Buzzmaster

  (10:58 AM)

We'll be starting up in 10 minutes or so with Arkansas' John L. Smith. Send in those questions for Coach!

Buzzmaster

  (11:05 AM)

Coach John L. Smith is here!

Dave (MS)

How have you adjusted to coming in so quickly?

John L. Smith

  (11:07 AM)

It's been a very easy adjustment, because it's what we've done for years and years and years. Stepping into a program that you just left is easy. We're just rolling with the coaches and the players. Not a lot of change.

BT (Georgia)

Is there a receiver outside of Cobi Hamilton in that second group that is expected to step in for the presumed loss of Marquel Wade?

John L. Smith

  (11:08 AM)

It could be very good. We're going to rely on Chris Greg, one of the better TEs in the country. And we'll have to rely on some new guys. Wilson, a juco player, being one of those. And Julian, there are some guys who will step up. I think we'll have a very good receiving corps, much better than people expect.

MikeDaTiger (Baton Rouge)

Coach, rough offseason for the hogs. How are you going about getting your players to put all of that behind them and get ready for the season?

John L. Smith

  (11:09 AM)

For the last, since they've been in the program, they've been taught to tear off the rearview mirror. Don't look back, look ahead. I believe that's what they did in spring ball with the adversity and that's carried over to the summertime. They've not looked back, they've looked ahead. I think bringing me in made it easy for them to do that, the program doesn't have a lot of change now. It's easier to look ahead since there isn't much change.

Gabe Smith (SE Missouri)

Will Knile Davis see any time fielding kicks this year, or do you want to keep him mostly fresh for the backfield.

John L. Smith

  (11:10 AM)

Mostly coming out of the backfield. I don't anticipate using him to return kicks. Though he could return them at any time.

John L. Smith

  (11:10 AM)

Mostly coming out of the backfield. I don't anticipate using him to return kicks. Though he could return them at any time.

Allen (Tulsa, OK)

Hey John L., Hog alum here. It seems that a lot of the focus has been on the home games vs. LSU & Alabama. Given that those are big games, I see some of our road games being equal challenges. Kyle field is never a friendly place to play and South Carolina will be looking to avenge last years defeat. In your mind, what is toughest game on the Hog's schedule this year?

John L. Smith

  (11:12 AM)

Well, as I look at it right now, I agree with you that you've got to win them all. Those first two you can't overlook. But that being said, Alabama being the opener, being at home, being the national champ is the toughest game. Then, after that, the next game. They're all tough from there on out.

RedBoar (HOG COUNTRY)

Coach will we stay as pass happy as the past, or balance more with the return of Davis. Good luck to a Great Season!

John L. Smith

  (11:13 AM)

That is correct. We will be able to throw the football. We always have. For us to win the league for us to be the best team in the country, we have to be a running team. With Knile coming back, that has to be an emphasis. There comes a point in every game where you have to run the ball to win.

smithwick (marion,ar)

Do u think this is the best team arkansas has had since u have been a coach here?

John L. Smith

  (11:14 AM)

It has the potential to be the best Arkansas team that I've seen since being at Arkansas. That's only a four year period, but recent history, I expect this team to be better than a year ago.

Gabe Smith (SE Missouri)

How are the new renovations coming to practice field as well as new scoreboard.

John L. Smith

  (11:15 AM)

The practice fields are done and they are awesome. The scoreboard is, I guess, at least half complete and it looks tremendous from what they've done. The rest of the construction is coming along. It's going to be one of the best if not the best complex in the entire conference.

John L. Smith

  (11:15 AM)

The practice fields are done and they are awesome. The scoreboard is, I guess, at least half complete and it looks tremendous from what they've done. The rest of the construction is coming along. It's going to be one of the best if not the best complex in the entire conference.

GS (Bootheel)

Have you noticed much improvement on our offensive line. As tough as Wilson is I don't like watching him take that many hits.

John L. Smith

  (11:16 AM)

There is going to have to be a lot of improvement over a year ago. We're going to have to do a better job protecting Tyler. I believe they will improve. The addition of a good running game will be another part of that.

Chris (Dallas)

Coach with everyone doubting you and the team this year, will that be something you use as extra motivation to try and reach the goals you all have?

John L. Smith

  (11:17 AM)

Definitely. There are doubters. That's to be expected. But we have to become starting in fall camp Day 1, a more physical football team than we were a year ago. That's where the doubt is coming from. People question our physicality in a pack with LSU and Alabama.

Jeff (Kansas City)

Dennis Johnson proved last year he is a beast at running back... He proved that last year. With Knile coming back, how do you keep Dennis on the field on offense?

John L. Smith

  (11:18 AM)

You're going to have to use all of those guys. To what degree depends on them, the health of each and the game plan. But it's not a one man show. It's a one program show.

Duane (MO)

Is Davis mentally ready to start taking contact?

John L. Smith

  (11:18 AM)

Very good question. Yes I have talked to him. We discussed that early on. We've not sat down and made a plan, but there will be one this fall for live contact, live scrimmage, how much, where and when.

John L. Smith

  (11:19 AM)

Very good question.

Jerad (New York)

How has our defense improved in our ability to stop the run. With LSU, Alabama, A&M, and South Carolina fielding great running games, has that been the emphasis for the defensive side of the ball?

John L. Smith

  (11:20 AM)

Definitely for us to be the best team in the league and the best in the country, you have to be able to stop the run. As you look back, that has not been the case for us to be the No. 1 team. That's been a big emphasis.

Patrick Mason (Lake Tahoe, California)

What players are you looking at to return punts this year? ...and do you think the defense will be be better, be more aggressive with Paul Haynes as DC?

John L. Smith

  (11:21 AM)

We've got some guys waiting in the wings as far as return men go. The biggest key for us is who will replace Joe Adams. We're going to have to find out who that is. It could very easily be a new face, a new person. Holmes, possibly. Minor, possibly. And you may even see Dennis Johnson back there on punts.

John L. Smith

  (11:21 AM)

Go Hogs!

Buzzmaster

  (11:25 AM)

Thanks for chatting Coach!

Buzzmaster

  (11:25 AM)

Next up, we'll have Hugh Freeze of Ole Miss stopping by at noon ET!

Buzzmaster

  (11:53 AM)

Coach Freeze is here!

Kevin R (VA)

Coach Freeze, Can't wait to see the Rebels take the field on Sept. 1st! As the SEC is a league where defense reigns supreme, the QB position is oh so important, who would you say has the head up in the QB battle between Wallace and Brunetti? Also what qualities really stand out with these two? Thanks!

Hugh Freeze

  (11:54 AM)

I think going into fall camp it's co-No. 1's and I really don't expect it to be determined until 2-3 games into the season. They both have their strengths and what they need to improve on also. We'll see where it goes going into camp and the first few games.

Kevin R (VA)

Coach, How has the defense been looking in your opinion, and where are the areas for the most improvement needed?

Hugh Freeze

  (11:55 AM)

Defensively, depth wise and numerically, we're in better shape on defense than on offense. I have a lot of confidence in our staff. I would say the biggest area of concern is getting adequate pressure on the QB. And in the secondary, we're thin.

Jason (Al)

Coach Freeze, has any of your players inadvertently called you "coach Bert" from the Blind Side?

Hugh Freeze

  (11:56 AM)

I've actually never had that happen.

Malcolm (Mississippi)

Who are some players Rebelnation should be excited about.

Hugh Freeze

  (11:57 AM)

I would say Trey Elston. I know you know the name, but he could provide depth for us in the secondary. Anthony is another DB that could see some time due to our depth issues. I've been impressed with Youngblood. He was a late, late signee, but we're really happy to have him. Those are some that could have a role for us.

Ethan (Gainesville)

How hard was it to get your players to buy in to you and the new coaching staff, especially considering how rough last year was?

Hugh Freeze

  (11:59 AM)

I think it's always a process. It doesn't happen over night. I don't think we're there yet. I think we're probably around 65-75% of the team has bought into what we're trying to build our program on. It's not that they're being anti-coach, but you can see with their decisions from time to time. The hardest part of it is me being away from them these last two months. My mind plays tricks on me and makes me think they're straying from me. They're not, I just haven't been able to be around them.

Malcolm (Mississippi)

What are your expectations going in to this year?

Hugh Freeze

  (11:59 AM)

I only have one expectation and that is for us to establish the core values of our program and let it be evident on Saturdays. Whatever the scoreboard says, we'll live with after that. I think last year that was an issue. I don't think they always competed hard. We have to get that corrected.

Charlie (Harrisburg, PA)

Do you consider yourself to be a risk taker or a conservative when it comes to making game-time decisions?

Hugh Freeze

  (12:00 PM)

Oh, I'm a gambler. Always have been. I don't really see that changing. We led the nation last year in fourth down attempts. Of course the flow of the game has a lot to do with that. I don't mind rolling the dice.

Andrew (D)

How is recruiting going this year?

Hugh Freeze

  (12:01 PM)

I think for us to be in place only in place for half the year it's been going remarkably well. We're ranked somewhere around 15th in the nation. For us to be in the discussion on certain players speaks real well for our assistant coaches the job that they've done.

Andrew S. (Tennessee)

Coach Freeze, Ole Miss fans know you're walking into a real challenge, especially in your first season. What should we be looking for this season in terms of improvement and building momentum for the program?

Hugh Freeze

  (12:02 PM)

In Year 1, you look at the way you compete for four quarters. Hopefully progress is made from Week 1 to Week 12. How that progress is measured, I can't say. But to people that understand football and know football, they'll understand. We have to stay healthy, we're thin in some spots. We want to improve from week to week, from practice to practice. We have to compete.

Joe (Oxford MS)

coach freeze should we be worried about the depth at the running back position? I've heard a lot about it recently

Hugh Freeze

  (12:03 PM)

We need to be more than worried. You need to be praying that Scott stays healthy.

James (Oxford)

What do you look forward to the most this year as the head football coach at Ole Miss?

Hugh Freeze

  (12:03 PM)

The first pregame talk. The first walk through the Grove. First victory.

JJ (Cleveland)

Coach Freeze, glad to have you leading the rebel nation. With the lack of running back depthe, will we be a pass first attack on offense

Hugh Freeze

  (12:04 PM)

Most people consider I'm that anyway. But I think they'll find out that I do believe in a good balance. I do like to run. If we are completing an effective percentage and staying on schedule, it makes our run game that much better. But yeah, we throw to set up the run.

Drew Abell (Tupelo,MS)

How have you and your players reacted to some of the predictions made by the media so far for Ole Miss?

Hugh Freeze

  (12:05 PM)

I'm sure some of our players look at it more than others. I don't pay much attention to it and I don't adress it. I may in time. I'm a realist. Everybody remembers what you've done recently. I understand the predictions for what they are. It's not my first time in the scenario. I feed off of it and I think our players will too.

Billy D. (Mississippi)

You've mentioned lack of depth at some positions. What are the biggest recruiting needs, in terms of position, this year?

Hugh Freeze

  (12:06 PM)

Absolutely. Without a doubt we'll be focusing on those areas in our recruiting.

Hugh Freeze

  (12:06 PM)

Rebel Nation has been so phenomenal. Their support and energy, we feel. Be patient in the difficult times. We'll get where we need to go in this journey.

Buzzmaster

  (12:08 PM)

Thanks for chatting Coach!

Buzzmaster

  (12:08 PM)

Florida's Will Muschamp will be here around 12:25 p.m. ET to take your questions!

Buzzmaster

  (12:21 PM)

Coach Muschamp is here!

Kevin (Florida)

Coach how weird is it to hear that you're starting the SEC regular season with a game against Texas A-M?

Will Muschamp

  (12:22 PM)

It's a little unusual, but it was great forward thinking by our commissioner. They will bring a lot to our conference.

Seth (Gainesville, FL)

Coach Muschamp, Florida has been known for its high-powered special teams in recent years. What role do you see Florida's special teams playing in this years team?

Will Muschamp

  (12:23 PM)

Controlling the vertical field position is very important. We did a great job of that last year. We need to improve in our punt return game. That's something we need to do a better job with and continue to block punts.

Will (Atlanta, GA)

Coach Muschamp, what is it like for you to coach against your Alma Mater in the biggest game of the season every year?

Will Muschamp

  (12:24 PM)

I face my alma mater several times at several different institutions. I'm looking forward to playing them in Jacksonville.

Ethan (Gainesville (A.K.A. Death Valley))

Coach, will we continue to use Trey Burton out of the " Wild-Gator" formation, even though we have two mobile quarterbacks?

Will Muschamp

  (12:24 PM)

Yeah, as we evolve our offense, we'll define our roles a little more, but that's something we'll look into.

Bridger (Tennesse)

What is the biggest change to the QB play this year from last year? Are you expecting more points per game this year from last year?

Will Muschamp

  (12:25 PM)

Both guys have big arms, they can make all of the throws. Both are athletic. They can create plays with their legs. There is no question that will be a much needed adjustment for us.

joe marina (orlando)

with the our linebackers getting older and closer to the nfl and graduation who will be the guys to take over for florida

Will Muschamp

  (12:26 PM)

I'm excited about the players we have right now. They've all done some nice things for us in evolving our LB position. I feel good about the depth there.

Will Muschamp

  (12:26 PM)

I'm excited about the players we have right now. They've all done some nice things for us in evolving our LB position. I feel good about the depth there.

Alex (DC)

With recruiting being so cutthroat, what can you tell recruits is unique or special about Florida?

Will Muschamp

  (12:27 PM)

I promote Florida. I don't talk about other schools. I don't talk about their depth charts. I don't know about it and I don't care. We have a great school. It's one of the few places you can win a national championship on and off the field.

Alyson Griggs (Madison, GA)

Having 2 new members of the SEC and Florida playing them both what advice would you give Texas A&M and Missouri on navigating through the toughest conference in America?

Will Muschamp

  (12:27 PM)

Stay healthy. Keep your QB healthy. Recruit lots of big linemen on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

DKT (Coral Springs, FL)

Which freshman has impressed you the most from what you have heard from summer camp?

Will Muschamp

  (12:28 PM)

I haven't seen anything from the summer, but Morrison did some nice things. Jacobs. Both linemen were good. The WRs. Very pleased with the midyear guys that came on.

Justin D (Orlando)

Coach Muschamp, What are some of your concerns going into the season? (depth, offense,defense,special teams, schedule,ect)

Will Muschamp

  (12:29 PM)

You always have concerns about where you are and what you're trying to accomplish. But we're concerned about Florida and we take care of that we'll be fine.

Ryan (Gainesville )

How has the offensive line looked this offseason?

Will Muschamp

  (12:30 PM)

They're all back. We had less starts last season on the OL than anyone else. Having that experience back will help us. Running the ball in the bowl game was good. They've answered my challenges.

Chad (Tampa)

Coach Muschamp, it has been great to see your energy at Florida. How is the quarterback position working out right now and who may have the edge going into Bowling Green in week one?

Will Muschamp

  (12:30 PM)

I think we have a hungry football team right now. I like where we are. I'm very pleased with our football team and the attitude throughout spring.

Brandon (Perry, FL)

Coach Muschamp, What things have you seen out of Coach Pease that will make the offense more dynamic this year including the running game?

Will Muschamp

  (12:31 PM)

Coach is very intelligent. He's an outstanding teacher. I've called games against him. He does a nice job mixing in motions. I think Gator Nation will be very pleased with him this fall.

tj (arkansas)

do you believe in tebowmania

Will Muschamp

  (12:32 PM)

I'm very busy during the season. I wish Tim all the best. He'll have an outstanding career with the Jets.

K KEEN (Valdosta Ga)

hey coach what was ur favorite part of ur first year as a head football coach

Will Muschamp

  (12:32 PM)

Winning the bowl game and ending the season on a positive note for the seniors. Building a positive foundation moving forward.

Will Muschamp

  (12:33 PM)

Enjoying Bristol. ESPN campus. Go Gators!

Will Muschamp

  (12:33 PM)

Enjoying Bristol. ESPN campus. Go Gators!

Buzzmaster

  (12:34 PM)

Thanks Coach!

Buzzmaster

  (12:34 PM)

Next up is Kentucky's Joker Phillips at 1:30 p.m. ET!

Buzzmaster

  (1:24 PM)

Coach Phillips is up next. He's just finishing up his @SportsCenter Twitter chat!

Buzzmaster

  (1:28 PM)

He's coming right over!

Nick (MI)

How much motivation dose your team get from watching your school's basketball team do what it did last season and how dose that translate to the football field?

Joker Phillips

  (1:30 PM)

We're excited about how our basketball program finished last year. I think what our players saw in our basketball program is how together they were. That's one of the things we've tried to sell to our team, yes they're talented, but they enjoy playing with each other.

Dustin (Kentucky)

Coach Phillips, which player(s) have caught yours and your staffs eye so far this off-season

Joker Phillips

  (1:31 PM)

There are plenty of guys that have had good offseasons. There are guys that have had excellent springs, excellent offseasons. The thing we must do is be productive in games.

Jason (Al)

Coach Phillip's, what are your team goals this year?

Joker Phillips

  (1:32 PM)

Our goal as a program is always to graduate from the University of Kentucky. Our other goal is to win the East. It's our long term goal. My goal as a football team this year is to continue the improvement we had at the end of the season last year.

Mike (KY)

What game are you most excited for this year?

Joker Phillips

  (1:33 PM)

We're excited about the first game which is our next game. That gives us a chance to get back on the field. We had some momentum at the end of last season.

Nick (MI)

What are your thoughts on the new playoff system?

Joker Phillips

  (1:33 PM)

We like the format. A four team playoff system.

Joker Phillips

  (1:33 PM)

We want the opportunity to not have to win the conference to be in the four team playoff. The best teams should have the chance to play in it and sometimes the best team in the country could be second best in their conference.

Matthew (Sycamore)

Dear Coach Philips, What talents does your team have?

Joker Phillips

  (1:35 PM)

We think we have some young talented players along with some experienced guys that have been in our program for a long time. We are developing some more playmakers at the skill positions which should give us some chances to have production on both sides of the ball.

Chandler (DeKalb)

How hard will it be to reach a bowl?

Joker Phillips

  (1:35 PM)

It's tough in this league, but we've done it. We were able to go to five straight. Last year was the first time in six years we didn't. We're working hard to get back.

Matthew (Sycamore)

Are you happy with your starting QB?

Joker Phillips

  (1:36 PM)

We have a QB competition. We have two quality guys that have played a lot of snaps in this league. Two very very talented incoming freshmen.

Keith (Tennessee)

How did it feel to finally beat UT last year?

Joker Phillips

  (1:37 PM)

It felt good to win your last game, period. One of our goals of 2011 was to win our last game, whether a bowl game or our last regular season game. That was a goal we had coming into the year.

Susan (Louisville)

What position will be the most improved from last year in your opinion?

Joker Phillips

  (1:37 PM)

We feel like our DL will be our most improved. We saw a lot of that improvement start to take shape at the end of last season.

Will (Atlanta, GA)

Coach Phillips, who, besides the Wildcats, do you think is the team to beat in the East this year?

Joker Phillips

  (1:38 PM)

There are a lot of quality teams in the East. It's hard to say one team. That's how the past has been, a different team has won the league the last three years.

Joker Phillips

  (1:38 PM)

It depends on how the early part of the season fairs.

Matt (louisville)

Coach Phillips, what sets this team from last years team?And how can you build off from the victory over UT?

Joker Phillips

  (1:39 PM)

We think that we've been able to develop more playmakers, having more playmaking ability on the offensive side of the ball. I think the momentum we had in the last half of the season will give us an opportunity to be successful this season.

Michael (Lou.-KY)

We working on any fun and interesting wrinkles to the offense this year? One of reasons I think we had success against UT was that they weren't prepared for our offensive scheme for that game.

Joker Phillips

  (1:40 PM)

We're developing an offense that allows us to put people in position to make plays for us. We're developing an offense where once the kids start to make plays, they have confidence and therefore they develop into playmakers for us.

Joker Phillips

  (1:41 PM)

We look forward to the season. We're excited to have our fans on Fan Day on Aug. 4.

Buzzmaster

  (1:48 PM)

Next up, we've got Mark Richt at 2 p.m. ET!

Buzzmaster

  (1:58 PM)

Coach is coming over!

Skeeter (Athens)

Coach Richt - Will this be the best defense you have ever had?

Mark Richt

  (1:59 PM)

Potentially? We have the chance to be very good. At least 10 returning starters, with the addition of Malcolm Mitchell at the CB position. It gives us a chance to matchup very well. But the bottom line is you have to do it. You have to prove you're a great defense on a week to week basis and making the big plays at the moment of truth.

Lorin (Atlanta, GA)

Coach Richt, how challenging is it going to be to offensively scheme for Auburn now that they have an old Dawg in VanGorder running the defense?

Mark Richt

  (2:01 PM)

I've got a lot of respect for Coach VanGorder and Coach Martinez who is also on their staff right now. They're certainly familiar with some of the things we like to do. But we're also familiar with some of the things they like to do as well. I imagine it will all even out.

Lorin (Atlanta, GA)

Coach Richt, I noticed Malcolm Mitchell was listed at CB on the depth chart to start the year. Will we still be using him at the WR position a good bit? It seamed like he was always there when it mattered.

Mark Richt

  (2:02 PM)

Yes, we'll use him as a WR throughout the season. When we start the year out, he'll play more defense than offense, but as the season rolls on, I think it will even out. I think that as the weather cools, he'll be able to play more total snaps, which will allow him to play significant time on both sides of the ball. From what I understand, he's had a tremendous summer and get into condition to play both ways, so hopefully he'll hold up physically.

Vince (Lake Oconee)

Coach, I am quite concerned about our Oline this year. Please tell me something to ease the nerves a bit.

Mark Richt

  (2:03 PM)

Well, I don't think I there is anything I can say to calm your nerves quite yet, but I have a lot of faith in Will, our OL coach. We have a lot of young men that have the ability to get it done they just don't have the experience. But the key to OL play is getting five guys in sync, five guys that will battle for 60 minutes and I think we'll be able to find those five.

Keith (Tennessee)

Is Keith Marshall's size a concern to you Coach? He's not a big back, so how do you think he will fare running up the middle? Or will he be used more on the edge?

Mark Richt

  (2:04 PM)

Keith actually weighs 205 pounds, which is a pretty good size back. He's pretty well put together he's been training his whole life for this situation. I think he'll be able to handle playing in the rigors of the SEC.

Mark Richt

  (2:05 PM)

Todd is closer to 220 pounds, as is Ken. With Richard Samuel weighing around 235. We have some good sized backs that should be able to handle the pounding and give some pounding themselves.

Matthew (Sycamore)

How affective aill Aaron Murray will be for the Dawgs this season?

Mark Richt

  (2:06 PM)

I know Aaron's doing his part to prepare for a great season. I have a lot of faith in his ability to make good decisions and make accurate throws, make plays with his wheels when he needs to. In order for your QB to be successful, we have to play well up front and we have to play well at the other skill positions as well. It's a team effort. As the team goes, so will Aaron.

Shane (Athens)

Coach Richt, what's going to be the biggest threat Missouri has to offer against us?

Mark Richt

  (2:08 PM)

They do have a lot of weapons, no doubt about that offensively. They like to spread the field. But there is nothing like a dual threat QB and James Franklin is going to be one of the best dual threat QBs in the year. We'll be spread thin to cover their talented WR corps.

Jay (ATL)

Coach Richt, what do you thin of the new playoff?

Mark Richt

  (2:09 PM)

I think the playoff system is going to be good. I think four teams is about right. It won't disturb the bowl system as it is now too much. I don't think it will devalue the regular season games and their importance. I think it will create a lot of excitement.

Francesco (Florida)

How difficult will it be to defeat the top SEC teams in the nation?

Mark Richt

  (2:10 PM)

It's always difficult. It's the greatest league in college football. When you win in this league, you've done something very special. I don't think that will change nay time soon.

Josh (Atlanta, GA)

Have you ever coached a linebacking corps with this much talent and depth?

Mark Richt

  (2:10 PM)

Well, there have been some pretty good LBs come through Georgia over the years and this one is certainly an outstanding bunch. If you ask me that question at the end of the year, I'll let you know.

Wesley Flanagan (Griffin, GA)

Coach, With the schedule we have this year which is not easy, but not as tough as the past seasons. What game do you think will be the most challenging this year.

Mark Richt

  (2:12 PM)

That's hard to say. I don't think we'll know how tough of a schedule it is until we play it. In 2005, I think we were picked fifth in the East. People probably looked at Georgia and thought it would be a W. As it turned out, we won the SEC. We'll have to wait until the end to see how tough a schedule it is.

He Hate Me (Atlanta, GA)

How do you feel the changes in the S&C program have positively effective that team this summer?

Mark Richt

  (2:13 PM)

I think the changes have effected our team in a very positive way. The strength coaches that we had working for us in the past got wonderful opportunities to move on, a couple in S&C and a couple as coaches. It provided us the chance to bring in some new coaches. With John Thomas our master strength coach from Penn State and Sherman Armstrong the expert on speed and agility. Justin Lovitt from the Denver Broncos has an expertise in MMA and boxing. It's been a tremendous opportunity for our guys who have everything they need.

Mark Richt

  (2:14 PM)

I just want to thank the entire Georgia Bulldog nation for your support. We're looking forward to getting camp started. See you on Sept. 1 between the hedges.

Buzzmaster

  (2:15 PM)

We've got Nick Saban a bit early!

Jason (Al)

Coach Saban, do you get to have any input to pick the non conference opponents each year? RTR!

Nick Saban

  (2:16 PM)

I have lots of input in who we play. We make the decisions about who we play in the beginning of the year. The big thing is you don't have a lot of options. We don't know what the SEC schedule will be next year. The options we have in who we can play and who will play us are very different than fans realize.

Gabe (SE Missouri)

Coach how do you feel the players intensity and attitude are going into this season compared to last.

Nick Saban

  (2:18 PM)

I've been pleased with the attitude the team has worked with over the summer. The offseason program that we had. We have a much younger team than a year ago. Sometimes you're a bit short on experience. We have to mold that into production because of the quality opponents we play early.

MikeDaTiger (Baton Rouge)

Coach, If LSU and Alabama meet up twice again next season, do you think you could take it a bit easy on us the second time around?

Nick Saban

  (2:18 PM)

I don't think you'll have to worry about that. I think LSU has a great team coming back. Every game we have with them is very competitive, down to the wire. I'm sure any game we have with them in the future will be the same kind of game.

jbcarol (Happy Valley)

Coach Saban, how do you handle the added pressure of the program being the biggest attraction in your area?

Nick Saban

  (2:20 PM)

Pressure is self inflicted in terms of what you want to accomplish, the quality you want in your program. The standard that you expect from everybody. All of that is sort of the vision that we have in the program, the plan that we have, the standard that we try to create to do it on a consistent basis. That pressure doesn't come externally.

Matthew (Sycamore)

Coach Saban, with Trent Richardson gone will you running game be the same?

Nick Saban

  (2:21 PM)

I think we'll have a different kind of team on offense. We have a couple different kinds of runners. Eddie Lacy is coming back. With an experienced OL and QB and some young talented WRs, our style might need to be different in terms of trying to make explosive plays. Trusting in the QB a little more and utilizing some of the skill players on the perimeter.

Keith (Tennessee)

You lost a lot of key players after last year, do you think you will still compete for the SEC this time around?

Nick Saban

  (2:22 PM)

I think that's the challenge. In college football, you always lose 25% of your team. We have 13 total starters back, so we lost more than that. Can the young players come in and play and can the older players step in with their new roles? That's the challenge. I don't think you know that for sure until you start playing.

Matthew (Sycamore)

How affective will A.J. be this season at QB?

Nick Saban

  (2:23 PM)

We have a lot of faith, trust and confidence in AJ. He played well for us, playe extremely well in the championship game. I think the strenght of our team on offense is the OL and QB. How those two elements progress will go a long way to becoming the offensive team that we have.

Matthew (Sycamore)

How do you like the new playoff format?

Nick Saban

  (2:24 PM)

I've always been a proponent of a four team playoff. In all of the years we've had issues discussing who should play in the national title game, there are 3 teams or so that have an argument. People need to understand that you need to be a conference champ will not enhance the ability of the four best teams getting in. But there will always be teams that have an argument to be in the mix. But the fact is that since the BCS was created, there haven't been more than 3 teams that had an argument.

Baron (Huntsvegas)

Coach, Roll Tide! Are you serious about wearing a visor this year???

Nick Saban

  (2:25 PM)

No.

PaRollTide (Da Blog)

Coach Saban, how is Dee Hart coming along from the injury last sustained last year, do you see him having an impact this year?

Nick Saban

  (2:25 PM)

I think Dee has progressed nicely. I thought he started to show signs of some of his explosive quickness that made him the player he was before. Hopefully he will continue to develop this fall and find a role on the team.

PaRollTide (SEC Blog)

Coach Saban, looking over the defense it seems this years D will be even faster this year, do you notice this on the practice field?

Nick Saban

  (2:26 PM)

No. Our defense last year was physical and fast. Quick reacters. Last year's defense was one of the best in the history of college football. There are some talented players this year with some speed, but they have to prove they can play like that.

Tider (in florida)

Is it tougher to recruit to build up a program like when you first arrived in Tuscaloosa or to recruit when you have such good depth and kids become concerned with immediate playing time?

Nick Saban

  (2:28 PM)

I think Alabama has always been able to attract good players. The tradition that we have and the quality of program we have and the history of success and the academic standards, as well as helping players with their careers in football and out. The players see the benefit of the competition and the history of how successful the players have been before them.

Nick Saban

  (2:28 PM)

Thanks for the great questions. We really appreciate your support. Roll Tide!

Buzzmaster

  (2:28 PM)

Thanks for chatting coach!

Buzzmaster

  (2:30 PM)

Next we'll have the Ol' Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier at 3 p.m. ET to finish off our chat session today.

Buzzmaster

  (2:33 PM)

We might be having Coach Spurrier here early, so get those questions in now!

Buzzmaster

  (2:45 PM)

Coach is here!

Ben (Resaca)

Coach, you go into both Death Valleys this season. Which one is tougher to steal a win from?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:46 PM)

Oh they're both going to be tough. Our players look forward to playing big games. They'll both be real big games. Our record against Clemson is a little bit better than against LSU overall. Who knows what will happen.

Charlie (Kansas)

Coach, do you think we should start up a Battle of Columbia Cup for whenever you guys and Missouri play?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:47 PM)

At one time they talked about that, but then I think people started saying if we were going to have a trophy with these guys we would have to have a trophy for all of the others. It will stay just a big game for us in the division.

PaRollTide (SEC Blog)

Coach Spurrier, what is your teams biggest challenges this year?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:48 PM)

The biggest challenge is to always be prepared to play your best eaach week. If you have some success you can get complacent. Hopefully we can handle success and adversity, because it's going to hit somewhere.

Baron (Huntsvegas)

Coach, Do you like the 9 conference game idea?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:48 PM)

No. The reason is because our instate rival Clemson is a team we play every year. If we did not have that game, I would be in favor of 9 conference games.

Keith (Greenville,SC) [via mobile]

How does this squad's talent rank against your other Gamecock teams? What about your Flirida teams?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:49 PM)

I think it's pretty close to last year's, althought we're not sure. We lost lots of good defensive players, two first round picks and Alshon Jeffery and some other picks. We feel we have a lot of other good players ready. We'll see how big of a loss it will be.

Collin (Dallas)

Coach Spurrier, how is Lattimore doing with his rehab and do you think he will be able to contribute for the whole season?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:50 PM)

Yes, he's 100% ready to go and he'll practice in August.

Jason (Al)

Coach Spurrier, how many visor's do you go through in a season and how many have you gone through in your career?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:50 PM)

I go through about 2-3 a season. But if we start winning, I'll wear that one all of the way through.

John (DC)

How are we looking at DT when it comes to recruiting? Also, Keep up the good work coach!!

Steve Spurrier

  (2:51 PM)

We're in pretty good shape. But again, you always try to recruit some big guys. We got plenty this year. We just have to keep recruiting them.

Mike (Pageland, SC)

Coach, Do you see Justice Cunningham having a big season as far as receiving yardage or will his role mostly comprise of him blocking?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:52 PM)

Justice is one of our outstanding TE's. Buster is another one. Drew. Jarell. We're in good shape at TE. Look out for this kid Jarell.

Dave (Charleston SC)

Coach, any chance we'll see you down at Kiawah on the Ocean course in a few weeks for the PGA Championship?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:52 PM)

No chance. But I'll watch on TV when I can.

Bo (Georgia)

As I'm sure you know, you have a reputation for becoming more outspoken when you feel that you have a strong team. That being said, what do you feel are South Carolina's chances in the East this year?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:53 PM)

Chances? I would say we have a chance.

Kris (Hattiesburg MS)

Coach how important do you think it is to have a strong defense in your league and more specifically a defensive line?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:53 PM)

Every successful football team must have a good defensive line. It's hard to play if the other team can run it down your throat. It's usually the guys up front that determine who wins.

Mac (Charleston, SC)

Coach Spurrier, what are your thoughts on the LSU game? I'll be there with a number of friends from College and am hoping for a big win!

Steve Spurrier

  (2:54 PM)

It could be a big game. It's going to be difficult at their stadium. It would be difficult if they were at our stadium. You have to hope you have an exceptional game and hope the other team doesn't play its best.

hgunn (Alabama)

Coach do you think that moving beyond a 4 team playoff to an 8 team playoff is good for college football or do you think it will cheapen the regular season too much?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:55 PM)

My opinion is if you went to 8 you would take the six conference champions. Playing for your conference championship is what we talk about. Let's win our conference and go from there. You take the 6 BCS conference champs, 2 at larges and go play.

Julie (Hazlehurst, MS)

Good morning Coach! How have the leaders on the team stepped up in their leadership roles and do you see any new leaders emerging?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:56 PM)

Very well. The big reason for our success the last couple of years is junior and senior leaders, making sure the players are accountable for their actions.

Matthew (Sycamore)

How affective will your offense be this season? P.S. Nice job at the American Century Championship!

Steve Spurrier

  (2:56 PM)

It should be as good or better than last year.

Alex (Florida)

Coach Spurrier, is there one specific position or positions that you focus on every year when recruiting, that you want ot make sure you have the best of every year?

Steve Spurrier

  (2:57 PM)

No, we try to get the best players we can at all positions. We try to balance out our lineman, backs, WRs. Try to balance it out.

Steve Spurrier

  (2:57 PM)

Go Gamecocks!

Buzzmaster

  (2:57 PM)

Thanks for chatting Coach!