Tagged: Vanderbilt
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.
College Football Recruiting: Where did the Elite 11 Quarterbacks Sign
In July, Pepperdine University was the site for the prestigious Elite 11 camp. The Malibu setting with thePacific Ocean in the background featured 24 seniors-to-be instructed by 2001 Super Bowl winning quarterback Trent Dilfer.
With the 2012 National Signing Day now in the past this article will breakdown which universities signed Elite 11 campers, how recruiting services ranked the quarterbacks at the end of their respective seasons, and cover the significance of attending the Elite 11 camp for perspective college quarterbacks.
The camp has been a stepping stone for many high school quarterbacks on their way to college fame and NFL stardom. The previous attendees include Matt Leinart (2000), Kyle Orton (2000), Vince Young (2001), Mark Sanchez (2004), Josh Freeman (2005), Matthew Stafford (2005 MVP), Ryan Mallett (2006), Tim Tebow (2006), Andrew Luck (2007), Landry Jones (2007), and Aaron Murray (2008).
When a quarterback performs well at the Elite 11 camp not only do college coaches notice but so do NFL scouts. Dilfer proudly let it be known that of the 32 starting quarterbacks set to start for their respective NFL teams before the 2011 season, 22 of those quarterbacks attended this camp.
The camp continues to turnout top performers. Four of the top 12 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft competed at Elite 11 camps including Cam Newton, Panthers, Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars, Jake Locker, Titans, and Christian Ponder, Vikings.
With so much attention paid to this particular camp one can see how fierce the competition is among the players to win top honors.
When the 2011 Elite 11 camp was finished three players shared MVP honors- Jameis Winston from Hueytown, AL, Neal Burcham from Greenbrier, AR, and Tanner Magnum from Eagle, ID.
The next eight quarterbacks were ranked in the following order:
- Jeff Lindquist, Mercer Island, WA
- Chad Voytik, Cleveland, TN
- Zach Kline, Danville, CA
- Shane Dillion, El Cajon, CA
- Chad Kelly, Buffalo, NY
- Zeke Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY
- Bart Houston, Concord, CA
- Austin Appleby, North Canton, OH
The camp counselors, composed primarily of college quarterbacks, awarded the campers with their own set of awards, some in jest the rest on pure talent.
The counselors selected Magnum, Winston, and Burcham in their top five performers along with Gunner Kiel and Patton Robinette.
Honors bestowed to attendees included:
- Connor Brewer – The best in any system
- Travis Wilson – The quickest release
- Zach Kline – The strongest arm
- Tanner Magnum – The most accurate
- Cyler Miles – The most athletic
- Grant Roach – The most coachable
- Jameis Winston – The Best deep ball
- Jake Rodrigues – The best footwork
- Preston Dewey – The best touch
- Tyler O’Connor – The most poised
- Nick Patti – The Doug Flutie Award
- Gunner Kiel– Tightest shirt
- Chad Kelly – Needs to learn “no comment” Award
The start of each player’s college career has been mapped out. What happens from here is up to the individual players.
Athletic ability can only take a player so far in college. Which player will benefit the most from hard work, determination, great coaching, and a little bit of luck?
Who will we see excel at the next level?
An alphabetical listing of the 2011 Elite 11 Quarterback Camp finalists:
Player/ High School/ Height/ Weight/ Scout.com Ranking/College
Austin Appleby, North Canton, Ohio, 6’4”, 215 pounds, 3-star, No. 62, Purdue
Connor Brewer, Scottsdale, AZ, 6’ 2”, 190 pounds, 4-star, No. 11, Texas
*Neal Burcham, Greenbrier, AR, 6’ 3”, 190 pounds, 2-star, No. 86, SMU
Tyler Cameron, Jupiter, FL, 6’ 3”, 215 pounds, 3-star, No. 53, Wake Forest
Preston Dewey, Austin, TX, 6’ 3”, 200 pounds, 3-star, No. 65, Miami
Shane Dillon, El Cajon, CA, 6’ 5”, 185 pounds, 3-star, No. 28, Colorado
Bart Houston, Concord, CA, 6’ 3”, 210 pounds, 4-star, No. 7, Wisconsin
Chad Kelly, Buffalo, NY, 6’ 2”, 200 pounds, 3-star, No. 20, Clemson
Gunner Kiel, Columbus, IN, 6’ 4”, 220 pounds, 5-star, No. 1, Notre Dame
Zach Kline, Danville, CA, 6’ 2”, 205 pounds, 4-star, No. 4, California
Jeff Lindquist, Mercer Island, WA, 6’ 3”, 225 pounds, 4-star, No. 8, Washington
*Tanner Mangum, Eagle, Idaho, 6’ 2”, 195 pounds, 4-star, No. 15, BYU
Tyler Matthews, McPherson, KS, 6’2”, 195 pounds, 3-star, No. 34, TCU
Cyler Miles, Denver, CO, 6’ 4”, 220 pounds, 4-star, No. 13, Washington
Tyler O’Connor, Lima, OH, 6’ 2”, 205 pounds, 3-star, No. 23, Michigan State
Nick Patti,Orlando,FL, 5’ 10”, 195 pounds, 3-star, No. 39, Boise State
Zeke Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY, 6’ 5”, 230 pounds, 4-star, No. 16, Auburn
Patton Robinette, Maryville, TN, 6’ 4”, 190 pounds, 3-star, No. 38, Vanderbilt
Jake Rodrigues, Rocklin, CA, 6’ 3”, 215 pounds, 4-star, No. 17, Oregon
Grant Rohach,Moorpark,CA, 6’ 2”, 185 pounds, 3-star, No.74, Iowa State
Patrick Towles, Fort Thomas, KY, 6’ 5”, 225 pounds, 3-star, No. 33, Kentucky
Chad Voytik, Cleveland, TN, 6’ 1”, 195 pounds, 4-star, No. 12, Pittsburgh
Travis Wilson, San Clemente, CA, 6’ 6”, 215 pounds, 3-star, No. 27, Utah
*Jameis Winston, Hueytown, AL, 6’ 4”, 200 pounds, 5-star, No. 2, Florida State
* Denotes Elite 11 MVP Award
All rankings are per Scout.com
Patton Robinette is the only player to switch his verbal commitment after the camp. He switched from North Carolina to Vanderbilt.
Gunner Kiel, Neal Burcham, Tyler Cameron, Chad Kelly, and Chad Voytik were not verbally committed at the time of the camp.
University of Washington Head Coach Steve Sarkisian bested college football by signing two recruits that competed in the Elite 11 camp.
Commodores Recruiting: Franklin Signs Best Vanderbilt Class in Recruiting Era
On Wednesday Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin gave Commodores fans arguably the best recruiting class the city of Nashville has signed in 20 years or more.
The discrepancy in recruiting services aside, even the most critical of Vanderbilt fans cannot argue about the tremendous amount of SEC caliber talentFranklinsigned to his 2012 recruiting class.
When National Signing Day finished the whirlwind of activities across the nation, Vanderbilt signed a class that included three 4-star prospects along with 18 3-star players including one 3-star prospect that will grayshirt this fall.
The biggest coups of the recruiting class maybe linebackers Jakarri Thomas and Harding Harper, two prospects very high on SEC rival Arkansas.
Thomas was committed to the Hogs until Jan. 27 when he switched his verbal pledge from Arkansas to Vanderbilt after his official visit to Nashville.
Harper had been offered by Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, and Arkansas. He is considered the thirty-second best linebacker in this year’s recruiting class by Scout.com.
Franklin filled a need at middle linebacker with Harper and Jacob Sealand. With Chris Marve departing due to graduation, Harper and Sealand will both get an opportunity to compete for time at middle linebacker during fall practices.
Three big in-state recruits helped add overall quality to Vandy’s class. Running back Brian Kimbrow fromMemphis, defensive end Caleb Azubike, and Andrew Jelks from Henry County High School were all considered 4-star talents on Rivals.com.
Azubike has the frame, size, and tools to be an All-SEC performer. He is listed at 6’5”, 240 pounds, and runs a reported 4.65 forty-yard dash. He was offered scholarships by Miami, Kentucky, and Boston College among others.
Offensive tackle Andrew Jelks is listed as the thirty-first best offensive tackle in the nation. His 6’6”, 260 pound frame will need to add some weight once he gets on campus if he is to remain an offensive tackle in the SEC but his footwork and hand quickness coming out his stance is great.
Brian Kimbrow from East High School in Memphis has the game breaking speed that every coaching staff covets including teams like Alabama and Auburn.
He has been clocked at 4.2 in the forty-yard dash. He is a little undersized at 5’9”, 165 pounds, but the addition of extra weight should not slow him down too much.
Because of Kimbrow’s speed, he will get opportunities to contribute on special teams next fall on return and coverage units. If he can show improvement with his pass catching ability he could make an impact as a third-down back as well.
A few surprises came Vanderbilt’s way on National Signing Day. Safety-athlete Chris Moody from Henry County High School in Georgia signed with South Carolina instead of with the Commodores.
Perhaps the least surprising but the most upsetting loss was four-star defensive end Josh Dawson toGeorgia. The Tucker, GA product was rumored to be a candidate to flip to Georgia leading up to National Signing Day.
The Commodores may have found their quarterback of the future in Patton Robinette. With senior quarterback Larry Smith departing and 2011 starter Jordan Rodgers having only one more year of eligibility left, Robinette will have an opportunity to push Rodgers in practice while learning the game during the 2012 season.
One of the biggest needs for the Commodores in 2012 that has gone unsigned is at kicker. Three-star kicker Colby Cooke fromGoochland,VA has been committed to the Commodores since August but remains unsigned and is expected to grayshirt this fall.
Cooke’s scholarship will count against Vanderbilt’s 2013 recruiting class.
Cooke is considered the eighth best kicker in the nation per Rivals.com. If he is able to translate his prep career abilities to the colligate level he could make an immediate impact for Vanderbilt.
Another perspective for Vanderbilt fans to appreciate is Franklin’s class ranking among other SEC teams. For the first time in the recruiting era, Vanderbilt is ranked ahead of teams like Arkansas, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Kentucky, and SEC new comer Missouri.
Coming off a 2011 bowl berth and another great recruiting class, Vanderbilt fans have a lot to be excited about in the coming years.
Here’s a list of the 22 Vanderbilt signees:
QB Patton Robinette, 6’5”, 200 pounds, 3-star, Maryville, TN
RB Jaborian “Tip” McKenzie, 5’9”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Natchez, MS
RB Brian Kimbrow, 5’9”, 165 pounds, 4-star, Memphis, TN
WR Cory Batey, 5’11”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Nashville, TN
OT Andrew Jelks, 6’6”, 260 pounds, 4-star, Paris, TN
OT Will Holden, 6’6”, 271 pounds, 3-star,Green Cove Springs,FL
OT Blake Fromang, 6’8”, 280 pounds, 3-star, Orlando, FL
OT Barrett Gouger, 6’4”, 275 pounds, 3-star, Chattanooga, TN
OT Kevin McCoy, 6’5”, 275 pounds, 3-star, Seffner, FL
OG Adam Butler, 6’5”, 285 pounds, 3-star, Duncanville, TX
CB Torren McGaster, 6’0”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Daphne, AL
CB Brandon Banks, 5’11”. 170 pounds, 3-star, Brandywine, MD
SS Paris Head, 5’10”, 170 pounds, 3-star, Buford, GA
DE Ladarius Banks, 6’2”, 263 pounds, 3-star, Dallas, GA
DE Stephen Weatherly, 6’4”, 190 pounds, 3-star, Atlanta, GA
DE Caleb Azubike, 6’5”, 240 pounds, 4-star, Nashville, TN
DE Torey Agee, 6’4”, 250 pounds, 3-star, Opelika, AL
MLB Jakarri Thomas, 6’1”, 195 pounds, 3-star, Tallahassee, FL
MLB Harding Harper, 6’2”, 212 pounds, 3-star, Montgomery, AL
OLB Jacob Sealand, 6’1”, 220 pounds, 3-star, Tucker, GA
OLB Darreon Herring, 6’2”, 195 pounds, 3-star, Stone Mountain, GA
*K Colby Cooke, 6’3”, 175 pounds, 3-star, Goochland, GA
* Denotes Grayshirt
How the recruiting services ranked Vanderbilt’s class:
Scout.com No. 44
Rivals.com No. 29
247Sports.com No. 49
Vanderbilt Recruiting Updates: Franklin Drops One adds Two
Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin continues to work miracles on the recruiting trail for the Commodores. After years of relative futility attracting SEC caliber talent, Vandy has 22 verbal commitments, all with a 3-star ranking or better.
With only one year of head coaching experience under his belt,Franklincaught college football by surprise in 2011 and made a statement to all SEC teams that Vanderbilt will no longer be an easy win for any team.
The Commodores are a team on the rise and recruits from all over are jumping on board.
Franklin’s message has helped recruits like 3-star quarterback and Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year Patton Robinette from Maryville, TN to switch his commitment fromNorth Carolinato Vandy.
FormerArkansascommitment Jakarri Thomas, a 3-star linebacker from Tallahassee, FL committed to the Commodores on Jan. 26.
Reports are former Razorback defensive coordinator Willy Robinson was high on Thomas. Once Robinson was released from his duties the Hogs cooled on Thomas.
A loss for Arkansas becomes a valuable gain for Vanderbilt.
Chris Moody, a safety and quarterback prospect from McDonough, GA, committed to the Commodores on Sunday Jan. 22, after taking an official visit to the campus the weekend of Jan. 20.
Moody is taking his last official visit to South Carolina before National Signing Day on Feb. 1. He visitedUniversity of Central Florida and South Florida previously.
The lone recruit no longer committed to Vanderbilt is 3-star wide receiver Andre McDonald from Minnetonka, MN. McDonald, rated as the third best prospect in the state of Minnesota, committed to the Golden Gophers on Jan. 26.
The only known soft verbal commitment on the Commodores list is 4-star defensive end Josh Dawson from Tucker, GA.
University of Georgia has aggressively recruited Dawson over the past weeks after he officially visited the Bulldogs on Jan. 13.
Minnesotais not ranked in Rivals.com top 50 while Scout.com has the Gophers ranked No. 62.
With three scholarships remaining Franklin hosted Dawson, 3-star linebacker Harding Harper from Montgomery, AL, 3-star offensive tackle Andrew Jelks from Paris, TN, Vanderbilt commitment Will Holden, 3-star wide receiver Herbert Waters from Homestead, FL, and Vanderbilt commitment Jaborian McKenzie the weekend of Jan. 20.
3-star offensive tackle Kevin McCoy from Seffner, FL is scheduled to visit this weekend.
Scout.com has Vandy ranked No. 33 in the nation which places them No. 10 out of the current 12 SEC teams with Kentucky at No. 34 and Ole Miss tied for No. 60.
Rivals.com ratesFranklin’s haul much higher- No. 25. The bump in rankings on Rivals.com places Vandy at No. 9 in the SEC ahead of Mississippi State at No. 30, Arkansas at No. 31, Ole Miss No. 41, and Kentucky which is not ranked.
New SEC members Texas A&M andMissouri, come this summer, are ranked nationally at No. 10 and No. 49 respectively.
Here’s a list of the 22 current verbal commitments:
QB Patton Robinette, 6’5”, 200 pounds, 3-star, Maryville, TN
RB Jaborian McKenzie, 5’9”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Natchez, MS
RB Brian Kimbrow, 5’9”, 165 pounds, 4-star, Memphis, TN
WR Cory Batey, 5’11”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Nashville, TN
OT Andrew Jelks, 6’6”, 260 pounds, 3-star, Paris, TN
OT Will Holden, 6’6”, 271 pounds, 2-star,Green Cove Springs, FL
OT Blake Fromang, 6’8”, 280 pounds, 3-star, Orlando, FL
OT Barrett Gouger, 6’4”, 275 pounds, 3-star, Chattanooga, TN
OG Adam Butler, 6’5”, 285 pounds, 3-star, Duncanville, TX
CB Torren McGaster, 6’0”, 180 pounds, 2-star, Daphne, AL
CB Brandon Banks, 5’11”. 170 pounds, 3-star, Brandywine, MD
FS Chris Moody, 6’0”, 197 pounds, 3-star, McDonough, GA
SS Paris Head, 5’10”, 170 pounds, 3-star, Buford, GA
DE Ladarius Banks, 6’2”, 263, 2-star, Dallas, GA
DE Stephen Weatherly, 6’4”, 190 pounds, 2-star, Atlanta, GA
DE Josh Dawson, 6’4”, 225 pounds, 4-star, Tucker, GA
DE Caleb Azubike, 6’5”, 240 pounds, 3-star, Nashville, TN
DE Torey Agee, 6’4”, 250 pounds, 3-star, Opelika, AL
LB Jakarri Thomas, 6’1”, 195, 3-star, Tallahassee, FL
OLB Jacob Sealand, 6’1”, 220 pounds, 3-star, Tucker GA
OLB Darreon Herring, 6’2”, 195 pounds, 3-star, Stone Mountain, GA
K Colby Cooke, 6’3”, 175 pounds, 2-star, Goochland, GA
All commitments are verbal and non-binding. National Signing Day is February 1.
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
Vanderbilt Recruits Responding to James Franklin’s Pitch
Based off the momentum James Franklin has created for Vanderbilt in recruiting circles, one would think the Commodores are a perennial SEC East powerhouse instead of a program coming off just their fourth bowl game in school history.
Having no previous head coaching experience to help his cause, Franklin hit the recruiting trails in 2011 with little more than a promise of a top notch education and the ability to play in the SEC.
In a few short weeks leading up to National Signing Day, he did the unthinkable, he turn Vanderbilt into a destination school for highly regarded talent and in the process paved the way for the Commodores to be a contender in the SEC East for years to come.
Vanderbilt’s 2011 recruiting class was not on the level of other high profile SEC teams like Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and Arkansas but what cannot be denied is the immediate impact Franklin made. He hauled in the two 4-star recruits- quarterback/wide receiver Lafonte Thourogood (Virginia Beach, Virginia) and tight end Dillon van der Wal (Westlake Village, California).
To put this achievement into prospective, Vanderbilt had not signed a 4-star recruit since 2003- tight end Jonathan Loyte (Danvers,Massachusetts).
In the process Vanderbilt posted their first Top 50 recruiting class in over a decade finishing ranked No. 49 (Scout.com).
Still not impressed? Of the 21 recruits Franklin signed 13 were rated as 3-star or better.
How about the fact that Vanderbilt finished the recruiting season ranked ahead of Baylor (50), West Virginia (53), UCLA (55), Maryland (56), Kansas State (61), and Arizona State (64)?
On the field Franklin translated his message into wins. Vanderbilt surpassed the win total of the two previous seasons (four wins) winning six games. Besting teams like Ole Miss, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Wake Forest along the way.
In four heartbreaking losses to Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee by a total of 19 points, Franklin showed they are close to taking the next step he just needs a few more talented players to round out his roster.
2012 is shaping up to be an even better year for the Commodores on the recruiting trail than 2011. Vandy is currently ranked No. 35 according to Scout.com with 21 total recruits verbally committed.
Running back Brian Kimbrow (Memphis, Tennessee) and defensive end Josh Dawson (Tucker, Georgia) are two 4-star recruits highlighting the early recruiting season for Vanderbilt.
Another recruit Commodore fans will be happy to see on campus is kicker Colby Cooke (Goochland, Virginia). Cooke is rated the 16th best place kicker in this year’s senior class. He was awarded spots on Parade Magazine and Sports Illustrated All-American teams after making 17-21 field goal attempts and helping his team advance to the state championship game.
If Vanderbilt’s pledges stay true, nine different states will be represented in this year’s haul.
As the final two weeks of the recruiting season heats up all eyes will be on Franklin hoping he can continue pulling top talent toNashville.
The following is a complete list of all 21 current verbal commitments:
QB Patton Robinette, 6’5”, 200 pounds, 3-star, Maryville, Tennessee
RB Jaborian McKenzie, 5’9”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Natchez, Mississippi
RB Brian Kimbrow, 5’9”, 165 pounds, 4-star, Memphis, Tennessee
WR Adre McDonald, 6’3”, 210 pounds, 3-star, Minnetonka, Minnesota
WR Cory Batey, 5’11”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Nashville, Tennessee
OT Andrew Jelks, 6’6”, 260 pounds, 3-star, Paris, Tennessee
OT Will Holden, 6’6”, 271 pounds, 2-star, Green Cove Springs, Florida
OT Blake Fromang, 6’8”, 280 pounds, 3-star, Orlando, Florida
OT Barrett Gouger, 6’4”, 275 pounds, 3-star, Chattanooga, Tennessee
OG Adam Butler, 6’5”, 285 pounds, 3-star, Duncanville, Texas
CB Torren McGaster, 6’0”, 180 pounds, 2-star, Daphne, Alabama
CB Brandon Banks, 5’11”. 170 pounds, 3-star, Brandywine, Maryland
SS Paris Head, 5’10”, 170 pounds, 3-star, Buford, Georgia
DE Ladarius Banks, 6’2”, 263, 2-star, Dallas, Georgia
DE Stephen Weatherly, 6’4”, 190 pounds, 2-star, Atlanta, Georgia
DE Josh Dawson, 6’4”, 225 pounds, 4-star, Tucker, Georgia
DE Caleb Azubike, 6’5”, 240 pounds, 3-star, Nashville, Tennessee
DE Torey Agee, 6’4”, 250 pounds, 3-star, Opelika, Alabama
OLB Jacob Sealand, 6’1”, 220 pounds, 3-star, Tucker, Georgia
OLB Darreon Herring, 6’2”, 195 pounds, 3-star, Stone Mountain, Georgia
K Colby Cooke, 6’3”, 175 pounds, 2-star, Goochland, Georgia
IfFranklincontinues to open 4-star and 3-star doors the Commodores will be a team to be reckoned with for years to come.
All commitments are verbal and non-binding.
National Signing Day is February 1.
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.
Arkansas Razorbacks: Tyler Wilson Named First Team All-SEC
Wilson and Wright named first team All-SEC.
Tyler Wilson has done something no other Arkansas Razorback has ever accomplished he’s been named first team All-SEC at the quarterback position.
Wilsonalong with six other Razorback players was named to All-SEC teams Monday. Wide receivers Jarius Wright and Joe Adams were selected first team All-SEC as well. Adams selection was as an all-purpose player for his contributions as a punt returner and wide receiver.
Arkansassecond team picks included linebacker Jerry Franklin, punter Dylan Breeding, guard Alvin Bailey, and running back Dennis Johnson; Johnson was an all-purpose selection for his kickoff return abilities and play at running back.
Senior safety Tramain Thomas received an honorable mention. Thomas had five interceptions during the 2011 season tying him for No. 10 in FBS and No. 4 in the SEC.
Missing from the All-SEC lists is senior defensive end Jake Bequette. Bequette missed significant game time and three total games with an early season hamstring injury but still managed to finish the season with eight sacks. Bequette’s eight sacks ranked No. 8 in the SEC.
Jarvis Jones led the SEC in sacks with 13.5, finishing second in college football during the regular season to Whitney Mercilus a defensive end forIllinois.
The following is a list of the All-SEC honorees, their position, their school, and their class:
First Team Offense
QB – Tyler Wilson,Arkansas, Jr.
RB – Trent Richardson, Alabama, Jr.
RB – Michael Dyer, Auburn, So.
WR –Jarius Wright, Arkansas, Sr.
WR – Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee, So.
OL –Barret Jones,Alabama, Jr.
OL –Rokevious Watkins, South Carolina, Sr.
OL – Cordy Glenn, Georgia, Sr.
OL – Will Balckwell, LSU, Sr.
C -William Vlachos, Alabama, Sr.
TE –Orson Charles, Georgia, Jr.
Special Teams
K –Caleb Sturgis, Florida, Jr.
AP – Joe Adams, Arkansas, Sr.
First Team Defense
DT – Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State, Jr.
DT –Malik Jackson, Tennessee, Sr.
DE – Melvin Ingram,South Carolina, Sr.
DE – Sam Montgomery, LSU, So.
LB – Danny Trevathan, Kentucky, Sr.
LB – Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, Sr.
LB –Jarvis Jones,Georgia, So.
CB – Morris Claiborne, LSU, Jr.
CB – Tyrann Mathieu, LSU, So.
S –Mark Barron, Alabama, Sr.
S –Bacarri Rambo,Georgia, Jr.
Special Teams
P – Brad Wing, LSU, Fr.
Second Team Offense
QB – Aaron Murray, Georgia, So.
RB – Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt, Jr.
RB –Vick Ballard, Mississippi State, Sr.
WR –Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, Jr.
WR – Rueben Randle, LSU, Jr.
OL – Alvin Bailey, Arkansas, So.
OL – Chris Faulk, LSU, So.
OL – Larry Warford,Kentucky, Jr.
OL – Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State, So.
C –Ben Jones, Georgia, Sr.
TE – Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn, Jr.
Special Teams
K- Drew Alleman, LSU, Jr.
AP – Dennis Johnson, Arkansas, Jr.
Second Team Defense
DT – Michael Brockers, LSU, So.
DT – Josh Chapman, Alabama, Sr.
DE – Cory Lemonier, Auburn, So.
DE – Barkevious Mingo, LSU, So.
LB – Chris Marve, Vanderbilt, Sr.
LB – Jerry Franklin, Arkansas, Sr.
LB – Don’t’A Hightower, Alabama, Jr.
CB –Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama, Jr.
CB – Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt, Sr.
S –Antonio Allen, South Carolina, Sr.
S – Eric Reid, LSU, So.
Special Teams
P –Dylan Breeding, Arkansas, Jr.
Offensive Player of the Year
Trent Richardson, Alabama
Defensive Player of the Year
Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
Coach of the Year
Les Miles, LSU
Freshman of the Year
Isaiah Crowell, Georgia
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
HogManInLA 