Edward Aschoff

  (12:01 PM)

Greetings, everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend. Let's talk some SEC football.

Doug (Greenville, SC)

I say BAMA has a very good shot at repeating, and going back to back. They have been, and continue to be elite at recruiting and then also developing these kids into NFL players. What do you think?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:03 PM)

Recruiting well always help. There's no doubt about that. The offense should be better, even without Trent Richardson, in my opinion, because of the maturity of AJ McCarron. I still wonder about the defense. Yes, it isn't exactly the 2010 situation, but Alabama is losing a lot on that side of the ball. There's no way there isn't a dip after a stellar 2011 campaign on that side.

Chris (Atlanta)

Ed I hope your monday is going well. The assumption is that Marlin lane will be the starting tailback for Tennessee. Does he have what it takes? If not him is there anyone else on the team that could make a splash this year.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:04 PM)

I remember covering him a little in high school and he was one of the top running backs in the state of Florida back then. He's a big body, but he also shows pretty good speed. It all comes down to his determination and if the offensive line steps up this year. That line underachieved last year and it hurt the running game, but Lane certainly has to show more than he did last year. I think he has the tools.

Darrell P (Maumelle AR)

Everyone says the SEC is heading to 16 teams. If you were in a 20 dollar office pool, what two teams would you put your money on ending up in the SEC to get it to 16 teams?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:05 PM)

I think that college football is headed for more expansion and I guarantee the SEC won't be sitting and watching. I think that if the conference has the chance to expand and should expand, then Mike Slive will make it happen. I'm not sure what teams because he's said he doesn't want to dip into markets the SEC already owns. Maybe Va Tech finally comes around ...

Gene Chizik (AU)

Ed, thanks for all you and Chris do on the blog. Who do you think I should hire to take over coaching the DBs?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:07 PM)

Good to hear from you, Gene. Always good working with you. You know there are some pretty good candidates out there. I wouldn't be surprised if you were talk with Willie Martinez. I've heard his name sprinkled around here and there and I think he could do a pretty good job. My NCAA '11 Playstation defense was No. 2 in pass defense so I'm always up for an interview.

Blues (Alabama)

Dash - the people on the message boards say you never respond to their questions, but I pointed out that you always answer me. How 'bout popping that collar?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:08 PM)

Absolutely no popping of the collar. Can't do it. Won't do it.

Josh A (Macon, Ga)

What's you opinion on UGA heading into 2012? Contender or Pretender?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:09 PM)

I think Georgia has the talent to be a contender. I really do. I think that defense will be just as good as it was last year and anytime Aaron Murray is your quarterback you're goign to be fine. However, that line does lose a couple of studs and I want to see Isaiah Crowell grow up. He let little injuries take him out of key games. He can't do that anymore. I think Georgia enters the year as the SEC East favorite.

Chris (Johnson City, TN)

Florida looks to be in good shape to pick up some commitments at their Junior Day this weekend. Do you think Muschamp will make up for the weak offensive class of this past year with a killer group of skill position guys for '13?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:10 PM)

I think he has to. Florida really struck out on offense, if you ask me. Only two offensive lineman, one running back and one proven wide receiver. Florida needed a proven playmaker on offense and didn't get it. I think Muschamp has to do much better with the 2013 class.

Kevin (TX)

I have heard Coach "Rumlin Fumlin Stumlin" Sumlin mention that putting points on the board is the main focus early until the defense gets improvement up front. That sounds like a lopsided offense with a spread attack to me. However, I feel that Christine Michael, Ben Malena, and now Trey Williams will be able to find holes and get into space behind one of the biggest AND most athletic O lines in the country. Will the schemes in the SEC create more issues or is it mainly the size and athletic ability that will take time to adjust toward?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:12 PM)

When talking with other coaches, they say that it isn't the scheme of the spread that struggles, it's the size up front. When Florida was trying to implement the spread in Urban's first two years, there wasn't enough speed to take away the outside rush. So they had to get bigger and physical up front. That helped the read option, so did adding Tebow to the offense. I think Sumlin's offense will be fine one it gets bigger and more athletic up front. There is speed to compete there.

Bill (Hot Springs AR)

Ed,Enjoy the site and would offer an idea for an article that might be interesting for readers: Who are the players that teams have coming in that red or grey shirted last year. Many times they are the forgotten resources for teams. Just food for thought!!

Edward Aschoff

  (12:12 PM)

Patience my friend. We hit that later in the offseason ;)

Scott (Columbia, Mo)

What do you see as the biggest obstacle for Missouri entering SEC play this fall? By the way there is snow on the ground here in Columbia. Do SEC teams know how to play in the snow and cold weather?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:15 PM)

I'm jealous. You know I always saw snow when I lived in Mississippi and when I saw family in Iowa. This is the first calendar year that I haven't seen snow. Not happy at all. You'd think there would be some in Atlanta! I think Missouri just needs to add depth and needs to get bigger and more athletic up front. The Tigers return enough on both sides to be a factor in the East next year, but I'm not sure that team is built for the long haul right now. Recruiting and getting noticed in the southeast will be huge for this team. It doesn't have the luxury of recruiting as well in Texas like A&M does.

Spurrier's Visor (The Ground)

Hey Ed...Let's be honest, college football is the most predictable sport on the planet! In any given year you only have about 12 elite schools with a realistic chance to win the MNC. And, these same schools rake in the recruits in a sick rich get richer scheme. What would you do to create some REAL parity amongst all FBS schools?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:15 PM)

Playoff and only one cupcake per BCS conference team.

Rett (Oregon)

You often hear about recruits "coming in and helping". If your starting true freshman, Is that really a good recipe for winning the SEC?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:17 PM)

If they can play, play them. Look at Marcus Lattimore. Look at Jadeveon Clowney. Trent Richardson did well. True freshmen can play in any league, but it depends how they are mentally and physically when the season starts.

Chris (Tallahassee, FL)

I know we're a bit past NSD now, but after losing Diggs this past weekend, any ideas on why Muschamp and his staff were unable to close on so many prospects?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:18 PM)

Not really sure. It's tough when you're a first-year coach and you struggle like he did. But there is no question that Florida missed on some big prospects this year.

Andy (CoMo)

Hello, new to the sec blog Mizzou fan here. Everyone on the boards keep saying that Mizzou fans don't know how hard its going to be in the sec. Would you be shocked if Mizzou competed for the SEC east next year?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:20 PM)

I wouldn't. Will the Tigers win it? I don't think so, because I think South Carolina and Georgia's defense will be too much, but I don't think Missouri will be pushed around next fall.

Matt (Nashville, TN)

Tennessee DT Mo' Couch is ready to dominate, you heard it here 1st. Your SEC breakout player next year?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:20 PM)

Tennessee sure hopes so. I think he has the skill to, but he needs to be more consistent.

Rett (Oregon)

Sorry Ed, South Carolina didn't win the SEC with Lattimore or Clowney as freshman. Richardson didn't start as a Freshman. If you are starting True Freshman, you have depth problems.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:22 PM)

I mentioned a few freshmen who played. All I said was if there are true freshmen who can play why not play them? Was South Carolina bad last year? Didn't Alabama win the national championship in 2009? Oh and didn't South Carolina go to the SEC championship game for the first time in school history with Lattimore as a freshman? I think so.

Holstein (Conyers, Georgia)

Hello Mr. Aschoff,Long time reader. Enjoy your work. Let's say Ga gets back into the SEC Championship, how do they win it this time, looking back on last year's game, what areas need to improve?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:23 PM)

I feel like Georgia's issue was that it had so many offensive mistakes. There were two sure touchdowns dropped by receivers and the play calling got way too conservative, if you ask me. The defense had what it took to stop LSU's offense, but I think after that Mathieu return and the offensive blunders, the energy was sucked out of Georgia.

Josh (Atlanta)

What are your thoughts on the AJC reporting that Mark Richt is open to the possiblility of Nick Marshall and Chris Sanders possibly returning in 2013? I assume they would have to do everything right, but wouldn't you consider stealing from teammates worthy of permanent dismissal?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:24 PM)

It's tough, but I know players have returned before in the past at other schools. He knows way more about that situation than anyone else, so he would have a better grasp on what's going on.

CH (Austell)

Ed do you think Sal Sunseri will ease into the 3/4 Defense in 2012 with a full turn out in 2013 or will he try it in certain games this year depending on opponent?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:25 PM)

I think it will be more multiple. I think you have to be multiple in the SEC on defense.

Dustin (Albany, LA)

I know the 2011 season is behind us now and thankfully so is the BCS championship game but after seeing this recruiting class for LSU, I wonder how big of an impact the terrible offensive performance in the NCG had on recruiting. With the exception of Jeremy Liggins, all of LSU's most highly sought after recruits are defensive players. Is there any hope for a powerful LSU offense in the future or are the tigers doomed on offense as long as the Mad Hatter is leading the way?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:27 PM)

Everyone expects Zach Mettenberger to be an upgrade for the Tigers, so I think people are in wait-and-see mode with LSU. But LSU's passing game wasn't great when it won the title back in 2007, so I don't think that's a huge turnoff for kids, especially when they think they can come in and play early. That running game is still loaded and the wide receivers are pretty talented. I think you'll see improvement in recruiting next year.

Ryan (Starkville)

How good do you think MSU will be next year?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:29 PM)

I think it comes down to the offense for this team. I think the defense should be fine next year. Yes, Fletcher Cox is gone, but there is some pretty good talent spread around on that defense. Plus, Banks and Broomfield are back in the secondary. But the offensive line took its lumps last year and the QB position just wasn't good. I also don't think the WRs played as well as they could have. If Tyler Russell and truly step up I think that will make a huge difference. This is a key offseason for this offense.

Trey (Little Rock)

Can Arkansas win the west next year?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:29 PM)

I think the offense has what it takes, but I'm still waiting on the defense. There are a good chunk of seniors who are gone now. I want to see how that depth looks next year before I pick the Hogs to win the West.

Bum (Memphis, Tenn)

Seriosuly, advice on surviving the off season until September, what do you do?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:30 PM)

Well, the SEC and college football are both 24/7 for me. But I'd pick up a hobby. Compete in athletic events. I play softball and soccer here in Atlanta. I ran a marathon two years ago. Keep the brain busy by reading novels. Or just rewatch ever single game from last season. I like the last option the most.

Blues (Alabama)

Dash - We appreciate the Bama love from you and C-Low, but aren't we losing a bit much to be considered the early top team in the SEC? I'm worried that this is another rebuilding year, hopefully not as bad as 2010, but you never know.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:32 PM)

Chris and I have gone back and forth on this since the season ended. I still think LSU is the team to beat next year, but I think it's fair to have Alabama No. 1 heading into next season, considering the championship and the talent returning. I wouldn't be surprised if both were undefeated in Death Valley ...

Cameron (Baltimore)

Is Marcus Lattimore's work ethic and personality contributing to the type of player he is or is he just beast naturally?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:34 PM)

Yes, yes and double yes. Every time I talk to people over there they are just amazed at how much he's a standup guy. He doesn't have a me-first attitude and never has. He took over as a leader from Day 1 and hasn't stopped. I think his heart helps him just as much off the field as it does on it.

Tommy (Augusta)

Ed, Spurrier probably has another 3 or 4 years at South Carolina. Has South Carolina finally become a desirable school for top-notch coaches? Or, did we just get lucky with Holtz and Spurrier?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:34 PM)

Spurrier has proven that you can win in Columbia. I think whenever he decides to leave the school will try to make a big-name hire. Things have change in terms of how South Carolina is viewed because of Spurrier.

Jadaveon C. (Columbia)

Ed, will you be my valentine? <3

Edward Aschoff

  (12:35 PM)

I'm sure you can do MUCH better than me.

Brad (Aschoff Fan) (Charleston, SC)

Do you think the self-imposed penalties will be enough for South Carolina? If the NCAA hits harder what do you think the maximum penalties could be?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:39 PM)

It's hard to say if the NCAA will come down much harder at this point. It always helps when the school comes out and imposes its own penalties and doesn't argue with the NCAA. South Carolina also disassociated itself from boosters involved and made administrative changes. That's always going to go over well with the NCAA. The hearing his scheduled for this month and the NCAA will take into consideration everything South Carolina did after the fact, but I think there will be additional penalties. I'm not sure if they will be major though.

Stinger (Baton Rouge, La)

I love the SEC West, it's big boy ball. But, one of these years, I feel like we're going to beat each other up over here, and some team from the East like UGA or SC or UF is going to come in fresher to the SEC Champ, and leap over us. Is this the year it happens, anybody in the East that is ready for that?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:40 PM)

It could happen any year. This is the SEC. Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, etc. could do it. Right now, I'd put the Bulldogs and the Gamecocks as the leaders to do anything at this point.

Kevin (Texas)

Did you know that your first trip to College Station for football will be one of the best moments of your entire life? Hint: the answer is yes!

Edward Aschoff

  (12:40 PM)

You are expecting a lot from this trip ...

Ben (Phoenix, AZ)

You and everyone keeps saying Muschamp missed out on so many recruits.. but he still has a top 5 class. How about glass half-full and then realize what they would have had with a couple of those big "misses"!!

Edward Aschoff

  (12:42 PM)

Top 5 for sure, but did Muschamp meet his needs? Sure he got some quality players to spread around, especially on the defensive line and his two Oline guys are good, but he only got two offensive linemen for a team that was awful upfront last year. One proven receiver for a team that has none. Lost out on a big corner prospect in Tracy Howard after leading for most of the year and didn't fill the need at linebacker. That's a cause for concern.

Bill (Atlanta)

How does TJ Yeldon coming in affect the running back line up at Bama? I am still interested in how Dee Hart will change the look as well. Seems as though Lacy will be the starter, but will we see a 3 back system or even 4 with Fowler?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:43 PM)

I don't see why it wouldn't just add to that stable. LSU showed that you don't need one dominate running back to have a successful running game. I think if Saban wants him on the field he'll throw him in with the rest of them. The good thing is that each one brings something different to the table.

Nelson (DE)

Do you think some schools in the ACC and/or SEC will at some point regret expanding to 14 teams because of the additional years it will take to be able to play all the other teams within the conference?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:44 PM)

I doubt it. There is something more important at stake when it comes to expansion ...

Mike (Knoxville)

Knile Davis or Marcus Lattimore?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:45 PM)

That's tough. Davis is faster and can get the tough yards, but Lattimore is an absolute bull. If bot hare healthy I'll take Lattimore by the slightest of margins. I just think he is the complete package and might be one of the best running backs in the entire country. That isn't a knock on Davis at all though.

GatorRick (Gainesville, Florida)

How much stock do you in scheduling (easy vs. hard), and if a lot, then who is favored in 2012?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:47 PM)

I definitely think it's a factor when you look at nonconference scheduling and home games. As far as SEC games, not as much. Georgia has had the easiest conference schedules the last two years, but we learned that Vanderbilt can compete in those games now. I think teams should only worry about their own schedules and what they can control.

Chris (Johnson City, TN)

Dash, the word is "dominant" not "dominate" when used as an adjective.Enough of that, though. People are overlooking Florida. The defense is going to be murderous next year. I think the WR corps has a few guys ready to break out. Will you be shocked if we go 9-3 or 10-2 and win the East next year?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:48 PM)

Hey, I'm typing fast and trying to answer all these questions. Brain burps happen. I think Florida has the defensive talent to compete, but the offense is ... well ...

MeeZoo (Missouri)

With our receivers and QB, and Georgia's depth issues at DB, smelling upset?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:49 PM)

Still early, but I think Missouri would have to like its options, plus I think it's going to be an amazing atmosphere for the first SEC game. Georgia can't get caught looking in this one.

Chris (GA)

If you had to pick one SEC receiver to have on your team this year who is it and why?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:50 PM)

Interesting question. Chris and I were just talking about the talent that's gone from the WR position this year. Right now, I'd take Justin Hunter. I know he was injured last year and didn't take off until the end of his first year, but I think he might be the best deep threat in the SEC when healthy. Cobi Hamilton would be my No. 2.

Drew (CoMO)

Is the SEC officially the conference of redundancy? 3 tigers, 2 Columbia's, 2 James Franklin's 2 bulldogs ... any method to Slive's madness or strange twilight-zone coincidence?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:50 PM)

Six straight national championships. That's all that matters, brother.

Brandon (Redfield, CA)

Is it possible Keith Marshall upsets Isaiah Crowell for the starting job?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:51 PM)

I wouldn't be shocked, but I wonder if Marshall is ready to take the pounding in between the tackles that SEC running backs have to endure. He's great in space, but needs work inside. Crowell was actually at his best on runs through the middle.

Brandon (Redfield, CA)

If Lattimore comes back 100 percent do you think he can be as good as Richardson was last year? Some ESPN analysts have said they think he's potentially better.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:52 PM)

I think he's just as physical if not a little more, but I don't think he has the speed or the moves Richardson had.

Brad (Shalimar, FL)

Which SEC team has the most talented O-Line?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:52 PM)

Alabama and then LSU.

Lewis (Greenville)

Who besides Dooley has a hot seat right now?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:53 PM)

I think you have to look at Joker Phillips at Kentucky considering last season. I don't think there are a lot of coaches in the SEC worrying about their jobs right now, though.

Heath (Fayetteville, AR)

Any shot Wilson wins the Heisman next year?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:54 PM)

He has the arm and some pretty good receiving talent. Plus, Davis opens up the passing game more. He will definitely get some preseason love and if he can surpass last year's numbers and get wins over Alabama and or LSU he could be in the hunt.

Jason (Cleveland)

Seems like Bama went hard after WRs in this recruiting class. Think Saban felt a bit vulnerable there last season?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:55 PM)

He never had the deep threat that he wanted and I think he stocked up for the future. There are a couple of guys who could come in and play early as well.

Kevin (Texas)

Just FYI, I appreciate you lasting this long on your chats. Ubben always cuts them short.

Edward Aschoff

  (12:55 PM)

We play for four quarters in all three phases of the game down here in the SEC.

Scott (Dallas)

This is a big year for Petrino in my opinion- LSU and Bama at home again. If Petrino comes up short against both of them, do you think any rumblings start to occur over his job?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:55 PM)

No. He's done so much for that program. Though I think he has to get over that hump in order to get Arkansas to the next level.

Nelson (DE)

What do you think are the chances Vanderbilt can improve on last year's record?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:57 PM)

Vandy returns just about everyone on offense and I think a more confident Rodgers will take this team further. I wonder about losing Hayward and a leader like Marve. I think Vanderbilt will still play for a bowl game next season because the attitude there is just so different, even if people aren't overlooking this team anymore.

jon (paducah)

do you think auburn has enough returning to make a run in the west

Edward Aschoff

  (12:58 PM)

The defense is still pretty young, but it helps that it got all that work last year. The QB play HAS to improve and someone has to take over as the bruising running back in that offense. I wouldn't sleep on the Tigers if the coaches can get this team together. I don't see a title run next year, but I think you'll see better play all around from this team.

BamaMill (Ala)

My SEC QB ranking is:AlaLSUSouth CaroArkUGAAgree?

Edward Aschoff

  (12:59 PM)

Gotta go Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina LSU

WW3 (Texas)

Which Spring games are you looking forward to most?

Edward Aschoff

  (1:00 PM)

Arkansas, Florida, South Carolin and LSU. No particular order.

Casey (Ft Stewart, GA)

Does the trio of running backs that CMR has now gonna be enough to lift the pressure of Murray? Plus can any of the freshman like Theus come in and make a Barrett Jones type impact?

Edward Aschoff

  (1:01 PM)

If those running backs can stay healthy, yes. Anytime you can throw out a slew of bodies at the running back position it's going to help the QB. I like what Georgia has at RB, but consistency is the key. Georgia didn't always have that at RB last year.

Chris (GA)

Beyond the offensive line having to be a better run blocking group fo Tennesse do you think Jay Graham can be the key to get the running backs focused this season. If he was part of molding Lattimore I am excited.

Edward Aschoff

  (1:02 PM)

If he can do half of what he did for Lattimore for the Vols they'll be happy. Tennessee has to get tougher at running back and I think if he can get guys to have that Lattimore mentality it will go a long way. None of them are Lattimore, but having his attitude and approach would be big.

John (Fayetteville, NC)

You think Tyler Bray isnt in the top 5 of SEC QBs???

Edward Aschoff

  (1:04 PM)

I should have rephrased that last one. I was reordering his list. I'd put Bray behind McCarron right now because he has yet to go through an entire season. So my list would be Ark, UGA, Bama, UT, USC and LSU. I think when he's healthy Bray can be very, very good. And I think his arm strength is a little better than mine ...

Edward Aschoff

  (1:05 PM)

Man, what a busy day on the chat. Great talking with you guys. Don't eat too much chocolate tomorrow! Talk to you all later.