I admit, it doesn't look good when you have 0/0 coming back on both sides. But I was talking more about in relation to what will be the point spread for the game. Which will most likely be 2 TD's or more. OU loses just enough on some key parts of their offense to concern me early in the season. Just 5 starters come back on offense. They lose just two linemen. But they were very important OL. Especially 4 year starter all Big 12 center Ikard. Plus an almost entirely new WR corp. With the kind of offense OU runs it's probably going to take awhile to get on the same page. This far out nothing is a done deal. I may change my mind after I see OU play La Tech and Tulsa. Then again I may not. It all depends how much carryover the Sooners have from the end of last season.
Oklahoma getting Tennessee early is a big advantage for the Sooners. Tennessee will face Utah State and Arkansas State at home before traveling to Norman. The Sooners will have two easy warm up games before hosting the Vols. Mark this down, Tennessee will have their hands full against Arkansas State.
Oklahoma will start the season ranked in the top 3 and GS is right, the line could be high for this one. My view is the Sooners will beat the dog out of the Vols. Tennessee was 100th against the run and 109th against the pass last year. They won't be able to stop Oklahoma's offense. They ranked 102nd in total offense and Okie should have a defense too stout for a team trying to find themselves.
Oklahoma will start the season ranked in the top 3 and GS is right, the line could be high for this one. My view is the Sooners will beat the dog out of the Vols. Tennessee was 100th against the run and 109th against the pass last year. They won't be able to stop Oklahoma's offense. They ranked 102nd in total offense and Okie should have a defense too stout for a team trying to find themselves.
Florida State's Jimbo Fisher on Jacob Coker and Alabama: 'He's much more talented than anything they've had'
June 10, 2014 at 3:19 AM, updated June 10, 2014 at 3:36 AM
Perhaps in the most telling comments made by Jimbo Fisher since his backup quarterback transferred to Alabama, the Florida State coach said last week Jacob Coker - from a talent standpoint - exceeds what the Tide has had under center in recent years.
It was a slight detour from comments made late last month when Fisher was in Mobile for a speaking engagement.
Fisher, in an interview with TideSports.com, was asked how he would respond to the idea that a program like Alabama shouldn't need to start someone else's backup.
"Including what they've had, he's much more talented than anything they've had," he told TideSports.com. "I don't mean to discredit the previous guys, they were all great. But this guy is extremely talented. Arm and mind. He's a backup because he's behind the best quarterback in America. (Coker) may have been one of the top three or four quarterbacks in America physically."
Fisher, who was in Mobile on May 29 for the 20th annual DEX Imaging Football Preview, talked in the Port City about the differences between Coker and AJ McCarron, the fifth-year senior quarterback recently selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL draft.
He responded to a question about whether he thought there would be a drop off at quarterback in the wake of McCarron's departure and Coker's arrival. However, his answer at the time seemed more reserved.
"I can't say that because I never coached AJ," he explained in an AL.com story . "I know AJ. You're talking about a guy who won two national championships and may be the winningest quarterback in Alabama history. That guy accomplished a lot. But, in his own right, I think Jacob can (too)."
June 10, 2014 at 3:19 AM, updated June 10, 2014 at 3:36 AM
Perhaps in the most telling comments made by Jimbo Fisher since his backup quarterback transferred to Alabama, the Florida State coach said last week Jacob Coker - from a talent standpoint - exceeds what the Tide has had under center in recent years.
It was a slight detour from comments made late last month when Fisher was in Mobile for a speaking engagement.
Fisher, in an interview with TideSports.com, was asked how he would respond to the idea that a program like Alabama shouldn't need to start someone else's backup.
"Including what they've had, he's much more talented than anything they've had," he told TideSports.com. "I don't mean to discredit the previous guys, they were all great. But this guy is extremely talented. Arm and mind. He's a backup because he's behind the best quarterback in America. (Coker) may have been one of the top three or four quarterbacks in America physically."
Fisher, who was in Mobile on May 29 for the 20th annual DEX Imaging Football Preview, talked in the Port City about the differences between Coker and AJ McCarron, the fifth-year senior quarterback recently selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL draft.
He responded to a question about whether he thought there would be a drop off at quarterback in the wake of McCarron's departure and Coker's arrival. However, his answer at the time seemed more reserved.
"I can't say that because I never coached AJ," he explained in an AL.com story . "I know AJ. You're talking about a guy who won two national championships and may be the winningest quarterback in Alabama history. That guy accomplished a lot. But, in his own right, I think Jacob can (too)."
Afraid Tennessee is in for a long season and a tough couple of years rebuilding. Coach Jones and staff are doing
a nice job so far in the recruiting game. Latest commitment for 2015 is a 2* QB out of Texas.
published Tuesday, June 10th, 2014
Texan quarterback Quentin Dormady commits to Tennessee Vols
KNOXVILLE — Tennessee's quarterback camp over the weekend included a visit from Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden and a catchy slogan.
It also helped the Volunteers land a commitment from a quarterback they really wanted.
Quentin Dormady, a 6-foot-4, 210-pounder out of Boerne High School in Texas, announced his pledge to Tennessee on Twitter on Monday night, just a few days after visiting Knoxville.
"I have committed to the University of Tennessee! This is a blessing and a dream come true!" Dormady tweeted.
A two-star recruit according to Rivals.com and a four-star prospect per 247Sports, Dormady recently received scholarship offers from the Vols and Alabama and attended camps at both Southeastern Conference schools. He previously got offers from Oklahoma State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Indiana, TCU and Houston.
Dormady had a big sophomore season in 2012, when he threw for more than 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, but he underwent shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum suffered while playing baseball the following spring. It forced him to miss his entire junior season.
After visiting Tuscaloosa early last week, Dormady arrived in Knoxville on Thursday and stayed until Saturday, when the Vols hosted a quarterback camp they dubbed "The Arsenal."
Gruden, a "Monday Night Football" commentator and ESPN analyst who won the 2002 Super Bowl as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was a guest of Vols coach Butch Jones, spoke to the current team Friday and was involved in Saturday's camp at Neyland Stadium.
Riley Ferguson's decision to leave the program late last month made quarterback a key position for Tennessee's 2015 class. Recruiting that position is unique in that most of the nation's top-rated targets have picked their schools in the spring and summer before their senior seasons.
Other quarterback targets such as Jarrett Stidham (Texas Tech), Lorenzo Nunez (South Carolina), Zach Gentry (Texas) and Sheriron Jones (Florida) all came off the board, but the Vols pounced on Dormady and edged the Crimson Tide to do so.
With Josh Dobbs and Nathan Peterman the only quarterbacks slated to be on the roster come the 2015 season, adding one or two at the position became crucial with Ferguson's departure.
Another one of Tennessee's 2015 commitments, athlete Jauan Jennings, plays quarterback for his Murfreesboro Blackman High School team and will get the chance there for the Vols, but he projects as a safety in college.
Five-star Florida quarterback Torrance Gibson, who recently named Auburn and Tennessee his co-leaders, remains a priority for the Vols, who hosted him on a visit this weekend.
The Vols are up to 12 commitments for their 2015 class
a nice job so far in the recruiting game. Latest commitment for 2015 is a 2* QB out of Texas.
published Tuesday, June 10th, 2014
Texan quarterback Quentin Dormady commits to Tennessee Vols
KNOXVILLE — Tennessee's quarterback camp over the weekend included a visit from Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden and a catchy slogan.
It also helped the Volunteers land a commitment from a quarterback they really wanted.
Quentin Dormady, a 6-foot-4, 210-pounder out of Boerne High School in Texas, announced his pledge to Tennessee on Twitter on Monday night, just a few days after visiting Knoxville.
"I have committed to the University of Tennessee! This is a blessing and a dream come true!" Dormady tweeted.
A two-star recruit according to Rivals.com and a four-star prospect per 247Sports, Dormady recently received scholarship offers from the Vols and Alabama and attended camps at both Southeastern Conference schools. He previously got offers from Oklahoma State, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Indiana, TCU and Houston.
Dormady had a big sophomore season in 2012, when he threw for more than 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, but he underwent shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum suffered while playing baseball the following spring. It forced him to miss his entire junior season.
After visiting Tuscaloosa early last week, Dormady arrived in Knoxville on Thursday and stayed until Saturday, when the Vols hosted a quarterback camp they dubbed "The Arsenal."
Gruden, a "Monday Night Football" commentator and ESPN analyst who won the 2002 Super Bowl as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was a guest of Vols coach Butch Jones, spoke to the current team Friday and was involved in Saturday's camp at Neyland Stadium.
Riley Ferguson's decision to leave the program late last month made quarterback a key position for Tennessee's 2015 class. Recruiting that position is unique in that most of the nation's top-rated targets have picked their schools in the spring and summer before their senior seasons.
Other quarterback targets such as Jarrett Stidham (Texas Tech), Lorenzo Nunez (South Carolina), Zach Gentry (Texas) and Sheriron Jones (Florida) all came off the board, but the Vols pounced on Dormady and edged the Crimson Tide to do so.
With Josh Dobbs and Nathan Peterman the only quarterbacks slated to be on the roster come the 2015 season, adding one or two at the position became crucial with Ferguson's departure.
Another one of Tennessee's 2015 commitments, athlete Jauan Jennings, plays quarterback for his Murfreesboro Blackman High School team and will get the chance there for the Vols, but he projects as a safety in college.
Five-star Florida quarterback Torrance Gibson, who recently named Auburn and Tennessee his co-leaders, remains a priority for the Vols, who hosted him on a visit this weekend.
The Vols are up to 12 commitments for their 2015 class
Good info RT and TnVol...talk about a contrasting combo.
RT, the receivers are already talking about how fast Coker gets the ball to them. The kid's got a gun!
TnVol, this is a crucial year for Tennessee recruiting. Jones has to add as much offensive and defensive line depth as possible. Right now he has 3 O-line and 5 D-line commitments. Rivals has Tennessee at #11 nationally right now.
RT, the receivers are already talking about how fast Coker gets the ball to them. The kid's got a gun!
TnVol, this is a crucial year for Tennessee recruiting. Jones has to add as much offensive and defensive line depth as possible. Right now he has 3 O-line and 5 D-line commitments. Rivals has Tennessee at #11 nationally right now.
Texas A&M
The first work crew involved with the multi-phase, $450 million redevelopment of Kyle Field started hours after the final home game of the 2013 season. Construction essentially continued around-the-clock from that point forward as the east side of the stadium was renovated and a south end zone facility was constructed. The seating capacity for Kyle Field this year is 106,300. After the 2014 season, the west side of the stadium will be demolished and rebuilt. Beginning in 2015, the stadium will seat 102,512, about 50 more than Tennessee's Neyland Stadium. At that point, Kyle Field, which had a previous capacity of 82,589, will be the largest stadium in the SEC.
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Ole Miss
The Rebels will begin the 2014 season in not one, but two NFL stadiums. Plans have been in place for several years for the Rebs to play Boise State in Atlanta's Georgia Dome (Falcons). That game is August 28, as part of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic. But Vanderbilt announced in April plans to move its September 6 game against Ole Miss to LP Field in Nashville, where the Tennessee Titans play. Ole Miss actually finished the 2013 season at LP Field, in a Music City Bowl win against Georgia Tech.
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South Carolina
During the off season, coach Steve Spurrier received a pay raise that puts him among the top 10 nationally in coaching salaries. He went from $3.3 million to $4 million a year and received a one-year extension to keep the 69-year-old under contract until 2018. His assistants coaches also received raises that moved them up from ninth in SEC salaries to fifth.
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Missouri
Two months after becoming Mizzou's career wins leader, head coach Gary Pinkel agreed to a new contract that pays him a guaranteed $3.1 million through 2020. His previous contract paid him $2.8 million through 2017. Pinkel can also make a maximum of $1.825 million in annual incentives. The salary pool for his assistants increased from $2.66 million $3.2 million.
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Tip of the Day: The public is wrong a high percentage of the time. Don't be afraid to bet against them.
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The first work crew involved with the multi-phase, $450 million redevelopment of Kyle Field started hours after the final home game of the 2013 season. Construction essentially continued around-the-clock from that point forward as the east side of the stadium was renovated and a south end zone facility was constructed. The seating capacity for Kyle Field this year is 106,300. After the 2014 season, the west side of the stadium will be demolished and rebuilt. Beginning in 2015, the stadium will seat 102,512, about 50 more than Tennessee's Neyland Stadium. At that point, Kyle Field, which had a previous capacity of 82,589, will be the largest stadium in the SEC.
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Ole Miss
The Rebels will begin the 2014 season in not one, but two NFL stadiums. Plans have been in place for several years for the Rebs to play Boise State in Atlanta's Georgia Dome (Falcons). That game is August 28, as part of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic. But Vanderbilt announced in April plans to move its September 6 game against Ole Miss to LP Field in Nashville, where the Tennessee Titans play. Ole Miss actually finished the 2013 season at LP Field, in a Music City Bowl win against Georgia Tech.
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South Carolina
During the off season, coach Steve Spurrier received a pay raise that puts him among the top 10 nationally in coaching salaries. He went from $3.3 million to $4 million a year and received a one-year extension to keep the 69-year-old under contract until 2018. His assistants coaches also received raises that moved them up from ninth in SEC salaries to fifth.
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Missouri
Two months after becoming Mizzou's career wins leader, head coach Gary Pinkel agreed to a new contract that pays him a guaranteed $3.1 million through 2020. His previous contract paid him $2.8 million through 2017. Pinkel can also make a maximum of $1.825 million in annual incentives. The salary pool for his assistants increased from $2.66 million $3.2 million.
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Tip of the Day: The public is wrong a high percentage of the time. Don't be afraid to bet against them.
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Georgia
With 17 returning starters, and considering the level at which coach Mark Richt and his staff annually recruit, the prospect of another trip to the SEC Championship Game is within the Bulldogs' grasp if they can stay on the field and out of the training room. More than two dozen Bulldogs were injured at some point last year, a major factor in an 8-5 record that was disappointing by Georgia standards. The biggest issues facing Georgia going into this season are replacing Aaron Murray at quarterback and the men who will block for Hudson Mason his replacement. Finding the right chemistry up front among their blockers will be one of the most crucial tasks in preseason camp. The only returning starters on the offensive line are center David Andrews and right tackle John Theus.
Defensively, new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt didn't change Georgia's 3-4 scheme but adopted somewhat of an "I'll treat you Bulldogs all like dogs" mentality, forcing his nine returning starters out of the comfort zone of job security. Georgia gave up 29 points per game last year and Pruitt is hell bent on improving that statistic. Inside linebackers Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrea are studs and ranked first and third in the SEC last season in tackles. One area of concern is the secondary that allowed 227 yards per game passing in 2013. Georgia's top eight defensive backs have a chance to start.
There isn't a better placekicker in the SEC, or perhaps the nation, than junior Marshall Morgan. He set an SEC record in 2013 for best field goal percentage by connecting on 22 of 24 attempts. Punting is another story. Walk-on Adam Erickson leads the battle with Collin Barber heading into fall camp.
Georgia opens at home against Clemson in another big nonconference showdown, but what could once again be the game of the year in the SEC East comes two weeks later at South Carolina. Whether the Dogs win or lose in Columbia, they will be a factor in the SEC East race going into November games with Florida and Auburn. The talent is certainly still there for Georgia. It will simply be a question of whether they are playing from a game in front or from a game behind.
Key games: At South Carolina, at Missouri, at Florida (Jacksonville) and home against Auburn.
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Tip of the Day: Avoid the "10 star, Game of the Year, Game of I'm a Dumbass" trap and wager the same amount on every game.
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With 17 returning starters, and considering the level at which coach Mark Richt and his staff annually recruit, the prospect of another trip to the SEC Championship Game is within the Bulldogs' grasp if they can stay on the field and out of the training room. More than two dozen Bulldogs were injured at some point last year, a major factor in an 8-5 record that was disappointing by Georgia standards. The biggest issues facing Georgia going into this season are replacing Aaron Murray at quarterback and the men who will block for Hudson Mason his replacement. Finding the right chemistry up front among their blockers will be one of the most crucial tasks in preseason camp. The only returning starters on the offensive line are center David Andrews and right tackle John Theus.
Defensively, new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt didn't change Georgia's 3-4 scheme but adopted somewhat of an "I'll treat you Bulldogs all like dogs" mentality, forcing his nine returning starters out of the comfort zone of job security. Georgia gave up 29 points per game last year and Pruitt is hell bent on improving that statistic. Inside linebackers Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrea are studs and ranked first and third in the SEC last season in tackles. One area of concern is the secondary that allowed 227 yards per game passing in 2013. Georgia's top eight defensive backs have a chance to start.
There isn't a better placekicker in the SEC, or perhaps the nation, than junior Marshall Morgan. He set an SEC record in 2013 for best field goal percentage by connecting on 22 of 24 attempts. Punting is another story. Walk-on Adam Erickson leads the battle with Collin Barber heading into fall camp.
Georgia opens at home against Clemson in another big nonconference showdown, but what could once again be the game of the year in the SEC East comes two weeks later at South Carolina. Whether the Dogs win or lose in Columbia, they will be a factor in the SEC East race going into November games with Florida and Auburn. The talent is certainly still there for Georgia. It will simply be a question of whether they are playing from a game in front or from a game behind.
Key games: At South Carolina, at Missouri, at Florida (Jacksonville) and home against Auburn.
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Tip of the Day: Avoid the "10 star, Game of the Year, Game of I'm a Dumbass" trap and wager the same amount on every game.
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Kentucky
The Wildcats might not be competing for the SEC East title this season or next, but there will be more talent and depth than there has been in a long time. The Cats return 15 starters, their highest total in 14 years. The team has 39 players who have started at least one game in their careers. But with the spring transfer of 15-games starter Jalen Whitlow, Kentucky will be breaking in a quarterback who has never started a game, maybe even a true freshman. Kentucky is going to have to gain its confidence from the early portion of the schedule because the back end is loaded, including four of the Cats' final six games on the road. Unlike last season's unrelenting schedule, this one offers chances of wins for a mostly young and inexperienced group. UK could match its win total from the past two seasons (two) in the first two games of the year at home against Tennessee-Martin and Ohio University, then Louisiana-Monroe comes to Lexington in October. Home games against teams like Vanderbilt and Mississippi State may offer the Cats their best chance of picking up their first SEC victory since the 2011 season.
Tenn-Martin.....Ohio.....@Florida.....Vandy.....S. Carolina.....ULM.....@LSU.....Miss St.....@Missouri.....Georgia.....@Tennessee.....@Louisville.
Like a struggling company trying to transform itself, work is under way to create a leaner, more nimble football program. Head coach Mark Stoops and staff hope the normal speed bumps and hiccups that come with a coaching change and implementing new systems are behind them. While there is more talent on the roster thanks to back-to-back highly rated recruiting classes, there's still an overall lack of depth, and the Cats will need more time to move up in the challenging SEC.
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Sidenote: As stated above, Kentucky will be starting a new quarterback this season and it could very well be true freshman Drew Barker. Barker was rated No. 6 nationally and was the No. 1 prospect in Kentucky. There is no doubt that he is the quarterback of the future at Kentucky, but the future could be now as the U.S. Army All-American enrolled early and went through spring drills. He accounted for 10,195 yards rushing and passing in high school with 113 total touchdowns.
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Tip of the Day: If you've done your homework, stay the course....don't let emotion after wins or losses get you off track.
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The Wildcats might not be competing for the SEC East title this season or next, but there will be more talent and depth than there has been in a long time. The Cats return 15 starters, their highest total in 14 years. The team has 39 players who have started at least one game in their careers. But with the spring transfer of 15-games starter Jalen Whitlow, Kentucky will be breaking in a quarterback who has never started a game, maybe even a true freshman. Kentucky is going to have to gain its confidence from the early portion of the schedule because the back end is loaded, including four of the Cats' final six games on the road. Unlike last season's unrelenting schedule, this one offers chances of wins for a mostly young and inexperienced group. UK could match its win total from the past two seasons (two) in the first two games of the year at home against Tennessee-Martin and Ohio University, then Louisiana-Monroe comes to Lexington in October. Home games against teams like Vanderbilt and Mississippi State may offer the Cats their best chance of picking up their first SEC victory since the 2011 season.
Tenn-Martin.....Ohio.....@Florida.....Vandy.....S. Carolina.....ULM.....@LSU.....Miss St.....@Missouri.....Georgia.....@Tennessee.....@Louisville.
Like a struggling company trying to transform itself, work is under way to create a leaner, more nimble football program. Head coach Mark Stoops and staff hope the normal speed bumps and hiccups that come with a coaching change and implementing new systems are behind them. While there is more talent on the roster thanks to back-to-back highly rated recruiting classes, there's still an overall lack of depth, and the Cats will need more time to move up in the challenging SEC.
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Sidenote: As stated above, Kentucky will be starting a new quarterback this season and it could very well be true freshman Drew Barker. Barker was rated No. 6 nationally and was the No. 1 prospect in Kentucky. There is no doubt that he is the quarterback of the future at Kentucky, but the future could be now as the U.S. Army All-American enrolled early and went through spring drills. He accounted for 10,195 yards rushing and passing in high school with 113 total touchdowns.
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Tip of the Day: If you've done your homework, stay the course....don't let emotion after wins or losses get you off track.
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New Recruits
The Southeastern Conference does a great job each year of bringing in top talent. This year's class will be no different. The following is a list of the top-30 rated league signees for 2014. Some will be first year starters and some will contribute right away...others will be redshirted and a few will wash out.
1. Leonard Fournette, LSU, RB, 6-1, 226 (New Orleans, LA)
2. Myles Garrett, Texas A&M, DL, 6-4, 240 (Arlington, TX)
3. Cameron Robinson, Alabama, OL, 6-7, 335 (Monroe, LA)
4. Da'Shawn Hand, Alabama, DL, 6-4, 265 (Woodbridge, VA)
5. Speedy Noil, Texas A&M, WR, 5-11, 176 (New Orleans, LA)
6. Tony Brown, Alabama, CB, 6-0, 190 (Beaumont, TX)
7. Kyle Allen, Texas A&M, QB, 6-3, 200 (Scottsdale, AZ)
8. Marlon Humphrey, Alabama, CB, 6-1, 178 (Birmingham, AL)
9. Jalen Tabor, Florida, Florida, CB,6-1, 182 (Washington, DC)
10. Rashaan Evans, Alabama, LB, 6-3, 222 (Auburn, AL)
11. Bo Scarbrough, Alabama, ATH, 6-2, 225 (Bradenton, FL)
12. Malachi Dupre, LSU, WR, 6-2, 188 (New Orleans, LA)
13. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia, DL, 6-5, 232 (Norcross, GA)
14. Sony Michel, Georgia, RB, 5-11, 205 (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
15. Roc Thomas, Auburn, RB, 5-11, 200 (Oxford, AL)
16. Clifton Garrett, LSU, LB, 6-2, 228 (Plainfield, IL)
17. Tre Williams, Auburn, LB, 6-3, 237 (Mobile, AL)
18. Jamal Adams, LSU, DB, 6-0, 200 (Carrollton, TX)
19. Nick Chubb,, Georgia, RB, 5-11, 215 (Cedartown, GA)
20. Gerald Willis, Florida, DL, 6-3, 275 (New Orleans, LA)
21. Josh Malone, Tennessee, WR, 6-2, 192 (Gallatin, TN)
22. Christian Miller, Alabama, LB, 6-2, 222 (Columbia, SC)
23. Jalen Hurd, Tennessee, ATH, 6-3, 230 (Hendersonville, TN)
24. Ed Paris, LSU, DB, 6-1, 190 (Arlington, TX)
25. Roderick Taylor, Ole Miss, OL 6-4, 305 (Jackson, MS)
26. Will Grier, Florida, QB, 6-3, 190 (Davidson, NC)
27. Laurence Jones, Alabama, DB 6-2, 220 (Monroe, LA)
28. Nick Harvey, Texas A&M, CB, 5-9, 175 (Richmond, TX)
29. Todd Kelly, Tennessee, DB, 6-0, 188 (Knoxville, TN)
30. Branden Smith, Auburn, OL, 6-6, 293 (Olathe, KS)
Recruiting by School
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Texas A&M
4. Auburn
5. Tennessee
6. Georgia
7. Florida
8. Ole Miss
9. South Carolina
10. Kentucky
11. Arkansas
12. Mississippi State
13. Missouri
14. Vanderbilt
The Southeastern Conference does a great job each year of bringing in top talent. This year's class will be no different. The following is a list of the top-30 rated league signees for 2014. Some will be first year starters and some will contribute right away...others will be redshirted and a few will wash out.
1. Leonard Fournette, LSU, RB, 6-1, 226 (New Orleans, LA)
2. Myles Garrett, Texas A&M, DL, 6-4, 240 (Arlington, TX)
3. Cameron Robinson, Alabama, OL, 6-7, 335 (Monroe, LA)
4. Da'Shawn Hand, Alabama, DL, 6-4, 265 (Woodbridge, VA)
5. Speedy Noil, Texas A&M, WR, 5-11, 176 (New Orleans, LA)
6. Tony Brown, Alabama, CB, 6-0, 190 (Beaumont, TX)
7. Kyle Allen, Texas A&M, QB, 6-3, 200 (Scottsdale, AZ)
8. Marlon Humphrey, Alabama, CB, 6-1, 178 (Birmingham, AL)
9. Jalen Tabor, Florida, Florida, CB,6-1, 182 (Washington, DC)
10. Rashaan Evans, Alabama, LB, 6-3, 222 (Auburn, AL)
11. Bo Scarbrough, Alabama, ATH, 6-2, 225 (Bradenton, FL)
12. Malachi Dupre, LSU, WR, 6-2, 188 (New Orleans, LA)
13. Lorenzo Carter, Georgia, DL, 6-5, 232 (Norcross, GA)
14. Sony Michel, Georgia, RB, 5-11, 205 (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
15. Roc Thomas, Auburn, RB, 5-11, 200 (Oxford, AL)
16. Clifton Garrett, LSU, LB, 6-2, 228 (Plainfield, IL)
17. Tre Williams, Auburn, LB, 6-3, 237 (Mobile, AL)
18. Jamal Adams, LSU, DB, 6-0, 200 (Carrollton, TX)
19. Nick Chubb,, Georgia, RB, 5-11, 215 (Cedartown, GA)
20. Gerald Willis, Florida, DL, 6-3, 275 (New Orleans, LA)
21. Josh Malone, Tennessee, WR, 6-2, 192 (Gallatin, TN)
22. Christian Miller, Alabama, LB, 6-2, 222 (Columbia, SC)
23. Jalen Hurd, Tennessee, ATH, 6-3, 230 (Hendersonville, TN)
24. Ed Paris, LSU, DB, 6-1, 190 (Arlington, TX)
25. Roderick Taylor, Ole Miss, OL 6-4, 305 (Jackson, MS)
26. Will Grier, Florida, QB, 6-3, 190 (Davidson, NC)
27. Laurence Jones, Alabama, DB 6-2, 220 (Monroe, LA)
28. Nick Harvey, Texas A&M, CB, 5-9, 175 (Richmond, TX)
29. Todd Kelly, Tennessee, DB, 6-0, 188 (Knoxville, TN)
30. Branden Smith, Auburn, OL, 6-6, 293 (Olathe, KS)
Recruiting by School
1. Alabama
2. LSU
3. Texas A&M
4. Auburn
5. Tennessee
6. Georgia
7. Florida
8. Ole Miss
9. South Carolina
10. Kentucky
11. Arkansas
12. Mississippi State
13. Missouri
14. Vanderbilt
Auburn
Everything bounced in Auburn's favor last year and its important the players don't get caught up in the hype train from last year as they head into the 2014 season. The Tigers retain many of the pieces that made them so successful last year and with a lot of experienced talent on both sides of the ball, Auburn seems focused on another championship caliber season by working hard and taking it one game at a time. With 13 starters back, the Tigers should push Alabama for the West title. Six returning starters should lead to improvement on defense, but more overall talent and depth are needed. The offense should be one of the best in the nation with quarterback Nick Marshall leading the way. The Tigers will face a difficult schedule that features road trips to Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama.
* Auburn ran the ball on 71.9 percent of its plays in 2013 while boasting the nation's No. 1 rushing attack. With a running game that was dominant, Auburn threw fewer passes than all but seven FBS teams. Malzahn has promised to open up the passing game in his second year as head man, but the likelihood is that the offense will still be run-heavy. In Malzahn's four seasons running Auburn's offense as offensive coordinator, the unit has always run the ball more than 60 percent of the time.
* Auburn returns some exciting options at running back, but Tre Mason will be missed. He averaged 141.4 rushing and receiving yards per game and was simply dominate in Auburn's final six games. Mason averaged 31 carries and 177 yards per game. His 304 yards in the SEC title game helped the Tigers beat Missouri. Senior tailback Cameron Artis-Payne likely will get first dibs to replace Mason. Payne is a power back, but he's quick and runs with good pad level. Alabama transfer Corey Grant, redshirt freshman Peyton Barber and top recruit Roc Thomas will also be in the mix.
* Auburn's offense averaged 5.1 points per trip inside the opponent's 40-yard line. That ranked third in the country behind only Ohio State (5.6) and Florida State (5.5). Meanwhile, the Tigers' defense ranked 41st in the same category, allowing only 3.9 points per game.
* Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has experimented with a heavy defensive line package that includes four defensive tackles, and he might have the horses this season. Defensive tackles Gabe Wright and Montravius Adams proved they could play the edge during the spring due to injuries at end, and Johnson liked it so much that Auburn might use its four tackle lineup against some of the SEC's power rushing attacks this season.
* QB Marshall is going to need some help from a receiving corps that was inconsistent a year ago other than wideout Sammie Coates. Enter JUCO transfer D'haquille Williams, the nation's No. 1 junior college transfer and a natural big-time pass catcher. Williams brings great ball skills and a knack for getting open over the middle. I look for a big year from Williams.
* Bottom line, there are two possibilities heading into Auburn's 2014 season. The Tigers were simply incredibly lucky last season, or they really are very, very good. Optimism and confidence are high going into the fall. Now can the Tigers stay healthy and come close to reprising 2013 again. We shall see.................................
Everything bounced in Auburn's favor last year and its important the players don't get caught up in the hype train from last year as they head into the 2014 season. The Tigers retain many of the pieces that made them so successful last year and with a lot of experienced talent on both sides of the ball, Auburn seems focused on another championship caliber season by working hard and taking it one game at a time. With 13 starters back, the Tigers should push Alabama for the West title. Six returning starters should lead to improvement on defense, but more overall talent and depth are needed. The offense should be one of the best in the nation with quarterback Nick Marshall leading the way. The Tigers will face a difficult schedule that features road trips to Ole Miss, Georgia and Alabama.
* Auburn ran the ball on 71.9 percent of its plays in 2013 while boasting the nation's No. 1 rushing attack. With a running game that was dominant, Auburn threw fewer passes than all but seven FBS teams. Malzahn has promised to open up the passing game in his second year as head man, but the likelihood is that the offense will still be run-heavy. In Malzahn's four seasons running Auburn's offense as offensive coordinator, the unit has always run the ball more than 60 percent of the time.
* Auburn returns some exciting options at running back, but Tre Mason will be missed. He averaged 141.4 rushing and receiving yards per game and was simply dominate in Auburn's final six games. Mason averaged 31 carries and 177 yards per game. His 304 yards in the SEC title game helped the Tigers beat Missouri. Senior tailback Cameron Artis-Payne likely will get first dibs to replace Mason. Payne is a power back, but he's quick and runs with good pad level. Alabama transfer Corey Grant, redshirt freshman Peyton Barber and top recruit Roc Thomas will also be in the mix.
* Auburn's offense averaged 5.1 points per trip inside the opponent's 40-yard line. That ranked third in the country behind only Ohio State (5.6) and Florida State (5.5). Meanwhile, the Tigers' defense ranked 41st in the same category, allowing only 3.9 points per game.
* Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has experimented with a heavy defensive line package that includes four defensive tackles, and he might have the horses this season. Defensive tackles Gabe Wright and Montravius Adams proved they could play the edge during the spring due to injuries at end, and Johnson liked it so much that Auburn might use its four tackle lineup against some of the SEC's power rushing attacks this season.
* QB Marshall is going to need some help from a receiving corps that was inconsistent a year ago other than wideout Sammie Coates. Enter JUCO transfer D'haquille Williams, the nation's No. 1 junior college transfer and a natural big-time pass catcher. Williams brings great ball skills and a knack for getting open over the middle. I look for a big year from Williams.
* Bottom line, there are two possibilities heading into Auburn's 2014 season. The Tigers were simply incredibly lucky last season, or they really are very, very good. Optimism and confidence are high going into the fall. Now can the Tigers stay healthy and come close to reprising 2013 again. We shall see.................................
Missouri
The Cotton Bowl win over Oklahoma State made Gary Pinkel the winningest coach in Missouri history and gained him a lengthy new contract. The Tigers matched the school's single season record with 12 wins which included an SEC Eastern Division title. Now comes the hard part with only 8 regulars returning (4 offense, 4 defense). Pinkel has to replace his leading passer, rusher and top three receivers. The offensive line is a question mark but does have five returnees with some starting experience. The Tigers have plenty to replace, especially from an offense that averaged a school record 490.7 yards per game last year but there's no doubt about the new quarterback. Maty Mauk went 3-1 as a freshman starter in place of injured starter James Franklin last season. Now Franklin is gone and Mauk is the man, having completed 68 of 133 passes for 1,071 yards with 11 touchdowns and 2 interceptions last year.
The defense ranked 81st during the 2013 season and has a number of holes to fill especially on the defensive front. Anytime you lose that many guys on the defensive line, you are going to take a step back.
The Tigers have four winnable games to open the season (S. Dakota St., Toledo, Central Fla., Indiana) before traveling to South Carolina. Pinkel better hope some of his young guys step up and prove themselves before facing the meat of a favorable SEC schedule (@ South Carolina...Georgia...@Florida...Vanderbilt...Kentucky...@Texas AM...@Tennessee...Arkansas).
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Tip of the Day: Always give a look to teams you are familiar with.
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The Cotton Bowl win over Oklahoma State made Gary Pinkel the winningest coach in Missouri history and gained him a lengthy new contract. The Tigers matched the school's single season record with 12 wins which included an SEC Eastern Division title. Now comes the hard part with only 8 regulars returning (4 offense, 4 defense). Pinkel has to replace his leading passer, rusher and top three receivers. The offensive line is a question mark but does have five returnees with some starting experience. The Tigers have plenty to replace, especially from an offense that averaged a school record 490.7 yards per game last year but there's no doubt about the new quarterback. Maty Mauk went 3-1 as a freshman starter in place of injured starter James Franklin last season. Now Franklin is gone and Mauk is the man, having completed 68 of 133 passes for 1,071 yards with 11 touchdowns and 2 interceptions last year.
The defense ranked 81st during the 2013 season and has a number of holes to fill especially on the defensive front. Anytime you lose that many guys on the defensive line, you are going to take a step back.
The Tigers have four winnable games to open the season (S. Dakota St., Toledo, Central Fla., Indiana) before traveling to South Carolina. Pinkel better hope some of his young guys step up and prove themselves before facing the meat of a favorable SEC schedule (@ South Carolina...Georgia...@Florida...Vanderbilt...Kentucky...@Texas AM...@Tennessee...Arkansas).
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Tip of the Day: Always give a look to teams you are familiar with.
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SEC Snapshots
Top NFL Prospect: Cedrick Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Best Athlete: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Best Coach As Recruiter: Nick Saban, Alabama
Best Coach Interview: Steve Spurrier
Hottest Coaching Seat: Will Muschamp, Florida
Best Player Leader: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Offensive Player of the Year: Nick Marshall, QB, Auburn
Best Running Quarterback: Nick Marshall, Auburn
Best Passing Quarterback: Bo Wallace, Ole Miss
Strongest Arm: Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Best Quarterback Under Pressure: Dylan Thompson, South Carolina
Best Quarterback Newcomer: Jacob Coker, Alabama
Best Running Back: Todd Gurley, Georgia
Most Elusive Running Back: T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
Best Running Back Newcomer: Leonard Fournette, LSU
Best Receiver: Amari Cooper, Alabama
Best Receiver Hands: Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
Fastest Receiver: Damiere Byrd, South Carolina
Best Pass Blocker: Laremy Tunsil, T, Ole Miss
Best Run Blocker: La'el Collins, T, LSU
Defensive Player of the Year: Ramik Wilson, LB, Georgia
Hardest Hitter: Trey DePriest, LB, Alabama
Best Instincts: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Best Kicker: Marshall Morgan, Georgia
Best Punter: Drew Kaser, Texas A&M
Best All Purpose: Christion Jones, Alabama
Best Position To Watch: Running Back (League loaded)
Best Place to Watch a Game: Tiger Stadium, LSU
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Preseason "SEC Notebook" All-SEC Team
QB Nick Marshall, Auburn
RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
RB T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
WR Sammie Coates, Auburn
TE Evan Engram, Ole Miss
.C Reese Dismukes, Auburn
OL Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
OL Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
OL La'el Collins, LSU
OL A.J. Cann, South Carolina
DL Dante Fowler, Florida
DL Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
DL A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama
DL Chris Jones, Mississippi State
LB A.J. Johnson, Tennessee
LB Trey DePriest, Alabama
LB Ramik Wilson, Georgia
CB Vernon Hargraves, Florida
CB Deshazor Everett, Texas A&M
.S Landon Collins, Alabama
.S Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss
PK Marshall Morgan, Georgia
.P Drew Kaser, Texas A&M
AP Christion Jones, Alabama
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SEC Championship Game: South Carolina vs Alabama
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Top NFL Prospect: Cedrick Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M
Best Athlete: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
Best Coach As Recruiter: Nick Saban, Alabama
Best Coach Interview: Steve Spurrier
Hottest Coaching Seat: Will Muschamp, Florida
Best Player Leader: Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Offensive Player of the Year: Nick Marshall, QB, Auburn
Best Running Quarterback: Nick Marshall, Auburn
Best Passing Quarterback: Bo Wallace, Ole Miss
Strongest Arm: Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Best Quarterback Under Pressure: Dylan Thompson, South Carolina
Best Quarterback Newcomer: Jacob Coker, Alabama
Best Running Back: Todd Gurley, Georgia
Most Elusive Running Back: T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
Best Running Back Newcomer: Leonard Fournette, LSU
Best Receiver: Amari Cooper, Alabama
Best Receiver Hands: Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss
Fastest Receiver: Damiere Byrd, South Carolina
Best Pass Blocker: Laremy Tunsil, T, Ole Miss
Best Run Blocker: La'el Collins, T, LSU
Defensive Player of the Year: Ramik Wilson, LB, Georgia
Hardest Hitter: Trey DePriest, LB, Alabama
Best Instincts: Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Best Kicker: Marshall Morgan, Georgia
Best Punter: Drew Kaser, Texas A&M
Best All Purpose: Christion Jones, Alabama
Best Position To Watch: Running Back (League loaded)
Best Place to Watch a Game: Tiger Stadium, LSU
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Preseason "SEC Notebook" All-SEC Team
QB Nick Marshall, Auburn
RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
RB T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
WR Sammie Coates, Auburn
TE Evan Engram, Ole Miss
.C Reese Dismukes, Auburn
OL Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
OL Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
OL La'el Collins, LSU
OL A.J. Cann, South Carolina
DL Dante Fowler, Florida
DL Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
DL A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama
DL Chris Jones, Mississippi State
LB A.J. Johnson, Tennessee
LB Trey DePriest, Alabama
LB Ramik Wilson, Georgia
CB Vernon Hargraves, Florida
CB Deshazor Everett, Texas A&M
.S Landon Collins, Alabama
.S Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss
PK Marshall Morgan, Georgia
.P Drew Kaser, Texas A&M
AP Christion Jones, Alabama
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SEC Championship Game: South Carolina vs Alabama
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Bottom Line
South Carolina
Talent, experience and momentum make South Carolina the team to beat in the SEC East by a narrow margin over Florida, Georgia and Missouri, but the title will be hard earned. The Gamecocks host Texas A&M in the first football game on the SEC Network on August 28, followed two weeks later by a visit from Georgia that always sets the tone in the division race. Key contests with Missouri, Auburn and Florida follow. The season ender at Clemson could determine whether the Gamecocks go into the SEC Championship Game playing for a CFP berth.
Florida
The mandate at Florida isn't just to win, but to win championships. Not to just eke out victories, but to win with style. That's Muschamp's mission for 2014. His Gators must not only produce at least eight or nine wins but also be more entertaining offensively. Assuming the defense is up to performing at a similar level to 2013 and new OC Roper will be given a free reign to jazz up the Florida offense, the Gators can again be a contender in the East. Another 2013 and the Gators will be hiring a new coaching staff.
Georgia
The Dogs won't shrink from a scheduling challenge this season. Georgia opens at home against Clemson in another big nonconference showdown, but what could once again be the game of the year in the SEC East comes two weeks later at South Carolina. Whether the Bulldogs win or lose in Columbia, they will be a factor in the SEC East race going into November games with Florida and Auburn. The talent is certainly still there for Georgia. It will simply be a question of whether they are playing from a game in front or from a game behind.
Missouri
In the wide-open SEC East it would be unwise to write off the Tigers now that they've been to the SEC Championship Game. Missouri plays one of the more favorable schedules around. Tiger fans, I wouldn't be making reservations to Atlanta just yet.
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Sidenotes:
* Florida's Will Muschamp is a Nick Saban disciple, but his Florida Gators are the latest to chuck the pro set for the no-huddle.
* Eight SEC schools will start new quarterbacks. Some of them, like Texas A&M's Kyle Allen and LSU's Brandon Harris, are true freshman.
* The league of Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson and Emmitt Smith may be ruled by running backs once again in 2014.
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Tip of the Day: Play ON a road team, especially an underdog, that has struggled at home with off-field distractions. These teams may be overvalued at home but less valued on the road.
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South Carolina
Talent, experience and momentum make South Carolina the team to beat in the SEC East by a narrow margin over Florida, Georgia and Missouri, but the title will be hard earned. The Gamecocks host Texas A&M in the first football game on the SEC Network on August 28, followed two weeks later by a visit from Georgia that always sets the tone in the division race. Key contests with Missouri, Auburn and Florida follow. The season ender at Clemson could determine whether the Gamecocks go into the SEC Championship Game playing for a CFP berth.
Florida
The mandate at Florida isn't just to win, but to win championships. Not to just eke out victories, but to win with style. That's Muschamp's mission for 2014. His Gators must not only produce at least eight or nine wins but also be more entertaining offensively. Assuming the defense is up to performing at a similar level to 2013 and new OC Roper will be given a free reign to jazz up the Florida offense, the Gators can again be a contender in the East. Another 2013 and the Gators will be hiring a new coaching staff.
Georgia
The Dogs won't shrink from a scheduling challenge this season. Georgia opens at home against Clemson in another big nonconference showdown, but what could once again be the game of the year in the SEC East comes two weeks later at South Carolina. Whether the Bulldogs win or lose in Columbia, they will be a factor in the SEC East race going into November games with Florida and Auburn. The talent is certainly still there for Georgia. It will simply be a question of whether they are playing from a game in front or from a game behind.
Missouri
In the wide-open SEC East it would be unwise to write off the Tigers now that they've been to the SEC Championship Game. Missouri plays one of the more favorable schedules around. Tiger fans, I wouldn't be making reservations to Atlanta just yet.
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Sidenotes:
* Florida's Will Muschamp is a Nick Saban disciple, but his Florida Gators are the latest to chuck the pro set for the no-huddle.
* Eight SEC schools will start new quarterbacks. Some of them, like Texas A&M's Kyle Allen and LSU's Brandon Harris, are true freshman.
* The league of Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson and Emmitt Smith may be ruled by running backs once again in 2014.
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Tip of the Day: Play ON a road team, especially an underdog, that has struggled at home with off-field distractions. These teams may be overvalued at home but less valued on the road.
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LSU
Les Miles has won at least 10 games in seven out of his nine years at LSU (95-24), so the natural tendency is to pencil in the Tigers for a finish among the top three in the SEC West. The Tigers enter 2014 knowing they are probably about a year away from winning the SEC West. Sure, there's always talent in Baton Rouge, but the talent is inexperienced at some critical spots on offense, a deficiency that won't be resolved by anything but time. Miles must identify a suitable replacement at quarterback and hope some playmakers emerge at wide receiver. The Tigers return just 36 percent of their rushing yards from 2013, 14 percent of their receiving yards and just 6 percent of their passing yards. Too many question marks at key offensive skill positions for it not to cost the Tigers. The offensive line is perhaps LSU's most veteran group, with only one position battle to settle at right guard between seniors Evan Washington and Hoko Fanika. The talented line should be able to create holes for what should be a pretty strong running game. The O-line projected starters average 6-5, 321 pounds per man. The on-the-job training for a new quarterback could create some growing pains so look for the talented, experienced line to be leaned on heavily. The defense slipped a bit from 2012 to 2013 but there was improvement as the season went on. John Chavis is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country so look for continued improvement from the second half of last year. Repeating last year's 9-3 regular season record should be considered a success, with an eye toward 2015. If the passing game struggles, the Tigers could finish behind Alabama, Auburn and Ole Miss in the tough SEC West. The opener against Wisconsin may give us a good read on what to expect from this year's LSU team.
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Sidenotes:
*The addition of an upper deck in the south end zone will increase Tiger Stadium's capacity from 92,542 to about 100,000, making it the seventh largest college football stadium in the nation and third largest on-campus venue in the SEC behind Tennessee (102,455) and Alabama (101,821).
*Forbes Magazine ranks the LSU football program as the fourth most valuable in college football with an estimated worth of $105 million. LSU trails only Texas ($139 million), Notre Dame ($117 million) and Alabama ($110,000 million). The value should increase thanks to the addition of a new upper deck in the south end zone of Tiger Stadium.
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Tip of the Day: Football teams are human, and because they are they play with emotion. When one team comes off a huge effort, they can easily have a letdown the next games. Conversely, if they have a huge look ahead game up next (a primary rival, revenge from a humiliating loss, etc.) they often times aren't as fully focused as the should be.
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Les Miles has won at least 10 games in seven out of his nine years at LSU (95-24), so the natural tendency is to pencil in the Tigers for a finish among the top three in the SEC West. The Tigers enter 2014 knowing they are probably about a year away from winning the SEC West. Sure, there's always talent in Baton Rouge, but the talent is inexperienced at some critical spots on offense, a deficiency that won't be resolved by anything but time. Miles must identify a suitable replacement at quarterback and hope some playmakers emerge at wide receiver. The Tigers return just 36 percent of their rushing yards from 2013, 14 percent of their receiving yards and just 6 percent of their passing yards. Too many question marks at key offensive skill positions for it not to cost the Tigers. The offensive line is perhaps LSU's most veteran group, with only one position battle to settle at right guard between seniors Evan Washington and Hoko Fanika. The talented line should be able to create holes for what should be a pretty strong running game. The O-line projected starters average 6-5, 321 pounds per man. The on-the-job training for a new quarterback could create some growing pains so look for the talented, experienced line to be leaned on heavily. The defense slipped a bit from 2012 to 2013 but there was improvement as the season went on. John Chavis is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country so look for continued improvement from the second half of last year. Repeating last year's 9-3 regular season record should be considered a success, with an eye toward 2015. If the passing game struggles, the Tigers could finish behind Alabama, Auburn and Ole Miss in the tough SEC West. The opener against Wisconsin may give us a good read on what to expect from this year's LSU team.
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Sidenotes:
*The addition of an upper deck in the south end zone will increase Tiger Stadium's capacity from 92,542 to about 100,000, making it the seventh largest college football stadium in the nation and third largest on-campus venue in the SEC behind Tennessee (102,455) and Alabama (101,821).
*Forbes Magazine ranks the LSU football program as the fourth most valuable in college football with an estimated worth of $105 million. LSU trails only Texas ($139 million), Notre Dame ($117 million) and Alabama ($110,000 million). The value should increase thanks to the addition of a new upper deck in the south end zone of Tiger Stadium.
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Tip of the Day: Football teams are human, and because they are they play with emotion. When one team comes off a huge effort, they can easily have a letdown the next games. Conversely, if they have a huge look ahead game up next (a primary rival, revenge from a humiliating loss, etc.) they often times aren't as fully focused as the should be.
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