Tagged: Ole Miss
2012 University of Arkansas Baseball Schedule
Overall Record: 9-1
SEC Record: 0-0
Date/Opponent/Site/Time/Result
Feb. 17, Villanova, Faytetteville, 11-5 
Feb. 18, Villanova, Faytetteville, 13-1
Feb. 19, Villanova, Faytetteville, 17-1
Feb. 21, Northwestern State, Faytetteville, 8-7
Feb. 22, Northwestern State, Faytetteville, 6-2
Feb. 24, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 7-3
Feb. 25, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 4-3
Feb. 26, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 9-10 (L), 10 innings
Feb. 28, BYU, Faytetteville, 5-0
Feb. 29, BYU, Faytetteville, 8-1
March 2, Texas Tech, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 12:00 p.m.
March 3, Houston, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 12:00 p.m.
March 4, Texas, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 11:00 a.m.
March 9, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.
March 10, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.
March 11, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.
March 13, Gonzaga, Fayetteville, 6:05 p.m.
March 14, Gonzaga, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.
March 16, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
March 17, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 3:00 p.m.
March 18, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.
March 20, Nevada, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
March 21, Nevada, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
March 23, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 6:30 p.m.
March 24, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 2:00 p.m.
March 25, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 12:00 p.m.
March 30, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 7:00 p.m.
March 31, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 7:00 p.m.
April 1, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 1:00 p.m.
April 6, Georgia*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 7, Georgia*,Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.
April 8, Georgia*, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.
April 10, Oklahoma, Norman,OK, 6:30 p.m.
April 13, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 14, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.
April 15, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.
April 17, Stephen F. Austin, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 20, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 6:30 p.m.
April 21, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 4:00 p.m.
April 22, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 1:30 p.m.
April 24, Oral Roberts, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 27, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 6:00 p.m.
April 28, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 6:00 p.m.
April 29, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 2:30 p.m.
May 1, Missouri, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
May 2, Missouri, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.
May 4, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 7:00 p.m.
May 5, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 12:00 p.m.
May 6, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.
May 10, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 6:30 p.m.
May 11, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
May 12, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.
May 15, Louisiana Tech, North Little Rock, Ark., 7:05 p.m.
May 17, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 5:00 p.m.
May 18, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 5:00 p.m.
May 19, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 1:00 p.m.
May 22-27, SEC Tournament, Hoover, Alabama, TBA
June 1-2, NCAA Regionals, TBA
June, 8-10, NCAA Super Regionals, TBA
June 15-25, College World Series, Omaha, Neb., TBA
* SEC Game
North Little Rock game will be played at Dickey-StephensPark
All Fayetteville games are played at Baum Stadium
All game times are CST
Razorback Ticket Office: 800-982-4647 (HOGS)
2012 SEC Football: Top 10 Returning Offensive Playmakers
The dynamic offenses that once tore up and down the fields of the SEC were hard to come by during the 2011 season due to the stifling defenses found throughout the conference.
Five conference teams finished ranked in the top eight out of all FCS teams in total defense outdistancing the SEC from the rest of college football with Alabama finishing the season No. 1, LSU No. 2, South Carolina No. 3, Georgia No. 5, and Florida No. 8.
The depth of talent did not stop there as three more teams notched top 50 defensive efforts with Vanderbilt No. 18, Mississippi State No. 35, and Arkansas No. 47.
The tough defenses in the SEC not only shutdown conference rivals but showed dominance in non-conference action during the regular season and in bowl games.
When the 2011 season concluded University of Arkansas was the only SEC team ranked in the top 30 in total offense last season with Alabama closing in ranking No. 31.
The pendulum appears to be swinging back to the offense with the exodus of top defensive players from all high ranking teams to graduation and early entry to the NFL. The emergence of dominating skill players on the other side of the ball promises the return of offensive firepower to the SEC and college football in 2012.
The top returning playmakers will not only excite college football fans but could lead the SEC to their seventh straight BCS National Championship Trophy.
Which player is the SEC’s best?
No. 10 Tre Mason, sophomore, running back/kick returner, Auburn
Many college football fans are unaware of Tre Mason. Heck many Auburn fans may not fully appreciate the Lake Worth, Florida native and his ability as the top kickoff returner in the SEC.
Mason led all kickoff returners posting 26.4 yards per return average taking one 97 yards to the house.
Mason’s role within the offense was sporadic at best through 2011. With the void left by the departure of All-SEC tailback Michael Dyer Auburn should use running back Onterio McCalebb and Mason to carry the load in 2012.
2012 Outlook:
Auburn’s defense should be improved in 2012 thus lowering the opportunities for Mason returning more kickoffs. If teams do not kick away from Mason he should improve upon his 633 return yards in only 24 attempts.
No. 9 Isaiah Crowell, sophomore, running back, Georgia
Crowell lived up to his five-star recruiting hype throughout most of his freshman season. He finished with 850 yards, ranking sixth in the SEC, while notching four 100-yard rushing games-South Carolina, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Auburn.
Crowell experienced what most freshman running backs endure in the SEC, SEC defenses.Georgiahead coach Mark Richt did a good job of not overusing his talented tailback. Still Crowell’s production slowed in the second half of the season.
2012 Outlook:
Georgia featured a veteran offensive line in 2011. How well the new starters rotate into their roles will be determined. If the line can continue their solid run blocking and Murray gets time to throw, Crowell should benefit in the form of a 1,000-yard rushing season.
No. 8 Tyler Bray, junior, quarterback, Tennessee
Do not mistake Tyler Bray’s swagger and confidence on the field as a sign of arrogance. The junior to be can play. He ripped Cincinnati for 405 yards in the second game of the 2011 season and came 12 yards shy of 300 atFlorida.
The only obstacle holding Bray’s development back is game time. A hand injury kept him out of five games last season which was also the toughest stretch of games on the Vols schedule.
Bray showed his ability and poise as a freshman after he replaced veteran SEC quarterback Matt Simms at the end of the 2010 season. His spunk helped the Vols win four out of their final five games after Tennessee started the season 2-6.
Between his freshman and sophomore seasons Bray has missed the grueling part of both Vols schedules. If he can stay healthy for an entire season, how will he respond against the defensive pressure of teams like Arkansas, Alabama, and South Carolina?
Bray threw for over 250 yards in each of his first five starts in 2011, two games he topped 300. For the Vols to succeed and Bray to become an elite SEC quarterback he will have to play better on the road.
Before his injury he threw well at the Swamp but was picked off twice. After his return from injury he was picked off twice by Vanderbilt at home and Kentucky on the road. The loss at Kentucky kept the Vols out of a bowl game.
2012 Outlook:
Tennessee catches a break by dropping LSU and picking up new SEC East conference member Missouri. The Vols also get Bama and Arkansas at home.
Bray will have All-SEC wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers returning. If wide receiver Justin Hunter can return from his knee injury Bray may have the best wide receiver duo in the SEC catching his passes.
Bray cracked his hand on a helmet following through after a pass making the hand injury a fluke.
He has not thrown for more than 2,000 in a season to date. Look for that to change in 2012. If he can stay healthy he should be able to clip 3,000 yards.
No. 7 Knile Davis, junior, running back, Arkansas
There are a few unproven SEC players returning in 2012 expected to make major contributions to their teams and there are also a couple of proven SEC players with a lot left to prove. One of those players is 2010 All-SEC running back Knile Davis.
Davis tore up the second half of the 2010 season rushing for 1,322 yards, leading all SEC running backs, and found the end zone 14 times.
A foot injury during fall practices caused him to miss the entire 2011 season, a time when he was to be the highlighted offensive weapon for the Razorbacks and a possibly Heisman Trophy candidate.
2012 Outlook:
Rumors and speculation out of Arkansas’ camp say Davis has his speed and cutting ability back. The first test for Davis will be live scrimmages in spring practice and his ability to make it through fall practices without another injury.
Arkansas’ offensive line will be much improved with three offensive linemen returning and two true sophomores with SEC game experience expected to earn starting positions.
If Davis’ body can take the pounding from SEC defenses his talent, speed, and field vision will make him an All-SEC performer again in 2012. Having Tyler Wilson as the starting quarterback should only enhance the running lanes for Davis.
No. 6 Da’Rick Rogers, junior, wide receiver, Tennessee
Da’Rick Rogers blew onto the college football scene out of nowhere during the 2011 season, his sophomore year. Even though his overall production was low in 2010, he showed signs of what was to come when he averaged over 15 yards per catch and two touchdowns on 11 receptions.
In 2011 it did not matter who was under center for the Vols, Rogers kept producing. He completed the regular season leading the SEC in yards and receptions but lost the overall lead to Jarius Wright in post season play.
Rogers’ production may have benefited from the injury to Justin Hunter, but at the same time SEC defenses focused on Rogers due to Tennessee’s lack of a running attack for most of the season.
2012 Outlook:
Quarterback Tyler Bray missed time with a hand injury and fellow wide receiver Justin Henry, an amazing talent in his own right, missed most of the season with a knee injury in 2011. Henry’s return to full strength will be tested during fall practices.
If Henry can take some of the defensive pressure off Rogers, Bray should be able to pick offenses apart in 2012 allowingRogersto have another All-SEC caliber season.
Roger’s 2011 receiving totals:
Receptions 67, second in SEC
Receiving yards 1,040, second in SEC
Touchdowns 9, second in SEC
Average yards per catch 15.5, seventh in SEC
No. 5 Eddie Lacy, junior, running back, Alabama
The offensive system is in place inTuscaloosawith no major changes on the horizon. Exit Trent Richardson, enter Eddie Lacy.
Bama head coach Nick Saban’s offense has become a college football system offense. The term system offense usually brings a negative undertone to a coach’s offense. Think a gimmick philosophy that defensive coordinators will one day figure out how to stop.
Not true here. The results speak for themselves, two national championships and soon to be two first round draft picks that were former Tide starting running backs.
Richardson’s rushing statistics were a clone of Mark Ingram’s Heisman Trophy season of 2009. Why would Lacy’s ascension into the starting tailback role be any different?
Lacy’s 7.1 yards per rush average was higher as Richardson’s understudy than Richardson’s 5.2 yards per carry average in 2009 as Ingram’s backup.
2012 Outlook:
A.J. McCarron was not asked to do a lot as the starting quarterback last season. McCarron finished third in the SEC in total passing yards posting a respectable 16-5 touchdown to interception ratio and led all SEC starters in completion percentage (66.8).
McCarron looses his top four targets to graduation or early entry to the NFL. Senior receivers Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks, senior tight end Brad Smelley, and Richardson are all gone. Wide receiver Kenny Bell (17 catches, 255 yards) is the most experienced receiver returning for the Tide’s offense.
Much of the burden to produce will be placed on Lacy’s shoulders. One would think Lacy will be ready. He better be or Saban could have another 2010 season on his hands.
Watch out for running backs Jolston Fowler and Dee Hart. Fowler excelled as the third Alabama running back and true freshman Dee Hart was back on the practice field in October after tearing his ACL in July.
No. 4 LSU’s Rushing Attack: Ford, Ware, and Blue
Sure it may be cheating to lump three players into one spot on a top 10 list but if you have watched LSU’s rushing attack under head coach Les Miles you should understand. The biggest question is will one of the three-headed monster rotation breakout from the back?
Michael Ford, a junior, can lay claim to being the top yard gainer for the Tigers in 2011. Of the three returning running backs his production was more of a steady as he goes instead of overwhelming the opposition.
Ford came close to gaining 100 yards in a game racking up 96 yards twice against Oregon and Arkansas but he was never counted on for more than 14 rushing attempts in a game.
Spencer Ware will start his junior season as the second leading rusher for the Tigers in 2012 having posted 707 rushing yards with eight touchdowns.
After the first seven games Ware appeared to be on track for a monster season compiling 512-rushing yards. His 73.14 yards per game average over the first half of the season was deceiving because the Tigers barely used Ware against Northwestern State and Kentucky, gathering a total of 10 rushes for 25 yards.
Over the first seven games Ware rushed for 99 yards against Oregon in the season opener, tacked on 107 against Mississippi State, and hit Florida for 109. He found the end zone six times carrying the ball and one time receiving.
Then he was suspended for the Auburn game after failing a drug test. After his return from his suspension, Ware’s punishment for failing the drug test was not over as Miles lowered his production and role in the offense. Ware was no longer the primary back for the Tigers.
Over the remaining six games Ware posted 195 rushing yards for 32.5 rushing yards per game average. He scored two more touchdowns but had clearly lost favor with the Tigers’ coaching staff.
Of the 14 games LSU played last year junior running back Alfred Blue was used as a change of pace back only topping double digit rushing attempts three times. What Blue did prove is his ability to be the homerun threat LSU needs out of the backfield. Against Western Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Georgia Blue ripped off runs of 45 or more yards.
2012 Outlook:
The lack of production in the second half of the season for Ware and the rest of the backfield could be blamed on LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson. LSU fans saw more ofJeffersonrunning than throwing which led to grumblings from within the locker room and around Tiger nation.
Jefferson is gone and the quarterback position is up for grabs. LSU will have to rely on their running game as Miles breaks in a new guy under center.
Do not be surprised to see sophomore running back Kenny Hillard take rushing attempts away from the big three. Hillard caught fire againstArkansasrushing for 102 yards which resulted in snaps being taken away from Blue in the BCS National Championship Game.
2011 Rushing Statistics:
Michael Ford: 127 rushing attempts, 756 yards rushing, seven touchdowns
Spencer Ware: 177 rushing attempts, 707 yards rushing, eight touchdowns
Alfred Blue: 78 rushing attempts, 539 yards rushing, seven touchdowns
Kenny Hillard: 62 rushing attempts, 336 yards rushing, eight touchdowns
No. 3 Zac Stacy, senior, running back, Vanderbilt
SEC fans there is no need to adjust your screen, yes a returning Commodore, running back Zac Stacy, will be one of the top offensive players in the SEC next season. If you don’t believe it you must have missed the 2011 college football season.
Stacy finished his junior season third in the SEC in total rushing yards and second in rushing touchdowns behind a grizzled veteran SEC offensive line last season. He will benefit from that same lineup in 2012 as well. Barring injury, Vanderbilt will return four offensive linemen only losing right guard Kyle Fischer to graduation.
Stacy posses an Emmit Smith style of running along with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
He doubled his career rushing numbers last season under the direction of first year head coach James Franklin. In the process the Commodores found their passing quarterback in senior to be Jordan Rodgers. Rodgers ability to run and pass took pressure off Stacy while opening up running lanes in the ground attack.
2012 Outlook:
Rodgers’ presence along with an offensive line going into their third year of playing together should make Vandy a tough game for any team and positions Stacy as a dangerous weapon in the SEC.
Stacy’s overall numbers could have been higher but he was limited to 11 total rushes against South Carolina and Alabama. He eclipsed the 100 rushing yard mark five times nearly reaching 200 against Army (198) and Wake Forest(184). He also had three games with three rushing touchdowns in each game- Army, Kentucky, and Wake Forest.
Alabama’s running back Trent Richardson and Stacy were the only two rushers in the SEC with over 200 attempts that carried an average rushing attempt of 5.9.
Stacy’s offensive numbers:
Rushing yards 1,193, third in the SEC
Rushing touchdowns 14, second in the SEC
Rushing attempts 201, third in the SEC
No. 2 Aaron Murray, junior, quarterback, Georgia
The Bulldogs undisputed leader on offense over the past two seasons has been the man under center, Aaron Murray. Murray added another 3,000 yard passing season to his resume in 2011. He was second in the SEC in total passing yards with 3,149 and led all quarterbacks with 35 touchdown passes.
Murrayhas too much talent to be overlooked but his development is still a work in progress. He threw 61 more passes during his sophomore season than his freshman year but only managed 100 more yards passing.
The positive is his touchdown total increased from 24 to 35 but he also threw six more interceptions. For stat lovers that means in the 61 more passes he threw over the previous season every tenth pass was picked off. He also took a league high 35 sacks.
What was the contributing factor forMurray’s decrease in throwing accuracy percentage? Was it a sign of him fearing a sack or did the receiving core drop too many passes?
The SEC was top heavy in defense this year but one would guess that someone with Murray’s talent would have thrown for more than 300 yards at least twice last year, but he did not. Vanderbilt’s tough secondary was the only team that gave up 300 yards passing to the Tampa, Florida native.
To be fairMurraycould have thrown for 300 yards against Auburn and New Mexico State. The Bulldogs needed him to throw for 300 in their bowl loss to Michigan State.
2012 Outlook:
True freshman running back Isaiah Crowell had an excellent year for the Bulldogs. He rushed for 850 yards, good for seventh best in the SEC, and added five rushing touchdowns. With the running game on the uptickMurrayshould be able to get better passing lanes in 2012.
The big question is will the receivers help Murray out or will they bail on him like they did in the SEC Championship Game?
The bad news is three offensive linemen graduated including stud guard Cordy Glenn. To make matters worse tight end Orson Charles declared for the NFL draft a year early.
The SEC East should be better in 2012 than it was in 2011. Look forMurrayto have another 3,000 yard throwing season but nothing close to 3,600 yards.
No. 1 Tyler Wilson, senior, quarterback, Arkansas
The two biggest recruiting coups of the 2012 recruiting class came and went without much attention. In all fairness to every other freshman entering college football this year, none will have the impact of USC’s quarterback Matt Barkley or Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson. They are arguably the two best quarterbacks in Division 1-A heading into their senior seasons.
Wilsontook the reigns of head coach Bobby Petrino’s offense after the departure of Ryan Mallett to the NFL and never looked back.Wilsonled the SEC in passing yards (3,638), completions (277), and attempts (438) only throwing six interceptions. He also set a single game school record with 510 passing yards against Texas A&M on a neutral site.
The Greenwood, Ark. native did all of this without a strong rushing attack for much of the season and in the statistically toughest defensive conference in the nation… and the toughest football division in all of college football.
Adding to Wilson’s legend, the Hogs broke in three new starters along the offensive line and replaced Mackey Award winning tight end D.J. Williams. All five offensive line starters return for Wilson in 2012.
The news gets better forWilsonwith not only the return of running backs Dennis Johnson and Ronnie Wingo but All-SEC tailback Knile Davis comes back after missing all of last season with an ankle injury.
2012 Outlook:
Alabama and LSU took some major hits on defense to the NFL Draft and graduation. The SEC West isWilson’s to win.
The bad news is two of his top wide receivers, All-SEC performer Jarius Wright and All-American Joe Adams, graduated. Wide receiver Kobi Hamilton and tight end Chris Gragg return for their senior seasons. Hamilton caught 34 passes for 542 yards and Gragg caught 41 for 518.
Of the plethora of wide receivers Petrino has at his disposal, who will step up for the Hogs in 2012 asWilson’s new go-to target?
Look for Wilson’s passing numbers in 2012 to be similar to his 2011 statistics. The difference for Wilson and Arkansas will be a stronger more cohesive offensive line and a much improved running attack.
Worth Mentioning
Marcus Lattimore, junior, running back, South Carolina
Despite missing the final six games of the season, Lattimore’s efforts over the first seven games was good enough for him to finish seventh in total rushing yards in the SEC.
Freshman Brandon Wilds stepped in admirably rushing for over 100 yards in three of his final five games.
Will Lattimore’s knee be healthy enough for him to make an impact in 2012? If Lattimore returns to his pre-injury form he could challenge Tyler Wilson for the SEC’s top playmaker especially with the expected growth of Connor Shaw at quarterback.
Michael Dyer, junior, running back, Auburn
He did what? That’s right he transferred toArkansasState. Not sure why, but after posting back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing seasons in the SEC he left the Tigers to follow offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to the Red Wolves in Jonesboro, Ark.
Sunbelt Conference members you have been put on notice.
Justin Hunter, sophomore, wide receiver, Tennessee
If Hunter’s injured knee responds well to rehabilitation allowing him to regain his speed, quickness, and explosive athletic ability he could be the best wide receiver, again, in the SEC.
Hunter had two 100-yard receiving games to start 2011 before hurting his knee against Florida.
Jordan Matthews, junior, wide receiver, Vanderbilt
Much attention is given to the Commodores’ quarterback Jordan Rodgers but Rodgers is still learning how to play quarterback on the college level. Matthews’ help hauling in his passes does not hurt Rodgers chances of becoming a solid perhaps elite SEC quarterback.
Dennis Johnson, senior, running back/kick returner,Arkansas
Arkansas’ depth chart is filled with potential playmakers and Mr. Johnson is one of them. DJ missed all or parts of the first four games of the 2011 season with a hamstring injury after missing the entire 2010 campaign due to bowel surgery. In 2009 he was an All-American kick returner for the Hogs.
He showed his ability returning kicks and finding open running lanes out of the backfield in 2011 constantly setting the Hogs up with great field position. Johnson’s only limitation is his tendency of putting the pigskin on the carpet.
Donte Moncrief, sophomore, wide receiver, Ole Miss
Through all the ups and downs ofMississippi’s 2011 season true freshman Donte Moncrief showed great flashes of potential game breaking skills. His speed and pass catching should only improve with experience and maturity.
With Houston Nutt out and new Head Coach Hugh Freeze in, the Rebels offensive production should increase dramatically.
Arkansas Razorback Football: New Site for Battle for the Golden Boot
The University of Arkansas announced today that the Razorbacks will no longer play LSU in theBattlefor the Golden Boot inLittle Rockat War Memorial stadium but will instead play the Tigers in Fayetteville at Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Nov. 24.
There was much speculation leading up to this announcement that Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and athletic director Jeff Long wanted to move the game from Little Rock to Fayetteville for both economic and thought recruiting advantages.
The last time the Hogs hosted the Tigers inFayettevillethe result was a 30-6 win for Arkansas during the 1992 season, the Razorbacks initial season in the SEC.
The Razorbacks had a 5-4 winning edge over the Tigers at War Memorial Stadium spanning the past 18 years. The last meeting between the two schools inLittle Rockresulted in a 31-23 win for the Hogs over LSU in the 2010 season.
Since 2001, the winner of the Arkansasversus LSU game has gone on to represent the SEC West in the SEC Championship Game seven times. In 2002 the Hogs defeated LSU 21-20 in the game known as the Miracle on Markham inLittle Rock to earn a berth in the SEC Championship Title Game.
The Golden Boot Trophy was first awarded in 1996 to help build upon the natural SEC West rivalry between the bordering states. The 24-karat gold trophy is molded into the shape of the two states forming a boot.
The Golden Boot Trophy is 4-foot tall weighing 175 pounds.
Arkansasalso announced their two-year series withRutgerson Friday. The home-and-home series will be the first time an SEC school has played at Piscataway, N.J.during the BCS era.
The Scarlet Knights will travel to Arkansas on Sept. 22 with the Razorbacks returning the scheduling favor Sept. 21, 2013. The void on the Hogs schedule was made possible when Texas A&M joined the SEC.
Due to the switch of venues for the LSU game, Arkansas will move the Ole Miss home game to War Memorial Stadium on Oct. 27.
If CBS picks up the broadcasting rights for the Arkansas versus LSU game, the game day could move from Saturday Nov. 24 to Friday Nov. 23.
Listing the Top 37 SEC Players Eligible for 2012 NFL Draft
During the 2011 NFL Draft 37 players from the SEC heard their name called by NFL teams, 10 in the first round alone. 51 total seniors from SEC schools have been invited to participate in the four different post season all-star games. Underclassmen are already preparing for this year’s NFL Combine by hiring strength and fitness instructors to help them display their athletic abilities.
How many SEC players will hear their names called during the 2012 NFL Draft?
Here’s a list of the top 37 players that can equal last year’s impressive transition from college football into the NFL.
*Denotes underclassman
Running Backs:
*Trent Richardson, 5’11”, 224 pounds, University of Alabama
Workhorse, power runner, game changer, break away back, the total package… However you want to describe Richardson as a dominate running back take your pick. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. The only thing that will keep him off the field as a rookie in the NFL is if he does not show the ability to pick up the blitz on passing downs.
Richardson led the SEC in rushing yards (1,679), rushing attempts (283), and rushing touchdowns (21). He also led the SEC to their sixth straight BCS National Championship.
Draft Worthy Mentions:
RB Vick Ballard, Mississippi State
RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee
RB Chris Rainey, Florida
FBBroderick Green, Arkansas
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:
*Alshon Jeffery, 6’4”, 229 pounds, University of South Carolina
Jeffery is a big target which NFL scouts like and he’s great at jumping over defenders, especially in the red zone. Jeffery lacks the blazing speed coveted by NFL teams and his route running is not crisp.
Even with the instability at quarterback for the Gamecocks, Jeffery was able to finish the season ranked No. 5 in the SEC in total receiving yards. His eight touchdown receptions were tied for third best in the SEC.
*Orson Charles, 6’3”, 242 pounds, University of Georgia
Charles may be the best tight end available in the NFL Draft much less the best tight end in the SEC. He has the speed, height, and athletic ability for the next level. His ability to stretch the field and pump against linebackers will help his draft status.
Charles was No. 12 in the SEC in total receiving yards with 574 while hauling in 45 passes and five receiving touchdowns.
Jarius Wright, 5’10”, 180 pounds, University of Arkansas
Wright is smaller wide receiver than what most scouts want in a No. 1 receiver. InArkansas’ offense he was accustomed to running routes across the middle of the field which is something he will have to do on the next level as a No. 2 option or as a slot receiver.
Wright finished the 2011 season leading the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and receiving touchdowns (12). He was one catch shy of tying Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee) for most receptions-Rogers67, Wright 66.
Joe Adams, 5’11”, 190 pounds, University of Arkansas
Adamswas a consensus All-American as a punter returner in 2011. He led all players with four kickoff returns for touchdowns and his yardage per punt return average of 16.89 was second in college football. Some team will take a chance on Adams for his return ability alone. His 4.3 40-yard dash helps too.
Do not overlook Adams’ ability as a receiver. He was No. 4 in the SEC in total receptions (54) and No. 8 in total receiving yards (652).
Draft Worthy Mentions:
Greg Childs, Arkansas
*Reuben Randle, LSU
Offensive Linemen:
Cordy Glenn, 6’5”, 348 pounds, University of Georgia
Glenn has the size of a NFL tackle but played guard for the Bulldogs since his sophomore year. Either way he’s a beast to contend with especially on running plays.
He has started since his freshman season and has played against top quality defensive linemen throughout his college career. Glenn should be a late first round draft pick.
Draft Worthy Mentions:
OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama
C Ben Jones, Georgia
OG Will Blackwell, LSU
C William Vlachos, Alabama
OT Bobby Massie, Ole Miss
Linebackers:
*Dont’a Hightower, 6’4”, 260 pounds, Alabama
Hightower is a hard nosed tackler with size and good speed. If he did not have a history of being injured (tore ACL in left knee in 2009) Hightower might be considered the top outside linebacker in the NFL Draft. As it is he still will go somewhere in the first round.
Courtney Upshaw, 6’2”, 265 pounds, Alabama
Upshaw is anotherAlabamaproduct that projects high in the NFL Draft. Upshaw is an excellent fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 NFL defensive scheme. He led Bama with 9.5 sacks this season and seven in 2010.
Upshaw was a four year player for the Tide. He has 4.6 speed to go with his massive frame.
Chris Marve, 6’0”, 242 pounds, University of Vanderbilt
Marve is a typical SEC middle linebacker, always in on a play and a sound tackler. He had an off senior year due to injuries. Still he finished with 91 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Unless Marve shows tremendous speed at the combine he is likely going to drop into the third round.
Draft Worthy Mentions:
Jerry Franklin, Arkansas
Danny Trevathan, Kentucky
Defensive Linemen:
Melvin Ingram, 6’2”, 276 pounds, University of South Carolina
Ingram was the senior leader of a three-headed defensive end rotation that terrorized the SEC- Devin Taylor and Jadeveon Clowney. Ingram had nine sacks as a junior and 10 sacks as a senior.
He has a knack for making big plays. His speed is average for a defensive end his size (4.6 40-yard dash). If he can show off some superior atheism at the combine he could work his way into a solid second round pick.
*Michael Brockers, 6’6”, 306 pounds, LSU
A disruptive force for offensive lines to deal with, Brockers easily dominates most blockers in one-on-one situations. He gets up field in a hurry and commands double teams.
He converted from defensive end to defensive tackle while inBaton Rouge. He is short on overall experience but has a ton of upside. If he does well at the combine he should hear his name called in the first round.
Josh Chapman, 6’1”, 310 pounds, Alabama
Chapman anchored the line for a great Alabama defense throughout his colligate career. His size is a little undersized for a nose tackle. His real weapon in the trenches is his speed. He clocked a 4.92 40-yard dash.
Chapman should go before the second round his over. Early third round if he has a bad NFL Combine or pro day.
*Fletcher Cox, 6’4”, 295 pounds, Mississippi State
There is nothing bad to say about the abilities of Fletcher Cox. He has a motor that does not stop, he is quick off the ball, and played through double-teams throughout his college career. He posted 5 sacks in 2011 and 2.5 in 2010.
NFL teams will want to beef Cox up once he is drafted. Look for Cox to go somewhere in the second to third round.
Jake Bequette, 6’5”, 271 pounds, University of Arkansas
Bequette is an experienced college player having redshirted before becoming a four-year starter for the Hogs. He finished the 2011 season with 10 sacks in 10 games as a hamstring injury forced him to miss three games during the early part of the season.
Bequette is fast but not necessarily strong for a defensive end. He has been clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He might end up being a weak side defensive end in the NFL.
Draft Worthy Mentions:
DT Malik Jackson, Tennessee
DE Tim Fugger, Vanderbilt
Defensive Backs:
*Dre Kirkpatrick, 6’3”, 192 pounds, University of Alabama
Kirkpatrick has the size and speed NFL scouts drool over for cornerbacks. His background at Alabama will help him play man defense and zone defense at the next level.
Kirkpatrick had zero interceptions in 2011 but had three in 2010.
His ability on the field makes him a first round draft pick. Getting busted for marijuana in Bradenton, Florida may drop his draft status.
*Morris Claiborne, 6’0”, 185 pounds, LSU
Claiborne is considered the best corner in college football with the ability to be a shut-down corner on the next level. His speed, toughness, and athletic ability will make him a first-round pick for some lucky NFL team.
Claiborne had six interceptions during his junior campaign with one returned for a touchdown. He had five interceptions in 2010.
*Jonathan Banks, 6’1”, 185 pounds, Mississippi State
Banks is a legitimate cover corner ready for the next level. He had three picks in 2010 and five in 2011 with one returned for a touchdown. He also registered three sacks this season.
His ability to move up in draft status will depend on how well he competes at the NFL Draft Combine.
Draft Worthy Mentions:
*CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia
CB CaseyHayward, Vanderbilt
SS Mark Barron, Alabama
FS Tramain Thomas, Arkansas
SEC Football: Arkansas Places Six Seniors in Post-Season All-Star Games
The Arkansas Razorbacks has six seniors out of a total of 51 former SEC players that will participate in three of four different post-season all-star games.
Running back Broderick Green (Little Rock, Arkansas) will be the first former Hog to appear in a game when he suits up for the Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game January 16.
Green, a punishing runner listed at 6’2”, 244 pounds, finished the 2011 college football season with 260 rushing yards on 68 carries. He led the Razorbacks with five rushing touchdowns this year.
For his career at Arkansas he complied 1,235 rushing yards on 308 attempts for 22 touchdowns.
Five other former SEC players will be appearing in the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game: OT Chandler Burden from Kentucky, DE Wayne Dorsey from Ole Miss, QB Jarrett Lee from LSU, CB Anthony Mosley from Kentucky, and LB Austin Johnson from Tennessee.
The Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game takes place in Phoenix, Arizona at the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium and airs on FOX Sports Net at 8 p.m. EST January 16.
In the East-West Shrine Game the NFL Network will showcase the talents of wide receivers Greg Childs and Jarius Wright along with linebacker Jerry Franklin.
Franklin was a four year starter for the Hogs. He led Arkansas in tackles in each of the past four years finishing with 100 or more tackles in his junior and senior seasons- 101 in 2011 and 100 in 2010.
Franklin was one of eight total Razorbacks voted All-SEC in 2011. He was second team defense as picked by SEC Coaches.
Jarius Wright led the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and touchdown receptions (12) during his senior season. Wright was one catch shy of tying Tennessee’s Da’Rick Rogers conference leading total of 67.
Greg Childs played much of the 2011 season still recovering from a patellar tendon injury he suffered in the fourth quarter of a 2010 game against Vanderbilt. He had his best game of the season in the Cotton Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats finishing with five catches for 48 yards.
Childs ended his college football career with 2,069 total receiving yards, 133 receptions, and 15 total touchdowns.
Nine other SEC players will appear in the East-West Shrine Game including: QB John Brantley from Florida, Tauren Poole from Tennessee, DT DeAngelo Tyson, PK Blair Walsh, FB Bruce Figgins from Georgia, DE Kentrell Lockett and OT Bradley Sowell from Ole Miss, C Quentin Saulsberry from Mississippi State, and DT Travian Robertson from South Carolina.
The East-West Shrine Game starts at 4 p.m. EST and will be shown on the NFL Network January 21. The game will be played at Tropicana Field inSt. Petersburg, Florida.
The Senior Bowl has the largest collection of former SEC players among the post-season all-star games with 23 total players appearing including two Razorbacks- WR Joe Adams and DE Jake Bequette.
Jake Bequette was first team All-SEC in 2011 after totaling 10 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and 10.5 tackles for a loss while appearing in 10 games. He had multiple sack games against South Carolina (3), Mississippi State (2), and Kansas State (2).
Joe Adams was a consensus All-American as a punt returner for Arkansas. He ranked No. 2 in Division 1-A in total punt return yards (321), average return yards per punt (16.89), but led all players in returns for a touchdown (4).
Adams was a primary threat in the SEC as one of the Razorbacks top wide receivers. He ranked No. 8 in the SEC with 652 total receiving yards and No. 4 in total receptions with 54 while catching three touchdown passes.
As a threat out of the backfield, Adams had 10 rushing attempts for 139 yards with one touchdown.
The 21 other former SEC players scheduled to play in the Senior Bowl include: RB Vick Ballard from MSU, DT Josh Chapman, Safety Mark Barron, WR Marquis Maze, CB DeQuan Menzie, LB Courtney Upshaw, and C William Vlachos from Alabama, Punter Drew Butler, CB Brandon Boykin, OT Cordy Glenn, and C Ben Jones from Georgia, DT Jaye Howard and RB Chris Rainey from Florida, RT Brandon Mosley and LS Josh Harris from Auburn, CB Casey Hayward from Vanderbilt, DE Melvin Ingram and S/LB Antonio Allen from South Carolina, and OG Will Blackwell, TE Deangelo Peterson, and Safety Brandon Taylor from LSU.
The Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama will air on the NFL Network at 4 p.m. EST January 28.
No former Razorback players will appear in the Battle for Florida played on January 21 at 8 p.m. EST on FOX College Sports in Boca Raton, Florida.
Is Arkansas the most Influential State for College Football of All-Time?
Razorback Stadium
Since the first football game was played November 6, 1869, between Rutgers and Princeton, football fans have battled over whose team is better, which team has the best players, and why for over 100 years.
The most overlooked area in college football and perhaps the most important is what state is the most influential. What makes your criteria, the most Heisman Trophy winners per state, the most first round NFL draft picks, or the coaches that got those players to their prominent positions?
Based on coaching, would you believe Arkansas may be the most influential college football state of all-time?
PennStatefans will argue about the legacy of Joe Pa, Florida State fans will “Tomahawk” you to death with Bobby Bowden all the while Bill Walsh and Cardinal fans will nickel and dime you down the field in the West Coast offense. But if one looks closely at the coaches born in the state of Arkansas or those that cut their teeth coaching at the University of Arkansas, you might change your mind.
Here are a few coaches that have made their mark in the world of college football after passing through the great state of Arkansas.
Paul “Bear” Bryant
Who is arguably the greatest college football coach of all-time? Most fans, especially those who support Alabama, will tell you Paul “Bear” Bryant is the end all be all and for good reason. Coach Bryant won six national championships at Alabama and 15 conference titles between the SEC and Southwest Conference.
When Bryant retired he owned a 323-85-17 coaching record; that is a winning percentage of 76. After his passing in 1983, Super Bowl XVII was dedicated in his honor. The National Coach of the Year Award is even named in his honor.
Three coaches that got their start under Coach Bryant went on to win National Championships – Danny Ford, Gene Stallings, and Howard Schnellenberger. Other notable head coaches that got their start under Bear Bryant include David Cutcliffe, Jackie Sherrill, Pat Dye, Sylvester Croom, Jim Owens, Charles McClendon, and Neil Callaway.
What does Coach Bryant have to do with Arkansas? He was born in Fordyce, Arkansas. Alabama and college football fans, you are welcome.
Frank Broyles
The next great Arkansas coach would have to be Frank Broyles. Coach Broyles was the head coach at the University of Arkansas for 19 years compiling a record of 149-62-6 (69 winning percent) making him the all-time winningest coach in school history.
Coach Broyles won a national championship in 1964 and seven Southwest Conference titles from 1958 – 1976.
His showdown against University of Texas in 1969 was considered “The Game of the Century” before this year’s Alabama and LSU teams were even a consideration. There was so much national attention on the game President Nixon showed up inFayettevilleto watch.
Broyles was in the broadcast booth with Keith Jackson on ABC from 1977-1985 influencing generations of college football fans watching the games at home.
In 1996 college football started the Frank Broyles Award to honor the top college football assistant in the nation. Past winners include Randy Shannon, Norm Chow, Gene Chizik, and Gus Malzahn.
Broyles helped Johnny Majors (Tennessee), Joe Gibbs (Washington Redskins), Barry Switzer (Oklahoma and the Dallas Cowboys), and Jimmy Johnson (University of Miami and the Dallas Cowboys) all get their start in coaching. Between the four coaches they have won five college football national championships and six Super Bowls.
Of the players Coach Broyles mentored over 30 have gone on to coach at the college or pro levels.
As the athletic director for Arkansas in 1992, Coach Broyles led Arkansas to college football’s first mega-conference when they departed the now defunct Southwest Conference for the Southeastern Conference.
Lou Holtz
Lou Holtz succeeded Coach Broyles in 1977 as the head coach at Arkansas after stops at William and Mary, North Carolina State, and a one-year stint as the New York Jets head coach. Coach Broyles gave the embattled coach an opportunity to get back into college coaching before taking Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988.
Holtz won the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award in 1977 after leading Arkansas to a 1978 Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma. Had Oklahoma won the game that would have been the third national championship in four years for the Sooners. OU was coached by Barry Switzer.
Younger generations may only know of Coach Holtz from his work on ESPN’s College Football Score Board and College Football Live or his time asSouth Carolina’s head coach (1999-2004).
HoustonNutt
Recruited by Broyles and played under Lou Holtz, Houston Nutt not only was born in Arkansas and played for the Razorbacks but he was also the head coach at the University of Arkansas from 1998-2007. Coach Nutt won three SEC West titles and was named SEC Coach of the Year three times.
In 1998 Coach Nutt was awarded coach of the year by The Football News for leading Arkansas to a 9-3 record after being picked to finish last in the SEC West during the preseason.
Coach Nutt had eight winning seasons while at Arkansas, two as the head coach at Ole Miss. Nutt’s teams have appeared in seven New Year’s Day bowl games.
He coached Darren McFadden to back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Heisman Trophy Award – 2006 and 2007.
Jimmy Johnson
Jimmy Johnson played his college ball at theUniversityofArkansasbefore becoming the defensive coordinator under Broyles from 1973-1976. Johnson went on to be the head coach at Oklahoma State University(1979-1983) and University of Miami (1984-1988) before going to the NFL.
Coach Johnson won the 1987 national championship atMiamibefore taking over as the Dallas Cowboys head coach in 1989. While inDallas, Johnson won the Super Bowl in 1992 and 1993. The foundation Johnson laid for the Cowboys set up another Super Bowl win in 1995.
Johnson’s coaching tree includes native Arkansans Tommy Tuberville and Butch Davis. Johnson also helped start the careers of Norv Turner, Dave Wannstedt, and Dave Campo.
Randy Shannon was the starting linebacker for Johnson’s national championship team. Shannon was the head coach at University of Miami from 2007-2010.
Barry Switzer
As the head coach at University of Oklahoma from 1973-1988 Barry Switzer had a college record of 157-29-4 winning three national championships (1974, 1975, and 1985) and won 12 Big Eight Conference Titles.
Coach Switzer won 82 percent of his games at OU. His teams finished in the Top 10 of the AP Poll 12 times during his tenure.
He won Super Bowl XXX in 1995 as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Switzer played for the Razorbacks from 1956-1960 before taking a position as an assistant from 1961-1965 with the Hogs.
Coach Switzer was born in Crossett, Arkansas.
Ken Hatfield
Ken Hatfield was born in Helena, Arkansas. He played at Arkansas under Frank Broyles, was the head coach atArkansasfrom 1984-1989 compiling a record of 55-17 with three 10 win seasons – 1985, 1988, and 1989.
Hatfield was also the head coach at Air Force, Clemson, and Rice.
ButchDavis
Coach Davis was a defensive end for the Razorbacks before starting his coaching career at Fayetteville High School in Arkansas.
Coach Davis helped turn the University of Miami program around and laid down the tracks for success for Larry Coker and their BCS Championship winning team in 2001. Davis was the head coach at Miami from 1995-2000 before taking over as the head coach for the Cleveland Browns (2001-2004).
Davis was recently the head coach at North Carolina– 2007-2010.
He won three Big East Championships while at Miami– 1995, 1996, and 2000.
Butch Davis recruited Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Reggie Wayne, Clinton Portis, Bryant McKinnie, Antrel Rolle, Sean Taylor, and Jeremey Shockey, just to name a few of the more noteworthy NFL players under his mentorship.
Hayden Fry
Coach Fry got his big coaching break when Frank Broyles brought him on staff as his offensive backfield coach in 1961. After Arkansas was the Southwest Conference co-champions that same year, SMU hired Fry as their head coach for the 1962 season.
Fry is most remembered as the head coach for the Iowa Hawkeyes (1979-1998). Fry won one Southwest Conference title (1966), one Missouri Valley Conference title (1973), and three Big Ten titles (1981, 1985, and 1990).
Johnny Majors
Coach Majors may be considered “Mr. Rocky Top” but before he became the head coach at Tennessee he was an assistant under Frank Broyles from 1964-1967. Majors parlayed his time atArkansasto a head coaching position at Iowa State (1968-1972) before two stints at University of Pittsburgh (1973-1976 and 1993-1996).
Majors won the SEC three times (1985, 1989, and 1990). His coaching record for the Volunteers was 116-62-8. In 1985 his Tennessee team finished the season ranked No. 4, his highest post season ranking.
Head Coaches Born in Arkansas
Fred Akers
Fred Akers was born in Blytheville, Arkansas. He was a running back, kicker, and punter for the Hogs before becoming a coach.
Akers is best remembered as being the head coach atUniversityofTexasfrom 1977-1986. He also had head coaching jobs at Wyoming (1975-1976) and Purdue (1987-1990).
Akers twice led the Longhorns through undefeated seasons only to lose their bowl game each time – 1977 and 1983.
Gus Malzahn
Gus Malzahn, from Jonesboro, Arkansas, was the offensive coordinator for Arkansas, Tulsa, and Auburn before taking the head coaching position atArkansasState.
He won the 2010 BCS National Championship as the offensive coordinator forAuburn.
As offensive coordinator, Darren McFadden had a runner-up finish in the 2006 Heisman Trophy Award and in 2010 quarterback Cam Newton won the Heisman while atAuburn.
Charlie Strong
Coach Strong was born in Batesville, Arkansas and attended University of Central Arkansas before embarking on his coaching career. Strong made a name for himself as a top SEC defensive coordinator atSouth Carolina(1999-2001) and Florida (2002-2009) before taking the head coaching job at Louisville in 2010.
Tommy Tuberville
The “Riverboat Gambler” was born in Camden, Arkansas and played safety at Southern Arkansas before beginning his coaching career at Arkansas State.
Coach Tuberville has been the head coach at Ole Miss (1995-1998) and Auburn (1999-2008) before taking the Texas Tech position in 2010. While coaching in the SEC Tuberville won one SEC Conference Title and five SEC Western Conference Division Titles.
In 2004 he led the Tigers to a 13-0 record. That same year he won the Paul “Bear” Bryant award. He was twice named SEC Coach of the Year – 1997 and 2004.
Fitz Hill
Coach Hill was an assistant on the Razorback staff from 1992-2000. He played collegiately at Ouachita Baptist (NAIA) in Arkansas. He was the head coach of San Jose State from 2001-2004 before returning to Ouachita Baptist as the school’s president.
Coaching Assistants at University of Arkansas
Joe Gibbs – Running backs coach 1971-1972, three time Super Bowl winner with the Washington Redskins.
Garrick McGee – Quarterback coach from 2008-2009, offensive coordinator from 2009-2010, and now the head coach at University of Alabama-Birmingham.
Monte Kiffin – Defensive coordinator from 1977-1979, parlayed stint atArkansasinto head coaching job at North Carolina State. He is considered the “father” of the Tampa Two defense. Kiffin is the current defensive coordinator at University of Southern California.
Pete Carroll got his first big coaching break as a graduate assistant coaching the secondary atArkansasunder then head coach Lou Holtz. On staff was Monte Kiffin who taught Carroll the “4-3 Under” defense and the principal of the Tampa Two defense. Carroll was the 2003 National Coach of the Year while at USC.
Arkansas’ Influences in other Areas of Football
Jerry Jones grew up inNorth Little Rock,Arkansasand played on Frank Broyles 1964 national championship team. In 1989 Jones bought the Dallas Cowboys and immediately made waves throughout the NFL by firing legendary head coach Tom Landry.
Jones has taken “America’s Team” to new heights in popularity while winning three Super Bowls as the team owner – 1992, 1993, and 1995.
He is also the general manager for the Dallas Cowboys.
Pat Summerall was a place kicker, tight end, and defensive end atArkansasfrom 1949-1951. He spent 10 years in the NFL before working NFL telecasts in 1962. Summerall and John Madden became the definitive broadcast voices for NFL football covering 22 years.
In 1994 the Pro Football Hall of Fame awarded Summerall the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award for his contributions to football through radio and television.
From USC to Tennessee and Seattle to Miami, the coaching tree continues to spread its influence on college and pro football making Arkansas the most influential state in college football.
Last week the SEC accomplished a feat they had never done before, they gave college football fans two games in the same week featuring four top ten teams. This week the excitement is not as great on a national level but there is plenty of intrigue as mid-level teams continue to fight for bowl eligibility.
The matchup of the weekend pits cross-divisional teams No. 24 Auburn at No. 14 Georgia. 5-4 Florida travels to No. 15 South Carolina in hopes of becoming bowl eligible and 4-5 Vanderbilt hosts 4-5 Kentucky in a must win game for both teams.
LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas all play non-ranked teams with Bama traveling to Mississippi State. No surprise that each team’s fan base is praying for a shocking loss for the other’s programs.
Ole Miss welcomes Louisiana Tech in the first of three farewell games for soon to be departing head coach Houston Nutt.
Auburn versus Georgia
The Auburn versus Georgia game will pit the strength of each team against the other, running the ball. Auburn holds an edge here with sophomore running back Michael Dyer.
Dyer is second in the SEC in total rushing yards with 989 and third in rushing touchdowns having collected nine scores.
Bulldog true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell is sixth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 689 despite missing Georgia’s last game due to a suspension.
The pivotal point between the two teams will come down to quarterback play. The edge swings back in Georgia’s favor here.
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray is second in the SEC in total passing yards having thrown for 2,060. His 23 passing touchdowns leads the SEC. Murray’s eight interceptions is second in the conference to departed Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia.
Tiger quarterback Clint Moseley will make his third career start against a Bulldog defense ranked 7th in the FBS. Moseley threw for 160 yards, his season high, against Ole Miss two weeks ago. He finished the game 12-15 with four passing touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Auburn is coming off a bye thus they should be rested and ready. But Georgia should get some quality contributors back on the field this weekend too when wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell and running back Carlton Thomas return from an injury and suspension respectively.
Between the two teams Auburn is more battle tested having played six teams currently ranked or ranked at one time during the season to Georgia’s four.
Auburn has the 75th rated defense in the country to Georgia’s 7th ranked defense.
Georgia has the momentum riding a seven game winning streak with a solid opportunity to wrap up the SEC East division title.
Final Score
Georgia 28, Auburn 21
Florida versus South Carolina
Revenge game, new rivalry game, whatever you want to call it these two teams will get after each other come Saturday. Both teams have season goals and bragging rights riding on the outcome.
If South Carolina wins they stay alive in the race for the SEC East divisional title. Should they lose, Georgia wins the SEC East and the Gamecocks will have to fight for a better bowl bid and/or play spoiler to in-state rival Clemson during the last weekend of the season.
A win by 5-4 Florida makes the Gators bowl eligible and takes some of the heat off of first year coach Will Muschamp and his infamous offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.
Gamecock quarterback Connor Shaw is expected to play this week after taking a vicious hit from Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette in last week’s game. Shaw was suffering from concussion-like symptoms after the game.
Florida is also expecting their starting quarterback John Brantley to play after injuring himself against Vanderbilt last week as well.
Florida’s defense is stingy against the run which is what the Gamecocks need to do well in order to beat the Gators. Against the Hogs the Gamecocks were held to 79 total rushing yards.
The Gamecocks entered theArkansasgame only allowing 135.88 passing yards per game. Quarterback Tyler Wilson piled up 299 passing yards with two scores against the vaunted Gamecock defense. What can Brantley do against the same defense especially if safety DeVonte Holloman is not cleared to play for USC?
The Gators are hoping senior running back Chris Rainey will return to the lineup after injuring his ankle against Georgia.
The wheels seem to be coming off for Steve Spurrier and his Gamecock team. Can he keep his team together for three more regular season games?
Florida becomes bowl eligible on Saturday.
Final Score
Florida 24, South Carolina 21
Kentucky versus Vanderbilt
Looking over the SEC schedules before the season started the Wildcats vs. the Commodores game is not one of the games most fans circled. Yet the game holds heavy importance for both teams.
4-5 Kentucky is riding a five-game bowl appearance streak with three games left to play. 4-5 Vanderbilt is looking to go bowling for only the fifth time in the team’s history and the first time since 2008.
Head coach Joker Phillips is in his second year with the Wildcats. James Franklin is a first year head coach for the Commodores. Both coaches are trying to build a solid SEC program and need a win this weekend to keep their bowl hopes alive.
Phillips will call upon true freshman Maxwell Smith (Granada Hills,California) for the third game in a row to lead his team. Smith has played well in the place of injured quarterback Morgan Newton. Newton is healthy enough to play this week but will serve as the team’s second string quarterback.
The missing element fromKentucky’s offense this year has been a passing attack. Smith threw for 283 yards on 19 completions with two touchdowns against Ole Miss last week igniting hope for Wildcat fans that they can finish the season strong.
With the passing game elevated the running game has responded as well. CoShik Williams had a game-high 111 rushing yards on 25 carries finding the end zone twice against the Rebels.
Vanderbilt has continued their maturation process this season. The Commodores were a couple of plays away from possibly beating Georgia, Arkansas, and Florida over their past four games. Franklin’s young team has not learned how to win yet. The SEC East better watch out for this team next season.
Jordan Rodgers continues to impress after taking over for senior quarterback Larry Smith. Rodgers has started the last three games and finished last week’s game against Florida with 297 yards passing, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Commodore running back Zac Stacey was held to 23 rushing yards after back-to-back 100-yard performances against Army and Arkansas.
The game will come down to which defense can make the other team’s offense make mistakes. This heavily favors Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt has the 30th ranked defense in the nation despite not having much support from the offense for most of the season.
Vanderbilt keeps their bowl hopes alive.
Final Score
Vanderbilt 28, Kentucky17
Alabama versus Mississippi State
After last week’s “game of the century” most college football fans want to see how Bama will respond. Will they have a let-down game or will they come out and prove a point by punishing MSU? Either way LSU and Arkansas will be interested in the final outcome as their season’s final outcome could be made easier with a Bama loss.
On paper this game is a mismatch heavily favoring Alabama.
Mississippi State allows 349 yards of total offense per game. Alabama is the top ranked defense holding teams to 187 total yards.
Alabamahas the best rush defense in the country averaging 56.33 yards per game, Mississippi State 161.22.
Alabama averages 214 rushing yards per game, MSU 187 yards.
5-4 Mississippi State hosts Bama this week, travels toArkansasnext week, and hosts Ole Miss on the final weekend of the season. This is a tough road to walk down for head coach Dan Mullen trying to get his team to the all important six win plateau.
Final Score
Alabama 38, MSU 7
Louisiana Tech versus Ole Miss
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are one of the more intriguing teams in college football. They easily could have won the four games they lost, Southern Miss 19-17, Houston 34-35, and Mississippi State 26-20 and be undefeated going into the stretch run of their Western Athletic Conference schedule. As it is the Bulldogs need this win against Ole Miss to become bowl eligible.
The game is not without some controversy as embattled Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt resigned on Monday which will be effective come November 26. After losing 12-straight SEC games how will his team respond this week? Will they rally around Nutt or have they already given up on the season?
The Bulldogs are on a four-game winning streak. Look for them to shock a SEC team on the road.
Louisiana Tech 34, Ole Miss 28
Western Kentuckyversus LSU
It’s the top ranked team in the nation with one of the best defenses in the nation going up against a 5-4 Sun Belt Conference team that lost 14-3 toKentuckyduring the first week of the season.
LSU sleepwalks through this one.
LSU 48, WKU 6
Tennessee versus Arkansas
Tennessee looks to do the near impossible this weekend by knocking off No. 8 Arkansas on the road.
Arkansas responded well to their home surroundings last weekend after playing four of five games on the road. The Hogs easily defeated then No. 10 South Carolina 44-28.
The Vols are coming off a feel good win over Middle Tennessee State, 24-0.
Tennessee’s defense is SEC caliber but the offense is not.
There is an outside chance that Tyler Bray may return for this game. At 4-5 Dooley may sit his starter in hopes of winning their final two games to become bowl eligible. Why risk an injury to Bray with post season hopes hinging on his play during the final two games?
Arkansas’ passing attack has remained solid all year long behind the play of quarterback Tyler Wilson.Wilson leads the SEC in passing yards and his top target, Jarius Wright, leads the SEC in receiving yards with 812 and receiving touchdowns with nine.
The one shining offensive production for the Vols has been wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers. Rogers has assumed the No. 1 wide receiver role after Justin Hunter tore his ACL earlier in the season.Rogersis second in the SEC in receiving yards with 780 and tied for second in receiving touchdowns with seven.
Hogs win their sixth game in a row in front of a happy Reynolds Razorback Stadium crowd.
Arkansas 45, Tennessee 17
College Football Preview: Outcome of every SEC Game in Week 10
The SEC takes the main stage of college football this weekend when four of the top ten teams in the nation square off in great intra-conference matchups. No. 10 South Carolina travels to No. 8 Arkansas and the game of the year takes place in Tuscaloosa when No. 1 LSU plays No. 2 Alabama.
Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi State go out of conference to play New Mexico State, Middle Tennessee State, and Tennessee-Martin respectively.
Two of the SEC’s most down trodden teams play each other when Ole Miss travels toKentucky. While Vanderbilt looks to keep their bowl hopes alive inGainesville.
Auburn is on a bye this week.
No. 1 LSU versus No. 2 Alabama
Tagged as the game of the century, top ranked and undefeated LSU looks to take down divisional rival Alabama for the right to claim the top spot in the SEC West.
Not much hype is needed for this game as all college football fans are interested in the outcome of this game. The winner could end up in the BCS National Championship game and give the SEC a chance to extend their national title run to six straight years.
LSU and Alabama are mirror images of each other. Both teams are highlighted by the best defenses in the nation and play a run-first pass as needed offense. Bama is ranked number one in total defense limiting opponents to 180.50 points per game. LSU has the fourth ranked defense allowing 251.38.
The key to the game will be either team’s ability to score on the other team’s defense.
Offensively Alabama holds the edge by producing an average of 457.63 yards per game to LSU’s 372.13. The styles are similar; grind out tough yards with the running game and wear down the opposition’s defense front to control the second half.
Bama quarterback AJ McCarron leads the SEC in pass completion percentage with an average of 67 percent. Tiger’s quarterback Jarrett Lee is not far behind completing 63.2 percent of his passes. Bama averages 228.38 passing yards to LSU’s 183.13.
A methodical running attack sets up late game scoring opportunities for both teams. Either team can go three to four-deep with their rotation in the backfield. The Tide holds an advantage on paper here as well. They average 229.25 rushing yards per game to LSU’s 189.
With two teams so closely matched offensively and defensively the game could come down to special teams play. This is where LSU separates themselves from Alabama.
LSU averages 41.08 net yards per punt. The Tide averages 36.37. The difference of five yards per punt may not seem like much on paper. Over the course of the game five yards here and five yards there can make a major difference in field position and offensive play calling.
Both teams average 23 yards per kickoff return. LSU has a slight edge with one kickoff returned for a touchdown.
If the game comes down to field goals between Jeremy Shelly, Alabama, and Drew Alleman, LSU, the Tigers get the nod here as well.
Alleman has a long of 44 yards to Shelly’s 37. Both kickers have missed two field goals during the season including one missed attempt from 30-39 yards. Alleman’s other miss was an attempt over 50 yards. Miles must feel that Alleman has the range which could be important in a highly contested game like this one.
LSU is battle tested, Alabama not so much. The current BCS rankings show LSU has a strength of schedule rated ninth best in the nation. Bama’s ranking has them tied for 57th best in FBS. Five of the Tiger’s eight games have been against teams ranked at the time of their game.
Three teams onAlabama’s schedule have been ranked at the time of their game; Penn State, Arkansas, and Florida.
LSU has played three ranked teams on the road this season; Oregon, Mississippi State, and West Virginia. Tuscaloosa is an environment at night unlike any other place in college football but LSU should not be easily affected as other teams when visiting Bryant-Denny Stadium.
It is hard to pick against a Nick Saban coached team. Les Miles has a national championship trophy sitting on his mantle too. Saban just has one more than Les.
Last Year’s Outcome
LSU 24, Alabama 21
Prediction
LSU has found a way to win all of their tough games this season, and win handily. Alabama may have the better coach and the home field advantage but…
Final Score
Alabama 17, LSU 20
No. 10 South Carolina versus No. 8 Arkansas
Arkansas takes on their fourth ranked team in the past six games when the Gamecocks visit Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday.
Based off preseason predictions both teams have struggled to meet expectations offensively and defensively this season despite their current rankings and matching 7-1 records.
In four of their past five games the Hogs have overcome double digits deficits before rallying to win. Included in those wins were sub-par performances against Ole Miss and Vanderbilt in their past two games.
South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier has had to overcome one difficult situation after another this season. Connor Shaw started the season under center for the Gamecocks only to be replaced by troubled senior Stephen Garcia in the second quarter of their first game. Garcia was dismissed from the team in week seven of the season for violation of team rules.
Shaw replaced Garcia as starting quarterback. Shaw was to count on the production of All-SEC running back Marcus Lattimore only to lose him at the end of that same week to an ACL injury suffered against Mississippi State.
Through shaky offenses, injuries, and poor defensive performances both teams are fighting for an opportunity to remain in contention for a SEC Conference Title Game appearance and a possible BCS bowl berth.
South Carolina had a bye week to prepare true freshman Brandon Wilds (Blythewood, South Carolina) for their first game without Lattimore. Wilds responded with 135 yards rushing on 28 attempts in a sluggish win over the Vols. Wilds also caught three passes for 31 yards.
Before his breakout performance against Tennessee, Wilds highest rushing totals had come against Kentucky when he rushed five times for 45 yards.
Connor Shaw has been inconsistent as the Gamecock starting quarterback. He threw for 311 yards against Kentucky but has regressed since then. Against MSU he only threw for 155 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. On the road against Tennessee he finished with 87 passing yards on 10 of 18 passing attempts.
The Hogs running game made a brief appearance for two games but took a big step back against the Commodores last week. Dennis Johnson was held to 52 yards rushing on nine attempts and was benched after fumbling the ball for the second straight game. Arkansas finished with 72-net rushing yards after quarterback Tyler Wilson was sacked three times for a loss of 21-yards.
South Carolina’s defense will get their first true test of the season against the Razorbacks. The Gamecocks defense has the sixth rated total defense in FBS but the Hogs have the ninth best passing attack in the nation.
Weakness on weakness pits Arkansas’ running game and USC’s rush defense. Can the Hogs take advantage?
The Razorbacks allowed two inferior opponents, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, to rack up 151 rushing yards and 222 yards respectively. The Hogs have to like that a true freshman is handling the ball for the Gamecocks. They have to hate that Wilds ran for 135 in his first game as a starter. They can only hope that the 28 carries last week wore him down some.
Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino has to be excited that he has made it through the most difficult part of his schedule to return home 7-1. Spurrier has to hate that his young team is Arkansas’ homecoming game.
The Razorbacks have been uninspired over their past two games but gain a spring in their step being home.
Final Score
Hogs 28, South Carolina 17
Vanderbilt versus Florida
Starting the season who would have thought that this game would hold some relevance within the SEC East standings? 4-4 Vanderbilt travels to 4-4Floridawith the winner taking possession of third place in the SEC East.
Both teams have four conference losses and appear to be going in opposite directions. Vanderbilt has played well over their past four games. Florida has lost four in a row.
The winner takes a step closer to earning a bowl bid as the SEC seventh seed. The loser of this game may miss out on a bowl game.
Vanderbilt has a top line defense to go against Florida’s failing offense, ranked 94th in the nation. Georgia was able to hold Florida to 226 total yards last week. Running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps were held to a combined 38 yards rushing in a losing effort to the Bulldogs.
Commodores quarterback Jordan Rodgers has slowly come along as a starting SEC quarterback. In his first two starts of the season he was less than spectacular throwing the ball against Georgia and Army.
Rodgers posted a quarterback rating of 17.7 against the Bulldogs and 43.1 against Army. In a heartbreaking loss to the Razorbacks, Rodgers finished the game with a 97.8 quarterback rating and had his first 200-yard passing game of the season.
James Franklin and Will Muschamp are first year head coaches with a lot at stake. Florida has their pride and reputation on the line. Vanderbilt has a young team with a successful future ahead of them.
Vanderbilt has found a way to keep games close but have not learned how to win yet. Look for Vanderbilt to keep the game close but lose another tight one in a tough environment.
Final Score
Florida 24, Vanderbilt 21
Mississippi versus Kentucky
This game holds a dubious honor for the winner… they are not the worst team in the SEC.
Ole Miss, 2-6, has shown signs of life over the past two games. Their 2011 recruiting class has started to contribute and the Rebels are getting healthier.
Kentucky, 3-5, has not turned the corner on their season to date. The offense has been one of the worst statistically in FBS, ranked 118th out of 120. The answer to the Wildcat’s woes may have been on Joker Phillips’ bench all season long in true freshman Maxwell Smith (Granada Hills, California).
Smith replaced starting quarterback Morgan Newton in the first quarter after Newton sprained his ankle against Mississippi State last week. Smith responded with a 26 for 33 passing effort for 174 yards.
Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt is on the hot seat and really needs this win. Realistically the Rebels will not make a bowl game this year for the second year in a row. Nutt needs to finish strong winning games against Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, and Mississippi State. Should Nutt stumble against any three of those teams his days in Oxford may be over.
Kentucky has a slight advantage playing at home but Ole Miss is due for a win.
Final Score
Ole Miss 36, Kentucky 24
New Mexico State versus No. 18 Georgia
If you have not heard Georgia could be in trouble this week. Chances areNew Mexico State does not have much of a chance against the Bulldogs butGeorgiais on upset alert.
Mark Richt suspended three of his top four running backs for violating team rules. Included in the suspensions is true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell. Crowell is fifth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 689 total yards. Top backup running back Richard Samuel suffered an ankle injury against Florida and may be lost for the season.
Georgia will count on two former walk-on running backs to provide the rushing attack for the Bulldogs this weekend.
Sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray should be able to provide enough offense for Georgia against the 3-5 Aggies. Credit is due to the Aggies who have played tough this season even if they have not played SEC caliber teams.
The Aggies have the 65th ranked defense in the nation allowing 228.25 total yards per game.Georgiahas the 56th ranked offense in the nation gaining 404 yards per game.
This game could be closer than people may realize or it could be a blowout if Murray and company choose to play with a decided edge. Either way, Georgia’s defense will need to come ready to play to help bail out the offense if needed.
Final Score
Georgia 34, New Mexico State 17
Middle Tennessee State versus Tennessee
Tennessee catches a break in their schedule after a rough in-conference season when the Blue Raiders visit Neyland Stadium.
The youth movement is under way in Knoxville with sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray still out with a thumb injury. Senior quarterback Matt Simms started the first two games after Bray’s injury without much success against the two best teams in the nation, LSU and Alabama.
Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley then started true freshman Justin Worely (Rock Hill, South Carolina) against the Gamecocks, also with limited success. Worley finished the game completing 10 passes out of 26 attempts for 105 yards, looking like a true freshman starting for the first time.
Worely was not the only Vols freshman to get a start against the Gamecocks. Offensive guard Marcus Jackson (Vero Beach,Florida), safety Byron Moore (Harbor City,California), and defensive tackle Maurice Couch (Orlando,Florida) all got their first starts last week.
The Blue Raiders have played better in non-conference games this season than within the Sun Belt Conference. MTSU hung tough with Purdue only losing by three and beat lowlyMemphis38-31.
Tennesseecompletes their non-conference schedule against MTSU needing this win for a chance to become bowl eligible.Tennessee’s three remaining games are on the road against No. 8 Arkansas, versus Vanderbilt, and atKentucky. Winning three of their last four games would put the Vols at 6-6 and in their third straight bowl game.
Tennesseehas been worn down come the fourth quarter against SEC defenses. Dooley should be able to win one at home and get continued playing time for next year’s team.
Final Score
Tennessee17, MTSU 13
Tennessee-Martin versus Mississippi State
A disappointing year for the Bulldogs can take another positive step forward with a non-conference win against Tennessee Martin on Saturday.
MSU is 4-4 on the season with two tough games remaining against Alabama and Arkansas. For the Bulldogs to become bowl eligible they need to beat the Skyhawks and in-state rival Mississippi to ensure their second straight bowl game appearance.
Last week against Kentucky the Bulldogs found balance with their tandem quarterback rotation. Senior Chris Relf has become the running quarterback and sophomore Tyler Russell the passing quarterback. Together the two quarterbacks combined for 264 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Relf added two rushing touchdowns.
Tennessee-Martin is a Football Champion Subdivision team.
Look for Mississippi State to run away with this one in a much needed confidence building game.
Final Score
Mississippi State 38, Tennessee Martin 24
College Football: Midseason Report Cards for Every SEC Team
The 2011 college football season started with high hopes for all 12 SEC teams. Eight teams were ranked in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll. Alabama topped the listed ranked second in the nation followed by LSU (4), South Carolina (12), Arkansas (14), Georgia (19), Mississippi State (20), Florida (22), and Auburn (23).
Natural attrition during the first half of the 2011 season would weed a few teams out of the rankings. Mississippi State and Georgia are the only two teams to no longer in the AP rankings.
All an SEC team feels they need to do is win the conference championship game for a shot at the national title as a SEC team has won each of the last five BCS Championships after winning the SEC title game. With half of the season left to play, the SEC East and West races are still undetermined.
LSU and Alabama are undefeated in the West with Arkansas and Auburn on their heels with one conference loss each.
In the East, South Carolina and Georgia are tied for first place with one conference loss a piece. Florida, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt are tied for second place each with two conference losses.
First Half Storyline in the SEC: Injuries
Injuries to key players have been the main story for many SEC teams during the first half of the 2011 season. Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt have seen their starting quarterbacks knocked out of game action at some point during the season.
Florida lost their first and second string quarterbacks against Alabama and Tennessee’s Tyler Bray has a broken thumb that could keep him out of action for six weeks.
Mississippi State has been plagued with injuries along their offensive line.
Justin Hunter, the Vols top wide receiver andKentucky’s true freshman running back Josh Clemons each tore their ACL and are out for the season.
Arkansas played without four starting defensive players against Alabama and Texas A&M. The Hogs were without three of their top four running backs until the A&M game as well.
The top running backs for Ole Miss have been hampered by various injuries all season.
Defensive standouts Collins Ukwu (Kentucky), C.J. Mosley (Alabama), and Melvin Ingram (South Carolina) have missed the majority of the first half of the season but appear to be healthy for the second half run.
Grade for Nonconference Games: B
In games against notable nonconference opponents the SEC turned in a 7-4 record. Their 4-1 record against ranked opponents is impressive.
Arkansas, LSU, and Alabama made loud statements with big wins, LSU twice, over Big Ten, Big 12, PAC-12, and Big East teams.
Vanderbilt’s win overConnecticut, the 2010 Big East champs, was a signature win for the Commodores and new head coach James Franklin.
Georgiatook a tough loss at home to Boise State 35-21. Auburn’s loss to Clemson, not ranked at the time, inDeath Valley ignited a Tiger’s team now ranked in the top 10.
Key Nonconference Games in the First Half
*Teams/Date/Site (off-campus location)
Boise State at Georgia, September 3, in Atlanta, Georgia
BYU at Ole Miss, September 3
Oregon vs. LSU, September 3, in Arlington, Texas
Alabama at Penn State, September 10
Cincinnati vs.Tennessee, September 10
Connecticut vs. Vanderbilt, September 10
Auburn at Clemson, September 17
Louisville at Kentucky, September 17
LSU at West Virginia, September 24
Arkansas vs. Texas A&M, October 1, in Arlington, Texas
Ole Miss at Fresno State, October 1
Key nonconference games yet to be played
Florida State vs.Florida, November 26
Clemson vs.South Carolina, November 26
Vanderbilt vs.Wake Forest, November 26
Grade for In-conference Games: C-
Many of the first half games have been disappointing. Injuries or not, LSU andAlabamahave not been tested by the rest of the conference.
Here’s a list of games that looked like great matchups before the season began.
*Teams/Date/Site (off-campus location)
South Carolina at Georgia, September 10
Mississippi State at Auburn, September 10
LSU at Mississippi State, September 15
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt, September 17
Arkansas at Alabama, September 24
Florida at Kentucky, September 24
Alabama at Florida, October 1
Florida at LSU, October 8
Of the games listed, Mississippi State versus Auburnwas the lone dramatic game coming down to a last second goal line stand for the Tigers.
Notable In-conference Games Remaining
Georgia vs.Florida, October 24, in Jacksonville, Florida
LSU at Alabama, November 5
South Carolina at Arkansas, November 5
Florida at South Carolina, November 12
Arkansas at LSU, November 25
Team Grades SEC West
Alabama
Defense: A+
The Tide’s defense has dominated their opponents. The third ranked defense in college has held two teams scoreless. The most points they have given up this season is 14 to Arkansas at home.
Offense: A
The offense continues to roll with running backs Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy. The Alabama offensive line creates holes for their running backs and gives first year starter AJ McCarron time to find his receivers when needed.
Overall: A
The Tide won three signature games against Penn State, Arkansas, and Florida. Looking a little bit closer, Penn State is not that great, Arkansas and Florida had injury problems during the game. What have we really learned about Alabama so far?
November 5, Bama will be tested for the first time when LSU comes toTuscaloosa.
Arkansas
Defense: C
What defensive team do we rate? The healthy unit or how the team that has played to date? When have they been healthy?
As bad as it may seem for Razorback fans the Hogs are ranked 37th in scoring defense (21.33), 67th in total defense (389.50 yards per game), and 30th in pass defense (200.83 yards per game). With Jake Bequette, Isaac Madison, Darius Winston, Tank Wright, and Robert Thomas missing time, this group has held together well.
Willy Robinson’s defensive unit held Alabama’s offensive attack to 17 points in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Not having both starting defensive ends has contributed to their SEC low of 6 sacks.
Look for improvement on the Arkansas defense in the second half as they get healthier.
Offense: B+
How can a team that averages 39.17 points per game, 17th best in the nation, have a B+ ranking on offense? Their running game is the reason or lack thereof.
Arkansas averages 129.33 rushing yards per game, 77th in the nation and 8th in the SEC.
In upcoming games against South Carolina and LSU Tyler Wilson will need the support of the running game if the Hogs hope to win.
Overall: B
The Hogs have a lot of room for improvement but have played well enough to win two important games versus Texas A&M andAuburn. Should the offensive line gel and improve their blocking this group can go far. The addition of Broderick Green and Dennis Johnson in the backfield will help the Hogs’ rushing attack.
Bobby Petrino has to be all smiles that he made it through the toughest part of the Razorback schedule with only one loss.
Look for the Hogs to roll until their game against LSU. If the Hogs beat LSU that could create a three-way tie for first place in the SEC West if LSU beatsAlabama.
Auburn
Defense: D
Auburnhas the 105th ranked defense in college football.
The defense heldSouth Carolinato a season low 13 points in an upset win on the road. Was that Garcia’s poor performance, Auburn’s play, or a little bit of both?
The defense is young and still coming together as a group. Look for them to get stronger as the season progresses.
Offense: C
Auburn is 80th in the nation in total offense. Much of that is due to the running ability of Michael Dyer. Dyer is third in the SEC in rushing yards (679) and rushing touchdowns (8).
Barrett Trotter has 9 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and has taken 12 sacks.
Through it all they average 27.83 points per game.
Overall: C
How good or bad Auburn really is this season is still up for debate. Four of their victories have been last minute wins. Is this a sign of a team that never gives up and finds a way to win or a sign that they play down to their level of competition?
Auburnlost nearly 40 percent of their players from the 2010 roster to graduation and the NFL. This team is young and still learning how to play together. Next year could be a great season for Gene Chizik and company.
Auburn should end up 9-3 or 8-4 putting them on track for their third straight bowl appearance.
LSU
Defense: A+
Hard to poke any holes in LSU’s defense to date. The Tigers held Oregonto 27 points (2nd ranked scoring offense) and West Virginia to 21 (12th ranked scoring offense). Not counting the LSU game, Oregon is averaging 56 points per game this season.
In three conference games LSU is allowing 8 points per game. Overall offenses are scoring 12.50 points per game against their defense.
Offense: B
LSU is finishing games at a rate of 38.50 points per game. Their passing attack is not stellar, 8th in the SEC, but good enough to get the job done when needed. Their rushing attack is 6th best in the SEC. All very average numbers but with their defense backing them, they do not have to take unnecessary chances or be flashy on offense.
Overall: A+
LSU has played the most difficult schedule in the nation to date and remains undefeated. There is little doubt that this is the best team in college football.
Upcoming games against Alabama and Arkansas seem to be the only two games standing in their way of a SEC title berth and a possible BCS Championship game berth.
MississippiState
Defense: C-
MSU opponents are averaging 20.17 points per game. The Bulldogs have the 41st best defense in total yards. The problem is their defense is letting opponents run for 159 yards per game.
Dan Mullen has no answers for the loss of their 2010 starting linebacker unit, namely Chris White and K.J. Wright. Until their linebackers learn to stop the run, this will be a long season for Bulldog fans.
Offense: C-
Despite Chris Relf’s struggles under center, MSU’s offense is scoring at a rate of 26 points per game. They have talent in the backfield with running back Vick Ballard.
Mullen may have to make the difficult decision to bench senior quarterback Chris Relf for sophomore quarterback Tyler Russell. Russell played well coming off the bench against UAB in week 6 leading MSU to a come from behind 21-3 win.
Overall: C-
Mississippi State is 0-3 in conference play. Losing to Auburn, Georgia, and LSU is no crime. If Mullen was hoping to take MSU to the next step in the SEC he needed to win two of those games.
Mullen has three winnable games left on the schedule, atKentucky, versus Tennessee-Martin, and versus Ole Miss. Winning those three could put them in a bowl game even without a signature win.
Winning one of the three remaining games against South Carolina, Alabama, or Arkansas renews the Bulldog program and places them in a bowl.
Ole Miss
Defense: D-
Halfway through the season Ole Miss rush defense is ranked 95th in the nation (193 yards/game) and their pass defense is ranked 53rd (215.40 yards/game).
Their opponents during the first 6 games of the season include: BYU, Southern Illinois,Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Fresno State. None of their opponents have been ranked at the time of play.
Offense: D
In the Rebels two wins against Southern Illinois and Fresno State their offense averaged 40 points. In their three losses their offense averaged 11 points.
Mississippi’s passing game and rushing attack is 10th worst in the SEC in total yards. Vanderbilt is ranked below the Rebels in passing and rushing and beat Ole Miss 30-7.
Overall: D-
If one believes in recruiting stars and rankings given via major recruiting publications, there is talent on campus. Houston Nutt has done a poor job of getting consistent quarterback play and the most out of his player’s talents thus far.
Rebel fans do not get your hopes up for a turnaround in the second half of the season. Ole Miss has three winnable games remaining againstKentucky, Louisiana Tech, and Mississippi State.
The good thing is Ole Miss has four games left on the schedule at home. The bad thing is three of those teams are Alabama, Arkansas, and LSU.
SEC East
Florida
Defense: B-
The first four games of the season the Gators defense looked as good as any in the nation. The most points Florida allowed was 23 points by Tennessee in a conference rivalry game. Then in the last two games Alabama scored 38 and LSU scored 41.
How good is the Gator defense? Great but not elite?
Offense: C
Florida averaged 40.25 points per game in their first four games. Against two of the better teams in the nation they averaged 10.5.
The Gator offense took heavy lumps againstAlabama. John Brantley, Jeff Demps, and Jeff Driskel were all injured making them miss time against LSU in the following game.
This is Charlie Weis’ first season in Gainesville as offensive coordinator. Look for him to keep developing the young talent he has on offense and forFloridato get better as the season continues.
Florida’s kicking game has been phenomenal this season. The lone missed field goal was an attempt over 50-yards.
Overall: C
Florida looked great in their first four games climbing as high as number 12 in the AP poll. After their injuries and two devastating losses toAlabamaand LSU the Gators welcome the second half of their schedule which features only one team currently ranked, South Carolina.
The six remaining games on the schedule are all winnable. Having to rely on one of two true freshmen under center until Brantley comes back could make those six games a wild ride.
Georgia
Defense: C
The defense has rebounded from the first two games of the season against Boise State and South Carolina. The Bulldog scoring defense is ranked 20th in the nation (tied withFlorida) limiting teams to 19.17 points per game. In their last four games opponents have averaged 8.75 points against them.
Florida, if healthy, Auburn, and Georgia Tech’s offenses could create problems for the Bulldogs in the second half.
Offense: B+
Putting points on the board has not been a problem for Mark Richt’s team this year. They average 32.17 points per game. Finding a balance with the running game and passing attack took a few games.
True freshman running back Isaiah Crowell has been a difference maker for the Bulldog offense. Crowell did not start until game three against Coastal Carolina. He is the 4th leading rusher in the SEC in total rushing yards and has three 100-yard rushing games.
Aaron Murray has been hot and cold during his sophomore campaign. He has thrown 13 touchdown passes but has also thrown 6 interceptions. If he takes 13 more sacks in the second half of the season, that could prove to be problematic forGeorgia.
The Bulldogs need to improve their 39 percent 3rd down conversion rate in the second half of the season.
Overall: B
Georgia is in a great position to have a nice second half run. All of the Bulldogs games are winnable. Florida, Auburn, and at Georgia Tech highlight the schedule.
After their 0-2 start to be tied with South Carolina for the SEC East lead is not a bad place to be.
South Carolina has two tough SEC games left.Georgianeeds a South Carolina loss for a shot as the SEC East representative in the conference title game.
Kentucky
Defense: D
The Wildcat’s defense allows 29.50 points per game. Kentucky’s offense is the 118th worst in FBS scoring 13 points per game.
What is the defense to do with no help from the offense?
The worn down Wildcat defense allows 408.5 yards of total offense per game. If the offense was able to help control the clock a little more this defense could be decent.
Offense: F
Sorry Wildcat fans but it is true, the offense is really bad. Morgan Newton has not been able to replace Mike Hartline’s production as the starting quarterback. In Kentucky’s last game versus South Carolina, Newton completed 4 of 21 passes for 17 yards. After the game one could hear Wildcat fans across the country shouting, “I could do better than that.”
Head coach Joker Philips has not been able to ignite the offense that lost Hartline, Cobb, Locke, and Matthews. To make matters worse running back Josh Clemons is out for the year with an ACL tear. Raymond Sanders will have to take a bigger role in the offense ifKentuckyis to have a shot at going to a bowl game.
Overall: D-
Kentuckyhas two nonconference wins but has been blown out by three straight ranked SEC teams; Florida 48-10, LSU 35-7, South Carolina 54-3.
The remaining schedule is not overly difficult. For Kentucky it may be very difficult.
Any sort of offense could help the Wildcats win games in the second half of the season against Jacksonville State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, at Vanderbilt, at Georgia, or at home against Tennessee.
Wildcats will miss a bowl game for the first time in over five years.
South Carolina
Defense: B+
After giving up 37 points to East Carolina and 42 toGeorgiain their first two games, the Gamecock defense has settled down.South Carolinaallows 274.50 yards of total offense per game which makes them the 9th best team in the nation. Their scoring defense is giving up a total of 20.33 points per game, 28th best in the nation.
Defensive tackle Melvin Ingram has missed time this season and All-SEC defensive end Devin Taylor had a slow start to his season. Slowly their defense has become the dominate force Gamecock fans were expected to be before the season began.
Offense: C
Let’s be honest, Marcus Lattimore is the South Carolina offense. Senior quarterback Stephen Garcia was having a horrible season leading the SEC in interceptions thrown and helping USC be the 111th worst team in FBS in that statistic.
Garcia has been dismissed from the team by head coach Steve Spurrier and now the reigns have been turned over to sophomore Connor Shaw. Shaw had a good game against Kentucky throwing for 311 yards completing 26 of 39 attempts with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Shaw’s ability to be consistent and not turn the ball over will be the key to the Gamecock season going forward; that and Marcus Lattimore staying healthy.
Overall: B
How good are the Gamecocks?South Carolinahas not played a ranked team this season. Auburn jumped to 15th in the nation after beating USC in Williams-Brice Stadium.
USC will have three chances to prove their ranking before the season is over. They travel toArkansas, play Florida in Jacksonville, and get Clemson at home.
The Gamecocks are capable of winning out the rest of their season if they can get strong quarterback play from Shaw.
Look for USC to have at least one more conference lost and have a shootout against Clemson in the Battle of the Palmetto State.
Tennessee
Defense: B
Tennessee is limiting their opponents to 343.80 yards per game and 20.40 points per game. The defense will be challenged with remaining games against LSU, Alabama, South Carolina, and Arkansas.
If the defense can keep their current average of points per game and yards per game allowed they should be able to win a couple of tough games in the second half of the season.
Offense: C+
Even though Tennessee has been one-dimensional with Tyler Bray at quarterback, the offense is still putting up 32.60 points per game. Bad news is Bray could be out for six weeks. The good news is senior quarterback Matt Simms is stepping under center for the Vols.
Simms played through the toughest part of the Vols schedule in 2010 before missing the rest of the year with an injury. Simms has the ability to keep the Vols in games with his arm.
Simms, like Bray, will have to play without a rushing attack. A big season was expected of running back Tauren Poole but he has not played well. He has been hampered by a hamstring injury and may see limited time against LSU this weekend.
Overall: B
Tennessee does not have a big win under their belt this season. They played Florida tough at the Swamp. The rest of the season looks brutal.
Tennessee should be bowl eligible by season’s end. If they can catch LSU, Alabama, South Carolina, or Arkansas napping, come December they could end up in a nice bowl.
Vanderbilt
Defense: A-
Considering the lack of offense and the amount of time the Commodores have spent on the field they have been great during the first half of the season.
The secondary has been among the leaders nationally in interceptions all season.
Vanderbilt has the 23rd ranked scoring defense in FBS at 19.40 points per game. Holding SEC teams to an average of 307.30 total yards per game is impressive as well. How long will the defense be able to hold up without the offense’s help?
Offense: D+
In three SEC games the offense has averaged 11 points. Senior quarterback Larry Smith has missed time in the last two games to nagging injuries. Junior quarterback Jordan Rodgers played the final three quarters against Alabama in Vandy’s last game.
The two-headed rushing attack of Zac Stacy and Jerron Seymour places Vanderbilt as the 11th best team in the SEC. First year head coach James Franklin will have to find a way to keep the Commodores on the field and look for ways to put points on the board if they want to have a successful second half of the season.
Vanderbilt’s kicking situation is not great. They missed two field goals against Alabama. For the season they are 3 of 5 with a long of 33 yards. Essentially Vandy’s offense has to be in the red zone if they hope to kick a field goal. That makes it even more difficult to put points on the board for the Commodores.
Overall: B-
Vanderbilt has been competitive this year for the first time since they won 7 games in 2008. Their defense is SEC caliber. Their offense is not.
For all of the returning talent Vanderbilt had starting the season, they are still a young team. If Franklincan keep his guys focused through the rest of 2011, through good times and bad, he will have a special team come 2012.
College Football Preview: Predicting Every SEC Game in Week 7
Week after week the SEC features great college football match-ups. This weekend is no different as three SEC East teams continue their fight to stay alive for a conference title game berth and two of the top teams in all of college football look to keep pace with each other in the SEC West.
Two teams are on byes this week, Arkansas and Kentucky.
Arkansas travels to Ole Miss next week.
Kentucky hosts Jacksonville State.
No. 15 South Carolina at Mississippi State
Believe it or not, South Carolina versus Mississippi State is the SEC game of the week.
Mississippi State and South Carolina started the season off in similar fashion, with high hopes. MSU’s came crashing down fast while USC still has a shot to right the ship.
The Bulldogs are 3-3 after starting the season ranked 20th. MSU moved up as high as 16th in the nation but quickly lost their way after Auburn shut quarterback Chris Relf down at the goal line on the final play of their game.
The two head coaches, Steve Spurrier and Dan Mullen, find themselves in the middle of a quarterback controversy this week.
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier dismissed senior quarterback Stephen Garcia from the team on Tuesday after he reportedly failed an alcohol test. Garcia had lost his starting job to sophomore Connor Shaw for USC’s game against Kentucky last weekend. Garcia had been suspended five times previously by Spurrier.
Another upstart sophomore is pushing an established senior quarterback for playing time in the SEC. This time MSU head coach Dan Mullen has to make some hard choices about who will start and who will sit and how many snaps each quarterback will get in the game.
Chris Relf has struggled much of 2011 after having a solid junior campaign. He is ranked 9th in the SEC in total passing yards (860), 7th in completion percentage (58.1), but has 5 interceptions thrown to four touchdown passes thrown.
MSU quarterback Tyler Russell started the second half against UAB which lead to a 21-3 come from behind win for the Bulldogs. Russell completed 11 of 13 passes for 166 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Relf finished the game 6 of 10 for 46-passing yards.
The in-game battle will be betweenMississippiStaterunning back Vick Ballard and USC’s running back Marcus Lattimore. Ballard is fifth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 531. Lattimore leads the SEC with 779 but has 61 more carries on the season than Ballard.
Lattimore appears to be slowing down some. His last three games he’s had one 100-yard effort (102 yards vs.Kentucky). Mississippi State’s linebackers have trouble stopping the run.
Ballard had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season against UAB.
Neither team has a signature win this year.
Both quarterback situations are sketchy at best but USC has the better defense especially with the return of DE Melvin Ingram.
USC wins at Davis-Wade Stadium 35-21.
No. 2 Alabama versus Mississippi
Ole Miss welcomes one of the top defenses in the nation to go against their offense, one of the worst in the nation.
Rebel fans are optimistic that junior quarterback Randall Mackey will be the key to ignite their offense. Mackey was penciled to be the starter for Ole Miss after spring practices but Houston Nutt went with Zack Stoudt and Barry Brunetti to start the season.
Mackey completed eight passes for 214 yards and one touchdown in their last game against Fresno State. Mackey also had ten incomplete passes against the Bulldogs, a team allowing 392.5 yards per game.
Scat back Jeff Scot rushed for a career-high 138 yards against Fresno State.
Alabama’s offense:
19th best rushing attack in the nation averaging 217 yards per game with 18 touchdowns.
Bama’s total offense is second best in the SEC at 434.8 per game.
The Tide features the 4th best passing game in the SEC averaging 226.80 yards per game.
Scoring at a rate of 37.67 points per game is 22nd best in the nation.
Alabama’s defense:
Top scoring defense in the nation allowing 7 points per game.
Third best total defense in the nation, 191.33 yards per game.
Best rushing defense in the nation by holding teams to 39.83 yards per game.
4th best pass defense in the nation limiting opponents to 151.50 yards per game.
Common opponent: Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt 30, Ole Miss 7.
Alabama 34, Vanderbilt 0.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley returns from an elbow injury suffered against Arkansas.
Life does not get better for Houston Nutt. Ole Miss losses another one 38-7.
Florida versus No. 24 Auburn
A reoccurring theme in the SEC is quarterback play or lack thereof. Auburn head coach Gene Chizik is sticking by his struggling junior quarterback Barrett Trotter and Florida cannot keep a quarterback healthy enough to play.
Quarterbacks John Brantley and true freshman Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, Florida) both injured their ankles against Alabama. Florida head coach Will Muschamp made a game time decision to not start Driskel against LSU in favor for another true freshman quarterback, Jacoby Brissett (West Palm Beach,Florida).
The game will come down to who can stop the run. Florida has the 4th best rushing attack in the SEC (194 per game) and Auburn has the 3rd best (204 per game).
Florida’s rush defense is 32nd in the nation. Auburn’s is 103rd allowing 201.83.
Auburn and Florida did not play each other last season.
Auburnhas more stability at quarterback but Florida may have more raw talent under center.
Florida holds Dyer to 115 rushing yards and Chris Rainey finds the holes to keep the Gators on the field.
Jeff Demps was limited to two carries last week inBaton Rouge due to an ankle injury. His playing time will be a game time decision.
Florida 21, Auburn 18.
Georgia versus Vanderbilt
First year head coach James Franklin has already passed expectations at Vanderbilt. He has eclipsed last year’s win total and scored a SEC conference victory against Ole Miss. More importantly the Commodores have been competitive.
The final score in their past two games may not reflect the abilities of his team, at No. 12 South Carolina 3-21 and at No. 2 Alabama 0-34, but their defense is playing tough and they are young. Franklin is laying ground work for a strong Commodore team next season if they can find any offense.
Georgiahas turned their season around after two straight home losses to fifth ranked Boise State and twelfth rankedSouth Carolina. The Bulldogs are on a four game winning streak and tied with the Gamecocks for first place in the SEC East.
Georgiahead coach Mark Richt started true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell after theSouth Carolinaloss and the Bulldogs offense has responded.
The Bulldogs have the 4th ranked total offense in the SEC (2,435 yards) while averaging 405.80 yards per game. Crowell is fourth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 573 after seeing limited action in the first two games of the season.
Georgia’s starting quarterback Aaron Murray now has a complement to his passing abilities.Murrayis third in the SEC in total passing yards with 1,327, second in passing touchdowns (13), and fourth in quarterback rating (150.2). Murray’s tendency to take a sack (SEC worst 13) and throw interceptions (6) has got to improve against the opportunistic Commodore defense.
The Commodores lead the SEC with 14 interceptions. Three of those picks have been returned for touchdowns.
Georgia has the sixth best defense in the nation.
Vanderbilt has the 117th worst offense in college football, 244.40 yards per game.
Vandy quarterback Larry Smith has missed time in the last two games due to injuries. Smith could have returned against Alabama last week but Franklin played Jordan Rodgers the rest of the game.
Georgia gets a bye next week before playing Florida in Jacksonville. The Bulldogs will not get caught up in a trap game.
Georgia has enough offense to beat Vandy’s determined group. Georgia wins 21-7.
No. 1 LSU versus Tennessee
Another SEC team, another starting quarterback injured.Tennessee’s Tyler Bray broke the thumb on his throwing hand last week against Georgia. Now LSU will face their second straight game against a quarterback making their first start of the season.
Senior quarterback Matt Simms takes over for Bray. Simms was the starter last year before injuries and solid play by Bray in the final five games of 2010 resulted in him losing his starting job.
Simms threw for 1,460 yards and eight touchdowns last season against the hardest part of Tennessee’s schedule: Oregon, Florida, LSU, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.
Simms almost pulled off an upset win against the Tigers last year inBaton Rouge. Simms was 12 for 23 for 121-yards passing with five sacks, no touchdowns, and zero interceptions in last year’s meeting. Their performance last season has the Vols excited about their chances this week.
The difference in last year’s Vols team and this year team is a running game. Tauren Poole has not clicked with the offensive line yet this season. Poole had 109 yards rushing against the Tigers in 2010 to pace UT’s offense.
Poole left last week’s game with an injured hamstring in the first quarter. His status for this week is a game time decision.
LSU has the fifth best defense in the nation.
Tennessee was held to negative 20 yards rushing against Georgia.
LSU escaped with a last second 16-14 win in 2010 against the Vols. Don’t look for LSU to take Tennessee lightly this year nor ruin a chance to play for the BCS National Championship by looking ahead toAuburn.
LSU methodically breaks down Tennessee for a 48-3 win.
HogManInLA 