Saturday, July 31, 2010

2010 SEC Football Preview: Mississippi State Bulldogs


By Dan Harralson

The Bulldog program obviously did not make a bowl game last season, but is coming off very positive momentum. After two embarrassing losses to Alabama and Arkansas, State defeated Ole Miss 41-27 in the annual Egg Bowl. Quarterback Tyson Lee will be replaced by Chris Relf. Freshman running back, Ryan Elliot, will look to quickly make strides in the running game. The receiving core is solid starting with Chad Bumphis and Leon Berry. The offense is retooled and focused to continue Dan Mullen's spread attack. Senior offensive tackle, Derek Sherrod, leads the offensive line that will need to step up in the big SEC games. We all know that Mullen was Urban Meyer's right hand man for many years. They both saw success at Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida together. The 2010 Mississippi State media guide is the apparent in Mullen's Urban Meyer traits. Meyer is all for selling the program and going to the extreme to make things work against the opponent (off the field.) The Bulldog media guide erases all of the year-by-year results, which makes MSU the only SEC school to not print each year's results. I am assuming Coach Mullen is embarrassed by State's yearly history and overall record to "The school from the North?" Mullen is a coordinator cashing in on a head coaching opportunity with zero pressure. He is the right guy for this situation and this program, but he needs signature wins to back up these antics. Look for the Bulldogs to win six games this season. Below I asked Coach Mullen about recruiting against "The school to the North"

Friday, July 30, 2010

2010 SEC Football Preview: Ole Miss Rebels


By Dan Harralson

The Ole Miss Rebels are the most intriguing team for the 2010 SEC season. We have learned today that Jeremiah Masoli will play for the Ole Miss Rebels. Masoli brings experience, a Pac-10 championship, Rose Bowl success, but most importantly: A second chance. It seems like Ole Miss is the center of quarterback re-treds lately. Brent Schaeffer, Jevan Snead, and now Jerimiah Masoli. The Rebels lose a lot on the offensive front, but have a favorable SEC East schedule. October 30th will be the deciding game if 2010 is a success or a failure. The winner of the Auburn/Ole Miss game should have a great chance to record a 9 win season. The Rebels can't replace Dexter McCluster, but they can find different variables that work around Masoli. Masoli envisioned a tough game at Neyland Stadium, but not knowing it would come on November 13th. Other tough road tests include Alabama, Arkansas, and LSU. Then "The school from the North" hosts the annual Egg Bowl November 27th. Before the Rebels can defend their back-to-back Cotton Bowl trophies, Ole Miss has to avenge the Egg Bowl loss and add to their 60-40-6 overall record against State. Look for Ole Miss to record 8 or 9 wins this season. Below is a quote that I asked Coach Nutt regarding his tenure at Boise State:

Q. Boise State was brought up. It was used in the same sentence as moving that game to Atlanta possibly. It's a true testament to yourself that Boise State is the team that it is, that we've seen this past decade. Talk about your experience at Boise State and do you think you pretty much laid the foundation to get that thing going?

COACH NUTT: No, I appreciate Gene Bleimeyer, the athletic director that gave me a chance. I was at Murray State. They had just moved up to Division I. When I went out there for the interview, I knew they had real passion. The people, the fans, they love football in Boise, Idaho. Beautiful place, mountains, everything. Yes, they do have blue turf. It was an awesome experience.

But as far as us having that much to do with it, Boise State, if you check the record, they've won a lot of games, even when they were in 1-AA. I don't know if we had that much to do with it. I think we did maybe help with a few things. I just had one year there. Pokey Allen did a very good job. He had passed away when I got there. They had a bad season the year before. Then they make that move to Division I. Gene Bleimeyer added seats to the stadium. So the atmosphere was just awesome. You could see it. You could really see this thing is going to be very special. You could see it coming. Coach Peterson has just done an awesome job.

2010 SEC Football Preview: LSU Tigers


By Dan Harralson

Hold that Tiger? Hold that guarantee? The way Les Miles is talking, Tiger fans need to buy all the SEC Championship Game tickets available. "I like our team in every game," Coach Miles told everyone at Media Days. Forget the 17-9 record over the past two seasons, Miles still "likes his chances." The 17-9 record looks very bad for a program that is on their last straw, of benefiting what Nick Saban created there. I will take up for Miles regarding last seasons four losses. The Tigers posted losses to Florida (13-3) and Alabama (24-15.) 'Bama and Florida were the two best teams in college football last season and nobody stood in their way. Add on a two-point loss, at Vaught Hemingway Stadium, to a team that the media loved last July. LSU then lost to 13th ranked Penn State, in rainy Orlando. I agree with Coach Miles regarding his talent and I love for a coach to have that much confidence in his team. I can easily see the Tigers recording a ten win season and possibly run the table besides Alabama. When you have a roster with Jordan Jefferson, Richard Murphy, Drake Nevis, Joseph Barksdale, Josh Jasper, Kelvin Sheppard, Russell Shepard, Spencer Ware, and many others: The sky is the limit. My question to Les Miles: Is this your calling card to give all you have before you take over at your alma mater? It sure does sound like it. Below I asked Coach Miles about a guarantee on winning the SEC West, since he "likes his chances in every game." Look for the LSU Tigers to handle North Carolina and have a great shot to record a ten or eleven win season.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

2010 SEC Football Preview: Kentucky Wildcats


By Dan Harralson

The 2010 Kentucky football season will be a monumental one. A true Kentucky football guy, Joker Phillips, takes over the reigns for Rich Brooks. Phillips has been on all levels of the Kentucky football program. Deserving of the promotion to head coach, Phillips played for the Big Blue from 1981-1984. The former UK wide receiver helped record back-to-back Hall of Fame Bowl's. Kentucky lost to West Virginia 20-16 (1983) and defeated Wisconsin 20-19 (1984.) Phillips not only helped UK to back-to-back bowl appearances, but he also was on the last UK team to defeat Tennessee. Tennessee has recorded the NCAA's longest active winning streak against an opponent (Kentucky, 24 games.) Phillips and the 1984 'Cats defeated the Vols 17-12, in Knoxville. Quickly after his playing career, Joker joined UK as a graduate assistant (1988-89.) Bill Curry took over in 1990, after being let go from Alabama. Phillips was promoted to assistant recruiting coordinator until serving as wide receivers coach from 1991-96. Coach Phillips did not come back to Lexington until 2003 (serving as recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach again.) In 2005, Rich Brooks promoted Joker to offensive coordinator. He is taking full reigns over a football program that has been to four consecutive bowl games. Kentucky has not seen this type of football success since Bear Bryant walked the Lexington sidelines. Bryant led Kentucky to four bowl games in five seasons (1947-51.) Having Randy Sanders (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach) and Tee Martin (wide receivers coach) on staff, these two individuals will bring an understanding of SEC recruiting. Phillips' offense has increased in numbers the past three seasons. Look for Kentucky to make a fifth consecutive bowl bid this season. Playmakers Derrick Locke and Randall Cobb will lead the Big Blue to 8 or 9 wins.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

2010 SEC SEC Football Preview: Georgia Bulldogs


By Dan Harralson

Hunker down your hairy dawg! The 2010 season should allow the University of Georgia to come, to see, and to conquer (the SEC East that is.) There is no doubt that Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators have the most all around talent in the SEC East. The difference between Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina is the conference schedule. Georgia hosts Arkansas and goes to Starkville and Auburn. Their three SEC West games are much easier opposed to Florida and South Carolina's SEC West schedule. The Gators go to Tuscaloosa and entertain LSU and Mississippi State at home. Steve Spurrier finally gets a break with Florida and Tennessee being in a transition year. If Spurrier had the Georgia conference schedule, South Carolina probably turns the corner and plays a December game in Atlanta. It is not all about having a favorable schedule for the 2010 Georgia Bulldog team. The Georgia offense fields the best receiver, in the SEC, with A.J. Green. Green recorded 808 receiving yards along with six receiving touchdowns last year. The running game is as strong as ever in Mark Richt's tenure. Washaun Ealey and Caleb King lead the way on the ground. Ealey did not play in Georgia's first four games last year and finished with 717 yards and three rushing touchdown's. Caleb King missed the first two games and finished with 594 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdown's. The biggest void to fill, but easily the biggest upgrade, is Aaron Murray replacing Joe Cox. The red-shirt Freshman quarterback, Murray, completed 10-22 passes in the 2010 G-Day spring game. Murray is a Parade All-American high school stud and the number three ranked quarterback in the nation (according to Rivals and Scout.) Some may say he has to get accustomed to football on the college level, but he has learned from his brother (Josh Murray; current Senior Safety for Georgia.) Another reason why Georgia should win the East is Todd Grantham. Grantham was hired in as Georgia's new defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach. Grantham is installing a 3-4 base defensive and has learned this defense from the best. Grantham learned under Bud Foster/Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech 1990-95), Nick Saban (Michigan State 1996-1998), and recent stops in the NFL. There is a reason why Nick Saban promoted Grantham to Assistant Head Coach in 1998. The Georgia defense will be in a better form and will help Georgia make the SEC East run. On top of the offense and defense being regenerized, the Bulldogs have the best kicker and punter in the conference (Walsh and Butler.) Below I asked Coach Richt about voting Georgia to win the SEC East:

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

2010 SEC Football Preview: Florida Gators


By Dan Harralson

The Florida Gators and Urban Meyer enter the 2010 A.T. season. This A.T. (after Tebow) season is crucial for Meyer and the Florida program to try and stay even par with Alabama. It was one thing to lose to Saban and Alabama, but Meyer lost in a convincing way. Saban beat Florida in a way that Spurrier beat Alabama in the 1990's. Spurrier accumulated a 6-3 record against the Tide, proclaiming the Florida program above Alabama's in that decade. There is no doubt that Florida (from '06-'08) was the top program nationally and in the SEC. Look back at Saban's track record of taking down 'the giants.' When Spurrier left for the Redskins, Phillip Fulmer and Tennessee were the top program in the SEC. Saban and LSU quickly defeated the Vols in a game that would have sent Tennessee to the Rose Bowl National Championship Game. That game would have put Tennessee in a Florida and Alabama type dominate category historically. Oklahoma was a program (from '00-'03) that the media proposed that no team could defeat. Once again, Saban took the Sooners off their pedestal in the BCS National Championship Game. You can even go back to Saban's 1999 Michigan State days when he defeated Michigan 34-31 (after Michigan won the '97 national championship.) That began Lloyd Carr's downward spiral in Ann Arbor (with the addition of Jim Tressel in Columbus.) Urban Meyer and the Gators are playing catch up and ironically enough, it is because of one game last December. Condolences go out to Urban and his health, but sometimes one may think that his retirement helped 'salvage' a top recruiting class. Sometimes desperate times equal desperate measures. Meyer is a great coach and has the talent to win the East once again. Through his first five seasons he has recorded a 57-10 overall record compared to Spurrier's first five season's 49-12-1. Back-to-back 13 win seasons is a true testament to what Meyer has installed in Gainesviile. The question is: Can Meyer overcome the calling card Saban has sent him? Look for the Gators and new quarterback John Brantley to record a 9 or 10 win season. Below I asked Coach Meyer about having Alabama circled on their schedule like Nick Saban had Florida circled last season:

Monday, July 26, 2010

2010 SEC Football Preview: Auburn Tigers


By Dan Harralson

Gene Chizik. Year two. There has only been three coaches in Auburn's football history, in which a year number two coach defeated Alabama. Tommy Tuberville was the most recent head coach in the year 2000. Only Pat Dye (1982, 23-22) and Billy Watkins (1901, 17-0) are the only other coaches to defeat Alabama in their second season. Gene Chizik has a plan and his plan is to "sell the program." Tiger Prowl was the biggest example of "selling the program" against Nick Saban and Alabama. Cam Newton replaces Chris Todd at quarterback. Newton should fit in nicely with the running attack led by Mario Fannin. Gus Malzahn implemented his quirky offense last season; placing Chris Todd into the third best single season passing season at Auburn. Todd finished with 2,612 passing yards only behind Jason Campbell (2004 - 2,700 yards) and Dameyune Craig (1997 - 3,277 yards.) The difference between Todd and the top two individuals in this category; Campbell won the SEC and Craig won the SEC West. In this Malzahn offense, the opposing defense will give up 2-3 crucial 'Malzahn' plays per game: The opposing defense cannot give up 14-21 points off these 2-3 plays. Alabama gave up a few big plays in last season's Iron Bowl. The result concluded in the Malzahn offense shutting down, but it also creates the other teams offense to come back in the game. Auburn is living off a great motivator in Chizik and a quirky Malzahn offense. The Auburn approach is an upgrade from a Tuberville approach to compete against Nick Saban. Auburn needs to avenge 2009 losses to Arkansas, Kentucky, LSU, Georgia, and Alabama. The only foreseeable win out of these games is Kentucky. Look for the Tigers to have an eight win season. Below I asked Coach Chizik about implementing this offensive style in regards to competing with Nick Saban on the recruiting trail:

2010 SEC Football Preview: Arkansas Razorbacks


By Dan Harralson

Last year's Arkansas team posted an 8-5 (3-5) record. Close losses against Florida, Georgia, and LSU could have given the Razorbacks their first ten win season since 2006. Bobby Petrino is known for his offensive attack and it seems the Hog offense is ready for 2010. Petrino's offense scored 468 points last season (only 17 points shy of the 2006 school record.) Arkansas averaged 36 points per game, ranking third all-time in Arkansas school history, only behind the '07 season (37.3 ppg) and the '70 season (36.5 ppg.) It seems that last year's offense is all over the Arkansas record book only under-doing the Darren McFadden/Felix Jones/Marcus Monk 2007 offense. The 2009 Petrino air raid produced 60 offensive touchdowns, only two shy of the school record (set by the '07 team.) There is no question that Ryan Mallett will add to his 3,624 passing yards, 30 touchdown's, and 55.8 completion percentage. If it wasn't for Nick Saban coaching football in Tuscaloosa, there is not a doubt Ryan Mallett and company win the 2010 SEC West. Petrino's offense is good enough to make a second place West finish, but needs to overcome 49-14 and 35-7 losses to a Saban defense. The schedule is favorable to allow Arkansas its first ten win season since 2006. I asked Coach Petrino about the comparison between Mallett and Brian Brohm (whom he coached at Louisville.) Below is the question and answer:

Sunday, July 25, 2010

2010 SEC Football Preview: Alabama Crimson Tide


By Dan Harralson

Ironically enough, previewing the SEC alphabetically brings Alabama being first. The Alabama Crimson Tide aren't only previewed first, but they are going to finish first. Nick Saban has won 24 consecutive regular season games and it does not appear that streak will end. To possibly win 36 consecutive regular season games is a thought and an achievement that is unthinkable in college football today. With recruiting wars at an all-time high and and a different era in the sport (with the addition of the internet.) Even though Marcel Dareus is being probed by the NCAA, that is the best thing to happen for Nick Saban at SEC Media Days. Most media members asked Coach Saban about agents and such rather than talking about making it to Glendale. I can see why he also liked changing the subject away from agents, too. He made it very clear that agents was a must topic, but at the same time he wants to talk about fall camp and "the process" that begins with San Jose State. Looking at the depth and the starting rotation of the Crimson Tide, the only gray area comes in the kicking game. I proposed the question to Coach Saban regarding the only gray are of the team (below the article.) There is no question the Tide should run the SEC schedule with close games to Arkansas and others. Look for the Tide to take on and defeat Ohio State in Glendale this January.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

2010 SEC Football Media Days: The Winners and Losers


By Dan Harralson

The 2010 SEC Football Media Days has came and went once again. It is an event that occurs once a year, for three days, and anything unexpected can happen. Who would have ever thought that "The Vanderbilt Coach" would be the talk of the event? Robbie Caldwell performed an act that was in relation to Larry the Cable Guy. Robbie Caldwell is now a fan favorite and an encore is wanted at the 2011 SEC Football Media Days (if he is retained.) Derek Dooley is another winner in Hoover, Alabama. The Volunteer State has two head football coaches that are comedians. The difference between the two: Coach Dooley is a lawyer and does not inseminate chickens (plus he is going to be a heck of a coach in this conference.) Another winner is Ryan Mallett from Arkansas. This young man is a poised individual who does not have the word 'me' in his vocabulary. His Razorbacks should finish first in the SEC West, if it was not for Nick Saban, but instead they will finish second. Mallett should be expected to be a top 2011 NFL Draft pick. On to the losers of the 2010 Media Days; we can start with Vandy. I thought I was on Data Drive, in Hoover, for a brief second. The ballroom turned into the Comedy Club, but the act also turned old and un-Vandy like. Dan Mullen receives a bad rap from his performance, too. It was not very classy to always refer to Ole Miss as "the school to the North." Overall, it was a great, fun experience once again at the 2010 SEC Football Media Days. I can't conclude without also mentioning Coach Richt and the famous Shane from Centerpoint. Their two run-in's were great. Richt has a very great shot of winning the SEC East and below you can hear my statement I proposed to him. Shane from Centerpoint; you know your stuff.