ESPN College Football

We asked you on Tuesday to vote for the most hated coach in SEC history -- past or present.

We're all about the love here on the SEC blog, but this is after all "Hate Week" at ESPN.com. Seriously, this is all done in fun, and some of your responses were priceless.

Here's a sampling:

Drew in Greenville, S.C., writes: I don't think there is any doubt that Lane Kiffin is the clear winner (loser). The two glaring differences between Kiffin and all the other candidates is that he left the program in shambles and he didn't win anything. All the other coaches had success at their respective schools and Kiffin never sniffed success. With Kiffin at the helm, if felt like I was always having to defend my school's decision to hire that clown. Currently, Dooley may not be winning much, but at least I don't have to defend him for his lack of honor.

Darth Tripous writes: The most hated SEC coach has to be Lane Kiffin. My hope is that one day Alshon Jeffery will say to Kiffin, "Fill 'er up please."

Mike in Mandeville, La., writes: I'm down on Nick Saban, but not for the reasons most LSU dislike him. I just need to look at the last play of his tenure at LSU, the Iowa "Hail Mary." Saban was DB coach and that garbage could happen? Nicky was always pulling boneheaded stunts, only saved by the awesome talent he recruited. Anyone remember his annual inability to pick a starting QB? How about UAB 13 LSU 10? The 2000 Arkansas game he failed to use a time out to punt with the wind and ended up with a 3-yarder to start the 2nd quarter? How about 4th & inches at his own 27 during the 2001 SEC title game? The dog show from 2002 that started in Auburn and culminated in the Cotton Bowl loss to Texas? 2003 Florida? UGa 2004? Nick seems to have learned a great deal from the NFL, but the poor in-game calls that cost LSU from 2000-2004 will always have Lil' Nicky No. 1 on my dog list!

R.J. in Portland, Ore., writes: The biggest SEC villain is no doubt Nick (the dictator) Saban. He oversigns, ruthlessly cuts players, has hissy fits in front of the media and undermines them. Not to mention he compares losses to horrific tragedies such as Pearl Harbor and has a terrible personality. The guy is everything that is wrong with college football.

Jason in Athens, Ga., writes: By far, it's the "Evil Genius" now at South Carolina. Being a lifelong DAWG fan, I despised him when he was at Florida, when we could only pull out one win in the 90's (1997: behind Bobo and Edwards running the show). And now he has gotten the best of us the past few years for sure. But as much as I wish he would leave, I have respect for him because he is without a question one of the best college football coaches in history. Anyone who can win an ACC championship with Duke is a helluva ball coach.

Sam in Athens, Ga., writes: Spurrier is still the most hated coach in the SEC for his snide comments. Saban may be despised by Auburn fans, but the rest of the league recognizes he is simply the best coach in college football today.

Byrd in Houston, Texas writes: How can anyone beat out Tommy Tuberville for the most hated coach? Ole Miss hates him for leaving. Bama hates him for beating them more often than not. Auburn hates him for "losing" toward the end of his tenure. The rest of the SEC hates him. Close second: Jackie Sherrill.

Chris in Tampa, Fla., writes: It's Gene Chizik. He has a terrible record and a bought national title. But, somehow, he has the puppet Auburn fans dancing on his string.

Barry in Charleston, Tenn., writes: James Franklin is the coach I despise most. Dirty on the field and talks too much off it, especially for a program that has always been awful. I hope Candy's fans realize he won't be there once he gets a better offer from somewhere else.

Brian in Washington, D.C., writes: Saban. Period. Petrino would make the discussion if he still met the employment requirement. Without him, there is no argument.

Trevor writes: Gotta be Derek Dooley. He makes horrible remarks about Vanderbilt, has no originality, and let's face it, who really does like the orange pants? Even Johnny Majors still cringes at the thought of orange pants. Spurrier would be a close second.

Michael in Eden Prairie, Minn., writes: Pat Dye for sure. He was the one who turned my Gators into the NCAA in the early 1980s for paying players while the whole time doing it himself. Remember Eric Ramsey?

Realdawgsnocowbell writes: Does it have to be a head coach? How about Willie Martinez?

John in Baton Rouge, La., writes: There have been many coaches in the SEC that are so much fun to hate. For me, though it's none other than Phil Fulmer. Of all his accomplishments and successes, the first thing that comes to my mind is a particular game played Sept. 26, 2005. It was an extremely hot Monday night after Hurricane Rita. It was my freshman year at LSU and my first time in the student section. With the community recently rocked by two hurricanes, everyone was excited to have a game to watch in Tiger Stadium. Sadly, we squandered a 21-point lead and fell in overtime. I remember clearly the sight of Gerald Riggs scoring the winning touchdown and the moment of dead silence that came over the crowd as we realized what had just happened. Tennessee then planted their flag at midfield and Coach Fulmer in his post game interview said that Rick Clausen was now the greatest story in America . It wasn't the greatest story in America. The greatest story in America at the moment had just been ruined. Ever since, Fulmer has been the coach that I loved to root against!

Jordan in Birmingham, Ala., writes: Without a doubt, the most hated coach to ever come through the SEC is Phillip Fulmer! Roll Tide!

Today, we dissect Auburn's schedule as the Tigers enter the 2012 season with a new offensive coordinator and new defensive coordinator:

Nonconference opponents (with 2011 records)

Sept. 1: vs. Clemson (10-4), in Atlanta
Sept. 15: Louisiana-Monroe (4-8)
Nov. 3: New Mexico State (4-9)
Nov. 17: Alabama A&M (8-4)

SEC home games

Sept. 22: LSU
Oct. 6: Arkansas
Oct. 27: Texas A&M
Nov. 10: Georgia

SEC road games

Sept. 8: at Mississippi State
Oct. 13: at Ole Miss
Oct. 20: at Vanderbilt
Nov. 24: at Alabama

Gut-check time: LSU comes to the Plains on Sept. 22. The game will be played a month earlier than it was a year ago, and you can bet that nobody in Auburn's locker room will need to be reminded what happened the last time the two teams clashed. LSU embarrassed Auburn 45-10, triggering what was a humbling close to Auburn's regular season. The Tigers lost to LSU, Georgia and Alabama by a combined 101 points. If Auburn is going to make some noise in the Western Division race this coming season, it starts with LSU's visit that fourth Saturday in September. Arkansas visits two weeks later, and Auburn will need at least a split if the Tigers are going to be a factor come November.

Trap game: Vanderbilt proved last season that it's not going to be an easy out under James Franklin, especially at home. Auburn's Oct. 20 visit to Nashville comes on the heels of a trip to Ole Miss, and the second leg of a road swing in this league is always dicey.

Snoozer: The Nov. 3 game against New Mexico State is the second of four straight games at home for the Tigers, who have a couple of glorified scrimmages in November when you toss Alabama A&M into the mix two weeks later.

Telltale stretch: So much is riding on Auburn's start to the season -- Clemson in Atlanta in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game and then Mississippi State in Starkville the second week of the season. If those two home games against LSU on Sept. 22 and then Arkansas on Oct. 6 are going to mean much, it's imperative that Auburn take care of its business right out of the gate.

Final analysis: Simply surviving the first part of the schedule will be as important as anything for the Tigers in 2012. There's going to be a lot that's new on both offense and defense, so that could be to their advantage in those first couple of games. Teams will be guessing a little bit in terms of what to prepare for. The good news for the Tigers is that four of their last five games are at home. Gene Chizik is 20-3 at home as Auburn's head coach. The bye week also comes at a good time and is sandwiched between the key home dates with LSU and Arkansas. Auburn won't be able to survive a start as shaky as the one last season, not facing Clemson in the opener in Atlanta and then traveling to Mississippi State the second week of the season. The Tigers will need to be on top of their game from the outset because LSU comes to town a few weeks later, not to mention Arkansas, all before the midway point of the season. Again, though, if Auburn can make it through those first two games, seven of its next nine contests will be played in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers won eight games last season, and bettering that mark in 2012 is going to be a real challenge when you consider that four of the teams they face -- Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and LSU -- will start the season ranked somewhere in the top 15 nationally.

We're putting spring behind us and looking toward the fall with our post-spring power rankings:

1. LSU: The Tigers had one of the best springs around. Things were quiet off the field, and the offense rallied behind quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Coach Les Miles was very impressed with Mettenberger's play and maturity, and expects LSU's offense to be more balanced with him under center. LSU can still use four or five running backs, as well. Defensively, the Tigers are stacked once again, especially up front with two potential first-rounders in ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo. Questions surround the inexperienced linebackers, but Kevin Minter had a tremendous spring in the middle. On paper, LSU is equipped with the talent to make another title run, and gets Alabama at home this year.

2. Alabama: While the defending national champs saw a lot of "new" faces on defense this spring, coach Nick Saban left happy with where his players were -- but not satisfied. There is still work to be done, especially in the secondary, where the Tide must replace three starters. Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw are gone at linebacker, but the coaches were impressed with how Nico Johnson, C.J. Mosley and Adrian Hubbard played this spring. Some think Hubbard, a redshirt sophomore, could be Bama's top pass-rusher. Offensively, quarterback AJ McCarron is back, more mature and surrounded by a very veteran line. He has a group of younger receivers to throw to, but has at least four quality running backs. Alabama's road to repeating is tougher, with games at Arkansas and LSU.

3. South Carolina: A healthy Marcus Lattimore (knee) at RB makes South Carolina an even better contender for the SEC East crown. His status is uncertain, but the pieces around him are pretty impressive. Quarterback Connor Shaw had an impressive spring, and looks ready to be the passer coach Steve Spurrier wants him to be. The defense is once again stacked, especially up front with ends Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor. There are questions in the secondary, with two new, young starters in Victor Hampton (cornerback) and Brison Williams (safety), while senior Akeem Auguste returns after missing last season with a foot injury. Still, Spurrier is chirping about his SEC counterparts, so you know he thinks he's got a good team this year.

4. Georgia: The Bulldogs should be higher on this list, but when you take into account the suspensions of four defensive starters at the beginning of the season, they slide a little. Georgia returns nine defensive starters, including one of the nation's best linebackers in Jarvis Jones, and some firepower on offense, led by veteran quarterback Aaron Murray, who could get some early Heisman love. It also sounds like enigmatic running back Isaiah Crowell is slowly turning things around. Yet again, the Bulldogs have a favorable SEC schedule, with no games against Alabama, Arkansas or LSU, so their road to the SEC championship is easier than South Carolina's, but keep an eye on that inexperienced offensive line.

5. Arkansas: If not for Bobby Petrino's embarrassing dismissal, the Razorbacks might be ranked higher. Offensively, it doesn't get much better than what Arkansas has. Tyler Wilson returns as arguably the league's best quarterback, and he'll get to work with one of the most complete backs around, Knile Davis, who is returning from a devastating ankle injury. An older and more improved offensive line returns, and so does a talented receiving corps led by Cobi Hamilton. But there are questions. How effective will interim coach John L. Smith be, especially if something goes wrong? Will Marquel Wade's suspension leak into the fall after his spring arrest? And will the defense improve and be more aggressive under new coordinator Paul Haynes? The good news is that Alabama and LSU play in Fayetteville this fall.

6. Florida: The chemistry is much better in Gainesville. Florida returns 10 starters from a defense that ranked eighth nationally in 2011. Matt Elam looks like a budding star at safety, and Florida's linebacking group is solid. Buck/defensive end Ronald Powell could be out after tearing his ACL this spring, but coach Will Muschamp recently said Powell is off crutches. Stud defensive tackle Dominique Easley is also walking fine after tearing his ACL in last year's season finale. The Gators have their third offensive coordinator in three years, and unproven sophomore quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel are still battling. Florida has unproven running backs and receivers, but the offensive line toughened up tremendously.

7. Auburn: The Tigers welcomed two new coordinators, Scot Loeffler and Brian VanGorder, this spring, and by all accounts players were very receptive. Coach Gene Chizik is still dealing with a lot of youth, as close to 70 percent of his roster is made up of underclassmen. One of those underclassmen is quarterback Kiehl Frazier, who made strides as a passer this spring and seems to have the edge in the quarterback race with Clint Moseley, who missed some of the spring with a sore shoulder. The defensive line will be the team's strength, with end Dee Ford exploding this spring and Corey Lemonier returning. There is a lot of depth up front on defense, which will go a long way for the Tigers.

8. Missouri: Coach Gary Pinkel and his players have made it clear they aren't intimidated by the move to the SEC. These new Tigers return solid offensive firepower, but there has to be some concern about quarterback James Franklin, who missed most of the spring after having surgery on his throwing shoulder. Plus, Mizzou's backup QB could miss games this fall after his recent arrest, so the Tigers' offensive success will be riding on Franklin's health. The Tigers are replacing a few starters on both lines, but feel confident about both areas. Mizzou will face a Georgia team down a few defensive players in Week 2, but must travel to South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

9. Tennessee: A lot is different in Knoxville, as the Vols welcomed seven new assistant coaches. Coach Derek Dooley insists the changes were for the best, but there's still going to be some adjusting to do this fall. The good news is that Tennessee returns a lot on both sides of the ball, starting with quarterback Tyler Bray and receivers Justin Hunter and Da'Rick Rogers. A healthy trio there makes Tennessee's passing game one of the best in the league. Questions remain on the offensive line and at running back, but improvements were made this spring. New defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri would like to run more 3-4 this fall, but players aren't totally comfortable, leaving some concerns.

10. Mississippi State: Quarterback Tyler Russell finally looks ready to take over as the guy in Starkville, and he'll have a veteran receiving corps to work with. However, that group still has a lot to prove, especially senior Chad Bumphis. The running game looks solid with LaDarius Perkins and Nick Griffin, and the offensive line got help from the junior college ranks. Defensively, there are a few holes to fill up front and in the secondary, but Johnthan Banks and Corey Broomfield are a solid cornerback tandem and linebacker is set with a few vets back, including stud Cameron Lawrence. Junior college defensive end Denico Autry has to perform early to help a line with a couple of holes.

11. Texas A&M: The Aggies have some holes to fill this year, but the offensive line will be a strength. Left tackle Luke Joeckel, a future first-rounder, leads a line that returns four starters. Star wide receiver Ryan Swope is back, and running back Christine Michael should be healthy (knee) this fall, but quarterback is an issue. Sophomore Jameill Showers has the edge right now, but like all of his competitors, he lacks experience. The defense will lean on linebackers Sean Porter, Steven Jenkins, Jonathan Stewart and converted end Damontre Moore, but the secondary has depth and experience issues, and the team will still be adjusting to a new staff led by coach Kevin Sumlin.

12. Vanderbilt: There is some solid offensive talent in Nashville, starting with running back Zac Stacy and receivers Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd, but coach James Franklin is still waiting for quarterback Jordan Rodgers to be more consistent. The offensive line is very thin and could barely get through spring. The defense must replace a handful of starters and leaders, but Franklin felt better about guys like linebacker Chase Garnham, defensive end Walker May and cornerback Trey Wilson. Vandy's schedule will be tough this fall, and if that offensive line doesn't hold up, getting back to a bowl will be tough.

13. Kentucky: Coach Joker Phillips was pleased with how spring practice ended, especially when it came to finding offensive playmakers, like receivers Demarco Robinson and Daryl Collins. Quarterback Maxwell Smith had a solid spring, but struggled during the spring game, meaning the battle with Morgan Newton and freshman Patrick Towles should go into the fall. The offensive line is still trying to get by after losing three starters, and the Wildcats must replace six starters at linebacker and in the secondary. Given the Wildcats' schedule, they will need to sweep their nonconference games to be in bowl shape.

14. Ole Miss: The arrival of coach Hugh Freeze brought a lot of positive change to Ole Miss, especially off the field, but there are still a lot of concerns. There are depth issues at just about every position, especially running back and defensive tackle. Even one of the most experienced groups, the offensive line, has struggled mightily with picking up Freeze's spread offense and is the team's biggest weakness. Academic issues are also worrying Ole Miss' staff, and top running back Jeff Scott and cornerback/receiver Nickolas Brassell are in that group. Quarterback is still up for grabs, but progress was made on defense, especially in the secondary.

Some of what's happening around the SEC:

• An Alabama-West Virginia game is in the works for 2014.
• Athlon has Arkansas ranked No. 13 in its preseason poll.
• Is Alabama's flirtation with Georgia quarterback recruit Brice Ramsey over?
• John Adams of The Knoxville News-Sentinel writes that it's time for Tennessee to retire its criteria for honoring players.
• Where does Auburn's Gene Chizik rank among the nation's head coaches?
• Lafonte Thourogood, one of Vanderbilt's prized signees in James Franklin's first class, has been released from his scholarship and plans to transfer.
• Missouri quarterback Corbin Berkstresser is suspended following his arrest for leaving the scene of an accident.
• Ole Miss and Mississippi State say they both turned a profit in 2011.
• Pat Dooley of The Gainesville Sun writes that Steve Spurrier's proposal that only divisional games count against your conference record has no chance to pass.

A check of what's shaking in and around the SEC:

Missouri quarterback Corbin Berkstresser is arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

Arkansas receiver Kane Whitehurst has been granted his release and plans to transfer.

Vanderbilt is off to an early start on the 2013 recruiting trail.

Auburn defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder is looking to stock up at safety.

Auburn's Gene Chizik says his young Tigers are growing up.

The SEC is making officiating adjustments with Missouri and Texas A&M coming aboard.

The Florida influence is apparent in the management style of Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity.

Florida could have as many as nine players selected in next year's NFL draft.

You ask for people to write into the mailbag and there's no hint of hesitation.

The mailbag is back this week and we were bombarded with questions. The pages went on for a while, so I'm sorry if I couldn't get to all of them. Keep them coming, though, because there's always next week.

Let's get to this week's questions:

Ethan in Cullman, Ala., writes: With the recent dominance of Alabama and Coach Saban do you see Auburn and Chizik really being relevant nationally? I realize they have recruited fairly well but I think we all know without Cameron Newton the 2010 Auburn Team was a 6-7 7-5 football team and in all honesty I don't see them improving their win-losses as long as Gene Chizik is the head coach. Take away the 14-0 season and Chizik has a total record of 21-29 as a collegiate head coach. Lets just be honest in the world of college football everything runs through Tuscaloosa, Alabama and I don't see that changing anytime soon. RTR (:

Edward Aschoff: Man, Auburn fans will love you now. I'm sure the Christmas cards are being written as we speak. While I don't see Auburn surpassing Alabama this season, or really next season, I don't think Auburn is going to fall off the map without Newton. Like you wrote, Chizik has recruited well and the team he has now is pretty young. It's going to take more time for this team to crawl back up the SEC standings, but I don't think it's going to take years and years. Auburn has the young talent to challenge some teams in the West this year. Yes, even Alabama. I'm one of the few still on the Auburn bandwagon. I see improvement on the offensive line, quarterback Kiehl Frazier really came along stronger this spring with Scot Loeffler's help and the defense can only get better after a lousy 2011 showing. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Auburn made more news nationally in 2013.

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Jmathews in Weslaco, Texas, writes: Do you think Kevin Sumlin is going to surprise some teams this year with his offensive plan?

Edward Aschoff: It's a little unorthodox by SEC standards, for sure, but I'm not sure if SEC defenses will be confused by that air game. Sumlin and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will have to run the ball more in order to catch some defenses off guard. I know that flashy passing game was fun at Houston, but you have to run the ball to survive in the SEC. Balance will be key because we all know that Sumlin is going to want to throw the ball as much as he can. I don't think we'll truly see what all Sumlin wants to do because he's working with such young quarterbacks. That will restrict a lot of it and could make Christine Michael that much more important at running back. Once Sumlin has the right pieces in place then you'll see some offenses have to plan differently. For now, I think it's a work in progress.

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Jimmy in Pikeville, Ky., writes: Do you believe that Joker Phillips will be able to get the Kentucky Wildcats back to a bowl game this season?

Edward Aschoff: Phillips thinks he's found more offensive playmakers this spring, with youngsters such as Demarco Robinson, Daryl Collins and Ronnie Shields stepping up, and that's huge for the Wildcats. They didn't have many at all last year and that was a main reason Kentucky's offense was so bad. But we still need to see what those players can do against SEC competition in October. And a consistent quarterback has to step up. Maxwell Smith has the lead, but the race isn't over. The schedule is going to be tough for the Wildcats, as well. I think Kentucky needs to sweep nonconference play to ensure a bowl birth. That means beating Louisville to start the season. The Louisville loss was a big one for the Cats last year and right now, Louisville is still a better team. Getting those four nonconference wins will go a long way for Kentucky.

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Reed in Beijing, China, writes: Ex-pat hog fan here in Beijing. I wanted to get your opinion on how Arkansas will split carries between Ronnie Wingo, Knile Davis, and Dennis Johnson this year. Also, who besides Cobi Hamilton do you think will step up to fill the void at receiver?

Edward Aschoff: If Davis is healthy, he'll get the majority of the carries. I don't think there's any debate there. He is in another league compared to the other backs. After that, I think Arkansas goes Johnson then Wingo. Johnson came on during the second half of the season, while Wingo was inconsistent in my opinion. As for receiver, I think Marquel Wade could have a big year, along with tight end Chris Gragg. Wade is a very good athlete and the coaches loved what he did in practice last year. He's someone who has that dynamic feel in the offense and can make big plays. Gragg is big, athletic and tough. Tyler Wilson will key in on him a bunch this fall. He's probably the top returning tight end in the league.

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Ryan in Anaheim, Calif., writes: Is it safe to say that Vanderbilt will have one of the best offenses in the SEC this year? Returning Rodgers, Stacy, Matthews, and Boyd, while also getting Norman back and explosive freshman in Kimbrow. The only weakness I see is the O-line which will be inexperienced, but will that hold them back that much?

Edward Aschoff: That line barely got through spring practice, so it's a problem. Injuries and numbers really hurt the line. The good news is that six true freshmen will be on campus this summer. The bad news is that they are true freshmen. Jordan Rodgers still has to be more comfortable in the pocket. He can be really sporadic at times and coach James Franklin knows it. If he can't improve on the mental side, this offense will struggle. Brian Kimbrow is someone who can be used all over the field, so that will really benefit this offense. The other playmakers you mentioned are solid, no question, but there are some good offenses to battle near the top, such as Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina.

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Kyle in Gainesville, Fla., writes: The Gators haven't had many people drafted in the past two years, but next year will be much better. Who do you think could be drafted in the top 2 rounds next year? Bostic, Jenkins, Powell, Easley, Floyd, Elam, Nixon, Debose, and Reed are all guys I think can if they have a big year.

Edward Aschoff: Well, if Ronald Powell doesn't come back from his knee injury don't count on him heading to the draft. NFL scouts love Dominique Easley's potential. He's so strong and athletic and just pounds his way through offensive lines. He did suffer that knee injury, so his health will be monitored closely. Elam will compete to be the top safety in the SEC, but his name hasn't been thrown out as much as someone like Eric Reid. Jelani Jenkins is someone scouts like because of his speed and strength. He isn't the biggest linebacker, but he's extremely smart and that will help him a lot. Jon Bostic is getting some attention and a big year will boost his stock for sure. Xavier Nixon has to improve on a bad 2011 and Andre Debose and Jordan Reed have to be more consistent. Of all of them, I think Easley and Jenkins are Florida's top pro prospects.

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Brad in Longview, Texas, writes: If you could take one player from the SEC, outside of a QB, who would it be?

Edward Aschoff: Last year, the answer was easy: Trent Richardson. This year, it's a little more difficult. I don't think I'd go with another offensive player, so I'm going to go with Georgia's Jarvis Jones. He was one of the best players in the nation last year and was the SEC's top defensive player, after getting 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. He's a superb athlete, has tremendous speed and has a relentless attitude. He's also a great leader. He commands respect in the locker room and on the field. It's hard to find a better linebacker out there.

Links time!

• Former Texas A&M coaches say Bill Byrne's shortcomings in football overshadowed his other successes as athletic director.
• LSU coach Les Miles said the missing 2011 national championship banner will provide motivation for the Tigers this year.
• LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis is eying more success with the Tigers.
• Highly touted quarterback Connor Mitch chooses South Carolina over LSU.
• Some notable Georgia football players are graduating Friday.
• Georgia coach Mark Richt talks safety in college football.
• Alabama coach Nick Saban talks success, Mal Moore and much more during his appearance in Birmingham.
• Auburn coach Gene Chizik is happy with "real competition" on the Tigers' lines.
• Dan Mullen is getting ready for Mississippi State's "Our State" tour.
• Former Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn and Arkansas State will visit Auburn in 2013.
• Florida's defense is bulking up in 2012.

Making the rounds on a Wednesday:

• The NFL Network guys debate whether former LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne should get some snaps on offense in the NFL.
• The SEC should feature a bevy of high-octane passers in 2012.
• South Carolina spent more than $535,000 to defend itself in its recent NCAA infractions case.
• Alabama coach Nick Saban explains what happened with recruit Justin Taylor, who wound up at Kentucky.
• Saban and other college coaches weigh in on the different playoff proposals.
• Friends and teammates recall Billy Neighbors as "something special."
• Tommy Tuberville's now off the hook at Auburn, and Gene Chizik is on the clock, writes Kevin Scarbinsky of The Birmingham News.
• Brad Locke of The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal takes a look at the Mississippi State running back situation.
• Ten teams that may end the SEC's national championship streak.
• Will Muschamp is excited about the direction of the Florida program.
• David Harris of The Bryan Eagle deciphers Texas A&M's depth chart coming out of the spring.
• The St. Louis Sports Commission is exploring the possibility of creating a bowl game that would match opponents from the SEC and Big Ten.

Linking our way around the SEC on a Tuesday:

• LSU coach Les Miles is comfortable with his backup quarterback situation.
• Former Ole Miss defensive end Kentrell Locket is eager for a chance with the Washington Redskins as an outside linebacker.
• Alabama loses one of its greats with the passing of Billy Neighbors.
• Auburn coach Gene Chizik is looking for a quarterback with the right mental toughness.
• Harry King of the Stephens Media's Arkansas News Bureau writes that Jeff Long's next hire is the one.
• Hines Ward doesn't dance around his desire to coach at Georgia someday.
• Texas A&M adds a couple of offensive weapons for the future, including former Oregon tailback Tra Carson.
• Some of Missouri's undrafted players get free-agent opportunities.

The maturation of Auburn’s football team could clearly be seen on a first-and-goal late in last season's Chick-fil-A Bowl.

The Tigers were sitting at the 4-yard line, only steps from scoring, but there wasn’t any urgency. There wasn’t any desire to take those few steps because the game was well in hand. So instead of shooting for 50 points, Auburn knelt on the ball twice to run the clock out.

Moments later, Auburn was celebrating its 43-24 thrashing of Virginia without starting quarterback Clint Moseley or starting running back Michael Dyer.

The team buried in youth and inexperience for most of the season looked like a group vets with its composure and dominance.

The squad that left the Georgia Dome that night was a much better representation of the Tigers than any prior last season, and coach Gene Chizik said that New Year’s Eve win propelled this team into the offseason.

“There’s a lot of value in playing in a bowl game and winning it,” Chizik said.

That value has come in the form of a more competitive and faster spring on the Plains. Even with the addition of two new coordinators in Scot Loeffler and Brian VanGorder, Chizik said this team was further ahead as far as maturation and development within the schemes than last spring‘s group.

“It’s been a really productive offseason,“ Chizik said. “We know that we’ve got a long way to go, but I think our kids understand that our future here is very bright and the foundation has been laid and will continue to work in that direction. Everybody’s very upbeat, very positive and understanding that there’s an urgency to be a better football team than we were the previous year.

“We’re excited about it and our kids are, too.”

One side of the ball that made a lot of progress was the offense. Auburn’s players were entrenched in a spread style with Gus Malzahn running the show, but with Loeffler in town, the Tigers have added more pro-style sets. The good thing, Chizik said, is that Loeffler has a background in both styles, which made it easier for players to adapt this spring.

Loeffler would rather run more of a pro-style offense, but he isn’t naïve. He knows what his talent can do, and while Chizik wouldn’t exactly give the blueprint for Auburn’s offense, he did hint that there could be elements of both styles this fall.

“We’re going to come up with our own package and our own identity,“ he said. “We’re going to try and get good at just a few things, but we have certainly moved forward in terms of finding out exactly what we can and can’t do this spring; no question about it.”

Another thing that isn’t totally clear is who will throw the ball for the Tigers this fall. Moseley, who started the last six games of the season, was sidelined for most of the spring with a sore shoulder, while rising sophomore Kiehl Frazier, who was used more for running situations last year, took a bit of a lead.

Frazier fits more of a spread style, but Loeffler’s teaching really helped him develop more of his game, especially as a passer, this spring.

“I don’t think that there’s any question about it; he certainly improved in a lot of aspects this spring,” Chizik said. “He had a lot of opportunities. He’s maturing as a quarterback, but he’s learning a lot. He’s still a young 19-year-old kid that has a lot in front of him, but we’re asking a lot of him. I thought he handled it very well.

“His best days are certainly ahead of him, but he made a lot of strides this spring.”

And Chizik thinks the best days are ahead for his entire team. Offensively and defensively, this team will still be young, as close to 70 percent of Auburn’s scholarship players will be underclassmen, but Chizik said the level of maturity this year doesn’t resemble a group of underclassmen.

Development still has a ways to go, Chizik said, but the want to improve and win is exactly where he wants it.

“As long as you have young, eager guys that are wanting to succeed and wanting to better themselves,“ he said, “I think you always got a great chance to have a successful year.”

Auburn’s annual A-Day spring game Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium before a crowd of 43,427 was an offense versus defense scrimmage, and the offense wound up winning 36-27 based on a scoring format devised by the coaches.

The offense received points for touchdowns, field goals, plays of 15 yards or longer and consecutive first downs. The defense received points for touchdowns, turnovers, sacks and three-and-outs.

Auburn coach Gene Chizik downplayed the stats from the game, but sophomore quarterback Kiehl Frazier was named the offensive MVP, defensive end Dee Ford the defensive MVP and punter Steven Clark the special teams MVP.

The Auburn coaches were generally pleased with the way the Tigers ran the ball, and fullback Jay Prosch has been a huge addition to the running game. Prosch transferred in from Illinois and has been a one-man bulldozer in the way he’s cleared running lanes for the Auburn running backs.

The most impressive drive of the scrimmage came with Frazier at quarterback, and it covered 80 yards in 11 plays and consumed more than seven minutes. Corey Grant capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run.

Frazier finished 7-of-9 for 92 yards and showed off his ability to scramble around and make plays. Still, Chizik said the quarterback competition would extend into the summer. Clint Moseley was plagued by a sore throwing shoulder for much of the spring.

“We’re not ready to pull the trigger (on a decision) any time soon that I see,” Chizik said.

The best news for the defense was that it generated consistent pressure, led by Ford and LaDarius Owens. The Auburn defensive ends combined to produce five sacks.

"We have a couple of guys that have really stepped forward in rushing the passer. They're going to be difficult to block in certain situations off the edge," Chizik said.

You can get stats, photos and quotes from Auburn's spring game by going here.

Prior to the game, Auburn unveiled statues of its three Heisman Trophy winners -- Bo Jackson, Cam Newton and Pat Sullivan.

A Friday stroll around the SEC:

• Arkansas' Knile Davis has no plans to leave, and has already spoken to athletic director Jeff Long about the search for Bobby Petrino's replacement.
• Alabama's Nick Saban is excited to see his first teams go head-to-head in Saturday's spring game.
• Auburn's Trovon Reed is learning to manage big expectations.
• Antonio Goodwin's defense rests without calling Gene Chizik or Trooper Taylor to the stand.
• Darrington Sentimore has been hard to miss this spring at Tennessee.
• Athlon ranks the SEC quarterbacks in 2012, and Georgia's Aaron Murray is at the top of the list.
• Georgia's Mark Richt voices support for his offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo.
• Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity defends the school's strict drug testing policy for athletes.
• Missouri running back Kendial Lawrence welcomes good health.
• The Vanderbilt players select quarterback Jordan Rodgers and defensive end Walker May as team captains for the 2012 season.
• Florida strength and conditioning coach Jeff Dillman seeks to keep the Gators' momentum going in the offseason.
• Ole Miss' coaches think C.J. Johnson is destined for greatness at defensive end.
• Mississippi State's offense is looking for revenge in Friday night's scrimmage.

Lost in all of the Bobby Petrino hoopla was an inspiring story on the the Plains.

Wednesday, Auburn offensive lineman Shon Coleman returned to practice. But this wasn't just any regular practice. Coleman was back in shoulder pads and had his helmet on two years after he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia soon after he signed with the Tigers.


Coleman signed in 2010, but learned two months later that he had leukemia. It cost him his immediate football future, but more importantly, it put him in the ultimate battle for his life. That didn't keep Auburn coach Gene Chizik from keeping Coleman in the Auburn family. Regardless of whether Coleman would ever play football again, Chizik wanted him to attend and graduate from Auburn.

Two years later, Coleman was back and ready to do more than earn a diploma; he was competing on the football field.

"He tried to downplay it, but you could see he was excited and he was happy," defensive lineman Jeff Whitaker told reporters. "I know he was excited about the response that he got. Coach Chiz made him stand up in front of the whole team. Coach Chiz didn't even have to acknowledge it. Once he stood up the whole team gave him a standing ovation."

Coleman won't return to his former football self overnight. It's going to take time some time for him to get back into the swing of things and get his body back into field and playing shape. Auburn's medical staff will be monitoring his every move, as well, making sure he's not doing anything that could put his health at risk.

Regardless, just seeing Coleman, who is cancer free, back in pads and going through the motions must have been quite the sight for his teammates and coaches. Two years removed from being diagnosed, Coleman is looking to make a comeback in football after he could have completely given up on it, and no one would have thought twice about it. No one would have challenged him for thinking of his health and well-being.

But Coleman, who was once a top offensive line prospect coming out of high school, battled through cancer and is looking to battle through football once again.

Chizik said Wednesday that he wasn't sure if Coleman would make an impact on the field this fall, but there's no question his courageous actions in life and in his attempt to return to football have already made an impact on everyone in and around Auburn's program.

We're taking a later lunch today as we glance around the league:

• South Carolina's Brandon Shell improves his pass blocking and sits atop the depth chart at left tackle.
• Georgia signee Jordan Jenkins says he laughed at Auburn's Gene Chizik and felt awkward around Alabama's Nick Saban.
• Saban breaks down the Crimson Tide's weekend scrimmage.
• LaDarius Perkins is working to solidify himself as Mississippi State's top tailback.
• New Ole Miss athletic director Ross Bjork starts tackling key issues.
• Auburn fullback Ladarious Phillips has decided to give up football.
• Vanderbilt's James Franklin is turning up the heat on the Commodores' kickers.
• Tennessee's Da'Rick Rogers says there's no controversy on his status with the Vols.
• There's yet to be any separation in the starting quarterback battle at Florida.
• LSU and Zach Mettenberger air it out during the Tigers' spring game.
• LSU redshirt freshman Jalen Collins makes his move at cornerback.
• The Kevin Sumlin era begins at Texas A&M.
• Running back Christine Michael returns to the field from a torn ACL as Texas A&M opens spring practice.

Alabama returned to practice Monday to go through its sixth practice of the spring and coach Nick Saban said afterward that he could tell that one side appears to be moving faster than the other.

But unlike most teams, Saban said it was the offense that has looked more composed during the early stages of spring practice.

"I think offensively we are a little bit ahead than we are on defense in terms that we have a few more experienced guys," Saban said. "We have a very experienced offensive line. I think AJ [McCarron] has had a really good spring far; he's done a nice job. I think Philip [Sims] is competing very well behind him, and working hard to push him and compete against him and with him. I think the receivers have made improvement, and we have some young guys that we need to continue to improve as well."

It isn't shocking that Alabama's offense is ahead of the game right now. The Crimson Tide returns six starters from last season's national championship team, including McCarron, who was named the offensive MVP of the Allstate BCS National Championship game. After much improvement during the second half of the 2011 season, McCarron ended the season third in the SEC in passing with 2,634 yards. He also passed for 16 touchdowns to only five interceptions. You could see McCarron getting more and more comfortable as last season went on, and now that he has a full season under his belt, McCarron should be in the running for the title as top passer in the SEC this fall.

It helps that four starters are back on the offensive line, and Alabama has some talented young receivers coming back and coming in. Trent Richardson is gone, but Alabama's run game should be fine with the depth it has. Eddie Lacy is out this spring, but Jalston Fowler, Dee Hart and TJ Yeldon are all getting reps and have impressed thus far.

As for the defense, Alabama must replace eight starters, including four -- Courtney Upshaw, Dont'a Hightower, Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick -- that could be drafted in the first round of April's NFL draft.

That's a pretty tall order, and there are going to be some mistakes and errors along the way. Better to get them out of the way this spring than during SEC play.

"Defensively we have a lot of new faces and a lot of new opportunities for guys," Saban said. "We are going to continue to work with those guys so that we can improve."

Auburn puts on the pads
Auburn's third practice was a little more physical on the Plains, as the Tigers put on the pads for the first time this spring.

While Auburn's players could hit a little harder Monday, coach Gene Chizik said the energy could have been better from his players. It improved as the day went on, but he could tell that his players were thinking a little too much on the practice field.

"The effort was good most of the day -- the physicality was OK at best," Chizik said. "It wasn't a problem; it's just something that needs to be brought to their attention to be better Wednesday."

"It's not that they don't want to do it; there are just a lot of thought processes going on. What we're looking for is, if you're going to make that mistake, make sure you make it playing a physical brand of football. The physicality of the game is the number one thing."

With two new coordinators, it should come as no surprise that the Tigers are struggling to pick up everything this early. It's going to take some time for the jargon to register enough with the players that they won't be slowed by the mental side when things are moving.

"We're trying to develop a physical mentality that we need," Chizik said, "but we're a ways off."

Quarterback Clint Moseley went through practice Monday, but he didn't throw because he has an inflamed rotator cuff. Moseley has been rehabbing and getting therapy on it three times a day. Moseley only took snaps, dropped back and performed handoffs Monday.