SEC: Ellis Johnson
Schedule: South Carolina opens spring camp at 4:15 p.m. ET Tuesday at the Bluff Road Practice Fields. The Gamecocks will conclude spring with the Garnet & Black Spring Game on April 14, beginning at 1 p.m. ET at Williams-Brice Stadium. All 15 of practices are open to the public, unless determined otherwise.
What's new: Four of South Carolina's nine assistants are new. John Butler, Jay Graham, Jeep Hunter and Ellis Johnson are all gone. Lorenzo Ward was promoted from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator, replacing Johnson. Ward will still focus on the cornerbacks this season. Head coach Steve Spurrier also added Kirk Botkin to coach linebackers/Spurs, Grady Brown to coach the secondary, Joe Robinson to coach special teams/tight ends, and Everette Sands to coach running backs. Joe Connolly also replaces Craig Fitzgerald as South Carolina's strength and conditioning coach. Also, South Carolina will be looking to replace kicker Jay Wooten and punter Joey Scribner-Howard. Walk-ons Landon Ard and Adam Yates will compete at kicker this spring, and sophomore Patrick Fish should be No. 1 at punter.
On the move: Safety DeVonte Holloman is looking to transition back to the Spur position after spending 2011 at safety. He worked at the Spur last spring, but the departing Antonio Allen played there last season. Also, Damario Jeffery is slated to move from the Spur to Will linebacker this spring. Jimmy Legree is moving back to cornerback after making a couple of starts at free safety last season.
On the mend: The Gamecocks will be without star running back Marcus Lattimore, who is still recovering from a devastating knee injury suffered halfway through the 2011 season. Running back Shon Carson is also out and recovering from a knee injury suffered last season. Sophomore offensive lineman Mike Matulis will sit out the spring after recovering from shoulder surgery, and senior cornerback Akeem Auguste will be limited as he tries to get over a foot injury that kept him out of all but one game last season. Safety D.J. Swearinger will miss the spring after having an operation on his foot. Offensive lineman Brock Stadnik will sit out the spring following shoulder surgery.
Questions: Auguste and Swearinger are dealing with injuries, South Carolina must replace three of its top four cornerbacks, and Holloman is moving back to the Spur, meaning the Gamecocks' secondary is loaded with questions. Sophomore Victor Hampton is expected to take one of the cornerback spots. He's talented, but has had off-field issues. He has the potential to be a key player for the Gamecocks. Depth behind him is a question, as Legree and Cadarious Sanders are the only other cornerbacks with game experience. A big spring from redshirt freshman Ahmad Christian could put him in the thick of it for a starting cornerback spot. Sophomore-to-be Brison Williams takes over at strong safety after playing in eight games last season, but depth behind him is a concern, as rising sophomore Kadetrix Marcus, Edward Muldrow and Sheldon Royster enter spring with six games of experience, all from Marcus. South Carolina must also find players at free safety.
Key battle: With Alshon Jeffery taking his talents to the NFL, and Bruce Ellington sticking to basketball, South Carolina enters the spring with little experience at wide receiver. Ace Sanders is the only returning receiver with 20 or more catches (29), and Nick Jones is the only other one with 10 or more catches (12). There are bodies, but not production. D.L. Moore and DeAngelo Smith should enter the spring as starters, along with Sanders. Both showed promise in the past, but they combined for just 11 catches last season. Lamar Scruggs is a junior, but didn't catch a pass last season. Speedster Damiere Byrd is back after missing four games last season because of NCAA issues. Also, redshirt freshmen Shamier Jeffery (Alshon Jeffery's brother) and K.J. Brent will need to have big springs. South Carolina is expected to get good use out of incoming freshman Shaq Roland, but the Gamecocks need to find at least two solid options before he arrives this summer.
Don't forget about: South Carolina's front seven should be solid again in 2012. Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor will man the defensive end positions, while rising sophomore Kelcy Quarles, who enjoyed a tremendous freshman season, will help ease the loss of Travian Robertson inside. At linebacker, South Carolina only lost Rodney Paulk, and returns seniors Reginald Bowens and Shaq Wilson, who combined for 96 tackles in 2011. Seniors Damario Jeffery and Quinn Smith will also get time at the Will spot.
Breaking out: The coaches are very excited about the potential redshirt freshmen offensive tackle Brandon Shell possesses. He was a standout high school player, and will have every chance to earn the starting spot at left tackle this spring. He has supposedly had a good offseason so far, and has gotten stronger. If he's as good as the coaches say, he'll help shore up a line that has to replace two starters, including left tackle Rokevious Watkins.
All eyes on: Quarterback Connor Shaw saw vast improvements in his game as the 2011 season went on. He started to develop into more of a passer than a runner. While he still likes to run at times, you could tell that Shaw was making a conscious effort to rely on his arm first. In his last three games, Shaw averaged 219 yards and threw eight touchdowns to one interception. Now is the time for him to really come into his own as a passer. For South Carolina's offense to be successful, Shaw has to play smarter, and has to boost the Gamecocks' passing game. He'll also need to create better chemistry with his unproven receivers. South Carolina's offensive players will feed off Shaw's spring.
What's new: Four of South Carolina's nine assistants are new. John Butler, Jay Graham, Jeep Hunter and Ellis Johnson are all gone. Lorenzo Ward was promoted from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator, replacing Johnson. Ward will still focus on the cornerbacks this season. Head coach Steve Spurrier also added Kirk Botkin to coach linebackers/Spurs, Grady Brown to coach the secondary, Joe Robinson to coach special teams/tight ends, and Everette Sands to coach running backs. Joe Connolly also replaces Craig Fitzgerald as South Carolina's strength and conditioning coach. Also, South Carolina will be looking to replace kicker Jay Wooten and punter Joey Scribner-Howard. Walk-ons Landon Ard and Adam Yates will compete at kicker this spring, and sophomore Patrick Fish should be No. 1 at punter.
On the move: Safety DeVonte Holloman is looking to transition back to the Spur position after spending 2011 at safety. He worked at the Spur last spring, but the departing Antonio Allen played there last season. Also, Damario Jeffery is slated to move from the Spur to Will linebacker this spring. Jimmy Legree is moving back to cornerback after making a couple of starts at free safety last season.
On the mend: The Gamecocks will be without star running back Marcus Lattimore, who is still recovering from a devastating knee injury suffered halfway through the 2011 season. Running back Shon Carson is also out and recovering from a knee injury suffered last season. Sophomore offensive lineman Mike Matulis will sit out the spring after recovering from shoulder surgery, and senior cornerback Akeem Auguste will be limited as he tries to get over a foot injury that kept him out of all but one game last season. Safety D.J. Swearinger will miss the spring after having an operation on his foot. Offensive lineman Brock Stadnik will sit out the spring following shoulder surgery.
Questions: Auguste and Swearinger are dealing with injuries, South Carolina must replace three of its top four cornerbacks, and Holloman is moving back to the Spur, meaning the Gamecocks' secondary is loaded with questions. Sophomore Victor Hampton is expected to take one of the cornerback spots. He's talented, but has had off-field issues. He has the potential to be a key player for the Gamecocks. Depth behind him is a question, as Legree and Cadarious Sanders are the only other cornerbacks with game experience. A big spring from redshirt freshman Ahmad Christian could put him in the thick of it for a starting cornerback spot. Sophomore-to-be Brison Williams takes over at strong safety after playing in eight games last season, but depth behind him is a concern, as rising sophomore Kadetrix Marcus, Edward Muldrow and Sheldon Royster enter spring with six games of experience, all from Marcus. South Carolina must also find players at free safety.
Key battle: With Alshon Jeffery taking his talents to the NFL, and Bruce Ellington sticking to basketball, South Carolina enters the spring with little experience at wide receiver. Ace Sanders is the only returning receiver with 20 or more catches (29), and Nick Jones is the only other one with 10 or more catches (12). There are bodies, but not production. D.L. Moore and DeAngelo Smith should enter the spring as starters, along with Sanders. Both showed promise in the past, but they combined for just 11 catches last season. Lamar Scruggs is a junior, but didn't catch a pass last season. Speedster Damiere Byrd is back after missing four games last season because of NCAA issues. Also, redshirt freshmen Shamier Jeffery (Alshon Jeffery's brother) and K.J. Brent will need to have big springs. South Carolina is expected to get good use out of incoming freshman Shaq Roland, but the Gamecocks need to find at least two solid options before he arrives this summer.
Don't forget about: South Carolina's front seven should be solid again in 2012. Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor will man the defensive end positions, while rising sophomore Kelcy Quarles, who enjoyed a tremendous freshman season, will help ease the loss of Travian Robertson inside. At linebacker, South Carolina only lost Rodney Paulk, and returns seniors Reginald Bowens and Shaq Wilson, who combined for 96 tackles in 2011. Seniors Damario Jeffery and Quinn Smith will also get time at the Will spot.
Breaking out: The coaches are very excited about the potential redshirt freshmen offensive tackle Brandon Shell possesses. He was a standout high school player, and will have every chance to earn the starting spot at left tackle this spring. He has supposedly had a good offseason so far, and has gotten stronger. If he's as good as the coaches say, he'll help shore up a line that has to replace two starters, including left tackle Rokevious Watkins.
All eyes on: Quarterback Connor Shaw saw vast improvements in his game as the 2011 season went on. He started to develop into more of a passer than a runner. While he still likes to run at times, you could tell that Shaw was making a conscious effort to rely on his arm first. In his last three games, Shaw averaged 219 yards and threw eight touchdowns to one interception. Now is the time for him to really come into his own as a passer. For South Carolina's offense to be successful, Shaw has to play smarter, and has to boost the Gamecocks' passing game. He'll also need to create better chemistry with his unproven receivers. South Carolina's offensive players will feed off Shaw's spring.
South Carolina adds Joe Robinson to staff
January, 13, 2012
Jan 13
4:00
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier announced Friday that Joe Robinson will be the Gamecocks' new special teams coordinator and tight ends coach.
Robinson, who was the 2010 FootballScoop Special Teams Coordinator of the Year, joins South Carolina's staff after one season as North Carolina's defensive line coach.
He replaces John Butler, who left South Carolina this week to join Penn State's staff.
“We are pleased to announce Joe Robinson as our special teams coach,” Spurrier said. “He has many years of experience and his special teams had the No. 1 overall ranking in the SEC in 2009. Our special teams will be in good hands under coach Robinson, and we look forward to having him and his family become Gamecocks.”
Before arriving at North Carolina, Robinson spent three seasons as the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator at LSU. In 2010, the Tigers finished in the top 13 nationally in net punting, kickoff return average and punt return average. In 2009, LSU's special teams combined to rank No. 1 overall in the SEC, as the Tigers led the league in both kickoff coverage (44.5 net average) and punt returns (18.9). LSU was the only team in the league to rank among the top three in the conference in four special teams categories.
“I’m excited to be here and thankful to become part of Coach Spurrier’s staff,” Robinson said. “He’s done a great job with this program and my family is excited about this opportunity.”
Robinson's hire still leaves two vacancies on Spurrier's staff. He still has to find a replacement for running backs coach Jay Graham, who left for Tennessee, and must find someone to coach linebackers, now that defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is the head coach at Southern Miss. Lorenzo Ward was promoted to defensive coordinator and will coach cornerbacks.
A few names to keep an eye on to coach South Carolina's linebackers are former Arkansas assistant Kirk Botkin and current Tennessee defensive line coach Lance Thompson, who coached linebackers in the past.
Air Force running backs coach Desmont Kitchings could also be looked at for the running backs job. He served as Vanderbilt's running backs coach from 2008-10, and offensive coordinator in 2010.
Robinson, who was the 2010 FootballScoop Special Teams Coordinator of the Year, joins South Carolina's staff after one season as North Carolina's defensive line coach.
He replaces John Butler, who left South Carolina this week to join Penn State's staff.
“We are pleased to announce Joe Robinson as our special teams coach,” Spurrier said. “He has many years of experience and his special teams had the No. 1 overall ranking in the SEC in 2009. Our special teams will be in good hands under coach Robinson, and we look forward to having him and his family become Gamecocks.”
Before arriving at North Carolina, Robinson spent three seasons as the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator at LSU. In 2010, the Tigers finished in the top 13 nationally in net punting, kickoff return average and punt return average. In 2009, LSU's special teams combined to rank No. 1 overall in the SEC, as the Tigers led the league in both kickoff coverage (44.5 net average) and punt returns (18.9). LSU was the only team in the league to rank among the top three in the conference in four special teams categories.
“I’m excited to be here and thankful to become part of Coach Spurrier’s staff,” Robinson said. “He’s done a great job with this program and my family is excited about this opportunity.”
Robinson's hire still leaves two vacancies on Spurrier's staff. He still has to find a replacement for running backs coach Jay Graham, who left for Tennessee, and must find someone to coach linebackers, now that defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is the head coach at Southern Miss. Lorenzo Ward was promoted to defensive coordinator and will coach cornerbacks.
A few names to keep an eye on to coach South Carolina's linebackers are former Arkansas assistant Kirk Botkin and current Tennessee defensive line coach Lance Thompson, who coached linebackers in the past.
Air Force running backs coach Desmont Kitchings could also be looked at for the running backs job. He served as Vanderbilt's running backs coach from 2008-10, and offensive coordinator in 2010.
Season report card: South Carolina
December, 28, 2011
12/28/11
5:20
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
The Gamecocks lost their starting quarterback and running back, but still managed to get 10 wins for only the second time in school history:
OFFENSE: C+
South Carolina's offense was hard to watch for most of the year. There were times when the Gamecocks really moved the ball down field, but had a tendency to shoot themselves in the foot with mistakes that cost them points. They scored less than 20 points in four SEC games, including 13 to Auburn, which ranked near the bottom of the SEC in every major defensive category. The Gamecocks entered the year with one of the best one-two punches in running back Marcus Lattimore and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. They even had a seasoned quarterback in Stephen Garcia. But Garcia's troubles on and off the field caught up with him at the beginning of the year. Garcia passed for just 844 yards with four touchdowns and nine interceptions before being dismissed from the program after Week 6. Shortly after, Lattimore went down with a season-ending knee injury. Before his injury, Lattimore was among the nation's best with 818 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Jeffery rarely looked like his old self, grabbing just 614 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, and South Carolina never found a consistent secondary receiver. It did, however, find replacements in quarterback Connor Shaw and running back Brandon Wilds. Shaw struggled here and there, especially throwing, but recorded just one loss as a starter, while Wilds, who was a redshirt candidate, rushed for 100-plus yards in three of his five starts. The Gamecocks' inconsistency hurt, as South Carolina averaged 25 points in conference games, but led the league with 21 turnovers in league play.
DEFENSE: A
All it took was some quiet encouragement from defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson after the Navy game to jump start this unit. Players acknowledged that their play during the first three games wasn't up to par, but after that, South Carolina's defense was one of the best in the country. Up front, the Gamecocks got a ton of production out of veterans Melvin Ingram, an All-American, and Travian Robertson, and freshmen Jadeveon Clowney and Kelcy Quarles blossomed. Antonio Allen quietly had one of the most productive seasons in the league, recording 81 tackles, three interceptions, defended five passes and scored two touchdowns. Opposing backfields were constantly harassed, as South Carolina totaled 25 sacks and was sixth in the SEC in rushing defense. Against the pass, the Gamecocks were even better, ranking second nationally and tied for first in the SEC in interceptions (18) and takeaways (30). South Carolina currently ranks fourth nationally in total defense and is allowing 4.2 yards per play.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C-
The Gamecocks were rarely ever a threat in the kicking game. South Carolina was last in the league in kickoff coverage, with a net average of 40.1 yards. Jay Wooten also recorded just six touchbacks on his kicks. While Ace Sanders scored on a punt return, the Gamecocks have averaged just 7.6 yards per punt return. Wooten missed six total kicks (three field goals and extra points), while Joey Scribner-Howard was near the bottom of the SEC in punting, averaging 38.9 yards per punt. He pinned 10 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line.
COACHING: A
Steve Spurrier led a South Carolina team to 10 wins for only the second time in school history even after losing his starting quarterback and one of the nation's best running backs. Spurrier made the right adjustments, put a lot of trust in Wilds and slowly turned Shaw into more of the right passer for his offense. It also helped that Johnson did a tremendous job with his defense. Yes, the Gamecocks were loaded with athletes on that side of the ball, but he helped create a new mentality after the first three games of the season. For a second straight year, South Carolina was a legit SEC East contender.
OFFENSE: C+
South Carolina's offense was hard to watch for most of the year. There were times when the Gamecocks really moved the ball down field, but had a tendency to shoot themselves in the foot with mistakes that cost them points. They scored less than 20 points in four SEC games, including 13 to Auburn, which ranked near the bottom of the SEC in every major defensive category. The Gamecocks entered the year with one of the best one-two punches in running back Marcus Lattimore and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. They even had a seasoned quarterback in Stephen Garcia. But Garcia's troubles on and off the field caught up with him at the beginning of the year. Garcia passed for just 844 yards with four touchdowns and nine interceptions before being dismissed from the program after Week 6. Shortly after, Lattimore went down with a season-ending knee injury. Before his injury, Lattimore was among the nation's best with 818 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Jeffery rarely looked like his old self, grabbing just 614 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, and South Carolina never found a consistent secondary receiver. It did, however, find replacements in quarterback Connor Shaw and running back Brandon Wilds. Shaw struggled here and there, especially throwing, but recorded just one loss as a starter, while Wilds, who was a redshirt candidate, rushed for 100-plus yards in three of his five starts. The Gamecocks' inconsistency hurt, as South Carolina averaged 25 points in conference games, but led the league with 21 turnovers in league play.
DEFENSE: A
All it took was some quiet encouragement from defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson after the Navy game to jump start this unit. Players acknowledged that their play during the first three games wasn't up to par, but after that, South Carolina's defense was one of the best in the country. Up front, the Gamecocks got a ton of production out of veterans Melvin Ingram, an All-American, and Travian Robertson, and freshmen Jadeveon Clowney and Kelcy Quarles blossomed. Antonio Allen quietly had one of the most productive seasons in the league, recording 81 tackles, three interceptions, defended five passes and scored two touchdowns. Opposing backfields were constantly harassed, as South Carolina totaled 25 sacks and was sixth in the SEC in rushing defense. Against the pass, the Gamecocks were even better, ranking second nationally and tied for first in the SEC in interceptions (18) and takeaways (30). South Carolina currently ranks fourth nationally in total defense and is allowing 4.2 yards per play.
SPECIAL TEAMS: C-
The Gamecocks were rarely ever a threat in the kicking game. South Carolina was last in the league in kickoff coverage, with a net average of 40.1 yards. Jay Wooten also recorded just six touchbacks on his kicks. While Ace Sanders scored on a punt return, the Gamecocks have averaged just 7.6 yards per punt return. Wooten missed six total kicks (three field goals and extra points), while Joey Scribner-Howard was near the bottom of the SEC in punting, averaging 38.9 yards per punt. He pinned 10 punts inside the opponents' 20-yard line.
COACHING: A
Steve Spurrier led a South Carolina team to 10 wins for only the second time in school history even after losing his starting quarterback and one of the nation's best running backs. Spurrier made the right adjustments, put a lot of trust in Wilds and slowly turned Shaw into more of the right passer for his offense. It also helped that Johnson did a tremendous job with his defense. Yes, the Gamecocks were loaded with athletes on that side of the ball, but he helped create a new mentality after the first three games of the season. For a second straight year, South Carolina was a legit SEC East contender.
Bowl an audition for Gamecocks' Ward?
December, 22, 2011
12/22/11
1:15
PM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
At least one SEC assistant coach could be auditioning for a promotion during the bowl season.
South Carolina will be without Ellis Johnson, who left to take the Southern Miss head coaching job after overseeing the Gamecocks’ defense for the past four seasons.
Lorenzo Ward has taken over for the Capital One Bowl and will coordinate the defensive plan and make the calls during South Carolina’s matchup with Nebraska on Jan. 2 in Orlando.
Ward already has the defensive coordinator’s title, but Johnson was the one running the show.
Here’s Ward’s chance to show what he can do, and you can bet that South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier will be watching closely.
Ward, whose specialty is the defensive secondary, is in his third season with the Gamecocks. He knows the system, knows the personnel and knows the SEC. He came to South Carolina after spending a year on Arkansas’ staff.
If the Gamecocks play well on defense in the bowl game (and they’re ranked fourth nationally in total defense heading into the game), Ward could go a long way toward stepping in full time for Johnson, who created a lofty standard at South Carolina on defense.
Spurrier has already said that Ward will be one of the people he considers for the job, and former Arizona head coach Mike Stoops will be on Spurrier’s call list, too.
With some of his most recent hires, Spurrier has sort of gone out of the box.
It could be that he doesn’t even leave his staff to find his next defensive coordinator.
South Carolina will be without Ellis Johnson, who left to take the Southern Miss head coaching job after overseeing the Gamecocks’ defense for the past four seasons.
Lorenzo Ward has taken over for the Capital One Bowl and will coordinate the defensive plan and make the calls during South Carolina’s matchup with Nebraska on Jan. 2 in Orlando.
Ward already has the defensive coordinator’s title, but Johnson was the one running the show.
Here’s Ward’s chance to show what he can do, and you can bet that South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier will be watching closely.
Ward, whose specialty is the defensive secondary, is in his third season with the Gamecocks. He knows the system, knows the personnel and knows the SEC. He came to South Carolina after spending a year on Arkansas’ staff.
If the Gamecocks play well on defense in the bowl game (and they’re ranked fourth nationally in total defense heading into the game), Ward could go a long way toward stepping in full time for Johnson, who created a lofty standard at South Carolina on defense.
Spurrier has already said that Ward will be one of the people he considers for the job, and former Arizona head coach Mike Stoops will be on Spurrier’s call list, too.
With some of his most recent hires, Spurrier has sort of gone out of the box.
It could be that he doesn’t even leave his staff to find his next defensive coordinator.
Gamecocks' Johnson leaving for S. Miss
December, 20, 2011
12/20/11
9:13
AM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
Success has come at a price for South Carolina this season.
The Gamecocks are losing two of their best and brightest assistant coaches.
Running backs coach Jay Graham had already left to take the same job at his alma mater, Tennessee, but South Carolina is also losing its defensive ace. Ellis Johnson, the assistant head coach for the defense, has agreed to become the next head coach at Southern Miss.
Johnson had done a terrific job with the Gamecocks' defense. They're ranked fourth nationally in total defense heading into the Capital One Bowl, and in a lot of ways, Johnson's defenses were the cornerstone in Steve Spurrier coming in and being able to get this program to an unprecedented level.
The Gamecocks won 10 games this season for just the second time in school history. They won nine or more games in back-to-back seasons for the first time ever and made their first trip to the SEC championship game last season.
Johnson deserves a tremendous amount of credit for this current run. Not only have his defenses been rock solid, but he's been a prolific recruiter. He was the point man for both Jadeveon Clowney and Stephon Gilmore.
The Gamecocks are losing two of their best and brightest assistant coaches.
Running backs coach Jay Graham had already left to take the same job at his alma mater, Tennessee, but South Carolina is also losing its defensive ace. Ellis Johnson, the assistant head coach for the defense, has agreed to become the next head coach at Southern Miss.
Johnson had done a terrific job with the Gamecocks' defense. They're ranked fourth nationally in total defense heading into the Capital One Bowl, and in a lot of ways, Johnson's defenses were the cornerstone in Steve Spurrier coming in and being able to get this program to an unprecedented level.
The Gamecocks won 10 games this season for just the second time in school history. They won nine or more games in back-to-back seasons for the first time ever and made their first trip to the SEC championship game last season.
Johnson deserves a tremendous amount of credit for this current run. Not only have his defenses been rock solid, but he's been a prolific recruiter. He was the point man for both Jadeveon Clowney and Stephon Gilmore.
Alabama fans can breathe easier for now.
Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Southern Miss head coaching job.
Smart's name has been thrown around a lot this offseason in connection with several vacancies, but the Southern Miss job is the only one he's interviewed for. Smart met with Southern Miss officials this week and was thought to be the favorite, but he decided that it wasn't the time to make a move.
One of the top defensive coordinators in the country, Smart won the Broyles Award in 2009 as the top assistant coach in college football. He came to Alabama in 2007 with Nick Saban and has been the Crimson Tide's defensive coordinator for the past four seasons.
There were reports that Smart was in play for both the Ole Miss and Texas A&M head coaching jobs, but he never interviewed at either place.
While Smart is out of the picture at Southern Miss, another top SEC defensive coordinator, South Carolina's Ellis Johnson, remains in the mix. Johnson interviewed with Southern Miss officials on Thursday.
Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Southern Miss head coaching job.
Smart's name has been thrown around a lot this offseason in connection with several vacancies, but the Southern Miss job is the only one he's interviewed for. Smart met with Southern Miss officials this week and was thought to be the favorite, but he decided that it wasn't the time to make a move.
One of the top defensive coordinators in the country, Smart won the Broyles Award in 2009 as the top assistant coach in college football. He came to Alabama in 2007 with Nick Saban and has been the Crimson Tide's defensive coordinator for the past four seasons.
There were reports that Smart was in play for both the Ole Miss and Texas A&M head coaching jobs, but he never interviewed at either place.
While Smart is out of the picture at Southern Miss, another top SEC defensive coordinator, South Carolina's Ellis Johnson, remains in the mix. Johnson interviewed with Southern Miss officials on Thursday.
It's Friday, and it's time to make our rounds:
- Former Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn says the YouTube video that cast his wife in a bad light was manipulative.
- Alabama is set to get back to work after a layoff.
- LSU returns to practice full speed.
- Gene Sapakoff of The Charleston Post and Courier takes a look at the top-5 moments in South Carolina's run to the Capital One Bowl.
- Ellis Johnson, South Carolina's assistant head coach for the defense, interviews on Thursday for the Southern Miss head coaching job.
- It took a while, but Mississippi State cornerback Darius Slay is playing a key role on the Bulldogs' defense.
- New Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart calls the Vols' loss to Kentucky, and the way they lost, "unacceptable."
- The stakes are still high for Georgia at the Outback Bowl.
- Auburn's Gene Chizik focuses on the details with the Tigers' defense.
- Missing a third season was tough on Florida cornerback Jeremy Brown.
Thanks to everybody who stopped by for my chat earlier Thursday. If you missed it, here are a few of the highlights:
Troy in South Carolina: Do you think that Ellis Johnson is going to stay at USC or go to Southern Miss?
Chris Low: My sense is that he'll stay at South Carolina. He's got a lot invested there. It's home, and he's got a good thing going there. Now, if he's determined to be a head coach, he may take a shot at the Southern Miss gig.
Jim in Memphis: Any more rumblings about Dan Mullen going to Happy Valley?
Chris Low: It's sort of died down, and I think what happened is that Mullen didn't want to go through the interview process and instead just negotiate.
Mike in Baton Rouge, La.: Chris, What is your take on the 2012 version of the LSU Tigers? Even better next year?
Chris Low: Well, 13 of the Tigers' top 22 on defense are sophomores or younger. And with Mettenberger stepping in at quarterback next season, I don't know if LSU will be better, but I'd say the Tigers will start the season ranked in the top 3.
Morgan in Atlanta: How will Isaiah Crowell do next year with the five star RB playing behind him?
Chris Low: Who knows? Maybe competition will be the best thing for Crowell, and it could be that Marshall comes in and takes Crowell's job. We'll find out what Crowell is made of over this next offseason. He has a chance to be a great player if he'll commit to doing so. Sometimes, it just takes players a little extra time to mature.
Will in Knoxville, Tenn.: Do you think if UT finds a solid running back and can stay healthy that it can possibly win the East?
Chris Low: The Vols definitely need to find a running back (and a running game). While I think they will be better next season and more experienced, I still have a hard time seeing them going from 5-7 and losing to Kentucky to winning the East. A realistic goal next season is getting to eight wins.
Adam in Joplin, Mo.: Chris, huge Mizzou fan here...Help me out...What is the best gameday experience in the SEC East? I'm talking food, excitement, game atmosphere, nightlife, etc...Unfamiliar at this point and need to know what to expect on the road next season!!
Chris Low: I would probably go with Georgia and Tennessee right there at the top. Athens, Ga., is a great town to hang out in before and after the game, and there's a lot of good tailgating. The setting at Tennessee is what's so neat with Neyland Stadium sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River and the Vol Navy rolling in. I also think South Carolina's atmosphere is one of the more underrated game-day experiences. Lots of great tailgating, and Columbia is a bigger city. When the Gators are good, the Swamp is the rowdiest place in the East. It's just so hot that first month of the season, but definitely a sight to see when it's full and rocking.
Jim in Miami: Do you think that the Gators are better off without Charlie Weis?
Chris Low: I'll put it this way: I think Charlie is happier running his own ship, and I don't think Will Muschamp fought feverishly to keep Weis in Gainesville.
Troy in South Carolina: Do you think that Ellis Johnson is going to stay at USC or go to Southern Miss?
Chris Low: My sense is that he'll stay at South Carolina. He's got a lot invested there. It's home, and he's got a good thing going there. Now, if he's determined to be a head coach, he may take a shot at the Southern Miss gig.
Jim in Memphis: Any more rumblings about Dan Mullen going to Happy Valley?
Chris Low: It's sort of died down, and I think what happened is that Mullen didn't want to go through the interview process and instead just negotiate.
Mike in Baton Rouge, La.: Chris, What is your take on the 2012 version of the LSU Tigers? Even better next year?
Chris Low: Well, 13 of the Tigers' top 22 on defense are sophomores or younger. And with Mettenberger stepping in at quarterback next season, I don't know if LSU will be better, but I'd say the Tigers will start the season ranked in the top 3.
Morgan in Atlanta: How will Isaiah Crowell do next year with the five star RB playing behind him?
Chris Low: Who knows? Maybe competition will be the best thing for Crowell, and it could be that Marshall comes in and takes Crowell's job. We'll find out what Crowell is made of over this next offseason. He has a chance to be a great player if he'll commit to doing so. Sometimes, it just takes players a little extra time to mature.
Will in Knoxville, Tenn.: Do you think if UT finds a solid running back and can stay healthy that it can possibly win the East?
Chris Low: The Vols definitely need to find a running back (and a running game). While I think they will be better next season and more experienced, I still have a hard time seeing them going from 5-7 and losing to Kentucky to winning the East. A realistic goal next season is getting to eight wins.
Adam in Joplin, Mo.: Chris, huge Mizzou fan here...Help me out...What is the best gameday experience in the SEC East? I'm talking food, excitement, game atmosphere, nightlife, etc...Unfamiliar at this point and need to know what to expect on the road next season!!
Chris Low: I would probably go with Georgia and Tennessee right there at the top. Athens, Ga., is a great town to hang out in before and after the game, and there's a lot of good tailgating. The setting at Tennessee is what's so neat with Neyland Stadium sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River and the Vol Navy rolling in. I also think South Carolina's atmosphere is one of the more underrated game-day experiences. Lots of great tailgating, and Columbia is a bigger city. When the Gators are good, the Swamp is the rowdiest place in the East. It's just so hot that first month of the season, but definitely a sight to see when it's full and rocking.
Jim in Miami: Do you think that the Gators are better off without Charlie Weis?
Chris Low: I'll put it this way: I think Charlie is happier running his own ship, and I don't think Will Muschamp fought feverishly to keep Weis in Gainesville.
What to watch in the SEC: Bowls
December, 15, 2011
12/15/11
10:15
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
The bowl season doesn't get started in the SEC for another couple of weeks, but there are still things to keep an eye on around the league until then:
1. Coordinator shuffle: It's that time of year when coaches are not only getting bowl preparation in order, but also having to set up job interviews. For Alabama, Auburn and Florida, the next few weeks will be devoted to not only figuring out game strategies, but trying to find the right men to take over coordinating positions. Auburn is in the hunt for both an offensive and defensive coordinator, while Alabama and Florida are searching for offensive coordinators. With all three teams in the market right now, you have to wonder if there could be a bidding war or two in the near future. One lucky person has to draw the straw of being in line for all three offensive coordinating jobs, right? Wouldn't that be fun? For Florida's Will Muschamp, this is a major hire. His first year in Gainesville didn't go well, and now that Charlie Weis is gone, it's time for Muschamp to find someone who can get this offense back on track. He has the defense to compete, but he has to find the offense or things won't get better in the Swamp. Also, South Carolina defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is a candidate for the Southern Miss job, so the Gamecocks could get in on the coordinator scramble as well.
2. Tyler Russell's knee: While there has been no official word that Russell's knee injury in practice is serious, Mississippi State's quarterback was very limited Wednesday. He wore a brace and found it hard to put a lot of weight on his leg. Sure, it's early in the healing process and it could just be sore, but knee injuries are nothing to just glance over. Russell is the Bulldogs' best passing threat, and the offense runs at its best when he's in the pocket. They'll need him for the bowl game, as Chris Relf just hasn't been the same quarterback he was a season ago. The Bulldogs don't exactly have the depth they had at the position for most of the season, either, as Dylan Favre decided to transfer after the regular season.
3. The grade game: Final grades for the semester are upon us and that can be a nerve-racking time for coaches. There are going to be some players flirting with being academically ineligible for bowl games, and some who just don't make it at all. It happens to nearly every program every season. It can be hard to stomach for coaches, but it's how college athletics work. Sometimes it' a big player or two, and rumors will definitely begin to swirl about players not being eligible for bowl games because of academics. Now, we'll know for sure once final grades are in the hands of the head coaches.
4. Auburn's running back situation: With starter Michael Dyer officially ruled out of the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Virginia for violating unspecified team rules, the Tigers will look to Onterio McCalebb and Tre Mason to handle the bulk of the rushing load. Coach Gene Chizik said he'd work with other offensive players in the backfield as well, but is staying tight-lipped on who might get some carries here and there. Dyer was Auburn's best offensive weapon and one of the most complete backs in the SEC. He was not only powerful between the tackles, but he has the speed to take a run outside and around the corner for a big play. McCalebb is a home run threat, but isn't much of a downhill runner. Mason rushed for just 97 yards this season, but made his mark on special teams. He was Auburn's top kickoff return man and recorded a touchdown. He has big-play ability, but he'll need to get more work in the backfield leading up to the bowl game to be more of a factor on offense.
5. Urban Meyer's southern recruiting success: The former Florida coach has been doing pretty well recruiting for Ohio State recently, and it wouldn't shock anyone if his efforts slowly started to creep back down south. He had loads of success in this part of the country when he was with the Gators, and while most of Ohio State's class is made up of northern prospects, that's sure to change under Meyer. The little he can do right now in recruiting is working, and from what prospects are saying, you can tell that SEC coaches are starting to feel his presence more and more. Meyer is too smart and too good of a recruiter to just leave the South alone. He'll be putting a lot of pressure on SEC coaches in the recruiting world in no time.
1. Coordinator shuffle: It's that time of year when coaches are not only getting bowl preparation in order, but also having to set up job interviews. For Alabama, Auburn and Florida, the next few weeks will be devoted to not only figuring out game strategies, but trying to find the right men to take over coordinating positions. Auburn is in the hunt for both an offensive and defensive coordinator, while Alabama and Florida are searching for offensive coordinators. With all three teams in the market right now, you have to wonder if there could be a bidding war or two in the near future. One lucky person has to draw the straw of being in line for all three offensive coordinating jobs, right? Wouldn't that be fun? For Florida's Will Muschamp, this is a major hire. His first year in Gainesville didn't go well, and now that Charlie Weis is gone, it's time for Muschamp to find someone who can get this offense back on track. He has the defense to compete, but he has to find the offense or things won't get better in the Swamp. Also, South Carolina defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson is a candidate for the Southern Miss job, so the Gamecocks could get in on the coordinator scramble as well.
2. Tyler Russell's knee: While there has been no official word that Russell's knee injury in practice is serious, Mississippi State's quarterback was very limited Wednesday. He wore a brace and found it hard to put a lot of weight on his leg. Sure, it's early in the healing process and it could just be sore, but knee injuries are nothing to just glance over. Russell is the Bulldogs' best passing threat, and the offense runs at its best when he's in the pocket. They'll need him for the bowl game, as Chris Relf just hasn't been the same quarterback he was a season ago. The Bulldogs don't exactly have the depth they had at the position for most of the season, either, as Dylan Favre decided to transfer after the regular season.
3. The grade game: Final grades for the semester are upon us and that can be a nerve-racking time for coaches. There are going to be some players flirting with being academically ineligible for bowl games, and some who just don't make it at all. It happens to nearly every program every season. It can be hard to stomach for coaches, but it's how college athletics work. Sometimes it' a big player or two, and rumors will definitely begin to swirl about players not being eligible for bowl games because of academics. Now, we'll know for sure once final grades are in the hands of the head coaches.
4. Auburn's running back situation: With starter Michael Dyer officially ruled out of the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Virginia for violating unspecified team rules, the Tigers will look to Onterio McCalebb and Tre Mason to handle the bulk of the rushing load. Coach Gene Chizik said he'd work with other offensive players in the backfield as well, but is staying tight-lipped on who might get some carries here and there. Dyer was Auburn's best offensive weapon and one of the most complete backs in the SEC. He was not only powerful between the tackles, but he has the speed to take a run outside and around the corner for a big play. McCalebb is a home run threat, but isn't much of a downhill runner. Mason rushed for just 97 yards this season, but made his mark on special teams. He was Auburn's top kickoff return man and recorded a touchdown. He has big-play ability, but he'll need to get more work in the backfield leading up to the bowl game to be more of a factor on offense.
5. Urban Meyer's southern recruiting success: The former Florida coach has been doing pretty well recruiting for Ohio State recently, and it wouldn't shock anyone if his efforts slowly started to creep back down south. He had loads of success in this part of the country when he was with the Gators, and while most of Ohio State's class is made up of northern prospects, that's sure to change under Meyer. The little he can do right now in recruiting is working, and from what prospects are saying, you can tell that SEC coaches are starting to feel his presence more and more. Meyer is too smart and too good of a recruiter to just leave the South alone. He'll be putting a lot of pressure on SEC coaches in the recruiting world in no time.
Gamecocks hope to retain Ellis Johnson
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
3:20
PM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
Ellis Johnson, South Carolina's assistant head coach for the defense, is one of the finalists for the Southern Miss head-coaching job.
Johnson is scheduled to interview with Southern Miss officials later this week. The Golden Eagles are wise to talk with Johnson, who's established himself as one of the top defensive minds in the SEC. Johnson has also proved to be an excellent recruiter for the Gamecocks. He was the point guy on Jadeveon Clowney, who was recently named the Freshman of the Year in the SEC.
Johnson would like to be a head coach again, but he also wants it to be the right fit. He was the head coach at The Citadel from 2001-03.
Whether or not Southern Miss is a fit remains to be seen. It wouldn't be a move he made for the money. Former Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora was making a little more than $700,000 before he left for North Carolina. Johnson also earned $700,000 this season.
Either way, the Gamecocks don't want to lose him. His experience in this league is invaluable, and South Carolina's defense has gotten better every year he's been there. The Gamecocks are ranked fourth nationally in total defense heading into the Capital One Bowl.
Johnson is scheduled to interview with Southern Miss officials later this week. The Golden Eagles are wise to talk with Johnson, who's established himself as one of the top defensive minds in the SEC. Johnson has also proved to be an excellent recruiter for the Gamecocks. He was the point guy on Jadeveon Clowney, who was recently named the Freshman of the Year in the SEC.
Johnson would like to be a head coach again, but he also wants it to be the right fit. He was the head coach at The Citadel from 2001-03.
Whether or not Southern Miss is a fit remains to be seen. It wouldn't be a move he made for the money. Former Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora was making a little more than $700,000 before he left for North Carolina. Johnson also earned $700,000 this season.
Either way, the Gamecocks don't want to lose him. His experience in this league is invaluable, and South Carolina's defense has gotten better every year he's been there. The Gamecocks are ranked fourth nationally in total defense heading into the Capital One Bowl.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Record: 10-2, 6-2 SEC
It’s not often that you start the year with South Carolina being the overwhelming favorite to win the SEC Eastern Division. Well, that’s exactly what happened after the Gamecocks won the East for the first time in 2010. With game-changers on offense and defense returning, South Carolina also fit into the category of being a dark horse for the national championship.
Things didn’t go as planned. Troubled quarterback Stephen Garcia didn’t last long and was dismissed after six games. When he was in, he wasn’t great. The mistakes that plagued him during his career returned and he was benched in favor of Connor Shaw after a 16-13 loss to Auburn. Garcia’s dismissal came a week later.
Shaw won six games, but South Carolina suffered a major loss when early Heisman Trophy candidate Marcus Lattimore went down with an ACL tear in the middle of October. Before his injury, he was the SEC’s top rusher. Former redshirt candidate Brandon Wilds filled in and was a pleasant surprise.
South Carolina’s offense struggled for most of the sason, but the defense stayed pretty consistent after a rough start. Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson called his defense out before the Vanderbilt game, and from then on, the Gamecocks defense turned stout, finishing the year fourth in the SEC in total defense.
Steve Spurrier did one of his finest coaching jobs, as the Gamecocks won 10 games for only the second time in school history and beat rival Clemson for the third consecutive year.
Offensive MVP: Shaw. The Gamecocks won six of their last seven games with Shaw starting. With top receiver Alshon Jeffery blanketed most of the time, Shaw usually turned to his feet, finishing the year with 483 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. He threw for 1,218 yards and 12 scores.
Defensive MVP: Defensive end Melvin Ingram. He was a scoring machine to start the year, recording three touchdowns, including a 68-yard run on a fake punt. He also had 44 tackles, including 13.5 for loss, 8.5 sacks, and three takeaways.
Turning point: The Gamecocks’ loss to Auburn on Oct. 1 might have cost South Carolina the SEC East. That was a game the Gamecocks should have won, but the offensive held them back. That was also the last time we saw Garcia, ushering in the Shaw era.
What’s next: The ninth-ranked Gamecocks are headed to the Capital One Bowl to play No. 20 Nebraska. South Carolina’s offense ended the season with momentum and the Gamecocks hope to keep it going against the Cornhuskers’ 36th-ranked defense.
Record: 10-2, 6-2 SEC
It’s not often that you start the year with South Carolina being the overwhelming favorite to win the SEC Eastern Division. Well, that’s exactly what happened after the Gamecocks won the East for the first time in 2010. With game-changers on offense and defense returning, South Carolina also fit into the category of being a dark horse for the national championship.
Things didn’t go as planned. Troubled quarterback Stephen Garcia didn’t last long and was dismissed after six games. When he was in, he wasn’t great. The mistakes that plagued him during his career returned and he was benched in favor of Connor Shaw after a 16-13 loss to Auburn. Garcia’s dismissal came a week later.
Shaw won six games, but South Carolina suffered a major loss when early Heisman Trophy candidate Marcus Lattimore went down with an ACL tear in the middle of October. Before his injury, he was the SEC’s top rusher. Former redshirt candidate Brandon Wilds filled in and was a pleasant surprise.
South Carolina’s offense struggled for most of the sason, but the defense stayed pretty consistent after a rough start. Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson called his defense out before the Vanderbilt game, and from then on, the Gamecocks defense turned stout, finishing the year fourth in the SEC in total defense.
Steve Spurrier did one of his finest coaching jobs, as the Gamecocks won 10 games for only the second time in school history and beat rival Clemson for the third consecutive year.
Offensive MVP: Shaw. The Gamecocks won six of their last seven games with Shaw starting. With top receiver Alshon Jeffery blanketed most of the time, Shaw usually turned to his feet, finishing the year with 483 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. He threw for 1,218 yards and 12 scores.
Defensive MVP: Defensive end Melvin Ingram. He was a scoring machine to start the year, recording three touchdowns, including a 68-yard run on a fake punt. He also had 44 tackles, including 13.5 for loss, 8.5 sacks, and three takeaways.
Turning point: The Gamecocks’ loss to Auburn on Oct. 1 might have cost South Carolina the SEC East. That was a game the Gamecocks should have won, but the offensive held them back. That was also the last time we saw Garcia, ushering in the Shaw era.
What’s next: The ninth-ranked Gamecocks are headed to the Capital One Bowl to play No. 20 Nebraska. South Carolina’s offense ended the season with momentum and the Gamecocks hope to keep it going against the Cornhuskers’ 36th-ranked defense.
Lost in the glare of how dominant Alabama and LSU have been on defense this season is the job Ellis Johnson has done with the South Carolina defense.
Johnson, the Gamecocks’ assistant head coach for the defense, has his guys playing their best football of the season after a rocky start. South Carolina hasn’t given up a touchdown in three of its last five outings and hasn’t allowed more than 16 points in any of those five games. The Gamecocks are ranked sixth nationally in total defense and 14th in scoring defense.
But Johnson said the real test will come Saturday against Arkansas. The No. 9 Gamecocks could take a huge step toward wrapping up their second consecutive Eastern Division championship with a win.
We caught up with Johnson earlier this week to break down this game and his South Carolina defense. One of the best in the business, Johnson spent 28 days at Arkansas as defensive coordinator before getting the gig at South Carolina and moving closer to his and his wife’s home in the Palmetto State.
Here's our chat:
How different is Arkansas without Knile Davis at running back?
Ellis Johnson: (Dennis Johnson) is a heck of a running back, but Davis was a little bit different. They’re not minus a running game now and have a big, strong blocking fullback. You can’t just ignore the running game. If you start trying to play all these coverages to take away the deep ball and the short ball, they will find a way to run that football on you, and the next thing you know, the sticks are moving. Then you start getting tired, and they wear your butt out throwing the ball.
What’s a must for you guys defensively if you’re going to win this game?
EJ: They’re going to make some plays, and a lot of it’s going to be how we react. You don’t go out there thinking you’re going to smother these guys. You manage it and do what you can to limit it. If we’re going to have a chance, we’re going to have to stop the running game, and we’ve got to get to their quarterback with four guys.
What has allowed you to play so well defensively these last five games?
EJ: We’ve improved our play and have finally gotten some leadership and practice habits and cut out some of the stuff that I call trash yardage. It looks good in the stats, but it’s more important to me that they improve each week. I think we’ve done that, and the players seem to be understanding now the system, the adjustments and the formations. The toughest thing in college football is that every week you’re looking at a different style of offense, and you have to get the players adjusted to a whole different offense. So what I think we’ve improved on these last five weeks is that our kids have finally gotten a grasp of what we’re doing and have been able to adjust each week. We’ve been making a lot fewer mistakes and giving up a lot less trash yardage.
How much do the stakes go up facing a quarterback like Tyler Wilson?
EJ: We have not played a real top-flight quarterback in five weeks. And this week, that is not going to be the case. What I think is going to be critical is this: We’ve not given up a lot of plays, and our confidence has grown. But all of a sudden, if you start giving up a couple of plays in the first quarter or the first half, are you going to respond, or are you going to panic? That’s going to be the key to whether we’re really making progress.
You made so many plays on defense early in the season that saved you, and in a lot of cases, scored touchdowns on defense. Has it been a case of you guys simply being more consistent on defense?
EJ: Absolutely. Those plays you’re talking about, we made because of athleticism, speed and effort. But then you add discipline to it and doing what you’re supposed to, and it gets even better. Melvin Ingram was named national Defensive Lineman of the Week against Georgia, and he didn’t make a tackle in that game. So what I’m saying is that we were making all of the sexy plays for a few weeks. But, finally, we’ve gotten down to where we’re playing fundamental football and playing within our assignments.
You’ve made big plays on defense, but have given up very few of them. How big a factor has that been?
EJ: I read recently where we were one of four teams in the nation that did not have a play of 40 yards or longer against us. That’s pretty good in college football. The way college football is played today, that’s hard to do. We’ve been lucky a few times, but it does tell you that if your kids will play with effort and tackle well, you can keep big plays off the board. It’s so spread out and so different now, but you’ve got to keep from giving up those big plays that break your back.
Your kids on defense have seemed to embrace the fact that this is a different offense without Marcus Lattimore and that a lot of the burden is going to fall on the defense the rest of the way.
EJ: I think that’s part of the maturity thing, and we got on to them about it earlier in the year. We were out there trying to live off the offense scoring and go out there and get our little picks and turnovers and give up 380 yards. It was a bunch of trash. I don’t know whether it was because the competition level changed or we improved, but it was probably a little bit of both. I think we’re going to find out in the next three or four games that we’re not some kind of great, dominant defense, but I think we’ll prove that we’re pretty decent.
How heavy is that burden ... when your offense isn’t scoring a lot of points?
EJ: The thing I think our kids on defense have realized is that it wasn’t about the offense not scoring or anything like that. We weren’t getting our job done – period. And, now, we’re doing a better job of that and have gotten to the point where there’s some accountability on defense. Just because the ball is turned over at the 32-yard line doesn’t mean you have to give up a touchdown. Some of the older kids have stepped up. We’ve gotten more mature and just taken more pride in the whole thing. Again, though, we’re about to get tested in some areas we really haven’t been tested in, and I’m sort of curious myself to see how well we respond.
Johnson, the Gamecocks’ assistant head coach for the defense, has his guys playing their best football of the season after a rocky start. South Carolina hasn’t given up a touchdown in three of its last five outings and hasn’t allowed more than 16 points in any of those five games. The Gamecocks are ranked sixth nationally in total defense and 14th in scoring defense.
But Johnson said the real test will come Saturday against Arkansas. The No. 9 Gamecocks could take a huge step toward wrapping up their second consecutive Eastern Division championship with a win.
We caught up with Johnson earlier this week to break down this game and his South Carolina defense. One of the best in the business, Johnson spent 28 days at Arkansas as defensive coordinator before getting the gig at South Carolina and moving closer to his and his wife’s home in the Palmetto State.
Here's our chat:
How different is Arkansas without Knile Davis at running back?
Ellis Johnson: (Dennis Johnson) is a heck of a running back, but Davis was a little bit different. They’re not minus a running game now and have a big, strong blocking fullback. You can’t just ignore the running game. If you start trying to play all these coverages to take away the deep ball and the short ball, they will find a way to run that football on you, and the next thing you know, the sticks are moving. Then you start getting tired, and they wear your butt out throwing the ball.
What’s a must for you guys defensively if you’re going to win this game?
EJ: They’re going to make some plays, and a lot of it’s going to be how we react. You don’t go out there thinking you’re going to smother these guys. You manage it and do what you can to limit it. If we’re going to have a chance, we’re going to have to stop the running game, and we’ve got to get to their quarterback with four guys.
What has allowed you to play so well defensively these last five games?
EJ: We’ve improved our play and have finally gotten some leadership and practice habits and cut out some of the stuff that I call trash yardage. It looks good in the stats, but it’s more important to me that they improve each week. I think we’ve done that, and the players seem to be understanding now the system, the adjustments and the formations. The toughest thing in college football is that every week you’re looking at a different style of offense, and you have to get the players adjusted to a whole different offense. So what I think we’ve improved on these last five weeks is that our kids have finally gotten a grasp of what we’re doing and have been able to adjust each week. We’ve been making a lot fewer mistakes and giving up a lot less trash yardage.
How much do the stakes go up facing a quarterback like Tyler Wilson?
EJ: We have not played a real top-flight quarterback in five weeks. And this week, that is not going to be the case. What I think is going to be critical is this: We’ve not given up a lot of plays, and our confidence has grown. But all of a sudden, if you start giving up a couple of plays in the first quarter or the first half, are you going to respond, or are you going to panic? That’s going to be the key to whether we’re really making progress.
You made so many plays on defense early in the season that saved you, and in a lot of cases, scored touchdowns on defense. Has it been a case of you guys simply being more consistent on defense?
EJ: Absolutely. Those plays you’re talking about, we made because of athleticism, speed and effort. But then you add discipline to it and doing what you’re supposed to, and it gets even better. Melvin Ingram was named national Defensive Lineman of the Week against Georgia, and he didn’t make a tackle in that game. So what I’m saying is that we were making all of the sexy plays for a few weeks. But, finally, we’ve gotten down to where we’re playing fundamental football and playing within our assignments.
You’ve made big plays on defense, but have given up very few of them. How big a factor has that been?
EJ: I read recently where we were one of four teams in the nation that did not have a play of 40 yards or longer against us. That’s pretty good in college football. The way college football is played today, that’s hard to do. We’ve been lucky a few times, but it does tell you that if your kids will play with effort and tackle well, you can keep big plays off the board. It’s so spread out and so different now, but you’ve got to keep from giving up those big plays that break your back.
Your kids on defense have seemed to embrace the fact that this is a different offense without Marcus Lattimore and that a lot of the burden is going to fall on the defense the rest of the way.
EJ: I think that’s part of the maturity thing, and we got on to them about it earlier in the year. We were out there trying to live off the offense scoring and go out there and get our little picks and turnovers and give up 380 yards. It was a bunch of trash. I don’t know whether it was because the competition level changed or we improved, but it was probably a little bit of both. I think we’re going to find out in the next three or four games that we’re not some kind of great, dominant defense, but I think we’ll prove that we’re pretty decent.
How heavy is that burden ... when your offense isn’t scoring a lot of points?
EJ: The thing I think our kids on defense have realized is that it wasn’t about the offense not scoring or anything like that. We weren’t getting our job done – period. And, now, we’re doing a better job of that and have gotten to the point where there’s some accountability on defense. Just because the ball is turned over at the 32-yard line doesn’t mean you have to give up a touchdown. Some of the older kids have stepped up. We’ve gotten more mature and just taken more pride in the whole thing. Again, though, we’re about to get tested in some areas we really haven’t been tested in, and I’m sort of curious myself to see how well we respond.
There's a rumor floating around that there's a pretty big game in Tuscaloosa this week.
Here's a look at what to watch around the league in Week 10:
1. Winning up front: With all the focus on the two defenses in the Alabama and LSU game, keep a close eye on who gets it done up front on offense, especially in the second half. Both of these offensive lines have a way of imposing their will on teams after halftime. They should be healthy, too. Guard Anthony Steen is expected back for Alabama after missing time with a concussion, and LSU will get back center P.J. Lonergan, who didn’t play in either of the Tigers’ last two games while recovering from an ankle injury. The team that plays the best on the offensive line is the team that’s going to win this game.
2.Big-play receivers: With both the Alabama and LSU defenses being so stout, it makes sense that the team that wins is going to have to hit a few big plays in the passing game. It was Jarrett Lee completing the third-down bomb to Rueben Randle last season to ice the game for the Tigers, and two years ago, it was Julio Jones’ 73-yard catch and run that put the Crimson Tide ahead to stay. LSU’s Randle has been one of the best big-play receivers in the league this season. He has seven touchdown receptions and is averaging 19.3 yards per catch. Russell Shepard is somebody else to watch for the Tigers, while Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks are also plenty capable of striking from long distance for the Crimson Tide.
3. Settling the East: It’s not an Eastern Division game, but South Carolina could take a huge step toward wrapping up its second consecutive East crown by winning in Fayetteville. The Gamecocks would then have one SEC game remaining at home against Florida. South Carolina owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Georgia, but the Bulldogs get both of their remaining SEC games at home against Auburn and Kentucky. The Gamecocks haven’t matched up well in recent years against the Hogs, but need to get over that hump if they’re going to get back to Atlanta.
4. Pressuring with four: South Carolina’s defense has been excellent the last five games. The Gamecocks haven’t given up more than 16 points during that stretch. Their defensive front has been a big reason why, although assistant head coach for the defense, Ellis Johnson, said the real test will come Saturday against Arkansas. South Carolina leads the SEC with 26 forced turnovers, but Johnson said the key against the Hogs will be getting pressure on Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson with the Gamecocks’ front four and not having to blitz a whole lot. The Hogs have struggled to protect Wilson in some games this season.
5. Playing two halves: Arkansas got away with it last week against Vanderbilt. The Hogs did the same two weeks ago against Ole Miss. Make that ditto for the Texas A&M game a month ago. The Hogs simply haven’t answered the bell in the first half, but have found ways to battle back in the second half and win games. That’s a dangerous script to follow if you’re going to beat South Carolina. The Hogs have been one of the best teams in the league when it comes to making big plays on offense, which would be the easiest way to get off to a good start. But the Gamecocks haven’t given up big plays this season. In fact, they haven’t allowed one all season that was longer than 33 yards.
6. A different Vanderbilt: The Commodores last won at the Swamp (Florida Field) in 1945. So it’s been a while. But it’s obvious that this isn’t the same old Vandy. It’s also not the same old Florida. The Gators have lost four in a row and went winless in the month of October. It’s been a tough season for first-year coach Will Muschamp, especially with quarterback John Brantley missing much of October. But it will go from a tough season to an unbearable season if Vanderbilt comes into the Swamp and wins. The Commodores lost in the final minutes to both Arkansas and Georgia in their last two outings. They’ve been very good all season on defense and are improving on offense, but they’re still looking for their first win away from home.
7. Ending the misery: Between them, Kentucky and Ole Miss have lost nine conference games this season. The Rebels have lost 11 in a row going back to last season. Something’s gotta give Saturday when they meet up in Commonwealth Stadium. Both teams had their chances last week. In fact, Ole Miss has been in position to win each of the last two weeks, but couldn’t finish the game against Auburn or Arkansas. It looks like the Wildcats will be going with freshman quarterback Maxwell Smith in this game. Morgan Newton is battling an ankle injury. Smith came in last week against Mississippi State and showed some promise.
8. New faces for Dawgs: Get ready to see several new faces on Saturday in Georgia’s offensive backfield. The Bulldogs suspended three running backs this week, including freshman Isaiah Crowell, after they failed drug tests. Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcome were also suspended for the New Mexico State game. Making matters worse, Richard Samuel will miss the rest of the regular season with a foot injury after running as hard and as well as he has in a long time last week against Florida. So who’s going to carry the football for the Dawgs? Former walk-on Brandon Harton is the leader in the clubhouse followed by freshman walk-on Kyle Karempelis. Don’t be surprised if you see the likes of Brandon Boykin and Branden Smith back there some, too.
9. Another shot for Worley: Tennessee true freshman quarterback Justin Worley will make his second straight start Saturday after suffering through a rough outing last week against South Carolina. There are never any guarantees, but going up against Middle Tennessee’s defense figures to be a little less stressful than dealing with the Gamecocks on defense. It wasn’t all on Worley last week, either. He threw a couple of nice passes, but the players around him didn’t play very well. In particular, sophomore receiver Da’Rick Rogers dropped what would have been a touchdown pass. Rogers said he told Worley after the play, “I owe you. I owe you a bunch of stuff.”
10. Russell’s impact: Mississippi State was one of the SEC’s top rushing teams each of the last two seasons, but the Bulldogs have been more successful with the pass here lately. The biggest change has been Tyler Russell and his ability to throw the football. He’s a pocket passer with a big arm, and the Bulldogs have tweaked things when he’s in the game to play to his strengths. In the 28-16 win over Kentucky last week, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen rotated Chris Relf and Russell, and they combined for 264 passing yards and two touchdowns. It looks like the Bulldogs are going to stick with the quarterback rotation. They’ve generated more passing yards than rushing yards in their last four games and are averaging 204.6 passing yards per game, which is the most they’ve averaged through the air in eight seasons.
Here's a look at what to watch around the league in Week 10:
1. Winning up front: With all the focus on the two defenses in the Alabama and LSU game, keep a close eye on who gets it done up front on offense, especially in the second half. Both of these offensive lines have a way of imposing their will on teams after halftime. They should be healthy, too. Guard Anthony Steen is expected back for Alabama after missing time with a concussion, and LSU will get back center P.J. Lonergan, who didn’t play in either of the Tigers’ last two games while recovering from an ankle injury. The team that plays the best on the offensive line is the team that’s going to win this game.
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Rob Foldy/Icon SMILSU receiver Rueben Randle will most likely play a big role in Saturday's game at Alabama.
Rob Foldy/Icon SMILSU receiver Rueben Randle will most likely play a big role in Saturday's game at Alabama.3. Settling the East: It’s not an Eastern Division game, but South Carolina could take a huge step toward wrapping up its second consecutive East crown by winning in Fayetteville. The Gamecocks would then have one SEC game remaining at home against Florida. South Carolina owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Georgia, but the Bulldogs get both of their remaining SEC games at home against Auburn and Kentucky. The Gamecocks haven’t matched up well in recent years against the Hogs, but need to get over that hump if they’re going to get back to Atlanta.
4. Pressuring with four: South Carolina’s defense has been excellent the last five games. The Gamecocks haven’t given up more than 16 points during that stretch. Their defensive front has been a big reason why, although assistant head coach for the defense, Ellis Johnson, said the real test will come Saturday against Arkansas. South Carolina leads the SEC with 26 forced turnovers, but Johnson said the key against the Hogs will be getting pressure on Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson with the Gamecocks’ front four and not having to blitz a whole lot. The Hogs have struggled to protect Wilson in some games this season.
5. Playing two halves: Arkansas got away with it last week against Vanderbilt. The Hogs did the same two weeks ago against Ole Miss. Make that ditto for the Texas A&M game a month ago. The Hogs simply haven’t answered the bell in the first half, but have found ways to battle back in the second half and win games. That’s a dangerous script to follow if you’re going to beat South Carolina. The Hogs have been one of the best teams in the league when it comes to making big plays on offense, which would be the easiest way to get off to a good start. But the Gamecocks haven’t given up big plays this season. In fact, they haven’t allowed one all season that was longer than 33 yards.
6. A different Vanderbilt: The Commodores last won at the Swamp (Florida Field) in 1945. So it’s been a while. But it’s obvious that this isn’t the same old Vandy. It’s also not the same old Florida. The Gators have lost four in a row and went winless in the month of October. It’s been a tough season for first-year coach Will Muschamp, especially with quarterback John Brantley missing much of October. But it will go from a tough season to an unbearable season if Vanderbilt comes into the Swamp and wins. The Commodores lost in the final minutes to both Arkansas and Georgia in their last two outings. They’ve been very good all season on defense and are improving on offense, but they’re still looking for their first win away from home.
7. Ending the misery: Between them, Kentucky and Ole Miss have lost nine conference games this season. The Rebels have lost 11 in a row going back to last season. Something’s gotta give Saturday when they meet up in Commonwealth Stadium. Both teams had their chances last week. In fact, Ole Miss has been in position to win each of the last two weeks, but couldn’t finish the game against Auburn or Arkansas. It looks like the Wildcats will be going with freshman quarterback Maxwell Smith in this game. Morgan Newton is battling an ankle injury. Smith came in last week against Mississippi State and showed some promise.
8. New faces for Dawgs: Get ready to see several new faces on Saturday in Georgia’s offensive backfield. The Bulldogs suspended three running backs this week, including freshman Isaiah Crowell, after they failed drug tests. Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcome were also suspended for the New Mexico State game. Making matters worse, Richard Samuel will miss the rest of the regular season with a foot injury after running as hard and as well as he has in a long time last week against Florida. So who’s going to carry the football for the Dawgs? Former walk-on Brandon Harton is the leader in the clubhouse followed by freshman walk-on Kyle Karempelis. Don’t be surprised if you see the likes of Brandon Boykin and Branden Smith back there some, too.
9. Another shot for Worley: Tennessee true freshman quarterback Justin Worley will make his second straight start Saturday after suffering through a rough outing last week against South Carolina. There are never any guarantees, but going up against Middle Tennessee’s defense figures to be a little less stressful than dealing with the Gamecocks on defense. It wasn’t all on Worley last week, either. He threw a couple of nice passes, but the players around him didn’t play very well. In particular, sophomore receiver Da’Rick Rogers dropped what would have been a touchdown pass. Rogers said he told Worley after the play, “I owe you. I owe you a bunch of stuff.”
10. Russell’s impact: Mississippi State was one of the SEC’s top rushing teams each of the last two seasons, but the Bulldogs have been more successful with the pass here lately. The biggest change has been Tyler Russell and his ability to throw the football. He’s a pocket passer with a big arm, and the Bulldogs have tweaked things when he’s in the game to play to his strengths. In the 28-16 win over Kentucky last week, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen rotated Chris Relf and Russell, and they combined for 264 passing yards and two touchdowns. It looks like the Bulldogs are going to stick with the quarterback rotation. They’ve generated more passing yards than rushing yards in their last four games and are averaging 204.6 passing yards per game, which is the most they’ve averaged through the air in eight seasons.
Time to pass out a few helmet stickers as the countdown has now officially begun to next week’s SEC Super Bowl:
Georgia coach Mark Richt: A lot of teams would have unraveled after an 0-2 start to the season, especially when there were so many high expectations. But Richt’s leadership and quiet confidence have steered the Bulldogs back to the forefront of the Eastern Division race. All the negativity surrounding the program after that 0-2 start never made its way onto the team or inside the Bulldogs’ locker room, and that’s a credit to Richt and his entire staff.
Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia: Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said before the season that Jones would make a big impact on the Bulldogs’ defense, and the USC transfer has certainly delivered. The sophomore outside linebacker had four sacks in Georgia’s 24-20 win over Florida and also forced a fumble at the Gators’ 18-yard line in the third quarter that led to a game-tying touchdown. Jones’ final sack came on fourth down late in the game and all but finished the Gators.
Jerry Franklin, LB, Arkansas: His 94-yard fumble return for a touchdown turned the entire game around and spearheaded the Hogs’ come-from-behind 31-28 victory over Vanderbilt on the road. The Commodores had the ball at the Hogs’ 3-yard line and were about to take a two-touchdown lead early in the fourth quarter, but Franklin scooped up Zac Stacy’s fumble and raced 94 yards for a touchdown. The Hogs converted the two-point conversion and tied the game. Franklin also led Arkansas with 10 tackles, including 2.5 for loss.
Clint Moseley, QB, Auburn: It was rude welcome to the SEC as a starting quarterback last week for Moseley against LSU, but he came back with a vengeance in the Tigers’ 41-23 win over Ole Miss. Moseley threw the first four touchdown passes of his career, including a pair of scoring strikes to tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen. Moseley, who finished 12-of-15 for 160 yards and no interceptions, also connected with Emory Blake and Quindarius Carr on touchdown passes.
Ellis Johnson, South Carolina assistant head coach for the defense: OK, he’s got a long title, but his defense is carrying the Gamecocks right now. South Carolina beat Tennessee 14-3 on Saturday, the fifth consecutive game that the Gamecocks have held an opponent to 16 points or less. South Carolina held Tennessee to 186 total yards and intercepted two passes, one of those coming after the Vols had intercepted a pass and returned it to the Gamecocks’ 2-yard line. In three of their past five games, the Gamecocks have held opponents without a touchdown.
Georgia coach Mark Richt: A lot of teams would have unraveled after an 0-2 start to the season, especially when there were so many high expectations. But Richt’s leadership and quiet confidence have steered the Bulldogs back to the forefront of the Eastern Division race. All the negativity surrounding the program after that 0-2 start never made its way onto the team or inside the Bulldogs’ locker room, and that’s a credit to Richt and his entire staff.
Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia: Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said before the season that Jones would make a big impact on the Bulldogs’ defense, and the USC transfer has certainly delivered. The sophomore outside linebacker had four sacks in Georgia’s 24-20 win over Florida and also forced a fumble at the Gators’ 18-yard line in the third quarter that led to a game-tying touchdown. Jones’ final sack came on fourth down late in the game and all but finished the Gators.
Jerry Franklin, LB, Arkansas: His 94-yard fumble return for a touchdown turned the entire game around and spearheaded the Hogs’ come-from-behind 31-28 victory over Vanderbilt on the road. The Commodores had the ball at the Hogs’ 3-yard line and were about to take a two-touchdown lead early in the fourth quarter, but Franklin scooped up Zac Stacy’s fumble and raced 94 yards for a touchdown. The Hogs converted the two-point conversion and tied the game. Franklin also led Arkansas with 10 tackles, including 2.5 for loss.
Clint Moseley, QB, Auburn: It was rude welcome to the SEC as a starting quarterback last week for Moseley against LSU, but he came back with a vengeance in the Tigers’ 41-23 win over Ole Miss. Moseley threw the first four touchdown passes of his career, including a pair of scoring strikes to tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen. Moseley, who finished 12-of-15 for 160 yards and no interceptions, also connected with Emory Blake and Quindarius Carr on touchdown passes.
Ellis Johnson, South Carolina assistant head coach for the defense: OK, he’s got a long title, but his defense is carrying the Gamecocks right now. South Carolina beat Tennessee 14-3 on Saturday, the fifth consecutive game that the Gamecocks have held an opponent to 16 points or less. South Carolina held Tennessee to 186 total yards and intercepted two passes, one of those coming after the Vols had intercepted a pass and returned it to the Gamecocks’ 2-yard line. In three of their past five games, the Gamecocks have held opponents without a touchdown.
The college football season is heating up with the release of the first BCS standings this week.
Anybody else feeling a bit hot … or not?
GLOWING EMBERS
Trent Richardson’s Heisman chances: A big part of winning the Heisman Trophy is all about timing. Mark Ingram made his move at exactly the right time two years ago, and now Richardson is doing the same. He’s already closing in on 1,000 yards rushing and is fourth nationally at 130.3 yards per game. He’s third nationally with 16 touchdowns and has rushed for 100 or more yards now in six straight games. What separates Richardson is his ability to wear on defenders, grind out the tough yards and break tackles that would take down most backs. Obviously, the 224-pound Richardson isn’t most backs, which is further evidenced by how electrifying he is when he gets into the open field. Good luck catching him and good luck getting him on the ground. We’ve all heard of Heisman poses. What about his Heisman shake last week to finish off his 76-yard touchdown run against Ole Miss? Something says we’ll see that run replayed a few more times this season, maybe even at the Best Buy Theatre in New York City the second weekend of December.
HOT
SEC centers: The SEC should have its own Rimington Trophy this season. The lineup of centers in this league is excellent. Alabama’s William Vlachos, LSU’s P.J. Lonergan and Georgia’s Ben Jones are all playing like All-Americans, even though Lonergan was banged up and didn’t play last week.
NOT
LSU quarterback controversy: It seems odd that LSU coach Les Miles would be so determined to get Jordan Jefferson into the game with the way Jarrett Lee and the Tigers are playing right now. Jefferson started the second half against Tennessee and played most of the way. But it’s really not an issue with the players, and that includes Lee. So call it a quarterback rotation and not a quarterback controversy.
HOT
South Carolina’s defense: The Gamecocks can thank Ellis Johnson and that defense for holding their ground these last four weeks. They haven’t given up more than 16 points in their last four games and are really getting after teams right now. South Carolina is second in the SEC with 14 sacks and tied for the lead nationally with 24 forced turnovers.
NOT
Florida’s running game: The Gators have now gone three straight games without rushing for 100 yards. Jeff Demps has been hurt – again. And Chris Rainey also hasn’t been able to get untracked after starting the season on fire. He was held to 33 yards on 16 carries in the 17-6 loss to Auburn, and no Florida running back had a rush that was longer than 9 yards.
HOT
Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw: One of those guys no quarterback likes to see lined up on the edge and ready to take off, Upshaw is making his case as the SEC’s pre-eminent big-play defender. He now leads the league with 10.5 tackles for loss.
NOT
Georgia’s special teams: What didn’t go wrong for the Bulldogs on special teams in their 33-28 escape against Vanderbilt? Drew Butler’s punt at the end of the game was blocked, giving the Commodores a chance to win it. Georgia also gave up a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a fake punt that led to another Vanderbilt touchdown. All the gaffes overshadowed Orson Charles’ blocked punt for the Bulldogs.
HOT
Mississippi State cornerback Johnthan Banks: He’s quickly becoming one of the SEC’s most productive cornerbacks. Banks is tied for the league lead with five interceptions and leads the league with 13 passes defended. Only a junior, he now has 12 career picks, just four off Walt Harris’ school record of 16.
NOT
James Franklin and Todd Grantham playing nice: Something says these two guys won’t be trading Christmas cards. Franklin wasn’t real thrilled about some of the things allegedly being said by some of the Georgia defenders during the game, and Grantham wasn’t real thrilled about some of the things Franklin was allegedly saying to Georgia safety Shawn Williams after the game. One thing’s for sure. Neither coach was backing down.
FREEZER BURN
Eastern Division: A year ago, four of the six teams in the Eastern Division wound up with losing overall records – Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. It’s not farfetched to think that we could have a repeat this season, and at the very least, have four teams finish no better than .500 overall. Kentucky is almost certainly headed for a losing season. Tennessee and Vanderbilt are both on track to be in the .500 range, and Florida is also looking down the barrel of a second straight season with at least five losses. South Carolina suffered a huge blow last week with Marcus Lattimore going down for the season, and Georgia has seemingly righted the ship after starting the season 0-2. Still, it’s hard to imagine anybody in the East having much of a chance against whichever team wins the West. Auburn beat South Carolina by 39 points last season in the SEC championship game. A lot can still happen, but would anybody be surprised if we had a second straight blowout in Atlanta that first weekend of December?
Anybody else feeling a bit hot … or not?
GLOWING EMBERS
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Spruce Derden/US PresswireTrent Richardson is making a strong case for the Heisman.
Spruce Derden/US PresswireTrent Richardson is making a strong case for the Heisman.HOT
SEC centers: The SEC should have its own Rimington Trophy this season. The lineup of centers in this league is excellent. Alabama’s William Vlachos, LSU’s P.J. Lonergan and Georgia’s Ben Jones are all playing like All-Americans, even though Lonergan was banged up and didn’t play last week.
NOT
LSU quarterback controversy: It seems odd that LSU coach Les Miles would be so determined to get Jordan Jefferson into the game with the way Jarrett Lee and the Tigers are playing right now. Jefferson started the second half against Tennessee and played most of the way. But it’s really not an issue with the players, and that includes Lee. So call it a quarterback rotation and not a quarterback controversy.
HOT
South Carolina’s defense: The Gamecocks can thank Ellis Johnson and that defense for holding their ground these last four weeks. They haven’t given up more than 16 points in their last four games and are really getting after teams right now. South Carolina is second in the SEC with 14 sacks and tied for the lead nationally with 24 forced turnovers.
NOT
Florida’s running game: The Gators have now gone three straight games without rushing for 100 yards. Jeff Demps has been hurt – again. And Chris Rainey also hasn’t been able to get untracked after starting the season on fire. He was held to 33 yards on 16 carries in the 17-6 loss to Auburn, and no Florida running back had a rush that was longer than 9 yards.
HOT
Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw: One of those guys no quarterback likes to see lined up on the edge and ready to take off, Upshaw is making his case as the SEC’s pre-eminent big-play defender. He now leads the league with 10.5 tackles for loss.
NOT
Georgia’s special teams: What didn’t go wrong for the Bulldogs on special teams in their 33-28 escape against Vanderbilt? Drew Butler’s punt at the end of the game was blocked, giving the Commodores a chance to win it. Georgia also gave up a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and a fake punt that led to another Vanderbilt touchdown. All the gaffes overshadowed Orson Charles’ blocked punt for the Bulldogs.
HOT
Mississippi State cornerback Johnthan Banks: He’s quickly becoming one of the SEC’s most productive cornerbacks. Banks is tied for the league lead with five interceptions and leads the league with 13 passes defended. Only a junior, he now has 12 career picks, just four off Walt Harris’ school record of 16.
NOT
James Franklin and Todd Grantham playing nice: Something says these two guys won’t be trading Christmas cards. Franklin wasn’t real thrilled about some of the things allegedly being said by some of the Georgia defenders during the game, and Grantham wasn’t real thrilled about some of the things Franklin was allegedly saying to Georgia safety Shawn Williams after the game. One thing’s for sure. Neither coach was backing down.
FREEZER BURN
Eastern Division: A year ago, four of the six teams in the Eastern Division wound up with losing overall records – Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. It’s not farfetched to think that we could have a repeat this season, and at the very least, have four teams finish no better than .500 overall. Kentucky is almost certainly headed for a losing season. Tennessee and Vanderbilt are both on track to be in the .500 range, and Florida is also looking down the barrel of a second straight season with at least five losses. South Carolina suffered a huge blow last week with Marcus Lattimore going down for the season, and Georgia has seemingly righted the ship after starting the season 0-2. Still, it’s hard to imagine anybody in the East having much of a chance against whichever team wins the West. Auburn beat South Carolina by 39 points last season in the SEC championship game. A lot can still happen, but would anybody be surprised if we had a second straight blowout in Atlanta that first weekend of December?
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Chris Low
Low joined ESPN.com in 2007 after 10 years with The (Nashville) Tennessean covering the University of Tennessee and SEC. The Rock Hill, S.C., native lives with his wife in Knoxville and has three sons.
Edward Aschoff
Aschoff joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years covering the University of Florida for The Gainesville Sun. He grew up in Oxford, Miss., before attending UF, graduating with a B.S. in journalism.
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