Buzzmaster

  (10:46 AM)

We'll have seven of the 14 SEC coaches stopping by today to chat, including: Gene Chizik, Kevin Sumlin, Derek Dooley, Les Miles, James Franklin, Gary Pinkel and Dan Mullen.

Buzzmaster

  (10:46 AM)

The other seven chat tomorrow.

Buzzmaster

  (11:01 AM)

Coach Chizik is delayed a little bit. He should be here in about 10 minutes.

Buzzmaster

  (11:06 AM)

We just had a small schedule change. We've moved Tennessee's Derek Dooley to 1:30 p.m. ET.

Buzzmaster

  (11:17 AM)

Coach is on his way over!

Buzzmaster

  (11:17 AM)

Send in those questions for Coach Chizik now!

Chris (Denver)

Coach did you think the success at Auburn would come as quickly as it has?

Gene Chizik

  (11:19 AM)

We always had a great plan since we got there. We knew our goal was to win a championship. That's always our No. 1 priority on the field. We felt it would happen, we dind't know how long it would take. All of the stars aligned and it happened quick. We were blessed for that to happen.

Craig (Charleston, SC)

How will our new defense respond to the talented offense of Clemson?

Gene Chizik

  (11:20 AM)

That's going to be a great challenge for us. Obviously, we're working every day to try to improve. It's going to be very telling in terms of how far we've come from last year on opening day. They have great talent and they're coached very well.

Rett (Oregon)

Coach Chizik,How will the changes in Offensive personnel (Coach Malzahn and Michael Dyer) impact the offensive philosophy in 2012?

Gene Chizik

  (11:21 AM)

Philosophically, we're a little different. Other than that, nothing changes. The importance placed on the running game will always be there as long as I'm head coach. Being physical on the point of attack will be a priority. The exact way we throw the football and run the football will be different, but the concept hasn't changed.

Mitchell (Atlanta)

War Eagle! Is Kris Frost competing for a starting spot at OLB?

Gene Chizik

  (11:22 AM)

Absolutely. Kris has had a good spring. He stayed healthy. He learned a lot. There were a lot of fast moving parts for him at the beginning of spring. By the time it ended, I felt the game slowed down for him. He's in the mix for the starting job and we expect him to compete for it.

Derrick (Chicago)

In such a tough conference, what's the key to putting a quality team together year in, year out?

Gene Chizik

  (11:23 AM)

I think consistency. Consistency in message. What your message is. Consistency in concepts and what your expectations are and standards are and never coming down from that. The X's and O's may change year to year, but the expectations and consistency can not change if you want to have a winner in this league.

Jpicc8049 (St. Louis MO)

Gene, from your experience at Iowa St. and playing Missouri, do you feel that Missouri's offense (especially the running game) Will be able to put up similar #s against SEC defenses? Or does Franklin have to throw more? He plays a similar style to Cam Newton. So I guess my overall question is, do you see James Franklin, a duel threat QB out of a "spread offense" being successful in this league?

Gene Chizik

  (11:24 AM)

I think there will be a period of time where they will have to get accustomed to and acquainted with the defenses. Coach Pinkel does a good job. They have had a lot of success during his tenure and they will pose many challenges. I can say that first hand as we played against them for several years.

Andrew (Brooklyn, NY)

For coach Chizik: Do you expect the new offense under Loeffler to take some time to figure itself out, or is Scott implementing a rigid system that will be ready to go on day one? And how has Jay Prosch affected the offensive scheme?

Gene Chizik

  (11:25 AM)

I think there is always going to be an element of work in progress in implementing a new offense and defense. There will be some growing pains to go with it. But hopefully kids can pick it up and continue to work where they left off in spring practice and hitting on all cylinders sooner rather than later.

WarBlogle.com (Birmingham, AL)

Outside of Alabama and Georgia, which game means the most on Auburn's schedule? No coach speak.

Gene Chizik

  (11:25 AM)

All of our games are big, particularly league games. Without question there are some great rivalries in our league and we're involved in a lot of them. But all of our games are big.

Kevin (DC)

Coach Chizik, how difficult was it to come off of the national championship season last year? How do you refocus your team after such a successful season?

Gene Chizik

  (11:26 AM)

It was difficult. We had a lot of young players that didn't play before and were playing for the first time. It was challenging for us. They got a lot of experience. Hopefully they can come back and be refocused again and be ready to have a very productive season.

Curious (SEC country)

Mizzou or A&M? Which school are you most excited about facing from now on?

Gene Chizik

  (11:27 AM)

We're not playing Missouri this year. I always look forward to playing a new quality opponent. That's the thing about these two schools coming in, they're quality opponents that will make our league better.

Gene Chizik

  (11:27 AM)

War Eagle!

Buzzmaster

  (11:28 AM)

Thanks Coach!

Buzzmaster

  (11:33 AM)

Next up is Texas A-M's Kevin Sumlin at noon ET!

Buzzmaster

  (11:47 AM)

We're going to be starting with Coach Sumlin a few minutes early!

Justus Anderson (Fort Worth Texas)

Gig Em Coach Sumlin!

Jeff (RI)

No one in the conference has seen much of you guys...how will you try to take advantage of that?

Kevin Sumlin

  (11:54 AM)

We haven't seen much of them either. So, there is a little bit of unfamiliarity on both sides. So because of that, you never know how your guys will react to a new league, new stadiums. We have to hope a little bit that because of our style of play that will help us a little bit.

Greg (VA)

You guys jump into the SEC in the second game of the season, how much are you looking forward to that first league game?

Kevin Sumlin

  (11:56 AM)

We're really looking forward to it, players, coachs, fans. But we have a really important game the week before. Where we are as a program, we can't afford to look ahead or past anybody. Lousiana Tech is a good team. They're a good defending league champion team. Provided that in Houston we beat them on the last player of the game. As excited as our fans are playing Florida, we have to go on the road that first game and play a good team. Based on how our season was last year, that will be a very important game.

James (Cove, TX)

Coach Sumlin - How much input did you have in the new uniforms? They look great! Gig'em.

Kevin Sumlin

  (11:58 AM)

We appreciate that James! It was actually a project we started at the AFCA convention with adidas. At the national championship game they had a reception and we sat down and talked about what was important in our new uniforms. Not lose our tradition, but created something new with some pop and energy. They left and came back with some designs that were refined over the next couple of months. They tweaked it even more. It's been a success from a fan standpoint, our players like it, our recruits like it. It's been a success.

Punch (PC )

Who is your preferred major rival? LSU or Arkansas? Arkansas fans have been looking desperately for a rival.

Kevin Sumlin

  (12:00 PM)

If you look at our schedule Punch, we have a lot of rivals down there. We're the new team. For us to go around and say who our rivals will be will be too much. Rivals are made over time and they are games that are competitive. For us to start talking about rivalry games, it's a bit early for that. But I will say that because of sheer proximity with Lousiana and Arkansas, LSU and Arkansas are the closest schools to us. Because of that, there is some crossover and ties to fans and recruiting and schools. So you would think that there is going to a little bit extra intensity. You add that into the series that is going for the last couple of years with Arkansas at the neutral field in Dallas. You would think over the course of time, those could be those type of rivalry games.

Greg (LA)

It seems well known that this offense will be very pass heavy spread offense, yet A&M has one of the strongest stables of running backs in the country. How do you plan on utilizing our outstanding running backs in this offense?

Kevin Sumlin

  (12:01 PM)

I think the misconception about us is we're throwing it all of the time. At Houston, the first two years, the newcomer of the year in C-USA were Houston RBs. I think the production from our RBs in our offense has been oustanding. I look for it to be the same at Texas A-M.

Kenny (Houston)

Coach what improvements out of the spring did you notice the most? Are you concerned more about team speed or DL depth?

Kevin Sumlin

  (12:03 PM)

I think the group that surprised me the most were the DBs. We don't have a lot of experience back there, but we have a lot of talented players. Everett had a great spring. Raven also had a great spring. The addition of Jacobs as a mid-year signee. He committed to Tennessee and at the last minute decided to come to A-M. He had an impact and I look for him to continue to improve. We have to decide what we are going to do at safety. But I feel better about when we came in in the spring, when you look at statistics, we were 96th. But to see the guys play, I was encouraged. They are young guys so they'll be able to grow with the defense and really learn it from the ground up.

Joseph (TX)

Coach Sumlin, what are your thoughts on how fast the Defensive Line will be up to speed to stop the bigger and stronger backs in the SEC?

Kevin Sumlin

  (12:04 PM)

I don't know. There is no doubt that is an area that we've got to improve as a program. We have to recruit to that difference in the SEC with speed and size and depth in the front 7. We're not there right now. We have to recruit at a high level. It's not like in pro football where we can call someone up and trade a guy. We've got who we've got over the last four years and we'll have to continue to recruit to build that size and depth.

Alan (College Station)

Coach Sumlin, How are the players responding to Larry Jackson and his new S&C program?

Kevin Sumlin

  (12:06 PM)

I think the players have responded in a great way. Larry is a guy who has been with me for a long time. He's happy to be back in Aggie land. He's a former player. He understands in. In his four years at A-M, they lost four games. It's no longer a job, it's personal, as he says. He's made great strides with the guys from a physical standpoint, but also a mental one, guys knowing that they can push themselves. I think that will push itself over into their performance. That's been our experience in the past. He's as good as there is in the country. We're lucky to have them.

Nathan (Fort Worth)

Coach, how "hands on" are you and your staff in regards to players going to class and taking care of business off the field?

Kevin Sumlin

  (12:09 PM)

We've always been hands on with that. We've got a great staff that takes pride in their position, each position. We also have a number of speakers that come in and talk to them about their development, not as a football player but as a man. We're involved in donating time and different things at local shelters. Things that have a lot more to do with life than football. Part of the student athlete experience has nothing to do with football, it has to do with being an Aggie. You have to get away from the lockerroom to do that and talk to guys about things other than football and things that are important in life. Those are things that I enjoy as a college coach. I enjoy being with guys who are 18-22 years old as they're trying to figure some things out. They may or may not have a dad, they're from some single parent homes. Guys coming back with their families and kids with jobs, I get as much pride from that as I do winning on Saturdays.

Kevin Sumlin

  (12:09 PM)

We're looking forward to this year. Our fans are too, because we're sold out. We have a new league. Stadium expansion is on the way. There are a lot of reasons that the fans and students and players are excited. I'm excited to get this kicked off.

Buzzmaster

  (12:10 PM)

Thanks Coach!

Buzzmaster

  (12:11 PM)

Next up is Mississippi State's Dan Mullen!

Buzzmaster

  (12:24 PM)

Coach is here!

Kyle (Little Rock, AR)

How healthy is Tobias Smith and how important is he to the o-line unit this year?

Dan Mullen

  (12:24 PM)

He's our senior starter, the only one on the OL. We expect him to be healthy, not at the start, but at some point to play a full game and get some reps.

Dawgpoundrock (Columbus,MS)

Coach Mullen. Having depth at WR was your main concern when you first came in. You put emphasis on that in the recruiting process. This year WR is probably the most loaded department besides the defensive backfield so we can tell that you was able to get a little breathing room there. What's your main goal this year position wise in recruiting and development

Dan Mullen

  (12:25 PM)

In recruiting, it's back to WR, because we have five senior WR that have gone through the cycle. To get that position balanced out a little bit.

danny hossley (tyler, tx)

Question for Dan Mullen... Seeing A+M and Missouri coming to the conference, do you see you expanding your recruiting network to include the East Texas hot bed of football talent that LSU and Arkansas have successfully recruited over the years? Sure it's 6-7 hours from Starkville, but there are lots of students from the area who have decided in the last few years to make State their school of choice. It's not like the athletes in the area aren't aware of MSU. The ahtletic population of little old East Texas is as large or larger than the entire state of MS. And, there is already a pipeline of students from the area attending MSU...

Dan Mullen

  (12:26 PM)

We've been recruiting Texas in the past and will continue to do so. We won't expand, we'll just do the same as we've done.

Scott Livingston (Orlando, Florida)

[For Dan Mullen] At the heart of the SEC is rivalries. You have certainly focused a great deal on the Egg Bowl (which has just been plain fun). With the close games over the last few seasons with Auburn, are you and the players starting to view the Auburn game as one of those rivalry games on the schedule?

Dan Mullen

  (12:27 PM)

I think it's a unique rivalry in that it's not a big name rivalry, but every year that I've been there we've played them the first SEC game of the season. That first conference game is a big game and tends to have some rivalry connotations because it's the tone setter for the season.

Dawgpoundrock (Columbus,MS)

Coach Mullen. Last years expectations were very high and pretty lofty. Obviously the second winning season in a row and second straight bowl win was an accomplishment. But are you a little more relieved now that the expectations aren't quiet that high and the team can just go out and surprise some people

Dan Mullen

  (12:28 PM)

I put such high expectations on our team more than the media or the fans. Our expectations this year are higher than they've ever been.

Kyle (Little Rock, AR)

Will play calling be more aggressive with Tyler Russell at QB?

Dan Mullen

  (12:28 PM)

I don't know if it becomes more aggressive, it will become slightly different than in the past. He's done a great job of developing in our program the last few years.

Yates (Memphis, TN)

Coach Mullen... This is my first year to personally buy season tickets... Thanks for everything you have done for our school. How will we be with depth on our Offensive Line this year?

Dan Mullen

  (12:29 PM)

We're very young, we have some talent there. We lack experience. That lack of experience will have more effect on our depth than our talent.

Jimbo (MSU Campus)

Coach, you've been able to get a lot out of unheralded recruits. I don't think the recruting "stars" matter. What sort of things do you look for in potential recruits?

Dan Mullen

  (12:30 PM)

Every position, we have a set of standards that we look for on the field. But generally, guys that want to work hard and be the best they can be on and off the field is very important.

Nick G (Atlanta)

With a young roster, who are the players who are stepping up to be leaders?

Dan Mullen

  (12:31 PM)

Tyler Russell is going to have to step up into a huge leadership role, moreso than in the past. That will be a huge key for our success.

Will (Memphis, TN)

What is the main focus of the defense this year especially after the loss of people like Fletcher Cox?

Dan Mullen

  (12:31 PM)

The young defensive linemen will have to grow up and make an immediate impact.

Jody (winchester, Va)

Do you feel that there is someone (offensively or defensively) that could have a real breakthrough type of year and become an all SEC type player

Dan Mullen

  (12:32 PM)

Whitley, coming off an injury last year. We expect big things from him.

Rett (Oregon)

What positions do you expect to see the most competition for playing time?

Dan Mullen

  (12:32 PM)

Defensive line.

Dan Mullen

  (12:33 PM)

And our linebacker spots will be very competitive.

Nick (Friendswood, TX)

What game are you most excited for on the schedule?

Dan Mullen

  (12:33 PM)

No, not more than others. That's the thing about the SEC, you play your A game, because every week is a championship level game.

Will

What is the biggest win in your career?

Dan Mullen

  (12:34 PM)

They're all big games.

Kyle (Little Rock, AR)

Could Cameron Lawrence play some at middle linebacker any this year?

Dan Mullen

  (12:34 PM)

Possibly, but he has experience at Will LB, so that's probably where he will stay.

Buck (Columbia, SC)

Coach Mullen, I heard teh Boise coach say he focuses on execution more than brilliant strategy, for example, small playbook for each game, do you agree?

Dan Mullen

  (12:35 PM)

Every year is going to be different, so we take what applies to the talent level of this year's team out of our playbook. That is the offense that we use for the season.

Dan Mullen

  (12:36 PM)

Thanks for all of your support. Look forward to seeing you all on Sept. 1 for our home opener.

Buzzmaster

  (12:36 PM)

Thanks Coach!

Buzzmaster

  (12:38 PM)

Vanderbilt's Coach James Franklin is here to take your questions! He's a few minutes early, so get them in now.

We've got Tennessee's Derek Dooley ready to go!

Kevin (Huntsville, Alabama)

Coach Derek Dooley: What is your opinion on how well Brian Randolph has progressed? He is only a sophomore and yet it is almost a given that he has already received a starting spot on this team. Can we expect great things from him this year?

Derek Dooley

  (12:55 PM)

Brian had a great season last year and has put on 10 or so pounds. We're expecting another big year out of him at free safety.

Blake (Jackson, MS)

Coach Dooley, how will the running game be different this year? Should we expect to see a different scheme?

Derek Dooley

  (12:56 PM)

We're going to do some things different schematically but the biggest difference, we hope is how everybody at every position makes a greater commitment to having a greater running game. We expect our OL and WR to block better and our RB to run harder.

Will G. (Chattanooga, TN)

How are the special teams looking this offseason? Are we spending more time than we usually do on the kicking game?

Derek Dooley

  (12:57 PM)

We saw a lot of improvement this spring in a lot of our units, but the most important thing we need to improve on is the execution of our specialists, which is a work in progress.

PaRollTide (Da Blog)

Coach Dooley, I think the orange pants are cool don't listen to the haters, are you going to keep wearing them this year?

Derek Dooley

  (12:57 PM)

I love the orange pants too.

Derek Dooley

  (12:57 PM)

And I hope adidas will continue to embrace them as well.

Brian (Richmond, Va)

what are you most excited about this team?

Derek Dooley

  (12:59 PM)

I'm most excited about our experience that we did not have the last two seasons heading into the year. We have 19 starters returning and a bunch of other players who have played. We hope that pays dividends in the win column.

Matthew P. (Mesa, AZ)

What steps has Tyler Bray taken to mature as a QB and a leader on this team?

Derek Dooley

  (1:00 PM)

Greater investment in the offseason in studying football. Greater investment in developing leadership skills and effecting other members on the team in a positive way.

JR (Nashville, Tenn)

3 reason why 2012 will be better for UT?

Derek Dooley

  (1:00 PM)

We're more experienced. We're more talented. We're more mature. And we're going to do a better job coaching.

Majaz (Pune, India)

whats the secret of your Hair Coach?

Derek Dooley

  (1:01 PM)

32 years of the same style and length.

Scottie (Tenn)

Why did you learn, mistakes wise, from 2011?

Derek Dooley

  (1:02 PM)

I learned more than I can ever write in a chat room. And hopefully those lessons will translate into a team that will make our fans proud.

Ethan (Gainesville ( aka Death Valley))

How annoying is it to have all this media stuff the last week?

Derek Dooley

  (1:03 PM)

Like anything in life, there is good and bad to everything. So even though sometimes the questions seem burdensome, we always have to remember how well the media promotes Tennessee and our players.

Matthew P. (Mesa, AZ)

Do you see the OL emerging as a strength in leading and holding others accountable on the field -- i.e., are the big guys holding others accountable in workouts/performance/etc., or will this be something that plays out in the year?

Derek Dooley

  (1:04 PM)

I hope so. Two years ago, our offensive line was heading into the season with a combined three starts. This year, they have a combined 106 starts and should be the rock of our team.

Tyler (Kingston)

I know Devrin Young's size limits him, but where does he fit in the run game this year?

Derek Dooley

  (1:04 PM)

Right now he's one of our three tailbacks competing for the most touches. We're going to continue to find ways to get him the ball in space.

Gronk'dUp (Boston, Mass)

How's the tight end situation looking, Im jacked.

Derek Dooley

  (1:05 PM)

Mike is back and Brendon has had a great offseason as his backup.

Derek Dooley

  (1:05 PM)

Thanks for the support. Here's to a great 2012.

Buzzmaster

  (1:05 PM)

Thanks Coach!

Buzzmaster

  (1:09 PM)

Gary Pinkel is here!

Randy (Atlanta)

Coach PinkelHow do you think Missouri will fare in your first SEC conference game against Georgia?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:10 PM)

That will be a very historic game for Missouri, because it will be our first SEC game and first SEC game at home. And by the way we're playing a very good team in Georgia. Our fans are excited. We have a lot of work to do.

Alex (LA)

All rookies get hazed, so have the SEC coaches given you any ribbing since you're the new guy in town?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:10 PM)

No, that hasn't happened. They've been fairly respectful. A-M and Mizzou are new. We have to earn their respect. We understand that.

David (Texas)

Coach what are you most looking forward to about playing in the SEC?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:11 PM)

I think the competition. You're playing in the best league in the nation. The consistency of good to great teams are every single week. You have to play well and find ways to win in the fourth quarter. I'm excited to do that.

Jared (Columbia, SC)

Has anything more been discussed about the battle of the Columbias between y'all and SC? Just curious on its rivalry potential.

Gary Pinkel

  (1:11 PM)

I've never been to Columbia, SC, but I will this year. Columbia, MO is a great place and I've been told that's a great place to play college football. We're excited about coming.

Taylor (St. Louis)

Coach Pinkel - First, thank you for everything you have done for the program, it has been beautiful to watch. Second, is it possible that we may see some more traditional offensive sets this year given the style of play in the SEC?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:12 PM)

I think certainly the defenses in the SEC are well known and documented. We'll run our offenses, but we'll adjust as we go. We intend to do what we do but understanding as we always do that adjustments are needed.

Nick (MO)

I know you are sick of hearing about joining the big tough SEC but honestly what are the areas you are least and most concerned about for this season and the future?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:13 PM)

I think going into the SEC the biggest concern is what year hear most about is on offense and defense the speed stregth and size of the athletes. From what I've seen, that's a concern, but one that I think we'll do fine. That's a concern for anyone in this league.

Chase (Franklin, TN)

How do you prepare you team to play in hostile venues like "The Swamp" in Gainesville and "Neyland Stadium" in Knoxville?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:14 PM)

I think that's kind of one of the great things about the SEC is our players get a chance to play at LSU, South Carlina, Florida, great football stadiums. That's one of the great things about college football.

Ben (Springfield, MO)

Hi Coach Pinkel! What are your expectations for Kendial Lawrence & the other RBs this coming season?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:15 PM)

That's a concern with losing Henry last year. We don't think he'll be back this year. Ken is a guy who can compete at a high level. We get him back. We have some freshmen coming in. I think we recruited well there. It's a position where if someone's good enough, he can play.

Jason (Arkansas)

How do you feel about Arkansas being your new rival?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:16 PM)

I think from geography, it's good. And I have a great respect for their program and all of their sports. It won't happen overnight, but it would be good for both schools.

Frank (Tuscaloosa, AL)

Missouri has the only winning record against Alabama. Do you think you can keep that up?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:16 PM)

That would be nice. That's certainly a challenge. We're playing them in the middle of the season. Hopefully we'll compete with them well.

Scratches (D'ham, NC)

Hey Coach, are y'all planning to upgrade your stadium to "SEC caliber" in the near future?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:18 PM)

We have two phases of expansion in our facility that we're going to do. One is a project we're starting right now with suites on the other side of the stadium. Upgrade of our suites, increase the total capacity of 4,000-5,000. That's taking place the next few years. We're excited that the administration is stepping up to compete in the best league in the country.

Baron (Huntsvegas)

The Tide is coming to Columbia this year. Are we in store for an SEC like atmosphere? How is the tailgating?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:18 PM)

It will be huge. Our fans have just such great respect for Alabama and their success in the last few years. They're probably more excited about them being on the schedule than I am.

Scott (St. Louis)

How is James Franklin recovering?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:19 PM)

He's doing well. We're anticipating him being 100% healthy. He's cleared to play but is he throwing the ball well? We're excited he's doing well.

Scratches (D'ham, NC)

What was your favorite part of SEC Media Days?

Gary Pinkel

  (1:20 PM)

It was really great. It was everything I expected it to be. The interest level was beyond description. They were really great about treating our players well. That was the best part.

Gary Pinkel

  (1:20 PM)

Go Mizzou!

Buzzmaster

  (1:25 PM)

Next up, we've got Les Miles at 2 p.m. ET!

Buzzmaster

  (1:53 PM)

Just a few more minutes and we'll have LSU's Les Miles stopping by!

Buzzmaster

  (2:08 PM)

Coach is here!

Jpicc8049 (Missouri)

Coach Miles, LSU seems to be deep and every position this year. What position do you feel has the hottest competition right now?

Les Miles

  (2:09 PM)

I think the inside of our DL, our LBs. Backup positions in our secondary. I think that's where the best competition is right now.

Billy (Texas)

Coach, did you and Mike the Tiger ever make up after you caught him playing that video game?

Les Miles

  (2:10 PM)

We're still not speaking. Because he chooses not to. I certainly hope we can resolve this issue before we get to Saturday nights.

JJ (Baton Rouge)

Coach, how does Russell Shepard fit into the offense this year?

Les Miles

  (2:11 PM)

I think Russell will be a better more productive reciever than he's ever been. His commitment to the team, himself is better than ever. His effort will be extremely successful.

James (Chicago)

Tigers have had a lot of success recruiting outside of LA for 2013, what adjustments has the staff made?

Les Miles

  (2:12 PM)

The great thing about our place is our great school. There is a great group of people there. I think year in, year out, the style of prospect continues to get better based on the very sincere interactions they place around LSU football.

Adam (Virginia )

Les, How confident are you Zach Mettenberger? Thanks

Les Miles

  (2:13 PM)

I'm cautiously optimistic and feel like if he does and acts like he has last spring and last summer and continues to improve, that's the most important piece.

Brian (Washington D.C.)

How much do you and the other SEC coaches dislike having to play through the playoff instead of being ushered in directly to the Nat'l Championship game?

Les Miles

  (2:14 PM)

I think there is going to be a very very sincere view of championship games in conference and probably be decided on by chancellors and school presidents that might say all of those that get a chance to participate have to have a conference championship game. That being said if we all have the conference championship on the same day and then 10 days from that we have the semifinal and then 10 days from that a championship game, that sounds like a good system.

Scratches (D'ham, NC)

Hey Les, what have you heard about how the grass tastes in Columbia and College Station?

Les Miles

  (2:15 PM)

I am unfamiliar with the grass there. But I look forward to arriving there. We've played there before, but I don't recall.

Ben (Portland)

How difficult will it be to defeat Nick Saban's defending Tide

Les Miles

  (2:15 PM)

They are very talented, very well coached. We will look forward to that game. That will be a very competitive game.

Duke Gunn (Saint Louis)

Coach, How do you handle the pressures of being a national chanmpion favorite and how do instill a sense of urgency for every game over a long season this year in order to avoaid a letdown?

Les Miles

  (2:16 PM)

It's all really about playing each opponent. It's about the staff. It's reduced to each game. As long as my team operates that way we'll play our best week in week out and put us in the spot to be the best we can.

Dan (Detroit)

What will be the hardest goal to accomplish this season?

Les Miles

  (2:17 PM)

I will have to let you know once we play it out. I can tell you the schedule is very good. Playing in the championship game will be very difficult. Winning the West will be very difficult. Just play your best and we'll see what you can get accomplished.

Les Miles

  (2:17 PM)

We control our outcomes.

Matthew (Sycamore)

How difficult will it be without star players Rueben, Jordan and Jarrett?

Les Miles

  (2:18 PM)

Every year young guys have to step in and play. New starters have to step in. New guys have to step in and play more. It's a year in year out endeavor.

Frank (Tuscaloosa, AL)

Would you rather play in the SEC East?

Les Miles

  (2:18 PM)

No, we like the West.

Les Miles

  (2:18 PM)

If you like the best competition you will play in the West.

Tommy Blanchard (Napoleonville, Louisiana)

Coach, is Zach as good as everybody say he is?? If so we(LSU) ought to be unstoppable this year?????

Les Miles

  (2:19 PM)

I think he has the potential to be exceptional. It will all be based on a moderate approach and an aggressive playcalling, not trying to get head of himself. I think he can do very good.

Bob (Atlanta)

with so many rushers, how do you make sure all of them are used to challenge the opposing defense?

Les Miles

  (2:20 PM)

We have enough flexibility in the offense that we can use guys to do different things. I still want to get our best players the ball.

Ken (Alabama )

Coach Miles, Your guys seem like you are on a mission can you tell me how losing to Alabama has effected your team.

Les Miles

  (2:21 PM)

I don't know that I'm using it. I think it's more an understanding that we didn't get something done and we're looking to get better.

More Miles (Baton Rouge, LA)

How are the backup quarterbacks progressing?

Les Miles

  (2:22 PM)

I like Steve. I think we'll have good depth there.

Buzzmaster

  (2:33 PM)

Thanks for chatting coach!

Jody (Jackson Ms.)

Any injuries going into the season?

Les Miles

  (2:37 PM)

So far so good. We feel like everyone is in position. We like where we're at. Like the health.

Les Miles

  (2:37 PM)

Another great day at the Carwash. ESPN is a great host.

Buzzmaster

  (2:37 PM)

Coach came back for one more question! Thanks coach!

Buzzmaster

  (2:38 PM)

Thank you to everyone for participating in today's SEC coaches chat! We'll have the other seven coaches chatting tomorrow.