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This division is dumb.
I still don't think Spurrier ends up on top...
I still don't think Spurrier ends up on top...
*The Official SEC FOOTBALL* Season Report
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by gunna b me,
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I see Tenn losing to Arkansas, SC and maybe even Alabama
yall lucky you dont have to play LSU this year, cause that would be another L
but its all good well see how it ends up
yall lucky you dont have to play LSU this year, cause that would be another L
but its all good well see how it ends up
TEAM AALIYAH
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DOLPHINS GATORS HEAT HURRICANES
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DOLPHINS GATORS HEAT HURRICANES
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UF can still get to the SEC title game if they run the table, but damn that Auburn loss hurts a lot more now. Even if we loss to LSU with what's happened we woulda still been in the title hunt.
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Quote:
I see Tenn losing to Arkansas, SC and maybe even Alabama
U dont even believe that
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Popcorn & Raisinettes, My Life's a Movie
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^^^^
do you really honestly believe Tenn will run the table in the SEC, as helter skelter as it has been this year ?
do you really honestly believe Tenn will run the table in the SEC, as helter skelter as it has been this year ?
TEAM AALIYAH
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Yes I do,
there is no way u can look at Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Vandy and say they can beat UT. None.
So. Carolina would be a bit tougher but we're at home. and Smelley is their QB. Erik Ainge is a Damn good QB no matter what any uninformed Football fan might say. I take him over every QB on the rest of the schedule.
as much as I @#%$ on Fat Phil, he made the much needed move to the younger more talented players, and its paying off. You will see, this aint the same UT team that took the field the 1st 3 weeks. We didnt have any cupcakes to load up on to work out the kinks in the younger players.
Popcorn & Raisinettes, My Life's a Movie
there is no way u can look at Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Vandy and say they can beat UT. None.
So. Carolina would be a bit tougher but we're at home. and Smelley is their QB. Erik Ainge is a Damn good QB no matter what any uninformed Football fan might say. I take him over every QB on the rest of the schedule.
as much as I @#%$ on Fat Phil, he made the much needed move to the younger more talented players, and its paying off. You will see, this aint the same UT team that took the field the 1st 3 weeks. We didnt have any cupcakes to load up on to work out the kinks in the younger players.
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S[/color]Popcorn & Raisinettes, My Life's a Movie
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Quote:
I take him over every QB on the rest of the schedule.
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i dont put anything past anybody this year, you can believe it if you want, but dont be shocked if it happens
TEAM AALIYAH
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and of course I wouldnt be shocked, Im not the overly insane Tennessee Homer U may think I am, I am more then capable of seeing things from a realistic poitn of view and thats how Im lookin at it now.
DLO, I mean as far as team for teams go, but one on one QB swap of course i'd take Dre but
*Sidenote* DESMOND HOWARD IS AWESOME ON ESPN
SEC Mid Season report Alabama Crimson Tideing running back Terry Grant, who's sixth in the SEC in rushing (88.5 yards per game), in favor of Glen Coffee, who ran 30 times for 121 yards vs. Houston. As far as Wilson, he has Saban's public support. Behind the scenes, though, there may be some debate among the Bama offensive braintrust about Wilson checking out of called plays too often. Saban is reluctant to make a quarterback change because backup Greg McElroy is a redshirt freshman with zero experience.
Midseason MVP
On a defense that lacks playmakers, Alabama senior end Wallace Gilberry is the one guy Saban can count on every game to make a play. Gilberry, who has 37 tackles on the season (6.2 per game), is tied for second in the SEC in tackles for loss with nine. He's just coming off an 11-tackle performance against Houston that earned SEC defensive player of the week honors. And he did that playing through after he nursed a bruised knee ligament week. Saban loves players who sell out their bodies and play through injuries. He's looking for more of them.
What's next
Alabama's offense was supposed to be its strongpoint. The Tide needs to get better week-to-week efficiency from Wilson. Three of Alabama's last five games are at home, with games against Tennessee and LSU sandwiching an open date. It looks like a 7-5 regular season record is in the offing, but 8-4 is still a possibility.
Arkansas Razorbacks to his season more than Arkansas' Houston Nutt, who was roasted in the offseason by critics who believed Nutt forced freshman quarterback Mitch Mustain's hand in transferring to Southern Cal. The one thing that the Hogs needed to do early was demonstrate a vastly improved passing game to back up defenses stacked to stop Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. That hasn't happened for two reasons, the first of which was star receiver Marcus Monk tearing knee cartilage in the preseason. He hasn't played a down this season, and the Hogs also lost two more receivers for the year, including athletic tight end Ben Cleveland who had the wheels to line up as a wideout. With no big-play receivers, returning starting quarterback Casey @#%$ hasn't had much confidence throwing the ball. He has the lowest completion percentage (52.6) of all the SEC starting quarterbacks.
Because of running brilliance of McFadden (155.8 yards per game) and Jones (126.2 ypg), the nation's No. 3 and No. 8 ranked rushers, the Razorbacks have scratched out three wins. The problem is they haven't beaten anybody (Troy, North Texas and Chattanooga) and are 0-2 in the SEC, allowing Kentucky to ring up 21 straight points in the fourth quarter of a 42-29 UK win in Fayetteville on Sept. 22. Having lost defensive playmakers Jamaal Anderson and Chris Houston to the NFL this year, the Razorbacks are hurting for somebody to make plays on defense. They've tried moving safety Michael Grant to cornerback, and Grant has won his share of battles. He and teammate Jerrell Norton lead the SEC in passes defended.
Midseason MVP
McFadden and Jones have been magnificent and there's no way you can separate the two. While Jones has been the Hogs' big home-run hitter -- he leads the nation in yards per carry at 10.5 yards and is fourth nationally in kickoff returns (scoring twice on returns) -- McFadden hasn't been bad himself. He's averaging 6 yards per carry, a miracle considering defenses have no respect for Arkansas' passing game and often put eight to nine defenders in the box.
What's next
The Razorbacks dive back into SEC play on Saturday against Auburn, a team Arkansas beat last year in the road when the Tigers were ranked No. 2 nationally. Arkansas is hoping to get the same boost this time around. But honestly, with two SEC losses on the ledger before the frost is on the pumpkins, winning the West is a huge fantasy. The best Arkansas can hope for is 7-5 overall, which would land them in a lower-tier SEC bowl, probably in Memphis (AutoZone Liberty) or Nashville (Music City).
Auburn Tigersing quarterback Brandon Cox new life. He was a turnover machine in Auburn's first three games when he had an interception to touchdown ratio of 6 to 2 and lost his starting job in game four against New Mexico State. But he shined in that game, regained his starting spot and has completed 44-of-62 passes for 526 yards, two TDs and one interception in Auburn's current three-game winning streak.
Midseason MVP
A lot of things have been up-and-down with the Tigers so far this season. But placekicking hasn't been a problem, even with the graduation of All-SEC kicker John Vaughn whose 50 career field goals ranks him No. 16 all-time in the league. True freshman Wes Byrum has been a rock, nailing 8-of-10 field goals and hitting a game-winning 43-yard field goal twice at Florida (twice because of that dreaded last-second timeout).
What's next
One of Auburn's two losses last year was to Arkansas. But that loss came three weeks after the Tigers beat LSU, 7-3, in a game in which Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox absorbed a frightful beating. He was never physically right the rest of the season. This season's schedule has pushed the LSU-Auburn game to next week, so Auburn is in good shape to make a sprint to the finish of the end of the season. Auburn thrives on road challenges, and there plenty of them left. If Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves gets those dislocated toes heeled, look out. Auburn could finish the regular season anywhere from 10-2 to 8-4.
Florida Gatorsed to figure out how to defend Tebow. You can't look at him as a conventional QB. He's an old-time option QB who also happens to throw. The defenses that bring the heat on him the whole game, the units that hit him almost every snap, the ones that sell out to get a piece of him, are the defenses that succeed. If you get him moving in the pocket, his pass percentage drops dramatically.
Midseason MVP
Tebow was a Florida football god even before he took a snap this season. Just his work off the bench last season as a short-yardage situation running quarterback grew his legend, a big 'ol boy who flattened defenders despite the fact the defense and everyone in the stadium knew he was going to run. Meyer had every intention of developing Tebow's passing skills at the start of the season, but he's had to rely on Tebow as his primary ball carrier. Tebow ranks first in the SEC and third nationally in passing efficiency, and is eighth in the league in rushing. And though he has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,445 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions, he isn't close yet to being a polished passer.
What's next
Honestly, the Gators are still in good shape to win the Eastern Division and get to Atlanta. Better offensive balance and a young defense that has to get physically tougher up front should be able to set up Florida for a possible rematch with LSU in the title game. The clear threat for the Gators is a Nov. 10 at South Carolina. Florida had to block a South Carolina field goal last year to escape with a 17-16 victory, the last close call in the Gators' national championship year. Florida could be staring at 10-2 or 9-3 at the end of the regular season.
Georgia Bulldogs
s making more plays and the O-line toughens up. The Bulldogs are staring at 8-4 or 7-5.
Kentucky Wildcatsing with No. 1 LSU on Saturday. In fact, the Tigers and Florida visit Lexington on back-to-back weekends, and the Gators are coming in after an open date. Kentucky also has to play at Georgia and ends the regular season trying to break a 22-game losing streak to Tennessee. The Wildcats have the firepower to outscore anybody in the league, but don't have a defense yet on the level of a championship defender. Look for UK to finish no worse than 8-4.
LSU Tigersing quarterback has been bothered by ankle injury since game one. The best wide receiver is still nursing a groin pull and has missed the last four games. The All-America defensive tackle, who sits at No.1 on Mel Kiper's NFL draft board, has been battling hamstring problems all season.
Yet No. 1 LSU (6-0, 3-0 in the Western Division) is so deep and so talented, that it can survive Matt Flynn's aching ankle, Early Doucet's nagging groin and Glenn Dorsey's tweaked hamstring. Oh yeah, and don't forget LSU's offensive line, which really hadn't had the services of its best lineman, Will Arnold, most of the season because of injuries.
The Tigers have had just one subpar game this season, a 34-9 win over Tulane two weeks ago when Flynn was sacked six times and the Tigers had to dig a little deep for motivation against a vastly inferior opponent. LSU has answered the biggest challenges to date, playing loose and fast on both sides of the ball. The Tigers have called and successfully run two fake field goals in the last three games, one of them resulted in a momentum-grabbing TD shortly before halftime against South Carolina.
LSU's defense has avoided major injuries and has been as good as advertised. The Tigers have at least seven future NFL draft choices on defense, ranging from Dorsey to linebacker Ali Highsmith to safety Craig Steltz, who leads the team with 41 tackles.
LSU is ranked No. 1 nationally in total defense (197.8 ypg), No. 4 in rushing defense (58.5 ypg) and No. 2 in scoring defense (9.3 points per game).
Midseason MVP
On maybe the physically and mentally toughest team in America, the toughest guy might be running back Jacob Hester. The 6-foot, 232-pound banger isn't the fastest back on the team and doesn't have the shiftiest moves, but he may be the best inside-the-tackle runner in the SEC. He doesn't fumble. He doesn't miss a pass protection. He's an excellent receiver. He's a complete football player, as he demonstrated on LSU's game-winning drive against Florida this past weekend, when he converted two fourth-down situations and scored the winning TD on a third-down plunge that was nothing but grit and power.
What's next
Most of LSU's heavy lifting appears to be in the rearview mirror, but in the SEC every game is a potential trap, starting with Saturday's date at Kentucky. The Wildcats have had a little extra rest, having played last Thursday while LSU played Saturday. Also, the Tigers play rapidly-improving Auburn next week in Baton Rouge. The last three games between the teams have been decided by a combined eight points. Can LSU run the regular season table? It sure looks like it.
Mississippi Rebelsing job from last year's designated savior/hot recruit Brent Schaeffer, has been surprisingly decent most of the year. Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis is fifth in the SEC in rushing, averaging 95 yards per game.
But even with new defensive coordinator John Thompson, the defense has collapsed against the best offenses on the schedule so far. During a four-game losing streak, Ole Miss gave up 38 points to Missouri, 31 to Vanderbilt, 30 to Florida and 45 to Georgia.
Finally after the Georgia loss, third-year Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron, supposedly regarded as a great recruiter, said his team didn't have enough SEC-caliber talent. One of Orgeron's problems is that of the 54 players he signed in his first two recruiting classes, only 33 are still with the team.
Compound that fact that Orgeron had never even been an offensive or defensive coordinator when Ole Miss hired him. The SEC is no place for on-the-job training as a head coach and Orgeron's record to date of 9-20 overall and 3-16 in the SEC indicates that. Orgeron is on track to have the worst SEC record of any Ole Miss coach in history in his first three seasons at the school. If Ole Miss had the money to buy out Orgeron, it probably would. But it doesn't, and the Ole Miss administration will have to eat its mistake for at least one more year.
Midseason MVP
Seth Adams has been a shining light for the Rebels. His story finally proves that a walk-on can start at quarterback in the SEC. Last season, Adams was never given a chance to compete for the starting job. Orgeron made the huge mistake on signing day in February 2006 of naming junior college signee Brent Schaeffer his starter. Schaeffer finally qualified academically for entrance to Ole Miss just as fall practice started, but he didn't look any different from the way he played at the University of Tennessee as a freshman in 2004. Adams persevered, had a great spring this past March and April and nailed down the job in the spring. He certainly hasn't been the Rebs' problem on offense this year.
What's next
The only guaranteed win left on the Ole Miss schedule is against Orgeron's alma mater, Division I-AA Northwestern (La.) State. It really doesn't mean much that the majority of the Rebels' toughest SEC games will be played in Oxford. Because if Ole Miss loses the next couple of weeks, the empty seats in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium will increase. The most optimistic finish for Ole Miss would be 4-8, assuming it can nab at least one SEC win.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Fourth-year Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom doesn't have a much better SEC record than his Ole Miss counterpart. Croom is 13-27 overall and 5-22 in the SEC, but most of those SEC wins have been quality. Wins over Florida and Alabama got Ron Zook and Mike Shula fired as head coaches. Croom's win over Tommy Tuberville and Auburn early this season also turned heads, but from the standpoint it didn't look like a fluke.
Say this for Croom. Despite a string of quarterback injuries the last two years, he has an offensive philosophy and has recruited to it. Sure, State would like to develop a stronger passing game and take more shots downfield. But right now, the Bulldogs' offense is all about running back Anthony Dixon and some ball-control passing to move the chains. State's hope every game, especially against superior opponents, is to be in position to win the game in the fourth quarter. And the Bulldogs have done that for the most part this season, aside from the season-opening 45-0 loss to LSU when quarterback Michael Henig threw six interceptions.
State's defense, right in the middle of the pack in the SEC in total defense, is vastly underrated. The Bulldogs have already returned four interceptions for touchdowns this season. State defensive end Titus Brown has emerged as the best pass rusher off the edge in the SEC, with six sacks, eight tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. In the secondary, DBs Anthony Johnson and Derek Pegues have made opposing receivers pay.
Midseason MVP
It's got to be Brown, whose relentless pursuit has forced double-teams and created opportunities for his teammates. Even with the extra attention on Brown, he has gotten his share of sacks. More than that, it was Brown's postgame speech after the LSU loss that lifted his teammates' spirits and got the Bulldogs back in step when they could have wallowed in pity.
What's next
The question is if State can squeeze out two more wins to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2000. It doesn't look good, even with three home games against Tennessee, Alabama and Ole Miss. The Bullies definitely have a shot at the Rebels meaning they'll have to steal a win elsewhere. Their best shot may come this weekend against Tennessee, who has to play State in between dates against Georgia and at Alabama. State goes no worse than 5-7, and a little luck gets that 6-6.
South Carolina Gamecocksing quarterback Blake Mitchell in favor of Chris Smelley. Spurrier's thinking was that since Carolina's offensive line has been so porous -- it has allowed an SEC-worst 16 sacks -- Smelley was more mobile than Mitchell. But what has been an added bonus is Smelley has thrown the ball well. He makes the right reads, goes to the right spots with this throws. He spreads his completions around. In his last two games as a starter, both wins over Mississippi State and Kentucky, Smelley completed a combined 36-of-67 passes for 535 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
Midseason MVP
When Carolina receiver Sidney Rice decided to jump to the NFL as an underclassmen, Carolina had to replace someone who caught 142 passes in the last two seasons. Who better to replace Rice than his wingman, Kenny McKinley. He benefitted from defenses tailing Rice, but McKinley is now the guy that cornerbacks have to sweat. He already has 32 catches for 382 yards and league-high five TD receptions. McKinley always finds the open spots in zones, catches balls in crowds and gets good yardage after catches.
What's next
In just Spurrier's third year at Carolina with less-than-superior talent, South Carolina is in the thick of the Eastern Division race. Its fate will be decided in back-to-back road games at Tennessee and Arkansas on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3. If South Carolina survives that, it gets it on with Florida in Columbia on Nov. 10. The Gamecocks won't win the East, but a 9-3 finish will position them for a nice bowl trip.
Tennessee Volunteers
No one is quite sure about the Vols (3-2 overall, 1-1 in the East), who finally played a complete game in Saturday's 35-14 pounding of Georgia. Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer has been put under the blowtorch by his critics this season because the once-mighty Vols looked so bad in losses at then-No. 12 Cal, 45-31 and at then-No. 3 Florida, 59-20. Against Cal, the Vols missed 22 tackles. Against Florida, Tennessee wasn't even competitive. In both losses, the Vols allowed a kick return for a touchdown. In both losses, the Vols were awful in third-and-short situations, particularly in the red zone. Though Tennessee has had a lot of problems, ranging from weak play at defensive tackle to those aforementioned kick coverage problems, the one steady positive has been senior quarterback Erik Ainge, who has been sharp with his decision-making and his passing.
The most pleasant surprise has been a trio of receivers who have been steady, despite not being as spectacular as the Vols' NFL-bound pass catchers Robert Meachem, Jayson Swain and Bret Smith. The new guys -- Lucas Taylor, Josh Briscoe and Austin Rogers -- all rank among the SEC's reception per games leaders. Taylor, Briscoe and Rogers have combined to catch 81 balls for 941 yards and four touchdowns.
Midseason MVP
Ainge really has been brilliant on many levels. He leads the SEC in passing yards per game, averaging 259 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. But it's a treat to watch him operate. His checks are clear. He usually goes to the right receiver. He might be the best QB in the SEC at managing a game. His smarts work against him at times. He's so trained to check down on plays that he rarely has had a chance throw a deep ball this season against defenses forcing the short throw.
What's next
Florida's two straight losses have put the Vols back in the Eastern Division race -- and Tennessee controls its own destiny. Steve Spurrier has had a hex on Phillip Fulmer for the most part through the years. Kentucky, after 22 straight losses, is due to beat the Vols. So Tennessee finishes no better than 9-3, which should do wonders for Fulmer's job security.
Vanderbilt Commodoresing quarterback Chris Nickson has not matured in his decision-making. Nickson is completing just 53.6 percent of his passes, and has thrown just more TD (6) than he has interceptions (5).
Midseason MVP
He isn't the biggest or fastest receiver, but Earl Bennett is just most precise receiver in the SEC. He runs crisp routes, he knows how to deal with physical cornerbacks and get separation, and he doesn't drop balls. Bennett has 202 career catches and needs seven more to become the SEC's all-time reception leader surpassing Kentucky's Craig Yeast.
What's next
Vanderbilt's 35-7 loss to Auburn last Saturday is an indication where the Commodores are headed. Every SEC opponent left on Vandy's schedule has a winning record, and the Commodores' three hardest leagues are on the road. Vandy won't get the three wins to be bowl eligible. At best, it will finish 5-7.
Ron Higgins covers the Southeastern Conference for the Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn
Popcorn & Raisinettes, My Life's a Movie
DLO, I mean as far as team for teams go, but one on one QB swap of course i'd take Dre but
*Sidenote* DESMOND HOWARD IS AWESOME ON ESPN
SEC Mid Season report Alabama Crimson Tideing running back Terry Grant, who's sixth in the SEC in rushing (88.5 yards per game), in favor of Glen Coffee, who ran 30 times for 121 yards vs. Houston. As far as Wilson, he has Saban's public support. Behind the scenes, though, there may be some debate among the Bama offensive braintrust about Wilson checking out of called plays too often. Saban is reluctant to make a quarterback change because backup Greg McElroy is a redshirt freshman with zero experience.
Midseason MVP
On a defense that lacks playmakers, Alabama senior end Wallace Gilberry is the one guy Saban can count on every game to make a play. Gilberry, who has 37 tackles on the season (6.2 per game), is tied for second in the SEC in tackles for loss with nine. He's just coming off an 11-tackle performance against Houston that earned SEC defensive player of the week honors. And he did that playing through after he nursed a bruised knee ligament week. Saban loves players who sell out their bodies and play through injuries. He's looking for more of them.
What's next
Alabama's offense was supposed to be its strongpoint. The Tide needs to get better week-to-week efficiency from Wilson. Three of Alabama's last five games are at home, with games against Tennessee and LSU sandwiching an open date. It looks like a 7-5 regular season record is in the offing, but 8-4 is still a possibility.
Arkansas Razorbacks to his season more than Arkansas' Houston Nutt, who was roasted in the offseason by critics who believed Nutt forced freshman quarterback Mitch Mustain's hand in transferring to Southern Cal. The one thing that the Hogs needed to do early was demonstrate a vastly improved passing game to back up defenses stacked to stop Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. That hasn't happened for two reasons, the first of which was star receiver Marcus Monk tearing knee cartilage in the preseason. He hasn't played a down this season, and the Hogs also lost two more receivers for the year, including athletic tight end Ben Cleveland who had the wheels to line up as a wideout. With no big-play receivers, returning starting quarterback Casey @#%$ hasn't had much confidence throwing the ball. He has the lowest completion percentage (52.6) of all the SEC starting quarterbacks.
Because of running brilliance of McFadden (155.8 yards per game) and Jones (126.2 ypg), the nation's No. 3 and No. 8 ranked rushers, the Razorbacks have scratched out three wins. The problem is they haven't beaten anybody (Troy, North Texas and Chattanooga) and are 0-2 in the SEC, allowing Kentucky to ring up 21 straight points in the fourth quarter of a 42-29 UK win in Fayetteville on Sept. 22. Having lost defensive playmakers Jamaal Anderson and Chris Houston to the NFL this year, the Razorbacks are hurting for somebody to make plays on defense. They've tried moving safety Michael Grant to cornerback, and Grant has won his share of battles. He and teammate Jerrell Norton lead the SEC in passes defended.
Midseason MVP
McFadden and Jones have been magnificent and there's no way you can separate the two. While Jones has been the Hogs' big home-run hitter -- he leads the nation in yards per carry at 10.5 yards and is fourth nationally in kickoff returns (scoring twice on returns) -- McFadden hasn't been bad himself. He's averaging 6 yards per carry, a miracle considering defenses have no respect for Arkansas' passing game and often put eight to nine defenders in the box.
What's next
The Razorbacks dive back into SEC play on Saturday against Auburn, a team Arkansas beat last year in the road when the Tigers were ranked No. 2 nationally. Arkansas is hoping to get the same boost this time around. But honestly, with two SEC losses on the ledger before the frost is on the pumpkins, winning the West is a huge fantasy. The best Arkansas can hope for is 7-5 overall, which would land them in a lower-tier SEC bowl, probably in Memphis (AutoZone Liberty) or Nashville (Music City).
Auburn Tigersing quarterback Brandon Cox new life. He was a turnover machine in Auburn's first three games when he had an interception to touchdown ratio of 6 to 2 and lost his starting job in game four against New Mexico State. But he shined in that game, regained his starting spot and has completed 44-of-62 passes for 526 yards, two TDs and one interception in Auburn's current three-game winning streak.
Midseason MVP
A lot of things have been up-and-down with the Tigers so far this season. But placekicking hasn't been a problem, even with the graduation of All-SEC kicker John Vaughn whose 50 career field goals ranks him No. 16 all-time in the league. True freshman Wes Byrum has been a rock, nailing 8-of-10 field goals and hitting a game-winning 43-yard field goal twice at Florida (twice because of that dreaded last-second timeout).
What's next
One of Auburn's two losses last year was to Arkansas. But that loss came three weeks after the Tigers beat LSU, 7-3, in a game in which Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox absorbed a frightful beating. He was never physically right the rest of the season. This season's schedule has pushed the LSU-Auburn game to next week, so Auburn is in good shape to make a sprint to the finish of the end of the season. Auburn thrives on road challenges, and there plenty of them left. If Auburn defensive end Quentin Groves gets those dislocated toes heeled, look out. Auburn could finish the regular season anywhere from 10-2 to 8-4.
Florida Gatorsed to figure out how to defend Tebow. You can't look at him as a conventional QB. He's an old-time option QB who also happens to throw. The defenses that bring the heat on him the whole game, the units that hit him almost every snap, the ones that sell out to get a piece of him, are the defenses that succeed. If you get him moving in the pocket, his pass percentage drops dramatically.
Midseason MVP
Tebow was a Florida football god even before he took a snap this season. Just his work off the bench last season as a short-yardage situation running quarterback grew his legend, a big 'ol boy who flattened defenders despite the fact the defense and everyone in the stadium knew he was going to run. Meyer had every intention of developing Tebow's passing skills at the start of the season, but he's had to rely on Tebow as his primary ball carrier. Tebow ranks first in the SEC and third nationally in passing efficiency, and is eighth in the league in rushing. And though he has completed 65.5 percent of his passes for 1,445 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions, he isn't close yet to being a polished passer.
What's next
Honestly, the Gators are still in good shape to win the Eastern Division and get to Atlanta. Better offensive balance and a young defense that has to get physically tougher up front should be able to set up Florida for a possible rematch with LSU in the title game. The clear threat for the Gators is a Nov. 10 at South Carolina. Florida had to block a South Carolina field goal last year to escape with a 17-16 victory, the last close call in the Gators' national championship year. Florida could be staring at 10-2 or 9-3 at the end of the regular season.
Georgia Bulldogs
Kentucky Wildcatsing with No. 1 LSU on Saturday. In fact, the Tigers and Florida visit Lexington on back-to-back weekends, and the Gators are coming in after an open date. Kentucky also has to play at Georgia and ends the regular season trying to break a 22-game losing streak to Tennessee. The Wildcats have the firepower to outscore anybody in the league, but don't have a defense yet on the level of a championship defender. Look for UK to finish no worse than 8-4.
LSU Tigersing quarterback has been bothered by ankle injury since game one. The best wide receiver is still nursing a groin pull and has missed the last four games. The All-America defensive tackle, who sits at No.1 on Mel Kiper's NFL draft board, has been battling hamstring problems all season.
Yet No. 1 LSU (6-0, 3-0 in the Western Division) is so deep and so talented, that it can survive Matt Flynn's aching ankle, Early Doucet's nagging groin and Glenn Dorsey's tweaked hamstring. Oh yeah, and don't forget LSU's offensive line, which really hadn't had the services of its best lineman, Will Arnold, most of the season because of injuries.
The Tigers have had just one subpar game this season, a 34-9 win over Tulane two weeks ago when Flynn was sacked six times and the Tigers had to dig a little deep for motivation against a vastly inferior opponent. LSU has answered the biggest challenges to date, playing loose and fast on both sides of the ball. The Tigers have called and successfully run two fake field goals in the last three games, one of them resulted in a momentum-grabbing TD shortly before halftime against South Carolina.
LSU's defense has avoided major injuries and has been as good as advertised. The Tigers have at least seven future NFL draft choices on defense, ranging from Dorsey to linebacker Ali Highsmith to safety Craig Steltz, who leads the team with 41 tackles.
LSU is ranked No. 1 nationally in total defense (197.8 ypg), No. 4 in rushing defense (58.5 ypg) and No. 2 in scoring defense (9.3 points per game).
Midseason MVP
On maybe the physically and mentally toughest team in America, the toughest guy might be running back Jacob Hester. The 6-foot, 232-pound banger isn't the fastest back on the team and doesn't have the shiftiest moves, but he may be the best inside-the-tackle runner in the SEC. He doesn't fumble. He doesn't miss a pass protection. He's an excellent receiver. He's a complete football player, as he demonstrated on LSU's game-winning drive against Florida this past weekend, when he converted two fourth-down situations and scored the winning TD on a third-down plunge that was nothing but grit and power.
What's next
Most of LSU's heavy lifting appears to be in the rearview mirror, but in the SEC every game is a potential trap, starting with Saturday's date at Kentucky. The Wildcats have had a little extra rest, having played last Thursday while LSU played Saturday. Also, the Tigers play rapidly-improving Auburn next week in Baton Rouge. The last three games between the teams have been decided by a combined eight points. Can LSU run the regular season table? It sure looks like it.
Mississippi Rebelsing job from last year's designated savior/hot recruit Brent Schaeffer, has been surprisingly decent most of the year. Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis is fifth in the SEC in rushing, averaging 95 yards per game.
But even with new defensive coordinator John Thompson, the defense has collapsed against the best offenses on the schedule so far. During a four-game losing streak, Ole Miss gave up 38 points to Missouri, 31 to Vanderbilt, 30 to Florida and 45 to Georgia.
Finally after the Georgia loss, third-year Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron, supposedly regarded as a great recruiter, said his team didn't have enough SEC-caliber talent. One of Orgeron's problems is that of the 54 players he signed in his first two recruiting classes, only 33 are still with the team.
Compound that fact that Orgeron had never even been an offensive or defensive coordinator when Ole Miss hired him. The SEC is no place for on-the-job training as a head coach and Orgeron's record to date of 9-20 overall and 3-16 in the SEC indicates that. Orgeron is on track to have the worst SEC record of any Ole Miss coach in history in his first three seasons at the school. If Ole Miss had the money to buy out Orgeron, it probably would. But it doesn't, and the Ole Miss administration will have to eat its mistake for at least one more year.
Midseason MVP
Seth Adams has been a shining light for the Rebels. His story finally proves that a walk-on can start at quarterback in the SEC. Last season, Adams was never given a chance to compete for the starting job. Orgeron made the huge mistake on signing day in February 2006 of naming junior college signee Brent Schaeffer his starter. Schaeffer finally qualified academically for entrance to Ole Miss just as fall practice started, but he didn't look any different from the way he played at the University of Tennessee as a freshman in 2004. Adams persevered, had a great spring this past March and April and nailed down the job in the spring. He certainly hasn't been the Rebs' problem on offense this year.
What's next
The only guaranteed win left on the Ole Miss schedule is against Orgeron's alma mater, Division I-AA Northwestern (La.) State. It really doesn't mean much that the majority of the Rebels' toughest SEC games will be played in Oxford. Because if Ole Miss loses the next couple of weeks, the empty seats in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium will increase. The most optimistic finish for Ole Miss would be 4-8, assuming it can nab at least one SEC win.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Fourth-year Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom doesn't have a much better SEC record than his Ole Miss counterpart. Croom is 13-27 overall and 5-22 in the SEC, but most of those SEC wins have been quality. Wins over Florida and Alabama got Ron Zook and Mike Shula fired as head coaches. Croom's win over Tommy Tuberville and Auburn early this season also turned heads, but from the standpoint it didn't look like a fluke.
Say this for Croom. Despite a string of quarterback injuries the last two years, he has an offensive philosophy and has recruited to it. Sure, State would like to develop a stronger passing game and take more shots downfield. But right now, the Bulldogs' offense is all about running back Anthony Dixon and some ball-control passing to move the chains. State's hope every game, especially against superior opponents, is to be in position to win the game in the fourth quarter. And the Bulldogs have done that for the most part this season, aside from the season-opening 45-0 loss to LSU when quarterback Michael Henig threw six interceptions.
State's defense, right in the middle of the pack in the SEC in total defense, is vastly underrated. The Bulldogs have already returned four interceptions for touchdowns this season. State defensive end Titus Brown has emerged as the best pass rusher off the edge in the SEC, with six sacks, eight tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. In the secondary, DBs Anthony Johnson and Derek Pegues have made opposing receivers pay.
Midseason MVP
It's got to be Brown, whose relentless pursuit has forced double-teams and created opportunities for his teammates. Even with the extra attention on Brown, he has gotten his share of sacks. More than that, it was Brown's postgame speech after the LSU loss that lifted his teammates' spirits and got the Bulldogs back in step when they could have wallowed in pity.
What's next
The question is if State can squeeze out two more wins to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2000. It doesn't look good, even with three home games against Tennessee, Alabama and Ole Miss. The Bullies definitely have a shot at the Rebels meaning they'll have to steal a win elsewhere. Their best shot may come this weekend against Tennessee, who has to play State in between dates against Georgia and at Alabama. State goes no worse than 5-7, and a little luck gets that 6-6.
South Carolina Gamecocksing quarterback Blake Mitchell in favor of Chris Smelley. Spurrier's thinking was that since Carolina's offensive line has been so porous -- it has allowed an SEC-worst 16 sacks -- Smelley was more mobile than Mitchell. But what has been an added bonus is Smelley has thrown the ball well. He makes the right reads, goes to the right spots with this throws. He spreads his completions around. In his last two games as a starter, both wins over Mississippi State and Kentucky, Smelley completed a combined 36-of-67 passes for 535 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.
Midseason MVP
When Carolina receiver Sidney Rice decided to jump to the NFL as an underclassmen, Carolina had to replace someone who caught 142 passes in the last two seasons. Who better to replace Rice than his wingman, Kenny McKinley. He benefitted from defenses tailing Rice, but McKinley is now the guy that cornerbacks have to sweat. He already has 32 catches for 382 yards and league-high five TD receptions. McKinley always finds the open spots in zones, catches balls in crowds and gets good yardage after catches.
What's next
In just Spurrier's third year at Carolina with less-than-superior talent, South Carolina is in the thick of the Eastern Division race. Its fate will be decided in back-to-back road games at Tennessee and Arkansas on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3. If South Carolina survives that, it gets it on with Florida in Columbia on Nov. 10. The Gamecocks won't win the East, but a 9-3 finish will position them for a nice bowl trip.
Tennessee Volunteers
No one is quite sure about the Vols (3-2 overall, 1-1 in the East), who finally played a complete game in Saturday's 35-14 pounding of Georgia. Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer has been put under the blowtorch by his critics this season because the once-mighty Vols looked so bad in losses at then-No. 12 Cal, 45-31 and at then-No. 3 Florida, 59-20. Against Cal, the Vols missed 22 tackles. Against Florida, Tennessee wasn't even competitive. In both losses, the Vols allowed a kick return for a touchdown. In both losses, the Vols were awful in third-and-short situations, particularly in the red zone. Though Tennessee has had a lot of problems, ranging from weak play at defensive tackle to those aforementioned kick coverage problems, the one steady positive has been senior quarterback Erik Ainge, who has been sharp with his decision-making and his passing.
The most pleasant surprise has been a trio of receivers who have been steady, despite not being as spectacular as the Vols' NFL-bound pass catchers Robert Meachem, Jayson Swain and Bret Smith. The new guys -- Lucas Taylor, Josh Briscoe and Austin Rogers -- all rank among the SEC's reception per games leaders. Taylor, Briscoe and Rogers have combined to catch 81 balls for 941 yards and four touchdowns.
Midseason MVP
Ainge really has been brilliant on many levels. He leads the SEC in passing yards per game, averaging 259 yards with 10 touchdowns and two interceptions. But it's a treat to watch him operate. His checks are clear. He usually goes to the right receiver. He might be the best QB in the SEC at managing a game. His smarts work against him at times. He's so trained to check down on plays that he rarely has had a chance throw a deep ball this season against defenses forcing the short throw.
What's next
Florida's two straight losses have put the Vols back in the Eastern Division race -- and Tennessee controls its own destiny. Steve Spurrier has had a hex on Phillip Fulmer for the most part through the years. Kentucky, after 22 straight losses, is due to beat the Vols. So Tennessee finishes no better than 9-3, which should do wonders for Fulmer's job security.
Vanderbilt Commodoresing quarterback Chris Nickson has not matured in his decision-making. Nickson is completing just 53.6 percent of his passes, and has thrown just more TD (6) than he has interceptions (5).
Midseason MVP
He isn't the biggest or fastest receiver, but Earl Bennett is just most precise receiver in the SEC. He runs crisp routes, he knows how to deal with physical cornerbacks and get separation, and he doesn't drop balls. Bennett has 202 career catches and needs seven more to become the SEC's all-time reception leader surpassing Kentucky's Craig Yeast.
What's next
Vanderbilt's 35-7 loss to Auburn last Saturday is an indication where the Commodores are headed. Every SEC opponent left on Vandy's schedule has a winning record, and the Commodores' three hardest leagues are on the road. Vandy won't get the three wins to be bowl eligible. At best, it will finish 5-7.
Ron Higgins covers the Southeastern Conference for the Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn
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S[/color]Popcorn & Raisinettes, My Life's a Movie
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Tennessee is so sparatic, you never know which team is gonna come out on Saturday, I think that we (UF) still have a great chance to win the east we just need to take care of business.
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The winner of the SEC East will have 2 losses.
I AIN'T EVEN WIT IT
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ESPN College Gameday coming to Lexington next week for the UK/FLA game 
BELIEVE
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**** Bump since Vandy's winning vs So. Carolina early
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YEAHHH BOY
Vandy got this ON LOCK. GAME OVER
Vandy got this ON LOCK. GAME OVER
I AIN'T EVEN WIT IT
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Team 4:20
I can mingle with the stars, And throw a party on Mars
I can mingle with the stars, And throw a party on Mars
Free Chilly
TEAM FLORIDA GATORS
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LMAO Ole Miss is getting straight up EMBARRASSED by the Hogs at home. Got so bad that they had some fireworks go out at halftime that caused a small fire and knocked out the scoreboard. That's also probably was a way to hide the fact that they are losing 44-8
And if that's not good enough, guess who's back at QB?? That's right Brent Schaeffer.
And if that's not good enough, guess who's back at QB?? That's right Brent Schaeffer.
I AIN'T EVEN WIT IT
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Quote:
Arian Foster ran for 91 yards on just 13 carries and gained another 74 on four catches. :xKILLING in the first half.
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It is time for Phil Fulmer to leave. I wanted him gone last year but I figured I would give him the benefit of the doubt, but that is now gone. I agree with Gunna completely. There is no reason Arian Foster should not have continued to get the ball in the 2nd half, he was unstoppable. This blowout should only make his seat a little hotter. He is completely out of his league with the other coaching hires in the last few years. And after seeing Saban and Meyer outcoach him, I am terrified to see what happens this week when he gets another crack at the Visor. Not sure about the rest of the Vol fans here but I am done with the great pumpkin and I think it is time for a change.
If winning isn't everything,why do they keep score?
If winning isn't everything,why do they keep score?
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I think it is time for a change.
John Parker Wilson's comments on the Vols scheme...
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Wilson remained calm in the pocket, often floating dump passes over the heads of blitzing defenders, and Hall was nearly unstoppable when he lined up in the slot. Ten of Hall's catches came in the first half.
"They weren't covering him," Wilson said. "I don't know what they were doing."
Quote:
WHERE ART THOU, MONTARIO?
Sophomore tailback Montario Hardesty did not play in the game despite having rushed a combined 30 times for 146 yards and a touchdown in the Vols' previous two wins against Georgia and Mississippi State.
Fulmer said Hardesty didn't fit the team's offensive plans against the Tide.
"We went open sets and three-wide sets, and he's not a great pass receiver, or we've got
better guys at that," Fulmer said. "We didn't get him in the game and we should've. He's a
good player."
Leaving the field after the loss, Hardesty said he didn't know why he never got off the bench.
"(Expletive), you tell me," he said.
Hardesty sound like a man mad enough to transfer and I wouldnt blame him one bit
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O'NEAL'S APPEAL Junior college wideout Kenny O'Neal, expected in the preseason to be
a heavy contributor in the Vols' passing game, hardly made it onto the field against the Tide and appears to have fallen behind freshmen Gerald Jones and Denarius Moore and sophomore Quintin Hancock on UT's depth chart.
He doesn't really understand why.
"I don't know man, I'm working hard in practice," O'Neal said. "Hopefully it will pay off in the future. I just want to play.
"I just want to play to the best of my abilities."Fat Phil ...
LSU Sunday News
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LaFell was benched after his second-half drop led to an interception.
Looks like his spot is in trouble considering Byrd (#2) came in and Murdered Auburn's secondary.
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i stole this from GUNNA
TEAM FLORIDA GATORS
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Quote:
Hardesty sound like a man mad enough to transfer and I wouldnt blame him one bit
Hardesty a NO-SHOW at Sunday's Practice
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Tennessee took one on the chin on Saturday against Alabama, falling 41-17 in Tuscaloosa, but more bad news apparently was yet to come on Sunday. Phillip Fulmer convened a rare Sunday night practice for the squad, but there was one very notable absence on the roster when the team assembled this evening.
Sophomore tailback Montario Hardesty was a no-show at Sunday night's practice, and nothing about the situation sounds encouraging at the moment in regards to his status and what it says about the state of the team at the moment.
"I'm not sure what's going on with Montario," Fulmer said after the Vols'
Sunday evening workout. "His roommate doesn't know where he is. We'll find out and deal with it."
Prior to the Alabama game, Hardesty had been an integral part of Tennessee's offense. In consecutive wins over Georgia and Mississippi State the sophomore from New Bern, N.C. had carried the ball 30 times for 148 yards and a touchdown.
Against Alabama on Saturday Hardesty didn't get a carry and didn't enter the game.
Asked why he didn't play as he exited the stadium on Saturday afternoon, Hardesty replied, ""(Expletive), you tell me."
Fulmer said that he spoke with Hardesty on Saturday, was well aware of his frustration, but disappointed by the current turn of events.
"I spoke to him just briefly after the game. He wasn't very happy, but this isn't the right way to make that presentation.
"It's disappointing. He should be here with his teammates."
After Saturday's contest, Fulmer said that the decision not to play Hardesty was dictated by the number of 'open sets' Tennessee used, and not a disciplinary measure.
"We were in open sets a lot, and we just weren't able to get him in like we wanted to," Fulmer said.
Wide receiver Kenny O'Neal was also absent from Sunday night's practice, but Fulmer indicated that O'Neal was taking care of an academic matter.
On everything, I hope he transfers to UF and gives Urban a legit RB so he can dominate and rub it in Fat Phil's face.
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aepps20
Supporter
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wow what happened to do whatever it took to get a player the ball
you just sit the guy down after he's been producing,
you just sit the guy down after he's been producing,
TEAM AALIYAH
ONE IN A MILLION
DOLPHINS GATORS HEAT HURRICANES
ONE IN A MILLION
DOLPHINS GATORS HEAT HURRICANES