ESPN College Football

2011 record: 5-7
2011 conference record: 1-7
Returning starters: Offense: 10; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 2

Top returners:
OG Dallas Thomas, WR Da'Rick Rogers, OT Ja'Wuan James, WR Justin Hunter, TE Mychal Rivera, QB Tyler Bray, LB A.J. Johnson, S Brian Randolph, LB Curt Maggitt, LB Herman Lathers, CB Prentiss Waggner

Key losses:
RB Tauren Poole, DT Malik Jackson, DE Ben Martin, LB Austin Johnson

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Tauren Poole (693 yards)
Passing: Tyler Bray* (1,983 yards)
Receiving: Da'Rick Rogers* (1,040 yards)
Tackles: Austin Johnson (81)
Sacks: Malik Jackson (2.5)
Interceptions: Austin Johnson (4)

Spring answers

1. Tyler Bray's leadership: No one has questioned Bray's arm as he can sling it with the best of them. But his heart has been questioned, and he knew it heading into spring. He never considered himself a real leader until this year, when he decided to take his job more seriously. Bray said players listened to him more in practice and respected him more as a person, not just a player. Bray can now be looked at as someone to rally around and look up to. He's finally learning how to be a real quarterback in this league.

2. Richardson's revival: Tennessee's offensive line took a lot of heat last season and for good reason. The Vols were last in the SEC and 116th nationally in rushing. The line needed to find a spark and rising sophomore Antonio Richardson might be just that. His potential has always impressed coaches and after playing on special teams last year, he came out of the spring as the starter at left tackle. Richardson is an extremely athletic and gifted player and the coaches feel confident that he can protect Bray's blind side.

3. Lathers' and Hunter's health: Linebacker Herman Lathers and wide receiver Justin Hunter did all the right things this spring. Lathers missed the 2011 season with an ankle injury, while Hunter missed most of the season after tearing his ACL in against Florida last September. While both still aren't 100 percent, the coaches feel confident that both will be by the fall. Hunter got some good work in this spring and even flew by some players in a scrimmage. Lathers' ankle progressed more and more and thinks he'll be right on track come fall practice.

Fall questions

1. Defensive comfort: Tennessee returns eight defensive starters, but it welcomed a brand new defensive coordinator in Sal Suneri, three other new coaches and a new defensive scheme. Sunseri would like to run more 3-4 this fall, but it'll take time for his players to adjust and Tennessee isn't sure if that comfort level is quite there yet. Tennessee players will also have to continuing adjusting to the new coaching faces they'll be working with this fall. It's important that this defense, which is still relatively young, get on the same page exiting camp.

2. Running the ball: Rising sophomore Marlin Lane showed nice improvement, but he finished the spring tied with Rajion Neal and Devrin Young at running back. So, the jury is still out on whether this team will be able to run the ball more consistently this season and Tennessee might have to look to its incoming freshmen for more help. While the running backs struggled last year, the offensive line was another reason for the Vols' shortcomings in the rushing department. There was a lot of movement up front and improvements need to start there before Tennessee can even think about handing the ball off more.

3. Defensive tackle: There's a lot of uncertainty and inexperience at tackle, and a lot of of players listed as co-starters on Tennessee's post-spring depth chart. Maurice Couch had an up-and-down 2011 season and now will be called to take on more responsibility now that Malik Jackson is gone. Daniel Hood, who was recovering from shoulder surgery this spring, Steven Fowlkes, Darrington Sentimore and Gregory Clark will all get chances in the middle. Also, keep an eye on incoming junior college transfer Daniel McCullers, who the coaches think can contribute immediately.

Among those SEC players who didn't get drafted were Alabama center William Vlachos, Alabama receiver Marquis Maze, Arkansas linebacker Jerry Franklin, and LSU offensive guard Will Blackwell.

Vlachos was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide and first-team All-SEC center last season. The NFL is hung up on measurables, which is the reason Vlachos (6-foot) wasn't drafted. But here's betting that he makes a roster and ends up playing for a long time in the NFL. Vlachos agreed to a free-agent deal with the Tennessee Titans.

Franklin led the Hogs in tackles for four straight seasons and was extremely productive, so it was surprising that he didn't go in the latter rounds. The same goes for Maze, who made a lot of big plays for the Crimson Tide and is also a weapon on special teams. Blackwell made a couple of All-America teams last season, and was an integral part of that LSU offensive line.

Here's a list of some of the more high-profile players in the SEC who didn't get drafted. If they agreed to a free-agent deal, that team is listed in parenthenses:

• Alabama center William Vlachos (Titans)
• Alabama receiver Marquis Maze (Steelers)
• Alabama linebacker Jerrell Harris (Falcons)
• Arkansas linebacker Jerry Franklin (Broncos)
• Arkansas safety Tramain Thomas (Bucs)
• Florida quarterback John Brantley (Ravens)
• Kentucky punter Ryan Tydlacka (Eagles)
• LSU linebacker Ryan Baker
• LSU offensive guard Will Blackwell (Panthers)
• LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee (Chargers)
• LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson
• LSU tight end Deangelo Peterson (Rams)
• Ole Miss running back Brandon Bolden
• Ole Miss defensive end Kentrell Lockett
• Mississippi State center Quentin Saulsberry (Vikings)
• Tennessee running back Tauren Poole (Seahawks)
• Vanderbilt safety Sean Richardson (Packers)

The NFL combine is wrapping up over the next two days in Indianapolis.

Here are some of the top SEC performers to date:

40-yard dash

• Arkansas WR Jarius Wright – 4.42
• Florida RB Chris Rainey – 4.45
• Texas A&M RB Cyrus Gray – 4.47
• Alabama WR Marquis Maze – 4.51
• Tennessee RB Tauren Poole – 4.54
• Arkansas WR Joe Adams – 4.55
• Arkansas WR Greg Childs – 4.55
• LSU WR Rueben Randle – 4.55
• Missouri TE Michael Egnew – 4.62
• Missouri WR Jerrell Jackson – 4.62
• Mississippi State RB Vick Ballard – 4.65
• LSU QB Jordan Jefferson – 4.65
• Ole Miss RB Brandon Bolden – 4.66
• Alabama WR Darius Hanks – 4.66

Bench press

• Georgia TE Orson Charles – 35 repetitions of 225 pounds
• Georgia OT Justin Anderson – 32 repetitions
• Georgia OT Cordy Glenn – 31 repetitions
• LSU LB Ryan Baker – 30 repetitions
• Auburn OT Brandon Mosley – 30 repetitions
• Georgia C Ben Jones – 29 repetitions
• Mississippi State DT Fletcher Cox – 30 repetitions
• South Carolina DE Melvin Ingram – 28 repetitions
• Tennessee RB Tauren Poole – 24 repetitions
• Mississippi State RB Vick Ballard – 23 repetitions
• Texas A&M RB Cyrus Gray – 21 repetitions

Vertical jump

• Missouri WR Jerrell Jackson – 41 inches
• Ole Miss RB Brandon Bolden – 38 inches
• Arkansas WR Jarius Wright – 38 inches
• Arkansas WR Greg Childs – 36.5 inches
• Florida RB Chris Rainey – 36.5 inches
• Arkansas WR Joe Adams – 36 inches
• Tennessee RB Tauren Poole – 34 inches

Broad jump

• Missouri TE Michael Egnew – 10 feet, 11 inches
• Missouri WR Jerrell Jackson – 10 feet, 7 inches
• Arkansas WR Greg Childs – 10 feet, 5 inches
• Arkansas WR Joe Adams – 10 feet, 3 inches

20-yard shuttle

• Florida RB Chris Rainey – 3.93
• Arkansas WR Jarius Wright – 4.03
• LSU QB Jordan Jefferson – 4.06
• Missouri WR Jerrell Jackson – 4.11

Now that you've seen what to watch in the SEC Western Division, let's check out the East:

FLORIDA

Spring practice start date: March 14
Spring game: April 7

What to watch:

Finding offensive playmakers: Year 2 of the Will Muschamp era begins with the team trying to find someone who can make a few plays for this fall. New offensive coordinator Brent Pease has a host of unproven offensive talent to work with. Wide receiver Andre Debose was Florida's best deep threat last year, and the coaches raved about receiver Quinton Dunbar's potential, but neither was consistent enough in 2011. Maybe Florida can finally turn to bigger backs Mike Gillislee and Mack Brown in the playmaking department.

Toughening up the offensive line: The Gators' line struggled throughout the 2011 season. It wasn't always at 100 percent, but Florida's line also just wasn't tough enough -- mentally or physically. The Gators couldn't get the tough yards on the ground and didn't exactly protect quarterback John Brantley enough. The line should get a boost with early enrollees D.J. Humphries, who was the top offensive line prospect in the 2012 class, and Jessamen Dunker, but Florida will have to get improvement from players who return to a line that lost just one starter from last season.

Quarterback battle: Brantley is gone, leaving rising sophomores Jacoby Brissett, Jeff Driskel and Tyler Murphy. Brissett replaced Driskel as Florida's No. 2 quarterback last year, while Murphy has yet to take a college snap. Brissett and Driskel had plenty of down moments last fall but should get a chance to reinvent themselves this spring with new leadership and more practice reps. This spring will be extremely important for all three quarterbacks as they try to improve a position that struggled mightily the past two years.

GEORGIA

Spring practice start date: March 20
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

Isaiah Crowell's toughness: Crowell has the talent to be a star in this league. He has the size and athletic ability to cause a lot of headaches for opposing defenses. However, his inability to stay healthy -- and in games -- became more of a headache for Georgia's coaches and fans in 2011. Crowell needs to get tougher and be more reliable. He said as much after last season, but it's time to make good on his word. Crowell could get a push from early enrollee Keith Marshall this spring, and we know coach Mark Richt isn't afraid to play multiple backs.

Position changes: Richt made headlines recently when he said he'd be open to considering moving star freshman receiver Malcolm Mitchell to cornerback now that the Bulldogs are thin there. Maybe he'll play both ways. Also, rising sophomore Ray Drew could switch from outside linebacker to defensive end. He played both in high school. Georgia's offensive linemen also could play multiple positions up front.

The target on the Bulldogs' backs: There will be a lot more attention paid to the Bulldogs this spring, as they will probably enter the 2012 season as the favorites in the SEC East. Georgia returns just about everyone from a team that reeled off 10 straight wins on its way to the SEC championship game. The Bulldogs aren't just considered the East front-runners -- they also are being viewed as national championship contenders. But the Bulldogs can't let the hype get to them. We've seen this team underachieve when the expectations were high before.

KENTUCKY

Spring practice start date: March 21
Spring game: April 21

What to watch:

Offensive line auditions: The Wildcats must replace three offensive linemen this year. That process will begin this spring, and the good news is that veterans Larry Warford and Matt Smith return. Left guard Kevin Mitchell, who will be a junior this fall, started one game last year, while soon-to-be sophomore right tackle Darrian Miller started two games last fall, so there is some experience coming into the open spots. Trevino Woods, who didn't start a game last year, should be the favorite to play left tackle this spring, but he also can play guard. There's also a lot of depth to work with.

Defensive makeover: Danny Trevathan is gone, so Kentucky must find someone else to run the defense this season. There's no question that Trevathan was the heart of this defense, so replacing him won't be easy, but the Wildcats must find someone who can step up and be a player others can look up to. The Wildcats also lost six starters from their linebacking corps and secondary, meaning Kentucky will have to fill holes with youngsters. Mikie Benton and Ridge Wilson are the only returning starters not on the defensive line.

Maxwell Smith: With fellow quarterback Morgan Newton sidelined this spring as he recovers from shoulder surgery, all eyes will be on Smith. He struggled at times last year, but Kentucky's offense was better when he was under center. Now, he'll have to make even bigger strides this spring if he wants to create a sizable lead in the race before Newton returns. Smith needs to work on his consistency, clean up his mistakes and develop better chemistry with his receivers.

MISSOURI

Spring practice start date: March 6
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

Offensive adjustments: Missouri might return some key pieces at skill positions, but the Tigers must replace three offensive linemen and will have to tweak some things to make their spread offense efficient enough to face SEC defenses. It helps that quarterback James Franklin is a runner and Missouri has speed and depth at receiver and running back, but the team must make subtle changes to combat the improved speed Missouri will see on defense, especially off the edge.

Rebuilding up front: The Tigers will be without three starters on the offensive and defensive lines. That isn't exactly what any SEC team would like, considering games are won in the trenches in this league. Fortunately for Missouri, both sides saw multiple guys get playing time last season. Keep an eye on defensive end Brad Madison. He was viewed as a defensive player of the year candidate in the Big 12 last year but was limited by a shoulder injury.

Wide receivers: Franklin had a heck of a 2011 season, but as he gets ready for 2012, he's still looking for a big-play threat in his receiving corps. T.J. Moe returns as the Tigers' leading receiver, while Marcus Lucas was fourth in receiving last year. Both have the potential to be elite in this league, but can one leave spring with the title of playmaker? Lucas showed flashes last year, but flashes only go so far. Missouri needs to find a definitive receiving threat.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Spring practice start date: March 12
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

Marcus Lattimore's health: His knee injury took place at the halfway point of the season, so he won't be 100 percent for a while. Still, the word is that he's ahead of schedule when it comes to rehabbing his knee. ACL injuries can be tough to manage, but with Lattimore's determination, he'll do everything possible to come back sooner than expected. He likely won't take contact this spring, but it'll be interesting to see whether the Gamecocks get much use out of him before summer.

Finding receiving options: Now that Alshon Jeffery is gone, there's more pressure on South Carolina's receiving corps. Outside of Jeffery, the Gamecocks didn't have consistently reliable options in 2011. That has to change this year, and it starts with a productive spring. Ace Sanders should get more reps, and the coaches are excited about the big-play ability that speedster Damiere Byrd possesses. Also, keep an eye out for Shamier Jeffery, Alshon's little brother.

Connor Shaw's development: Things couldn't have ended any better for South Carolina's quarterback last season. After an up-and-down start, he rebounded in the final three games with 896 combined yards passing and rushing and 11 touchdowns. Now, it's time for him to sharpen his passing skills and develop more confidence in his passing ability. Accomplishing that will help his receivers as well.

TENNESSEE

Spring practice start date: March 26
Spring game: April 21

What to watch:

New coaching feel: The Vols enter spring practice with some new faces on the coaching staff. Six new assistant coaches will make their spring debuts this year. The most important might be defensive coordinator Sal Sunseri and running backs coach Jay Graham. Sunseri is working to make Tennessee more multiple in its approach, adding more 3-4 looks, while Graham will have to fix a struggling running game. Tennessee players will need to adjust to new coaching styles and buy in quickly this spring.

Running backs: No group at Tennessee struggled quite like Tennessee's running backs last fall. The Vols were ranked 116th nationally in rushing offense and recorded just 11 rushing touchdowns (nine from running backs). Tauren Poole is gone, which means Graham will first turn to Marlin Lane and Rajion Neal, who combined for just 414 yards and four touchdowns last year. Devrin Young and Tom Smith will have to step up, while Tennessee will get some use out of early enrollee Alden Hill.

Justin Hunter's health: Losing Hunter was the first of a few blows Tennessee's offense took last year. He's arguably Tennessee's best receiver and one of the best deep threats in this league. He suffered his ACL injury at the beginning of the season, and he's reportedly ahead of schedule but won't take any contact this spring. The goal is to have him running and cutting well at the end of the spring.

VANDERBILT

Spring practice start date: March 16
Spring game: April 14

What to watch:

Jordan Rodgers' confidence: He enters spring as the quarterback for the Commodores, but he has to improve the mental part of his game. He let it get the best of him at times last year, especially in last season's bowl game. He can lose his rhythm quickly at times. He needs to work on improving his confidence and take more command of Vandy's huddle this spring. He has the skill to be a top quarterback in this league, but his head has to follow.

Warren Norman's health: A knee injury forced the running back to redshirt last year, but the good news is that he spent the fall strengthening his leg by participating in each practice. The hope is that he'll be ready to go this spring, but you'd imagine that since this is his second knee injury, the coaches won't push him too much. Getting him to sprint and cut with ease will be important to his rehab this spring.

Keeping the edge: James Franklin's first year as a head coach was a success, but it's important that the attitude and personality that made Vanderbilt so confident last year roll over to the spring. The loss in the bowl game might have stunted that personality growth a bit, but it's important that the Commodores get it back. It will go a long way toward keeping the progress going.

Links to go with those vending machine snacks some of us have had to call "lunch" before.

• Tennessee running back Tauren Poole has a lot to prove at the NFL combine.
• SEC commissioner Mike Slive talks a little Missouri and Texas A&M.
• Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin is set to be the first Aggie head coach to start his career on the road.
• Don't get too comfortable with the 2012 SEC football scheduling format because it could change after 2012.
• Arkansas is still recruiting for its 2012 class.
• Jon Solomon of the Birmingham News writes that players deserve benefits from a future college playoff, too.
• Auburn was the only school in the state of Alabama to support multiyear scholarships.
• The Atlanta Falcons are apparently showing interest in dismissed South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia.
• Georgia punishes cornerback Sanders Commings with probation, community service and he has to attend both an alcohol education class and an anger management class.
• LSU safety Brandon Taylor is eager to make an impression at the NFL combine.

A check of what's shaking in the SEC:

USC's Lane Kiffin jokes concerning Tennessee's struggles: "Are you sure I didn't get blamed for the Kentucky game."

Former LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson will get a chance to show what he can do at the NFL combine.

Former Tennessee running back Tauren Poole is acting on the feedback of the scouts.

Auburn is reportedly pursuing former Maryland offensive lineman Max Garcia.

Georgia intends to offer multi-year scholarships in time for the spring signing period.

There's some chatter that Georgia's Ray Drew could be moving to defensive end.

New Ole Miss offensive line coach Matt Luke is ready to do some experimenting.

Pat Washington, who previously coached in the SEC at Tennessee and played at Auburn, is reportedly Tee Martin's replacement at Kentucky.

Florida's Will Muschamp hosts a Texas-style roundup.

Urban Meyer's old home in Gainesville, Fla., is on the market for $1.7 million.

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

Here are the SEC representatives:

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

School breakdown:

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

Now that national signing day is behind us, we'll continue our look back at each position in the SEC. Today, we're ranking the league's running back units:

1. Alabama: Not only did Alabama lead the SEC in rushing (214.5 yards per game) but Alabama's running game led the league with an average of 5.1 yards per carry against SEC teams. Alabama also had the Doak Walker Award winner in Trent Richardson. Projected as a top-10 pick in April's NFL draft, Richardson finished the season with 1,679 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Backups Eddie Lacy and Jalston Fowler combined for 1,059 yards and 11 touchdowns.

2. LSU: The Tigers used a stable of running backs throughout the year and led the SEC with 200.9 rushing yards per conference game. Michael Ford and Spencer Ware each eclipsed the 700-yard mark, while Kenny Hilliard and Alfred Blue combined for 875 yards. LSU's four regular running backs combined for 30 touchdowns. For 13 games, LSU made its mark on offense by wearing teams out with its running game.

3. Auburn: This group of Tigers might not have gotten a ton of offensive praise this season, but Auburn probably had the best running back duo behind Alabama in Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb. Dyer was the only back other than Richardson to average more than 100 yards rushing against SEC opponents (101.1) and he was second in the league with 1,242 yards. McCalebb put up 641 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

4. South Carolina: The Gamecocks would have been higher on this list if not for the unfortunate season-ending injury Marcus Lattimore suffered in the middle of the year. Lattimore led the SEC in rushing after six games, but was injured a week later, ending the year with 818 yards and 10 touchdowns. Former redshirt candidate Brandon Wilds was a pleasant surprise as he rushed for 486 yards, including gaining 100-plus yards in three of his last five games.

5. Georgia: Like LSU, the Bulldogs used a stable of running backs to get through the season. Freshman Isaiah Crowell led the group and started the season off well, but his play dipped during the second part of the season, as injuries took hold. He was named the SEC's freshman of the year by the Associated Press and gained 850 yards with five touchdowns. Injuries affected Georgia's entire backfield, but the Bulldogs still ranked fifth in the league averaging 169.8 yards in SEC games.

6. Vanderbilt: The Commodores didn't have great depth at running back, but did have an absolute stud in the starting lineup. Zac Stacy came out of nowhere in 2011 to rank third in the SEC with 1,193 yards and second with 14 touchdowns. Freshman Jerron Seymour added 268 yards and five touchdowns.

7. Florida: The Gators had two of the fastest running backs in the country in their backfield in Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Both excelled in space and both ranked in the top 10 in rushing during conference play, as they each averaged more than 59 yards a game and combined for 872 yards. They combined for 1,430 yards, but didn't create a power running game as Florida ranked eighth in the league in rushing.

8. Mississippi State: Vick Ballard had a tremendous season for Bulldogs, rushing for 1,189 and 10 touchdowns in 2011. But the Bulldogs scored just seven rushing touchdowns in SEC play and averaged 131.1 yards per SEC game, ranking ninth in the league. LaDarius Perkins was second on the team with 422 yards and Mississippi State averaged just 3.4 yards per carry against conference teams.

9. Arkansas: The Razorbacks took a major hit when Knile Davis missed the season with an ankle injury. There was depth, but it took a while before Dennis Johnson finally emerged as Arkansas' top back. He finished the season with just 670 yards and three touchdowns. Ronnie Wingo Jr. was second with 458 yards and three scores, as Arkansas ranked ninth overall in rushing in the SEC and seventh in conference play. As a whole, inconsistency plagued Arkansas' backfield.

10. Ole Miss: Houston Nutt prided himself on running the ball, but Ole Miss failed to do it well in 2011. Brandon Bolden's ankle injury at the beginning of the season didn't help. Speedster Jeff Scott received the bulk of the carries, but never really provided a consistent spark and bruiser Enrique Davis was a no-show for most of the year. The Rebels were 10th in the SEC in rushing and their running backs scored just three rushing touchdowns against SEC opponents.

11. Tennessee: If not for Tauren Poole, the Vols would have been dead last on our list. Tennessee was awful running the ball, but Poole gained 693 rushing yards and five touchdowns. However, Tennessee ranked 116th nationally in rushing and last in the SEC, averaging 90.1 yards per game and averaged just 63.5 against conference opponents. Tennessee running backs scored just 11 rushing touchdowns.

12. Kentucky: As a whole, the Wildcats' numbers were better than Tennessee's. They were 11th in the league in rushing and averaged nearly 40 more rushing yards in conference games, but injuries ravaged this group. Freshmen Josh Clemons looked like he might have a solid season before a knee injury cost him the second half of the season. Raymond Sanders was supposed to be the guy, but played just six games. CoShik Williams ended up being Kentucky's leading rusher, with 486 yards.

Making the rounds on a Wednesday:

• Sometimes the right coach for the job is already on the job, writes Mike Herndon of The Mobile Press-Register.
• Mark Bradley of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution points out that there's a slight chance LSU could wind up in a non-BCS bowl.
• It's all about the rings for LSU's football team.
• Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen denies a report that he's close to a deal to become Penn State's next coach.
• Louisiana-Lafayette coach Mark Hudspeth withdraws his name from the Ole Miss head coaching search.
• Former Tennessee running back Tauren Poole calls his last few years with the Vols "dysfunctional."
• Arkansas offensive coordinator Garrick McGee is reportedly in talks with Florida Atlantic about the Owls' head coaching job.
• Auburn needs a quarterback like Jameis Winston, writes Kevin Scarbinsky of The Birmingham News.
• John Clay of The Lexington Herald-Leader ranks the performances of the SEC head coaches this season.
• Vanderbilt coach James Franklin's best wins have come off the field, writes David Climer of The Tennessean.
• Georgia freshman running back Isaiah Crowell is likely to play Saturday against LSU.
• With the news that Josh Shaw and Lynden Trail are leaving Florida, that means 11 players have left the Gators' program since April.

Tennessee coach Derek Dooley talked about “hitting a bottom” Saturday following the Vols’ 10-7 loss to Kentucky.

Senior running back Tauren Poole was even more cryptic. He said bluntly, “It’s embarrassing just to be a Vol right now.”

Obviously, the Vols’ coaches and players were feeling the pain of having their 26-game winning streak over the Wildcats halted.

That and the realization that they had just put the wraps on their second consecutive losing season, something that hasn’t happened at Tennessee since 1910 and 1911.

So “hitting a bottom” is probably an appropriate way of putting it when trying to describe where this once-proud Tennessee program is right now.

But even more sobering than that is the simple fact that the Vols are as irrelevant as they’ve been on the college football landscape in eons … and maybe ever.

You’re talking about a program that has now suffered through four losing seasons in the past seven years.

The Vols haven’t won a bowl game since the 2007 season. They’ve lost 11 in a row to nationally ranked teams. They haven’t been nationally ranked themselves since the 2008 preseason poll.

And, now, with the first loss to Kentucky since 1984 sure to resonate all offseason, the debate about whether or not Dooley is the man to lead the Vols back to respectability will heat up more than ever.

He walked into a mess, for sure, and the Vols were extremely unlucky this season when it came to injuries.

But Season No. 3 under Dooley had better be all about progress and making up some serious ground in an Eastern Division race that has been there for the taking the past couple of years.

The movers and shakers at Tennessee won’t be interested in hearing about all of the things that are wrong with the program heading into next season, be it injuries, youth, inexperience or a lack of leadership.

Something says they’ve had their fill of that.

What they’ll be interested in hearing about is Dooley’s plan to fix a program that went to five SEC championship games in an 11-year span from 1997-2007.

That was during an era of Tennessee football when simply making it to Atlanta on a regular basis wasn’t enough for Phillip Fulmer to keep his job.

Eras come and go, though, and Dooley’s window to get to Atlanta closed some Saturday with the Vols’ first loss to Kentucky in more than a quarter-century.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Tennessee might be out-manned against Alabama, but it's not backing down to the Crimson Tide early.

Tennessee has gone for two fourth downs on Alabama's side of the field Saturday and has converted one. That conversion led to a field goal a few plays later to give the Vols the early 3-0 lead here in the first quarter. It might sound a little risky, but if the Vols are going to pull this upset, they're going to have to be aggressive and take some risks along the way.

The Vols are also working on Alabama's defense by running the ball up the gut with Tauren Poole. Yes, the league's worst running game is actually moving the ball decently early. Poole already has 35 yards rushing.

Matt Simms has seen this movie before.

Simms is the tragic, underdog hero looking to vanquish the evil doers, but must first fail in order to learn the value of what it truly means to win.

However, when Tennessee’s senior quarterback went through this last year by facing Tennessee’s toughest part of the season , he came out with a 2-6 record. Five of those losses came to ranked opponents.

It wasn’t the right ending. Not for the lovable underdog. Well, inject some cruel irony and Simms is right back where he was -- dealing with the monsters of the SEC in true underdog fashion.

His quest begins again after starter Tyler Bray, who replaced Simms last year, broke his thumb against Georgia. Simms came right in and passed for 39 yards on 4-of-6 passing and scored Tennessee’s only touchdown when he plunged into the end zone for a 1-yard score.

But that was only the beginning, as Bray could be out at least four weeks and Simms is left to lead the Vols against No. 1 LSU Saturday, then against Alabama, South Carolina and Arkansas during the next four weeks.

It seems harsh, but this time Simms says he’s more prepared and confident. Even after Bray replaced Simms last year, he continued to train as if he were the starter. His confidence never wavered and he approached each day as if he were No. 1 on the depth chart.

Now, the underdog, equipped with a reeling Tennessee team that sits at 3-2 and winless in the SEC, is ready for his next round of monsters, even with the plethora of doubters.

“Everyone is going to count us out,“ Simms said, “but we need to focus on what we need to do to win the game and win our first SEC game of the season.

“I’m looking forward to it. Obviously, a lot of people would say they would say they wouldn’t want to have their first start of the season against a team like LSU, but I look forward to the challenge.

Not only is Simms replacing one of the league’s top passers, but he will be without deep threat Justin Hunter, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against Florida, and running back Tauren Poole is nursing a sore hamstring that has limited him in practice.

Things could be falling apart in Knoxville, but Simms said his first order of business after the Georgia game was to rally players,. His teammates have tremendous respect for him, but they understand their play has to increase mightily if they want a chance in the second half.

No one will comfort Tennessee, but that doesn’t mean the Vols can quit.

“As the days go on, you realize there’s no sense in sticking your head down and feeling sorry for yourself,” Tennessee coach Derek Dooley said. “You have to dust off your pants and you've got to get up and you've got to start being solution-oriented.

“Everyone is going to rally around Matt and we’re going to go out there and play the best we can. That’s all you can do.”

Cleaning up some first-half numbers would help, too. This team is last in the SEC in rushing, 10th in pass defense, 11th in pass defense efficiency, has one interception and seven sacks, and is -1 in turnover margin.

You can attribute some of that to youth, which will no doubt show more during these next few weeks, and losing two big offensive playmakers won‘t help with poise. Dooley already admitted that losing Bray was a “blow to the spirit” of this team.

That’s where Simms comes in and he said he can handle damage control. Tennessee loses the moxie and big arm of Bray, but gets a senior leader and a heck of a confident guy.

Tennessee is in for a rough few weeks, but Simms believes this movie can end with Tennessee getting to the SEC title game.

“For our own team to think that we should be counted out is ridiculous,“ he said. “We should be ready to go week in and week out no matter who the opponent is.

“We do have a tough road ahead, but this is why we play in this conference and you never know what’s going to happen. It’s unfortunate that Tyler and Justin did go down with injuries, but no one feels sorry for us and we can’t feel sorry for ourselves."

Tennessee running back Tauren Poole remains "day-to-day" with a hamstring injury, coach Derek Dooley said Wednesday.

The senior left the Georgia game early over the weekend, but had gained just 7 yards on seven carries beforehand.

"[Poole] did a little work today and we expect him to be ready on Saturday," Dooley said.

Poole had struggled to get much going this season before he went down. He has 325 yards on 78 carries and hasn't scored another touchdown since his one in the Vols' opener.

Tennessee is currently last in the SEC in rushing offense, averaging 84.8 yards per game.

If Poole can't go, freshman Marlin Lane would fill in at the No. 1 running back spot. On the season, he has 96 yards and two touchdowns on 37 carries. Lane has also been used in the passing game, catching 12 passes for 141 yards and two more scores.

TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

Record: 3-2 (0-2 SEC)

Tennessee coach Derek Dooley just can’t catch a break. Not only did his mom embarrass him on a local radio station by defending her "baby" as one of the greatest coaches in the country, but he has yet another major injury to deal with heading into the second half of the season. Tennessee will be without starting quarterback Tyler Bray, who is dealing with a broken thumb, for at least four weeks. Before his injury, Bray was averaging an SEC-high 332 yards per game and had 14 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Bray’s injury means senior Matt Simms takes over at the quarterback position. Simms was 2-6 as a starter last year and he jumps in right in time to take on the likes of LSU, Alabama, South Carolina and Arkansas during the next five-week span. That’s a rough way to return, but Simms’ teammates have confidence in the veteran and respect the heck out of him.

Not having Justin Hunter, who is out for the year with a knee injury, at wide receiver won’t make Simms’ transition back to starter much easier, but Da'Rick Rogers is a solid No. 1 option. Running Tauren Poole is battling a hamstring injury, but the running game hasn’t been much of a factor at all this year, and that’s a major problem for this team. You can’t win games in this league without running the football, and Tennessee has -30 rushing yards in two SEC games.

Offensive MVP: QB Tyler Bray: Before he went down, he was the conference’s most consistent passer. He had thrown for two or more touchdowns in each of the first four games and broke the 250-yard mark in all five games. What was also impressive about Bray’s play was that since Hunter went down against Florida he passed for 869 yards and six touchdowns.

Defensive MVP: S Prentiss Waggner: Waggner proved to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league last season, but now he’s showing that he can be one of the best safeties as well by covering a ton of ground. While he doesn’t have an interception, he’s been very active this fall. He is second on the team with 26 tackles, has a sack and five pass breakups. He also has three quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.

After another week of college football and we have some movement in the middle our power rankings. The top, however, isn’t budging at the moment:

1. LSU (6-0, 3-0): It seemed like the Tigers were just going through the motions at times over the weekend. Florida entered Death Valley with a true freshman quarterback and left with its pride shattered. LSU made it look so easy on both sides of the ball and Florida’s offensive and defensive lines were absolutely abused in the process. The Tigers have been on another level compared to their competition so far and LSU is playing out of its mind. The Tigers have also used their two-quarterback system with Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson perfectly through two games. How the coaches are ranking the Tigers behind Oklahoma is baffling.

2. Alabama (6-0, 3-0): LSU might be the top team in the power rankings – and the country – but Alabama is a very, very close second. The Tide’s defense has been better statistically and while we still think LSU has the most athletic defense around, Alabama’s is equally as suffocating and has dismantled its opponents with ease thus far. Nov. 5 can’t come soon enough! One thing that Tide fans should be even happier about was quarterback AJ McCarron’s four-touchdown, turnover-free performance against Vanderbilt’s talented secondary. He just gets better every week and is starting to develop more of a downfield passing element.

3. Arkansas (5-1, 1-1): The Razorbacks aren’t on the same level with LSU or Alabama, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a good team. The defense took some heat for its struggles against Texas A&M, but we saw a much-needed transformation Saturday against Auburn. Arkansas completely took Auburn’s passing game out of the equation and forced three interceptions in the process. Tyler Wilson and his band of receivers continue to impress us, and while the running game still needs some work, getting big plays out of Joe Adams out of the backfield has really helped. Making sure the defense doesn’t regress will be key for the Hogs going forward.

4. South Carolina (5-1, 3-1): Connor Shaw was exactly what South Carolina’s offense needed. After back-to-back embarrassing showings by Stephen Garcia, Shaw came in and really sparked this Gamecocks offense with his arm in a blowout win over Kentucky. He threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns as South Carolina put up 54 on the Wildcats. It was the strongest showing of the season for this offense and with the defense continuing to play up to its potential the Gamecocks are back to being seriously considered in the East race.

5. Auburn (4-2, 2-1): The early-season defense Auburn was afraid of seeing again reared its ugly head against Arkansas over the weekend. The Tigers were hurt by the Hogs’ passing game and surrendered a 92-yard run by Joe Adams. Quarterbacks Barrett Trotter and Kiehl Frazier struggled mightily and couldn’t get Auburn back in the game. It’s time for coach Gene Chizik to go back and make some adjustments defensively and in the passing game. He made great defensive modifications after Auburn’s first loss, so we’ll see what he’s got in store this weekend against Florida.

6. Georgia (4-2, 3-1): The Bulldogs struggled on offense again, and eventually that has to become pretty worrisome, but the defense shut down Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray. Georgia’s defense held him without a touchdown, snapping a 10-game streak of Bray passing for at least two touchdowns in a game, and swallowed up Tennessee’s running game (minus-20 yards). Georgia's defense has steadily improved each week and the Bulldogs are right in the thick of the East race. With the not-so-treacherous road ahead, winning out and making it back to Atlanta is a definite possibility for this team. South Carolina still needs to lose, but Georgia is feeling pretty good about itself after this four-game winning streak.

7. Florida (4-2, 2-2): Florida was down to its third-string quarterback against LSU, but was beaten at every position on the field. Even with a youngster (Jacoby Brissett) making his first start, we expected some sort of creativity in the game plan and the Gators had none. The fact is that this team tremendously misses John Brantley under center and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis has to come up with a better strategy while the senior is out. Defensively, the front seven was punished against Alabama and LSU, giving up a combined 464 rushing yards in back-to-back weeks.

8. Tennessee (3-2, 0-2): You gotta feel for the Vols here. Quarterback Tyler Bray was one of the top offensive weapons in the league before he went down with a broken thumb that will keep him out at least four weeks. Top deep threat Justin Hunter was already out and running back Tauren Poole now has a hamstring injury. This team showed fight in both of its SEC losses, but the road ahead is very tough with LSU, Alabama, South Carolina and Arkansas all meeting the Vols during a five-week stretch. It might get worse before it gets better in Knoxville.

9. Vanderbilt (3-2, 1-2): The Commodores are struggling to get anything going on offense. It might be time to hand the keys to this offense over to quarterback Jordan Rodgers, who replaced starter Larry Smith against Alabama after the senior went down with a leg injury. Neither was great when they were in against the Tide, but Vandy’s offense is broken and it needs to get fixed in a hurry. Vandy’s bowl chances might rest on what the offense does in the second half. Defensively, we still like this secondary, but it was shredded by Alabama’s AJ McCarron over the weekend.

10. Mississippi State (3-3, 0-3): The Bulldogs might have won over the weekend, but they didn’t look very good doing it. Mississippi actually trailed UAB 3-0 at the half because the offense failed to show up. It wasn’t until Tyler Russell replaced Chris Relf at quarterback in the third quarter that the Bulldogs finally showed offensive life. Russell threw three touchdowns in the second half to keep the Bulldogs from getting upset. Overall, the offensive execution on this team needs major work.

11. Ole Miss (2-3, 0-2): We can only imagine the preparation the Rebels went through during their bye week to get ready for a visiting Alabama team that is just running through opponents right now. Ole Miss is sticking with Randall Mackey at quarterback after his solid performance at Fresno State, and the hope is that the offense finally gets a consistent lift with him out there. We saw a better, more explosive offense with Mackey in the game, but expecting a duplicate performance this week would be like expecting the cast of Jersey Shore to be invited back to Italy after what we’ve seen in Season 4.

12. Kentucky (2-4, 0-3): Can things get any worse for the Wildcats’ offense? Kentucky is last in the SEC in scoring (13 points per game), total offense (229 yards per game), passing (119 ypg), passing efficiency (78.5), turnovers (17) and red zone scoring (75 percent). Quarterback Morgan Newton might be a junior, but he looks worse than he did during his freshman season and it doesn’t help that he doesn’t have consistently reliable targets to throw to. The defense is improved, but it can’t carry this team. Major offensive changes need to take place during the bye week.