Thanks, Captain Obvious.
No shit UF could end up 5th in the East. I'm not sure who is expecting much from UF in 2015 after the dumpster fire Will Muschamp left behind. However, I wouldn't hold my breath thinking it's a permanent situation. UF is one of the top-5 programs in the country (sure, it's debatable, but top-10 is not debatable) and the job is top 3 or 4. McElwain will bring in the recruits and Florida will reclaim it's spot atop (top 1, 2, or 3) the SEC East in due time.
Kansas State
I think most of us will agree that Bill Snyder is a master when it comes to building a roster and developing talent. His challenge this spring/offseason might be one of his biggest, however, as the Wildcats lose a glut of elite senior leaders. Will Kansas State likely out perform their preseason expectations anyway? Probably. But it will require one of Snyder's best efforts. He has to find a quarterback and some receivers to catch the ball. He has to find a consistent running game and plug in holes in the front seven. Not a small task.
Kansas State seems to always be better than most expect. But this team has some major holes to fill at key positions. Quarterback and the defensive front seven are big areas of concern. Should these two areas come into focus, the Wildcats could once again surprise in the Big 12.
I think most of us will agree that Bill Snyder is a master when it comes to building a roster and developing talent. His challenge this spring/offseason might be one of his biggest, however, as the Wildcats lose a glut of elite senior leaders. Will Kansas State likely out perform their preseason expectations anyway? Probably. But it will require one of Snyder's best efforts. He has to find a quarterback and some receivers to catch the ball. He has to find a consistent running game and plug in holes in the front seven. Not a small task.
Kansas State seems to always be better than most expect. But this team has some major holes to fill at key positions. Quarterback and the defensive front seven are big areas of concern. Should these two areas come into focus, the Wildcats could once again surprise in the Big 12.
UF is nowheres close to being a top 5 or 10 team in the nation. Haven't been for years. Florida had some great years under Urban Meyer, and one good year under Muschamp, but nothing else. Top 10 in the Nation? Coaching job #3 or 4? Alabama, Georgia, and LSU all have better coaching jobs than Florida, and that is just in the SEC. If we look hard, we can see another 10 jobsthat are more glamorous and worth a lot more money than Florida, who is now a clear #2 in the State behind Florida State.
Several spring games today with Alabama, Auburn, LSU and Mississippi taking the field. The spring game offers a chance for unproven players to shine...............
Auburn
With so many starters gone on offense and an injury ravaged defense, plenty of new names could rise to the occasion for Auburn in the A-Day Game today. Only wide receiver D'haquille Williams and tackles Shon Coleman and Avery young return from the starting offense of a year ago. The quarterback, running back, H-back, both guard spots and center appear to have front runners, but there's a long way to go until decisions are made for the fall. Defensively, there is a new scheme to watch in the game like scrimmage, which will kick off at 1 p.m. and be televised as part of the SEC Network's package. Malzahn is interested to see how his team responds to playing in front of a crowd and who raises their game in the 14th practice of the spring.
Auburn
With so many starters gone on offense and an injury ravaged defense, plenty of new names could rise to the occasion for Auburn in the A-Day Game today. Only wide receiver D'haquille Williams and tackles Shon Coleman and Avery young return from the starting offense of a year ago. The quarterback, running back, H-back, both guard spots and center appear to have front runners, but there's a long way to go until decisions are made for the fall. Defensively, there is a new scheme to watch in the game like scrimmage, which will kick off at 1 p.m. and be televised as part of the SEC Network's package. Malzahn is interested to see how his team responds to playing in front of a crowd and who raises their game in the 14th practice of the spring.
Well, after watching spring football games all day I have a few observations.
1. Alabama's quarterback will be Coker...little doubt. Lot's of potential with the two freshman, but Coker is the guy.
2. Auburn's QB has the best arm in the SEC...also may have the best receiver in the league. Really like the Ole Miss guy.
3. Mississippi State better keep their QB healthy or the Bulldogs will be in for a long season.
4. LSU has QB problems...they don't have a running back problem.
Saw some good play today and some sloppy play. Usually what happens in these spring games.
1. Alabama's quarterback will be Coker...little doubt. Lot's of potential with the two freshman, but Coker is the guy.
2. Auburn's QB has the best arm in the SEC...also may have the best receiver in the league. Really like the Ole Miss guy.
3. Mississippi State better keep their QB healthy or the Bulldogs will be in for a long season.
4. LSU has QB problems...they don't have a running back problem.
Saw some good play today and some sloppy play. Usually what happens in these spring games.
Auburn
With spring practice complete, the Auburn coaching staff feels as though the team met its objectives to improve execution, increase physicality and build trust between players and coaches over the past six weeks. Other than the first practice back from spring break, there were no days when Malzahn and his staff said they were disappointed with effort. Muschamp identified 16 players on defense he thought were winners...separated themselves from the rest of the pack. Eight were defensive lineman, four were linebackers and four were defensive backs. He hopes there are more when the freshmen recruits arrive. Offensively, the starting five on the offensive line is nearly set and D'haquille Williams is the clear top receiver. With the quarterback position set, the only true unknown is who starts at running back.
With spring practice complete, the Auburn coaching staff feels as though the team met its objectives to improve execution, increase physicality and build trust between players and coaches over the past six weeks. Other than the first practice back from spring break, there were no days when Malzahn and his staff said they were disappointed with effort. Muschamp identified 16 players on defense he thought were winners...separated themselves from the rest of the pack. Eight were defensive lineman, four were linebackers and four were defensive backs. He hopes there are more when the freshmen recruits arrive. Offensively, the starting five on the offensive line is nearly set and D'haquille Williams is the clear top receiver. With the quarterback position set, the only true unknown is who starts at running back.
Missouri
Head coach Gary Pinkel has received a contract extension and pay raise. The extension will run through the 2021 season. Pinkel's salary will jump from $3.2 million to $4.02 million in 2015. Missouri has won two consecutive SEC East titles and 23 games the past two seasons. He is the winningest coach in Missouri winning 113 games in his 14 years. Nice job by Pinkel since entering the Southeastern Conference.
Head coach Gary Pinkel has received a contract extension and pay raise. The extension will run through the 2021 season. Pinkel's salary will jump from $3.2 million to $4.02 million in 2015. Missouri has won two consecutive SEC East titles and 23 games the past two seasons. He is the winningest coach in Missouri winning 113 games in his 14 years. Nice job by Pinkel since entering the Southeastern Conference.
Boise State. Potential starting QB Ryan Finley was busted for minor possession of alcohol and obstruction of justice, both misdemeanors. While most expect Finley to be the starting QB for Boise, this will not help them if he is suspended for any amount of time as Boise opens the season against Washington in the Smirf stadium and then goes to BYU the following week.
Arkansas
I watched the Arkansas spring game and was really impressed with what will be third year starting QB Brandon Allen. The guy is bigger, stronger, and his throws were accurate...something like 17 of 20 on the day. You could just see his confidence. I've liked this kid since he played hurt his entire first year and never complained even though most hog fans didn't know about his injury. Arkansas has three top tier running backs and with that "huge" offensive line will cause some problems this season.
Problem for the Razorbacks is the schedule....damn tough!
I watched the Arkansas spring game and was really impressed with what will be third year starting QB Brandon Allen. The guy is bigger, stronger, and his throws were accurate...something like 17 of 20 on the day. You could just see his confidence. I've liked this kid since he played hurt his entire first year and never complained even though most hog fans didn't know about his injury. Arkansas has three top tier running backs and with that "huge" offensive line will cause some problems this season.
Problem for the Razorbacks is the schedule....damn tough!
Tennessee
I also watched most of the Vols spring game this afternoon. Not sure true SEC fans would call it a spring game...more like a three ring circus with Butch Davis as the ring master. Guessing after Tennessee's losing pattern the last several years the coach was trying to fire up the base. I just didn't see much one way or the other....how could anyone? Butch ain't going to be at Tennessee playing a circus clown. Not in the SEC where coaches take football serious.
I also watched most of the Vols spring game this afternoon. Not sure true SEC fans would call it a spring game...more like a three ring circus with Butch Davis as the ring master. Guessing after Tennessee's losing pattern the last several years the coach was trying to fire up the base. I just didn't see much one way or the other....how could anyone? Butch ain't going to be at Tennessee playing a circus clown. Not in the SEC where coaches take football serious.
Wisconsin
The Badgers entered their spring game Saturday with major concern about the offensive line. After the spring game, the concern continues. The O-Line gave up 10 sacks and 15 tackles for losses during the game. The defense also forced 3 fumbles. Wisconsin has to replace last year's starters Rob Havenstein, Kyle Costigan and Dallas Lewallen. Center Dan Voltz and guard Ray Ball return but neither played Saturday because of injuries that really exposed the Badgers' lack of depth. Offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph is control of the offensive line and will rely heavily on the running game this season. Major improvement is needed especially when you consider the opener against Alabama. The Tide may just have the best front-seven defenders in college football.
The Badgers entered their spring game Saturday with major concern about the offensive line. After the spring game, the concern continues. The O-Line gave up 10 sacks and 15 tackles for losses during the game. The defense also forced 3 fumbles. Wisconsin has to replace last year's starters Rob Havenstein, Kyle Costigan and Dallas Lewallen. Center Dan Voltz and guard Ray Ball return but neither played Saturday because of injuries that really exposed the Badgers' lack of depth. Offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph is control of the offensive line and will rely heavily on the running game this season. Major improvement is needed especially when you consider the opener against Alabama. The Tide may just have the best front-seven defenders in college football.
Kansas QB suffered a knee injury in Spring Game. Not that this team was going to win many games, but there's nothing like being a first year head coach and your QB gets injured. Bad deal for the kid and the one who hit him...Whatever happened to no contact in spring games? Stupid... http://www.6lawrence.com/ku-jayhawks/14362-cummings-injured-in-ku-spring-game
Thanks for the post GS.
Asking for a favor. What's your take on Oklahoma State for 2015? You know Oklahoma football and I'm asking from the gut your take on the Cowboys. I can never get a read on this team. Gundy going into last season was 61-44 against the spread. OSU has always been tough for me to get a handle on...at least since Gundy has been there and that's been awhile.
Appreciate your input...for me and thread.
Asking for a favor. What's your take on Oklahoma State for 2015? You know Oklahoma football and I'm asking from the gut your take on the Cowboys. I can never get a read on this team. Gundy going into last season was 61-44 against the spread. OSU has always been tough for me to get a handle on...at least since Gundy has been there and that's been awhile.
Appreciate your input...for me and thread.
