSalle 78-68 last night despite a poor night from Devan Downey.

6.  Dominique Archie led a balanced attack for USC.

7.  The Gamecocks will face South Florida in the second round of the Charleston Classic tonight.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-112009/feed 1 Another Georgia Player Arrested Over Driver’s License http://mrsec.com/story/another-georgia-player-arrested-over-drivers-license http://mrsec.com/story/another-georgia-player-arrested-over-drivers-license#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:17:37 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/another-georgia-player-arrested-over-drivers-license I can’t believe I’m having to write yet another story like this, but here goes…Backup Georgia offensive lineman Jonathan Owens was arrested yesterday for driving a motorcycle without a license.  That makes him the THIRD Bulldog to be arrested over a driver’s license issue since October 13th.Last month, Mark Richt said [...]]]> I can’t believe I’m having to write yet another story like this, but here goes…

Backup Georgia offensive lineman Jonathan Owens was arrested yesterday for driving a motorcycle without a license. 

That makes him the THIRD Bulldog to be arrested over a driver’s license issue since October 13th.

Last month, Mark Richt said he was “highly frustrated” by these type of incidents.  “We’ve got to make sure we’re monitoring these things so we don’t have these things blow up on us.”

In Georgia, some small motorcycles do not require a license and that might have caused some confusion for Owens.

That said, it’s probably time for Richt to tell his guys the obvious — if you sit on something with a motor… make sure you have an up-to-date legal license.

It’s really not that hard.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/another-georgia-player-arrested-over-drivers-license/feed 0 Kentucky Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/kentucky-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/kentucky-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:09:51 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/kentucky-headlines-112009 1.  Kentucky has only seven more Kentuckians on its roster than Georgians… which makes tomorrow’s game special for a number of Wildcats.

2.  UK’s offensive line will face a big challenge against Georgia’s D-line tomorrow.

3.  To make matters worse, Randall Cobb will be a gametime decision due to a bruised shoulder.

4.  In basketball news, freshman DeMarcus Cousins racked up 27 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Cats past Sam Houston State 102-92.

5.  John Calipari said after the game, “This may be the worst defensive team I’ve had since 1988.”

6.  Coach Cal also said, “I was so made a couple of times my head almost popped off.”  And this… “I love my team, and we have a chance of being good.  But we also have a chance of being bad if we don’t start changing some things.”

7.  This writer believes UK needs more substance to go with their “wow” style.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/kentucky-headlines-112009/feed 0 Arkansas Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/arkansas-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/arkansas-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:58:02 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/arkansas-headlines-112009 1.  The main mission for Arkansas’ defense tomorrow?  Tackle Anthony Dixon.

2.  According to this notes column, several Hogs are using the word “revenge” this week because MSU beat UA last year to knock them out of a bowl trip.

3.  The revenge talk isn’t coming from Bobby Petrino.

4.  This writer doesn’t believe State has the firepower to hang with Arkansas.

5.  John Pelphrey says he remembers how Appalachian State (tonight’s opponent) upset his first Razorbacks squad.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/arkansas-headlines-112009/feed 0 LSU Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/lsu-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/lsu-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:45:52 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/lsu-headlines-112009 1.  The LSU defense will have its hands full with Ole Miss’ Dexter McCluster.

2.  McCluster said his performance last week reminded him of a scene in a movie in which time slows down.

3.  Tailback Brandon Bolden is also playing well for the Rebels right now.

4.  With all the talk of “The Blind Side,” this writer reminds folks that Michael Oher almost when to LSU, not Ole Miss.

5.  The Outback Bowl is still hoping to land LSU.

6.  In basketball news, a knee injury to Alex Farrer was more serious than initially thought and the fifth-year senior will be out for the season.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/lsu-headlines-112009/feed 0 Vandy Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/vandy-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/vandy-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:29:10 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/vandy-headlines-112009 1.  Quarterback Mackenzi Adams said Monte Kiffin’s current defense “is pretty much completely different” from the John Chavis defenses of previous years.

2.  As we told you during the SEC coaches’ teleconference, Bobby Johnson said of Tennessee: “They play extremely hard.  They play with a lot of pride, and I think that’s a huge step up from last year in general attitude.”

3.  Tomorrow’s game will feature a number of players from Tennessee’s Smyrna High School.

4.  Vandy’s lineup isn’t even close to the one that started the Commodores’ season opener.

5.  In basketball news, whne AJ Ogilvy takes on St. Mary’s tonight, he’ll know the school and its personnel.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/vandy-headlines-112009/feed 0 Tennessee Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/tennessee-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/tennessee-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:17:13 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/tennessee-headlines-112009 1.  You know you’re not deep when walk-ons are having to step up on gameday.

2.  Tennessee’s leaky kick coverage will be challenged by Vandy’s Warren Norman.

3.  Eric Berry is one of five finalists for the Nagursky Trophy.

4.  According to this notes column, Lane Kiffin had Daniel Lincoln kicking over tackling dummies yesterday… and the results were mixed.

5.  Rico McCoy summed up the feelings of Tennessee’s senior class when he said, “It ain’t been pretty, but it’s been real.”  In fact, this has been UT’s losingest senior class since 1980.

6.  In basketball news, Tyler Smith is guaranteeing a championship in this weekend’s Paradise Jam tournament in the Virgin Islands.

7.  Bruce Pearl is plenty happy to have landed one of the nation’s top players in Tobias Harris.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/tennessee-headlines-112009/feed 0 MSU Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:05 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-112009 1.  Tyson Lee has had a bad year and has dealt with a lot of criticism because of it.  But you wouldn’t know it from talking to him.

2.  Athletic director Greg Byrne says the State team (and recruits on hand) loved the Dogs’ black jerseys last week.

(Question — If EVERYONE wears black jerseys are black jerseys really all that special?  I’m about all blacked out on the jersey front.)

3.  In basketball news, Jarvis Varnado’s 20 points helped the Bulldogs whip Southeastern Louisiana 82-67 last night.

4.  Varnado is now just three blocks away from Shaquille O’Neal’s SEC record.

5.  While Renardo Sidney’s attorney blusters, the NCAA says all of the documents they’ve requested have still not been received.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-112009/feed 0 A Coach’s Headache: Ole Miss And The Klan http://mrsec.com/story/the-klan-comes-to-oxford http://mrsec.com/story/the-klan-comes-to-oxford#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:47:42 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/the-klan-comes-to-oxford The “Mississippi White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan” will be in Oxford tomorrow to protest the University of Mississippi’s chancellor’s decision to dump the song, “From Dixie With Love.”As you well know, the chancellor had asked UM students/fans to stop chanting “The South shall rise again” at the end [...]]]> The “Mississippi White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan” will be in Oxford tomorrow to protest the University of Mississippi’s chancellor’s decision to dump the song, “From Dixie With Love.”

As you well know, the chancellor had asked UM students/fans to stop chanting “The South shall rise again” at the end of the song.  They wouldn’t.  So he recently dropped the song which had been played at Ole Miss games for about 20 years.

According to chancellor Dan Jones, the statement “The South shall rise again” supports “those outside our community who would advocate a revival of segregation.”

KKK members, of course, say that the statement means no such thing.  (Even though it was recently painted on the door of a black church that was vandalized in Mississippi.)

They claim that this is a free speech issue.  They also prove that their collective IQ leaves much to be desired.  Below are a couple of the comments from Shane Tate, the man helping to put tomorrow’s rally together:

“Ole Miss should embrace its Southern heritage and culture and reject the liberal Communist revolution that is taking place.”

“We aren’t coming there to cause problems or cause trouble.  Trouble has already been caused by a handful at Ole Miss, including the black student body president, who wants to shape Ole Miss into yet another liberal sodomite college.”

Liberals, communists, black and sodomites, huh?

Yep, I’m sure this guy actually WENT to Ole Miss.  Sounds like he’s got him a damn fine edukation indeed.



The fact that this is getting national coverage will no doubt be a hindrance to recruiting at Ole Miss.  Do you think rival coaches won’t remind players and their parents about this type of nonsense going on in Oxford?

Good luck to Houston Nutt and Andy Kennedy in having to explain why the state of Mississippi is still at the forefront of America’s race debate.  Why Mississippi — thanks to Tate and his Ku Klux Klods — is still the one place in the country where folks can go to a football game and actually see a Klan rally break out.

It’s all pathetic.  So here’s hoping Saturday’s KKK show (which might draw 100 people) goes a little something like this:



Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/the-klan-comes-to-oxford/feed 0 Ole Miss Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:10:36 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-112009 1.  After escaping what could have been a serious car accident this summer, Dexter McCluster is just glad to be playing football… wherever Houston Nutt wants to play him.

2.  Defensive tackle Jerrell Powe says he’s “got something to prove” against LSU and some Tiger coaches who supposedly said some less-than-flattering things about him last year.

3.  Ole Miss continues to get good publicity from “The Blind Side.”  (By the way, this is the best behind-the-scenes write-up of the movie I’ve seen.)

4.  The publicity won’t be so positive when the Ku Klux Klan demonstrates in Oxford this weekend. 

Backwards, scared, sad, despicable human beings.  What a boon for recruiting it will be for Ole Miss… to have these yahoos from another era slither out onto the UM campus in full robes. 

5.  In basketball news, Indiana jumped out early, but Ole Miss was simply too much for the Hoosiers in yesterday’s 89-71 rout.

6.  Murphy Holloway — who tallied 26 points and nine rebounds — said of UM’s slow start, “We knew we were a better team than what we were playing like, so we came to the sideline and regrouped.”

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-112009/feed 0 Alabama Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/alabama-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/alabama-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:25 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/alabama-headlines-112009 1.  Safety Mark Barron says, “A lot of quarterbacks at this level don’t really look off.  Some of them stare receivers down.  Most of the time, they’ll tell you where they’re going with the ball.”

2.  We’ll find out tomorrow if Chattanooga’s BJ Coleman looks defenders off.  He was an SEC quarterback at Tennessee before transferring.

3.  Tomorrow will be the final home game for an important senior class in Alabama history.

4.  There’s still no word on when, or if, Terry Grant will return to the playing team.

5.  Terrence Cody is a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy.

6.  Rolando McClain is a finalist for the Butkus Award.

7.  Folks are still talking about Nick Saban and “The Blind Side.”

8.  Finally, here’s a quick preview of tonight’s Alabama-Providence basketball game.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/alabama-headlines-112009/feed 0 Auburn Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/auburn-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/auburn-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:29:40 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/auburn-headlines-112009 1.  Gene Chizik says that any new developments in the lawsuit against running back Eric Smith will be dealt with “the right way.”

2.  Smith is being sued by someone he allegedly assaulted in August.  The lawsuit suggests two other unnamed Tigers were involved in the crime.

3.  Linebacker Eltoro Freeman has missed two straight days of practice.

4.  In basketball news, Auburn struggles when Tay Waller doesn’t play… and he might not play tonight against Central Florida.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/auburn-headlines-112009/feed 0 Florida Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/florida-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/florida-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:18:53 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/florida-headlines-112009 1.  The Gators’ game with Florida International should give some young players a chance to shine.

2.  According to this injury report, Emmanuel Moody won’t play against FIU tomorrow.

3.  This writer — along with 99.9% of America — expects the Gators to roll on Saturday.

4.  Tim Tebow still has a shot at the Heisman because his least productive season “has coincided with the worst Heisman Trophy race in a quarter-century.”

5.  After the season, will defensive coordinator Charlie Strong finally get a head coaching opportunity?

6.  In basketball news, Billy Donovan wants to see some improved outside shooting tonight against Troy.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/florida-headlines-112009/feed 0 Georgia Headlines – 11/20/09 http://mrsec.com/story/georgia-headlines-112009 http://mrsec.com/story/georgia-headlines-112009#comments Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:05:35 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/georgia-headlines-112009 We start in Georgia where fans are mourning the death of 4-year-old UGA VII.

Fans outside of Athens, get ready to watch a strange play unfold.  I am an animal lover myself, but even I was amazed by the funeral services, memorials, and hysteria tied to UGA VI’s death two years ago. 

Believe me, I’ll be linking to stories about this dog — and his replacement — for days to come.

Matter of fact, let’s start with UGA VII:

1.  It looks like the English bulldog “succumbed to heart problems.”

2.  Mark Richt said, “I was sad to hear about UGA VII.  You never think something like that can happen that quickly, and I’m sad we won’t have him on the sideline anymore.”

3.  Mark Bradley of The AJC understands the sense of loss felt by fans.

4.  There will be a fill-in mascot for the final two games of the season, but this weekend against Kentucky, Georgia will have no bulldog on the sideline.

Now, on to sports news:

5.  Rich Brooks says that if UK is going to “have any chance against Georgia” the Cats will have to throw the ball more.

6.  Richt says the Bulldogs have prepared all week for Randall Cobb.

7.  Center Ben Jones has become a vocal leader for the Dawgs.

8.  AJ Green has had such a great year that he could miss Georgia’s final two regular season games and STILL lead the SEC in catches and receiving yards per game.

9.  Week after week it seems that Georgia has to dig out of an early hole.

10.  Here’s a quick preview of tomorrow’s UGA-UK game.

11.  Georgia will lose a lot of defensive linemen this year, but they’ll return many O-linemen.  Might there be some position switches coming next spring?

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/georgia-headlines-112009/feed 1 Harris Picks Tennessee http://mrsec.com/story/harris-picks-tennessee http://mrsec.com/story/harris-picks-tennessee#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:27:24 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/harris-picks-tennessee Join the forum [...]]]> Tobias Harris, a consensus Top 10 recruit has signed with Tennesee over Kentucky, Louisville, Syracuse, Georgia Tech, Maryland and West Virginia.

The 6-8 power forward attended Big Blue Madness in Lexington last month.  He also made a surprise stop in Knoxville on Tuesday night to watch the Volunteers defeat UNC-Asheville.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/harris-picks-tennessee/feed 2 Sports Illustrated’s Fan Survey Puts SEC On Top http://mrsec.com/story/sports-illustrateds-fan-survey-puts-sec-on-top http://mrsec.com/story/sports-illustrateds-fan-survey-puts-sec-on-top#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:36:29 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/sports-illustrateds-fan-survey-puts-sec-on-top SI.com asked college football fans across the nation to weigh in on a number of topics in a recent survey.  The fans responded.

Not surprisingly, the SEC ranked #1 in terms of the best conference in the land.  The rest of the overall results are interesting — for example, most fans say they follow recruiting either “casually” or “not at all.”

The answers of SEC fans have also been broken down.  Some of those results are as follows:


1.  What is your biggest conference rival? 

23.5% said Alabama, 17.5% said Georgia, and 17.4% said Florida.  On the other end of the spectrum, more fans consider Vanderbilt to be a rival of their team than either Kentucky or South Carolina.


2.  What is your favorite stadium to visit in your team’s conference?

24.8% said Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, followed by Sanford Stadium in Athens, Neyland Stadium in Knoxville and The Swamp.  (Sounds to me like a lot of fans voted for their own home stadium ’cause most folks do NOT want to go to Tiger Stadium or The Swamp.)


3.  Which school has the rudest fans for visitors?

LSU fans got 32.2% of the vote.  Florida was next at just 19.2% followed by Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.


4.  Which school has the most polite fans for visitors?

Vandy fans got the nod at 37.4% followed by Ole Miss, Kentucky and Georgia fans.  (So Dawg fans are both rude AND polite?)

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/sports-illustrateds-fan-survey-puts-sec-on-top/feed 0 Ole Miss Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:23:55 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-111909 1.  Houston Nutt said his team didn’t run any new plays against Tennessee last week, they just executed better… and they’ll need to again versus LSU.

2.  Kent Austin said the Tigers’ defense is the best UM has seen since Alabama.

3.  Nutt isn’t sure what he’ll get from banged-up linebackers Patrick Trahan and DT Shackleford on Saturday.

4.  The Rebel D will be trying to get to sack-prone LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

5.  In basketball news, the Rebels will face Indiana this afternoon in Puerto Rico.

6.  It’s a big game for a team looking to boost its RPI.

7.  And one for the old-timers… 40 years after the “Mule Game,” Archie Manning and Tennessee’s Steve Kiner got together in Oxford last Saturday. 

Kiner said that it was just his second visit to the Magnolia State and the combined score was now Ole Miss 80, Tennessee 17.  Manning says Kiner has vowed never to return.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-111909/feed 0 MSU Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:11:35 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-111909 1.  Linebacker Jamar Chaney says the Bulldogs aren’t giving up on their bowl hopes.

2.  Chad Bumphis and Leon Berry have been adding special teams excitement to MSU games.

3.  Anthony Dixon has a good shot at breaking State’s single-season rushing record.

4.  Chris Relf says he’s still working on his passing skills in hopes of becoming the dual-threat quarterback Dan Mullen wants.  (And State needs.)

5.  In basketball news, Rick Stansbury won’t have a very long bench when Southeastern Louisiana visits tonight.

6.  Also, the NCAA has changed the status of Renardo Sidney’s amateurism inquiry to “under review.”  Sidney’s attorney doesn’t think that means very much.  “He has been presumed guilty, denied eligibility with no evidence of NCAA violations.”

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-111909/feed 0 Around The SEC This Afternoon http://mrsec.com/story/around-the-sec-this-afternoon-3 http://mrsec.com/story/around-the-sec-this-afternoon-3#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:59:49 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/around-the-sec-this-afternoon-3 We’ve still got the Mississippi schools to cover in our team notes, but first, here are some columns and blurbs from across the league:

1.  It’s sad that some Georgia fans turn the UGA campus into a trash dump for each home game.

2.  Travis Haney of The Charleston Post & Courier writes that Tim Tebow isn’t deserving of the Heisman in his weekly weekend preview column.

3.  It says a lot about the depth of the SEC that the league should be able to fill all 10 of its bowl slots this year.

4.  According to this SEC notes column, this year marks the first time Florida has logged a perfect conference record since their 1996 national championship season.

5.  This by-the-numbers SEC column reveals that Urban Meyer has passed Tennessee’s Robert Neyland as the leader in all-time conference winning percentage (for coaches with more than five years experience).  Meyer has won 80% of his league games… Neyland won 78.7%.

I guess it’s safe to say his spread offense has worked, no?

6.  The Music City Bowl thinks it will likely land either Georgia, Auburn or Tennessee from the SEC and either Miami, Florida State or North Carolina from the ACC.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/around-the-sec-this-afternoon-3/feed 0 Lighten Up, Francis http://mrsec.com/story/lighten-up-francis http://mrsec.com/story/lighten-up-francis#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:37:14 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/lighten-up-francis Just a quick note for a few of you who are getting way too bent out of shape over the statistics we post on this site.I like to post numbers you might not find elsewhere.  We use the Yards Per Pass Attempt stat a lot because many math-geek football fans believe [...]]]> Just a quick note for a few of you who are getting way too bent out of shape over the statistics we post on this site.

I like to post numbers you might not find elsewhere.  We use the Yards Per Pass Attempt stat a lot because many math-geek football fans believe it’s a good gauge of an offense’s overall success.

We use our own offensive and defensive efficiency ratings to show you which SEC schools are the best at scoring points and the worst at allowing points.  Yards don’t go on the scoreboard, points do… which is why we like these stats.

We track the number of plays an offense typically runs between turnovers.  Flip it and we use the same technique to show you which defenses are the best at forcing turnovers.

And sometimes we just like to have a little fun.  Our “Fife Factor” ratings are a goofy little attempt to show which teams tend to shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers, penalties and sacks.

It’s for your enjoyment. 

But sadly, a few of you get angry over the numbers.



So here’s how you can tell if you’re taking some of our more off-the-wall stats too seriously:


* If you take the time to send me an email about how I’m “cheating” your favorite team… you’re taking these stats too seriously.

* If you use the word “numerator” in a post on our messageboard… you’re taking these stats too seriously.

* If you get angry when you look at one of our rankings… you’re taking these stats too seriously.



We’re not launching a rocket to the moon around here, we’re just trying to give you some outside-the-box, interesting, fun, oddball ways to look at the SEC’s football teams.

But for those of you who are mathematically inclined, I’m more than willing to let you put your money where my emailbox is.  I’m good with free labor.

If you’d like to doctor up your own digits, feel free to send them to me in a spreadsheet.  As long as I can verify the numbers — and I think the breakdown is interesting and unique — I’ll post it.

As for the vast majority of you who seem to like our stat analysis pieces… many thanks and we’ll be sure to keep them coming.



Join the forum discussion on this post - (2) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/lighten-up-francis/feed 0 Georgia Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/georgia-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/georgia-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:20:34 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/georgia-headlines-111909 1.  Mark Richt says some games are “shake-your-hand games” and some games are “hug games.”  Auburn was a hug game.

2.  Freshman tight end Orson Charles has become Georgia’s third-leading receiver.

3.  Mike Bobo says his current offensive line has “been very consistent on assignments.”

4.  Junior safety Reshad Jones will seek an evaluation from the NFL of his draft stock.

5.  Jones said he’s currently “50-50″ on leaving school early.

6.  Richt says Kentucky’s Randall Cobb “might be the most talented player in the Southeastern Conference today.”

7.  Richt has told his team that a win over Kentucky might land the Dawgs in Tampa… and a loss could land them in Shreveport.

(Sidenote — The city of Shreveport must like the cash it brings in from the Independence Bowl, because every year the city becomes the town that no one wants to visit for the holidays.  Seriously.  Does the bad pub not cancel out the cash?  That game must mean more for the local economy than most folks think.)

8.  Finally, Israel Troupe wasn’t even supposed to be on the field when he scored on a 50-yard touchdown pass against Auburn.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/georgia-headlines-111909/feed 0 Kentucky Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/kentucky-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/kentucky-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:04:57 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/kentucky-headlines-111909 1.  Kentucky hasn’t won at Georgia since 1977, but the Dawgs won’t have AJ Green and the Cats are 6-7 in their last 13 SEC road games.

That’s yet another reason for fans to get off Rich Brooks’ back.

2.  Georgia hasn’t put up a lot of yards this year, but “Georgia’s still Georgia.”

3.  And Kentucky could possibly be without Randall Cobb.

4.  Linebacker Sam Maxwell has gone from backup to star.

5.  On the basketball front, it sounds like John Calipari is growing tired of his team’s play.  “Our execution stinks right now.  It stinks because everybody’s trying to get theirs.”

6.  Outside-shooter Darnell Dodson is in Calipari’s doghouse.

7.  Meanwhile, Darius Miller seems to be a good fit for UK’s new dribble-drive offense.

8.  At least one Sam Houston State player is looking forward to facing Kentucky tonight.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/kentucky-headlines-111909/feed 0 Vandy Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/vandy-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/vandy-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:48:08 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/vandy-headlines-111909 1.  Adding final injury to insult (and yes, that’s how I mean it), cornerback Myron Lewis has suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and will be out for the Tennessee game.  (Linebacker Patrick Benoist might not play, either.)

What an unbelievable run of injuries for the Commodores this year.

2.  If Vandy can slow Tennessee’s run game, they’ll then blitz away at Jonathan Crompton.

3.  This writer believes Vandy can beat UT if their offense finds a way to move the ball and if the Vols turn in “another no-show by the Tennessee D.”

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/vandy-headlines-111909/feed 0 Auburn Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/auburn-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/auburn-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:36:45 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/auburn-headlines-111909 1.  During their bye week, Auburn’s coaches are working on the team’s undisciplined mistakes.

2.  Penalties have become a big pain for the Tigers as the season has worn on.

3.  Auburn’s defense has given up more points than any previous Tiger team.

4.  Folks are still talking about the fact Gene Chizik was going to go for two if Auburn had scored late at Georgia… rather than kicking the extra point and playing for overtime.

5.  In case you’re wondering, Chizik’s favorite Iron Bowl was his first.

6.  In basketball news, juco transfer Kenny Gabriel will be out “for a while” after undergoing hernia surgery yesterday.

7.  Jeff Lebo has inked six players during the early signing period and the class is drawing national praise.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/auburn-headlines-111909/feed 0 Alabama Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/alabama-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/alabama-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:02:34 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/alabama-headlines-111909 1.  Auburn’s Ben Tate has said he’s the best running back in the state of Alabama.  Mark Ingram isn’t getting “into any tongue-tussling” over it.

2.  Leigh Tiffin is on the verge of becoming Alabama’s all-time best kicker.

3.  Speaking of special teams, kick coverage has become a concern once again.

4.  Here’s a quick preview of Alabama and Chattanooga.

5.  Nick Saban is concerned that more and more helmets are popping off during plays.

6.  After the Alabama team screened “The Blind Side” last week, Greg McElroy said, “I don’t think anybody heard any lines from the time (Saban) got on the screen until he got off the screen because it was so loud with the laughing.”

7.  Want to know what a typical Friday on the Alabama football team is like?  Here’s an hour-by-hour look.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/alabama-headlines-111909/feed 0 Carolina Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:41:50 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-111909 1.  A win over Clemson would help South Carolina’s bowl options.

2.  Some Clemson vandals have painted part of Williams-Brice Stadium’s south end zone orange.

3.  According to this notes column, Eric Wolford feels good about the future of his offensive line.

4.  And according to this notes column, defensive end Cliff Matthews will likely put off shoulder surgery until after the season.

5.  In basketball news, the Cocks get underway in the Charleston Classic tonight, hoping to build a solid nonconference resume.

6.  Here’s a quick preview of tonight’s game with LaSalle.

7.  “The field is tremendous,” said Darrin Horn.  “That’s not a normal first-round opponent in a tournament like this.”

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-111909/feed 0 What To Watch And SEC Picks http://mrsec.com/story/what-to-watch-and-sec-picks http://mrsec.com/story/what-to-watch-and-sec-picks#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:22:42 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/what-to-watch-and-sec-picks Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> ESPN.com’s Chris Low has posted his weekly “what to watch” column as we head into the next-to-last week of SEC action.

He’s also posted his predictions for this weekend’s games.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/what-to-watch-and-sec-picks/feed 0 Arkansas Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/arkansas-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/arkansas-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:17:35 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/arkansas-headlines-111909 1.  Defensive coordinator Willy Robinson’s recent health scare was an eye-opener for other members of the UA staff.

2.  Coaching demands (poor diet, late nights) simply caught up with Robinson.

3.  Special teams ace and backup linebacker Jamie Jones will be returning to his home state as an MSU Bulldog this weekend.

4.  Tailback Broderick Green will probably see more carries down the stretch.

5.  Bobby Knight (yes, I still use “Bobby” instead of “Bob”) made some interesting critiques of Arkansas’ team during Tuesday’s ESPN broadcast.

6.  This writer tosses out some potential nicknames for Rotnei Clark in his basketball notes column.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/arkansas-headlines-111909/feed 0 Florida Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/florida-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/florida-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:02:13 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/florida-headlines-111909 1.  Urban Meyer says he has “a little more respect for the Florida athletes and South Florida athletes” who make up the FIU roster than some people.  Like the mean ol’ media members who say this’ll be a cakewalk?

2.  Here are some backups for Gators fans to keep an eye on this weekend.

3.  Meyer says he hasn’t turned on his computer since the Tennessee game in order to avoid distractions.

4.  So I guess he hasn’t seen that rumors of him going to Notre Dame are popping up again.

5.  Alabama and Florida aren’t talking about each other yet.

6.  Here’s a breakdown of how Florida and Alabama might get a chance to meet again in the BCS title game.  Great stuff.

7.  Tim Tebow is second to Alabama’s Mark Ingram in the Scripps Howard Heisman poll.

8.  Tebow is also up for the Unitas Golden Arm Award.

9.  Superman’s so-so stats aren’t helping his draft status.

10.  Florida could really be hurt next year if up to seven star juniors leave school early for the NFL.

11.  In basketball news, the Gators survived a poor-shooting night to win 69-49 over Georgia Southern last night.

12.  The Gators are just 3-for-29 beyond the three-point arc this season.  Ouch.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/florida-headlines-111909/feed 0 LSU Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/lsu-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/lsu-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:26:45 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/lsu-headlines-111909 1.  Les Miles says Jordan Jefferson will likely start at quarterback this weekend.

2.  Les Miles has kept Jefferson away from the media this week.

3.  Jefferson’s teammates like what they’ve seen from him in practice this week… and they say the coaches seem “a little more comfortable” knowing that their starter will be ready.

4.  Ole Miss has held four SEC opponents to under 300 yards of total offense.

5.  The LSU defense is bracing for Dexter McCluster.

6.  In basketball news, LSU will face #12 UConn next Wednesday in the semifinals of the preseason NIT.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/lsu-headlines-111909/feed 0 Some Burning Questions From Tony Barnhart http://mrsec.com/story/some-burning-questions-from-tony-barnhart http://mrsec.com/story/some-burning-questions-from-tony-barnhart#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:11:20 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/some-burning-questions-from-tony-barnhart Each Thursday, the much-respected Tony Barnhart of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution posts a list of his “burning questions” as we head into the weekend.Today, he covers the following:1.  Can Georgia handle a little be of praise?2.  Can LSU get excited, or even interested, enough to win at Ole Miss?3.  Why is Alabama [...]]]> Each Thursday, the much-respected Tony Barnhart of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution posts a list of his “burning questions” as we head into the weekend.

Today, he covers the following:

1.  Can Georgia handle a little be of praise?

2.  Can LSU get excited, or even interested, enough to win at Ole Miss?

3.  Why is Alabama playing Chattanooga and why is Florida playing FIU?

4.  Is Tennessee going to bounce back against Vanderbilt?

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/some-burning-questions-from-tony-barnhart/feed 0 Tennessee Headlines – 11/19/09 http://mrsec.com/story/tennessee-headlines-111909 http://mrsec.com/story/tennessee-headlines-111909#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:59:35 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/tennessee-headlines-111909 1.  Likely to leave school early for the NFL, Eric Berry would be allowed to run through the T as a senior would.  But Lane Kiffin doesn’t think he’ll ask for that, according to this notes column.

2.  The draft status of defensive tackle Dan Williams has “skyrocketed.”

3.  UT’s roster is getting way too thin at linebacker.

4.  Walk-on Shane Reveiz is at the ready to help the linebacking corps.

5.  Tennessee has become one of the SEC’s best passing teams.

6.  Injured receiver Austin Rogers is seeking a sixth year of NCAA eligibility.

7.  This writer says Kiffin must hand out strong discipline… or wind up “with the mess Phillip Fulmer failed to fix.”

8.  Speaking of Fulmer, the former Vol coach says he’s got “something to prove” when he returns to coaching.

9.  Kiffin said he meant “arrests” when he was talking about UT’s lack of “incidents.”

10.  In basketball news, UT’s trip to the Virgin Islands for a tournament is a business trip.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/tennessee-headlines-111909/feed 0 Rich Brooks Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/rich-brooks-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/rich-brooks-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:53:29 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/rich-brooks-teleconference-111809 * UK played the last 30 minutes at Vandy about as well as they could possibly play.

* UK is a little more beat up this week.  Randall Cobb did not finish practice today and is questionable for Saturday’s game with Georgia.  Micah Johnson did not practice, either, but he should be ready to practice tomorrow.

* Brooks caught the end of Georgia’s game with Auburn on television and was impressed.

* If Cobb gets healthy late in the week he will play. 

* Asked about Georgia’s defensive line, Brooks said they give you all sorts of problems.  “They get such a good push with those tackles” in the pass game and they stuff the run well, too.

* Morgan Newton will start at quarterback again for the Cats.

* This year’s “there’s more of a jumbled pack” in the SEC this year when it comes to bowl selections.

* Brooks said that its clear the depth is better at Kentucky considering all of the injuries UK has lost this season.  UK hasn’t fallen off due to injuries “as we would have in previous years.”

* If Cobb can’t go Saturday because of his shoulder injury, UK will have to find someone new to return kicks, return punts, hold on kicks, and run the WildCobb spread formation.  Cobb is also the Cats’ leading receiver.  “Other than that…” Brooks joked.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/rich-brooks-teleconference-111809/feed 1 Gene Chizik Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/gene-chizik-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/gene-chizik-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:41:39 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/gene-chizik-teleconference-111809 * The open date has come at good time for Auburn after four straight months of football.

* Health question… “Our coaches aren’t allowed to get sick during the season,” Chizik joked.  “Typically over the years you don’t see a lot of coaches getting sick during the season.”

* Chizik says he’ll explain to his freshmen the importance of the Iron Bowl and “the privilege” of it.  “It carries some weight” when it comes to recruiting as well, but Chizik doesn’t feel that winning or losing the game guarantees getting or losing a prospect.

* The pageantry and heat of the Iron Bowl rivalry makes next week a bigger recruiting weekend than others throughout the season.

* Most of the coaches are having a pretty easy day today.  Not a lot of questions.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/gene-chizik-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Dan Mullen Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/dan-mullen-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/dan-mullen-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:34:25 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/dan-mullen-teleconference-111809 * “We’ve had a solid week of practice so far.”  State is in “a must-win situation now” in terms of earning a bowl bid.

* Mullen said “we’re pretty pleased” about his team’s recruiting so far this year.

* Arkansas has “a real solid defense front-to-back.” 

* Mullen said coaches usually don’t have time to get sick.  “During the season you don’t even have time to notice if you’re sick.”

* Center JC Brignone “is not your normal college junior” from a maturity standpoint.  “He tries to take on a leadership role.  That’s kinda what you want from your center.”

* Anthony Dixon “comes to work every single day.”  Mullen praised his effort, attitude and gameday intensity.  “When one of your best players is also a great leader it helps lift the performance of other players on the team.”

* MSU is still developing its passing game.  It may take “a year or two” to turn State into the type of passing team Mullen wants it to be.

*  State’s defensive philosophy is to race to the ball and to attack.  That won’t change against Arkansas’ skill players.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/dan-mullen-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Mark Richt Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/mark-richt-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/mark-richt-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:23:34 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/mark-richt-teleconference-111809 * “We had a full pads practice yesterday that probably wasn’t good enough to beat Kentucky.”  Georgia won’t have AJ Green or Bacarri Rambo for Saturday’s game.

* Richt says coaches don’t do a real good job of taking care of themselves — hours-wise — but he doesn’t think it’s worse now.  Richt wasn’t aware that Arkansas’ Willy Robinson had been rushed to the hospital last week.

* Richt says after Alabama and Florida everybody in the SEC is “banging around” on each other. 

* Georgia’s run game began to improve four or five games ago when the coaches made some changes on the Bulldogs’ offensive line.  The current line communicates better with each other and therefore there are fewer missed assignments.  “I think our young backs are getting better and we’re definitely blocking a little bit better, too.”

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/mark-richt-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Houston Nutt Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/houston-nutt-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/houston-nutt-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:15:33 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/houston-nutt-teleconference-111809 * “LSU can run and they’re physical.  Very well coached.”

* Nutt believes there will be more and more talk about “The Blind Side” as recruits see the movie.

* Nutt said that whenever you beat LSU it’s a special win.

* Early in the season, UM was breaking in three new offensive lineman.  Also, they thought they’d need Dexter McCluster more at wideout to replace Mike Wallace.  As McCluster got healthier and the season wore on, Nutt decided that it was time to get McCluster 20-25 times a game.

* “He’s 168 pounds sometimes and you’re in the most physical league in America.”  Nutt said McCluster has learned not to take on defenders on every down.  “There’s nothing wrong with running out of bounds every now and then.”

* “Ed Orgeron did an oustanding job of recruiting defensive line.  But the flipside of that was the secondary was so thin.”  Marshay Green has helped shore up that area for the Rebels.  “He doesn’t have a bad day, he has a smile on his face, he loves to go to practice.  I’d take five or six Marshay Greens.”

* Nutt is concerned that Jefferson can use his legs.  He also mentioned the Tigers’ tall receivers.

* Asked about LSU’s defensive improvement over last year, Nutt said, “I don’t see ‘em giving up many explosive plays.”  “There secondary has had the most improvement.”

* Nutt said it’s “still a little early” to start comparing the close of this season to the Rebels’ hot finish last year.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/houston-nutt-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Bobby Petrino Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/bobby-petrino-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/bobby-petrino-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:07:27 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/bobby-petrino-teleconference-111809 * Last week Arkansas showed more balance on offense.

* Willy Robinson “is doing good.  He’s got his energy back.”

* MSU gives a lot of different looks in their secondary, on their fronts and in their blitzes.

* Malcolm Sheppard has learned more about offenses this year and that’s helped him as a defensive tackle.  Petrino said he also decided to flip Sheppard from one side of the D-line to the other — unlike Houston Nutt’s staff — and the fact that Sheppard only has vision in one eye has not had an impact at all.

*  Asked about Robinson’s health issue last week, Petrino said “It was really scary.  Ambulance was there.  Willy was laying there not looking really good.”   Robinson hadn’t been taking his medication regularly, he was drinking too much coffee and he wasn’t getting enough rest… which led to the infection.

* Ryan Mallett has learned to calm down and not play with too much emotion.  “He’s really improved on playing one play at a time.”  When he sets his feet properly, he can be as accurate as anyone.

* Petrino wouldn’t talk about the fact that Paul Petrino said Mallett should return for another year of college ball.  “We’re focused on Mississippi State.”

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/bobby-petrino-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Nick Saban Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/nick-saban-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/nick-saban-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:59:43 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/nick-saban-teleconference-111809 * “Our team is focusing on improving.  Our best game is out there some place.”

* “Chattanooga has a good team and an SEC quarterback.”  “These are the kind of the games you never forget if you don’t play well in them.”

* Saban says his team is focusing on one game at a time.

* Saban says no one on his team is talking about Florida.  “Call me back in a couple of weeks,” he snapped at someone who’d asked him how he keeps his team FROM talking about the SEC title game.

* Asked about helmets, Saban says it’s becoming an issue that so many helmets are popping off.  Players need to make sure they’re using their equipment correctly.

* Saban was asked about keeping his coaches healthy during the season and responded that sometimes “stress is self-inflicted.”

* Leigh Tiffin “has got a great field goal percentage for us.”  His consistency “was the difference in a couple of games” earlier in the season when Bams was “struggling” in the red zone.

* Saban doesn’t believe it’s a trend in college football that defenses are getting better.  He thinks it might “just be one of those years.”

* Saban said he’s not worried about stats when it comes to helping Mark Ingram win the Heisman.  “We make all of our decisions based on what’s best for our team.”

* The thing that sets the SEC apart from other conferences is the bottom of the league, the depth of quality programs. 

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/nick-saban-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Lane Kiffin Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/lane-kiffin-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/lane-kiffin-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:47:43 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/lane-kiffin-teleconference-111809 * Vandy is “a big matchup for us.”  Vanderbilt has played Tennessee tough the last two times they’ve been in Knoxville.

* Dexter McCluster has “top-end speed” in addition to this small size and quickness which makes him tougher to defend.  “I saw a first-rounder on Saturday.”  Durability might be a question for him because he hasn’t carried the ball a lot this season, but he sees him as a tailback in the NFL.

* Tennessee will have to emphasize tackling this week against Warren Norman.

* Cornerback Dennis Rogan did not practice yesterday and there’s no word on whether or not he’ll play on Saturday.

* Stopping the run is “a very big key to the game.”  Kiffin says his number one goal is to force Vandy into third-and-longs.

* “I don’t think the quarterback’s gonna be a real big deal in this game.”  Kiffin said Vandy is a good run team and that they don’t pass very much.

* UT thought about moving Rico McCoy to middle linebacker, but that would result in a double-move.  McCoy didn’t practice yesterday.

* Kiffin does not think Marsalous Johnson will go on Saturday.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/lane-kiffin-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Bobby Johnson Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/bobby-johnson-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/bobby-johnson-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:39:46 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/bobby-johnson-teleconference-111809 * Vandy had “an excellent practice yesterday.”  “We’re ready to go.”

* Warren Norman’s season has “been pretty special.”  Norman has a knack for finding holes which fits well with the type of runs Vandy calls.  “We’re very pleased with how he’s played and I think he’ll just get better and better.”

* Mackenzi Adams “played very well” in the first half against Kentucky, partly because the ‘Dores’ offensive line played better.  In second half, Adams started “rushing throws and missing some open people” because he wasn’t as well protected.

* The question of the week will be about helmets popping off, apparently.  “We do cringe” when helmets pop off.  “You just got to makes sure that your helmet fits perfectly.” 

* Linebacker Chris Marve “has got a lot of energy and plays extremely hard.”  Marve plays through pain and does all the things you’d expect “from a great linebacker.”  His effort is the key to his success.

* Tennessee plays “extremely hard” which is “a huge step up from last year’s general attitude.”  Jonathan Crompton has done “a fantastic job” of improving from last year.  “Defensively they’ve had one bad game.”  “They’re gonna have a run game that we’re gonna have to contend with and also their play-action passing game is one of the best in the conference.

* The keys to beating Tennessee will be 1) keep the ball away from them, 2) stay in manageable third down situations, and 3) stop the run.

* The fact that Vandy has had some success at Neyland Stadium won’t make much difference once the game starts.

*  Inconsistent receiver play and injuries on the offensive line have hurt Vandy all season.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/bobby-johnson-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Urban Meyer Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/urban-meyer-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/urban-meyer-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:28:29 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/urban-meyer-teleconference-111809 * Urban Meyer said that he has great respect for FIU and seemed to bristle when a reporter asked about getting his team up for such an underdog.

* Florida’s strength and conditioning work is paying off in fourth quarters this year. 

* Meyer says more players’ helmets are popping off this year because players aren’t locking both straps on their headgear.  Meyer takes the matter seriously… and he does believe there is an increase nationwide in helmets coming off during games.

* Florida is still practicing in full pads.  Meyer is not worried about his team not being emotionally up.

* With a mature team, Meyer hasn’t had to worry about his team talking about FSU or Alabama this week.  Meyer says his team realizes they still have room to improve.

* Carolina’s Stephen Garcia has a better “understanding” of the game this year.  “He’s gonna be a fine player.”

* USC was balanced in the first half and “they moved the ball on us as well as anyone,” but late in the game they became one-dimensional because “they were down a little bit.”

* Meyer doesn’t have much to do with getting his players lined up for postseason showcase games like the Senior Bowl.

* Meyer says he anticipated “a little bit of a drop-off” due to the loss of players like Louis Murphy, Percy Harvin and Cornelius Ingram.

* He says he’s still confident that his receivers will begin to make big plays.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/urban-meyer-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Steve Spurrier Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/steve-spurrier-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/steve-spurrier-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:11:07 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/steve-spurrier-teleconference-111809 Join the [...]]]> * Most of Carolina’s injuries have been on defense this year.  Clemson in two weeks will be “a tough game for us, but we’re looking forward to it.”

* No questions for Spurrier at all.  “Not too many people in our open date, huh?”

* Spurrier wasn’t waiting around for calls, either.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/steve-spurrier-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Les Miles Teleconference 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/les-miles-teleconference-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/les-miles-teleconference-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:06:11 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/les-miles-teleconference-111809 * LSU is “enjoying a good week of practice.”  Ole Miss will be a “great challenge.”

* Asked what makes Larry Porter a good coach, Miles said that there are a number of members of his staff who could be head coaches.  He said of Porter: “Great natural instinct, knowledgeable and has all the people skills you’d want.”  (Porter is a candidate for the Memphis job.)

* “Center, quarterback and tight end” are all practicing this week and should be ready to go on Saturday.

* Jarrett Lee “played well enough for us to win.”  “He made some improvement.”  “I don’t know that restoring confidence is necessarily what needs to happen.”

* Dexter McCluser has “great speed, great anticipation for cuts.”  “It’s more corral than penatrate” when it comes to defending him.  “Our athleticism helps that.”

* Miles doesn’t think there’s much argument that the SEC is THE — if not one of the — most competitive conferences in the nation.  “It’s a great league.  It’s a lot of fun to compete in.  You know one thing — victories are earned.”

* Miles thinks Ole Miss has improved.  “I think they have a better feeling for what their identity is.”

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/les-miles-teleconference-111809/feed 0 Kiffin Says Issue Wasn’t An Arrest http://mrsec.com/story/kiffin-says-issue-wasnt-an-arrest http://mrsec.com/story/kiffin-says-issue-wasnt-an-arrest#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:45:09 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/kiffin-says-issue-wasnt-an-arrest There will be two camps on this one, I assure you.

Last Wednesday Lane Kiffin went out of his way during the SEC teleconference to mention that Tennessee had not had an arrest in 11 months.

We learned yesterday, that days before that comment, a UT player had been cited for shoplifting.

According to Kiffin on a Knoxville radio station this morning, that’s the difference… citation versus arrest. 

However, when asked about the arrest of three freshman (just hours after his teleconference), Kiffin said on Thursday, “We made it 11 months and 11 days without any incidents.”

So is an incident a citation or an arrest?  Apparently it’s an arrest.



If you’re a Vol fan — Kiffin’s comments were just a straight telling of the facts.

If you’re not a Vol fan — Kiffin’s was intentionally trying to mislead folks by parsing words.



Either way, Mike Herndon of The Huntsville Times writes that Kiffin was right to boot two of those arrested for armed robbery last week from his team.

It will be interesting to see what — if anything — Kiffin is asked about these matters during today’s teleconference.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/kiffin-says-issue-wasnt-an-arrest/feed 0 Carolina Headlines – 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:38:46 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-111809 Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> 1.  Garrett Chisholm looks to have earned another start on the Gamecocks’ offensive line.

2.  Pass rusher Cliff Matthews will play next week against Clemson.

3.  Freshman DeVonte Holloman knows both sides of the Carolina-Clemson rivalry.

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/carolina-headlines-111809/feed 0 MSU Headlines – 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:34:13 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-111809 1.  Ryan Mallett will be a tall challenge for State’s defense on Saturday.

2.  Mallett reminds Carl Torbush of Houston’s Case Keenum who torched the Bulldogs for 434 yards through the air.

3.  In basketball news, Kodi Augustus — suspended for two games for complaining publicly about playing time — has apologized for his remarks.

4.  Point guard Dee Bost suffered a groin pull in practice earlier this week.

5.  With the suspension of Augustus and the injury to Bost, Rick Stansbury will face some numbers issues tomorrow against Southeastern Louisiana.

6.  The attorney for Renardo Sidney said yesterday that he has sent the NCAA everything they’ve requested “and substantially more.”

Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> http://mrsec.com/story/msu-headlines-111809/feed 0 Ole Miss Headlines – 11/18/09 http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-111809 http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-111809#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:28:00 +0000 John http://mrsec.com/story/ole-miss-headlines-111809 Join the forum discussion on this post - (1) Posts]]> 1.  LSU will want to run the football against the Rebels on Saturday.

2.  Ole Miss fans can start buying bowl tickets… without any knowledge of which game’s tickets they’re buying.

3.  Kentrell Lockett provided some comic relief during a press conference yesterday.

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