SEC: Gus Malzahn
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.
Chizik impressed with maturity of his Tigers
April, 25, 2012
Apr 25
1:00
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
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 naďve. 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.”
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.
[+] Enlarge
Joshua S. Kelly/US PresswireGene Chizik has been impressed with his team's maturity heading into the 2012 season.
Joshua S. Kelly/US PresswireGene Chizik has been impressed with his team's maturity heading into the 2012 season.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 naďve. 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.”
SEC mailbag: Let's hear from the champ
April, 11, 2012
Apr 11
5:00
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Our bracket challenge champion has been crowned and it’s time to officially hear from our winner.
Jnhatcher0405 took home the imaginary trophy with his “Rammer Jammer” bracket, which crushed the competition with 1,660 points.
We told him he could have his 15 minutes of fame, so here is your champion:
Jnhatcher0405: I, Josh Hatcher, am truly honored to be named the SEC Blog Challenge winner and am grateful to Ed and Chris for acknowledging my incredible bracket selecting abilities. I would like to say Thank You to those who made it possible: 1. Kentucky 2. Kansas 3. Ohio State 4. Loovul 5. Ed 6. Chris I would also like to thank Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, Bear Bryant, Gene Stallings and Nick Saban for bringing The University of Alabama Crimson Tide fourteen - yes, fourteen - NCAA National Championships. I am a bit embarrassed as I was under the impression that the winner received lifetime tickets to all home, away and neutral Alabama games. (Mr. Saban, if you're reading this, I would settle for sideline access to the 2012 Iron Bowl…Sir.) Since, evidently, that is not the case, I would like to introduce a couple of recommendations. Firstly, as the inaugural winner of this award, I see no reason why it should not be forever known as "The Josh Hatcher Award". All future winners should have their name engraved on a plaque bearing my likeness. I would be more than willing to supply a photo. Secondly, as evidenced by the scores below, it is obvious that I should be included as a featured bracket next year. Josh Hatcher: 1660 Big 12 Blog Challenge Winner: 1600 Nick Lachey: 1290 Dexter Fowler: 1270 Jay Bilas: 1260 Colin Cowherd: 1260 Rajon Rondo: 1250 Tony Reali: 1240 Andy Katz: 1180 Lebron James: 1160 Jim Furyk: 1110 Mike Hill: 1100 Mark Schlereth: 1090 President Obama: 1020 Dick Vitale: 1010 Pau Gasol: 1010 LaMarr Woodley: 820 Phil Hellmuth: 530 Michelle Beadle: 460. ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!"
Now, on to the questions:
Knowles in Atlanta writes: What is the likelihood of Arkansas pursuing Gus Malzahn as their new head coach? Would he not be a perfect fit (knowing the program, state, recruiting, etc.)? Thanks.
Edward Aschoff: I definitely think that he’s an option because of all of the reasons you just stated. Now, would he be willing to leave Arkansas State after just getting there? I’m not sure, but there’s no question that Arkansas is a better job and is the type of job that Malzahn is no doubt looking to get to. He’d owe just $700,000 of buyout money, but how much would his conscience owe? It’s a moral issue for Malzahn at this point. It wouldn’t be the best PR move if he decided to leave after only a couple of months on the job, but would many really blame him for heading to a much better and more prestigious job? One that he would be very familiar with? One that he could win at and recruit at? At first, his image would take a hit, but I think that a lot of people would sit back and say they’d do the same thing in his shoes. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least bit if Malzahn’s name is brought up a lot when talking about the Arkansas opening. I also think that Jeff Long has a really tough decision to make. The players are clamoring for him to stay in-house, and that would work short term, but you have to think long term with this job. Don’t go for the quick fix. This is a good program and you have to look at the best options. Maybe it’s someone with no ties to Arkansas. This position can’t be filled on emotions. Some real thought has to be put into it.
Ramón in Ecuador, South America writes: Housekeeping question: Why don't TAMU and Mizzou logos and links appear in the SEC blog page and continue to appear in the B12 page?
Edward Aschoff: I’m actually glad this showed up in the mailbag this week because my Twitter has been overrun with this question. Since not every sport at either school has made the move to the SEC we’re holding off until everyone officially has. That happens on July 1, so save the date!
Terry in Las Vegas writes: Is there any word coming out of Tuscaloosa about Duron Carter?
Edward Aschoff: It sounds like he’s still struggling to get things taken care of off the field. He’s been out at practice, but still isn’t participating. He teased on Twitter that he’d be back, but hasn’t really been back. I think this is something that is truly frustrating coach Nick Saban. Carter has the ability to be a real deep threat and playmaker for the Crimson Tide, but I don’t know if quarterback AJ McCarron will ever really know. It’s more than football when it comes to Carter and he can’t seem to get things taken care of. The longer this takes, the less I think we’ll see him be that star people expected him to be.
AC in Fulton, Mo., writes: Where would you rank the Mizzou linebacking core in the SEC and who do you think has the best linebacking core in the SEC?
Edward Aschoff: I think it has to be pretty high up. Georgia might have the best, while Mississippi State, Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina have pretty talented units as well. Alabama is Alabama, so that linebacker group will be tough to face. But Missouri returns three players --Andrew Wilson, Zaviar Gooden and Will Ebner -- who have combined for 484 career tackles. Ebner was out last season and was granted a fifth year. All of them are talented and experienced. I think you have to put Missouri’s linebacker unit up there with the top ones in the SEC. Don’t judge by the former conference, these are good players.
Jared in Mississippi writes: Is State going to beat anyone in the West besides Ole Miss this year? We used to get an upset or two back in our 3-9 years, but it seems now that people know we'll put up a fight, we can't get over the hump.
Edward Aschoff: I absolutely think Mississippi State will be more competitive this year. Injuries to the offensive line wrecked that offense last season, so a healthy line will go a long way for a team that returns a host of weapons. The receivers have to step up, quarterback Tyler Russell has to get more comfortable and running backs LaDarius Perkins and Nick Griffin have to pick up where Vick Ballard left off. The defense should be pretty good and improved, even without Fletcher Cox. With that said, having Arkansas, Auburn, Tennessee and Texas A&M at home will help. Those are all winnable games for the Bulldogs, especially with Arkansas’ current coaching situation. Add Kentucky to the list of games the Dawgs can win as well. Four or more wins wouldn’t be a surprise at all.
Robert in Decatur, Ill., writes: Getting ready to leave for deployment for National Guard. If I can only record 2 game of Missouri's to have sent to me, which would you choose and why? If possible could you tell me what Mizzou has to do to win the East and what are their chances? Thank you guys for the welcome to your great conference and I look forward to following your blog while overseas!
Edward Aschoff: Thanks for everything you’ve done! We really appreciate it and you. As for Mizzou, I would say the SEC opener against Georgia on Sept. 8 because it’s going to be absolutely electric. Those Tigers fans are going to be bouncing off the walls at Faurot Field. Plus, Georgia will be down some defenders, especially in the secondary, so that will be an advantage for Missouri’s high-flying spread offense. The second game would have to be at home against Alabama. It’s the defending champs! It’ll be a very tough game for the Tigers, but expect another great atmosphere in Columbia. Missouri has to stay healthy this year. The offensive line brings back some good experience, but it and the defensive line were both banged up this spring and that can’t happen this fall. I think the spread can work in this league because of the skill weapons Mizzou has, but making sure the lines are secure is the top objective.
Jnhatcher0405 took home the imaginary trophy with his “Rammer Jammer” bracket, which crushed the competition with 1,660 points.
We told him he could have his 15 minutes of fame, so here is your champion:
Jnhatcher0405: I, Josh Hatcher, am truly honored to be named the SEC Blog Challenge winner and am grateful to Ed and Chris for acknowledging my incredible bracket selecting abilities. I would like to say Thank You to those who made it possible: 1. Kentucky 2. Kansas 3. Ohio State 4. Loovul 5. Ed 6. Chris I would also like to thank Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, Bear Bryant, Gene Stallings and Nick Saban for bringing The University of Alabama Crimson Tide fourteen - yes, fourteen - NCAA National Championships. I am a bit embarrassed as I was under the impression that the winner received lifetime tickets to all home, away and neutral Alabama games. (Mr. Saban, if you're reading this, I would settle for sideline access to the 2012 Iron Bowl…Sir.) Since, evidently, that is not the case, I would like to introduce a couple of recommendations. Firstly, as the inaugural winner of this award, I see no reason why it should not be forever known as "The Josh Hatcher Award". All future winners should have their name engraved on a plaque bearing my likeness. I would be more than willing to supply a photo. Secondly, as evidenced by the scores below, it is obvious that I should be included as a featured bracket next year. Josh Hatcher: 1660 Big 12 Blog Challenge Winner: 1600 Nick Lachey: 1290 Dexter Fowler: 1270 Jay Bilas: 1260 Colin Cowherd: 1260 Rajon Rondo: 1250 Tony Reali: 1240 Andy Katz: 1180 Lebron James: 1160 Jim Furyk: 1110 Mike Hill: 1100 Mark Schlereth: 1090 President Obama: 1020 Dick Vitale: 1010 Pau Gasol: 1010 LaMarr Woodley: 820 Phil Hellmuth: 530 Michelle Beadle: 460. ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!"
Now, on to the questions:
Knowles in Atlanta writes: What is the likelihood of Arkansas pursuing Gus Malzahn as their new head coach? Would he not be a perfect fit (knowing the program, state, recruiting, etc.)? Thanks.
Edward Aschoff: I definitely think that he’s an option because of all of the reasons you just stated. Now, would he be willing to leave Arkansas State after just getting there? I’m not sure, but there’s no question that Arkansas is a better job and is the type of job that Malzahn is no doubt looking to get to. He’d owe just $700,000 of buyout money, but how much would his conscience owe? It’s a moral issue for Malzahn at this point. It wouldn’t be the best PR move if he decided to leave after only a couple of months on the job, but would many really blame him for heading to a much better and more prestigious job? One that he would be very familiar with? One that he could win at and recruit at? At first, his image would take a hit, but I think that a lot of people would sit back and say they’d do the same thing in his shoes. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least bit if Malzahn’s name is brought up a lot when talking about the Arkansas opening. I also think that Jeff Long has a really tough decision to make. The players are clamoring for him to stay in-house, and that would work short term, but you have to think long term with this job. Don’t go for the quick fix. This is a good program and you have to look at the best options. Maybe it’s someone with no ties to Arkansas. This position can’t be filled on emotions. Some real thought has to be put into it.
Ramón in Ecuador, South America writes: Housekeeping question: Why don't TAMU and Mizzou logos and links appear in the SEC blog page and continue to appear in the B12 page?
Edward Aschoff: I’m actually glad this showed up in the mailbag this week because my Twitter has been overrun with this question. Since not every sport at either school has made the move to the SEC we’re holding off until everyone officially has. That happens on July 1, so save the date!
Terry in Las Vegas writes: Is there any word coming out of Tuscaloosa about Duron Carter?
Edward Aschoff: It sounds like he’s still struggling to get things taken care of off the field. He’s been out at practice, but still isn’t participating. He teased on Twitter that he’d be back, but hasn’t really been back. I think this is something that is truly frustrating coach Nick Saban. Carter has the ability to be a real deep threat and playmaker for the Crimson Tide, but I don’t know if quarterback AJ McCarron will ever really know. It’s more than football when it comes to Carter and he can’t seem to get things taken care of. The longer this takes, the less I think we’ll see him be that star people expected him to be.
AC in Fulton, Mo., writes: Where would you rank the Mizzou linebacking core in the SEC and who do you think has the best linebacking core in the SEC?
Edward Aschoff: I think it has to be pretty high up. Georgia might have the best, while Mississippi State, Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina have pretty talented units as well. Alabama is Alabama, so that linebacker group will be tough to face. But Missouri returns three players --Andrew Wilson, Zaviar Gooden and Will Ebner -- who have combined for 484 career tackles. Ebner was out last season and was granted a fifth year. All of them are talented and experienced. I think you have to put Missouri’s linebacker unit up there with the top ones in the SEC. Don’t judge by the former conference, these are good players.
Jared in Mississippi writes: Is State going to beat anyone in the West besides Ole Miss this year? We used to get an upset or two back in our 3-9 years, but it seems now that people know we'll put up a fight, we can't get over the hump.
Edward Aschoff: I absolutely think Mississippi State will be more competitive this year. Injuries to the offensive line wrecked that offense last season, so a healthy line will go a long way for a team that returns a host of weapons. The receivers have to step up, quarterback Tyler Russell has to get more comfortable and running backs LaDarius Perkins and Nick Griffin have to pick up where Vick Ballard left off. The defense should be pretty good and improved, even without Fletcher Cox. With that said, having Arkansas, Auburn, Tennessee and Texas A&M at home will help. Those are all winnable games for the Bulldogs, especially with Arkansas’ current coaching situation. Add Kentucky to the list of games the Dawgs can win as well. Four or more wins wouldn’t be a surprise at all.
Robert in Decatur, Ill., writes: Getting ready to leave for deployment for National Guard. If I can only record 2 game of Missouri's to have sent to me, which would you choose and why? If possible could you tell me what Mizzou has to do to win the East and what are their chances? Thank you guys for the welcome to your great conference and I look forward to following your blog while overseas!
Edward Aschoff: Thanks for everything you’ve done! We really appreciate it and you. As for Mizzou, I would say the SEC opener against Georgia on Sept. 8 because it’s going to be absolutely electric. Those Tigers fans are going to be bouncing off the walls at Faurot Field. Plus, Georgia will be down some defenders, especially in the secondary, so that will be an advantage for Missouri’s high-flying spread offense. The second game would have to be at home against Alabama. It’s the defending champs! It’ll be a very tough game for the Tigers, but expect another great atmosphere in Columbia. Missouri has to stay healthy this year. The offensive line brings back some good experience, but it and the defensive line were both banged up this spring and that can’t happen this fall. I think the spread can work in this league because of the skill weapons Mizzou has, but making sure the lines are secure is the top objective.
As one of the unquestioned leaders on Auburn’s football team, Emory Blake has a problem with anybody labeling last season as a transition year.
Sure, the Tigers were coming off an unbeaten 14-0 season and national championship in 2010, and it’s a fact that only six starters returned from that team. Gone were Heisman Trophy quarterback Cam Newton, Lombardi Award winner Nick Fairley and four senior starters on the offensive line.
It was an entirely different football team -- one with first- and second-year players dominating the depth chart -- that scratched out an 8-5 season a year ago.
But a transition year?
Blake isn’t buying it; not at Auburn.
“For us, we never think of a year as a transition year,” said Blake, who led the Tigers in catches (36) and receiving yards (613) last season despite missing three games with a high-ankle sprain.
“We’re out there trying to win every game. That’s just the attitude we have at Auburn. It doesn’t matter who we lost or who we have coming back. That’s the standard here. We’re going to go into every game and fight and feel like we’re supposed to win. I felt like we did that. We just had some things go against us and weren’t as successful as we were the year before.”
One of those things that went against Auburn was a passing game that was virtually non-existent, particularly the downfield passing game.
Nobody in the SEC completed fewer passes than Auburn in regular-season play, and the only two teams that had fewer passing yards than the Tigers were Ole Miss and Kentucky.
“We just never could get our passing game going, and that made us easy to defend,” Blake said.
Even more frustrating for Blake was the high-ankle sprain that plagued him the second half of the season. He suffered the injury in the 16-13 win over South Carolina, and his only action the next three games was one play against Florida.
That’s after catching four touchdown passes in his first five games. He only caught one more the rest of the way, although he came back and hauled in six catches for 108 yards in the Chick-fil-A Bowl once he had a chance to fully rest the ankle.
“That’s just what we needed, our offense having one of its best games at the end of the year and everybody finally not being banged-up, because it’s carried over into the offseason,” Blake said.
This spring has only created more excitement for Blake, who’s moving around a lot more in the Tigers’ new offense than he did in the past. First-year offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler is installing more of a pro-style system, according to Blake, and the Auburn staff has made it clear that one of the goals is to get the ball to Blake during his senior season.
In fact, receivers coach Trooper Taylor has thrown out there the “80 for 80” theme.
Blake, who wears No. 80, is all for that idea. Then again, what receiver doesn’t want to catch 80 passes?
“I feel like I have the confidence, the ability and the experience to be one of the top receivers in the SEC, and if you’re one of the top receivers in the SEC, you’re one of the top receivers in the country,” Blake said. “We’re all excited about the possibilities in this new offense. We’re still learning, but it’s a fresh start, a clean slate for a lot of guys.”
Whereas the Tigers leaned on Michael Dyer and the running game last season, they won’t have that option in 2012. Dyer followed Gus Malzahn to Arkansas State.
The 6-foot-2, 197-pound Blake is now the closest thing the Tigers have to a proven go-to guy on offense.
In his last 13 games dating back to the national championship season, he’s caught eight touchdown passes. His 13 touchdown catches over the past two seasons are more than any returning SEC player.
“You would be hard-pressed to find a receiver that runs better routes or is smarter,” Taylor said. “He may not be the fastest or the biggest or the strongest, but I guarantee he’s productive.”
Blake also has the luxury of talking shop with his dad, Jeff Blake, who was a quarterback in the NFL for 14 seasons.
And now that the Tigers are running an offense that more closely resembles what they’re running in the NFL, Blake looks forward to even more of those conversations.
“It’s a more universal offense,” Blake explained. “Coach Malzahn’s offense was more his offense, more the stuff he created. This is more pro-based now, especially the lingo, and my dad can relate more. I can call him now and talk about what we’re doing, and I think that’s going to be a big help in learning the offense.”
Blake doesn’t think the learning curve will be a steep one. He already sees considerable progress with everybody. In particular, he says Loeffler has zeroed in on the quarterbacks.
“With everybody we have coming back and everything Coach Loeffler brings to the table, we should be a much more consistent offense,” Blake said. “Just seeing how quarterback-oriented [Loeffler] is, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s going to have whoever wins that job ready to play.
“We have to help the defense out more this year. There were too many times that we didn’t do our part last year. We need to create more explosive plays and finish games, and we have the players and the attitude to do that.”
Sure, the Tigers were coming off an unbeaten 14-0 season and national championship in 2010, and it’s a fact that only six starters returned from that team. Gone were Heisman Trophy quarterback Cam Newton, Lombardi Award winner Nick Fairley and four senior starters on the offensive line.
It was an entirely different football team -- one with first- and second-year players dominating the depth chart -- that scratched out an 8-5 season a year ago.
But a transition year?
Blake isn’t buying it; not at Auburn.
“For us, we never think of a year as a transition year,” said Blake, who led the Tigers in catches (36) and receiving yards (613) last season despite missing three games with a high-ankle sprain.
[+] Enlarge
John Reed/US PresswireEmory Blake takes a lot of confidence into his senior season.
John Reed/US PresswireEmory Blake takes a lot of confidence into his senior season.One of those things that went against Auburn was a passing game that was virtually non-existent, particularly the downfield passing game.
Nobody in the SEC completed fewer passes than Auburn in regular-season play, and the only two teams that had fewer passing yards than the Tigers were Ole Miss and Kentucky.
“We just never could get our passing game going, and that made us easy to defend,” Blake said.
Even more frustrating for Blake was the high-ankle sprain that plagued him the second half of the season. He suffered the injury in the 16-13 win over South Carolina, and his only action the next three games was one play against Florida.
That’s after catching four touchdown passes in his first five games. He only caught one more the rest of the way, although he came back and hauled in six catches for 108 yards in the Chick-fil-A Bowl once he had a chance to fully rest the ankle.
“That’s just what we needed, our offense having one of its best games at the end of the year and everybody finally not being banged-up, because it’s carried over into the offseason,” Blake said.
This spring has only created more excitement for Blake, who’s moving around a lot more in the Tigers’ new offense than he did in the past. First-year offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler is installing more of a pro-style system, according to Blake, and the Auburn staff has made it clear that one of the goals is to get the ball to Blake during his senior season.
In fact, receivers coach Trooper Taylor has thrown out there the “80 for 80” theme.
Blake, who wears No. 80, is all for that idea. Then again, what receiver doesn’t want to catch 80 passes?
“I feel like I have the confidence, the ability and the experience to be one of the top receivers in the SEC, and if you’re one of the top receivers in the SEC, you’re one of the top receivers in the country,” Blake said. “We’re all excited about the possibilities in this new offense. We’re still learning, but it’s a fresh start, a clean slate for a lot of guys.”
Whereas the Tigers leaned on Michael Dyer and the running game last season, they won’t have that option in 2012. Dyer followed Gus Malzahn to Arkansas State.
The 6-foot-2, 197-pound Blake is now the closest thing the Tigers have to a proven go-to guy on offense.
In his last 13 games dating back to the national championship season, he’s caught eight touchdown passes. His 13 touchdown catches over the past two seasons are more than any returning SEC player.
“You would be hard-pressed to find a receiver that runs better routes or is smarter,” Taylor said. “He may not be the fastest or the biggest or the strongest, but I guarantee he’s productive.”
Blake also has the luxury of talking shop with his dad, Jeff Blake, who was a quarterback in the NFL for 14 seasons.
And now that the Tigers are running an offense that more closely resembles what they’re running in the NFL, Blake looks forward to even more of those conversations.
“It’s a more universal offense,” Blake explained. “Coach Malzahn’s offense was more his offense, more the stuff he created. This is more pro-based now, especially the lingo, and my dad can relate more. I can call him now and talk about what we’re doing, and I think that’s going to be a big help in learning the offense.”
Blake doesn’t think the learning curve will be a steep one. He already sees considerable progress with everybody. In particular, he says Loeffler has zeroed in on the quarterbacks.
“With everybody we have coming back and everything Coach Loeffler brings to the table, we should be a much more consistent offense,” Blake said. “Just seeing how quarterback-oriented [Loeffler] is, there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s going to have whoever wins that job ready to play.
“We have to help the defense out more this year. There were too many times that we didn’t do our part last year. We need to create more explosive plays and finish games, and we have the players and the attitude to do that.”
Two years ago, Auburn was the only school in the SEC that returned its entire coaching staff intact.
But as Gene Chizik enters what will be his fourth spring practice as the Tigers' coach, he finds himself in the market for what will be his third new hire since the end of the 2011 season.
Phillip Lolley, who coached the Auburn cornerbacks the past three seasons, has been reassigned to an administrative capacity within the football program.
Ted Roof left as defensive coordinator right after the season to be the UCF defensive coordinator and was then later hired at Penn State by Bill O'Brien to be his defensive coordinator. Brian VanGorder, the defensive coordinator at Georgia before going to the NFL, was hired to replace Roof at Auburn.
Gus Malzahn left his post as Auburn's offensive coordinator to take the head-coaching job at Arkansas State. Chizik brought in Scot Loeffler to run the Tigers' offense. Loeffler was at Temple this past season, but previously spent time on the Florida and Michigan staffs.
One of the names floating around out there to replace Lolley as cornerbacks coach is former Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, who was the defensive backs coach at Oklahoma the past two years and wasn't retained following this past season.
But as Gene Chizik enters what will be his fourth spring practice as the Tigers' coach, he finds himself in the market for what will be his third new hire since the end of the 2011 season.
Phillip Lolley, who coached the Auburn cornerbacks the past three seasons, has been reassigned to an administrative capacity within the football program.
Ted Roof left as defensive coordinator right after the season to be the UCF defensive coordinator and was then later hired at Penn State by Bill O'Brien to be his defensive coordinator. Brian VanGorder, the defensive coordinator at Georgia before going to the NFL, was hired to replace Roof at Auburn.
Gus Malzahn left his post as Auburn's offensive coordinator to take the head-coaching job at Arkansas State. Chizik brought in Scot Loeffler to run the Tigers' offense. Loeffler was at Temple this past season, but previously spent time on the Florida and Michigan staffs.
One of the names floating around out there to replace Lolley as cornerbacks coach is former Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, who was the defensive backs coach at Oklahoma the past two years and wasn't retained following this past season.
Our offseason spotlight stop today focuses on the Auburn Tigers:
Spotlight: Quarterback Kiehl Frazier, 6-2, 220, rising sophomore
2011 summary: Frazier played situationally this past season as a true freshman and was used more as a runner than a passer. He finished 5-0f-12 for 34 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. As a runner, Frazier was the Tigers' third leading rusher with 327 yards and three touchdowns.
The skinny: The challenges are many this offseason for Frazier, who was considered to be the Tigers' quarterback of the future in Gus Malzahn's offense. But with Malzahn gone and Scot Loeffler taking over as offensive coordinator, Frazier not only has to learn the new offense, but he has to prove that he's the best guy to lead the offense. Clint Moseley returns for his junior season, and signee Zeke Pike of Crestview Hills, Ky., is already enrolled and will also participate in spring practice. Frazier has to make the transformation from athlete to quarterback, at least in college. Of the 12 passes he threw this past season, two were intercepted. This offseason will be critical to his development, as he gains more trust in himself as a passer and his teammates gain more trust in him. With Loeffler coming in, the slate will be clean for all of the quarterbacks. The Tigers were never able to establish any consistency at the position in 2011. Frazier gets his chance over the next few months to prove that he's ready to take that next step and lead this football team, but beating out Moseley won't be easy.
Spotlight: Quarterback Kiehl Frazier, 6-2, 220, rising sophomore
2011 summary: Frazier played situationally this past season as a true freshman and was used more as a runner than a passer. He finished 5-0f-12 for 34 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. As a runner, Frazier was the Tigers' third leading rusher with 327 yards and three touchdowns.
The skinny: The challenges are many this offseason for Frazier, who was considered to be the Tigers' quarterback of the future in Gus Malzahn's offense. But with Malzahn gone and Scot Loeffler taking over as offensive coordinator, Frazier not only has to learn the new offense, but he has to prove that he's the best guy to lead the offense. Clint Moseley returns for his junior season, and signee Zeke Pike of Crestview Hills, Ky., is already enrolled and will also participate in spring practice. Frazier has to make the transformation from athlete to quarterback, at least in college. Of the 12 passes he threw this past season, two were intercepted. This offseason will be critical to his development, as he gains more trust in himself as a passer and his teammates gain more trust in him. With Loeffler coming in, the slate will be clean for all of the quarterbacks. The Tigers were never able to establish any consistency at the position in 2011. Frazier gets his chance over the next few months to prove that he's ready to take that next step and lead this football team, but beating out Moseley won't be easy.
Scot Loeffler named Auburn's new OC
January, 23, 2012
Jan 23
9:05
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Auburn's coordinator search is finally over.
The school announced Sunday night that former Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler has been hired to replace Gus Malzahn as the Tigers' offensive coordinator. Malzahn left after the Chick-fil-A Bowl to become the head coach at Arkansas State.
Loeffler brings 14 years of coaching experience on the collegiate and NFL levels to Auburn's coaching staff. While directing Temple's offense in 2011, the Owls' offense ranked seventh nationally in rushing (256.5 yards per game) and 39th in scoring (30.6).
While Temple excelled at running the ball under Loeffler's guidance, he does have a lot of experience working with quarterbacks that have gone on to play in the NFL, including Tom Brady, Tim Tebow, Brian Griese, Chad Henne, Drew Henson and John Navarre.
“Scot is a rising star who has worked with some very good quarterbacks, and has achieved a tremendous amount of success,” Auburn coach Gene Chizik said. “He is a tireless worker, is an outstanding recruiter and knows the rigors of competing in this conference. We’re very excited to have Scot join our staff, and we welcome him to the Auburn family.”
Loeffler, who is a Michigan graduate, gained experience in the SEC while serving as Florida's quarterbacks coach in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, Florida's quarterbacks, headed by former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, led the nation in passing efficiency (167.3) and passed for 3,305 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. Florida also ranked second in the SEC in passing offense (236.1).
I interacted with Loeffler a few times during his two years at Florida, and he certainly seemed like a man who knows what he was talking about. He probably has more pro-style ideals when it comes to running an offense, so this might be his chance to get out of the spread mindset that he's had since his time with the Gators.
He'll also have the job of improving Auburn's quarterback play. The Tigers were wildly inconsistent at the position last season, and finished the season ranking 100th nationally in total offense (337.8). Seven-game starter Barrett Trotter, who graduated, decided not to return to Auburn, leaving Loeffler with rising junior Clint Moseley and rising sophomore Kiehl Frazier as the only quarterbacks with any experience.
Moseley took over for Trotter midway through the season, but struggled to get the Tigers' offense going, passing for 800 yards and five touchdowns, with three interceptions. Frazier came in more for running situations throughout the season and only attempted 12 passes, tossing two interceptions in the process.
Loeffler will also be without star running back Michael Dyer, who left with Malzahn for Arkansas State, but Auburn does have a lot of young talent to work with. If Loeffler is making the switch to a more pro-style offense, there will no doubt be some hiccups along the way, but those are common with coaching changes. Implementing the system he wants should be his first priority.
“Auburn is one of the special jobs and special places in college athletics, with a tremendous amount of history and tradition. It’s an honor to be joining coach Chizik’s staff, and I’m very appreciative of this opportunity," Loeffler said.
The school announced Sunday night that former Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler has been hired to replace Gus Malzahn as the Tigers' offensive coordinator. Malzahn left after the Chick-fil-A Bowl to become the head coach at Arkansas State.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Temple Athletics Joseph V. LabolitoFormer Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler will take his system to Auburn next season.
AP Photo/Temple Athletics Joseph V. LabolitoFormer Temple offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler will take his system to Auburn next season.While Temple excelled at running the ball under Loeffler's guidance, he does have a lot of experience working with quarterbacks that have gone on to play in the NFL, including Tom Brady, Tim Tebow, Brian Griese, Chad Henne, Drew Henson and John Navarre.
“Scot is a rising star who has worked with some very good quarterbacks, and has achieved a tremendous amount of success,” Auburn coach Gene Chizik said. “He is a tireless worker, is an outstanding recruiter and knows the rigors of competing in this conference. We’re very excited to have Scot join our staff, and we welcome him to the Auburn family.”
Loeffler, who is a Michigan graduate, gained experience in the SEC while serving as Florida's quarterbacks coach in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, Florida's quarterbacks, headed by former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, led the nation in passing efficiency (167.3) and passed for 3,305 yards, 28 touchdowns and five interceptions. Florida also ranked second in the SEC in passing offense (236.1).
I interacted with Loeffler a few times during his two years at Florida, and he certainly seemed like a man who knows what he was talking about. He probably has more pro-style ideals when it comes to running an offense, so this might be his chance to get out of the spread mindset that he's had since his time with the Gators.
He'll also have the job of improving Auburn's quarterback play. The Tigers were wildly inconsistent at the position last season, and finished the season ranking 100th nationally in total offense (337.8). Seven-game starter Barrett Trotter, who graduated, decided not to return to Auburn, leaving Loeffler with rising junior Clint Moseley and rising sophomore Kiehl Frazier as the only quarterbacks with any experience.
Moseley took over for Trotter midway through the season, but struggled to get the Tigers' offense going, passing for 800 yards and five touchdowns, with three interceptions. Frazier came in more for running situations throughout the season and only attempted 12 passes, tossing two interceptions in the process.
Loeffler will also be without star running back Michael Dyer, who left with Malzahn for Arkansas State, but Auburn does have a lot of young talent to work with. If Loeffler is making the switch to a more pro-style offense, there will no doubt be some hiccups along the way, but those are common with coaching changes. Implementing the system he wants should be his first priority.
“Auburn is one of the special jobs and special places in college athletics, with a tremendous amount of history and tradition. It’s an honor to be joining coach Chizik’s staff, and I’m very appreciative of this opportunity," Loeffler said.
Instant Analysis: Auburn 43, Virginia 24
December, 31, 2011
12/31/11
11:29
PM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
After falling behind early, Auburn emptied out its playbook on offense and dominated the kicking game to charge past Virginia 43-24 on Saturday night in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
Here’s an instant analysis from the game:
How the game was won: Auburn was truly special in special teams, and Virginia was utterly awful. The Tigers blocked two punts -- one leading to a touchdown and another resulting in a safety. They perfectly executed an onside kick to lead to another touchdown, snuffed out a Virginia fake field goal and also returned a free kick 62 yards to set up a field goal. The Tigers, who led 28-17 at the half, also played much better defensively in the second half and held the Cavaliers to 140 total yards after the break.
Turning point: Cody Parkey’s onside kick came right after Auburn had tied the game at 14-14 early in the second quarter. On the second offensive play, Barrett Trotter hit Emory Blake on a 50-yard pass. Three plays later, Kiehl Frazier scored on a 1-yard touchdown plunge to give Auburn the lead for good.
Player of the game: Auburn’s Onterio McCalebb said prior to the game that he wanted to prove to everybody that he could be the go-to running back with Michael Dyer indefinitely suspended. McCalebb delivered for the Tigers with 109 rushing yards on 10 carries and two catches for 53 yards. He ran for a touchdown and also caught a touchdown pass.
Unsung hero: After Auburn starting quarterback Clint Moseley went down with an injury in the second quarter, Trotter came off the bench to throw the ball as well as has all season. He finished 11-of-18 for 175 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. He also scrambled for 32 yards and kept several plays alive.
Stat of the game: Auburn’s 43 points were a season high.
Stat of the game II: Auburn coach Gene Chizik ran his bowl record to 9-0. He’s now 6-0 as an assistant coach in bowl games and 3-0 as a head coach.
Stat of the game III: Auburn (8-5) avoided the dubious distinction of becoming the first defending national champion since Ohio State in 1943 to lose six games.
Best call: Just about everything Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn dialed up. The Tigers ran statue-of-liberty plays, reverses, throwback screens, wrap-around handoffs and halfback passes. Malzahn, who will move on to be the head coach at Arkansas State, went out in style.
Second guessing: In one of several special teams blunders by the Cavaliers, coach Mike London called for a fake field goal in the second quarter with Auburn leading 21-14. The Tigers had all the momentum at the time, and the Cavaliers needed some points. But their fake from the 15-yard line was snuffed out by Auburn’s Chris Davis, and the Tigers answered with a touchdown drive of their own to take a 28-14 lead.
What it means: Auburn heads into the offseason with some momentum, not to mention its third straight season of at least eight wins under Chizik. The finish to the 2011 regular season for the Tigers was anything but memorable, as they were blown out by LSU, Georgia and Alabama. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof left for the same job at UCF. Malzahn took the head coaching job at Arkansas State, and Dyer was indefinitely suspended. But the Tigers overcame the distractions to play one of their most complete games of the season and win their fifth straight bowl game. The Cavaliers (8-5) are still looking for their first bowl win since the 2007 season and will go into the offseason with a sour taste in their mouths. Counting the 38-0 loss to Virginia Tech to end the regular season, they lost their last two by a combined 81-24 margin.
SEC predictions: Non-BCS bowls
December, 26, 2011
12/26/11
11:00
AM ET
By
Chris Low and
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
We’ve picked nearly 100 football games this season, and we’re dead even.
I’m 83-14 for a .856 percentage, and so is my soccer-loving colleague, Edward Aschoff. You know him best as the ATL Kid.
There was a time, not long ago, that he held a three-game lead. Something says you’re already well aware of that given how much he crowed about it.
But that was then, and this is now.
It’s bowl season, meaning it’s time to separate the pretenders from the contenders … and the rookies from the veterans.
Edward has fought the good fight. He’s learned not to pick his alma mater, Florida, every week, and he’s not basing his picks solely on how his Xbox games turn out anymore.
Hey, he’s picked enough games now that he’s no longer a rookie. We don’t use youth as an excuse on the SEC blog like some coaches in this league have been known to do.
We’ll kick off our picks with the non-BCS bowls and will come back in a week or so with our prediction in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game.
Enough talking, though. It’s showtime:
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Dec. 30)
Mississippi State (6-6) vs. Wake Forest (6-6)
Edward Aschoff: The Bulldogs didn't exactly have the year they expected, as offensive-line injuries and offensive inefficiency doomed them. They also enter this one with quarterback issues. Wake Forest started hot, but lost four of its final five, including a 41-7 defeat to Vanderbilt. Mississippi State's defense surprised most this year and will be the difference. ... Mississippi State 20, Wake Forest 17
Chris Low: Both teams just did squeeze into the postseason, but Wake Forest was really wobbling there at the end. The Deacons' only victories since the second week of October came over Duke and Maryland. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, were playing their best defense when the regular season ended, and that will be the difference in Nashville. … Mississippi State 31, Wake Forest 17
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Dec. 31)
Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6)
Edward Aschoff: Vandy enters its first bowl game since 2008 with some nice momentum. James Franklin has turned the Commodores into a pretty tough team with some attitude. It looks like the Bearcats will have starting quarterback Zach Collaros back from his broken ankle, but while Cincinnati won a share of the Big East championship, this Vandy defense will be too jacked up and aggressive for the Bearcats. ... Vanderbilt 27, Cincinnati 21
Chris Low: It looks like Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros will be back for the bowl game after breaking his ankle in November. The Commodores’ defense will be ready no matter who lines up under center, and an improved Vanderbilt offense will make enough big plays to carve out only the third bowl victory in school history. … Vanderbilt 28, Cincinnati 24
Chick-fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31)
Virginia (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5)
Edward Aschoff: These teams mirrored each other at times this season. Both won close games and were loaded with youth. However, Auburn's youngsters hit the wall at the midpoint of the season, while Virginia almost made the ACC title game. Coach Gene Chizik is now coaching Auburn's very subpar defense and star running back Michael Dyer is suspended. Advantage Cavaliers. ... Virginia 31, Auburn 17
Chris Low: It’s been hectic around the Plains lately. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof left for the same job at UCF, meaning Gene Chizik is running the defense for the time being. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is leaving for the Arkansas State head job after the bowl, and the Tigers’ only consistent offensive threat during the season, sophomore running back Michael Dyer, is suspended. The Cavaliers smell blood in the water, but Chizik loses bowl games about as often as he loses close games. … Auburn 27, Virginia 21
TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl (Jan. 2)
Ohio State (6-6) vs. Florida (6-6)
Edward Aschoff: All anyone will be talking about in this one is Urban Meyer ... and he isn't even coaching. His former team (Florida) takes on his future team (Ohio State). Both teams really struggled on offense this season, but the Gators' defense ranks ninth nationally. Florida should be motivated to play the Buckeyes, but even with a new man calling the offensive shots, nothing tells us the offense will look any different. ... Ohio State 20, Florida 13
Chris Low: There’s no truth to the rumor that Urban Meyer will conduct the coin toss. In fact, he’s not even supposed to be at the game. He will be in spirit, though. Both teams have had forgettable seasons, although the Gators’ defense deserved better. At the end of the day, it’s Ohio State vs. an SEC team in a bowl game, and we all know how that movie ends. … Florida 21, Ohio State 17
Outback Bowl (Jan. 2)
Michigan State (10-3) vs. Georgia (10-3)
Edward Aschoff: The Bulldogs were one of the hottest teams in the country before getting blasted by LSU in the SEC championship game. Michigan State was also a victory away from the Rose Bowl. Both sport top-five defenses and fun offenses. This one could be one of the top bowl games of the year and should come down to the very end with Georgia squeaking by. ... Georgia 27, Michigan State 24
Chris Low: If you like rock-solid defense, this is your game. Georgia is ranked No. 3 nationally in total defense, Michigan State No. 5. The question is: Which offense can find a way to move the ball and score some points? The Spartans averaged 38.6 points over their final five games, and the Kirk Cousins-to-B.J. Cunningham connection was lethal. But Aaron Murray has an array of targets and will use them all in this game. … Georgia 30, Michigan State 21
Capital One Bowl (Jan. 2)
Nebraska (9-3) vs. South Carolina (10-2)
Edward Aschoff: The Gamecocks haven't been very good in bowl games, losing three straight. While Nebraska had its own bowl issues last year, barely showing up in the Holiday Bowl. Both teams really know how to run the ball, but South Carolina's defense has fed on offenses for most of the year. With all those athletes up front, the Gamecocks will end their postseason woes against the Huskers. ... South Carolina 27, Nebraska 20
Chris Low: It’s always risky to pick the Gamecocks in a bowl game, especially when you consider that they’ve lost their past three and didn’t come close to playing a decent game in any of the three. But the Head Ball Coach is doing things at South Carolina that have never been done before, and he has a defense that’s capable of dominating games. The Gamecocks will find a way to grind it out and accomplish another first – winning 11 games in a season. … South Carolina 24, Nebraska 20
AT&T Cotton Bowl (Jan. 6)
Kansas State (10-2) vs. Arkansas (10-2)
Edward Aschoff: Both of these squads looked BCS-worthy, but didn't make it to the party. Still, this game should have people glued to their TV sets. The Razorbacks and the Wildcats know how to move the ball, while their defenses had a lot of bend in them this year. There shouldn't be any shortage of points, but if this one turns into a shootout, Arkansas is better equipped when it comes to talent. ... Arkansas 34, Kansas State 28
Chris Low: Both of these teams feel like they should be playing in a BCS bowl game, although it doesn’t get much better than Cowboys Stadium and the Cotton Bowl. The Hogs’ big problem this season was that they happened to be in the same division as Alabama and LSU. Kansas State was one of the surprise stories of the college football season, but the Wildcats won’t be able to keep up with the Hogs. … Arkansas 38, Kansas State 24
I’m 83-14 for a .856 percentage, and so is my soccer-loving colleague, Edward Aschoff. You know him best as the ATL Kid.
There was a time, not long ago, that he held a three-game lead. Something says you’re already well aware of that given how much he crowed about it.
But that was then, and this is now.
It’s bowl season, meaning it’s time to separate the pretenders from the contenders … and the rookies from the veterans.
Edward has fought the good fight. He’s learned not to pick his alma mater, Florida, every week, and he’s not basing his picks solely on how his Xbox games turn out anymore.
Hey, he’s picked enough games now that he’s no longer a rookie. We don’t use youth as an excuse on the SEC blog like some coaches in this league have been known to do.
We’ll kick off our picks with the non-BCS bowls and will come back in a week or so with our prediction in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game.
Enough talking, though. It’s showtime:
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Dec. 30)
Mississippi State (6-6) vs. Wake Forest (6-6)
Edward Aschoff: The Bulldogs didn't exactly have the year they expected, as offensive-line injuries and offensive inefficiency doomed them. They also enter this one with quarterback issues. Wake Forest started hot, but lost four of its final five, including a 41-7 defeat to Vanderbilt. Mississippi State's defense surprised most this year and will be the difference. ... Mississippi State 20, Wake Forest 17
Chris Low: Both teams just did squeeze into the postseason, but Wake Forest was really wobbling there at the end. The Deacons' only victories since the second week of October came over Duke and Maryland. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, were playing their best defense when the regular season ended, and that will be the difference in Nashville. … Mississippi State 31, Wake Forest 17
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Dec. 31)
Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Vanderbilt (6-6)
Edward Aschoff: Vandy enters its first bowl game since 2008 with some nice momentum. James Franklin has turned the Commodores into a pretty tough team with some attitude. It looks like the Bearcats will have starting quarterback Zach Collaros back from his broken ankle, but while Cincinnati won a share of the Big East championship, this Vandy defense will be too jacked up and aggressive for the Bearcats. ... Vanderbilt 27, Cincinnati 21
Chris Low: It looks like Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros will be back for the bowl game after breaking his ankle in November. The Commodores’ defense will be ready no matter who lines up under center, and an improved Vanderbilt offense will make enough big plays to carve out only the third bowl victory in school history. … Vanderbilt 28, Cincinnati 24
Chick-fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31)
Virginia (8-4) vs. Auburn (7-5)
Edward Aschoff: These teams mirrored each other at times this season. Both won close games and were loaded with youth. However, Auburn's youngsters hit the wall at the midpoint of the season, while Virginia almost made the ACC title game. Coach Gene Chizik is now coaching Auburn's very subpar defense and star running back Michael Dyer is suspended. Advantage Cavaliers. ... Virginia 31, Auburn 17
Chris Low: It’s been hectic around the Plains lately. Defensive coordinator Ted Roof left for the same job at UCF, meaning Gene Chizik is running the defense for the time being. Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is leaving for the Arkansas State head job after the bowl, and the Tigers’ only consistent offensive threat during the season, sophomore running back Michael Dyer, is suspended. The Cavaliers smell blood in the water, but Chizik loses bowl games about as often as he loses close games. … Auburn 27, Virginia 21
TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl (Jan. 2)
Ohio State (6-6) vs. Florida (6-6)
Edward Aschoff: All anyone will be talking about in this one is Urban Meyer ... and he isn't even coaching. His former team (Florida) takes on his future team (Ohio State). Both teams really struggled on offense this season, but the Gators' defense ranks ninth nationally. Florida should be motivated to play the Buckeyes, but even with a new man calling the offensive shots, nothing tells us the offense will look any different. ... Ohio State 20, Florida 13
Chris Low: There’s no truth to the rumor that Urban Meyer will conduct the coin toss. In fact, he’s not even supposed to be at the game. He will be in spirit, though. Both teams have had forgettable seasons, although the Gators’ defense deserved better. At the end of the day, it’s Ohio State vs. an SEC team in a bowl game, and we all know how that movie ends. … Florida 21, Ohio State 17
Outback Bowl (Jan. 2)
Michigan State (10-3) vs. Georgia (10-3)
Edward Aschoff: The Bulldogs were one of the hottest teams in the country before getting blasted by LSU in the SEC championship game. Michigan State was also a victory away from the Rose Bowl. Both sport top-five defenses and fun offenses. This one could be one of the top bowl games of the year and should come down to the very end with Georgia squeaking by. ... Georgia 27, Michigan State 24
Chris Low: If you like rock-solid defense, this is your game. Georgia is ranked No. 3 nationally in total defense, Michigan State No. 5. The question is: Which offense can find a way to move the ball and score some points? The Spartans averaged 38.6 points over their final five games, and the Kirk Cousins-to-B.J. Cunningham connection was lethal. But Aaron Murray has an array of targets and will use them all in this game. … Georgia 30, Michigan State 21
Capital One Bowl (Jan. 2)
Nebraska (9-3) vs. South Carolina (10-2)
Edward Aschoff: The Gamecocks haven't been very good in bowl games, losing three straight. While Nebraska had its own bowl issues last year, barely showing up in the Holiday Bowl. Both teams really know how to run the ball, but South Carolina's defense has fed on offenses for most of the year. With all those athletes up front, the Gamecocks will end their postseason woes against the Huskers. ... South Carolina 27, Nebraska 20
Chris Low: It’s always risky to pick the Gamecocks in a bowl game, especially when you consider that they’ve lost their past three and didn’t come close to playing a decent game in any of the three. But the Head Ball Coach is doing things at South Carolina that have never been done before, and he has a defense that’s capable of dominating games. The Gamecocks will find a way to grind it out and accomplish another first – winning 11 games in a season. … South Carolina 24, Nebraska 20
AT&T Cotton Bowl (Jan. 6)
Kansas State (10-2) vs. Arkansas (10-2)
Edward Aschoff: Both of these squads looked BCS-worthy, but didn't make it to the party. Still, this game should have people glued to their TV sets. The Razorbacks and the Wildcats know how to move the ball, while their defenses had a lot of bend in them this year. There shouldn't be any shortage of points, but if this one turns into a shootout, Arkansas is better equipped when it comes to talent. ... Arkansas 34, Kansas State 28
Chris Low: Both of these teams feel like they should be playing in a BCS bowl game, although it doesn’t get much better than Cowboys Stadium and the Cotton Bowl. The Hogs’ big problem this season was that they happened to be in the same division as Alabama and LSU. Kansas State was one of the surprise stories of the college football season, but the Wildcats won’t be able to keep up with the Hogs. … Arkansas 38, Kansas State 24
The regular-season grades are in for the Auburn Tigers, who face Virginia on New Year’s Eve in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
OFFENSE: C-
What a difference a year makes. Better yet, what a difference Cam Newton made. We all knew Newton was a difference-maker and a special player. But after watching him sparkle as a rookie with the Carolina Panthers and watching Auburn struggle just to make a first down for much of this season, it’s obvious how much the Tigers missed him. Other than sophomore tailback Michael Dyer, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards for the second straight season, Auburn never found anything to hang its hat on offensively. And, now, Dyer is suspended indefinitely after violating team policy. The Tigers averaged just 24.2 points per game after leading the league in 2010 with an average of 41.2 points per game. They juggled three different quarterbacks, never established any kind of downfield passing game and gave up 31 sacks in 12 games. In their last seven SEC games, they scored more than 17 points only once, and that came against Ole Miss.
DEFENSE: F
Even during their 2010 national championship season, the Tigers weren’t a dominant defense. But they made plays when they had to, particularly in the fourth quarter, and rose to the challenge in the BCS National Championship Game. With so many of the key pieces from that defense gone, the Tigers went from an opportunistic defense to a bad defense and didn’t stop much of anybody this season. They were a poor tackling team and gave up more than 1,600 yards in total offense in their first three games, which sort of set the tone. They did hold South Carolina to 13 points and Florida to six points in wins. But LSU, Georgia and Alabama all ripped through Auburn for more than 40 points in what was an ugly end to the regular season for the Tigers. It didn’t take defensive coordinator Ted Roof long to skip town. He left for the UCF defensive coordinator’s job, and head coach Gene Chizik will oversee the defense during the bowl game.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B+
Punter Steven Clarke was one of the best in the country at pinning teams deep. Of his 69 punts, 32 ended up inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. The Tigers were also third in the SEC in net punting and had two different players -- Tre Mason and Onterio McCalebb -- to return kickoffs for touchdowns. They led the league in kickoff return average and also led the league in kickoff coverage. Cody Parkey was second in the league with 34 touchbacks and made 11 of his 15 field-goal attempts. The Tigers also perfectly executed an onsides kick in the final minutes of the season opener to help them escape against Utah State.
COACHING: C
Even though it wasn’t always pretty, Chizik and his staff were able to squeeze five wins out of this team through the first seven weeks of the season. The 16-13 win at South Carolina looked like it might propel the Tigers to a big season, bigger than most outside the program expected. But they went south from there and were blown out by LSU, Georgia and Alabama down the stretch. Getting blown out is one thing, especially given how well LSU, Georgia and Alabama were playing at that point. But most troubling to fans on the Plains was how uninspired the Tigers looked in those games. They weren’t even competitive. Auburn’s staff will have a new look to it next season. Roof is already gone, and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will leave after the bowl game. He took the Arkansas State head coaching job. Despite the deficiencies on offense and defense, the Tigers did find a way to win four SEC games.
OFFENSE: C-
What a difference a year makes. Better yet, what a difference Cam Newton made. We all knew Newton was a difference-maker and a special player. But after watching him sparkle as a rookie with the Carolina Panthers and watching Auburn struggle just to make a first down for much of this season, it’s obvious how much the Tigers missed him. Other than sophomore tailback Michael Dyer, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards for the second straight season, Auburn never found anything to hang its hat on offensively. And, now, Dyer is suspended indefinitely after violating team policy. The Tigers averaged just 24.2 points per game after leading the league in 2010 with an average of 41.2 points per game. They juggled three different quarterbacks, never established any kind of downfield passing game and gave up 31 sacks in 12 games. In their last seven SEC games, they scored more than 17 points only once, and that came against Ole Miss.
DEFENSE: F
Even during their 2010 national championship season, the Tigers weren’t a dominant defense. But they made plays when they had to, particularly in the fourth quarter, and rose to the challenge in the BCS National Championship Game. With so many of the key pieces from that defense gone, the Tigers went from an opportunistic defense to a bad defense and didn’t stop much of anybody this season. They were a poor tackling team and gave up more than 1,600 yards in total offense in their first three games, which sort of set the tone. They did hold South Carolina to 13 points and Florida to six points in wins. But LSU, Georgia and Alabama all ripped through Auburn for more than 40 points in what was an ugly end to the regular season for the Tigers. It didn’t take defensive coordinator Ted Roof long to skip town. He left for the UCF defensive coordinator’s job, and head coach Gene Chizik will oversee the defense during the bowl game.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B+
Punter Steven Clarke was one of the best in the country at pinning teams deep. Of his 69 punts, 32 ended up inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. The Tigers were also third in the SEC in net punting and had two different players -- Tre Mason and Onterio McCalebb -- to return kickoffs for touchdowns. They led the league in kickoff return average and also led the league in kickoff coverage. Cody Parkey was second in the league with 34 touchbacks and made 11 of his 15 field-goal attempts. The Tigers also perfectly executed an onsides kick in the final minutes of the season opener to help them escape against Utah State.
COACHING: C
Even though it wasn’t always pretty, Chizik and his staff were able to squeeze five wins out of this team through the first seven weeks of the season. The 16-13 win at South Carolina looked like it might propel the Tigers to a big season, bigger than most outside the program expected. But they went south from there and were blown out by LSU, Georgia and Alabama down the stretch. Getting blown out is one thing, especially given how well LSU, Georgia and Alabama were playing at that point. But most troubling to fans on the Plains was how uninspired the Tigers looked in those games. They weren’t even competitive. Auburn’s staff will have a new look to it next season. Roof is already gone, and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn will leave after the bowl game. He took the Arkansas State head coaching job. Despite the deficiencies on offense and defense, the Tigers did find a way to win four SEC games.
Top surprises in the Western Division
December, 21, 2011
12/21/11
2:05
PM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
No college football season ever turns out exactly the way you thought it would.
There are always surprises -- good and bad.
I’ll tackle my biggest surprises in the SEC’s Western Division this season, and Edward will unveil his biggest surprises in the Eastern Division later today.
We’ll do it by teams:
ALABAMA
Struggles in the kicking game: It wasn’t all bad. Marquis Maze was one of the top kickoff and punt returners in the SEC, but Alabama was ninth in the SEC in net punting and 11th in kickoff coverage. What’s more, the Crimson Tide missed 11 field goals this season. And while nobody in Tuscaloosa needs to be reminded, four of those misses came in the LSU game.
Anthony Steen: The 6-foot-3, 303-pound sophomore was one of the Crimson Tide’s most pleasant surprises in the preseason, and he wound up starting nine games at right guard. He was a big part of Alabama’s bruising running game, which topped the SEC with an average of 219.8 yards per game.
ARKANSAS
Defensive turnover: This was supposed to be Arkansas’ best defense under Bobby Petrino. The Hogs had depth and experience, but wound up ninth in the SEC in total defense and gave up 28 or more points in six games. Petrino fired defensive coordinator Willy Robinson and brought in Paul Haynes from Ohio State as the Hogs’ new defensive coordinator.
Greg Childs: After tearing the patella tendon in his right knee during the 2010 season, Childs never returned to his All-SEC form. He just wasn’t the same physically this season and finished with 16 catches in 10 games and no touchdowns.
AUBURN
Defensive decline: Everybody on the Plains expected some drop-off on defense after losing so many veteran players from the national championship team. But the Tigers were torched for more than 1,600 total yards in their first three games in a sign of things to come. They wound up giving up 29.3 points per game and 405.8 yards per game, and defensive coordinator Ted Roof left for the UCF defensive coordinator’s job when the regular season ended.
Gus Malzahn leaving for Arkansas State: Most in and around the Auburn program had a feeling that Malzahn was poised to leave for a head job. After all, he turned down $3 million per year at Vanderbilt last year. But nobody would have guessed that he would leave for the Arkansas State head job.
LSU
No quarterback controversy: With the way LSU’s quarterback situation has played out, it’s a minor miracle there hasn’t been a quarterback controversy. But, then, it’s been that kind of season for the Tigers. Still, you can’t help but wonder what Jarrett Lee’s true thoughts are right now.
The Honey Badger: It was obvious from Tyrann Mathieu’s freshman season that he was a very good football player. But who knew he would blossom into one of the best all-around players in the country this season? He scored four touchdowns and didn’t play a snap on offense.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
No signature wins: After the Bulldogs racked up nine wins in 2010, the expectations in Starkville were off the charts. In retrospect, maybe too much was expected. Either way, Mississippi State lost all five of its games to nationally ranked foes and only beat one Western Division opponent (Ole Miss).
Cameron Lawrence: In his first season as a starter, Lawrence collected 114 total tackles to rank third in the SEC. Everybody was wondering coming into the season what the Bulldogs were going to do at linebacker after losing all three starters. Lawrence, who played quarterback in high school, stepped right in and anchored a unit that was solid all season.
OLE MISS
Houston Nutt’s ouster: Nutt had been the ultimate survivor in the SEC, and when his back was to the wall, he usually produced some of his best results. It wasn’t to be this season, though, as the Rebels saw their SEC losing streak reach 14 straight games. Following the loss to Kentucky on Nov. 5, the university announced that Nutt wouldn’t be back next season.
Quick trigger for Brunetti: One of the more puzzling things about the season for Ole Miss was how Barry Brunetti could win the starting quarterback job during the preseason, then get benched in the opener and never really be heard from again until the very end of the season.
There are always surprises -- good and bad.
I’ll tackle my biggest surprises in the SEC’s Western Division this season, and Edward will unveil his biggest surprises in the Eastern Division later today.
We’ll do it by teams:
ALABAMA
Struggles in the kicking game: It wasn’t all bad. Marquis Maze was one of the top kickoff and punt returners in the SEC, but Alabama was ninth in the SEC in net punting and 11th in kickoff coverage. What’s more, the Crimson Tide missed 11 field goals this season. And while nobody in Tuscaloosa needs to be reminded, four of those misses came in the LSU game.
Anthony Steen: The 6-foot-3, 303-pound sophomore was one of the Crimson Tide’s most pleasant surprises in the preseason, and he wound up starting nine games at right guard. He was a big part of Alabama’s bruising running game, which topped the SEC with an average of 219.8 yards per game.
ARKANSAS
Defensive turnover: This was supposed to be Arkansas’ best defense under Bobby Petrino. The Hogs had depth and experience, but wound up ninth in the SEC in total defense and gave up 28 or more points in six games. Petrino fired defensive coordinator Willy Robinson and brought in Paul Haynes from Ohio State as the Hogs’ new defensive coordinator.
Greg Childs: After tearing the patella tendon in his right knee during the 2010 season, Childs never returned to his All-SEC form. He just wasn’t the same physically this season and finished with 16 catches in 10 games and no touchdowns.
AUBURN
Defensive decline: Everybody on the Plains expected some drop-off on defense after losing so many veteran players from the national championship team. But the Tigers were torched for more than 1,600 total yards in their first three games in a sign of things to come. They wound up giving up 29.3 points per game and 405.8 yards per game, and defensive coordinator Ted Roof left for the UCF defensive coordinator’s job when the regular season ended.
Gus Malzahn leaving for Arkansas State: Most in and around the Auburn program had a feeling that Malzahn was poised to leave for a head job. After all, he turned down $3 million per year at Vanderbilt last year. But nobody would have guessed that he would leave for the Arkansas State head job.
LSU
No quarterback controversy: With the way LSU’s quarterback situation has played out, it’s a minor miracle there hasn’t been a quarterback controversy. But, then, it’s been that kind of season for the Tigers. Still, you can’t help but wonder what Jarrett Lee’s true thoughts are right now.
The Honey Badger: It was obvious from Tyrann Mathieu’s freshman season that he was a very good football player. But who knew he would blossom into one of the best all-around players in the country this season? He scored four touchdowns and didn’t play a snap on offense.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
No signature wins: After the Bulldogs racked up nine wins in 2010, the expectations in Starkville were off the charts. In retrospect, maybe too much was expected. Either way, Mississippi State lost all five of its games to nationally ranked foes and only beat one Western Division opponent (Ole Miss).
Cameron Lawrence: In his first season as a starter, Lawrence collected 114 total tackles to rank third in the SEC. Everybody was wondering coming into the season what the Bulldogs were going to do at linebacker after losing all three starters. Lawrence, who played quarterback in high school, stepped right in and anchored a unit that was solid all season.
OLE MISS
Houston Nutt’s ouster: Nutt had been the ultimate survivor in the SEC, and when his back was to the wall, he usually produced some of his best results. It wasn’t to be this season, though, as the Rebels saw their SEC losing streak reach 14 straight games. Following the loss to Kentucky on Nov. 5, the university announced that Nutt wouldn’t be back next season.
Quick trigger for Brunetti: One of the more puzzling things about the season for Ole Miss was how Barry Brunetti could win the starting quarterback job during the preseason, then get benched in the opener and never really be heard from again until the very end of the season.
USA Today has conducted its annual study of salaries in college football, including head coaches and assistant coaches.
Once again, Alabama’s Nick Saban was the SEC’s highest paid coach, earning $4,833,333 this season, according to USA Today.
Saban was second nationally to Texas’ Mack Brown, who made $5.19 million.
According to USA Today’s research, of the 10 highest paid head coaches in the country (at public institutions), six were from the SEC.
LSU’s Les Miles was fourth at $3,856,417. Arkansas’ Bobby Petrino was sixth at $3,638,000, while Auburn’s Gene Chizik was seventh at $3,500,000, Florida’s Will Muschamp ninth at $3,221,000 and Georgia’s Mark Richt 10th at $2,939,800.
Auburn’s nine assistant coaches earned $4.2 million this season, making the Tigers the highest paid staff in college football.
Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who’s leaving to take the head-coaching job at Arkansas State, was the country’s highest paid assistant at $1.3 million.
There were six $3 million staffs in college football this season, and the SEC had five of them. In addition to Auburn, LSU paid its assistants $3,782,869, followed by Alabama at $3,686,350, Tennessee at $3,200,800 and Florida at $3,120,500.
Seven of LSU’s nine assistant coaches made more than $300,000 this season, including three who made more than $500,000.
Obviously, not everybody in the SEC could afford to pay that kind of cash. At Mississippi State, defensive coordinator Chris Wilson was the highest paid assistant at $300,000.
Even at South Carolina, five of the Gamecocks’ nine assistants made less than $200,000.
Here’s a look at what the SEC head coaches made this season. Vanderbilt is a private institution and doesn’t release its salary figures:
Here's a look at what each SEC school paid its staff in 2011, including the head coaches:
Here's a look at the 10 highest paid assistant coaches in the SEC this season. Four of the 10 (Malzahn, Weis, Johnson and McElwain) recently took head coaching jobs at other schools:
Once again, Alabama’s Nick Saban was the SEC’s highest paid coach, earning $4,833,333 this season, according to USA Today.
Saban was second nationally to Texas’ Mack Brown, who made $5.19 million.
According to USA Today’s research, of the 10 highest paid head coaches in the country (at public institutions), six were from the SEC.
LSU’s Les Miles was fourth at $3,856,417. Arkansas’ Bobby Petrino was sixth at $3,638,000, while Auburn’s Gene Chizik was seventh at $3,500,000, Florida’s Will Muschamp ninth at $3,221,000 and Georgia’s Mark Richt 10th at $2,939,800.
Auburn’s nine assistant coaches earned $4.2 million this season, making the Tigers the highest paid staff in college football.
Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who’s leaving to take the head-coaching job at Arkansas State, was the country’s highest paid assistant at $1.3 million.
There were six $3 million staffs in college football this season, and the SEC had five of them. In addition to Auburn, LSU paid its assistants $3,782,869, followed by Alabama at $3,686,350, Tennessee at $3,200,800 and Florida at $3,120,500.
Seven of LSU’s nine assistant coaches made more than $300,000 this season, including three who made more than $500,000.
Obviously, not everybody in the SEC could afford to pay that kind of cash. At Mississippi State, defensive coordinator Chris Wilson was the highest paid assistant at $300,000.
Even at South Carolina, five of the Gamecocks’ nine assistants made less than $200,000.
Here’s a look at what the SEC head coaches made this season. Vanderbilt is a private institution and doesn’t release its salary figures:
- Alabama’s Nick Saban – $4,833,333
- LSU’s Les Miles – $3,856,417
- Arkansas’ Bobby Petrino – $3,638,000
- Auburn’s Gene Chizik – $3,500,000
- Florida’s Will Muschamp – $3,221,000
- Georgia’s Mark Richt – $2,939,800
- South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier – $2,828,000
- Ole Miss’ Houston Nutt – $2,771,750
- Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen – $2,500,000
- Tennessee’s Derek Dooley – $2,330,591
- Kentucky’s Joker Phillips – $1,702,489
- Vanderbilt’s James Franklin – N/A
Here's a look at what each SEC school paid its staff in 2011, including the head coaches:
- Alabama -- $8.5 million
- Auburn -- $7.6 million
- LSU -- $7.6 million
- Florida -- $6.3 million
- Arkansas -- $5.9 million
- Georgia -- $5.6 million
- Tennessee -- $5.5 million
- Ole Miss -- $5.2 million
- South Carolina -- $5.2 million
- Mississippi State -- $4.5 million
- Kentucky -- $3.9 million
- Vanderbilt -- N/A
Here's a look at the 10 highest paid assistant coaches in the SEC this season. Four of the 10 (Malzahn, Weis, Johnson and McElwain) recently took head coaching jobs at other schools:
- Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn – $1,309,600
- Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis – $875,000
- Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart – $851,500
- Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham – $755,900
- LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis – $708,000
- South Carolina defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson – $705,180
- LSU quarterbacks coach Steve Kragthorpe – $700,000
- Tennessee defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox – $625,000
- Tennessee offensive coordinator Jim Chaney – $525,000
- Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain – $516,000
As the final games of the season approach for SEC teams, we thought we'd take a look at what stock is rising and what's falling in the conference:
STOCK UP
Vanderbilt coach James Franklin: Before the season, Franklin promised that things would change when it came to Vanderbilt football. Boy, was he right. The Commodores were actually fun to watch this season, had some attitude and made it back to a bowl game for the first time since 2008. Along the way, the Commodores took Georgia, Florida, Arkansas and Tennessee all down to the wire, and if not for some old Vandy mistakes, the Commodores might have won nine games this year. He's also doing a great job on the recruiting front, as his class ranks 22nd nationally.
SEC star power: It was pretty crowded at the top of the SEC's most outstanding list. Alabama running back Trent Richardson was an All-American, won the Doak Walker Award and was a Heisman finalist. Joining him at the top of the SEC -- and the country -- were LSU cornerbacks Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne. Both were All-Americans and Mathieu took home the Chuck Bednarik Award, while Claiborne earned the Jim Thorpe Award. Alabama's Barrett Jones won the Outland Trophy, LSU's Les Miles took home The Home Depot Award (coach of the year) and LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis won the Frank Broyles Award (assistant coach of the year). The SEC had 16 players named AP All-Americans in 2011.
The SEC: Not only did the conference rack up the accolades, but the SEC will be represented by both Alabama and LSU in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game. There is controversy surrounding this game, but those representing the conference could care less. LSU and Alabama were the two best teams in the country and the SEC is guaranteed to win its sixth straight national championship. Unfortunately, the league will also suffer its first loss in the BCS title game.
STOCK DOWN
Auburn running back Michael Dyer: He was easily Auburn's best player this season and was one of the most productive running backs in the SEC. However, because he violated unspecified team rules, Dyer won't be playing in the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Virginia. This is a mistake by Dyer that could cost his team dearly. Auburn's offense hasn't exactly moved the ball well in recent weeks and not having Dyer won't help that. This will surely make Gus Malzahn's final offensive game plan with Auburn a little more interesting.
Tennessee: Despite a rough middle portion of the 2011 season, the Vols could have missed this list if not for an embarrassing 10-7 loss to Kentucky to close the year. A week after keeping their postseason hopes alive with a win over Vanderbilt, the Vols fell flat against a team that hadn't beat them in 26 years. It didn't help that star wide receiver Da'Rick Rogers is reportedly firmly in coach Derek Dooley's doghouse. Though, Dooley finds himself in the Tennessee fan base's doghouse as well.
SEC offenses: This truly is a defensive league (five teams rank in the top 10 nationally). SEC offenses didn't end the regular season well, with five teams -- Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss and Kentucky -- finishing with offenses that ranked higher than 100th nationally. Only three teams -- Arkansas, Alabama and Georgia -- ranked in the top 50, and were the only SEC teams to average more than 400 yards of total offense per game.
STOCK UP
Vanderbilt coach James Franklin: Before the season, Franklin promised that things would change when it came to Vanderbilt football. Boy, was he right. The Commodores were actually fun to watch this season, had some attitude and made it back to a bowl game for the first time since 2008. Along the way, the Commodores took Georgia, Florida, Arkansas and Tennessee all down to the wire, and if not for some old Vandy mistakes, the Commodores might have won nine games this year. He's also doing a great job on the recruiting front, as his class ranks 22nd nationally.
SEC star power: It was pretty crowded at the top of the SEC's most outstanding list. Alabama running back Trent Richardson was an All-American, won the Doak Walker Award and was a Heisman finalist. Joining him at the top of the SEC -- and the country -- were LSU cornerbacks Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne. Both were All-Americans and Mathieu took home the Chuck Bednarik Award, while Claiborne earned the Jim Thorpe Award. Alabama's Barrett Jones won the Outland Trophy, LSU's Les Miles took home The Home Depot Award (coach of the year) and LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis won the Frank Broyles Award (assistant coach of the year). The SEC had 16 players named AP All-Americans in 2011.
The SEC: Not only did the conference rack up the accolades, but the SEC will be represented by both Alabama and LSU in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game. There is controversy surrounding this game, but those representing the conference could care less. LSU and Alabama were the two best teams in the country and the SEC is guaranteed to win its sixth straight national championship. Unfortunately, the league will also suffer its first loss in the BCS title game.
STOCK DOWN
Auburn running back Michael Dyer: He was easily Auburn's best player this season and was one of the most productive running backs in the SEC. However, because he violated unspecified team rules, Dyer won't be playing in the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Virginia. This is a mistake by Dyer that could cost his team dearly. Auburn's offense hasn't exactly moved the ball well in recent weeks and not having Dyer won't help that. This will surely make Gus Malzahn's final offensive game plan with Auburn a little more interesting.
Tennessee: Despite a rough middle portion of the 2011 season, the Vols could have missed this list if not for an embarrassing 10-7 loss to Kentucky to close the year. A week after keeping their postseason hopes alive with a win over Vanderbilt, the Vols fell flat against a team that hadn't beat them in 26 years. It didn't help that star wide receiver Da'Rick Rogers is reportedly firmly in coach Derek Dooley's doghouse. Though, Dooley finds himself in the Tennessee fan base's doghouse as well.
SEC offenses: This truly is a defensive league (five teams rank in the top 10 nationally). SEC offenses didn't end the regular season well, with five teams -- Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss and Kentucky -- finishing with offenses that ranked higher than 100th nationally. Only three teams -- Arkansas, Alabama and Georgia -- ranked in the top 50, and were the only SEC teams to average more than 400 yards of total offense per game.
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.
A little linkage for the lunch hour:
- South Carolina self-imposes six scholarship cuts.
- LSU senior offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk has a tough decision to make.
- Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen will get a one-year contract extension.
- Vanderbilt promises to open it up even more offensively in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
- Auburn hopes to send out Gus Malzahn the right way.
- Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wonders what the magic number is with Georgia coach Mark Richt's contract extension.
- Vanderbilt picks up a commitment from Daphne, Ala., defensive back Torren McGaster, who's rated by ESPN as the No. 73 cornerback prospect in the country.
- Former Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis finalizes a five-year, $12.5 million contract at Kansas.
- New Arkansas defensive coordinator Paul Haynes' salary is set at $475,000 annually.
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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