College Football Nation: Warren Norman
Now that you've seen what to watch in the SEC Western Division, let's check out the East:
FLORIDA
Spring practice start date: March 14
Spring game: April 7
What to watch:
Finding offensive playmakers: Year 2 of the Will Muschamp era begins with the team trying to find someone who can make a few plays for this fall. New offensive coordinator Brent Pease has a host of unproven offensive talent to work with. Wide receiver Andre Debose was Florida's best deep threat last year, and the coaches raved about receiver Quinton Dunbar's potential, but neither was consistent enough in 2011. Maybe Florida can finally turn to bigger backs Mike Gillislee and Mack Brown in the playmaking department.
Toughening up the offensive line: The Gators' line struggled throughout the 2011 season. It wasn't always at 100 percent, but Florida's line also just wasn't tough enough -- mentally or physically. The Gators couldn't get the tough yards on the ground and didn't exactly protect quarterback John Brantley enough. The line should get a boost with early enrollees D.J. Humphries, who was the top offensive line prospect in the 2012 class, and Jessamen Dunker, but Florida will have to get improvement from players who return to a line that lost just one starter from last season.
Quarterback battle: Brantley is gone, leaving rising sophomores Jacoby Brissett, Jeff Driskel and Tyler Murphy. Brissett replaced Driskel as Florida's No. 2 quarterback last year, while Murphy has yet to take a college snap. Brissett and Driskel had plenty of down moments last fall but should get a chance to reinvent themselves this spring with new leadership and more practice reps. This spring will be extremely important for all three quarterbacks as they try to improve a position that struggled mightily the past two years.
GEORGIA
Spring practice start date: March 20
Spring game: April 14
What to watch:
Isaiah Crowell's toughness: Crowell has the talent to be a star in this league. He has the size and athletic ability to cause a lot of headaches for opposing defenses. However, his inability to stay healthy -- and in games -- became more of a headache for Georgia's coaches and fans in 2011. Crowell needs to get tougher and be more reliable. He said as much after last season, but it's time to make good on his word. Crowell could get a push from early enrollee Keith Marshall this spring, and we know coach Mark Richt isn't afraid to play multiple backs.
Position changes: Richt made headlines recently when he said he'd be open to considering moving star freshman receiver Malcolm Mitchell to cornerback now that the Bulldogs are thin there. Maybe he'll play both ways. Also, rising sophomore Ray Drew could switch from outside linebacker to defensive end. He played both in high school. Georgia's offensive linemen also could play multiple positions up front.
The target on the Bulldogs' backs: There will be a lot more attention paid to the Bulldogs this spring, as they will probably enter the 2012 season as the favorites in the SEC East. Georgia returns just about everyone from a team that reeled off 10 straight wins on its way to the SEC championship game. The Bulldogs aren't just considered the East front-runners -- they also are being viewed as national championship contenders. But the Bulldogs can't let the hype get to them. We've seen this team underachieve when the expectations were high before.
KENTUCKY
Spring practice start date: March 21
Spring game: April 21
What to watch:
Offensive line auditions: The Wildcats must replace three offensive linemen this year. That process will begin this spring, and the good news is that veterans Larry Warford and Matt Smith return. Left guard Kevin Mitchell, who will be a junior this fall, started one game last year, while soon-to-be sophomore right tackle Darrian Miller started two games last fall, so there is some experience coming into the open spots. Trevino Woods, who didn't start a game last year, should be the favorite to play left tackle this spring, but he also can play guard. There's also a lot of depth to work with.
Defensive makeover: Danny Trevathan is gone, so Kentucky must find someone else to run the defense this season. There's no question that Trevathan was the heart of this defense, so replacing him won't be easy, but the Wildcats must find someone who can step up and be a player others can look up to. The Wildcats also lost six starters from their linebacking corps and secondary, meaning Kentucky will have to fill holes with youngsters. Mikie Benton and Ridge Wilson are the only returning starters not on the defensive line.
Maxwell Smith: With fellow quarterback Morgan Newton sidelined this spring as he recovers from shoulder surgery, all eyes will be on Smith. He struggled at times last year, but Kentucky's offense was better when he was under center. Now, he'll have to make even bigger strides this spring if he wants to create a sizable lead in the race before Newton returns. Smith needs to work on his consistency, clean up his mistakes and develop better chemistry with his receivers.
MISSOURI
Spring practice start date: March 6
Spring game: April 14
What to watch:
Offensive adjustments: Missouri might return some key pieces at skill positions, but the Tigers must replace three offensive linemen and will have to tweak some things to make their spread offense efficient enough to face SEC defenses. It helps that quarterback James Franklin is a runner and Missouri has speed and depth at receiver and running back, but the team must make subtle changes to combat the improved speed Missouri will see on defense, especially off the edge.
Rebuilding up front: The Tigers will be without three starters on the offensive and defensive lines. That isn't exactly what any SEC team would like, considering games are won in the trenches in this league. Fortunately for Missouri, both sides saw multiple guys get playing time last season. Keep an eye on defensive end Brad Madison. He was viewed as a defensive player of the year candidate in the Big 12 last year but was limited by a shoulder injury.
Wide receivers: Franklin had a heck of a 2011 season, but as he gets ready for 2012, he's still looking for a big-play threat in his receiving corps. T.J. Moe returns as the Tigers' leading receiver, while Marcus Lucas was fourth in receiving last year. Both have the potential to be elite in this league, but can one leave spring with the title of playmaker? Lucas showed flashes last year, but flashes only go so far. Missouri needs to find a definitive receiving threat.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Spring practice start date: March 12
Spring game: April 14
What to watch:
Marcus Lattimore's health: His knee injury took place at the halfway point of the season, so he won't be 100 percent for a while. Still, the word is that he's ahead of schedule when it comes to rehabbing his knee. ACL injuries can be tough to manage, but with Lattimore's determination, he'll do everything possible to come back sooner than expected. He likely won't take contact this spring, but it'll be interesting to see whether the Gamecocks get much use out of him before summer.
Finding receiving options: Now that Alshon Jeffery is gone, there's more pressure on South Carolina's receiving corps. Outside of Jeffery, the Gamecocks didn't have consistently reliable options in 2011. That has to change this year, and it starts with a productive spring. Ace Sanders should get more reps, and the coaches are excited about the big-play ability that speedster Damiere Byrd possesses. Also, keep an eye out for Shamier Jeffery, Alshon's little brother.
Connor Shaw's development: Things couldn't have ended any better for South Carolina's quarterback last season. After an up-and-down start, he rebounded in the final three games with 896 combined yards passing and rushing and 11 touchdowns. Now, it's time for him to sharpen his passing skills and develop more confidence in his passing ability. Accomplishing that will help his receivers as well.
TENNESSEE
Spring practice start date: March 26
Spring game: April 21
What to watch:
New coaching feel: The Vols enter spring practice with some new faces on the coaching staff. Six new assistant coaches will make their spring debuts this year. The most important might be defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri and running backs coach Jay Graham. Sunseri is working to make Tennessee more multiple in its approach, adding more 3-4 looks, while Graham will have to fix a struggling running game. Tennessee players will need to adjust to new coaching styles and buy in quickly this spring.
Running backs: No group at Tennessee struggled quite like Tennessee's running backs last fall. The Vols were ranked 116th nationally in rushing offense and recorded just 11 rushing touchdowns (nine from running backs). Tauren Poole is gone, which means Graham will first turn to Marlin Lane and Rajion Neal, who combined for just 414 yards and four touchdowns last year. Devrin Young and Tom Smith will have to step up, while Tennessee will get some use out of early enrollee Alden Hill.
Justin Hunter's health: Losing Hunter was the first of a few blows Tennessee's offense took last year. He's arguably Tennessee's best receiver and one of the best deep threats in this league. He suffered his ACL injury at the beginning of the season, and he's reportedly ahead of schedule but won't take any contact this spring. The goal is to have him running and cutting well at the end of the spring.
VANDERBILT
Spring practice start date: March 16
Spring game: April 14
What to watch:
Jordan Rodgers' confidence: He enters spring as the quarterback for the Commodores, but he has to improve the mental part of his game. He let it get the best of him at times last year, especially in last season's bowl game. He can lose his rhythm quickly at times. He needs to work on improving his confidence and take more command of Vandy's huddle this spring. He has the skill to be a top quarterback in this league, but his head has to follow.
Warren Norman's health: A knee injury forced the running back to redshirt last year, but the good news is that he spent the fall strengthening his leg by participating in each practice. The hope is that he'll be ready to go this spring, but you'd imagine that since this is his second knee injury, the coaches won't push him too much. Getting him to sprint and cut with ease will be important to his rehab this spring.
Keeping the edge: James Franklin's first year as a head coach was a success, but it's important that the attitude and personality that made Vanderbilt so confident last year roll over to the spring. The loss in the bowl game might have stunted that personality growth a bit, but it's important that the Commodores get it back. It will go a long way toward keeping the progress going.
FLORIDA
Spring practice start date: March 14
Spring game: April 7
What to watch:
Finding offensive playmakers: Year 2 of the Will Muschamp era begins with the team trying to find someone who can make a few plays for this fall. New offensive coordinator Brent Pease has a host of unproven offensive talent to work with. Wide receiver Andre Debose was Florida's best deep threat last year, and the coaches raved about receiver Quinton Dunbar's potential, but neither was consistent enough in 2011. Maybe Florida can finally turn to bigger backs Mike Gillislee and Mack Brown in the playmaking department.
Toughening up the offensive line: The Gators' line struggled throughout the 2011 season. It wasn't always at 100 percent, but Florida's line also just wasn't tough enough -- mentally or physically. The Gators couldn't get the tough yards on the ground and didn't exactly protect quarterback John Brantley enough. The line should get a boost with early enrollees D.J. Humphries, who was the top offensive line prospect in the 2012 class, and Jessamen Dunker, but Florida will have to get improvement from players who return to a line that lost just one starter from last season.
Quarterback battle: Brantley is gone, leaving rising sophomores Jacoby Brissett, Jeff Driskel and Tyler Murphy. Brissett replaced Driskel as Florida's No. 2 quarterback last year, while Murphy has yet to take a college snap. Brissett and Driskel had plenty of down moments last fall but should get a chance to reinvent themselves this spring with new leadership and more practice reps. This spring will be extremely important for all three quarterbacks as they try to improve a position that struggled mightily the past two years.
GEORGIA
Spring practice start date: March 20
Spring game: April 14
What to watch:
Isaiah Crowell's toughness: Crowell has the talent to be a star in this league. He has the size and athletic ability to cause a lot of headaches for opposing defenses. However, his inability to stay healthy -- and in games -- became more of a headache for Georgia's coaches and fans in 2011. Crowell needs to get tougher and be more reliable. He said as much after last season, but it's time to make good on his word. Crowell could get a push from early enrollee Keith Marshall this spring, and we know coach Mark Richt isn't afraid to play multiple backs.
Position changes: Richt made headlines recently when he said he'd be open to considering moving star freshman receiver Malcolm Mitchell to cornerback now that the Bulldogs are thin there. Maybe he'll play both ways. Also, rising sophomore Ray Drew could switch from outside linebacker to defensive end. He played both in high school. Georgia's offensive linemen also could play multiple positions up front.
The target on the Bulldogs' backs: There will be a lot more attention paid to the Bulldogs this spring, as they will probably enter the 2012 season as the favorites in the SEC East. Georgia returns just about everyone from a team that reeled off 10 straight wins on its way to the SEC championship game. The Bulldogs aren't just considered the East front-runners -- they also are being viewed as national championship contenders. But the Bulldogs can't let the hype get to them. We've seen this team underachieve when the expectations were high before.
KENTUCKY
Spring practice start date: March 21
Spring game: April 21
What to watch:
Offensive line auditions: The Wildcats must replace three offensive linemen this year. That process will begin this spring, and the good news is that veterans Larry Warford and Matt Smith return. Left guard Kevin Mitchell, who will be a junior this fall, started one game last year, while soon-to-be sophomore right tackle Darrian Miller started two games last fall, so there is some experience coming into the open spots. Trevino Woods, who didn't start a game last year, should be the favorite to play left tackle this spring, but he also can play guard. There's also a lot of depth to work with.
Defensive makeover: Danny Trevathan is gone, so Kentucky must find someone else to run the defense this season. There's no question that Trevathan was the heart of this defense, so replacing him won't be easy, but the Wildcats must find someone who can step up and be a player others can look up to. The Wildcats also lost six starters from their linebacking corps and secondary, meaning Kentucky will have to fill holes with youngsters. Mikie Benton and Ridge Wilson are the only returning starters not on the defensive line.
Maxwell Smith: With fellow quarterback Morgan Newton sidelined this spring as he recovers from shoulder surgery, all eyes will be on Smith. He struggled at times last year, but Kentucky's offense was better when he was under center. Now, he'll have to make even bigger strides this spring if he wants to create a sizable lead in the race before Newton returns. Smith needs to work on his consistency, clean up his mistakes and develop better chemistry with his receivers.
MISSOURI
Spring practice start date: March 6
Spring game: April 14
What to watch:
Offensive adjustments: Missouri might return some key pieces at skill positions, but the Tigers must replace three offensive linemen and will have to tweak some things to make their spread offense efficient enough to face SEC defenses. It helps that quarterback James Franklin is a runner and Missouri has speed and depth at receiver and running back, but the team must make subtle changes to combat the improved speed Missouri will see on defense, especially off the edge.
Rebuilding up front: The Tigers will be without three starters on the offensive and defensive lines. That isn't exactly what any SEC team would like, considering games are won in the trenches in this league. Fortunately for Missouri, both sides saw multiple guys get playing time last season. Keep an eye on defensive end Brad Madison. He was viewed as a defensive player of the year candidate in the Big 12 last year but was limited by a shoulder injury.
Wide receivers: Franklin had a heck of a 2011 season, but as he gets ready for 2012, he's still looking for a big-play threat in his receiving corps. T.J. Moe returns as the Tigers' leading receiver, while Marcus Lucas was fourth in receiving last year. Both have the potential to be elite in this league, but can one leave spring with the title of playmaker? Lucas showed flashes last year, but flashes only go so far. Missouri needs to find a definitive receiving threat.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Spring practice start date: March 12
Spring game: April 14
What to watch:
Marcus Lattimore's health: His knee injury took place at the halfway point of the season, so he won't be 100 percent for a while. Still, the word is that he's ahead of schedule when it comes to rehabbing his knee. ACL injuries can be tough to manage, but with Lattimore's determination, he'll do everything possible to come back sooner than expected. He likely won't take contact this spring, but it'll be interesting to see whether the Gamecocks get much use out of him before summer.
Finding receiving options: Now that Alshon Jeffery is gone, there's more pressure on South Carolina's receiving corps. Outside of Jeffery, the Gamecocks didn't have consistently reliable options in 2011. That has to change this year, and it starts with a productive spring. Ace Sanders should get more reps, and the coaches are excited about the big-play ability that speedster Damiere Byrd possesses. Also, keep an eye out for Shamier Jeffery, Alshon's little brother.
Connor Shaw's development: Things couldn't have ended any better for South Carolina's quarterback last season. After an up-and-down start, he rebounded in the final three games with 896 combined yards passing and rushing and 11 touchdowns. Now, it's time for him to sharpen his passing skills and develop more confidence in his passing ability. Accomplishing that will help his receivers as well.
TENNESSEE
Spring practice start date: March 26
Spring game: April 21
What to watch:
New coaching feel: The Vols enter spring practice with some new faces on the coaching staff. Six new assistant coaches will make their spring debuts this year. The most important might be defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri and running backs coach Jay Graham. Sunseri is working to make Tennessee more multiple in its approach, adding more 3-4 looks, while Graham will have to fix a struggling running game. Tennessee players will need to adjust to new coaching styles and buy in quickly this spring.
Running backs: No group at Tennessee struggled quite like Tennessee's running backs last fall. The Vols were ranked 116th nationally in rushing offense and recorded just 11 rushing touchdowns (nine from running backs). Tauren Poole is gone, which means Graham will first turn to Marlin Lane and Rajion Neal, who combined for just 414 yards and four touchdowns last year. Devrin Young and Tom Smith will have to step up, while Tennessee will get some use out of early enrollee Alden Hill.
Justin Hunter's health: Losing Hunter was the first of a few blows Tennessee's offense took last year. He's arguably Tennessee's best receiver and one of the best deep threats in this league. He suffered his ACL injury at the beginning of the season, and he's reportedly ahead of schedule but won't take any contact this spring. The goal is to have him running and cutting well at the end of the spring.
VANDERBILT
Spring practice start date: March 16
Spring game: April 14
What to watch:
Jordan Rodgers' confidence: He enters spring as the quarterback for the Commodores, but he has to improve the mental part of his game. He let it get the best of him at times last year, especially in last season's bowl game. He can lose his rhythm quickly at times. He needs to work on improving his confidence and take more command of Vandy's huddle this spring. He has the skill to be a top quarterback in this league, but his head has to follow.
Warren Norman's health: A knee injury forced the running back to redshirt last year, but the good news is that he spent the fall strengthening his leg by participating in each practice. The hope is that he'll be ready to go this spring, but you'd imagine that since this is his second knee injury, the coaches won't push him too much. Getting him to sprint and cut with ease will be important to his rehab this spring.
Keeping the edge: James Franklin's first year as a head coach was a success, but it's important that the attitude and personality that made Vanderbilt so confident last year roll over to the spring. The loss in the bowl game might have stunted that personality growth a bit, but it's important that the Commodores get it back. It will go a long way toward keeping the progress going.
We officially said goodbye to the 2011 season Monday night and crowned the Alabama Crimson Tide as college football's new champions. Now, it's time to shift our focus to 2012. Here's to hoping the Mayans were wrong:
1. Alabama: The defense will get hit the hardest by graduation and the NFL draft, but Alabama's offense should be better. While it's almost a forgone conclusion that junior running back Trent Richardson will declare for the NFL draft, Alabama returns a veteran offensive line, has a good set of up-and-coming receivers and has some pretty talented running backs to work with, including pounder Eddie Lacy. Oh, and that quarterback ain't too bad, either.
2. LSU: The Tigers might have come up short in the big one, but it's not like LSU is going anywhere. That defense that ranked second nationally was made up by a slew of youngsters. LSU returns double-digit starters next year, including most of its front seven. A major bright spot for this team is that former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger will now get his chance, and has skill that Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee lacked.
3. Georgia: The Bulldogs might return more starters next year than LSU. After surpassing expectations and challenging LSU for the SEC title, the Bulldogs should enter next fall as the favorites in the SEC East. Stud quarterback Aaron Murray returns and so do most of his weapons. With arguably the easiest schedule (again) in the SEC, Mark Richt will be expected to take his Dawgs back to Atlanta.
4. South Carolina: There won't be any sleeping on the Gamecocks in 2012. After getting 11 wins for only the second time in school history, South Carolina should compete for the SEC East for the third straight year. The Gamecocks return a slew of talent, especially on defense, and saw tremendous improvement in quarterback Connor Shaw. Also, running back Marcus Lattimore should be back and healthy after his devastating season-ending knee injury.
5. Arkansas: The Razorbacks will lose a lot of key players that have helped Arkansas get to where it is under Bobby Petrino. Defensively, five seniors will say goodbye, while the offense will lose three NFL wide receivers. However, that offensive line, which grew up as the season progressed, will be much better and star running back Knile Davis should be back and healthy. Quarterback Tyler Wilson is back, so there shouldn't be much dip in the passing game even with some new faces at receiver.
6. Auburn: Those youngsters on the Plains will be more mature and much improved in 2012. That has to be a scary thought for other SEC members. Auburn doesn't lose much from its 2011 team and gets a great addition to the defensive side of the ball in new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder. Offensively, there are weapons everywhere, but the key will be finding the right quarterback ... again.
7. Florida: Will Muschamp's first year as the Gators' head coach didn't go as planned, but there is still a lot of talent in Gainesville, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Florida loses just one starter on defense and should have one of the fastest, most aggressive defensive units around the SEC. Getting that offense going will be key to Muschamp's second year, but with all that turnover, it should be a fresh start for this unit.
8. Missouri: This new group of Tigers enters 2012 as a factor in the SEC East. Missouri returns nearly everyone from 2011, including quarterback James Franklin and running back Henry Josey, who both put up solid numbers in 2011. The Tigers will no doubt hit some snags as they transition into their new home, but with all the talent that returns, Missouri won't be a pushover in its first year in the SEC.
9. Tennessee: Derek Dooley has the pieces in place on both sides of the ball to compete in the SEC East. That young defense won't be so young in 2012 and quarterback Tyler Bray returns with his deep-threat sidekicks at wide receiver. With a solid offensive line, the next step for Tennessee is to find a consistent running back to help take the pressure off of the passing game. There's a lot of pressure on Dooley to get things done, and he has the talent to in 2012.
10. Texas A&M: The Aggies have the pleasure of entering the SEC as a Western Division team. That's not exactly a warm welcome. It doesn't help that Texas A&M is losing a ton from its 2011 team. There could be six NFL draft picks who won't be back in College Station next season. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill and top safety Trent Hunter are gone, and so is receiver Jeff Fuller. Christine Michael should do well as Cyrus Gray's replacement at running back, but the core of this team will be gone.
11. Vanderbilt: Year 1 of the James Franklin era was a success and there shouldn't be a lot of drop-off for the Commodores next season. Vandy loses top defenders Chris Marve, Tim Fugger and Casey Hayward, but a lot of veterans return on that side of the ball. Jordan Rodgers is back at quarterback, Zac Stacy returns at running back and wide receivers Chris Boyd and Jordan Matthews will be back. Running back and specialist Warren Norman should be back too and the offensive line returns four starters.
12. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs lose a lot on both sides of the ball in 2012, but should have a top cornerback combo in Johnthan Banks and Corey Broomfield. Losing Fletcher Cox up front will leave a hole on the defensive line and saying goodbye to linebacker Brandon Wilson won't be easy. Tyler Russell will probably get the first crack at quarterback for the Bulldogs, but he will be without his safety net in running back Vick Ballard. The good thing is that the receivers are back, but this team will have to grow up in a hurry.
13. Kentucky: The offensive line will have some missing pieces in 2012 and the defense loses six starters, including star linebacker Danny Trevathan. Maxwell Smith and Morgan Newton will battle at quarterback, but with how 2011 ended, Smith might have the advantage. This team struggled mightily on offense and the problem was that there wasn't a lot of improvement throughout the year. The offseason should be dedicated to find ways to get this offense moving.
14. Ole Miss: Hugh Freeze steps into a tough situation at Ole Miss. His first order of business needs to be improving the discipline on this team. It was awful in 2011, and if Ole Miss wants to improve it has to clean that up. The defense should get a boost with leader D.T. Shackelford returning from his season-ending knee injury and offensive playmakers Jeff Scott, Donte Moncrief and Nickolas Brassell are back. The offensive line loses some key components, and the quarterback situation is far from figured out.
1. Alabama: The defense will get hit the hardest by graduation and the NFL draft, but Alabama's offense should be better. While it's almost a forgone conclusion that junior running back Trent Richardson will declare for the NFL draft, Alabama returns a veteran offensive line, has a good set of up-and-coming receivers and has some pretty talented running backs to work with, including pounder Eddie Lacy. Oh, and that quarterback ain't too bad, either.
2. LSU: The Tigers might have come up short in the big one, but it's not like LSU is going anywhere. That defense that ranked second nationally was made up by a slew of youngsters. LSU returns double-digit starters next year, including most of its front seven. A major bright spot for this team is that former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger will now get his chance, and has skill that Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee lacked.
3. Georgia: The Bulldogs might return more starters next year than LSU. After surpassing expectations and challenging LSU for the SEC title, the Bulldogs should enter next fall as the favorites in the SEC East. Stud quarterback Aaron Murray returns and so do most of his weapons. With arguably the easiest schedule (again) in the SEC, Mark Richt will be expected to take his Dawgs back to Atlanta.
4. South Carolina: There won't be any sleeping on the Gamecocks in 2012. After getting 11 wins for only the second time in school history, South Carolina should compete for the SEC East for the third straight year. The Gamecocks return a slew of talent, especially on defense, and saw tremendous improvement in quarterback Connor Shaw. Also, running back Marcus Lattimore should be back and healthy after his devastating season-ending knee injury.
5. Arkansas: The Razorbacks will lose a lot of key players that have helped Arkansas get to where it is under Bobby Petrino. Defensively, five seniors will say goodbye, while the offense will lose three NFL wide receivers. However, that offensive line, which grew up as the season progressed, will be much better and star running back Knile Davis should be back and healthy. Quarterback Tyler Wilson is back, so there shouldn't be much dip in the passing game even with some new faces at receiver.
6. Auburn: Those youngsters on the Plains will be more mature and much improved in 2012. That has to be a scary thought for other SEC members. Auburn doesn't lose much from its 2011 team and gets a great addition to the defensive side of the ball in new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder. Offensively, there are weapons everywhere, but the key will be finding the right quarterback ... again.
7. Florida: Will Muschamp's first year as the Gators' head coach didn't go as planned, but there is still a lot of talent in Gainesville, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Florida loses just one starter on defense and should have one of the fastest, most aggressive defensive units around the SEC. Getting that offense going will be key to Muschamp's second year, but with all that turnover, it should be a fresh start for this unit.
8. Missouri: This new group of Tigers enters 2012 as a factor in the SEC East. Missouri returns nearly everyone from 2011, including quarterback James Franklin and running back Henry Josey, who both put up solid numbers in 2011. The Tigers will no doubt hit some snags as they transition into their new home, but with all the talent that returns, Missouri won't be a pushover in its first year in the SEC.
9. Tennessee: Derek Dooley has the pieces in place on both sides of the ball to compete in the SEC East. That young defense won't be so young in 2012 and quarterback Tyler Bray returns with his deep-threat sidekicks at wide receiver. With a solid offensive line, the next step for Tennessee is to find a consistent running back to help take the pressure off of the passing game. There's a lot of pressure on Dooley to get things done, and he has the talent to in 2012.
10. Texas A&M: The Aggies have the pleasure of entering the SEC as a Western Division team. That's not exactly a warm welcome. It doesn't help that Texas A&M is losing a ton from its 2011 team. There could be six NFL draft picks who won't be back in College Station next season. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill and top safety Trent Hunter are gone, and so is receiver Jeff Fuller. Christine Michael should do well as Cyrus Gray's replacement at running back, but the core of this team will be gone.
11. Vanderbilt: Year 1 of the James Franklin era was a success and there shouldn't be a lot of drop-off for the Commodores next season. Vandy loses top defenders Chris Marve, Tim Fugger and Casey Hayward, but a lot of veterans return on that side of the ball. Jordan Rodgers is back at quarterback, Zac Stacy returns at running back and wide receivers Chris Boyd and Jordan Matthews will be back. Running back and specialist Warren Norman should be back too and the offensive line returns four starters.
12. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs lose a lot on both sides of the ball in 2012, but should have a top cornerback combo in Johnthan Banks and Corey Broomfield. Losing Fletcher Cox up front will leave a hole on the defensive line and saying goodbye to linebacker Brandon Wilson won't be easy. Tyler Russell will probably get the first crack at quarterback for the Bulldogs, but he will be without his safety net in running back Vick Ballard. The good thing is that the receivers are back, but this team will have to grow up in a hurry.
13. Kentucky: The offensive line will have some missing pieces in 2012 and the defense loses six starters, including star linebacker Danny Trevathan. Maxwell Smith and Morgan Newton will battle at quarterback, but with how 2011 ended, Smith might have the advantage. This team struggled mightily on offense and the problem was that there wasn't a lot of improvement throughout the year. The offseason should be dedicated to find ways to get this offense moving.
14. Ole Miss: Hugh Freeze steps into a tough situation at Ole Miss. His first order of business needs to be improving the discipline on this team. It was awful in 2011, and if Ole Miss wants to improve it has to clean that up. The defense should get a boost with leader D.T. Shackelford returning from his season-ending knee injury and offensive playmakers Jeff Scott, Donte Moncrief and Nickolas Brassell are back. The offensive line loses some key components, and the quarterback situation is far from figured out.
Vanderbilt brings out the black helmets
September, 24, 2011
9/24/11
7:05
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Mixing and matching uniforms has become the norm in college football and Vanderbilt has changed up its road wardrobe today.
Instead of going with the traditional gold helmets and white jerseys and pants, the Commodores are sporting black helmets on top of their white uniforms.
Will it add some extra energy for the lovable Commodores tonight? Probably not, but they are fun to look at.
The Gamecocks seem pretty relaxed before the game, but expect Marcus Lattimore to continue to carry much of the offensive load tonight. Backup Kenny Miles, who hurt his hand against Georgia, isn't dressed. That means the Gamecocks could look to get some carries out of junior Eric Baker and/or freshman Brandon Wilds.
Miles hasn't been much of a factor this season, carrying the ball once for 1 yard, but neither of the other backs have recorded any stats this year.
As for Vanderbilt, it looks like senior tight end Brandon Barden will miss his second straight start with an ankle injury. He was injured in Vandy's win over Conneticut in Week 2. His injury doesn't appear season-ending, but with next week being the bye for the Commodores, it makes sense to rest him now.
We might not see much -- if any -- of Vandy running back Warren Norman, either. Norman has yet to play this season and still seems to be recovering from last year's knee surgery.
The Commodores have been pretty successful with the running duo of Zac Stacy (29 carries for 262 yards and touchdown) and Jerron Seymour (28 carries, 145 yards and two scores), so not having Norman is nothing new for this team, but he does have big-play ability that the Commodores would love to have tonight.
Pregame festivities are almost done and the the smoke from the fireworks has cleared, so that means it's time for some nighttime football.
Should be a fun one in Columbia.
Instead of going with the traditional gold helmets and white jerseys and pants, the Commodores are sporting black helmets on top of their white uniforms.
Will it add some extra energy for the lovable Commodores tonight? Probably not, but they are fun to look at.
The Gamecocks seem pretty relaxed before the game, but expect Marcus Lattimore to continue to carry much of the offensive load tonight. Backup Kenny Miles, who hurt his hand against Georgia, isn't dressed. That means the Gamecocks could look to get some carries out of junior Eric Baker and/or freshman Brandon Wilds.
Miles hasn't been much of a factor this season, carrying the ball once for 1 yard, but neither of the other backs have recorded any stats this year.
As for Vanderbilt, it looks like senior tight end Brandon Barden will miss his second straight start with an ankle injury. He was injured in Vandy's win over Conneticut in Week 2. His injury doesn't appear season-ending, but with next week being the bye for the Commodores, it makes sense to rest him now.
We might not see much -- if any -- of Vandy running back Warren Norman, either. Norman has yet to play this season and still seems to be recovering from last year's knee surgery.
The Commodores have been pretty successful with the running duo of Zac Stacy (29 carries for 262 yards and touchdown) and Jerron Seymour (28 carries, 145 yards and two scores), so not having Norman is nothing new for this team, but he does have big-play ability that the Commodores would love to have tonight.
Pregame festivities are almost done and the the smoke from the fireworks has cleared, so that means it's time for some nighttime football.
Should be a fun one in Columbia.
Ole Miss needed a big play or two to generate some sort of momentum against Vanderbilt in the second half. What the Rebels didn't need was to give up one.
But they did and they find themselves trailing Vanderbilt 30-0 at the start of the fourth quarter. After a safety made it 23-0 in favor of the Commodores, Vanderbilt blew it wide open with a 77-yard touchdown run by Zac Stacy. Stacy has 167 yards on 10 carries this afternoon and the Commodores have 246 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
In Vandy's 28-14 win against Ole Miss in 2010, Warren Norman carved up the Rebels' defense for an 80-yard touchdown run late as well.
Entering the fourth, Ole Miss had just 157 yards of a total offense. There is absolutely nothing going on for the Rebels when they have the ball.
But they did and they find themselves trailing Vanderbilt 30-0 at the start of the fourth quarter. After a safety made it 23-0 in favor of the Commodores, Vanderbilt blew it wide open with a 77-yard touchdown run by Zac Stacy. Stacy has 167 yards on 10 carries this afternoon and the Commodores have 246 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
In Vandy's 28-14 win against Ole Miss in 2010, Warren Norman carved up the Rebels' defense for an 80-yard touchdown run late as well.
Entering the fourth, Ole Miss had just 157 yards of a total offense. There is absolutely nothing going on for the Rebels when they have the ball.
There are some out there looking to put an end to the kickoff, but we at the blog don't agree. It's one of the most exciting plays in football and the SEC is full of game-changers in the kicking game.
We've put our final list together and we've lumped kickoff returners and punt returners together.
Here are our top 10 kick returners in the SEC:
1. Joe Adams, Arkansas, Sr.: Adams is already one of the most exciting wide receivers to watch, especially in the open field. Now, put that into the Razorbacks’ punt return game and you have a highlight waiting to happen. He only returned 16 punts last year, but one went for a touchdown and he ranked second in the SEC with a 15.6 average per return.
2. Andre Debose, Florida, So.: He is yet to step up at receiver, but he was exciting to watch in the return game. He took two kicks back for touchdowns last season and was named the nation’s top kick returner by the College Football Performance Awards in 2010. Debose did have consistency issues at times, but if there’s one hole, he’s gone.
3. Brandon Boykin, Georgia, Sr.: Boykin is the school’s all-time leader in kick return yards (1,813) and has game-changing speed and ability in the return game. Last season, he averaged 24.3 yards per return and had a touchdown.
4. Trent Richardson, Alabama, Jr.: Despite being the lead running back in Alabama’s offense this season, Richardson still fielded kicks this spring and in the spring game. As long as he’s out there, he’s one of the best. Last season he averaged 26.4 yards per return and had one go for a touchdown.
5. Dennis Johnson, Arkansas, Jr.: In 2009, he became Arkansas’ all-time career and single-season leader in kickoff return yardage and broke the SEC kickoff return record in 2008. He missed most of last season due to injury, but he’s healthy and will be a tremendous weapon in the Hogs’ return game. For his career, he has 1,936 kick-return yards.
6. Warren Norman, Vanderbilt, Jr.: As a freshman, Norman was the top kick returner in the league after he took three kicks back for scores. Before injury last season, Norman averaged 25.4 yards per return on 22 kicks. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the toughest players to stop.
7. Branden Smith, Georgia, Jr.: He only had 10 punt returns last season, but he showed this spring that he can be very dangerous in space. He averaged 14.3 yards per return last season, and the coaches expect that number to rise this fall.
8. Chris Rainey, Florida, Sr.: Rainey is arguably the most elusive player in the SEC and putting him in space on special teams isn’t a good thing for opponents. He impressed the coaches fielding punts this spring and finally has the position to himself. He returned nine punts with Janoris Jenkins starting at punt returner last fall.
9. Philander Moore, Ole Miss, Jr.: The junior college transfer was brought in this spring specifically to return kicks. At Blinn (Texas) College last year, Moore had more than 800 combined return yards and scored six touchdowns.
10. Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee, So.: Rogers didn’t have the most impressive numbers at kick returner in 2010, but he got nearly 300 yards on 12 returns. There are some questions in the return game, but Rogers brings the Vols that big-play ability needed to put the offense in good position.
We've put our final list together and we've lumped kickoff returners and punt returners together.
Here are our top 10 kick returners in the SEC:
1. Joe Adams, Arkansas, Sr.: Adams is already one of the most exciting wide receivers to watch, especially in the open field. Now, put that into the Razorbacks’ punt return game and you have a highlight waiting to happen. He only returned 16 punts last year, but one went for a touchdown and he ranked second in the SEC with a 15.6 average per return.
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Kim Klement/US PresswireAndre Debose ranked No. 2 among UF's receivers in 2011 with 16 catches for 432 yards and four touchdowns.
Kim Klement/US PresswireAndre Debose ranked No. 2 among UF's receivers in 2011 with 16 catches for 432 yards and four touchdowns.3. Brandon Boykin, Georgia, Sr.: Boykin is the school’s all-time leader in kick return yards (1,813) and has game-changing speed and ability in the return game. Last season, he averaged 24.3 yards per return and had a touchdown.
4. Trent Richardson, Alabama, Jr.: Despite being the lead running back in Alabama’s offense this season, Richardson still fielded kicks this spring and in the spring game. As long as he’s out there, he’s one of the best. Last season he averaged 26.4 yards per return and had one go for a touchdown.
5. Dennis Johnson, Arkansas, Jr.: In 2009, he became Arkansas’ all-time career and single-season leader in kickoff return yardage and broke the SEC kickoff return record in 2008. He missed most of last season due to injury, but he’s healthy and will be a tremendous weapon in the Hogs’ return game. For his career, he has 1,936 kick-return yards.
6. Warren Norman, Vanderbilt, Jr.: As a freshman, Norman was the top kick returner in the league after he took three kicks back for scores. Before injury last season, Norman averaged 25.4 yards per return on 22 kicks. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the toughest players to stop.
7. Branden Smith, Georgia, Jr.: He only had 10 punt returns last season, but he showed this spring that he can be very dangerous in space. He averaged 14.3 yards per return last season, and the coaches expect that number to rise this fall.
8. Chris Rainey, Florida, Sr.: Rainey is arguably the most elusive player in the SEC and putting him in space on special teams isn’t a good thing for opponents. He impressed the coaches fielding punts this spring and finally has the position to himself. He returned nine punts with Janoris Jenkins starting at punt returner last fall.
9. Philander Moore, Ole Miss, Jr.: The junior college transfer was brought in this spring specifically to return kicks. At Blinn (Texas) College last year, Moore had more than 800 combined return yards and scored six touchdowns.
10. Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee, So.: Rogers didn’t have the most impressive numbers at kick returner in 2010, but he got nearly 300 yards on 12 returns. There are some questions in the return game, but Rogers brings the Vols that big-play ability needed to put the offense in good position.
SEC position rankings: Special teams
June, 23, 2011
6/23/11
10:06
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
We’re finally at the end of our position rankings and we’ll finish up with special teams. This group does a lot more than people think and teams are starting to put their best athletes out here.
Kickers and punters don’t get a lot of respect in the athletic department, but they are crucial assets to teams.
Let’s see how the SEC special-teams units stack up:
1. Georgia: It would be hard to find another special-teams unit better than the one in Athens. The Bulldogs return the dependable Blair Walsh at kicker, who kicked a league-high 20 field goals on 23 attempts (87 percent). Punter Drew Butler averaged 44.5 yards on 50 punts, with 19 landing inside the 20-yard line. Georgia also has a talented returning duo in Brandon Boykin and Branden Smith. Boykin is the school’s all-time leader in kick return yards and averaged 24.3 yards per return with a touchdown in 2010. Smith only returned 10 punts last year, but is dynamic in space.
2. Arkansas: Joe Adams might be one of the most fun guys to watch in the return game. He was fifth in the nation, averaging 15.6 yards per return last year, and is one of the shiftiest returners out there. He also had a touchdown. Dennis Johnson is back from injury and when he was healthy, he was one of the best kicker returners in the league. In the kicking game, sophomore Zach Hocker had an impressive freshman year where he connected on 16 of 19 field goals, with seven from 40 or better. Punter Dylan Breeding averaged 42.5 yards per kick and pinned 18 inside the 20.
3. Alabama: Trent Richardson not only heads the Tide’s offense, but he’s extremely dangerous as a kick returner. He averaged 26.4 yards per return and had a touchdown last year. Marquis Maze, who grabbed 21 punt returns last year, has great speed to break one at any time. Alabama actually returns two kickers in Jeremy Shelley and Cade Foster. Shelley handled kicks with the 40-yard range, while Foster had long distance duty. The job at punter hasn’t been settled, with Cody Mandell and Jay Williams battling it out.
4. Florida: Caleb Sturgis is finally healthy after suffering a back injury last season. He was solid from farther out as a freshman, but struggled to stay consistent closer to the end zone. Ray Guy winner Chas Henry is gone, but freshman Kyle Christy enrolled early and immediately took over punting duties, launching a punt 55 yards in the spring game. Andre Debose was named the nation’s top kick returner by the College Football Performance Awards in 2010 after returning two kicks for touchdowns and Chris Rainey could be the slipperiest punt returner in the SEC. Florida also has been the best punt/kick blocking team around the last few years.
5. Ole Miss: Place-kicker Bryson Rose made 16 of 18 kicks last year and should be just as solid and might have to come up with even more kicks this fall. His kicking partner, punter Tyler Campbell, had a nation-leading 46.4 yards per punt average in 2010. He launched 19 punts over 50 yards and five of 60 or more yards. Jeff Scott was solid on kick returns, but Ole Miss’ staff will look to junior college transfer Philander Moore for kick and punt returns. Last season at Blinn (Texas) College, Moore had 811 total return yards and six touchdowns.
6. Vanderbilt: Kicker Ryan Fowler and punter Richard Kent return in 2011. Fowler was solid as a freshman, but took a few steps backward in 2010 kicking 8-of-13 and missing all of his kicks from beyond 35 yards. Carey Spear, who handled kickoffs last season, could push Fowler. Kent had one of the strongest and most durable legs in the country last season, leading the nation with 84 punts and averaged 41.8 yards per kick. Twenty-seven of them were downed inside the 20. Vanderbilt did, however, have four punts blocked. When healthy, Warren Norman is one of the most dynamic returners in the league. As a freshman, he took three kickoffs back for touchdowns and averaged 25.4 yards per return before his injury last season.
7. LSU: The Tigers had one of the most exciting place-kickers to watch in Josh Jasper because he not only kicked but he was the master of the trick play. LSU will now look to Drew Alleman, who has had issues with consistency. Jasper also punted here and there, but regular punter Derek Helton is gone, leaving redshirt freshman Brad Wing in charge. The Australian-born athlete has a lot to learn about the SEC. Now that Patrick Peterson is gone, LSU is starting over in the return game. No one on the roster is as dynamic, but the Tigers will look at Rueben Randle, Tyrann Mathieu and Ron Brooks to carry the load by committee.
8. Mississippi State: Kicker shouldn’t be an issue for the Bulldogs. Derek Depasquale has hit 20-of-24 field goals in his two seasons in Starkville and nailed a 54-yarder in the spring game. Mississippi State must replace punter Heath Hutchins, but Baker Swedenburg should fill in nicely. The Bulldogs have a lot of athletes to throw out into the kicking game this year. LaDarius Perkins, who is Mississippi State’s talented backup to running back Vick Ballard, will be used on kicks, along with receiver Brandon Heavens. Chad Bumphis returned punts last season, but Heavens could take over that role.
9. Kentucky: Returners Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke are gone, but there are some athletes ready to fill in. Randall Burden, Winston Guy and Martavius Neloms got looks at punt returner this spring and there are a few options at kick returner. Both Raymond Sanders and Jerrell Priester fielded a few last season. Both kickers are back. Walk-on Craig McIntosh made 11 of 15 field goals last season, with a long of 50, while punter Ryan Tydlacka averaged 43.8 yards per kick.
10.Tennessee: Kicker Michael Palardy only attempted seven kicks last year while backing up Daniel Lincoln. His only three misses were from beyond 40 yards. Tennessee will also be breaking in new punter Matt Darr this fall. The Volunteers were in the middle of the SEC pack in kick returns last year, but were 11th in the league in punt returns, totaling just 73 punt returns. Da’Rick Rogers will return punts and showed improvements there, while the Vols have yet to find their punt returner.
11. Auburn: Record-setting kicker Wes Byrum is finally gone, so the Tigers’ new kicker literally has big shoes to fill. That person should be Cody Parkey, who primarily kicked off last year. Auburn also lost punter Ryan Shoemaker. His replacement, Steven Clark had nine punts in 2010, with two dropping inside the 20. Onterio McCalebb should return more kicks this season and dynamic redshirt freshman Trovon Reed could be used on punt returns, where the Tigers averaged just 6.2 yards per return a year ago.
12. South Carolina: Gone is dual-threat kicker Spencer Lanning, who kicked field goals and punts. Jay Wooten impressed at times this spring and can place-kick and punt. There’s a chance the Gamecocks might end up having two kickers as Patrick Fish competed for the punting spot this spring. The Gamecocks were last in the SEC with a 3.4-yard average on punt returns, while the tiny Bryce Sherman averaged 20.4 yards on kicks, with a long of 37. The shifty Ace Sanders and newcomer Damiere Byrd could compete for time at punt returner.
Kickers and punters don’t get a lot of respect in the athletic department, but they are crucial assets to teams.
Let’s see how the SEC special-teams units stack up:
1. Georgia: It would be hard to find another special-teams unit better than the one in Athens. The Bulldogs return the dependable Blair Walsh at kicker, who kicked a league-high 20 field goals on 23 attempts (87 percent). Punter Drew Butler averaged 44.5 yards on 50 punts, with 19 landing inside the 20-yard line. Georgia also has a talented returning duo in Brandon Boykin and Branden Smith. Boykin is the school’s all-time leader in kick return yards and averaged 24.3 yards per return with a touchdown in 2010. Smith only returned 10 punts last year, but is dynamic in space.
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Paul Abell/US PresswireJoe Adams was fifth in the nation in punt returns last season, averaging 15.6 yards per return.
Paul Abell/US PresswireJoe Adams was fifth in the nation in punt returns last season, averaging 15.6 yards per return.3. Alabama: Trent Richardson not only heads the Tide’s offense, but he’s extremely dangerous as a kick returner. He averaged 26.4 yards per return and had a touchdown last year. Marquis Maze, who grabbed 21 punt returns last year, has great speed to break one at any time. Alabama actually returns two kickers in Jeremy Shelley and Cade Foster. Shelley handled kicks with the 40-yard range, while Foster had long distance duty. The job at punter hasn’t been settled, with Cody Mandell and Jay Williams battling it out.
4. Florida: Caleb Sturgis is finally healthy after suffering a back injury last season. He was solid from farther out as a freshman, but struggled to stay consistent closer to the end zone. Ray Guy winner Chas Henry is gone, but freshman Kyle Christy enrolled early and immediately took over punting duties, launching a punt 55 yards in the spring game. Andre Debose was named the nation’s top kick returner by the College Football Performance Awards in 2010 after returning two kicks for touchdowns and Chris Rainey could be the slipperiest punt returner in the SEC. Florida also has been the best punt/kick blocking team around the last few years.
5. Ole Miss: Place-kicker Bryson Rose made 16 of 18 kicks last year and should be just as solid and might have to come up with even more kicks this fall. His kicking partner, punter Tyler Campbell, had a nation-leading 46.4 yards per punt average in 2010. He launched 19 punts over 50 yards and five of 60 or more yards. Jeff Scott was solid on kick returns, but Ole Miss’ staff will look to junior college transfer Philander Moore for kick and punt returns. Last season at Blinn (Texas) College, Moore had 811 total return yards and six touchdowns.
6. Vanderbilt: Kicker Ryan Fowler and punter Richard Kent return in 2011. Fowler was solid as a freshman, but took a few steps backward in 2010 kicking 8-of-13 and missing all of his kicks from beyond 35 yards. Carey Spear, who handled kickoffs last season, could push Fowler. Kent had one of the strongest and most durable legs in the country last season, leading the nation with 84 punts and averaged 41.8 yards per kick. Twenty-seven of them were downed inside the 20. Vanderbilt did, however, have four punts blocked. When healthy, Warren Norman is one of the most dynamic returners in the league. As a freshman, he took three kickoffs back for touchdowns and averaged 25.4 yards per return before his injury last season.
7. LSU: The Tigers had one of the most exciting place-kickers to watch in Josh Jasper because he not only kicked but he was the master of the trick play. LSU will now look to Drew Alleman, who has had issues with consistency. Jasper also punted here and there, but regular punter Derek Helton is gone, leaving redshirt freshman Brad Wing in charge. The Australian-born athlete has a lot to learn about the SEC. Now that Patrick Peterson is gone, LSU is starting over in the return game. No one on the roster is as dynamic, but the Tigers will look at Rueben Randle, Tyrann Mathieu and Ron Brooks to carry the load by committee.
8. Mississippi State: Kicker shouldn’t be an issue for the Bulldogs. Derek Depasquale has hit 20-of-24 field goals in his two seasons in Starkville and nailed a 54-yarder in the spring game. Mississippi State must replace punter Heath Hutchins, but Baker Swedenburg should fill in nicely. The Bulldogs have a lot of athletes to throw out into the kicking game this year. LaDarius Perkins, who is Mississippi State’s talented backup to running back Vick Ballard, will be used on kicks, along with receiver Brandon Heavens. Chad Bumphis returned punts last season, but Heavens could take over that role.
9. Kentucky: Returners Randall Cobb and Derrick Locke are gone, but there are some athletes ready to fill in. Randall Burden, Winston Guy and Martavius Neloms got looks at punt returner this spring and there are a few options at kick returner. Both Raymond Sanders and Jerrell Priester fielded a few last season. Both kickers are back. Walk-on Craig McIntosh made 11 of 15 field goals last season, with a long of 50, while punter Ryan Tydlacka averaged 43.8 yards per kick.
10.Tennessee: Kicker Michael Palardy only attempted seven kicks last year while backing up Daniel Lincoln. His only three misses were from beyond 40 yards. Tennessee will also be breaking in new punter Matt Darr this fall. The Volunteers were in the middle of the SEC pack in kick returns last year, but were 11th in the league in punt returns, totaling just 73 punt returns. Da’Rick Rogers will return punts and showed improvements there, while the Vols have yet to find their punt returner.
11. Auburn: Record-setting kicker Wes Byrum is finally gone, so the Tigers’ new kicker literally has big shoes to fill. That person should be Cody Parkey, who primarily kicked off last year. Auburn also lost punter Ryan Shoemaker. His replacement, Steven Clark had nine punts in 2010, with two dropping inside the 20. Onterio McCalebb should return more kicks this season and dynamic redshirt freshman Trovon Reed could be used on punt returns, where the Tigers averaged just 6.2 yards per return a year ago.
12. South Carolina: Gone is dual-threat kicker Spencer Lanning, who kicked field goals and punts. Jay Wooten impressed at times this spring and can place-kick and punt. There’s a chance the Gamecocks might end up having two kickers as Patrick Fish competed for the punting spot this spring. The Gamecocks were last in the SEC with a 3.4-yard average on punt returns, while the tiny Bryce Sherman averaged 20.4 yards on kicks, with a long of 37. The shifty Ace Sanders and newcomer Damiere Byrd could compete for time at punt returner.
US PresswireMike Dyer (5) and Onterio McCalebb (23) give Auburn a powerful punch in the backfield.The 2011 season will be no different:
1. Auburn: Who do you put No. 1? How about the team with the best tandem in the league. Sophomore Mike Dyer can do it all -- run with power, run with speed and break tackles. He’s coming off a 1,093-yard rushing season as a true freshman. The Tigers can also throw their version of “Lightning” at you in junior Onterio McCalebb, who’s one of the SEC’s best breakaway threats. He rushed for 810 yards last season, averaging 8.5 yards a pop, and his 70-yard touchdown run against LSU was the difference in that game.
2. Alabama: Trent Richardson alone gets the Crimson Tide into the No. 2 spot. He’s that good and that dynamic, and he’s going to make up for all those carries he didn’t get the past two seasons while playing in the shadow of Mark Ingram. Simply, he’s the kind of running back who can carry an offense. Sophomore Eddie Lacy would be a starter at a lot of places, and true freshman Dee Hart turned a lot of heads in the spring with his ability to make plays a number of different ways.
3. Arkansas: The Hogs’ depth is outstanding and would have been even better had the bruiser of the group, Broderick Green, not suffered a season-ending knee injury in the spring. Junior Knile Davis demonstrated just how special he was a year ago with 1,322 rushing yards. Bobby Petrino also thinks this might be the year that junior Ronnie Wingo Jr. truly blossoms after showing flashes the past two years, and do-it-all junior Dennis Johnson is back after missing all of last season with an injury.
4. South Carolina: Sophomore Marcus Lattimore is right up there with Richardson when it comes to game-changing running backs who can carry a football team. Willing to tote it 35 and 40 times a game, Lattimore is an entire running back corps unto himself. But he will need some help, and that’s where junior Kenny Miles comes in. Miles had an excellent spring, and it looks like junior Eric Baker is healthy again.
5. Florida: From a pure speed standpoint, nobody can top Florida’s backfield. The Chris Rainey-Jeff Demps combo figures to be a blur in 2011, and new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis is going to see to it that both players get plenty of work. Don’t forget about junior Mike Gillislee, either, and sophomore Mack Brown was one of the highest-rated backs in the country when Florida signed him. The reason the Gators aren’t ranked a little higher is that it remains to be seen if they have that power back who can get the tough yards in this league.
6. Mississippi State: It’s a crime to put the Bulldogs this low, but it goes to show you just how deep and talented the running position is in the SEC. Senior Vick Ballard just missed 1,000 yards last season and scored 20 touchdowns. Sophomore LaDarius Perkins has great speed and is also versatile. He had three receiving touchdowns in 2010. Senior Robert Elliott also returns, and coach Dan Mullen said freshman Nick Griffin might be the best of the bunch once he gets healthy.
7. LSU: Losing a 1,000-yard rusher the caliber of Stevan Ridley is never ideal, but there’s no shortage of returning talent in the LSU backfield. It starts with sophomore Spencer Ware, who’s poised for a huge season. He was one of the best players on the field in last season’s Cotton Bowl. Les Miles likes to use multiple backs, and sophomores Michael Ford and Alfred Blue will also be a big part of the rotation.
8. Ole Miss: There’s not a more versatile (or underrated) running back in the SEC than senior Brandon Bolden. The NFL scouts have had him in their sights for some time. He just missed 1,000 yards rushing a year ago and led the Rebels with 32 receptions. At 221 pounds, he also has a nose for the end zone and scored 17 touchdowns last season. The Rebels have a perfect complement to go with him, too, in speedy sophomore Jeff Scott, while senior Enrique Davis also returns.
9. Georgia: Take Washaun Ealey out of the equation. He’s decided to transfer. It’s now or never for senior Caleb King, who’s a more talented runner than he’s shown to this point. Junior Carlton Thomas is still hanging around, and redshirt freshman Ken Malcome is one to keep an eye, too. But the running back everybody wants to see in Athens is incoming freshman Isaiah Crowell, who has all the tools to be a great one. He’s going to get a chance to show what he can do right away and may get 15 to 20 carries in the opener.
10. Tennessee: Despite Tauren Poole rushing for 1,034 yards last season, coach Derek Dooley came away saying the Vols left too many yards on the field. They finished last in the league in rushing. Nonetheless, Poole is a tough runner who’s proved he can be productive in this league. Sophomore Rajion Neal came on in the spring, and the Vols hope incoming freshmen Marlin Lane and Tom Smith can help provide a few more explosive plays in the running game. Also, don’t sleep on sophomore Channing Fugate, who’s one of the better fullbacks in the league.
11. Vanderbilt: The Commodores have the talent and the depth to really move up this list during the season. Of course, so much of what they do in their running game will hinge on how well the guys develop up front along the offensive line. Injuries derailed Warren Norman and Zac Stacy last season. Neither player topped the 500-yard mark. Both should be healthy in 2011, though, and first-year coach James Franklin was really impressed with sophomore Wesley Tate’s blend of size, power and speed in the spring.
12. Kentucky: Derrick Locke had been the heart and soul of the Wildcats’ running game the past couple of seasons, and now he’s gone. The good news is that sophomore Raymond Sanders was one of the Wildcats’ most-improved players in the spring and looks like he’s more than capable of being their go-to back. Several other younger guys are also waiting for their chance, including redshirt freshman Brandon Gainer, and the Kentucky coaches are extremely high on incoming freshmen Marcus Caffey and Josh Clemons.
Now healthy, Vanderbilt's Tate ready to roll
April, 6, 2011
4/06/11
3:02
PM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
It’s been a busy spring for Vanderbilt sophomore running back Wesley Tate, and that’s exactly the way he wants it.
To this point in his career, there’s been far too much sitting and watching, far too much rehabilitating from injuries and far too much waiting and wondering what he could do if he were truly 100 percent.
“This is as healthy as I’ve been since I got to Vanderbilt,” said Tate, who will enter his third year in the program next season. “I’ve had a foot, a knee, a couple of ankles. It’s been a lot of rehab and working hard to feel 100 percent again. I finally feel like I’m there.”
The timing couldn’t have been better for Tate, either.
With junior running back Warren Norman sitting out spring practice this year while recovering from wrist surgery, Tate has been front and center in the Commodores’ backfield as James Franklin and his first-year Vanderbilt coaching staff assess their personnel for the first time on the field.
Franklin has made it clear that he’s looking for more of that explosive speed the Commodores have traditionally lacked, and the 6-2, 225-pound Tate possesses that blend of size and speed that Franklin covets.
“The thing about Tate is that he’s a big kid, 225 pounds, but he can run,” Franklin said. “He’s a guy I think can take it the distance in this league. If you just take height, weight and speed, that combination, I’d rank him with anybody in the country. What he’s got to be able to do is produce on Saturdays. But the combination of Norman, Tate and (Zac) Stacy is an impressive group of backs, and they all complement each other.”
Tate, the younger brother of Seattle Seahawks receiver Golden Tate, said the frustration of trying to fight off one injury after another nearly got the best of him. About the time he thought he might be turning the corner, he’d aggravate the stress fracture in his foot.
“I’d never had any serious injuries before I got here, and it was just a continuous thing,” Tate said. “It seemed like new stuff kept popping up. All I could do was try to keep it positive, but it wasn’t easy.”
Tate has meshed well with the new coaching staff, and he said new strength and conditioning coach Dwight Galt has helped him to get stronger and maybe even faster.
“It’s a clean slate for everybody, and the coaches have had a lot of opportunities to evaluate me,” said Tate, who’s one of the faster players on the team.
In addition to being healthy, the other thing that’s so enticing to Tate is Franklin’s system. Tate feels like it’s a perfect fit for what he does best.
“We’re not out of the shotgun all the time and are instead under center most of the time now,” Tate said. “I’d rather be running downhill behind the quarterback and attack the weaknesses of defense. We’re also going to get the backs involved in the passing game. I love this system.”
The label Tate wants to shed is that he’s more of a third-down back.
“I definitely think I can be an every-down running back, a complete running back,” he said. “I can split out wide and catch the ball, but I can also get the tough yards when it’s third-and-1 or third-and-2 and also make the explosive plays down the field.
“There’s a lot of room for me to get better, but I feel like this is my year to show what kind of player I am and show all of the aspects of a great running back.”
To this point in his career, there’s been far too much sitting and watching, far too much rehabilitating from injuries and far too much waiting and wondering what he could do if he were truly 100 percent.
“This is as healthy as I’ve been since I got to Vanderbilt,” said Tate, who will enter his third year in the program next season. “I’ve had a foot, a knee, a couple of ankles. It’s been a lot of rehab and working hard to feel 100 percent again. I finally feel like I’m there.”
The timing couldn’t have been better for Tate, either.
With junior running back Warren Norman sitting out spring practice this year while recovering from wrist surgery, Tate has been front and center in the Commodores’ backfield as James Franklin and his first-year Vanderbilt coaching staff assess their personnel for the first time on the field.
Franklin has made it clear that he’s looking for more of that explosive speed the Commodores have traditionally lacked, and the 6-2, 225-pound Tate possesses that blend of size and speed that Franklin covets.
“The thing about Tate is that he’s a big kid, 225 pounds, but he can run,” Franklin said. “He’s a guy I think can take it the distance in this league. If you just take height, weight and speed, that combination, I’d rank him with anybody in the country. What he’s got to be able to do is produce on Saturdays. But the combination of Norman, Tate and (Zac) Stacy is an impressive group of backs, and they all complement each other.”
Tate, the younger brother of Seattle Seahawks receiver Golden Tate, said the frustration of trying to fight off one injury after another nearly got the best of him. About the time he thought he might be turning the corner, he’d aggravate the stress fracture in his foot.
“I’d never had any serious injuries before I got here, and it was just a continuous thing,” Tate said. “It seemed like new stuff kept popping up. All I could do was try to keep it positive, but it wasn’t easy.”
Tate has meshed well with the new coaching staff, and he said new strength and conditioning coach Dwight Galt has helped him to get stronger and maybe even faster.
“It’s a clean slate for everybody, and the coaches have had a lot of opportunities to evaluate me,” said Tate, who’s one of the faster players on the team.
In addition to being healthy, the other thing that’s so enticing to Tate is Franklin’s system. Tate feels like it’s a perfect fit for what he does best.
“We’re not out of the shotgun all the time and are instead under center most of the time now,” Tate said. “I’d rather be running downhill behind the quarterback and attack the weaknesses of defense. We’re also going to get the backs involved in the passing game. I love this system.”
The label Tate wants to shed is that he’s more of a third-down back.
“I definitely think I can be an every-down running back, a complete running back,” he said. “I can split out wide and catch the ball, but I can also get the tough yards when it’s third-and-1 or third-and-2 and also make the explosive plays down the field.
“There’s a lot of room for me to get better, but I feel like this is my year to show what kind of player I am and show all of the aspects of a great running back.”
Commodores' Caldwell ready for a break
September, 22, 2010
9/22/10
6:05
PM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
Fresh off Vanderbilt’s first SEC win since the end of the 2008 season, first-year coach Robbie Caldwell wouldn’t mind bottling that momentum and playing again this weekend.
But the Commodores, who didn’t have a bye a year ago and had to play 12 straight weeks, are idle this Saturday.
The more Caldwell surveys the situation, the better off he thinks the Commodores will be to have an open date before traveling to Connecticut on Oct. 2 and then coming home to face Eastern Michigan on Oct. 9.
As bleak as it looked for Vanderbilt following that 27-3 home loss to LSU the second week of the season, it’s not outlandish to think the Commodores could be 3-2 overall going into that Georgia game on Oct. 16.
Caldwell, who on his worst day could manage a few folksy jokes, said what he’s really looking forward to this Saturday is lying on the couch all day, doing nothing and watching football.
“Of course, my wife won’t let me do that,” Caldwell said. “I’ve got all them honey-dos. I’ve got to aerate the yard and throw out some grass seed. But believe you me, I’m going to throw me something on the grill and watch me a little bit (of football) and laugh at everybody else having all the pressure on them that day.”
Caldwell said this week will be especially beneficial for the Commodores’ running backs to get healthier. Warren Norman had some fluid drained from his knee.
“We hope that helps him pick up some quickness and a step he hasn’t had,” Caldwell said.
Norman had arthroscopic knee surgery in late August. Zac Stacy (knee) and Wesley Tate (foot) have also not been 100 percent because of injuries.
Even with the extra week off, Caldwell isn’t optimistic the Commodores will get back defensive tackle T.J. Greenstone (ankle) and tight end Brandon Barden (foot). Both players were injured in the 28-14 win over Ole Miss last Saturday.
But the Commodores, who didn’t have a bye a year ago and had to play 12 straight weeks, are idle this Saturday.
The more Caldwell surveys the situation, the better off he thinks the Commodores will be to have an open date before traveling to Connecticut on Oct. 2 and then coming home to face Eastern Michigan on Oct. 9.
As bleak as it looked for Vanderbilt following that 27-3 home loss to LSU the second week of the season, it’s not outlandish to think the Commodores could be 3-2 overall going into that Georgia game on Oct. 16.
Caldwell, who on his worst day could manage a few folksy jokes, said what he’s really looking forward to this Saturday is lying on the couch all day, doing nothing and watching football.
“Of course, my wife won’t let me do that,” Caldwell said. “I’ve got all them honey-dos. I’ve got to aerate the yard and throw out some grass seed. But believe you me, I’m going to throw me something on the grill and watch me a little bit (of football) and laugh at everybody else having all the pressure on them that day.”
Caldwell said this week will be especially beneficial for the Commodores’ running backs to get healthier. Warren Norman had some fluid drained from his knee.
“We hope that helps him pick up some quickness and a step he hasn’t had,” Caldwell said.
Norman had arthroscopic knee surgery in late August. Zac Stacy (knee) and Wesley Tate (foot) have also not been 100 percent because of injuries.
Even with the extra week off, Caldwell isn’t optimistic the Commodores will get back defensive tackle T.J. Greenstone (ankle) and tight end Brandon Barden (foot). Both players were injured in the 28-14 win over Ole Miss last Saturday.
Who’s hot and who’s not in the SEC?
It’s that time again when we find out:
EN FUEGO
Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett: The guy might as well be combustible. In three games this season, Mallett has already thrown for 1,081 yards and nine touchdown passes. His 40-yard scoring toss to Greg Childs last Saturday was the game-winner in Arkansas’ 31-24 win at Georgia. And even though Mallett is on a hot streak right now, he was as cool as cool could be in that final drive against Georgia after the Bulldogs had tied the score. He found tight end D.J. Williams twice and then connected with Childs to win it for the Hogs. Something says that won't be the last time Mallett delivers in the clutch.
HOT
Alabama running back Mark Ingram: He went for 48 yards on his first carry and then 50 yards on his third carry. That’s after missing the first two games while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. The reality is that Ingram stays hot.
NOT
Georgia’s offensive line: The problem hasn’t been redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Murray in the Bulldogs’ two SEC losses. The problem has been a veteran offensive line that hasn’t played up to its talent level.
HOT
LSU defensive tackle Drake Nevis: The entire LSU defense has been red-hot since that forgettable fourth quarter against North Carolina, but Nevis has four tackles for loss in his past two games and has pretty much been unblockable.
NOT
Florida’s starts: Florida’s offense clearly has a ways to go, but the bigger problem is how poorly the Gators have started on offense in each of their first three games. Sooner or later, that’s going to catch up with them.
HOT
Vanderbilt’s running game: The Commodores piled up 227 rushing yards in their win over Ole Miss, their most against an SEC opponent since rushing for 239 yards against Kentucky in 2007. Warren Norman had an 80-yard run for a touchdown, and Zac Stacy had a 35-yard run for a touchdown. Their guys up front were getting it done.
NOT
Ole Miss’ defense: The most puzzling thing about the Rebels’ brutal start has been the play of their defense. On paper, their front seven looked as good as anybody in the SEC back in August. But they’ve been tormented by big plays.
HOT
Arkansas’ pass rush: Hey, we can’t forget about the Hogs’ defense. They lead the SEC with 12 sacks and got to Georgia quarterback Murray six times. Jake Bequette’s sack on third down with 54 seconds to play was one of the biggest plays of the game, and it came after Alfred Davis had sacked him two plays earlier.
NOT
Mississippi State’s ball security: The Bulldogs have turned the ball over seven times in their past two games, including five interceptions in the 29-7 loss to LSU. Redshirt freshman quarterback Tyler Russell has thrown four interceptions in his past two outings after tying a school record with four touchdown passes in the season-opening rout of Memphis.
FREEZER BURN
Tennessee on third down: The Vols have converted just 9 of 43 third downs this season (20.9 percent), which ranks them 118th nationally. Only Florida International and San Jose State have been worse. Even more telling, five of Tennessee’s nine third-down conversions this season came in their 50-0 blowout of FCS opponent Tennessee-Martin in the opener. The hard part for the Vols is that they haven’t been much better on third down defensively. They’re ninth in the SEC when it comes to stopping people on third down. Florida was 8-of-14 on third down in the last game, a big reason why the Gators were able to pull away and win 31-17. In the second half alone, Florida converted three times when it was third-and-8 or longer.
It’s that time again when we find out:
EN FUEGO
[+] Enlarge
Wesley Hitt/Getty ImagesRyan Mallett has already completed 70-of-100 this season and is averaging almost 11 yards per pass.
Wesley Hitt/Getty ImagesRyan Mallett has already completed 70-of-100 this season and is averaging almost 11 yards per pass.HOT
Alabama running back Mark Ingram: He went for 48 yards on his first carry and then 50 yards on his third carry. That’s after missing the first two games while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. The reality is that Ingram stays hot.
NOT
Georgia’s offensive line: The problem hasn’t been redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Murray in the Bulldogs’ two SEC losses. The problem has been a veteran offensive line that hasn’t played up to its talent level.
HOT
LSU defensive tackle Drake Nevis: The entire LSU defense has been red-hot since that forgettable fourth quarter against North Carolina, but Nevis has four tackles for loss in his past two games and has pretty much been unblockable.
NOT
Florida’s starts: Florida’s offense clearly has a ways to go, but the bigger problem is how poorly the Gators have started on offense in each of their first three games. Sooner or later, that’s going to catch up with them.
HOT
Vanderbilt’s running game: The Commodores piled up 227 rushing yards in their win over Ole Miss, their most against an SEC opponent since rushing for 239 yards against Kentucky in 2007. Warren Norman had an 80-yard run for a touchdown, and Zac Stacy had a 35-yard run for a touchdown. Their guys up front were getting it done.
NOT
Ole Miss’ defense: The most puzzling thing about the Rebels’ brutal start has been the play of their defense. On paper, their front seven looked as good as anybody in the SEC back in August. But they’ve been tormented by big plays.
HOT
Arkansas’ pass rush: Hey, we can’t forget about the Hogs’ defense. They lead the SEC with 12 sacks and got to Georgia quarterback Murray six times. Jake Bequette’s sack on third down with 54 seconds to play was one of the biggest plays of the game, and it came after Alfred Davis had sacked him two plays earlier.
NOT
Mississippi State’s ball security: The Bulldogs have turned the ball over seven times in their past two games, including five interceptions in the 29-7 loss to LSU. Redshirt freshman quarterback Tyler Russell has thrown four interceptions in his past two outings after tying a school record with four touchdown passes in the season-opening rout of Memphis.
FREEZER BURN
Tennessee on third down: The Vols have converted just 9 of 43 third downs this season (20.9 percent), which ranks them 118th nationally. Only Florida International and San Jose State have been worse. Even more telling, five of Tennessee’s nine third-down conversions this season came in their 50-0 blowout of FCS opponent Tennessee-Martin in the opener. The hard part for the Vols is that they haven’t been much better on third down defensively. They’re ninth in the SEC when it comes to stopping people on third down. Florida was 8-of-14 on third down in the last game, a big reason why the Gators were able to pull away and win 31-17. In the second half alone, Florida converted three times when it was third-and-8 or longer.
Let's get picky.
My Year 2 record dipped a little -- 69-26 (.726) -- but I vow to do better this fall. Every Thursday during the season, I'll identify a Game of the Week and explain my selection in a video blog post later in the day.
All 11 Big Ten teams make their season debuts this week, and here's how I see things shaking out.
THURSDAY
Minnesota 26, Middle Tennessee 20: My pick changed when Middle Tennessee star quarterback Dwight Dasher was ruled out for the game. Dasher made MTSU a lot more dangerous. The Gophers get a boost from Duane Bennett in the run game and keep their new-look defense off of the field just long enough to escape Murfreesboro with a big win.
Ohio State 37, Marshall 7: Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes' offense deliver an efficient performance in the opener, jumping out to a 24-0 lead. Marshall struggles to move the ball against the Buckeyes' stout defense, which gets big performances from linebacker Brian Rolle and defensive lineman John Simon.
Indiana 31, Towson 14: Even without All-Big Ten selection Tandon Doss, Indiana flexes its muscles in the passing game against an FCS foe. Quarterback Ben Chappell and receiver Damarlo Belcher hook up for two touchdown passes as the Hoosiers roll.
SATURDAY
Michigan State 41, Western Michigan 17: There will be no MAC disaster this year in East Lansing. Quarterback Kirk Cousins lights up Western Michigan and finds Keshawn Martin for several big plays as the Spartans roll to an impressive opening victory.
Penn State 30, Youngstown State 6: Evan Royster and the Penn State run game take the pressure off of true freshman quarterback Robert Bolden, who wows the crowd on several throws in his first career game (and start). Penn State plays all three quarterbacks and gets solid play from Devon Still and the defensive front seven in a win.
Iowa 34, Eastern Illinois 9: The Hawkeyes learn from last season and refuse to let an opponent hang around. Ricky Stanzi turns in a clean performance and tosses a pair of touchdown passes, one to Marvin McNutt. Adrian Clayborn and the Iowa defense make it a rough day for the visiting Panthers.
Missouri 35, Illinois 23: It's tough to beat Missouri with a healthy secondary, much less one as banged up as the Illini's. Illinois holds its own for two and a half quarters, but Blaine Gabbert proves to be too much and fires three touchdown passes. Redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase shows some promise in his first career start, but it's not enough.
Michigan 28, Connecticut 27: The first game in the renovated Big House should be a great one. This certainly could go either way, but Michigan wins the game at the line of scrimmage with its size and athleticism. An improved offensive line creates enough room for its talented ball-carriers to make plays. Denard Robinson leads the winning touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter.
Notre Dame 31, Purdue 27: This is my Game of the Week. Check the blog later for a video breaking down my selection.
Northwestern 23, Vanderbilt 17: It'll be tough for Pat Fitzgerald's crew, but the defense comes up big against a Vanderbilt team that won't have star Warren Norman at 100 percent even if he plays. Northwestern's run game doesn't do much, but new starting quarterback Dan Persa earns his stripes in the second half to secure win No. 1.
Wisconsin 41, UNLV 17: I could see the Rebels starting fast as they open the Bobby Hauck era, but Wisconsin is simply too strong and too balanced on offense. The Badgers mix in Montee Ball and James White with starting running back John Clay and wear down UNLV in the second and third quarters. Defensive end J.J. Watt has a big night for Wiscy.
My Year 2 record dipped a little -- 69-26 (.726) -- but I vow to do better this fall. Every Thursday during the season, I'll identify a Game of the Week and explain my selection in a video blog post later in the day.
All 11 Big Ten teams make their season debuts this week, and here's how I see things shaking out.
THURSDAY
Minnesota 26, Middle Tennessee 20: My pick changed when Middle Tennessee star quarterback Dwight Dasher was ruled out for the game. Dasher made MTSU a lot more dangerous. The Gophers get a boost from Duane Bennett in the run game and keep their new-look defense off of the field just long enough to escape Murfreesboro with a big win.
Ohio State 37, Marshall 7: Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes' offense deliver an efficient performance in the opener, jumping out to a 24-0 lead. Marshall struggles to move the ball against the Buckeyes' stout defense, which gets big performances from linebacker Brian Rolle and defensive lineman John Simon.
Indiana 31, Towson 14: Even without All-Big Ten selection Tandon Doss, Indiana flexes its muscles in the passing game against an FCS foe. Quarterback Ben Chappell and receiver Damarlo Belcher hook up for two touchdown passes as the Hoosiers roll.
SATURDAY
Michigan State 41, Western Michigan 17: There will be no MAC disaster this year in East Lansing. Quarterback Kirk Cousins lights up Western Michigan and finds Keshawn Martin for several big plays as the Spartans roll to an impressive opening victory.
Penn State 30, Youngstown State 6: Evan Royster and the Penn State run game take the pressure off of true freshman quarterback Robert Bolden, who wows the crowd on several throws in his first career game (and start). Penn State plays all three quarterbacks and gets solid play from Devon Still and the defensive front seven in a win.
Iowa 34, Eastern Illinois 9: The Hawkeyes learn from last season and refuse to let an opponent hang around. Ricky Stanzi turns in a clean performance and tosses a pair of touchdown passes, one to Marvin McNutt. Adrian Clayborn and the Iowa defense make it a rough day for the visiting Panthers.
Missouri 35, Illinois 23: It's tough to beat Missouri with a healthy secondary, much less one as banged up as the Illini's. Illinois holds its own for two and a half quarters, but Blaine Gabbert proves to be too much and fires three touchdown passes. Redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase shows some promise in his first career start, but it's not enough.
Michigan 28, Connecticut 27: The first game in the renovated Big House should be a great one. This certainly could go either way, but Michigan wins the game at the line of scrimmage with its size and athleticism. An improved offensive line creates enough room for its talented ball-carriers to make plays. Denard Robinson leads the winning touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter.
Notre Dame 31, Purdue 27: This is my Game of the Week. Check the blog later for a video breaking down my selection.
Northwestern 23, Vanderbilt 17: It'll be tough for Pat Fitzgerald's crew, but the defense comes up big against a Vanderbilt team that won't have star Warren Norman at 100 percent even if he plays. Northwestern's run game doesn't do much, but new starting quarterback Dan Persa earns his stripes in the second half to secure win No. 1.
Wisconsin 41, UNLV 17: I could see the Rebels starting fast as they open the Bobby Hauck era, but Wisconsin is simply too strong and too balanced on offense. The Badgers mix in Montee Ball and James White with starting running back John Clay and wear down UNLV in the second and third quarters. Defensive end J.J. Watt has a big night for Wiscy.
Vanderbilt's running back stable took another hit Wednesday when sophomore Warren Norman underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, making him questionable for the Sept. 4 opener against Northwestern.
Norman, the SEC Freshman of the Year last season, had some swelling in his right knee and underwent an MRI Wednesday. Vanderbilt coach Robbie Caldwell said doctors went in and cleaned out some loose cartilage, which was causing the swelling.
The Commodores were already without sophomore running back Zac Stacy and redshirt freshman running back Wesley Tate, although both players returned to the practice field on a limited basis Wednesday. Stacy had been out for two weeks after suffering a sprained MCL, while Tate had been sidelined with a foot injury. Senior Kennard Reeves has been getting the bulk of the first-team work at running back.
Caldwell thinks Norman has a chance to be back in time for the opener, although much of that will depend on his recovery. When Stacy hurt his knee, the initial diagnosis was that he, too, might miss the opener. But his returning to the practice field on Wednesday is a good sign that he may be back sooner than first expected. It would be an added boost to get Tate back and have him available for the first game.
With all three healthy, the Commodores have a chance to be very good at running back. Stacy was off to a fast start last season as a freshman until he hurt his ankle, and Norman obviously is as important to Vanderbilt's kicking game as he is to the running game after returning three kickoffs for touchdowns last season.
Sadly, the Commodores could really use Rajaan Bennett right now. The heralded running back signee from Powder Springs, Ga., was the victim of a murder-suicide two weeks after signing with Vanderbilt this past February.
Norman, the SEC Freshman of the Year last season, had some swelling in his right knee and underwent an MRI Wednesday. Vanderbilt coach Robbie Caldwell said doctors went in and cleaned out some loose cartilage, which was causing the swelling.
The Commodores were already without sophomore running back Zac Stacy and redshirt freshman running back Wesley Tate, although both players returned to the practice field on a limited basis Wednesday. Stacy had been out for two weeks after suffering a sprained MCL, while Tate had been sidelined with a foot injury. Senior Kennard Reeves has been getting the bulk of the first-team work at running back.
Caldwell thinks Norman has a chance to be back in time for the opener, although much of that will depend on his recovery. When Stacy hurt his knee, the initial diagnosis was that he, too, might miss the opener. But his returning to the practice field on Wednesday is a good sign that he may be back sooner than first expected. It would be an added boost to get Tate back and have him available for the first game.
With all three healthy, the Commodores have a chance to be very good at running back. Stacy was off to a fast start last season as a freshman until he hurt his ankle, and Norman obviously is as important to Vanderbilt's kicking game as he is to the running game after returning three kickoffs for touchdowns last season.
Sadly, the Commodores could really use Rajaan Bennett right now. The heralded running back signee from Powder Springs, Ga., was the victim of a murder-suicide two weeks after signing with Vanderbilt this past February.
The last time somebody other than Florida, Georgia or Tennessee won the Eastern Division was ... never.
Is this the year that changes? The folks in Columbia, S.C., sure hope so.
Here are five things to watch this season in the SEC East:
1. Florida’s fresh faces: The Gators won so frequently with the likes of Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden, Maurkice Pouncey, Carlos Dunlap and Aaron Hernandez that you almost took it for granted. They reeled off 22 straight wins before losing to Alabama last season in the SEC championship game. Now it’s up to a new nucleus of players to see to it that Florida continues its stranglehold in the East. The Gators haven’t lost a game to an Eastern Division opponent since falling to Georgia 42-30 during the 2007 season. That’s a lofty standard to uphold. We’ll see if the likes of John Brantley, Jelani Jenkins, Will Hill, Omar Hunter, Andre Debose and Justin Trattou are up to the challenge.
2. Quarterback quandary: If you’re looking for a surplus of experience at the quarterback position, don’t go hunting it in the East. The veteran of the group is South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia, and his head coach spent the offseason telling everybody who would listen that he might sit Garcia and play a true freshman. Kentucky senior quarterback Mike Hartline has 14 career starts, but is locked into a battle this preseason for the starting job along with sophomore Morgan Newton and redshirt freshman Ryan Mossakowski. Vanderbilt’s Larry Smith is back for his junior season after struggling as a sophomore a year ago. Tennessee looks like it will go with newcomer Matt Simms, who started his career at Louisville before making a stopover at junior college. Georgia redshirt freshman Aaron Murray has yet to take his first college snap, while Brantley has been one of those guys everybody has raved about at Florida, but is still looking for his first meaningful snap against an SEC defense.
3. Quick strikes: The East boasts an impressive array of big-play performers, led by Georgia receiver A.J. Green. If he gets off to the kind of start he did last season and then stays healthy, look out. The two guys at Kentucky aren’t shabby, either. The Derrick Locke-Randall Cobb combo is enough to give any defensive coordinator nightmares. With Tebow gone at Florida, running back Jeff Demps is going to get even more chances to showcase his 9.96 speed in the 100-meter dash. South Carolina sophomore receiver Alshon Jeffery’s not a burner, but he finds his way into the end zone. Tennessee likes its entire collection of pass-catchers, including a pair of true freshmen -- Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers -- who’ve already shown their big-play ability in camp. And don’t forget about special teams, either. Between them, Georgia’s Brandon Boykin and Vanderbilt’s Warren Norman returned six kickoffs for touchdowns last season.
4. Hold that line: Who has the best offensive line in the East? Georgia has all five starters and eight lettermen returning from a unit that allowed an SEC-low 12 sacks last season. Florida returns four starters, including senior Mike Pouncey, who’s moving from guard to center and is one of the top offensive linemen in the country. After the Bulldogs and Gators, it drops off considerably up front in the East. Kentucky has to replace four starters. Vanderbilt is already battling injuries on its offensive line, and Tennessee will put five new starters on the field. That leaves South Carolina, which is on its third different offensive line coach in as many years -- Shawn Elliott. If the Gamecocks are going to make a run this season in the East, they will have to play significantly better in their offensive line than they have at any point over the past couple of seasons. In other words, that needs to be the most improved unit on the team.
5. Coaching debuts: Vanderbilt’s Robbie Caldwell, Tennessee’s Derek Dooley and Kentucky’s Joker Phillips will all make their SEC head coaching debuts this season. Caldwell found out he would be leading the Commodores about three weeks prior to the start of preseason practice when Bobby Johnson abruptly retired. Dooley takes his shot at rebuilding Tennessee’s program now that Lane Kiffin is no longer stirring it up in the SEC. For 31 seasons, the Vols had a total of two head coaches, but Dooley is now their third in the past three seasons. Phillips was named the Wildcats’ coach in waiting a couple of years ago. But with Rich Brooks retiring following last season, Phillips steps into the big office and will try to extend Kentucky’s bowl streak to five straight seasons. Only four other SEC teams have been to bowl games each of the past four years -- Alabama, Florida, Georgia and LSU.
Is this the year that changes? The folks in Columbia, S.C., sure hope so.
Here are five things to watch this season in the SEC East:
[+] Enlarge
Derick E. Hingle/US PresswireJohn Brantley is being counted on to help keep the Gators among the SEC elite.
Derick E. Hingle/US PresswireJohn Brantley is being counted on to help keep the Gators among the SEC elite.2. Quarterback quandary: If you’re looking for a surplus of experience at the quarterback position, don’t go hunting it in the East. The veteran of the group is South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia, and his head coach spent the offseason telling everybody who would listen that he might sit Garcia and play a true freshman. Kentucky senior quarterback Mike Hartline has 14 career starts, but is locked into a battle this preseason for the starting job along with sophomore Morgan Newton and redshirt freshman Ryan Mossakowski. Vanderbilt’s Larry Smith is back for his junior season after struggling as a sophomore a year ago. Tennessee looks like it will go with newcomer Matt Simms, who started his career at Louisville before making a stopover at junior college. Georgia redshirt freshman Aaron Murray has yet to take his first college snap, while Brantley has been one of those guys everybody has raved about at Florida, but is still looking for his first meaningful snap against an SEC defense.
3. Quick strikes: The East boasts an impressive array of big-play performers, led by Georgia receiver A.J. Green. If he gets off to the kind of start he did last season and then stays healthy, look out. The two guys at Kentucky aren’t shabby, either. The Derrick Locke-Randall Cobb combo is enough to give any defensive coordinator nightmares. With Tebow gone at Florida, running back Jeff Demps is going to get even more chances to showcase his 9.96 speed in the 100-meter dash. South Carolina sophomore receiver Alshon Jeffery’s not a burner, but he finds his way into the end zone. Tennessee likes its entire collection of pass-catchers, including a pair of true freshmen -- Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers -- who’ve already shown their big-play ability in camp. And don’t forget about special teams, either. Between them, Georgia’s Brandon Boykin and Vanderbilt’s Warren Norman returned six kickoffs for touchdowns last season.
4. Hold that line: Who has the best offensive line in the East? Georgia has all five starters and eight lettermen returning from a unit that allowed an SEC-low 12 sacks last season. Florida returns four starters, including senior Mike Pouncey, who’s moving from guard to center and is one of the top offensive linemen in the country. After the Bulldogs and Gators, it drops off considerably up front in the East. Kentucky has to replace four starters. Vanderbilt is already battling injuries on its offensive line, and Tennessee will put five new starters on the field. That leaves South Carolina, which is on its third different offensive line coach in as many years -- Shawn Elliott. If the Gamecocks are going to make a run this season in the East, they will have to play significantly better in their offensive line than they have at any point over the past couple of seasons. In other words, that needs to be the most improved unit on the team.
5. Coaching debuts: Vanderbilt’s Robbie Caldwell, Tennessee’s Derek Dooley and Kentucky’s Joker Phillips will all make their SEC head coaching debuts this season. Caldwell found out he would be leading the Commodores about three weeks prior to the start of preseason practice when Bobby Johnson abruptly retired. Dooley takes his shot at rebuilding Tennessee’s program now that Lane Kiffin is no longer stirring it up in the SEC. For 31 seasons, the Vols had a total of two head coaches, but Dooley is now their third in the past three seasons. Phillips was named the Wildcats’ coach in waiting a couple of years ago. But with Rich Brooks retiring following last season, Phillips steps into the big office and will try to extend Kentucky’s bowl streak to five straight seasons. Only four other SEC teams have been to bowl games each of the past four years -- Alabama, Florida, Georgia and LSU.
As a kid, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the only all-star game worth watching.
It’s still that way, especially when you get to watch the Home Run Derby the night earlier with your boys and see their wide-eyed amazement at how far those guys can hit the ball.
So in keeping with the spirit of tonight’s Midsummer Classic between the American and National leagues, I’ve chosen my football all-star teams for the SEC’s Eastern and Western divisions heading into the 2010 season.
What criteria did I use in picking the teams?
In short, if a group of coaches, media members and fans were all in a room, what players would be selected at each of the positions if you were playing a game that weekend against the other division?
I’m sure there won’t be any disagreements with my picks.
EASTERN DIVISION
OFFENSE
OFFENSE
It’s still that way, especially when you get to watch the Home Run Derby the night earlier with your boys and see their wide-eyed amazement at how far those guys can hit the ball.
So in keeping with the spirit of tonight’s Midsummer Classic between the American and National leagues, I’ve chosen my football all-star teams for the SEC’s Eastern and Western divisions heading into the 2010 season.
What criteria did I use in picking the teams?
In short, if a group of coaches, media members and fans were all in a room, what players would be selected at each of the positions if you were playing a game that weekend against the other division?
I’m sure there won’t be any disagreements with my picks.
EASTERN DIVISION
OFFENSE
- QB: John Brantley, Florida
- RB: Washaun Ealey, Georgia
- RB: Jeff Demps, Florida
- WR: A.J. Green, Georgia
- WR: Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
- TE: Luke Stocker, Tennessee
- OL: Clint Boling, Georgia
- OL: Carl Johnson, Florida
- OL: Cordy Glenn, Georgia
- OL: Stuart Hines, Kentucky
- C: Mike Pouncey, Florida
[+] Enlarge
Derick E. Hingle/US PresswireJohn Brantley has large shoes to fill in Gainesville.
Derick E. Hingle/US PresswireJohn Brantley has large shoes to fill in Gainesville.- DE: Cliff Matthews, South Carolina
- DE: DeQuin Evans, Kentucky
- DT: Omar Hunter, Florida
- DT: Ladi Ajiboye, South Carolina
- LB: Justin Houston, Georgia
- LB: Chris Marve, Vanderbilt
- LB: Danny Trevathan, Kentucky
- CB: Janoris Jenkins, Florida
- CB: Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
- S: Ahmad Black, Florida
- S: Janzen Jackson, Tennessee
- PK: Blair Walsh, Georgia
- P: Drew Butler, Georgia
- KR: Warren Norman, Vanderbilt
- PR: Randall Cobb, Kentucky
OFFENSE
- QB: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
- RB: Mark Ingram, Alabama
- RB: Trent Richardson, Alabama
- WR: Julio Jones, Alabama
- WR: Darvin Adams, Auburn
- TE: D.J. Williams, Arkansas
- OL: Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
- OL: Lee Ziemba, Auburn
- OL: Barrett Jones, Alabama
- OL: DeMarcus Love, Arkansas
- C: William Vlachos, Alabama
[+] Enlarge
Tom Hauck/Getty ImagesJulio Jones' protypical height and weight (6-4, 211) create matchup problems for opposing secondaries.
Tom Hauck/Getty ImagesJulio Jones' protypical height and weight (6-4, 211) create matchup problems for opposing secondaries.- DE: Pernell McPhee, Mississippi State
- DE: Marcell Dareus, Alabama
- DT: Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss
- DT: Drake Nevis, LSU
- LB: Dont’a Hightower, Alabama
- LB: Kelvin Sheppard, LSU
- LB: Josh Bynes, Auburn
- CB: Patrick Peterson, LSU
- CB: Neiko Thorpe, Auburn
- S: Johnny Brown, Ole Miss
- S: Mark Barron, Alabama
- K: Josh Jasper, LSU
- P: Tyler Campbell, Ole Miss
- KR: Jesse Grandy, Ole Miss
- PR: Demond Washington, Auburn
The 10 best true freshmen in the SEC
December, 15, 2009
12/15/09
11:35
AM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
We’ve seen the SEC’s All-Freshman team, and a few Freshman All-America teams are floating around out there.
But who were the top 10 true freshmen in the SEC in 2009?
Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesWarren Norman broke Herschel Walker's freshman record for all-purpose yards.Based largely on their production and performance this season, and to a lesser degree their potential, here you go:
1. Warren Norman, RB, Vanderbilt: Led the SEC with 1,941 all-purpose yards and broke Herschel Walker’s freshman record for all-purpose yards. Rushed for 783 yards to finish eighth in the league in rushing and returned three kickoffs for touchdowns.
2. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina: Led all SEC freshman receivers with 43 catches for 735 yards and six touchdowns. Jeffery finished sixth in the SEC in receiving yards per game (61.2) and also averaged 17.1 yards per catch.
3. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina: Started at cornerback all 12 games for the Gamecocks. He led the team with nine passes defended and was fifth with 52 tackles. Also returned punts and lined up at quarterback in the Wildcat formation in the win over Clemson.
4. Daren Bates, S, Auburn: Started all 12 games at safety and was fourth on Auburn’s team with 63 tackles, which led all SEC freshmen. Included were 2.5 tackles for loss, and he also had an interception for the Tigers.
5. Chad Bumphis, WR, Mississippi State: Started in six games and led the Bulldogs in catches (32), receiving yards (375) and receiving touchdowns (4). Also had a rushing touchdown and returned kickoffs and punts.
6. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: Backed up Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and was second on Alabama’s team with 642 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Also caught 14 passes and showed off his explosiveness with a 52-yard touchdown run against Arkansas.
7. Washaun Ealey, RB, Georgia: Only started in two games, but led the Bulldogs with 639 yards rushing. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry and averaged 103.4 yards in his last five games. Ealey had 183 yards on the ground in the win over Georgia Tech.
8. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: Started in seven games and tied for second on the team with four interceptions, which led all SEC true freshmen. He intercepted Tim Tebow twice in the Florida game and returned both for touchdowns.
9. Orson Charles, TE, Georgia: Capable of lining up at several different spots in the passing game, Charles started in two games and was third on Georgia’s team with 21 catches for 366 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 17.4 yards per catch.
10. Nico Johnson, LB, Alabama: His role increased after Dont’a Hightower went down with a knee injury. Johnson started in two games and had 25 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, and he also broke up two passes and forced a fumble.
But who were the top 10 true freshmen in the SEC in 2009?
Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesWarren Norman broke Herschel Walker's freshman record for all-purpose yards.1. Warren Norman, RB, Vanderbilt: Led the SEC with 1,941 all-purpose yards and broke Herschel Walker’s freshman record for all-purpose yards. Rushed for 783 yards to finish eighth in the league in rushing and returned three kickoffs for touchdowns.
2. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina: Led all SEC freshman receivers with 43 catches for 735 yards and six touchdowns. Jeffery finished sixth in the SEC in receiving yards per game (61.2) and also averaged 17.1 yards per catch.
3. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina: Started at cornerback all 12 games for the Gamecocks. He led the team with nine passes defended and was fifth with 52 tackles. Also returned punts and lined up at quarterback in the Wildcat formation in the win over Clemson.
4. Daren Bates, S, Auburn: Started all 12 games at safety and was fourth on Auburn’s team with 63 tackles, which led all SEC freshmen. Included were 2.5 tackles for loss, and he also had an interception for the Tigers.
5. Chad Bumphis, WR, Mississippi State: Started in six games and led the Bulldogs in catches (32), receiving yards (375) and receiving touchdowns (4). Also had a rushing touchdown and returned kickoffs and punts.
6. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: Backed up Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and was second on Alabama’s team with 642 yards rushing and six touchdowns. Also caught 14 passes and showed off his explosiveness with a 52-yard touchdown run against Arkansas.
7. Washaun Ealey, RB, Georgia: Only started in two games, but led the Bulldogs with 639 yards rushing. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry and averaged 103.4 yards in his last five games. Ealey had 183 yards on the ground in the win over Georgia Tech.
8. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: Started in seven games and tied for second on the team with four interceptions, which led all SEC true freshmen. He intercepted Tim Tebow twice in the Florida game and returned both for touchdowns.
9. Orson Charles, TE, Georgia: Capable of lining up at several different spots in the passing game, Charles started in two games and was third on Georgia’s team with 21 catches for 366 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 17.4 yards per catch.
10. Nico Johnson, LB, Alabama: His role increased after Dont’a Hightower went down with a knee injury. Johnson started in two games and had 25 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, and he also broke up two passes and forced a fumble.
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