[High Cotton]

Offseason Southeastern Conference Football news and comments............

BCS National Championships

2012 - Alabama 21 LSU 0
2011 - Auburn 22 Oregon 19
2010 - Alabama 37 Texas 21
2009 - Florida 24 Oklahoma 14
2008 - LSU 38 Ohio State 24
2007 - Florida 41 Ohio State 14
2004 - LSU 21 Oklahoma 14
1999 - Tennessee 23 Florida State 16

[High Cotton]

Missouri

Junior quarterback James Franklin will undergo surgery to repair his injured right shoulder and will miss the rest of spring practice. Franklin's surgery will be performed this Friday and is expected to be ready for the beginning of the 2012 season. The first year starter threw for 2,865 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 981 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Ole Miss

Former Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brian will visit Ole Miss this week to check out the Rebels. After deciding to transfer to another school, at least 15 programs have expressed interest in the former 2010 ACC Rookie of the Year. The young QB is one of the most sought after transfers this offseason. Ole Miss got zero production out of there quarterbacks last season so O'Brian would be a welcome addition if he chooses Ole Miss.

Georgia

Dawg head coach Mark Richt has agreedc to a new five-year contract that will carry him through the 2016 season. Richt, who just completed his 11th season, is making $2.81 million annually in his current deal. Georgia is coming off a 10-4 season that included a loss to LSU in the SEC championship game. Richt has won 106 games while losing 38 with the Dogs.

[High Cotton]

SEC Scheduling

With the addition of two new teams, the 2012 football schedule is for one season only. Athletic Directors will convene in Spring 2012 to begin formulating scheduling principles for the 2013 season and beyond. The 2012 schedule is based on divisional play that started in 1992. Missouri will participate in the Eastern Division while Texas A&M will play in the Western Division. The conference schedule will remain at eight regular season games, with six games played inside the division and two games against teams from the opposite division. Alabama and Florida are the only teams playing both Missouri and Texas A&M this season.

WEST CONFERENCE
Alabama
Arkansas
Auburn
LSU
Ole Miss
Mississippi State
Texas A&M

EAST CONFERENCE
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Missouri
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vanderbilt

[High Cotton]

South Carolina Quarterback

Connor Shaw certainly looks, and plays, the part of the Gamecocks No. 1 quarterback these days. There's no looking over the shoulder at the guy behind on the depth...no concerns that this isn't his team. After taking over for troubled Stephen Garcia, Shaw led South Carolina to its most wins (11) in school history. He also won a bowl game which Garcia couldn't do in three tries. Shaw has gained 12 pounds while spending the winter in the weight room. He also has improved his 40 yard dash down to runningback speed at 4.5 seconds. Spurrier expects a lot from Shaw this season and I for one don't think he will be disappointed. Last season Shaw passed for 1,448 yards with 14 touchdowns (65%). He also rushed for 525 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Georgia Questions

The Bulldogs are coming off a 10-4 season and many think they will battle South Carolina this year again for the East Division title. Even so, the Dawgs have plenty of questions as they go through spring practice. The secondary is thin with both starting cornerbacks suspended. Add to that, two other defensive backs were kicked off the team in January. The most worrisome spot on the team is the offensive line where three were seniors including both tackles, center and tightend. The most important spot is left tackle and the favorite might not even be on campus yet. Five-star recruit John Theus will get a strong look for the position. It's difficult enough to win in the SEC.....add an inexperienced O-Line and things get more difficult. Hopefully, spring practice will answer some questions for Mark Richt and his coaching staff.

[High Cotton]

SEC TV Deal

The powers that be running the SEC have begun negotiations for a new television contract with ESPN and CBS. What a great time to negotiate. After winning six straight BCS national titles and adding Texas and St. Louis/Missouri television markets. So if the SEC earned three billion in its last deal cut in 2008, what will the conference net in a new TV deal? Five billion maybe....I don't know how much but it will be "HUGE." More money means better facilities for each school and higher pay to bring in better coaches. SEC football keeps getting stronger and stronger.

[High Cotton]

Projected Win Totals

While most sportsbooks in Las Vegas won't release their college football odds until late June, I found one website who has. Listed below is their take on SEC team's Win/Loss totals.

Alabama
Over 10.5 -110
Under 10.5 -110

Arkansas
Over 9 -110
Under 9 -110

Auburn
Over 7 -110
Under 7 -110

Florida
Over 8 +110
Under 8 -130

Georgia
Over 9.5 -120
Under 9.5 Even

Kentucky
Over 5.5 -130
Under 5.5 +110

LSU
Over 10.5 +150
Under 10.5 -175

Mississippi State
Over 7.5 -110
Under 7.5 -110

Missouri
Over 7.5 -130
Under 7.5 +110

Ole Miss
Over 5.5 -140
Under 5.5 +120

South Carolina
Over 8.5 -125
Under 8.5 +105

Tennessee
Over 6 -150
Under 6 +130

Texas A&M
Over 7.5 -110
Under 7.5 -110

Vanderbilt
Over 6 -110
Under 6 -110

[High Cotton]

Auburn

There are many changes going on at Auburn these days. The Tigers have two new coordinators that the team must adjust to. They lost a two time 1000 yard rusher to transfer. They are not settled on who will be the quarterback, etc...... On offense there will be a new set of Xs and Os, but a more hardnose attitude could be the biggest change. New offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler is going to move away from Gus Malzahn's spread offense to more of a Pro Style plan that will require the offensive line to be more physical. He plans to run first, just like the good ol' days of Auburn football. But to be fair, Malzahn had a running back that went for 1000 yards in each of his three years. On defense, new coordinator Brian VanGorder is definitely and old-school guy, and, after spending years at Georgia, knows what it will take to win in the SEC. Auburn will still run Gene Chizik's 4-3 defense, but look for more physical play and maybe some NFL wrinkles from VanGorder's stint as the Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator. Lot's of changes for the Tigers and plenty of work to do before the season opener.

Tigers 2012 Schedule

9/1 Clemson (Atlanta)
9/8 Miss State (Away)
9/15 LA-Monroe (Home)
9/22 LSU (Home)
9/29 Open Date
10/6 Arkansas (Home)
10/13 Ole Miss (Away)
10/20 Vanderbilt (Away)
10/27 Texas A&M (Home)
11/3 New Mexico St. (Home)
11/10 Georgia (Home)
11/17 Alabama A&M (Home)
11/24 Alabama (Away)

[High Cotton]

Alabama

Road to the National Championship.

Alabama 48 Kent State 7
Alabama 27 Penn State 11
Alabama 41 North Texas 0
Alabama 38 Arkansas 14
Alabama 38 Florida 10
Alabama 34 Vanderbilt 0
Alabama 52 Ole Miss 7
Alabama 36 Tennessee 6
Alabama 6 LSU 9
Alabama 24 Mississippi St. 7
Alabama 45 Georgia Southern 21
Alabama 42 Auburn 14

National Championship Game
Alabama 21 LSU 0

Game Stats
First Downs.......AL 21...LSU 5
Net Rushing......AL 150..LSU 39
Net Passing.......AL 234..LSU 53
Total Offense....AL 384..LSU 92
Punts/yards.......AL 3/44.3..LSU 9/45.7
Interceptions......AL 1....LSU 0
Avg Per Rush.....AL 4.3..LSU 1.4
Avg Per Pass......AL 6.9.. LSU 4.8
Penalities/yards....AL 1/5..LSU 5/35
Possession Time..AL 35:26...LSU 24:34

Most Valuable Player
Alabama QB A.J. McCarron
23 of 34 for 234 yards

[High Cotton]

Alabama

How Much was a second National Championship in the past three seasons worth to Alabama football coaches. Guess we are about to find out. The compensation committee of the University of Alabama Systems Board of Trustees will meet Monday to consider contracts for two new coaches and raises for head coach Nick Saban and seven of his assistant coaches. Doug Nussmeier (offensive coordinator) and Lance Thompson (linebackers) are the new additions.

2011 Base Salaries:
Nick Saban, head coach..........$4,683,333
Kirby Smart, defensive coor......$851,500
Jeff Stoutland, offensive line......$395,000
Bobby Williams, tightends..........$315,000
Scott Cochran, strength...........$290,000
Chris Rumph, def-line...............$288,750
Burton Burns, running backs......$280,000
Mike Groh, receivers................$250,000
Jeremy Pruitt, secondary..........$225,000
(new coaches)
Doug Nussmeier, offensive coor.... ?
Lance Thompson, linebackers........ ?

Performance bonuses are not included in the above figures. For example, Saban will earn an additional$400,000 for winning the national title. Each assistant coach will receive 16% of his salary as a bonus for the title. Bonuses for assistants will range from $136,000 for DC Kirby Smart to $36,000 for secondary coach Jeremy Pruitt.

Moma's don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys, train them to be assistant football coaches at Alabama.

[High Cotton]

LSU

The Tigers arguably are the best overall team in the SEC heading into 2012. With quarterback Zach Mettenberger giving LSU a pure dropback passer, expect this offense to open up a bit more with receivers Russell Shepard, Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry....when it isn't relying on a deep stable of running backs. The defense will remain one of the best in the country because of its depth and returning experience. Defensive coordinator John Chavis was a great hire for Miles a few years ago. The former longtime Tennessee coordinator can coach some defense. The Tigers should make a strong run at another SEC title during 2012.

Florida

The Gators desperately need to find consistent playmakers on offense, which will be new offensive coordinator Brent Pease's primary focus this spring. Receivers Andre Dubose and Quinton Dunbar will receive every opportunity to emerge as top options. It would also help if the offensive line protected the quarterback no matter who is taking snaps. Rising sophomores Jacoby Brissett, Jeff Driskel and Tyler Murphy will battle for the starting job as head coach Will Muschamp searches for his new offensive leader. The Gators need to avoid another mid-season tailspin to be a contender in the SEC East.

[High Cotton]

Top-10 SEC Games for 2012

1. Alabama at LSU, Nov. 3
2. Georgia at South Carolina, Oct. 6
3. Alabama at Arkansas, Sept. 15
4. LSU at Arkansas, Nov. 24
5. Auburn at Alabama, Nov. 24
6. LSU at Texas A&M, Oct. 20
7. LSU at Auburn, Sept. 22
8. Florida vs Georgia, Oct. 27
9. South Carolina at LSU, Oct. 13
10. Georgia at Missouri, Sept. 8

Top-10 SEC Non-Conference Games

1. Michigan vs Alabama, Sept. 1
2. Florida at Florida State, Nov. 24
3. South Carolina at Clemson, Nov. 24
4. Georgia Tech at Georgia, Nov. 24
5. Clemson vs Auburn, Sept. 1
6. Rutgers at Arkansas, Sept. 22
7. Arizona State at Missouri, Sept. 15
8. North Carolina State at Tennessee, Aug. 31
9. Washington at LSU, Sept. 8
10. Syracuse at Missouri, Nov. 17

[High Cotton]

Ole Miss

The Rebels will begin a new era under Huge Freeze, who comes over from Arkansas State. The quarterback battle will be at the forefront, as holdovers Randall Mackey, Zack Stout and Barry Brunetti will have to hold off junior college transfer Bo Wallace, who Freeze coached at Arkansas State in 2010. Freeze will employ a spread offense with an emphasis on the run. But the offensive line is a huge question mark. Defensively, Ole Miss struggled big time in 2011. The defense finished 110th nationally with just 13 sacks last fall, and wasn't a very strong unit in terms of forcing turnovers. Last season got Houston Nutt fired and this season won't be much better for the new coach.

Mississippi State

The Bulldogs need to improve defensively under Chris Wilson, whose unit didn't play particularly well last year. Cornerback's Johnathan Banks and Corey Bloomfield return, but there is concern at the safety position after Nickoe Whitley tore his Achilles' late last year. Tyler Russell is now the fulltime starting quarterback with Chris Relf gone, but the Bulldogs must get junior college newcomers Dylan Holley and Charles Siddoway ready to play right away with so many questions with the offensive line. Dan Mullen lost some good coaches before last season and it showed.

[High Cotton]

SEC Stadiums
(school, capacity, national ranking, ** expansion plans in progress)

1. Tennessee, 102,455, #3
2. Alabama, 101,821, #5
3. Georgia, 92,746, #8
4. LSU, 92,400, #9, **
5. Florida, 88,548, #11
6. Auburn, 87,451, #12
7. Texas A&M, 82,600, #13
8. South Carolina, 80,250, #20
9. Arkansas, 72,000, #25, **
10. Missouri, 68,349, #31
11. Kentucky, 67,942, #32
12. Ole Miss, 60,580, #41
13. Mississippi State, 55,082, #47, **
14. Vanderbilt, 39,773, #78

[High Cotton]

Texas A&M

The Aggies will enter the SEC with first-year head coach Kevin Sumlin, who arrived in College Station after nearly leading Houston to a BCS bowl game. His first duty, along with coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, will be to decide who will replace Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. Sophomore Jameill Showers has the inside track, but redshirt freshman Johnny Manziel and Matt Joeckel will also get reps as well as early enrollee Matt Davis. Sumlin's second major job will be to make the Aggies a tougher team in the second halves of games and to make sure a rushing attack can complement his high-octane passing game. Someone better tell coach Sumlin that his new team is now in the SEC West, where you win with "defense.

Arkansas

New defensive coordinator Paul Haynes, who arrives from Ohio State, is challenged with the task of elevating this Razorbacks defense to the level that Bobby Petrino expects it to reach if the Hogs ever want to break through and knock off the likes of Alabama and LSU. He'll be agressive and creative, but the defense must replace two starting linebackers, two starters in the secondary as well as pass rushing defensive end Jake Bequette. They do return end Tenarius Wright, however, and he needs to become a dominate force off the edge. On offense, new coordinator Paul Petrino is looking for some playmakers to emerge in the passing game with Jarius Wright, Joe Adams and Greg Childs all departing. Star running back Knile Davis has been cleared to practice after missing all of last year with a fractured ankle. Davis has little to prove so Petrino will likely limit any live contact for him during spring practice. The offensive line has some talent and depth to protect Tyler Wilson, maybe the SEC's best quarterback. Now if some young receivers will step up...could be another high-powered offense for the Hogs.

Alabama

Head man Nick Saban received a two year extension to his contract that will run through 2020. Saban will receive $5.32 million in 2012 with a $100,000 raise annually after that. Saban will earn nearly $45 million over eight years in base salary plus incentives. Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart received a $100,000 raise to $950,000, while new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier will receive $590,000 on a three year contract. All assistant coaches received raises and will receive 4% bonuses for appearance in the SEC championship game; 8% for bowl game; 12% for on of the SEC's top five bowl tie ins and 16% for a BCS bowl game.

[High Cotton]

The Les Miles File

The head coaching career of LSU's Les Miles.
2001.....Oklahoma State.....4-7
2002.....Oklahoma State.....8-5
2003.....Oklahoma State.....9-4
2004.....Oklahoma State.....7-5
Total at Oklahoma State: 28-21, 4 years
2005.....LSU.....11-2
2006.....LSU.....11-2
2007.....LSU.....12-2
2008.....LSU......8-5
2009.....LSU......9-4
2010.....LSU.....11-2
2011.....LSU.....13-1
Total at LSU: 75-18, 7 years

Les Miles is 75-18 in seven seasons at LSU with three SEC West titles, two SEC championships and a national championship in 2007.

Overall, Miles is 103-39 in eleven years as a head coach at Oklahoma State and LSU.

[High Cotton]

Tennessee

Spring Practice began in Knoxville for Tennessee on Monday, and it couldn't come soon enough for embattled head coach Derek Dooley. As he enters a crucial third year with the Volunteers, he at least can turn his attention to the 15 days he has on the practice field and not the sports-talk radio callers demanding he be fired. Although, do we really think he listens to Knoxville radio anyway. While I think its absurd that he's on the hot seat even after a 5-7 campaign last year, a lot of turnover on the coaching staff is cause for concern. Dooley will need a big year from new defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri, who is bringing the 3-4 defense that he was part of at Alabama. Dooley will have the most returning starters of any team in the SEC with 20 including the kicker and punter. Quarterback Tyler Bray has the arm and the weapons at receiver, but the team ranked 116th nationally in rushing while recording just 11 touchdowns on the ground in 2011. Obviously, establishing a running game will be a priority before next season rolls around. Spring practice is a big deal these days in Knoxville, especially for a guy named Dooley.

2012 Schedule

8/31 North Carolina St. (Atlanta)
9/8 Georgia State (Home)
9/15 Florida (Home)
9/22 Akron (Home)
9/29 Georgia (Away)
10/6 Open Date
10/13 Mississippi State (Away)
10/20 Alabama (Home)
10/27 South Carolina (Away)
11/3 Troy (Home)
11/10 Missouri (Home)
11/17 Vanderbilt (Away)
11/24 Kentucky (Home)

[High Cotton]

Tennessee Package Deal

Vol officials claim there is no connection between 5-star recruit wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson signing with Tennessee and one of Patterson's coaches recently joining the Vol football staff. Patterson played at Hutchinson (Kansas) Junior College and was ranked as the No. 1 overall JC prospect in the nation. Most predicted Patterson a lock for the Georgia Bulldogs....guess the Dawgs didn't offer to bring his coach along. With the addition of Patterson, the Vols will have one hell of a receiving corp.

[High Cotton]

**Thank you Mr. Poon for your encouranging messeage. I appreciate you sir. I'm still trying to find my way around here at MadJacks fine forum. I see no reason the CFB forum shouldn't be the best college football site on the net. With some help, it will be.

I'm trying to get a couple of my old veterans football buddies from other sites....if they come over...this will be a good place. Bank on it.

I love college football, especially SEC ball. Been good to me over the years and looking for a profitable year during 2012.

Again, thanks Bud for the welcome....means a lot.

I NEVER FORGET LOYAL people. You will understand that down the road Mr. Poon...I promise.

[High Cotton]

Kentucky

The Wildcats need to be strong along the offensive line, as they will be led by returning starters Larry Warford and Matt Smith. And last year's backups have starting experience. Could Trevino Woods win the left tackle spot? Quarterback Morgan Newton will miss the spring while he recovers from shoulder surgery, so can backup Maxwell Smith make a move to become the starter? Defensively, it will be difficult to replace Danny Trevathan, and the Cats lost six starters in all from their linebacker corps and secondary combined. Difficult year staring at Kentucky this season and my guess the last one for head coach Joker Phillips.

Vanderbilt

The Commodores were one of the better stories in 2011 under first year coach James Franklin, who many Maryland fans wish was their head coach these days (remember he was the coach in waiting before leaving). The emergence of quarterback Jordan Rogers (brother of Green Bay's Aaron) was huge for the offense, but he'll need to continue to develop and put his bowl game performance in the past. The return of running back Warren Norman from a knee injury will be big to complement a passing game that should continueto get better. On defense, Franklin will always have his unit playing tough and physical. I saw Vandy play Alabama last season, and even though Bama beat them pretty good, the Doars never quit. I was impressed with that.

Returning Starters

Tennessee will have the most returning starters of any team in the SEC with 20. Auburn has 18 starters returning, Florida 18, Vanderbilt 18, Ole Miss 17 and Texas A&M with 16. On the other end of the spectrum, Missouri returns only 13 starters as does Mississippi State and Alabama. South Carolina will welcome 15 back. Good base returning for some teams and opportunity for young players to step up in other programs. What makes college football fun to watch.

[High Cotton]

The Nick Saban File

College head coaching career for Nick Saban.
1990.....Toledo...............9-2
1991.....Michigan State.....6-5-1
1992.....Michigan State.....6-6
1993.....Michigan State.....7-5
1994.....Michigan State.....6-6
1995.....Michigan State.....9-2
2000.....LSU...................8-4
2001.....LSU...................10-3
2002.....LSU...................8-5
2003.....LSU...................13-1
2004.....LSU...................9-3
2007.....Alabama.............7-6
2008.....Alabama.............12-2
2009.....Alabama.............14-0
2010.....Alabama.............10-3
2011.....Alabama.............12-1

College head coaching record: 146-54-1
National Championships: 2003,2009, 2011
SEC Championships: 2001, 2003, 2009
SEC West Division Titles: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009

Assistant Coaching Career
1973-74.....Kent State graduate assistant
1975-76.....Kent State secondary
1977.........Syracuse linebackers
1978-79.....West Virginia secondary
1980-81.....Ohio State secondary
1982..........Navy secondary
1983-87......Michigan State defensive coordinator
1988-89......Houston Oilers secondary
1991-94......Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator

Education:
Kent State University, 1973, business degree; Kent State University, 1975, masters degree in sports adminstration.
He was a defensive back under Don James at Kent State.

[High Cotton]

Georgia

Head coach Mark Richt isn't discussing the status of key defensive players Bacarri Rambo and Alec Ogletree. One report says that Rambo's former high school coach said the All-American safety has been suspended for four games for failing a drug test. There are also reports that Ogletree, a starting inside linebacker, will be suspended from two to four games at the start of next season for violating team rules. Richt wouldn't confirm or deny the report after the team's regular spring practice Thursday. Georgia could have as many as five defensive starters suspended for two or more games this fall. The Bulldogs return nine defensive starters from a unit that ranked 5th nationally last season. Looks like more than half of them could miss the opening of the season.

Florida

Gator tight end A.C. Leonard, suspended indefinitely following his arrest on a domestic battery charge last month, has been reinstated. Leonard practiced with the team on Wednesday, but coach Will Muschamp says the sophomore still has a lot of things to work through before his status for the fall is addressed. Leonard was suspended from team activities for six weeks, although he was seen attending practice two weeks ago. He was arrested February 15 following an altercation with his live-in girlfriend.

Tennessee

Derek Dooley said junior wide receiver Da'Rick Rogers "has got some things he needs to do internally" in order to return to the Volunteers' football team. Rogers didn't practice Thursday morning, but Dooley wouldn't call it a suspension, and said it was his impression the 6-3, 210-pound Rogers would return, and could any time. Dooley said he didn't have any knowledge of Rogers wanting to leave. As a sophomore in 2011, Rogers was a first team All-SEC selection with 67 receptions for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns.

Alabama

Nick Saban and Bill Belichick are good buddies and former Cleveland Browns co-workers. They chatted casually at Thursday's pro day in Tuscaloosa. The New England coach left his trade marked hooded sweatshirt at home. Instead, he looked ready for the golf course wearing a visor and collared shirt. That didn't mean there was much sightseeing on the trip. Belichick might have looked ready for 18 holes, but it was all business. "You don't know Belichick very well," Saban said. "What you do when he comes into town is you go in the meeting room and order the food in. You eat while the film's going. So that's what we did." Alabama players Trent Richardson, Dont'a Hightower, Dre Kirkpatrick, Courtney Upshaw, Mark Barron and others got a good look from Belichick and other NFL personnel.

[High Cotton]

Texas A&M

The Aggies start spring practice today. They'll be the last of 14 SEC teams to buckle chinstraps, and that was part of head coach Kevin Sumlin's plan. Instead of kicking off his four-man quarterback competition early or giving defensive coordinator Mark Snyder a head start on installing his scheme, Sumlin wanted his players to get to know strength coach Larry Jackson. By giving Jackson eight full weeks to work, Sunlin could be sure his new players understood the culture of his program before they ever run a play. He is well aware he needs a strong foundation to compete in the SEC.

Texas A&M Band

The SEC has denied A&M's waiver request to allow students and the Aggie band to sit behind the opposing team at Kyle Field. The SEC requires the home team's band and students to be outside the 30-yard lines and no closer than 25 rows from the field if on the same side of the stadium as the visiting team bench. A&M student leaders ask the athletic department to request a wavier from the SEC to keep the band and student seating the same as in the past.

Aggie Joke

The hugh Aggie freshman decided to try out for the football team. "Can you tackle?" asked the coach. "Watch this," said the freshman, who preceedced to run smack into a telephone pole, shattering it to splinters. "Wow," said the coach. "I'm impressed. Can you run?" "Of course I can run, "said the freshman. He was off like a shot, and in just under ten seconds he had run a hundred yard dash. "Great!" enthused the coach "But can you pass a football?" The freshman hesitated for a few seconds. "Well, sir," he said, if I can swallow it, I can probably pass it."

[High Cotton]

Auburn

With spring practice well underway, the Tigers are breaking in new coordinators on both sides of the ball. Brian Van Gorder has taken over as defensive coordinator, and inherits a unit that is young but talented, a group that gained valuable experience last year with a bunch of first-year starters. Eventually, Van Gorder wants to bring in bigger bodies at linebacker and alone the line, but in the meantime expect the Tigers to be a more attacking defense.

On the other side of the ball, former Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler will be under the spotlight as he takes over for Gus Malzahn who moved to Arkansas State as head coach. The 37 year old Loeffler's primary job this spring heading into the summer is to find a starting quarterback. The battle between Clint Mosely, Kiehl Frazier and new recruit Zeke Pike will last into fall camp because the 15 practices this spring will be dedicated to learning the system, which will feature a more pro-style attack with emphasis on the run. With All-SEC running back Mikel Dyer transferring, speedy Onterio McCalebb is the most experienced back. Trey Mason, Corey Grant (transfer from Alabama), Mike Blakely (transfer from Florida), and freshman Jevon Robinson will all compete for playing time.

Receiver Emory Blake and tight end Phillip Lutzenkirchen return as key weapons in the passing game, but there's a lot of youth that needs to step up for the Tigers offensively to compete in the tough SEC West. Lutzenkirchen is expected to have a big year in the new pro-style offense.

2012 should be an interesting year for the Auburn Tigers. War Eagle!

[High Cotton]

Ole Miss

One thing that remains unclear after the Rebels first scrimmage is the quarterback derby going on this spring. Three of the four competing had their moments, but none did enough to get excited about. According to new offensive coordinator Dan Werner, the QB's have a long way to go. An offensive line that is struggling to pick up the up-tempo scheme is a big part of the problem, but it wasn't just that. Protecting the ball and throwing the ball on time was a big concern for Werner. Junior Barry Brunetti was probably the best, completing 7 of 10 passes for 80 yards. Brunetti shared snaps with the first team with juco transfer Bo Wallace. Wallace started slow (2 of 6), but completed 7 of his next 11. He finished with 61 yards passing and 30 yards rushing. Randall Mackey got the majority of snaps with the second team and showed off his ability to run, scoring twice. Zack Stoudt got the least amount of snaps out of the group and struggle, completing 2 of 4 for 13 yards. Ole Miss is headed for a difficult season and unless a quarterback steps up to lead the offense...it could be a very long one for the Rebs.

Alabama

The Alabama football team ran about 120 plays during its first scrimmage of the spring Saturday afternoon inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. Junior quarterback AJ McCarron completed 25 of 43 passes for 290 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He found Christion Jones twice on scoring strikes of 8 and 22 yards while connecting with Kenny Bell on a 44 yard scoring play. Jones led the way among receivers with 83 yards on seven receptions, while Bell added 68 yards on three catches. Kevin Norwood had five receptions for 50 yards with Marvin Shinn catching a touchdown and finishing with 40 yards on five catches. Freshman Amari Coper added two grabs for 40 yards and Michael Williams grabbed three for 37 yards.

Dee Hart led the rushing attack with 32 yards on 13 carries, while Ben Howell added 31 yards on eight carries. Big Jalston Fowler had 27 yards rushing and one score, while 5-star recruit T.J. Yeldon added another 27 yards on the ground.

On defense, sophomore safety Vinnie Sunseri led the way with five tackles, one tackle for loss and a pass breakup to go along with his 38 yard interception return for a touchdown.

Auburn

Kiehl Frazier had a chance to assert himself as the Tigers' top option at quarterback during Saturday's scrimmage. The sophomore shined during Auburn's first spring scrimmage, completing a pair of touchdown passes and distributing check down throws with relative ease. The scrimmage technically Auburn's seventh of 15 spring workouts, represented the first time new coordinators Brian Van Gorder and Scot Loeffler could watch their groups in unrestrained action. Drives were allowed to develop naturally and personnel grouping on both sides of the ball mimicked game situations.

On defense, Van Gorder said he was please with the way his group approached tackling and pre-snap preparation. That's a change from his comments earlier in the week, but some periods of lax discipline during the scrimmage annoyed him.

[High Cotton]

Arkansas

Head coach Bobby Petrino has been hospitalized following a motorcycle crash yesterday. According to police, Petrino's cycle veered off a highway and no other vehecles were involved in the wreck. According to The Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Petrino is pretty banged up with multiple broken ribs, all kinds of cuts and a neck sprain. He will remain in the hospital for a few days, while brother Paul runs spring practice.

LSU

Approximately 33,000 fans turned out Saturday for LSU's annual spring game. Many were there to see if new quarterback Zack Mettenberger is the real deal. Mettenberger had an overall good day with a bombs away philosophy while leading the White team to a 24-17 win over the Purple team. He had three completions of at least 49 yards and hit on 14 of 25 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns. On the negative side, he threw two interceptions, including one in the end zone. Mettenberger had not thrown an interception in scrimmages leading up to the spring game.

Tennessee

Derek Dooley says Vols are making progress in the run game, but a national declaration is not needed: "The progress that we're making is everywhere. Here's what I'm seeing. I'm seeing the offensive line play with a little more aggression. I'm seeing the receivers taking a greater interest in helping us block on the perimeter. And I'm seeing the runners run with a lot more discipline, they're hittin the holes a lot faster, and they're playing behind their pads. Now, it's only been a few days in pads, so we're not ready for a national declaration that we can run the ball now. I hesitate to say things to you guys because then it's, 'We're going to lead in rushing'. 'No. I'm just proud of where we are right now relative to where we were."

Texas A&M

Kevin Sunlin opened spring practice on Saturday with a couple of early goals: "Getting lined up. Getting lined up and knowing what you're doing. Learn it real fast. That seems pretty easy, but we try to stress these guys as much as possible from a tempo standpoint and from a confusion standpoint because that's the way the game is played. You've got to be comfortable playing that way and we'll get there. There are two stages: the 'what to do' stage and then 'how to do it'. Right now we're still in the 'what to do' stage."

[wareagle]

on the auburn front there is entirely too much talk about how great the new coaches on the staff are and not near enough about the actual players.

a few stars on the offensive side of the ball so far are two RBs, corey grant and mike blakely and WR sammie coates

[Cie]

I read a n Aub coach's quote about a regression in the OL. Also, Corey White is having some family probs, so has missed some time. How are you guys seeing Aub's OL?

[High Cotton]

Cie, the way I see it, Auburn's offensive line has no way to go but up because they weren't very good last year especially against good SEC defenses. The 2011 signing class was one of the top offensive line classes in the nation. This past signing period Auburn brought in five new linemen and two of them, Patrick Miller and Shane Callahan, are already on campus. My take is that this will be a young group who gets better as the season goes along.

[wareagle]

as HC noted top two young OL didnt even play last year because of transfer and RS rules. also as he said we have nowhere to go but up. The better news is FB all american Jay Prosch who transferred from ILL is eligible immediately.

[Cie]

Yep, new offense can't help that young OL.



In Baton Rouge, the OL is looking rock solid. Dworcyak back from injury for a 6th year means former starters will occupy all 5 spots. with youthtful 5* and 4* frosh and sophs pushing for PT. Will be an improved group from LY imo.

RB-- The RB rotation should look similar to last year. Ford is injured now, so Blue, Hilliard and WAae are the headliners in the spring. Depth and talent galore. Former DT, Copeland, is a 275lb FB who will turn some heads.

WR/TE-- Ruben Randle is a big loss outside, but Jarvis Landry is a stud. He broke a foot in spring last year, so fell behind Beckham, but he is looking great at this point with unheard of hands. Landry, Beckham and Sheppard are fast and formidable top 3 WR, but size is an issue. James Wright and big bodied Armand Williams are in the running for the 4th spot along with injured Kadrom Boone. Clement is a large TE, who can block and has decent hands. Nic Jacobs is young, but has some athleticism. Edwards is another receiving TE who might make an impact.

QB--Mett started 1-6 in the spring game, but was 13-18 from there with a pair of TDs. He threw 2 picks, with one being a drop by a young TE. The other INT was a poor read and throw. Clear ugrade from last year. Steven Rivers is making progress, but LSU is in trouble if Mett goes down imo.

DL--Losing Brockers to the NFL after his RS soph year hurts, but young bucks Ego Ferguson and Anthony Johnson add depth to Bennie Logan and Josh Downs, who are both experienced starters at DT. DE is being held down by a pair of speed guys in Mingo and Montgomery, backed up by Rasco and Edwards. Rasco has more upside than Edwards imo. Look for another 8-9 man rotation at DL again this year. Should be a tram strength.

LB -- Minter, Barrow and Tahj Jones are fast. Louis and Feist arrived this SPring and are looking great. More LB help will be here from the rest of the LB haul from last season. Experience an issue outside of mlb. Depth and talent unquestionable.

DB -- Mathieu and Simon will be among the best set of CB in the SEC, and nation. Eric Reid and Loston will man the safety spots, with some young bucks trying to land spots as nickel and dime backs. Leading canidates are Micah Eugence and Ronal Martin. This group is not what last year's group was, plus Ron Cooper is gone.

ST-- Mathieu is a heisman level punter returner. Wing is a frosh all american punter. Alleman is an all SEC PK. Strength.

Overall, LSU looks like a national contender this season, with an improved OL, strong ground game and capable QB on offense, plus a fast D led by a deep and stout DL.