ESPN College Football

The NFL has released its list of invites to this years NFL combine. Of the more than 300 prospects taking part in the pre-draft shenanigans starting Feb. 22, 62 are from the SEC (for fun we are including Missouri and Texas A&M).

Here are the SEC representatives:

• Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas
• Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina
• Justin Anderson, OT, Georgia
• Ryan Baker, LB, LSU
• Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State
• Mark Barron, LB, Alabama
• Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
• Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss
• Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
• Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
• Ron Brooks, CB, LSU
• Randy Bullock, K, Texas A&M
• Drew Butler, P, Georgia
• Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
• Orson Charles, TE, Georgia
• Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
• Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
• Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
• Jeff Demps, RB, Florida (Demps decided earlier this year that he will not pursue a career in football and will focus on professional track)
• Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
• Terrence Frederick, CB, Texas A&M
• Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
• Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia
• Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M
• A.J. Greene, OT Auburn
• Winston Guy, S, Kentucky
• Dom Hamilton, DT, Missouri
• Darius Hanks, WR, Alabama
• Josh Harris, LS, Auburn
• Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
• Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
• Jaye Howard, DT, Florida
• Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
• Jerrell Jackson, WR, Missouri
• Malik Jackson, DT, Tennessee
• Jordan Jefferson, QB, LSU
• Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
• Ben Jones, C, Georgia
• Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M
• Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
• Bobby Massie, OT, Ole Miss
• Marquis Maze, WR, Alabama
• Quan Menzie, CB, Alabama
• Charles Mitchell, S, Mississippi State
• Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn
• DeAngelo Peterson, TE, LSU
• Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee
• Chris Rainey, RB, Florida
• Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
• Sean Richardson, S, Vanderbilt
• Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
• Quentin Saulsberry, OG, Mississippi State
• Jacquies Smith, DE, Missouri
• Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
• Brandon Taylor, S, LSU
• Danny Trevathan, LB, Kentucky
• DeAngelo Tyson, DE, Georgia
• Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
• Blair Walsh, K, Georgia
• Rokevious Watkins, OT, South Carolina
• Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas

School breakdown:

• Alabama: 9
• Arkansas: 4
• Auburn: 3
• Florida: 3
• Georgia: 8
• Kentucky: 2
• LSU: 8
• Missouri: 4
• Mississippi State: 4
• Ole Miss: 2
• South Carolina: 5
• Tennessee: 2
• Texas A&M: 6
• Vanderbilt: 2

Checking out the SEC on a Wednesday.

• Ole Miss is investigating whether a birthday party for freshman wide receiver/cornerback Nickolas Brassell violated NCAA rules.
• Alabama running back commit Justin Taylor re-affirms his commitment after meeting with Nick Saban, despite Alabama's staff asking him to grayshirt.
• His arrival might have been late, but former Tennessee defensive tackle Malik Jackson has finally made it to the Senior Bowl.
• LSU safety Brandon Taylor is hoping to continue a family football tradition in the NFL.
• Recent Illinois transfer fullback Jay Prosch says that he always wanted to play for Auburn.
• Georgia Board of Regents' immigration policy front and center with former Georgia commit Chester Brown.
• Mississippi State defensive end commit A.J. Freeman hopes to stand out for the Bulldogs.
• LSU tight end DeAngelo Peterson is still trying to get over the Tigers' offensive disaster during the Allstate BCS National Championship Game against Alabama.
• Florida hires Jon Haskins as the the Gators' new Director of Player Personnel.
• Former Arkansas wide receiver Joe Adams is making an impression at Senior Bowl practice.

Making the rounds on a Friday:

• His small hometown of Eufaula, Ala., has played a big role in Courtney Upshaw's journey to football stardom.
• During his tenure at Alabama, Nick Saban has had mixed results in his recruiting battles with LSU. (subscription required)
• Alabama has no response to LSU tight end Deangelo Peterson's comments that the Crimson Tide linebackers are too slow to cover him.
• South Carolina spur linebacker Antonio Allen is expected to play Saturday against Arkansas after missing practice time this week with a sore neck.
• Arkansas defensive end Tenarius Wright remains out with a broken arm, but is getting closer to returning to the lineup.
• Freshman Gabe Wright steps up in Auburn's defensive line.
• A 4-4 record has different meanings for Vanderbilt's James Franklin and Florida's Will Muschamp.
• Tennessee freshman cornerback Justin Coleman gets another shot as a starter.
• UT Martin's Jason Simpson relishes his Mississippi State return.
• Kentucky coach Joker Phillips thinks Ole Miss is playing its best football.
• Florida freshman cornerback Marcus Roberson accepts deferred prosecution for underrage drinking charge.
• Georgia's in the minority when it comes to special-teams coaches.

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Both Alabama and LSU players have been pretty mild-mannered when it comes to talking about the other team.

No punches had really been thrown and we've mostly heard praises roll off the lips of players.

Then came LSU tight end Deangelo Peterson, who didn't hold back when talking about what he thought he could do against Alabama's linebackers while talking to the media Tuesday night.

"I feel like I can play a big role, but I feel like their linebackers can't guard me one-on-one and I don't think their safeties can either. So, if the ball comes my way, I'll make an opportunity with it," Peterson said.

"They're slow. They're big, they're like 260. I don't think they can run with me. I feel like I can get open with their linebackers."

That is correct. Peterson called out arguably the best linebacker corps in the country. And he did it with such ease. It felt like it was something that was second nature to him; as if saying it was almost common knowledge. He was calm in his delivery and was very honest with his thoughts.

You can't blame him for being honest, but I'm sure Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower won't be too happy about Peterson's words.

Talk about a little extra drama before Saturday's much-anticipated showdown. I wonder which Alabama coach will toss this bulletin board material in Alabama's linebackers' lockers before Saturday.

Making the rounds on a Wednesday:

• Alabama is zeroing in on improving its red zone defense this week.
• Freshman offensive tackle Darrian Miller moves into Kentucky's starting lineup.
• Mississippi State's potent running game will get a serious test against LSU's defensive front.
• Ole Miss running back Brandon Bolden returns to the practice field, but the Rebels may be without middle linebacker Mike Marry this weekend against Vanderbilt.
• Florida turns to the running game to fix its red zone woes.
• LSU tight end Deangelo Peterson breaks his goal-line jinx.
• Arkansas' versatile Joe Adams is making the most of his touches.
• Georgia coach Mark Richt needs to go 9-1 the rest of the way to keep his job, writes Jeff Schultz of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
• Freshman Devrin Young could return this weekend for Tennessee, giving the Vols some options on offense and on punt returns.
• Vanderbilt needs a special effort on special teams this weekend against Ole Miss.

LSU could be getting back one of its most dynamic offensive weapons for the fourth week of the season.

A source told the Associated Press that wide receiver Russell Shepard will be eligible to play at West Virginia on Sept. 24.

Shepard was suspended before LSU's opener against Oregon for breaking an NCAA rule when he discussed an ongoing investigation concerning the relationship scouting service provider Willie Lyles had with LSU and other schools.

While the Tigers dismantled Oregon without much of a passing game in Week 1, getting Shepard back is will be a major boost to the offense. For the Tigers to make it through the SEC they'll have to generate something more than what they showed through the air against the Ducks, which was 98 yards from Jarrett Lee.

Shepard is a player who can lineup at receiver and in the backfield. Last year, he caught 33 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown, while carrying the ball 32 times for 226 yards and two more scores. He might not have had eye-popping numbers, but he's a big-play threat. This spring his teammates and coaches raved about his improvements and he was very vocal about becoming one of the best receivers in the league.

This team showed it can run the ball very effectively and has a real weapon in tight end DeAngelo Peterson. If Rueben Randle can be targeted more and Shepard can play to his potential, LSU's offense actually becomes formidable.

Can you hear that?

It’s the sound of jerseys being carefully hung and neatly placed in lockers. It’s the sound of last-minute helmet shines and play card lamination.

More importantly, it’s the sound of the return to college football. Maybe, just maybe, these silly shenanigans that have taken our minds off the actually game will cease for a while.

That sound is now transforming into the horns blaring and snares chopping. Soon, these sounds will be overwhelmed by that sticky, sweet smell of game day barbecue with a hint of fine fried snacks.

Let’s get to what you should watch for in the SEC this week before I drool on my keyboard:

1. LSU’s passing game: Jordan Jefferson's suspension for his involvement in a bar fight and Russell Shepard being ruled ineligible for discussing an NCAA inquiry with a teammate have the Tigers in a bit of an offensive bind to start the season. Veteran Jarrett Lee takes over for Jefferson, and while coach Les Miles believes Lee has what it takes to lead the Tigers against No. 3 Oregon, Lee has had a very rocky five years at LSU. Expect junior college transfer Zach Mettenberger, who has all the skill to be a special player, to get snaps as well. As far as receivers go, Rueben Randle will be the primary target and DeAngelo Peterson is a playmaking tight end. Miles said this week that freshman Odell Beckham could start, so expect the Tigers to use plenty of options.

2. McCarron vs. Sims: This is one of the most exciting quarterback battles to keep an eye on this season. AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims are young and neither has separated himself from the other. However, teammates have said they wouldn’t mind either one starting and trust both to lead the offense. But this isn’t just any offense; it’s the offense of a team that is a true national championship contender. Taking the reigns of this machine is a big deal, and the winner should be prepared for a load of pressure dumped into his lap. This is the first step toward someone pushing past the other, but this battle could bleed deeper into the season.

3. Fresh new faces: There are two new head coaches making their SEC debuts this weekend. Will Muschamp takes over at Florida, after leaving Texas as its defensive coordinator, and James Franklin is in charge at Vanderbilt after being Maryland’s offensive coordinator. Fortunately for both, their teams are favored this weekend, with Florida taking on Florida Atlantic and Vanderbilt squaring off against Elon. Muschamp has the tough task of replacing two-time national champion Urban Meyer, while Franklin has brought some much-needed excitement and confidence to a slumping program. Both programs are in need of some early excitement and both should provide plenty of that this weekend.

4. Marquee QB battle: When Georgia and Boise State square off inside the Georgia Dome; they’ll do so with two highly touted quarterbacks. Boise’s veteran Kellen Moore, who has a thirst for big games, will look to keep his team in the national championship picture. Moore enters 2011 as the nation’s active career leader in passing efficiency (166.74) and wins (38). He ranks second on the active career list in completion percentage (68.17), passing yards (10,867), passing touchdowns (99) and completions (831). Last season, Murray passed for a Georgia freshman record 3,049 yards (second in SEC history by a freshman) and 24 touchdowns. His 3,216 total offensive yards ranks him first in Georgia freshman history and second in SEC history. He also tied for first in school history for touchdown responsibility in a season with 28. Watching these two compete will be a lot of fun.

5. Wild runners: The SEC brings back a stable of running back talent as five of the top 10 rushers from the 2010 season return. It would have been six, but Arkansas’ Knile Davis suffered a season-ending ankle injury before the season. The SEC is loaded at running back, with South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore and Alabama’s Trent Richardson making early Heisman Trophy lists. The scary thing is that Lattimore is only a sophomore and Richardson was a backup for two years. Auburn brings back the best rushing combo in Mike Dyer and Onterio McCalebb, who both have the potential to reach 1,000 yards. Ole Miss’ Brandon Bolden is very underrated and should finally eclipse the 1,000-yard mark, while Mississippi State’s Vick Ballard is one of the toughest runners around and is looking to pass his touchdown mark of 19 a season ago. Tennessee’s Tauren Poole is another unheralded rusher, but he surpassed 1,000 yards in 2010. Expect others, like LSU’s Spencer Ware and Kentucky’s Raymond Sanders, to step up as well.

6. QBs getting their first shot to be the man: The first week of football will feature a handful of new quarterbacks looking to prove they can lead their respective teams. McCarron and Sims will be battling it out against Kent State, while Barrett Trotter is taking over for Heisman winner Cam Newton at Auburn. Barry Brunetti makes his SEC debut at Ole Miss. Heck, Lee will have to prove he can be a solid short-term option for LSU, as well. There will be some growing pains and struggles around the league with these players, but they’ll all be eager to get out there and show what they can do.

7. Houston Nutt as the underdog: If history is an indicator, Houston Nutt does well when his team is counted out. Look at the 2006 Arkansas Razorbacks, who made it to the SEC championship game and in 2008, Nutt’s Ole Miss Rebels won their last six games, including the Cotton Bowl. Well, Nutt and his Rebels are being overlooked yet again and Ole Miss starts the season against a tough BYU team. Ole Miss isn’t favored and it’s fielding a slew of youngsters, including a new quarterback in Brunetti. A win would generate some valuable momentum for this team.

8. John Brantley’s confidence: The spread offense is gone in Gainesville and quarterback John Brantley couldn’t be happier. He never fit in the spread, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, but Muschamp and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis have rescued Brantley with a pro-style offense. Brantley set all sorts of records in high school -- some even held by former Florida star Tim Tebow -- but he was never able to play with much confidence in 2010. Now, Brantley has a chance to reinvent himself. Word out of Gainesville is that Brantley has more command in the pocket and has won his teammates over again. Saturday won’t be a major test for Brantley, but it is a chance for him to play with confidence and maybe even some moxie, which should benefit him the rest of the season.

9. Kentucky’s run defense: Kentucky coach Joker Phillips made it perfectly clear that stopping the run is of the utmost importance when the Wildcats face Western Kentucky. When these two got together last season, the Wildcats’ rush defense received what Phillips described as a “slap in the face” from Western Kentucky’s Bobby Rainey, who ran for 184 yards and two touchdowns. For the rest of the season, Kentucky’s rush defense struggled immensely, surrendering 177.1 yards per game and allowing a league-high 30 rushing touchdowns. For the Wildcats to develop some defensive confidence they’ll have to shut down the Hilltoppers’ running game.

10. Black bear sightings!: Those of you who live in Oxford, Miss., or are traveling there for the weekend should be on the look out for black bears in the vicinity. Whether they’re harmful or not is yet to be seen. Ole Miss is breaking in a new mascot in the “Rebel Black Bear” seven years after the university got rid of “Colonel Reb.” The new mascot has received mixed reactions and expect Colonel Reb supporters to be out in full force for the bear’s first home game. A loss to BYU could send this cuddly creature back into hibernation.

Are some SEC links to keep you going through your work day. The weekend is almost here. You can make it.

• Jon Solomon of The Birmingham News wonders how Alabama will handle implicated staff members Jeff Stoutland and Joe Pannunzio, who were named in the Yahoo! Sports report involving improper recruiting efforts with ex-Miami booster Nevin Shapiro.
• Ole Miss greyshirt quarterback Maikhail Miller pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana earlier this month.
• Mike Dyer returned to Auburn's practice Wednesday after missing more than a week with an undisclosed injury.
• Kentucky quarterback Morgan Newton has found mentors in wide receivers coach Tee Martin and former Wildcats quarterback Andre Woodson.
• A lot has been made about Arkansas replacing three starting offensive linemen, but the Hogs are still looking to replace key bodies at tight end as well.
• DeAngelo Peterson is looking to lead a talented group of LSU tight ends this fall.
• Offensive lineman Addison Lawrence is the Bulldogs big, silent leader.
• Florida's offensive line is finally healthy, but there are still depth concerns.

The tight end and H-back spots can be very important positions for teams. If you can find the right athlete, he can be a true mismatch for defenders -- too fast for linebackers and too strong for cornerbacks.

The fun thing about the H-back is that your more athletic tight ends can line up in the backfield to add yet another dimension to an offense.

This year’s crop is a little younger, but could contain budding stars in the league.

Here’s a look at some of the top players at these positions:

1. Orson Charles, Georgia, Jr.: Charles has the nice combination of strength and speed to give defenders fits and could flex out to wide receiver if needed. He’s elevated his game throughout each of his two seasons with the Bulldogs and should be a star in the league this fall. He’s not as fast as receiver Tavarres King, but should eat into his production.

2. Brandon Barden, Vanderbilt, Sr.: Barden was Vanderbilt’s leading pass catcher a year ago. He hauled in 34 catches (nine more than the leading wide receiver) for 425 yards and three touchdowns. He’s easily the best option in the passing game for the Commodores and should continue to put up solid numbers at the tight end position.

3. Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn, Jr.: He didn’t have the most exciting stats a year ago, but he’ll be a major factor in the Tigers’ offense this fall. He took over as a leader for the young offense this spring and will be used in and out of the backfield as an H-back. He’ll be a very reliable target for whomever takes over at quarterback.

4. Jordan Reed, Florida, So.: Reed did most of his damage last fall at quarterback, but people around Gainesville think he could be the Gators’ most athletic offensive weapon now that he’s back at tight end. He’s a big target, at 6-3, 237 pounds and he doesn’t lack speed. In fact, he used most of the offseason working on becoming more fleet-footed.

5. Deangelo Peterson, LSU, Sr.: Like Charles, Peterson has the athleticism to flex out to wide receiver as well. He grabbed 16 passes for 198 yards in 2010, but had a solid spring and should get more attention in the offense this fall.

6. Chris Gragg, Arkansas, Jr.: Gragg actually moved from receiver to tight end, so he’s already a headache for linebackers with his speed. Backing up D.J. Williams, Gragg only caught eight passes last season, but one of them went 57 yards for a touchdown.

7. Trey Burton, Florida, So.: Florida was short on offensive playmakers last year, but Burton definitely made that short list. He’s no longer lining up at quarterback, but will be Florida’s H-back. Burton caught 32 passes as a freshman and has good speed and a little elusiveness to continue to be a reliable target for quarterback John Brantley.

8. Marcus Green, Mississippi State, Sr.: Injuries have been his downfall, but if he’s healthy, he’ll be a valuable weapon for quarterback Chris Relf. He was only healthy enough to catch three passes last year, but hauled in 27 catches for 306 yards in 2009, so the talent is there.

9. Mychal Rivera, Tennessee, Jr.: There’s no secret that Tennessee is going to air it out this fall. Rivera backed up Luke Stocker last season, so his numbers weren’t great, but the staff is confident that he’ll be a reliable target in the offense. He’ll be a good third option with the talent at receiver.

10. Michael Williams, Alabama, Jr.: Williams was overlooked because he was staring up at Preston Dial on the depth chart. But he’s far from inexperienced. Williams has appeared in 27 games, making 14 starts. He’s a good run blocker and is athletic enough to challenge most linebackers opposite him.

Today we take a look at the wide receiver/tight end positions in the SEC. This one gets tricky since we’re basing rankings on two different positions.

Let’s take a look at what we came up with:

1. Arkansas: The Razorbacks could have the best wide receiver corps in the country. Making things even better for Arkansas is that each member of its tremendous trio is a senior. First, there’s Greg Childs, who would have taken part in the NFL draft this year had he not suffered a knee injury late in the season. Childs is Arkansas’ best receiver when he’s healthy. Joe Adams really came on strong last year, especially after Childs went down. He’s the best when he gets the ball in open space and will command the slot. Then there’s Jarius Wright, who is the fastest of the three and got even stronger this spring as well. The three have 324 combined career receptions for 5,404 yards and 41 touchdowns.

2. LSU: The Tigers might have lost Terrence Toliver, but they’ll still have weapons at receiver. Junior Rueben Randle is expected to be the go-to guy in LSU’s offense and is coming off a season where he caught 33 passes for 544 yards and three touchdowns. Russell Shepard was right behind him last season, catching the same amount of balls, but only totaled 254 yards and one touchdown. He looked sharper this spring and is looking to break out this fall. Tight end Deangelo Peterson should also get more attention this fall. He only caught 16 passes, but that number should increase.

3. South Carolina: For starters, the Gamecocks have the league’s best receiver in Alshon Jeffery. The 6-foot-4, 233-pound freak snatched just about everything that came his way last fall and registered 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s nearly impossible to stop in one-on-one situations. Senior Jason Barnes didn't make a major impact in 2010, but he does have 60 career receptions under his belt. The smaller Ace Sanders should be even better after bursting onto the scene with 25 receptions for 316 yards and two touchdowns. D.L. Moore, who caught 17 passes in 2010, should have a more expanded role as well.

4. Georgia: The Bulldogs are still looking for a few playmakers at receiver, but there is definitely talent in Athens. Junior Tavarres King has moved into A.J. Green’s flanker spot and while he’s not Green, he proved this spring that he’s ready to be the Bulldogs' main receiving threat. Tight end Orson Charles is the best at his position and can flex out to receiver if needed. His 26 catches for 422 yards should increase this upcoming season. Marlon Brown also made strides this spring and should be the No. 2 receiver.

5. Tennessee: Neither Justin Hunter nor Da'Rick Rogers had a ton of catches last fall, but that will change with a strong passing game in 2011. Hunter caught 16 passes, but registered 415 yards and seven touchdowns in the process. He’s a solid deep threat and playmaker. Rogers also only caught 16 passes, and while he didn’t have the yardage Hunter had, he made tremendous strides this spring. Tight end Mychal Rivera caught 11 passes in 2010 and with Luke Stocker gone he takes over as the Vols’ weapon at tight end.

6. Alabama: There aren’t a lot of questions surrounding the Crimson Tide, but receiver isn’t Alabama’s best area. Seniors Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks should get the brunt of the catches. They combined for 70 catches for 1,013 yards and six touchdowns last season. There is a long list of other inexperienced players who should grab some catches as well and former Ohio State receiver Duron Carter, who just transferred in, could be a factor this fall.

7. Florida: The Gators have talent at wide receiver, and Florida should have a more pass-friendly offense, but the group is very unproven. Frankie Hammond Jr. could be Florida’s best weapon at receiver with his speed and athleticism. Omarius Hines has the size and speed to be a major mismatch for defenders in the slot and on the outside. Freshman Quinton Dunbar was Florida’s top deep threat this spring and should get ample playing time. At tight end, Jordan Reed was called Florida’s best athlete and could end up being the Gators’ top playmaker. Trey Burton should catch a few more passes as well.

8. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs have a ton of depth at receiver, starting with Chad Bumphis. The junior has yet to really break out, but this could be the year he finally puts it together. Alongside him, Mississippi State has Chris Smith, Brandon Heavens and Arceto Clark, who all had solid springs. Those four combined for 115 catches last fall. The Bulldogs also have a host of young receivers who appear ready to compete.

9. Auburn: There is still some talent left on the Plains at receiver. Sure, Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachery are gone, but the Tigers will look to Emory Blake and Trovon Reed to make up for their departures. Blake is the leading returning receiver, while Reed will be used all over the field by Auburn’s coaches. He can be a threat in the slot and on the outside. Philip Lutzenkirchen will be more of a staple in the offense as the Tigers’ trusted H-back.

10. Ole Miss: Athletically, the Rebels are fine. However, this group is very inexperienced and was inconsistent this spring. The incoming freshmen will have every opportunity to take a starting spot and Tobias Singleton could be the best option of Ole Miss’ youngsters. Of the returners, Melvin Harris did the most in 2010, catching 30 passes for 408 yards and three touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Vincent Sanders will also get a chance to heavily contribute after making strong strides this spring.

11. Vanderbilt: Four of Vanderbilt’s five receiving leaders return, but the group wasn’t tremendously productive last fall. The Commodores didn’t have a receiver go over 320 yards last season and tight end Brandon Barden caught a team-high 34 passes for 425 yards. Vanderbilt's top two wideouts -- John Cole and Jonathan Krause -- are back, but the Commodores might have to turn to their youngsters for help.

12. Kentucky: The Wildcats lost a lot when do-everything Randall Cobb left early for the NFL and things didn’t get any better by losing No. 2 wideout Chris Matthews. Now, it’s back to the drawing board in Lexington. La'Rod King should be the top target for quarterback Morgan Newton, but he disappointed at times this spring. Matt Roark and E.J. Fields will compete for time, but both need vast improvement. The top athlete could be Brian Adams, but he spent spring playing for Kentucky’s baseball team.

BATON ROUGE, La. -- He’s been called the "Mad Hatter," and "Lucky Les," even a little loony at times.

After all, the guy eats grass.

The cameras caught LSU coach Les Miles in the fourth quarter Saturday bending over, plucking a blade of grass from the turf at Tiger Stadium and then chomping on it.

Turns out that is not uncommon.

“He says there’s a lot of protein in it,” LSU receiver Russell Shepard quipped.

Miles, as only he can, offered a much more complex explanation.

“I have a little tradition that lets me know that I’m part of the field and part of the game,” Miles said. “I’ll tell you one thing. The grass at Tiger Stadium tastes better.”

It also tastes better when you take down Alabama and Nick Saban, effectively ending the Crimson Tide’s quest for a second straight national championship and putting the Tigers in an interesting position. Who knows what might be possible if the right teams lose in the next few weeks?

But more than anything, LSU’s 24-21 victory over Alabama punctuates yet again that maybe there’s a method to Miles’ perceived football madness.

Yes, he has mismanaged the end of a few games -- most notably the Ole Miss debacle a year ago and the near-debacle against Tennessee earlier this season -- but he’s also 59-16 at LSU, with a national championship and the kind of cold-blooded fearlessness that makes him different than any other coach in the country.

“Coach Miles has taken a lot of grief, but the players know what he’s about,” LSU senior linebacker Kelvin Sheppard said. “Look at what all he’s accomplished. Look at the way he’s held this team together. It was just a matter of time before we put it all together.”

Sheppard and several other LSU upperclassmen presented Miles with the game ball Saturday as the Tiger Stadium crowd still roared outside.

This wasn’t just a victory against No. 6 Alabama. This was Saban, the coaching icon who rebuilt the LSU program into a powerhouse, only to leave for the NFL and then resurface a few years later back in the SEC at Alabama.

“For a lot of people, this was personal,” said LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who played his most efficient game of the season. “Everybody knows around here what it means to beat Nick Saban.”

The Crimson Tide (7-2, 4-2) came into the game as the one-loss team nationally most likely to move up the BCS standings and get a shot at a second straight national championship.

And while Alabama led 7-3 at the half, it was LSU that looked like the national championship contender when it counted most.

“LSU was hungry for it,” Alabama safety Robert Lester said. “They came out and played like it. We played like we didn’t really want it, and it showed.”

The Tigers (8-1, 5-1) had been dreadful on offense for most of this season. They entered the game ranked 101^st nationally in total offense.

Their first-half performance against Alabama was a carbon copy of the way it’s been all season. They managed just 95 total yards.

But something happened in the second half, as they erupted for 338 yards.

“We took risks. We opened up the playbook, especially in the second half,” said Jefferson, who was 10 of 13 for 141 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown pass to Rueben Randle in the third quarter that awakened the Tigers from their slumber.

“We saw their weaknesses and were just kind of grinding in the first half. But the second half is where we got it going tonight.”

Miles made sure of it.

You name it, and he called it.

The Tigers ran a fake punt. They threw long, and they went for it on fourth down.

Not only did they go for it, but they ran a two-pitch reverse to tight end Deangelo Peterson that popped wide open on a fourth-and-1 play from the Alabama 26 in the fourth quarter.

Trailing 14-13, LSU could have taken the lead with a field goal.

Miles had other ideas.

“The Hat,” chortled LSU star cornerback Patrick Peterson, shaking his head admiringly. “He pulled all the tricks out of his hat tonight.”

Deangelo Peterson’s 23-yard run set up Stevan Ridley’s 1-yard touchdown plunge, and the Tigers also converted the two-point conversion to go up 21-14 with 3:57 to play.

“As soon as I heard what the play was going to be on that fourth down, I went and sat down because I knew it was going to be a big gain,” Patrick Peterson said. “Usually coach Miles will ask the defense if it’s OK to go for it on fourth down. He didn’t even ask tonight.”

The Tigers’ lead grew to 24-14 after defensive tackle Drake Nevis forced Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy to fumble, setting up a Josh Jasper field goal. But the Crimson Tide came storming back to make it a three-point game with a little more than three minutes remaining.

Alabama, with a timeout remaining, seemed to be back in business when LSU was facing third-and-13 and backed up on its own 20.

But instead of running the ball and kicking it back to the Crimson Tide, Miles had Jarrett Lee uncork a deep ball, and Randle was wide open after racing past Alabama freshman cornerback DeMarcus Milliner.

That 47-yard gain did in Alabama for good and jump-started a party on the Bayou that will be going strong well into Sunday morning.

Miles downplayed his whole "Mad Hatter" image. Deep down, though, he almost seems to enjoy it.

“I think that’s overblown,” Miles said. “I promise you that it’s not in my hat. I don’t think I’ve done anything that 50 or 60 high school coaches in this state wouldn’t do. I think if you like football and have a feel for some stuff, you let it ride sometimes.”

Or a lot of times.

“When he calls something, there’s a good percentage that play is going to be there,” said LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis, whose unit held Alabama to 325 total yards. “He knows. He studies. He’s worked it.

“I’ll be honest with you. The guy’s a brilliant guy when it comes to strategy in football games.”

Brilliant enough this season that the Tigers are hovering in the shadows of the national championship race. They will need some help, no doubt.

But as we’ve seen in the past with Miles and the Tigers, they’re at their best when you count them out.

“To think that anybody would minimize this football team in its own stadium is a mistake,” said Miles, scolding all those people who were talking only about what the Crimson Tide potentially had in front of them coming into this game.

“Oh my God. Imagine LSU being underdogs in Tiger Stadium. Come on.”

Yeah, imagine.

Taking a stroll around the SEC to see what all is out there:

• Auburn offensive line coach Jeff Grimes takes Gene Chizik's challenge for the Tigers to be more physical up front personally.
• After missing the first three games with a foot injury, LSU tight end Deangelo Peterson is expected to return this Saturday against West Virginia.
• South Carolina reserve tailback Jarvis Giles plans to transfer. He was buried on the depth chart behind freshman Marcus Lattimore.
• Alabama's young and inexperienced secondary braces for Ryan Mallett.
• Ja'Wuan James, Tennessee's starting right tackle on the offensive line, isn't playing like a true freshman.
• Kentucky's Randall Cobb won't stand for anybody running down his Wildcats, which is why he left a Lexington restaurant this week after the hostess made a negative comment about the football team.
• Florida running backs coach Stan Drayton would prefer to see Jeff Demps not carry the ball as much as he did last week when he toted it a career-high 26 times.
• Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt is hopeful that linebacker D.T. Shackelford will be able to play Saturday after Shackelford hurt his ankle in practice this week.
• Georgia nose guard Justin Anderson will have surgery for turf toe and miss the rest of the season.
• Brad Locke of The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal wonders if Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen shouldn't just go ahead and turn the quarterback reins over to redshirt freshman Tyler Russell.

I hope everyone has a great and safe Memorial Day weekend. But before you fire up those grills, let’s see what’s cooking in the SEC mailbag:

Brad in Tampa, Fla., writes: Why is it that every time you have a column about receivers, you leave out the fact that Darvin Adams had the best overall numbers in the SEC? No one has mentioned that! Why is he so underrated? You always build up Arkansas’ receivers. I’m so sick of your biased columns on Arkansas. Any time you mention Arkansas, you glorify their offense. I think you fail to see that Auburn's offense finished the season ranked 16th in total offense.

Chris Low: In the piece I did on SEC receivers earlier this week, I featured Adams prominently and pointed out that he had 10 touchdown catches last season. I’ll admit I probably didn’t give Adams enough props last season when you look at the season he had. I’d say one of the reasons he was so underrated a year ago was because he came out of nowhere and only had three catches the previous season. He’s a big-time player for sure and definitely one of the top five receivers in the SEC going into next season. As for Arkansas, I think the Hogs’ corps of receivers is the best and deepest in the SEC, especially when you throw in tight end D.J. Williams. But if Terrell Zachery builds off what he did last season and the Tigers get Emory Blake, DeAngelo Benton and Quindarius Carr all up to speed, Auburn might have something to say about who has the SEC’s best receiving corps before it’s all over. Keep an eye on incoming freshman Trovon Reed, too. Gus Malzahn thinks he will fit perfectly into the slot position in Malzahn’s spread offense.

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Danny in Springfield, Va., writes: I can’t believe what you said about Houston Nutt not being in the “Can’t be touched” category! Did you forget about the awful three years Ole Miss had under Ed Orgeron? Regardless of how Ole Miss does this year, coach Nutt will be our coach for a long time (unless he decides to leave Ole Miss). Does ESPN pay all of its football analysts extra to bash Ole Miss? Hotty Toddy!

CL: I’ll answer your last question first. No, there’s not a bonus structure in place at ESPN for piling on Ole Miss. However, there is one in place for piling on every other school in the conference … only kidding. As for Coach Nutt, he’s done a terrific job in his first two seasons at Ole Miss, but I still wouldn’t put him in the “Can’t be touched” category. We’ve all seen it turn on a dime in this league for coaches. And you know and I know that if he were to lose to Mississippi State for a second straight year, coupled with a drop in wins, that there would be some grumbling. That said, I agree with you that he was an excellent hire for the Rebels and will be there for many more years. Of course, in the realm of the SEC, “many more years” probably equates to three or four more years.

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Doug in Parma, Idaho, writes: I agree that LSU has the most potential for a loss in the first game. But as an LSU alumnus, it should be noted that LSU has played a pretty good out-of-conference schedule and this year plays North Carolina and West Virginia in addition to SEC play. That shows, unlike Florida, that LSU tries to challenge itself against good competition.

CL: LSU has upgraded its nonconference schedule and faces one of the toughest September schedules in the SEC in 2010 when you also consider that West Virginia comes to Tiger Stadium to close out the month. For the most part, everybody in the SEC in recent years has made an honest attempt to schedule at least one marquee nonconference game a year. Ole Miss had been lagging behind, but just recently added Boise State to open the 2011 season. I’ve typically defended Florida because the Gators play Florida State every year. And for most of the last two decades, the Seminoles were a Top 10 team. If I were Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley, I certainly wouldn’t be scheduling Florida State and another tough nonconference game every year (like a Boise State, Oregon or Penn State) and then also having to tackle the SEC slate. My only beef with the Gators’ nonconference schedule is that they never leave the state of Florida to play anybody. In fact, the last time they played a nonconference game outside the state of Florida (in the regular season) was 1991 when they lost 38-21 at Syracuse.

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Will in Metairie, La., writes: Watch out for LSU tight end DeAngelo Peterson. This guy is huge and can run like a receiver. He’s a matchup nightmare!

CL: I’ve got him on my list as one of those guys who could break out next season. He only caught five passes a year ago, but two of those were touchdowns. As a former receiver, he’s used to seeing tight coverage. And with his 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame, he has a chance to develop into a go-to target around the goal line and on key third downs.

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Odell in Russellville, Tenn., writes: Why are you constantly being so down on Tennessee? They haven't even played a down and had a top 10 recruiting class and you have everyone thinking doom and gloom. I don't think that’s the thinking in Knoxville by the players and coaches. What gives? You act as though they forgot how to play. Wanna bet some money that they beat someone you say they won’t?

CL: Gambling is illegal at Bushwood, sir, and I’m never off on my predictions. Just a little Caddyshack humor there. But, no, I’m not down on the Vols. Rather, I’m just trying to be realistic. I’d say 6-6 sounds about right for this coming season, and I wouldn’t be floored to see them go 7-5. It could also go the other way with such a young/inexperienced team, especially if they have some injuries, and a losing season wouldn’t be out of the question. I’d say you’re right and that they probably will beat somebody nobody expects them to beat. But I’d say they’ll also lose to somebody that nobody expects them to lose to. It’s not that anybody has forgotten how to play. They just don’t have the players. I don’t see a lot of guys that look like Cosey Coleman, Jamal Lewis, Shaun Ellis, Chad Clifton, John Henderson, Albert Haynesworth, Deon Grant and Al Wilson walking around any more at the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center. Give Derek Dooley at least two more years to recruit, and then we’ll evaluate where the program is. And as far as putting a lot of stock into where classes are rated, Phillip Fulmer's next-to-last class was rated in the top 5 nationally. But go back and see how many of those players are still in the program, which is why it's best to rate recruiting classes three or four years down the road.