Good post. We've seen this play out many times over the years. In the case of Texas A&M and Mizzou, I still consider them Big 12 teams with Big 12 players until they are at least 3 years out from leaving the conference, and are recruiting for the SEC competition. Then we'll see if they can keep up. I think A&M will still be competitive because of their geographic access to blue chip talent. But I have my doubts they'll even recruit as well as LSU or Bama. So winning that division will be an uphill battle. They'll probably have to catch those two teams on down years to win it. Mizzou is in a little easier situation being in the East. But their recruiting really isn't getting any better. And it's going to be hard to duplicate a season where Georgia and Florida both had a down year.** For What It's Worth **
Ole Miss and Texas A&M
Play ON a team that is showing positive signs with a coach in his 3rd year. Some coaching changes do bring about immediate results but that is the exception, not the rule. Many times, a college coach will hit his stride in his 3rd year, especially if the coach has done well recruiting. By year three, his own recruits will be playing first string and the team is well adjusted to all the new systems and techniques that the new coach has implemented. Teams that are not being hyped in a coach's 3rd year despite improvement from year one to year two, should provide tremendous line value.
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Florida
Play AGAINST a team with a short term head coach that is on the "hot seat", unless he's beloved and respected by his players. If a coach hasn't turned a program around in the usual 3-year "honeymoon" period and is under fire, the added pressure is not likely to help. He probably worked hard and gave it his best effort since his arrival. If that hasn't been enough, it is not likely to get better. The coach may take drastic measures like firing and hiring new assistants, bringing in new offensive or defensive schemes, and throwing young untested players onto the field...but these are usually signs of desperation. Additionally, unless the team reveres the coach, there is no reason for them to work harder in practice and hustle more in games to save his job. In fact, it gives them an excuse to underperform, since the coach will get the blame and not them.
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.......:>(........:discuss:
Coach, there's really no excuse for a coach not to have success in Gainesville. Florida presents one of the elite coaching opportunities in college football. A coach has everything at his disposal to compete for conference and national titles. Money is not an issue...the fan base is as rabid as any in the nation...Ben Hill Stadium offers one of the best atmospheres in college football and location, location, location. Florida is the public university in a state that produces a great amount of top flight talent. I'm affraid if Muschamp doesn't show tremendous improvement during his fourth year...he will be on the outside looking in.
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GoSooners, to be honest with you, I don't know what to think of Missouri's future success in the SEC. During 2012, the Tigers first season in the conference, injuries killed any chance for the team to be good. Last year, I along with many others thought Pinkel needed a big year just to keep his job. Well, surprise, surprise...Missouri goes on to win the SEC East and faces Auburn for the SEC title. Now what? He returns only nine starters and will have to rely on a ton of new players. His recruiting class was only better than two other SEC teams and that is a problem area that must be addressed if the Tigers are going to compete with Georgia, South Carolina and Florida in the SEC East. I'm thinking the Tigers won't sneak up on anyone this year and are looking at a very difficult 2014 season.
!!
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GoSooners, to be honest with you, I don't know what to think of Missouri's future success in the SEC. During 2012, the Tigers first season in the conference, injuries killed any chance for the team to be good. Last year, I along with many others thought Pinkel needed a big year just to keep his job. Well, surprise, surprise...Missouri goes on to win the SEC East and faces Auburn for the SEC title. Now what? He returns only nine starters and will have to rely on a ton of new players. His recruiting class was only better than two other SEC teams and that is a problem area that must be addressed if the Tigers are going to compete with Georgia, South Carolina and Florida in the SEC East. I'm thinking the Tigers won't sneak up on anyone this year and are looking at a very difficult 2014 season.
!!
CL, I agree w/ GS about UF and UGA having down years (as part of the reason for Missouri's 2013 success). However, Pinkel did a heck of a coaching job. He lost his starting QB for a few games and his freshman QB came in and didn't miss a beat. Pinkel is a football coach. He'll make due w/ what he has and scheme around his talent to win (unlike the past 2 OC's at UF). I wouldn't give up on Mizzou....but I wouldn't expect many more 11-1 seasons either. UGA, UF, and USC have too much talent and I expect Tennessee to be an 8-4 or better team starting in 2015 (they lost too many lineman on both sides of the ball to compete in 2014). Vandy will fall back to 6-6 or worse, UK may have a 7-6 season here or there but no continued success (and if Stoops does succeed, he's gone!).
Again, I'm curious to see what TaM does post-Johnny. The D there has been very suspect...but they have recruited well (especially on the O side of the ball). The West is going to be tough to overcome Auburn, LSU and Bama.
Again, I'm curious to see what TaM does post-Johnny. The D there has been very suspect...but they have recruited well (especially on the O side of the ball). The West is going to be tough to overcome Auburn, LSU and Bama.
**Offensive Line - Four of the Best**
Texas A&M
When you start listing the top offensive tackle in college football, don't forget about Cedric Ogbuehi. He'll be moving from right tackle to left tackle this season to replace All-American Jake Mathews (NFL) and has already proven that he's a top run-blocker and pass protector. The 6-5, 305 pound Ogbuehi is an exceptional athlete and came back for his senior year despite receiving a first round grade from the NFL draft advisory board.
South Carolina
A.J. Cann is the heart and soul of South Carolina's offensive line that should be one of the best in the league this season. The 6-4, 315 pound Cann already has 38 career starts to his credit. He's a force at left guard and teams with tackle Corey Robinson, giving the Gamecocks an imposing left side of the line.
LSU
The Tigers caught a break when 6-5, 318 pound La'el Collins decided to return for his senior season. The strong tackle has everything it takes to be one of the most dominant left tackles in the college game. He was second team All-SEC selection last season as selected by the league coaches. He leads what should be another strong LSU running game.
Ole Miss
Laremy Tunsil started as a true freshman during 2013. Even though the 6-5, 315 pound Tunsil is the youngest of this group, he might have the most pure talent. He took over the Rebels left tackle duties last season earning second team All-SEC and freshman All-American honors.
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Mississippi State
After finishing last season on a three game winning streak, along with the return of 16 starters, Dan Mullen could have the best team of his tenure coming back to Starkville. Starting quarterback Dak Prescott is one of the driving forces behind the Bulldogs hope for a breakout 2014, as the Louisiana native finished the season by throwing for 283 yards and three scores in the 44-7 blowout of Rice in the Liberty Bowl. Prescott showed flashes of promise in SEC play by recording 303 total yards against Texas A&M and led a comeback win over rival Ole Miss in the regular season finale. Prescott still has room to improve, but with Tyler Russell expiring his eligibility, he will spend all preseason working with the No. 1 offense. The big junior (6-2, 235) is a perfect fit for Mullen's offense and could approach 1,000 rushing yards after leading the Bulldogs with 829 yards on the ground last year. Prescott is poised to emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC during 2014.
Texas A&M
When you start listing the top offensive tackle in college football, don't forget about Cedric Ogbuehi. He'll be moving from right tackle to left tackle this season to replace All-American Jake Mathews (NFL) and has already proven that he's a top run-blocker and pass protector. The 6-5, 305 pound Ogbuehi is an exceptional athlete and came back for his senior year despite receiving a first round grade from the NFL draft advisory board.
South Carolina
A.J. Cann is the heart and soul of South Carolina's offensive line that should be one of the best in the league this season. The 6-4, 315 pound Cann already has 38 career starts to his credit. He's a force at left guard and teams with tackle Corey Robinson, giving the Gamecocks an imposing left side of the line.
LSU
The Tigers caught a break when 6-5, 318 pound La'el Collins decided to return for his senior season. The strong tackle has everything it takes to be one of the most dominant left tackles in the college game. He was second team All-SEC selection last season as selected by the league coaches. He leads what should be another strong LSU running game.
Ole Miss
Laremy Tunsil started as a true freshman during 2013. Even though the 6-5, 315 pound Tunsil is the youngest of this group, he might have the most pure talent. He took over the Rebels left tackle duties last season earning second team All-SEC and freshman All-American honors.
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Mississippi State
After finishing last season on a three game winning streak, along with the return of 16 starters, Dan Mullen could have the best team of his tenure coming back to Starkville. Starting quarterback Dak Prescott is one of the driving forces behind the Bulldogs hope for a breakout 2014, as the Louisiana native finished the season by throwing for 283 yards and three scores in the 44-7 blowout of Rice in the Liberty Bowl. Prescott showed flashes of promise in SEC play by recording 303 total yards against Texas A&M and led a comeback win over rival Ole Miss in the regular season finale. Prescott still has room to improve, but with Tyler Russell expiring his eligibility, he will spend all preseason working with the No. 1 offense. The big junior (6-2, 235) is a perfect fit for Mullen's offense and could approach 1,000 rushing yards after leading the Bulldogs with 829 yards on the ground last year. Prescott is poised to emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC during 2014.
Kentucky
First year coach Mark Stoops struggled his first season winning only two games and was held without a victory in the SEC. Despite the 2-10 mark last year, there is some positive momentum for Stoops and his staff including welcoming the No. 17 recruiting class in the country. As Stoops looks ahead to spring practice, he knows he has to improve an offense that ranked 109th producing only 334 total yards per game. Improvement from the offense is essential after averaging just 14 points per game in conference play. One area of concern is the quarterback play. Two players threw for over 1,000 yards last season but neither really ever distinquished themselves. Enter prize 4-star recruit Drew Barker who many think has the talent to challenge for the starting job. Regardless of wins the QB job, offensive coordinator Neal Brown will have more talent to work with this spring. Nebraska running back transfer Braylon Heard and returning Jojo Kemp could give the Wildcats some much needed help with the running game. Four receivers return who caught at least 20 receptions last season. The offense returns only six starters so expect a lot of new faces on that side of the ball. The defense gave up 439 yards per game (No. 96) last year but will return some experience with eight starters back.
2014 Schedule
Tenn-Martin.....Ohio.....@Florida.....Open.....Vanderbilt.....South Carolina.....La-Monroe.....@LSU.....Mississippi State.....@Missouri.....Georgia.....@Tennessee.....Open.....@Louisville
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SEC East
School............Departing Sr.......Early NFL......Off Starters......Def Starters Returning
Florida.................17.....................3....................4....................6
Georgia................28.....................0....................5...................10
Kentucky.............16......................0....................6...................8
Missouri...............18.....................2....................5....................4
South Carolina......5......................4.....................7...................6
Tennessee............28....................1.....................5....................5
Vanderbilt............20....................0.....................5....................5
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2013 Against The Spread
Auburn 11-2
Missouri 10-2-1
Miss State 7-5
Alabama 7-5
S. Carolina 6-6
Vanderbilt 6-6
Ole Miss 6-6
LSU 5-6-1
Texas A&M 5-7
Tennessee 5-7
Florida 4-8
Arkansas 4-8
Kentucky 4-8
Georgia 3-8-1
:money8:
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First year coach Mark Stoops struggled his first season winning only two games and was held without a victory in the SEC. Despite the 2-10 mark last year, there is some positive momentum for Stoops and his staff including welcoming the No. 17 recruiting class in the country. As Stoops looks ahead to spring practice, he knows he has to improve an offense that ranked 109th producing only 334 total yards per game. Improvement from the offense is essential after averaging just 14 points per game in conference play. One area of concern is the quarterback play. Two players threw for over 1,000 yards last season but neither really ever distinquished themselves. Enter prize 4-star recruit Drew Barker who many think has the talent to challenge for the starting job. Regardless of wins the QB job, offensive coordinator Neal Brown will have more talent to work with this spring. Nebraska running back transfer Braylon Heard and returning Jojo Kemp could give the Wildcats some much needed help with the running game. Four receivers return who caught at least 20 receptions last season. The offense returns only six starters so expect a lot of new faces on that side of the ball. The defense gave up 439 yards per game (No. 96) last year but will return some experience with eight starters back.
2014 Schedule
Tenn-Martin.....Ohio.....@Florida.....Open.....Vanderbilt.....South Carolina.....La-Monroe.....@LSU.....Mississippi State.....@Missouri.....Georgia.....@Tennessee.....Open.....@Louisville
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SEC East
School............Departing Sr.......Early NFL......Off Starters......Def Starters Returning
Florida.................17.....................3....................4....................6
Georgia................28.....................0....................5...................10
Kentucky.............16......................0....................6...................8
Missouri...............18.....................2....................5....................4
South Carolina......5......................4.....................7...................6
Tennessee............28....................1.....................5....................5
Vanderbilt............20....................0.....................5....................5
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2013 Against The Spread
Auburn 11-2
Missouri 10-2-1
Miss State 7-5
Alabama 7-5
S. Carolina 6-6
Vanderbilt 6-6
Ole Miss 6-6
LSU 5-6-1
Texas A&M 5-7
Tennessee 5-7
Florida 4-8
Arkansas 4-8
Kentucky 4-8
Georgia 3-8-1
:money8:
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South Carolina
For three straight seasons South Carolina has been dancing with the elite programs of the college football world. The Gamecocks are one of only three teams, along with Alabama and Oregon, to finish in the Top-10 in the country in each of the last three seasons. They are also one of only twelve teams with forty or more wins over the past four campaigns and have been ranked for a school record 64 consecutive polls, tying for the fifth-longest current streak in the nation. But, there is still more to be accomplished. South Carolina has fallen short in their quest to capture the SEC Championship since reaching the title game in 2010. Carolina has defeated the Eastern Division Champion in each of the past three seasons, only to come up a game short of a trip to Atlanta. Could 2014 be the year for Gamecocks. Spurrier returns 58 letterman, including 16 starters from a squad that has to be regarded as the best team in school history following a No. 4 finish in both national polls.
The first of 15 spring practice sessions begins tomorrow (March 4), beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Bluff Road practice fields.
!~))!
For three straight seasons South Carolina has been dancing with the elite programs of the college football world. The Gamecocks are one of only three teams, along with Alabama and Oregon, to finish in the Top-10 in the country in each of the last three seasons. They are also one of only twelve teams with forty or more wins over the past four campaigns and have been ranked for a school record 64 consecutive polls, tying for the fifth-longest current streak in the nation. But, there is still more to be accomplished. South Carolina has fallen short in their quest to capture the SEC Championship since reaching the title game in 2010. Carolina has defeated the Eastern Division Champion in each of the past three seasons, only to come up a game short of a trip to Atlanta. Could 2014 be the year for Gamecocks. Spurrier returns 58 letterman, including 16 starters from a squad that has to be regarded as the best team in school history following a No. 4 finish in both national polls.
The first of 15 spring practice sessions begins tomorrow (March 4), beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Bluff Road practice fields.
!~))!
Auburn
Tiger head coach Gus Malzahn picked up another award Sunday night. Malzahn was presented the Bobby Bowden National Collegiate Coach of the Year award from the Over the Mountain Touchdown Club. Much of the talk surrounding the presentation ceremony revolved around the proposed 10-second rule. Gus Malzahn and supporters of fast paced offenses can claim support from the winningest coach in FBS history as former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said he was opposed to the proposed rule change that would penalize offenses if they snap the ball within the first 10 seconds of the play clock. Also, Vince Dooley, the legendary Georgia coach who received the Lifetime Achievement award said he was opposed to the rule change. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel is set to vote on the proposed rule Thursday. An ESPN report claimed just 25 of 128 FBS coaches were in favor of the proposal, which came from the NCAA Football Rules Committee at the reported urging of Arkansas coach Bret Bielema and Alabama's Nick Saban, though Saban has since claimed he had "nothing to do" with the proposed rule. Malzahn said there is zero evidence up-tempo offenses are a risk to player safety....one point arugued by those in favor of the rule. Player safety is the only reason for which football rules can be changed this year, an otherwise off year for rules changes in college football.
After the 2013 season, Malzahn was recognized far and wide for leading one of the greatest turn arounds in the history of SEC football, taking the 3-9 Tigers who went winless in the SEC in 2012 to within 13 seconds of a BCS National Championship. The Bowden award is the seventh national coach of the year award Malzahn has received this season including AP, Home Depot, Paul "Bear Bryant, Sporting News, Eddie Robinson and Liberty Mutual.
:manwh:
Tiger head coach Gus Malzahn picked up another award Sunday night. Malzahn was presented the Bobby Bowden National Collegiate Coach of the Year award from the Over the Mountain Touchdown Club. Much of the talk surrounding the presentation ceremony revolved around the proposed 10-second rule. Gus Malzahn and supporters of fast paced offenses can claim support from the winningest coach in FBS history as former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden said he was opposed to the proposed rule change that would penalize offenses if they snap the ball within the first 10 seconds of the play clock. Also, Vince Dooley, the legendary Georgia coach who received the Lifetime Achievement award said he was opposed to the rule change. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel is set to vote on the proposed rule Thursday. An ESPN report claimed just 25 of 128 FBS coaches were in favor of the proposal, which came from the NCAA Football Rules Committee at the reported urging of Arkansas coach Bret Bielema and Alabama's Nick Saban, though Saban has since claimed he had "nothing to do" with the proposed rule. Malzahn said there is zero evidence up-tempo offenses are a risk to player safety....one point arugued by those in favor of the rule. Player safety is the only reason for which football rules can be changed this year, an otherwise off year for rules changes in college football.
After the 2013 season, Malzahn was recognized far and wide for leading one of the greatest turn arounds in the history of SEC football, taking the 3-9 Tigers who went winless in the SEC in 2012 to within 13 seconds of a BCS National Championship. The Bowden award is the seventh national coach of the year award Malzahn has received this season including AP, Home Depot, Paul "Bear Bryant, Sporting News, Eddie Robinson and Liberty Mutual.
:manwh:
Missouri
Head football coach Gary Pinkel and the university have agreed to a new contract that will pay him at least $3 million a year. Pinkel signed his current contract, which pays a guaranteed salary of $2.35 million annually and runs through 2017, in April 2011. According to USAToday, Pinkel earned a total (bonus included) of $2.8 million in 2013 which ranked him eighth out of the 14 coaches in the Southeastern Conference. Pinkel's new contract comes after he directed Missouri to a 12-2 record last season, tying the program record for wins in a season and earning a No. 5 final ranking. His record at Missouri is 102-63 in 13 years and 175-100-3 overall as a head college coach.
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Texas A&M
The Aggie football team practiced in full pads Monday afternoon for the first time in spring drills. The practiced lasted 2 hours, 15 minutes, which head coach Kevin Sumlin said was long considering how many plays they get in with their up-tempo approach. The team will practice today and Thursday before breaking for spring break. It's the second straight year the Aggies have been among the earliest in the nation to start spring drills. Because of stadium construction, there will be no spring game this year.
Observation: After the pitiful performance by the defense last season, one would think there would be an emphases on that side of the ball this spring. The defense ranked 109th in total defense, 110th in rushing defense, 88th in pass defense and 95th in pass defense.
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Sidenote: Auburn's Greg Robinson was one of the top offensive line performers at the combine and made his mark with an incredible 4.92 40 time. Take into consideration the guy is 6-5 and weighs 332 pounds. He's widely considered the top tackle in the draft and is expected to be picked No.2 by the St. Louis Rams.
:chest:
Head football coach Gary Pinkel and the university have agreed to a new contract that will pay him at least $3 million a year. Pinkel signed his current contract, which pays a guaranteed salary of $2.35 million annually and runs through 2017, in April 2011. According to USAToday, Pinkel earned a total (bonus included) of $2.8 million in 2013 which ranked him eighth out of the 14 coaches in the Southeastern Conference. Pinkel's new contract comes after he directed Missouri to a 12-2 record last season, tying the program record for wins in a season and earning a No. 5 final ranking. His record at Missouri is 102-63 in 13 years and 175-100-3 overall as a head college coach.
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Texas A&M
The Aggie football team practiced in full pads Monday afternoon for the first time in spring drills. The practiced lasted 2 hours, 15 minutes, which head coach Kevin Sumlin said was long considering how many plays they get in with their up-tempo approach. The team will practice today and Thursday before breaking for spring break. It's the second straight year the Aggies have been among the earliest in the nation to start spring drills. Because of stadium construction, there will be no spring game this year.
Observation: After the pitiful performance by the defense last season, one would think there would be an emphases on that side of the ball this spring. The defense ranked 109th in total defense, 110th in rushing defense, 88th in pass defense and 95th in pass defense.
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Sidenote: Auburn's Greg Robinson was one of the top offensive line performers at the combine and made his mark with an incredible 4.92 40 time. Take into consideration the guy is 6-5 and weighs 332 pounds. He's widely considered the top tackle in the draft and is expected to be picked No.2 by the St. Louis Rams.
:chest:
Vanderbilt
Vandy coach Vavae Tata will be replaced after his arrest. Tata, a position coach, pleaded guilty to a charge of drunk driving in an agreement dismissing a count of leaving the scene of an accident. A Vanderbilt spokesman said Wednesday hours after Tata's plea agreement that coach Derek Mason will be filling out his staff within the week and had been waiting for Tata's case to be decided in court to make a move replacing the defensive line coach. Mason suspended Tata on February 18, two day after the assistant coach's arrest. Hired January 24, Tata had folowed Mason to Vanderbilt from Stanford where he had been a defensive assistant with Mason working as defensive coordinator the past couple years. The agreement includes Tata losing his license for a year and serving 48 hours in jail with the rest of the sentence suspended.
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Alabama
Alabama football coach Nick Saban had a proposed rule change unofficially named after him. And he didn't like it. The 10 second rule was coined the "Saban Rule" by South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier when talking against the rule. Saban said he had nothing to do with the rule's inception of the rule. He was asked by the rules committee and the officials to speak about the pace of play. The committee wanted to know if there were player safety issues and game administrative problems. Saban said he didn't vote on the rule nor did he offer any solutions to the problems. Saban said he gave more than his opinion. "I presented a lot statistical data that would support the fact that pace of play is creating a lot longer games and a lot more plays in games," he said. Saban cited a study that for every player hurt in practice, seven are hurt in games. Increasing the number of plays from 65, which Alabama runs in an average game, to the 88 of Auburn adds about 275 plays over the course of a 12-game season. Saban said the amount of practice and hitting during practice have been cut back over the years. There are specific amount of practices players cannot wear full gear and two-a-days are fewer, and never on consecutive days. "Everything we've ever done in the NCAA has been to limit exposure," Saban said. "The game is longer and more plays. And the pace of the game is faster. I'm just one that doesn't think that the officials should not control the pace of the game." Saban said football is not intended to be a continuous game such as soccer. There must be breaks between plays because of its physical nature. Saban now hopes with more study, the rule change will be revisited next year without it being named after him.
:discuss:
Vandy coach Vavae Tata will be replaced after his arrest. Tata, a position coach, pleaded guilty to a charge of drunk driving in an agreement dismissing a count of leaving the scene of an accident. A Vanderbilt spokesman said Wednesday hours after Tata's plea agreement that coach Derek Mason will be filling out his staff within the week and had been waiting for Tata's case to be decided in court to make a move replacing the defensive line coach. Mason suspended Tata on February 18, two day after the assistant coach's arrest. Hired January 24, Tata had folowed Mason to Vanderbilt from Stanford where he had been a defensive assistant with Mason working as defensive coordinator the past couple years. The agreement includes Tata losing his license for a year and serving 48 hours in jail with the rest of the sentence suspended.
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Alabama
Alabama football coach Nick Saban had a proposed rule change unofficially named after him. And he didn't like it. The 10 second rule was coined the "Saban Rule" by South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier when talking against the rule. Saban said he had nothing to do with the rule's inception of the rule. He was asked by the rules committee and the officials to speak about the pace of play. The committee wanted to know if there were player safety issues and game administrative problems. Saban said he didn't vote on the rule nor did he offer any solutions to the problems. Saban said he gave more than his opinion. "I presented a lot statistical data that would support the fact that pace of play is creating a lot longer games and a lot more plays in games," he said. Saban cited a study that for every player hurt in practice, seven are hurt in games. Increasing the number of plays from 65, which Alabama runs in an average game, to the 88 of Auburn adds about 275 plays over the course of a 12-game season. Saban said the amount of practice and hitting during practice have been cut back over the years. There are specific amount of practices players cannot wear full gear and two-a-days are fewer, and never on consecutive days. "Everything we've ever done in the NCAA has been to limit exposure," Saban said. "The game is longer and more plays. And the pace of the game is faster. I'm just one that doesn't think that the officials should not control the pace of the game." Saban said football is not intended to be a continuous game such as soccer. There must be breaks between plays because of its physical nature. Saban now hopes with more study, the rule change will be revisited next year without it being named after him.
:discuss:
Florida
Coach Will Muschamp on starting quarterback Jeff Driskel's broken leg. "Jeff's ahead of schedule, moving around, doing a little bit of change-of-direction stuff. He'll be full go for spring. He's not putting a bunch of weight on his back. But as far as moving around on the field in our off-season program, he is planting and changing direction and putting a lot of weight on the foot as far as that. He's closed to being cleared for full speed running and change of direction."
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Arkansas
The SEC team that failed to win a conference game in 2012 (Auburn) wound up winning the league title in 2013. Can Arkansas do the same this year? Probably not, but a closer look at the way the Razorbacks finished last season suggest that coach Bret Bielema's team isn't far from being competitive. Arkansas should have beaten Mississippi State and LSU in its final two games, and a relatively young Razorbacks team that took its lumps should emerge stronger from the experience. Tailback Alex Collins was as good as advertised, averaging 5.4 yards per carry as a freshman even though defenses knew he was Arkansas' only effective weapon. Brandon Allen returns at the No. 1 quarterback, but he could be pushed by early enrollee Rafe Peavey. On defense, new coordinator Robb Smith will have to shore up a unit that allowed an average of 6.1 yards a play last season. Smith brings a scheme that should make the Razorbacks coverage options a litlle more flexible. Lots of work to do during spring drills.
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Coach Will Muschamp on starting quarterback Jeff Driskel's broken leg. "Jeff's ahead of schedule, moving around, doing a little bit of change-of-direction stuff. He'll be full go for spring. He's not putting a bunch of weight on his back. But as far as moving around on the field in our off-season program, he is planting and changing direction and putting a lot of weight on the foot as far as that. He's closed to being cleared for full speed running and change of direction."
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Arkansas
The SEC team that failed to win a conference game in 2012 (Auburn) wound up winning the league title in 2013. Can Arkansas do the same this year? Probably not, but a closer look at the way the Razorbacks finished last season suggest that coach Bret Bielema's team isn't far from being competitive. Arkansas should have beaten Mississippi State and LSU in its final two games, and a relatively young Razorbacks team that took its lumps should emerge stronger from the experience. Tailback Alex Collins was as good as advertised, averaging 5.4 yards per carry as a freshman even though defenses knew he was Arkansas' only effective weapon. Brandon Allen returns at the No. 1 quarterback, but he could be pushed by early enrollee Rafe Peavey. On defense, new coordinator Robb Smith will have to shore up a unit that allowed an average of 6.1 yards a play last season. Smith brings a scheme that should make the Razorbacks coverage options a litlle more flexible. Lots of work to do during spring drills.
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Alabama
The Crimson Tide will open spring practice looking for a new starting quarterback. Beyond quarterback, there are three open positions on offense and seven on defense. Saban and staff will be looking for his second year players to make a huge leap in improvement. They are who he'll look to fill in the gaps. Here's a look at Bama's position by position.
Quarterback: Spring practice is just a warmup to the quarterback competition in August when Florida State transfer Jacob Coker joins the team. Getting a high profile transfer means the coaches want him to win the job, but Sr.Blake Sims, So. Alec Morris, RFr.Parker McLeod and RFr. Cooper Bateman will have something to say as to who wins. Also, four star recruit David Cornwell is on campus and will take part in the competition.
Runningback: T.J. Yeldon returns as the starter for the second year, but sophomore Derrick Henry was impressive in the Sugar Bowl. He'll at least compete for the backup position with Jr.Kenyan Drake and push Yeldon. Yeldon may leave for the NFL early after the season, so the younger backs must put themselves in position for 2015. The runningback position is deep and talented.
Receiver: This is a very deep position with three players back with significant starting experience. Amari Cooper was inconsistent last season due to leg injuries. If he's healthy, he, Christian Jones and DeAndrew White make for a talented first three. Chris Black, Robert Foster and Raheem Falkins hope to work their way into a rotation.
Tight End: Brian Vogler returns as the starter, but O.J. Howard was the big play maker. If Howard can become a better blocker he may take over as the starter. Brandon Greene made strides after moving from the offensive line. Harrison Jones is reliable. The rest must make a jump in development.
Offensive Line: Three starters return in Ryan Kelly at center, Arie Kounadjio at left guard and Austin Shepherd at right tackle. Sophomore Grant Hill should take on left tackle. He was pushing for playing time last season as a true freshman. Chad Lindsay did well at center when Ryan Kelly was hurt. One of them could move to guard. Leon Brown and Alphonse Taylor are next in line in development, and a lot is expected of five star recruit Cam Robinson since he joined the team early.
Defense next..................
The Crimson Tide will open spring practice looking for a new starting quarterback. Beyond quarterback, there are three open positions on offense and seven on defense. Saban and staff will be looking for his second year players to make a huge leap in improvement. They are who he'll look to fill in the gaps. Here's a look at Bama's position by position.
Quarterback: Spring practice is just a warmup to the quarterback competition in August when Florida State transfer Jacob Coker joins the team. Getting a high profile transfer means the coaches want him to win the job, but Sr.Blake Sims, So. Alec Morris, RFr.Parker McLeod and RFr. Cooper Bateman will have something to say as to who wins. Also, four star recruit David Cornwell is on campus and will take part in the competition.
Runningback: T.J. Yeldon returns as the starter for the second year, but sophomore Derrick Henry was impressive in the Sugar Bowl. He'll at least compete for the backup position with Jr.Kenyan Drake and push Yeldon. Yeldon may leave for the NFL early after the season, so the younger backs must put themselves in position for 2015. The runningback position is deep and talented.
Receiver: This is a very deep position with three players back with significant starting experience. Amari Cooper was inconsistent last season due to leg injuries. If he's healthy, he, Christian Jones and DeAndrew White make for a talented first three. Chris Black, Robert Foster and Raheem Falkins hope to work their way into a rotation.
Tight End: Brian Vogler returns as the starter, but O.J. Howard was the big play maker. If Howard can become a better blocker he may take over as the starter. Brandon Greene made strides after moving from the offensive line. Harrison Jones is reliable. The rest must make a jump in development.
Offensive Line: Three starters return in Ryan Kelly at center, Arie Kounadjio at left guard and Austin Shepherd at right tackle. Sophomore Grant Hill should take on left tackle. He was pushing for playing time last season as a true freshman. Chad Lindsay did well at center when Ryan Kelly was hurt. One of them could move to guard. Leon Brown and Alphonse Taylor are next in line in development, and a lot is expected of five star recruit Cam Robinson since he joined the team early.
Defense next..................
continued.....Defense
Defensive Line: Senior Brandon Ivory returns as the starting nose guard with Junior Darren Lake as the backup. Sophomore's A'Shawn Robinson and Jonathan Allen are projected to be the starters at end since they were in the rotation last season. Davlin Tomlinson and Dakota Ball must make up for lost time from injuries that kept them out of nearly all of last season. Junior college transfers Jarran Reed and D.J. Pettway inject depth and experience to the group. Others such as Dee Liner, Anthony Orr and Wilson Love need a good spring to improve their standing.
Linebacker: Replacing All-American C.J. Mosley is more than just tackles. He was the heart and soul of the defense. Mosley nominated Trey DePriest to fill his shoes. Sophomore Reuben Foster will get a chance to be the person in Mosley's position. Reggie Ragland is also a candidate. Denzel Devall and Xzavier Dickson split time at outside linebacker last season, so they could each take a spot. That means depth must be developed behind them. Dillion Lee and newcomer Shaun Hamilton are good candidates. Hamilton brings speed to keep up with the spread offenses.
Safety: Junior Landon Collins established himself as a starter last season. He'll be the overall leader of the secondary. Nick Perry returns from injury but will be eased back into action. Jarrick Williams and Jabriel Washington played in nickel and dime formations, but want more playing time this season. Zach Houston, Jai Miller and newcomer Laurence Jones are also in the mix. Many of them can gain time on special teams.
Cornerback: Two year starter Deon Blue is gone, while the other position rotated between who was healthy and practiced well that week. Cyrus Jones, Geno Smith Maurice Smith, Bradley Sylve and Eddie Jackson all earned spots. This is a crucial spring for them. Newcomer Tony Brown , a five-star athlete, joined the team early to compete. Cornerback is a position Saban works with on a daily basis, and he wasn't happy with mistakes and poor tackling last year.
The defense must be totally rebuilt with three of the four secondary jobs up for grabs and the two defensive ends. Competition will be strong at these positions throughout the spring and into fall. The good part for Saban is he has some talented young players to work with.
Defensive Line: Senior Brandon Ivory returns as the starting nose guard with Junior Darren Lake as the backup. Sophomore's A'Shawn Robinson and Jonathan Allen are projected to be the starters at end since they were in the rotation last season. Davlin Tomlinson and Dakota Ball must make up for lost time from injuries that kept them out of nearly all of last season. Junior college transfers Jarran Reed and D.J. Pettway inject depth and experience to the group. Others such as Dee Liner, Anthony Orr and Wilson Love need a good spring to improve their standing.
Linebacker: Replacing All-American C.J. Mosley is more than just tackles. He was the heart and soul of the defense. Mosley nominated Trey DePriest to fill his shoes. Sophomore Reuben Foster will get a chance to be the person in Mosley's position. Reggie Ragland is also a candidate. Denzel Devall and Xzavier Dickson split time at outside linebacker last season, so they could each take a spot. That means depth must be developed behind them. Dillion Lee and newcomer Shaun Hamilton are good candidates. Hamilton brings speed to keep up with the spread offenses.
Safety: Junior Landon Collins established himself as a starter last season. He'll be the overall leader of the secondary. Nick Perry returns from injury but will be eased back into action. Jarrick Williams and Jabriel Washington played in nickel and dime formations, but want more playing time this season. Zach Houston, Jai Miller and newcomer Laurence Jones are also in the mix. Many of them can gain time on special teams.
Cornerback: Two year starter Deon Blue is gone, while the other position rotated between who was healthy and practiced well that week. Cyrus Jones, Geno Smith Maurice Smith, Bradley Sylve and Eddie Jackson all earned spots. This is a crucial spring for them. Newcomer Tony Brown , a five-star athlete, joined the team early to compete. Cornerback is a position Saban works with on a daily basis, and he wasn't happy with mistakes and poor tackling last year.
The defense must be totally rebuilt with three of the four secondary jobs up for grabs and the two defensive ends. Competition will be strong at these positions throughout the spring and into fall. The good part for Saban is he has some talented young players to work with.
Shaking up the Offensive Line
- The biggest move on the offensive line is moving left guard Max Garcia inside to center. Garcia will try to replace three-year starter Jonotthan Harrison.
- Cam Dillard and Trip Thurman will back up Garcia this spring.
- Muschamp said that for the first time since he enrolled D.J. Humphries has been able to keep his weight above 290-pounds. Humphries only played in half of the games last season but being able to maintain a heavier weight is something that he has worked hard at and a good sign moving forward.
- Chaz Green (shoulder) is fully cleared for spring practice, as is Tyler Moore. Green will work at tackle, while Moore will slide inside permanently.
- Rod Johnson has worked at both guard and tackle positions but Muschamp says they like the redshirt freshman at left tackle right now. He will compete with Humphries there.
- Trenton Brown will work at both tackle and guard this spring.
- Muschamp expects to have 10-11 healthy offensive linemen this spring.
Offensive talk
- Muschamp said the Florida offense is going through a “drastic change schematically.”
- Florida will use a lot more shotgun formations under Roper and Muschamp detailed how successful Florida was running out of the shotgun last season and acknowledged that it helps Jeff Driskel as a runner.
Quick Hitters
- Muschamp hopes to have a conventional spring game this season and if the 10-11 offensive linemen can stay healthy that could still be an option.
I want to have a spring game every year. Last year I just didn’t feel like it was fair with six offensive linemen healthy to put those guys through that. You know, I want to have a spring game. I have all plans to have a spring game every year. I think it’s important for those guys to get out in front of that crowd, the coaches off the field, and make them make calls and communicate and produce. There’s no question. I want to have a spring game every year.”
- Asked why Florida was opening more practices this season, Muschamp joked that he has friends in Gainesville that wanted to come and watch practice. While Muschamp still believes that opening practices can lead to a competitive disadvantage, Kurt Roper was fine with it and Muschamp felt it would be a good move for the program as a whole.
We’ve got great fans and I’m very appreciate of their support. I’ve had people reach out to me and say, ‘hey, we’d like to be able to have more access to the team.’ We’re really kind of set in what we do defensively. We are what we are. We are going to make subtle changes based on our personnel. We are what we are on special teams. Kurt and I sat down when I made the decision with Steve a couple weeks back and I said, ‘you have any issue with us opening practice?’ He said, ‘I don’t have any issue with what we’re doing.’ I think it’s best for our program at this time to do that.”
Georgia
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has had a year added to his three year contract signed last offseason. Bobo, who was a pretty good quarterback for the Dawgs during his playing days has been offensive coordinator for eight years. His salary will remain the same at $575,000. Also, new defensive line coach Tracy Rocker will be making $350,000 per year after an additional $50,000 was added to his base pay.
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Vanderbilt
The Doars have hired Frank Maile as defensive line coach to fill the position that opened up when Vavae Tata pleaded guilty to a charge of drunk driving. Maile spent the last six years on Utah's staff and was the Aggies' defensive line coach the past three years. He is already on campus and taking part in spring drills.
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Florida
The NCAA has granted Gator receiver/kick returner Andre Debose a sixth year of eligibility. Debose missed all of last season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He injured the knee during a non-contact drill in early August and missed his senior year. Debose biggest contribution came on special teams, where he owns a school record with four kickoff returns for touchdowns.
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South Carolina
Sophomore wide receiver Kwinton Smith (6-4, 205), is no longer with the team. Smith, who played in eleven games last year has been ruled academically ineligible. Smith was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school. He was rated as the No. 5 prospect in South Carolina and a four-star by recruiting services back in 2012.
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Tennessee
It looks like linebacker will be the heart and soul of Tennessee's defense this year and will be counted on to anchor an inexperienced defense. The defensive front has a significant rebuilding job after losing all four starters. The secondary is still a work in progress with several spots up for grabs. All-SEC performer A.J.Johnson and Curt Maggitt (coming off injury) along with sophomore Jalen Maybin, a special teams ace in 2013, provide at least a chance to be very good at the second level of the defense.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo has had a year added to his three year contract signed last offseason. Bobo, who was a pretty good quarterback for the Dawgs during his playing days has been offensive coordinator for eight years. His salary will remain the same at $575,000. Also, new defensive line coach Tracy Rocker will be making $350,000 per year after an additional $50,000 was added to his base pay.
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Vanderbilt
The Doars have hired Frank Maile as defensive line coach to fill the position that opened up when Vavae Tata pleaded guilty to a charge of drunk driving. Maile spent the last six years on Utah's staff and was the Aggies' defensive line coach the past three years. He is already on campus and taking part in spring drills.
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Florida
The NCAA has granted Gator receiver/kick returner Andre Debose a sixth year of eligibility. Debose missed all of last season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He injured the knee during a non-contact drill in early August and missed his senior year. Debose biggest contribution came on special teams, where he owns a school record with four kickoff returns for touchdowns.
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South Carolina
Sophomore wide receiver Kwinton Smith (6-4, 205), is no longer with the team. Smith, who played in eleven games last year has been ruled academically ineligible. Smith was a highly rated recruit coming out of high school. He was rated as the No. 5 prospect in South Carolina and a four-star by recruiting services back in 2012.
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Tennessee
It looks like linebacker will be the heart and soul of Tennessee's defense this year and will be counted on to anchor an inexperienced defense. The defensive front has a significant rebuilding job after losing all four starters. The secondary is still a work in progress with several spots up for grabs. All-SEC performer A.J.Johnson and Curt Maggitt (coming off injury) along with sophomore Jalen Maybin, a special teams ace in 2013, provide at least a chance to be very good at the second level of the defense.
Texas A&M
UCLA and Texas A&M have agreed to a home-and-home series, with the Bruins making their first trip to Kyle Field in 2016 and the Aggies' visiting the Rose Bowl in 2017. Both games will be season openers. Good scheduling...would like to see more of these type games.
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Tennessee
Offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian has conducted quarterback competition several times before in his coaching career, but acknowledges this is a different scenario with four quarterbacks battling for the Vols starting job. Through five spring practices, Justin Worley, Josh Dobbs, Riley Ferguson and Nathan Peterman have not done anything remotely approaching a frontrunner according to Bajakian.
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Auburn
Gus Malzahn has set his official schedule for the 15 spring workouts leading up to the A-Day game on April 19. Auburn will practice on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. Barring bad weather, the team will practice on its outdoor practice fields on Tuesday and Thursday, then move to Jordan Hare Stadium for the Saturday sessions. Spring drills began Tuesday, March 18 at 8 a.m..
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Alabama
Spring football practice gets underway today and while the Tide's roster will be taking the field for the first time together, Nick Saban and the Alabama coaching staff will also be hosting some of their recruiting targets for the class of 2015. Among them will be Boerne, Texas quarterback Quinten Dormady, Madison, Alabama athlete Kerryon Johnson, Atlanta, Georgia linebacker Natrez Patrick and Atlanta defense end Aaron Cochran to name a few.
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Ole Miss
As it stands now, Ole Miss has five athletes who could reasonably start at safety this fall. Either they have demonstrated their ability with actual playing time, or were highly recruited enough to earn legitimate looks at the position this spring. Sr. Corly Prewitt, Jr. Trae Elston, Jr. Chief Brown, Soph. Anthony Alford and Fr. C.J. Hamption will be competing for the position. Alford was rated the No. 1 quarterback in Mississippi high school a couple of years ago and started for Southern Miss as a freshman before transfering.
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UCLA and Texas A&M have agreed to a home-and-home series, with the Bruins making their first trip to Kyle Field in 2016 and the Aggies' visiting the Rose Bowl in 2017. Both games will be season openers. Good scheduling...would like to see more of these type games.
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Tennessee
Offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian has conducted quarterback competition several times before in his coaching career, but acknowledges this is a different scenario with four quarterbacks battling for the Vols starting job. Through five spring practices, Justin Worley, Josh Dobbs, Riley Ferguson and Nathan Peterman have not done anything remotely approaching a frontrunner according to Bajakian.
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Auburn
Gus Malzahn has set his official schedule for the 15 spring workouts leading up to the A-Day game on April 19. Auburn will practice on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. Barring bad weather, the team will practice on its outdoor practice fields on Tuesday and Thursday, then move to Jordan Hare Stadium for the Saturday sessions. Spring drills began Tuesday, March 18 at 8 a.m..
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Alabama
Spring football practice gets underway today and while the Tide's roster will be taking the field for the first time together, Nick Saban and the Alabama coaching staff will also be hosting some of their recruiting targets for the class of 2015. Among them will be Boerne, Texas quarterback Quinten Dormady, Madison, Alabama athlete Kerryon Johnson, Atlanta, Georgia linebacker Natrez Patrick and Atlanta defense end Aaron Cochran to name a few.
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Ole Miss
As it stands now, Ole Miss has five athletes who could reasonably start at safety this fall. Either they have demonstrated their ability with actual playing time, or were highly recruited enough to earn legitimate looks at the position this spring. Sr. Corly Prewitt, Jr. Trae Elston, Jr. Chief Brown, Soph. Anthony Alford and Fr. C.J. Hamption will be competing for the position. Alford was rated the No. 1 quarterback in Mississippi high school a couple of years ago and started for Southern Miss as a freshman before transfering.
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Auburn
As the Tigers enter spring practice, one very important focus will be on special teams. Who will emerge as the replacements for Auburn in key special teams roles, particularly after the Tigers were so solid for most of the season last year. Gone are punter Steven Clark (56 punts, 42.6 avg, 26 fair catches, 26 inside-the-20), kicker Cody Parkley (15 of 21 field goals, 69 touchbacks), returner Chris Davis (17 punt returms. 318 yards, 18.7 ypr, 1 touchdown, 1 field goal return -100 yards, 1 touchdown), returner Tre Mason (15 returns, 395 yards, 26.3 ypr, 1 touchdown) and long snapper Jake Lembke. In other words, there are positions open. With so many key contributors moving on, all eyes will be on players needed to fill these positions.
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Ole Miss
Last month Matthew Baird filed a $2 million suit against two Ole Miss football players Denzel and Robert Nkemdiche, alleging that the brothers took part in an assault against Baird outside of an Ole Miss fraternity house. The incident occurred on February 17, 2013. Both Nkemdiche brothers denied all alliegations against them and have filed a counter suit against the accuser seeking an unspecified amount. Robert Nkemdiche was a senior in high school when the incident allegedly occurred. He was rated the No. 1 recruit in the nation at that time. Brother Denzel has been a two year starter at linebacker for the Rebels. Ole Miss officials have publicly defended the Nkemdiches and the Police Department never sought out charges in the case.
hno:
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As the Tigers enter spring practice, one very important focus will be on special teams. Who will emerge as the replacements for Auburn in key special teams roles, particularly after the Tigers were so solid for most of the season last year. Gone are punter Steven Clark (56 punts, 42.6 avg, 26 fair catches, 26 inside-the-20), kicker Cody Parkley (15 of 21 field goals, 69 touchbacks), returner Chris Davis (17 punt returms. 318 yards, 18.7 ypr, 1 touchdown, 1 field goal return -100 yards, 1 touchdown), returner Tre Mason (15 returns, 395 yards, 26.3 ypr, 1 touchdown) and long snapper Jake Lembke. In other words, there are positions open. With so many key contributors moving on, all eyes will be on players needed to fill these positions.
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Ole Miss
Last month Matthew Baird filed a $2 million suit against two Ole Miss football players Denzel and Robert Nkemdiche, alleging that the brothers took part in an assault against Baird outside of an Ole Miss fraternity house. The incident occurred on February 17, 2013. Both Nkemdiche brothers denied all alliegations against them and have filed a counter suit against the accuser seeking an unspecified amount. Robert Nkemdiche was a senior in high school when the incident allegedly occurred. He was rated the No. 1 recruit in the nation at that time. Brother Denzel has been a two year starter at linebacker for the Rebels. Ole Miss officials have publicly defended the Nkemdiches and the Police Department never sought out charges in the case.
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Yeah Coach, pretty much a clean sweep.
Auburn has recruited well as far as kickers go but one never knows how that pans out. Couple of incoming freshman, especially the 5-star running back will be looked at as returners. Junior Forest Hill will get a long look at long snapper (one of the most important positions on a team.)
Auburn has recruited well as far as kickers go but one never knows how that pans out. Couple of incoming freshman, especially the 5-star running back will be looked at as returners. Junior Forest Hill will get a long look at long snapper (one of the most important positions on a team.)
