The Cam Newton Scandal: The real reason why he should not be playing

By Dan Harralson

Last Thursday the college football world was shocked as it was announced allegedly that Auburn's superstar, Cam Newton, was placed in a major scandal. We quickly talked to Brian Hazlewood (former MSU kicker) regarding the scandal from a Mississippi State perspective (click here for the interview.) I quickly praised Dan Mullen, in which I applaud, for handling an unfortunate situation. I raised the recruiting wars question, to Coach Mullen this summer, outlining how hostile recruiting is within the SEC and in-state against Ole Miss:



Coach Mullen is very passionate about obtaining the recruiting battles, as he eluded to above. I firmly believe he and Mississippi State did the correct move in reporting the Cecil Newton offer to the SEC office. As we all know, Joe Schad reported last night that Cecil and Cam Newton were both recorded on separate occasions regarding college football and money wagering. Back in January of this year, Cecil Newton's comments were much different than November of this year (take a peak:)

On how they chose Auburn: ``We both decided what to do a few days before we went to Gene Chizik, but Cam was apprehensive. He was leaning toward Starkville. He had that relationship with Dan Mullen and there was a comfort level there. I didn't think that was the right place for Cam. They just don't have all the moving parts. Cam was going to have to be the star. He'd have to do everything himself. I didn't want him to be a rented mule. Auburn has far more varsity players returning, they have more skill players, they're attracting more highly recruited players and it's right down the street."

On if MSU was the early leader: ``Absolutely they were. Auburn came on strong at the end. A lot of people pre-supposed that (Cam) would hook up with Dan Mullen. He made an official visit around Thanksgiving and that went really well. I just wasn't sure about it. I like Dan Mullen and I think he has a very bright offensive mind. He's just having to go against the odds in Starkville. I just didn't want Cam to be blinded by an affiliation. It was important for us to study Auburn, to study Malzahn and Chizik. Auburn has bright minds, too."

I do not have any concrete evidence proving Auburn paid Cam Newton to play collegiate football for the Tigers, but the answers provided to me at SEC Media Days gives me the knowledge of my own theory. The reason I asked Coach Mullen and Coach Chizik these recruiting questions (in the midst of every reporter asking about agents in July) is how did such a big time name in Cam Newton fly under the radar as smoothly as he did to Auburn? I asked Coach Chizik about the quickly banned Tiger Prowl and if he needed added incentives such as this to keep up with Nick Saban's fast paced recruiting. Below is Chizik informing me that he is very adamant about selling the Auburn product to stay up to pace against the Nick Saban's of the SEC and nationally:



Back to my theory on the entire Scamgate; I believe Cam was let go from the University of Florida regarding his academic cheating issues rather than just a depth chart issue as Urban Meyer relates it. According to FoxSports.com, Newton violated the university's honor code by putting his name on another student's paper and turning it in. Newton was caught after the instructor asked the real author of the paper why he had not turned in his work. Newton turned in a second paper to the instructor, but that paper was later found to have been purchased off the Internet, according to FoxSports.com. He was to appear for a hearing in front of Florida's Student Conduct Committee during the spring semester of 2009 but instead transferred to Blinn College.

With Mullen taking over at Mississippi State, Urban was primarily allowing Mullen to have a quarterback (after having to go JUCO for one season) and help lay the foundation down for a successful program in Starkville. So that brings us to why is Cam Newton at Auburn? I firmly believe the Auburn individuals that threw money at Chris Porter and also went behind Tommy Tuberville's back (aka Jetgate) are the same individuals that probably threw wagering money to Cecil Newton. All in all the real innocent people of this scandal, are Cam, Dan Mullen, and Urban Meyer. I am not the biggest Urban Meyer fan, but I firmly believe he was helping Mullen out since Cam was kicked out of UF for academic reasons. The real losers of this ordeal are simply the Auburn scapegoats that went behind Chizik's back and Cecil Newton who destroyed his son's life. Also the Auburn fan base who keeps talking down to Joe Schad. Schad is just merely doing his job and reporting the accurate truth. The NCAA is the last real disappointing chapter in this scandal. The NCAA quickly pointed the gun at North Carolina, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and Clemson making innocent student athletes sit out games for not breaking any NCAA violations. The NCAA is not following correct and fair protocol they handed out to these schools mentioned. The NCAA quickly gave understanding for players to sit out of games then and would not reinstate these individuals until proven innocent; they should do the same now and make Cam Newton sit while they investigate.

For one last piece of enjoyment, here is Coach Saban at media days. Every reporter wanted to talk agents, I just wanted to simply talk Cam Newton recruiting to Mullen and Chizik; but most importantly the kicking game with Saint Nick...



NOTE TO AUBURN UNIVERSITY: PLEASE COME ON FOR AN INTERVIEW AND STRESS THE AUBURN POINTS IN RELATION TO THE ABOVE

Former Mississippi State Player, Brian Hazelwood, Breaks Down the Cam Newton Scandal

Les Miles on the big game vs. #5 Bama

Top 25 Games Week 8: WJOX' Lance Taylor & LSU's Les Miles discuss this week's top games

Top 25 Games Week 7: Gene Chizik comes on to discuss the big game vs. Arkansas

Top 25 Games: Week 6

#5 Nebraska at #24 Kansas State
My Prediction: Nebraska 31 Kansas State 20

#1 Alabama at #20 South Carolina
My Prediction: Alabama 27 South Carolina 17

#9 LSU at #16 Florida
My Prediction: LSU 24 Florida 20

#22 Florida State at #14 Miami (FL)
My Prediction: Miami (FL) 31 Florida State 24

#15 Michigan State at #13 Michigan
My Prediction: Michigan 34 Michigan State 28

Year-to-date Top 25 picking record: 13-3

Top 25 Games: Week 5 (Steve Spurrier on conference traditional rivalries)

Week 5 brings us five STN top 25 games. Besides Oklahoma taking on Texas, the four other games showcase huge conference games with non-traditional rivals. Steve Spurrier joins us to discuss the Alabama/Florida rivalry compared to the traditional SEC historic rivalries. I am currently 9-2 picking the 2010 STN Top 25 games, also here are the picks for all five games:

#1 Alabama vs. #8 Florida: Urban Meyer on Trey Burton

Here are Florida's all-time results versus #1 ranked opponents:

Dec. 6, 2008 (2) Florida vs. (1) Alabama W 31-20
Oct. 6, 2007 (9) Florida at (1) LSU L 24-28
Jan. 8, 2007 (2) Florida vs. (1) Ohio State W 41-14
Sept. 7, 2002 (6) Florida vs. (1) Miami (Fla.) L 16-41
Nov. 18, 1999 (3) Florida vs. (1) Florida State L 23-30
Jan. 2, 1997 (3) Florida vs. (1) Florida State W 52-20
Jan. 2, 1996 (2) Florida vs. (1) Nebraska L 24-62
Nov. 27, 1993 (7) Florida vs. (1) Florida State L 21-33
Oct. 24, 1959 Florida vs. (1) LSU L 0-9
Nov. 7, 1942 Florida vs. (1) Georgia L 0-75

Breaking News: The Big 12 will play a round-robin conference schedule beginning in 2011

By Dan Harralson

The Big 12 just took a page out of the current Pac-10's scheduling format: a conference round-robin format beginning next football season. Big 12 league athletic directors, on late Wednesday, approved a nine-game conference schedule that will pit every team against the other every season. This has drawn their conclusion of no need for a championship game since every team plays each other and has withdrawn any future expansion (to regain the minimum amount of conference teams to field a conference championship game.) Conference spokesman, Bob Burda, said future schedules will be released Thursday.

Live at Neyland Stadium: Tennessee 32 UAB 29 (2 Overtimes)

By Dan Harralson

Well, Derek Dooley did something Nick Saban did in his first season running a SEC football program: They both did not defeat UAB in regulation. Of course we all know, that the Saban-led Tigers dropped a 13-10 affair in the year 2000. Matt Simms has now been sacked 13 times and Tyler Bray has been sacked once. Going into the UAB game, the Vols gave up 9 sacks (half of the 2009 team total - 18.) The offensive line is by far the weak link for the 2010 Tennessee Volunteers. I knew this would be a key component for the Vols yesterday and a question I proposed to Coach Dooley this week. Below I asked Dooley about the offensive line disappointments (which he deemed an unfair question to compare the two teams.) Here is Coach Dooley:

#16 Auburn vs. #12 South Carolina: Spurrier on Lattimore's number of carries & Chizik on Herbstreit's SEC West prediction

Press play:

#1 Alabama at #10 Arkansas: Saban, Petrino, Richt, & Caldwell sound off on the big game

By Dan Harralson

Once again The Sports Times Network weekly top 25 poll has been released. The first two weeks of college football showcased three top 25 games per week and one last week (Arizona vs. Iowa.) Week 4 headlines college football with four top 25 games (3 SEC games): #10 Arkansas vs. #1 Alabama; #16 Auburn vs. #12 South Carolina; #11 LSU vs. #20 West Virginia; and #4 Boise State vs. #22 Oregon State. I will predict all four games tomorrow against the spread, in which I am 6-1 this season regarding The Sports Times Network top 25 games. Below are Coach Saban, Petrino, Richt, and Caldwell on the big game between the Crimson Tide and Razorbacks:

Thursday Night Football in Raleigh, NC

The Wolfpack defeated Cincinnati last night 30-19. This is N.C. State's first 3-0 start since Phillip Rivers played quarterback for the Pack. Here is last night's military appreciation highlights:

Duke vs. #1 Alabama: The rematch of the 1945 Sugar Bowl at the 1942 Rose Bowl Stadium

By Dan Harralson

The number one ranked Alabama Crimson Tide travels to Durham, North Carolina Saturday for their first road game. Across the country, some may look at 'Bama playing at Duke as a game without meaning. Wallace Wade Stadium is hosting more than just a "lop-sided" football game Saturday. Wallace Wade Stadium held host to the 1942 Rose Bowl due to the attacks of Pearl Harbor. The attacks to Pearl Harbor came weeks after the 1941 football season and travel restrictions were placed on the west coast of the United States. 22,000 bleacher seats were added to Wallace Wade Stadium (borrowed from N.C. State and UNC) and the game was set between the Oregon State Beavers and the Duke Blue Devils. Despite playing a quote-unquote "road game," Oregon State defeated the heavily favored Duke Blue Devils, 20-16. This is still the only time a Rose Bowl has been played outside Pasadena, California. Two years later, the 1945 Sugar Bowl (1944 season) was played Duke defeated Alabama. The most recent time the Blue Devils and Crimson have squared off was the 2006 season (a Tide win for Coach Shula.) I am live in Winston-Salem on my way to Raleigh tonight. North Carolina State is hosting Cincinnati for Thursday Night football. I love Thursday night football, it is a good way to kill time before the 'Bama/Duke game Saturday. The picture above is the Demon Deacon statue in front of Wake Forest's stadium. Below is Coach Saban on playing at Wallace Wade Stadium:

ESPN'S Dari Nowkhah Breaks Down Monster Saturday

South Carolina vs. #15 Georgia: Richt on Grantham vs. Spurrier

Earlier this week, Coach Richt came on and discussed three topics: The big game vs. South Carolina this weekend; Todd Grantham vs. Steve Spurrier; and playing a big SEC game early during the schedule. I'm going with Georgia 24 South Carolina 23.
Here it is:

Live in Starkville: Mississippi State vs. #24 Auburn

Here it is... I have Auburn defeating Mississippi State 31-27 tonight:

Dooley takes on Oregon: Aims at programs like Oregon to model UT

By Dan Harralson

The Pac-10 defending champions roll into Neyland Stadium Saturday. They come in as the 12.5 point favorite and without giving up a point to the opposition. Sure it was New Mexico week one and sure some may say the Tennessee program is down. The Oregon football program reminds me of the Tennessee program of the mid to late 1990's. Replacing quarterbacks is an after thought when you have the pieces around it that makes the most important position work. Look at a 1998 Tee Martin: Tee was a redshirt Junior. Martin red-shirted and benefited by learning as a backup (plus the fact the tools were all around him - called a team.) This Oregon team reminds me of a team that can sneak up on people, due to the tools around the quarterback position that generates the flow of the team. The redshirt senior, Nate Costa, is ready more than ever to lead Oregon back to Pasadena (and who knows maybe Glendale the way college football is off to this season.) The Hilmar, California product is surrounded by offensive talent Kenjon Barner, Remene Alston, Jeff Maehl, David Paulson, plus a Cliff Harris (just to name a few.) The point is, that Oregon has ran their football program the right way in their conference. They have not taken any shortcuts and/or have indulged in any ineligible players regarding their program (like another Pac-10 program that illegally benefited off success recently disclaiming the rights to others.) Rich Brooks laid the foundation, followed by Mike Bellotti and now the 2010 Oregon team could very well be in parallels to 2004 Auburn: undefeated and left out. If Oregon gets by road tests at Tennessee and USC, the Ducks could easily finish undefeated and become left out (if Alabama and Ohio State remain unblemished.) Oregon's program has came a long way and they are ready to stay near the top of college football's best programs. Today I had the privilege of talking to Derek Dooley. Below is Coach Dooley on Oregon running a football program the right way:



My Prediction: Oregon 34 Tennessee 20

Glory to Glendale: Alabama vs. Penn State

By Dan Harralson

When you think of college football rivalries and tradition, you usually do not think Alabama vs. Penn State: At least that is the case for the current younger generation. These two historical football programs began fielding great games under two of the best college football coaches this sport has ever seen. Two Sugar Bowl classics in the 1970's (plus the respect for each other), allowed the two coaches to ink a decade long home-and-home series throughout the 1980's. From 1981-1990, Alabama edged out Penn State to a 6-4 series winning record. We all knew Bear Bryant would not finish the decade long series he wanted for the Crimson Tide during the 1980's, but he wanted dearly to have this series booked for the next coach after he retired. Bryant gained so much respect for the State College of Pennsylvania's football program dating back to his 7-0 Liberty Bowl loss in 1959. The 83 year-old, Coach Paterno, is nearing the end of his coaching career and this years home-and-home series with Alabama makes it more than special. Nick Saban is arguably the best coach in college football today, but he knows he cannot get caught up in the moment of renewing memory lane versus Joe Paterno. Saturday will be the sixth Saban vs. Paterno match up. Here are the all-time results between the hall-of-fame coaches:

1995: Penn State 24 Michigan State 20
1996: Penn State 32 Michigan State 29
1997: Michigan State 49 Penn State 14
1998: Penn State 51 Michigan State 28
1999: Michigan State 35 Penn State 28

Today I had the opportunity to catch up with Coach Saban regarding the Penn State game Saturday (below the video are the all-time results between Alabama and Penn State.)




1959: Penn State 7 Alabama 0 (Liberty Bowl)
1975: Alabama 13 Penn State 6 (Sugar Bowl)
1978: Alabama 14 Penn State 7 (Sugar Bowl)
1981: Alabama 31 Penn State 6 (State College)
1982: Alabama 42 Penn State 21 (Birmingham)
1983: Penn State 34 Alabama 28 (State College)
1984: Alabama 6 Penn State 0 (Tuscaloosa)
1985: Penn State 16 Alabama 14 (State College)
1986: Penn State 23 Alabama 3 (Tuscaloosa)
1987: Alabama 24 Penn State 13 (State College)
1988: Alabama 8 Penn State 3 (Birmingham)
1989: Alabama 17 Penn State 16 (State College)
1990: Penn State 9 Alabama 0 (Tuscaloosa)
Alabama leads 8-5 (Joe Paterno is 4-8 vs. Bama)
*If you crunch the numbers, Saturday's game could be Alabama 15 Penn State 12, but here is my prediction: Click Here

Top 25 Games: Week 2 (Rematch of National Title Games)

By Dan Harralson

Alright, week number two brings us Tradition Saturday. We will be live on location, in Tuscaloosa, for the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide vs. the #19th Penn State Nittany Lions Saturday. The second Sports Times Network regular season poll has been released and it gives us three top 25 games this week. All three match ups bring historically great college football programs together and are rematches of previous national championship games. Lets get to it:

#1 Alabama vs. #19 Penn State (7:00 ET, ESPN) (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Rematch of the 1978 National Championship Game
My prediction: Alabama 28 Penn State 16

#2 Ohio State vs. #11 Miami (FL) (3:30 ET, ESPN) (Columbus, OH)
Rematch of the 2002 National Championship Game
My prediction: Ohio State 27 Miami (FL) 20

#7 Oklahoma vs. #14 Florida State (3:30 ET, ABC & ESPN2) (Norman, OK)
Rematch of the 2000 National Championship Game
My prediction: Oklahoma 34 Florida State 27

2010 Top 25 overall prediction record: 3-0

Dan Mullen on the running game vs. Memphis

By Dan Harralson

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are set to play Memphis tonight at 6 PM CT. I asked Coach Mullen for his thoughts on tonight's MSU running game:

Breaking News: Masoli is eligible to play Saturday vs. Jacksonville State

By Dan Harralson

Jeremiah Masoli has just been cleared to play this Saturday vs. Jacksonville State. Ole Miss learned Tuesday that the Oregon transfer quarterback was deemed ineligible by the NCAA. Wednesday I asked Coach Nutt about the situation and also applauded him for giving Masoli a second chance. Here is the sound byte I had with Coach Nutt:

South Carolina: Week 1

By Dan Harralson

Alright, so we saw Steve Spurrier and South Carolina tonight handle the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Some mentioned Carolina and Lattimore would fail again, but news flash hit ESPN: Steve Spurrier is having fun. Who said give a coach four years and then conduct a review of progress concerning the movement of the program. A lot of people have forgotten that the South Carolina Gamecocks are historically the Chicago Cubs of the SEC, people need to give Spurrier 6-7 years to establish this program from the very bottom. They sell out every game and usually proclaim the doormat of the SEC East division. Tonight we witnessed the first time Steve Spurrier having fun coaching the Gamecocks in Columbia. Sure he defeated Florida and Tennessee his first year, but he has built this program from the ground up (and he still has a mountain to climb.) The key this season and the next few seasons with freshman phenom, Marcus Lattimore, the ground game will provide success just like his ground game success provided the Gators in the 1990's. Tonight, it is great to witness Coach Spurrier still giving the Southeastern Conference a moment to savior from a SEC coaching icon. Who knows what a Steve Spurrier having fun coaching will bring the SEC in 2010?

The Georgia Bulldogs Begin the Quest to Win the SEC East: Richt on the new defensive traits

By Dan Harralson

Mark Richt and the #19th ranked Georgia Bulldogs are ready to begin their quest to win the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division. As we all know, we gave our official East vote to Georgia at SEC Media Days. Yesterday I asked Coach Richt how Aaron Murray is handling the starting quarterback role, as well as Todd Grantham joining the Bulldogs' defense. By Coach Richt's response, it sounds like Grantham is bringing a lot of Nick Saban defensive traits to the Georgia defense. Grantham served three seasons as the defensive line coach at Michigan State (under then head coach Nick Saban.) He then added the title of assistant head coach in his final season in East Lansing (1998.) Michigan State ranked 19th in total defense in 1996 and 13th in 1997, making consecutive bowl trips. Here is Coach Mark Richt on Grantham and Murray leading up to the Saturday's season opener:

San Jose State: Nick Saban on the Spartans as "The Common Opponent"

By Dan Harralson

The #1 ranked Crimson Tide are ready to set out and defend their 2009 National Championship. First up are the Spartans from San Jose, California. Also this weekend the #3 ranked Boise State Broncos will take on the national stage and try and take down the 6th ranked Virginia Tech Hokies. If Boise State defeats Virginia Tech, then Boise has a great chance of remaining undefeated this season. They do host Oregon State September 25th, which could be a defeat. I personally picked Boise State to defeat Virginia Tech and then lose to Oregon State. If Boise does remain undefeated along with an undefeated Ohio State team (plus a one-loss Alabama team), look for pollsters to analyze the "common opponent" game between Boise State and Alabama. San Jose State takes on Boise October 16th. Sure Alabama and Boise State should easily defeat the Spartans, but the way each team defeats the Spartans will be looked at in different angles. Anyways, here is Nick Saban on the "common opponent" situation:

The 2010 Season Kicks Off: South Carolina vs. Southern Miss

By Dan Harralson

South Carolina needs to open the 2010 season on a strong note. Many people are doubting Coach Spurrier to do well this season (and also tomorrow night.) Today I asked Coach Spurrier about freshman running back, Marcus Lattimore, and his playing time versus Southern Miss. I think if Lattimore receives 15 or more carries, then South Carolina finds their 2010 identity and wins handily tomorrow. I am going with South Carolina 31 Southern Miss 14 and Marcus Lattimore rushing for 96 yards. Here is Coach Spurrier today:

2010 WAC Football Preview

By Dan Harralson

There is zero questions regarding who should win the 2010 WAC championship. Boise State has a chance to make a splash and also to put their stamp on college football history. Although, the bigger the risk comes the bigger reward (or fall.) If Boise State loses to Virginia Tech Labor Day Night, they may never come this close again to establishing their selves among the historical powers regarding college football. It should be entertaining and the biggest David vs. Goliath game in college football history. With this conference preview in the books, lets tee it off and enjoy a great 2010 college football season!

2010 SEC Football Preview

Here it is... Alabama over Georgia in the 2010 SEC Championship Game:

2010 Pac-10 Football Preview

Here it is... I have Oregon State making their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1965 (fourth overall.) If the Beavers win the Pac-10, they will have a chance to win their first Rose Bowl in Pasadena. They are 1-2 all-time in the historical bowl game. Oregon State defeated Duke in the 1942 Rose Bowl, but the game was played in Durham, North Carolina due to threats of the west coast from the Japanese. Here are the three Rose Bowl match ups all-time for Oregon State and the 2010 Pac-10 preview:

1965: Michigan 34 Oregon State 7
1957: Iowa 35 Oregon State 19
1942: Oregon State 20 Duke 16

2010 Mountain West Conference Football Preview

Here it is... I have a three-way tie between Air Force, TCU, and Utah. Air Force losing to TCU; Utah defeating TCU; and Air Force beating Utah. Here is Air Force's head coach, Troy Calhoun, with the breakdown of the 2010 MWC:

2010 Sun Belt Football Preview

Here it is... I have Middle Tennessee State winning the Sun Belt Conference in 2010:

2010 College Football's Top True Freshman to Make the Most Impact

By Dan Harralson

We all know there are many different variables to align team chemistry. Teams lose players to graduation, players leaving early for the NFL, and academic casualties. One of the biggest components to team chemistry is incoming true freshman. Not all true freshman have the luxury of enrolling in January to participate in spring ball. Some high school players need the last semester to graduate and become academically eligible for their college choice. Below I have listed the top true freshman that will have the biggest impact on the 2010 college football season:

Kennan Allen (WR - California) 6-3/195; Greensboro (N.C.) Northern Guilford
Ricardo Allen (CB - Purdue) 5-9/175; Daytona Beach (FL) Mainland
Anthony Barr (ATH - UCLA) 6-5/228; Los Angeles Loyola
Brian Blechen (FS - Utah) 6-2/203, Moorpark (Calif.) High
Robert Bolden (QB - Penn State) 6-4/208; Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's
William Gholston (DE - Michigan State) 6-7/250; Detroit Southeastern
Jake Heaps (QB - BYU) 6-1/194; Sammamish (Wash.) Skyline
Luke Joeckel (OT - Texas A&M) 6-6/304; Arlington (Texas) High
TJ Jones (WR - Notre Dame) 5-11/187; Gainesville (Ga.) High
Marcus Lattimore (RB - South Carolina) 6-0/218; Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes
Alejandro Maldonado (K - Oregon) 5-10/198; Colton (Calif.) High
Kyle Prater (WR - USC) 6-5/210; Hillside (Ill.) Proviso West
Connor Shaw (QB - South Carolina) 6-1/202; Flowery Branch (Ga.) High
Marquis Spruill (LB - Syracuse) 6-2/223; Fork Union (Va.) Fork Union Military Academy, preceded by Hillside (N.J.) High
Kenny Stills (WR - Oklahoma) 6-0/183; Carlsbad (Calif.) La Costa Canyon
Pete Thomas (QB - Colorado State) 6-5/218; El Cajon (Calif.) Valhalla
Evan Wilson (TE - Illinois) 6-6/237; Woodstock (Ga.) High

On a side note, probably the most skilled and talented true freshman is USC's Dillon Baxter. Baxter is 6'0"/195 lbs. from San Diego, CA (Mission Bay HS.) Kiffin suspended Baxter for the opening game against Hawaii and possibly could linger throughout the 2010 season. Here is a recent quote from Coach Kiffin regarding Baxter"

"I think this is an extremely strong message, a very severe punishment for a player that may potentially be our most skilled player on the whole roster to miss his first game. I'm hoping that message not only helps him but our team and especially our freshman class. This is our first class coming in, first class we've signed here at USC and I want to make sure they understand we have extremely high expectations for all of our players, even the young ones on and off the field."

2010 MAC Football Preview: Live at the Knoxville Open

We are live at the 2010 Knoxville Open golf tournament. This years Open is showcasing major champions John Daly and Rich Beam. We also showcased our 2010 Mid-American Conference football preview. I have Temple defeating Northern Illinois:

2010 Conference USA Football Preview: Live from the Titans vs. Cardinals Monday Night Football

By Dan Harralson

It was great catching up with the Titans' Kenny Britt. Here it is... I have Houston defeating Southern Miss for the C-USA championship:

2010 NFL Preview: Live from Soldier Field

Here it is... I am going with Brett Favre and the Vikings over Peyton Manning and the Colts for this year's Super Bowl. Below are my predictions for each division and conference wild card teams (plus the live preview show from Soldier Field):

AFC East: New England
AFC North: Baltimore
AFC South: Indianapolis
AFC West: San Diego
AFC Wild Cards: New York Jets and Houston

NFC East: Dallas
NFC North: Minnesota
NFC South: New Orleans
NFC West: San Francisco
NFC Wild Cards: Green Bay and Philadelphia

2010 Preseason AP Poll

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. Texas Christian
7. Oklahoma
8. Nebraska
9. Iowa
10. Virginia Tech
11. Oregon
12. Wisconsin
13. Miami (Fla.)
14. Southern California
15. Pittsburgh
16. Georgia Tech
17. Arkansas
18. North Carolina
19. Penn State
20. Florida State
21. Louisiana State
22. Auburn
23. Georgia
24. Oregon State
25. West Virginia

2010 Big Ten Football Preview: Live from Wrigley Field

Here it is... The panel has Ohio State going to Glendale, Arizona to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide for the 2010 national championship. Also, look out for Iowa playing in the Rose Bowl if Boise State is not undefeated. Here is the live coverage from the Braves vs. Cubs game at the historic Wrigley Field:

2010 Big 12 Football Preview (and the truth regarding Mack Brown)

By Dan Harralson

So we started the 2010 college football conference previews Thursday. We have decided to skip the Big 10 preview until tomorrow. We will be live at Wrigley Field in the heart of Big 10 country. It will be awesome to preview the Big 10 teams while watching the Braves and Cubs from the historic stadium. So with that being said, we continue on alphabetically; next stop - the Big 12 preview. We have agreed to the point where Oklahoma will be playing Nebraska in the conference championship game. I have OU winning and Nick has Nebraska. If and when Oklahoma takes on Nebraska, it will be historic. These two storied programs and rivals will take on one last conference game against each other. College football may not see this rivalry renewed for some time (thanks to Texas.) I hope OU and Nebraska can work something out and play a non-conference game each season after the Huskers move into the Big 10. The all-time series stands with Oklahoma leading 44-37-3. Also in the Big 12 preview, we touch on the truth regarding Mack Brown. I can easily respect and backup Clay Travis' article regarding Texas being who they are: A cowardly program. Here is Clay's article, feel free to read. Mack Brown has severely under achieved during his tenure in Austin. Reading between the lines brings me to a possible reasoning in which Mack Brown hired Will Muschamp (a Saban guy.) He allowed Muschamp to take on a head-coach-in-waiting to avoid ever being placed in the hot seat. One thing is dead on regarding Coach Brown, he is a salesman and plays politics with the sport of college football. I guess he portrays this Texas style politics from the 43rd United States President (and his debacles, too.) I guess that is another topic for another time or you can just get the truth on right-hand politics at Legal Schnauzer. The Texas Longhorns did the Pac-10 wrong along with Oklahoma, Nebraska, and the other Big 12 members (as Texas propped them up as scapegoats to receive their own tv contract.) Anyways, below is the 2010 Big 12 football preview and Clay Travis' take on Texas (at the 3:10 minute mark):

2010 Big East Football Preview (Plus Notre Dame)

Here it is... I have West Virginia winning the Big East and Notre Dame winning 8-9 games (and playing in the Champs Sports Bowl.)

2010 ACC Football Preview

Here it is... I have Florida State defeating Virginia Tech:

2010 SEC Media Days Women in Sports: Sandra Golden

By Dan Harralson

The 2010 Women in Sports series began with Sandra Golden. We all know Sandra from Sports Nite on CSS. A true pillar to the Atlanta sports scene, Sandra is very knowledgeable from talking Braves baseball to Thrashers hockey. Below is the interview with Sandra Golden, live from the 2010 SEC Football Media Days:

Howard Schnellenberger on Florida Atlantic to a BCS Conference

By Dan Harralson

The man that began "The U", Howard Schnellenberger, is loving coaching the Owls of Florida Atlantic. Right after we talked to Coach Tuberville regarding the 2004 National Championship, I had the privilege of talking to Coach Schnellenberger. I sat in coaches' office shooting the breeze and talking football for over an hour. I talked to him about coaching alongside Bear Bryant and Gene Stallings to his Louisville and Miami days. There were two statements that stood out to me the most. One was his statement regarding legendary Rams coach, George Allen. I asked him why did you leave the offensive coordinator position under Bear Bryant (coaching Joe Namath and Kenny Stabler.) He looked me in the eyes and told me in his pipe-smoking voice, "You ever heard of George Allen?" (and then quickly changed the subject right back to coaching football.) It is definitely a conversation I will never forget. I told him he has achieved success everywhere he has coached and he is still doing a great job in the coaching profession. There was one question I still wanted answered, why is Coach Schnellenberger coaching a program like Florida Atlantic? His answer speaks volumes and solidifies his college football ambition he has learned since his Bear Bryant days. Here is the clip of coaches' response and his plan to lay a blueprint towards FAU being a member of a BCS conference:

Live in Athens: The Georgia Bulldogs Return to the Practice Field

By Dan Harralson

The Georgia Bulldogs returned to the practice field today after being rained out yesterday. Coach Richt had the Bulldogs in full pads for about 2 1/2 hours. The Bulldogs are allotted 29 fall camp practices and today was number 14. After seeing the team in pads, I personally believe this is the best team besides Alabama playing in the SEC. Here are some quotes from today's practice:

"We've got some guys slated as starters right now like (Akeem) Dent, Ben Jones and Cordy Glenn," Richt said. "I told the other guys who are getting reps right now to show your coach you're ready to play. We want to play multiple players."

"Practice today I thought was good. We worked hard. We're getting better. We've cut down on our penalties. We've still got a couple of dumb ones here and there, but I think the guys understand what we want."

"I mentioned to the players that I thought we were basically at the midway point in camp and from I've seen I believe we can have a pretty good team," Richt said.

The 2004 National Championship: Why Auburn deserves to claim it

By Dan Harralson

What seemed to be a historic run for the USC Trojans, quickly evaporated when the once highly speculated allegations became reality for last decades dominance. First thing first, there are two individuals to blame for the cheating and wrong doing on Southern Cal's campus; Reggie Bush and Pete Carroll. I actually applaud Lane Kiffin for biting many bullets on the sanctions, even though many feel it is karma (as Nick Saban repeatedly over uses without actually explaining a predicament - it is, what it is.) Carroll left town as he knew things were going south (as much as he keeps denying it.)
Here is Carroll during a recent one-on-one. He keeps stuttering and rambling on:


Reggie Bush is apologizing now and wants to give back his Heisman Trophy, but he should have have already given it back if he really wanted too. Bush knew he was relishing in personal benefits and loved every second of having better approval ratings over the Bush running the country (at the time.) If USC allows Coach Kiffin to stay during this probation mess, USC will learn over time they hired the correct guy to Fight On!

Switching gears to the team that deserves to have the national championship trophy on their campus. Some say give it to Oklahoma, some say give it to Auburn (who was 13-0), and some say simply just vacate it. This past June, right before the NCAA handed the Trojans severe sanctions, I proposed the questions to Coach Kiffin and Coach Tuberville: Could the 2004 Auburn Tigers beat the 2004 USC Trojans? As much as I want Kiffin and Tuberville to do well at Texas Tech and USC, I firmly believe Auburn would have given the SEC six national championships in the last seven football seasons (2003-2009.) Here are the questions proposed to Coach Kiffin and Tuberville; and why Tuberville thinks Oklahoma lost to USC on the field:

Florida vs. Alabama: The Hottest Rivalry in Sports

By Dan Harralson

The last two SEC Championship games have been epic. Florida took the 2008 edition (31-20) and Alabama took last year's rout (32-13.) Florida holds an 8-5 edge over the Tide since Steve Spurrier came into Gainesville (1990.) Overall, Alabama leads the all-time series, 21-14. Forget Alabama vs. Auburn, Florida and 'Bama vs. Tennessee, and Florida vs. Florida State (although Meyer may want to pay extra attention to the 'Noles this season); Alabama vs. Florida is huge these days. Coach Meyer will try and bounce back from losing to Nick Saban, but does he really have Alabama in the back of his mind? Meyer could barely keep control of the antics thrown his way from 'the former Tennessee coach.' What makes individuals feel that he was telling the truth regarding Alabama during SEC Media Days? Sporting News posted a good article pertaining to the Gators entering fall camp with 'Bama on their mind. The synopsis is that the Gators aren't replacing Tim Tebow, only replacing the L for a W on October 2nd.

"I can't stop thinking about it," receiver Chris Rainey said. "I think about it every day. ... We got embarrassed. We looked like a high school team out there. And every time they show the video, it's like, 'Dang, was that us for real?"

Was Coach Meyer telling the truth at SEC Media Days when asked about having Alabama circled? I proposed the question to Meyer during Media Days, but is this another example of Urban sneaking around the truth? He tends to do that. Enjoy the Sporting News article: Click Here

2010 SEC Media Days Women in Sports: CC Robinson

By Dan Harralson

CC is a graduate student at The University of Georgia. She is working on her masters degree in journalism of mass communications. Currently in Athens, CC has a shift working in the sports information department. She is great person who has given back to the community many times. Her "Ultimate Goal: Is to give back." Her motto in life is driving her success in the sports industry. Please visit her website at www.gloryinthegame.com Below is CC's background and story from SEC Football Media Days:

Lamont Turner on Winning off the Field

By Dan Harralson

Former Vanderbilt football captain, Lamont Turner, talked today regarding his college playing days. Lamont has written a book called Winning Beyond the Scoreboard. Below is his website where you can purchase the book and also is today's interview with Lamont:
Please visit www.underdoginspirations.com

The 2010 Coaches' Poll has been released: Florida & Texas are still the 'Golden Boys'

By Dan Harralson

Today as we all know, the preseason Coaches' Poll was released. It was much expected that Alabama and Ohio State would start number's one and two. After seeing the poll and the teams placed at number three and four; it is an easy assumption that college football is down this season. Florida and Texas are the 'golden boys' of college football, but there are some facts to their establishment. It is a joke two teams that lose over-hyped quarterbacks and are ranked in the top four. Two teams that were embarrassed, by a team that won the national championship, and to a coach that is just now putting his stamp on a full roster (Nick Saban.) Florida is deserving of a number six ranking. After Alabama and Ohio State, Virginia Tech and Boise State deserve to have the limelight. I can see where the Gators could be ranked fifth overall, due to their talent coming back. Texas should at least be behind Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Florida (and that's being generous to the 'Horns.) There is something that poses special voting benefits towards coaches and media voters regarding Florida and Texas. Urban Meyer has earned his top three preseason rankings to a degree, but Mack Brown has not. Coach Brown is still living off a Vince Young unbelievable, fourth-down national championship run. Brown has underachieved coaching the great state of Texas, which makes me believe he does not deserve a top four ranking. This preseason poll really suggests that Alabama will be playing Ohio State in Glendale. With two heavy favorites in Boise State and Virginia Tech below the 'golden boys', it tells you how this seasons landscape will be. I really think our panel on The Sports Times Network has a more unbiased, fair, and logical preseason poll (located on the side of the page.) Below is the USA Today's 2010 Preseason Poll:

1 Alabama
2 Ohio State
3 Florida
4 Texas
5 Boise State
6 Virginia Tech
7 TCU
8 Oklahoma
9 Nebraska
10 Iowa
11 Oregon
12 Wisconsin
13 Miami (FL)
14 Penn State
15 Pittsburgh
16 LSU
17 Georgia Tech
18 North Carolina
19 Arkansas
20 Florida State
21 Georgia
22 Oregon State
23 Auburn
24 Utah
24 West Virginia
Others receiving votes: Cincinnati 135, Houston 76, Brigham Young 66, Arizona 65, Mississippi 48, Clemson 44, Stanford 41, Connecticut 40, Notre Dame 38, South Carolina 38, Washington 26, Missouri 23, Navy 12, Oklahoma State 11, Boston College 10, Michigan State 10, Arizona State 6, California 6, Texas Tech 5, South Florida 4, Texas A&M 3, Temple 2, Northwestern 2, Mississippi State 1, Nevada 1, Northern Illinois 1, Central Michigan 1, Southern Methodist 1,

2010 SEC Media Days Women in Sports: Jenn Hildreth

By Dan Harralson

Once again, my colleague and I resumed the series of Women in Sports. Last year we decided to recognize their services to the sports game. Today's feature is spotlighted on Jenn Hildreth:

JENN HILDRETH: FOX SPORTS
Jenn Hildreth is probably the most recognizable face to many SEC and ACC fans. She is recognizable not only during fall Saturday’s, but year round covering many sports. Jenn joined FOX Sports in the fall of 2002 and has been making a name for herself ever since. An award winning feature reporter, Hildreth has won several Emmy's for her work on ACC All-Access and SEC-TV. Beginning in the 2006-2007 seasons, Hildreth was the primary sideline reporter for FSN's national Sunday Night Hoops games, as well as a regular contributor as a feature reporter to the College Hoops Tip-off Show (also a national broadcast.) The many sports that Jenn has covered for FSN South include, ACC men's and women's basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, SEC football, SEC men's and women's basketball, swimming and diving, baseball, gymnastics, and indoor/outdoor track. Last season, she segued from reporter to the host of ACC All-Access. Prior to joining FOX Sports South and SportSouth, Jenn worked as a high school sports reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. During this time period of 1999-2001, she also was a feature reporter/producer and sideline reporter for Larrison Sports Productions. The Norwood, NY native received her bachelor's degree in English and Journalism from Emory University in 1999 and she was a 3-sport varsity athlete (soccer, basketball, track and field). Below is a clip of me asking Jenn on her thoughts regarding this seasons SEC divisional champions:

Derek Dooley Holds Opening Fall Camp Press Conference

By Dan Harralson

Derek Dooley opened fall camp by holding the 2010 fall camp media day. Below I asked Coach Dooley how he plans to handle the quarterback reps between Matt Simms and Tyler Bray. Also below are current construction photos of Neyland Stadium (Click picture to enlarge):

2010 SEC Football Preview: Vanderbilt Commodores

By Dan Harralson

I can spend time analyzing the 2010 Vandy football season, but it would be more special to honor and review Bobby Johnson's tenure in Nashville. Coach Johnson made Vanderbilt a week in and week out tough game. The Commodores may have not won every week, but they were in most games. Look at the body of work Coach Johnson constructed against the SEC. Here are his records against these institutions: Alabama, 0-3; Arkansas, 1-1; Auburn, 1-3; Florida, 0-8; Georgia, 1-7; Kentucky, 2-6; LSU, 0-3; Ole Miss, 3-5; Mississippi State, 1-3; South Carolina, 2-6; Tennessee, 1-7. On top of his success within the conference, Johnson landed Vanderbilt's first bowl victory in 53 years. He now hands the reigns over to his long time assistant, Robbie Caldwell. There is no question Larry Smith is the key to the offensive and to a brutal SEC schedule. Look for Vanderbilt to record at least one win, maybe two (preferably Eastern Michigan.)

2010 SEC Football Preview: Tennessee Volunteers

By Dan Harralson

Rocky Top you'll always be, home sweet home to me. These are the words Derek Dooley is singing and praising during his eight months on the job. Some can say Mike Hamilton has hired two outsiders since letting loose Phillip Fulmer (a true Tennessee guy.) Dooley is an outsider on one token, but on the other he is the right man for this job. He understands what SEC football is about and respects each SEC institution like it is the one he is coaching. Tennessee football has seen only four coaches from 1964-2008 (Dickey, Battle, Majors, and Fulmer.) The 2009 debacle called Lane Kiffin makes the Dooley era even more special. Kiffin is a good fit at USC, and rightfully so I hope he does well. Dooley brings much needed respect back into the Alabama/Tennessee rivalry. Alabama leads the Third Saturday in October rivalry 47-38-7. The last three decades have showcased why it is so close between the two historic programs: 2000's, tied 5-5; 1990's, Tennessee 5-4-1; 1980's Alabama 6-4. Derek's father, Vince, was an Auburn man, but a Georgia legend. Derek has Georgia roots and LSU championships; but Derek Dooley is embracing being a Tennessee man. The process does not begin smoothly on the field. Matt Simms and Tyler Bray will battle for the top quarterback spot. The first year in the Dooley era will have its ups and downs. Tough home games against Oregon, Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Kentucky highlight the schedule. Also, throw in road games at LSU, Georgia, and South Carolina (but welcome to the SEC.) Look for the Vols to post at least six wins this season. Below I asked Coach Dooley how he is embracing the city of Knoxville:

2010 SEC Football Preview: South Carolina Gamecocks

By Dan Harralson

The 2010 Gamecock motto should be the Fighting Garcia's instead of the Fighting Gamecocks. Steve Spurrier can take this Carolina squad far if Garcia plays to his potential. Last season, Garcia threw for 2,862 yards (fourth all-time at USC), 239 completions (fourth all-time at USC), and threw 17 touchdown passes (tied for fifth all-time at USC.) South Carolina's mediocrity usually begins with Stephen Garcia. He has had his moments, but all the blame should not be pointed to him. Spurrier needs to find a running game that balances his passing attack. He has not had a balanced running game in his five seasons at Carolina. Spurrier is probably in the toughest coaching positions (other than Vanderbilt) in the SEC. More times than not, the few Palmetto state recruits usually go to other out-of-state teams. One trump card that plays in Coach Spurrier's advantage, is Marcus Lattimore. The homegrown Byrnes High School product, Lattimore, will step in during his first collegiate season. He is the most decorated high school prospect in South Carolina football history. The 5'11, 215 lbs. running back, recorded 6,375 yards and scored 104 touchdowns in his prep career. Lattimore should be showcased in Carolina's annual Thursday night opener against Southern Miss. There is no doubt Steve Spurrier is frustrated with the Gamecock program. As great as a coach that he is, Spurrier is only 35-28 since arriving in Columbia. He actually is serving towards the best coaching jobs South Carolina has seen in its football history. South Carolina is a football program that has only witnessed one ten win season (1984) and one nine win season (2001.) For a productive 2010 season to overlap conference games against Georgia, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Florida; Shaq Wilson, Stephon Gilmore, Alshon Jeffry, Patrick DiMarco, and Cliff Mathews need to step up, too. Look for Spurrier to record 8 wins. Below are sound bytes from Media Days:

2010 SEC Football Fall Camp Dates

2010 SEC Fall Camp Dates:
Alabama: Report on Aug. 4. Start practice on Aug. 5. First day in full pads N/A.

Arkansas: Report on Aug. 4. Start practice on Aug.5. First day in full pads on Aug. 9

Auburn: Report on Aug. 3. Start practice on Aug. 4. First day in full pads on Aug. 8.

Florida: Report on Aug. 4. Start practice on Aug. 5. First day in full pads on Aug. 11.

Georgia: Report on Aug. 1. Start practice on Aug. 2. First day in full pads on Aug. 7

Kentucky: Report on Aug. 5. Start practice on Aug. 6. First day in full pads on Aug. 10.

LSU: Report on Aug. 4. Start practice on Aug. 5. First day in full pads on Aug. 9.

Ole Miss: Report on Aug. 7. Start practice on Aug. 8. First day in full pads on Aug. 12

Mississippi State: Report on Aug. 2. Start practice on Aug. 3. First day in full pads on Aug. 8.

South Carolina: Report on Aug. 2. Start practice on Aug. 3. First day in full pads on Aug. 7.

Tennessee: Report on Aug. 3. Start practice on Aug. 4. First day in full pads on Aug. 8.

Vanderbilt: Report on Aug. 5. Start practice on Aug. 6. First day in full pads on Aug. 10.

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"

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.

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.

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:

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:

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: