SEC Notebook

[WorkHorse]

Gus Malzahn's Contract

Auburn released details of head coach Gus Malzahn's five-year contract yesterday, confirming Malzahn's base salary will be $2.3 million annually. Compensation is divided among three areas: $500,000 in base salary, $900,000 for the assignment of personal endorsement rights and $900,000 for radio, TV and other media appearances. If Malzahn is fired with cause before the completion of the contract, Auburn would owe Malzahn $500,000 for each year remaining on his contract. If Malzahn leaves for another job before the end of his contract, he would owe the school $500,000 for each year remaining on his contract. In addition to his base salary, several performance related bonuses are offered.

* $25,000 if the team's APR is higher than .930; $75,000 if the APR exceeds .950 and $150,000 if the APR is 1,000.
* $75,000 for a 10 win season, $100,000 for 11 wins; $125,000 for 12 wins; $150,000 for 13 wins; $200,000 for 14 wins. He can only receive one win related bonus in a season.
* $100,000 for playing in the SEC Championship Game; $150,000 for winning the SEC championship.
* $100,000 for playing in BCS bowl game next year or college football semifinal game beginning in 2014: $150,000 for appearing in the national championship game.
* $50,000 for playing in a non-BCS bowl game.
* $100,000 for finishing the season ranked in the top-5.
* $100,000 for being named SEC Coach of the Year.
* $100,000 for being named National Coach of the Year.
* $500,000 for winning the National Championship.
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Texas A&M Quickhit

Location: College Station, Texas
Nickname: Aggies
Colors: Maroon & White
Conference: SEC West Division
Stadium: Kyle Field (83,002)
2012 Record: 11-2 (6-2 SEC)
Head Coach: Kevin Sumlin
Career Record: 46-19 (5 seasons)
Texas A&M Record: 11-2 (1 season)
Starters Returning: 12

Offense: (6) G Jarvis Harrison, G Cedric Ogbuehi, T Jake Matthews, WR Mike Evans, QB Johnny Manziel, RB Ben Malena
Defense: (5) NG Kirby Ennis, DE Julian Obioha, LB Steven Jenkins, CB Deshazor Everett, S Howard Matthews
Specialist: (1) K Taylor Bertolet

Letterman Returning: 49 (20 offense, 21 defense, 8 special teams)
Letterman Lost: 24 (11 offense, 11 defense, 2 special teams)

2013 Schedule (8 home, 4 road)

Rice, Sam Houston St., Alabama, SMU, @Arkansas, @Ole Miss, Auburn, Vanderbilt, UTEP, Mississippi St., @LSU, @Missouri
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South Carolina Quarterbacks

The Gamecocks have two quality quarterbacks who offer two different dimensions to the offense. Both are talented and experienced and give South Carolina the best one-two punch in the SEC.

Connor Shaw, Senior (6-1, 205): Most people in the know around the SEC rate Shaw as a top 5 quarterback in the SEC. Shaw is appreciated because of his 17-3 record as a starter and because he's tough and will play through pain. He has a nack for delivering in key moments of a game and can hurt opponents with both running and passing. He's also the ultimate team player and is simply one of those guys who gets it done without a lot of flash and dash. Last season he passed for 1,956 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 608 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Dylan Thompson, Junior (6-3, 215): Even though he's not a fulltime starter, Thompson has earned the respect of his teammates and head coach Steve Spurrier. He's more of a dropback passer than his counterpart Shaw and had some nice contributions last year. He carved apart Clemson last season on the road. He stepped in and threw the winning touchdown pass in the bowl win against Michigan and just seems to get better every time he steps on the field. During the 2012 season, he passed for 1,027 yards with 10 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions.
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[daneblazer]

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2013-07-01/top-10-ranking-non-conference-schedules-smu-florida-oklahoma-worst-big-12?eadid=EL/S

Can't really say the SEC doesn't schedule anyone when you look at what everyone else is scheduling

[WorkHorse]

Florida Quarterback

Junior starting quarterback Jeff Driskel has signed a major league baseball contract with the Boston Red Sox according to an annoucement yesterday. Driskel was drafted in the 29th round of the MLB Draft last month and now Boston holds his MLB rights for the next six years. Driskel can still remain NCAA eligible and on football scholarship at Florida as long as the money and/or benefits he receives from the Red Sox are baseball specific and he doesn't sign any commercial endorsement deals. The QB has assured Gator coaches and teammates that he will play this season and that his focus will be leading the team on the football field. He said by signing the baseball contract that he wanted to keep his options open once it's time to leave Gainesville.
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ESPN Ranks Top 10 Running Backs

According to ESPN, these are the top 10 rated runningbacks in the SEC entering the 2013 season.
1. Todd Gurley, So, Georgia - He's 220 pounds with breakaway speed and is hard to bring down.
2. T.J. Yeldon, So, Alabama - He is dangerous in the open field as he is gaining yards after contact.
3. Keith Marshall, So, Georgia - Good size (215) with blazing speed. Averaged 6.5 yards per carry last year.
4. LaDarius Perkins, Sr, Miss State - The speedy runner was second in the conference last season in all-purpose yards.
5. Tre Mason, Jr, Auburn - Not real big at 198 pounds but has great determination and incredible acceleration.
6. Brandon Williams, So, Texas A&M - The Oklahoma transfer is a threat to hit the big one every time he touches it.
7. Matt Jones, So, Florida - A physical runner who is up to 230 pounds without losing a step.
8. Mike Davis, So, South Carolina - Has everything to be a star at SC. Added 10 pounds and was able to get faster and stronger.
9. Henry Josey, Jr, Missouri - Coming back from a knee injury that forced him to miss all of last season.
10. Jeff Scott, Sr, Ole Miss - Runs much bigger than his 5-7, 175 pound frame and is a good receiver with 23 catches last season.
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Alabama Center

One of the big stories in Alabama football late last season was Barrett Jones, who would win the Rimington Award as the nation's best center, being injured in the SEC Championship Game and playing on. Jones, though, did not practice much of the time as the Tide prepared for the title game against Notre Dame. Although Jones was able to play against the Irish, during all but about a week of that long preparation period, Ryan Kelly, a 6-5, 293 pound sophomore, got most of the repititions with the first offense. And Kelly got high marks from Nick Saban and his teammates for the job he did. He continued that good work in the spring and is the clear starter entering the 2013 season. Kelly was one of the nation's top prospects at center coming out of high school in Ohio in the 2011 freshman class. After redshirting his first year, Kelly played in 10 games last season and was selected to the Freshman All-SEC team.
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Auburn Assistant Coaches Salaries

During a previous post, I described Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn's five year $11.5 million contract. Listed below are what Malzahn's assistant coaches will earn.

Ellis Johnson (Defensive Coordinator) $800,000 base salary running through 6/30/2016.
Rhette Lashlee (Offensive Coordinator) $350,000 base salary through 6/30/2015.
Rodney Garner (Defensive Line) $500,000 base salary through 6/30/2016.
Charlie Harbison (Co-defensive Coordinator) $425,000 base salary through 6/30/2015.
Dameyune Craig (Co-offensive Coordinator) $350,000 base salary through 6/30/2016.
J.B. Grimes (Offensive Line) $270,000 base salary through 6/30/2015.
Melvin Smith (Defensive Backs) $300,000 base salary through 6/30/2015.
Scott Fountain (Special Teams) $250,000 base salary through 6/30/2015.
Tim Horton (Running Backs) $250,000 base salary through 6/30/2015.

*Any bonus money earned would be in addition to base yearly salary.
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[WorkHorse]

Gambling Definitions

Taking a break from SEC talk today to post some gambling terms. College football kicks off in 53 days and it's always good to brush up on gaming speak before the season starts...especially you new guys. I'll break the post down into two post.

Part I

ACTION - A type of sports betting wager of any kind, basically a bet.
ADDED GAME - A game not part of Las Vegas regular rotation posted as an accommodation to customers.
ANGLES - Using key factors from previous events to predict the results for future outcomes.
ATS - "Against the spread," taking points or laying points in sports betting.
BEARD - A friend or acquaintance who is used to place bets as to conceal the true idenity of the real bettor.
BET - To risk something on the outcome of an event.
BOOK - An establishment that accepts bets on the outcome of sporting events.
BOOKIE - A person who accepts bets.
BUCK - Term for a $100 wager.
BUY POINTS - A player pays an additional price to receive half a point or more in his favor on a point spread game.
CANADIAN LINE - A combination point spread and money line in hockey.
CHALK - The favorite.
CHALK PLAYER - Someone who usually only plays the favorite teams.
CIRCLED GAME - This is a game in which the betting action is reduced; usually occurs in added games, games with injuries, bad weather etc.. These games cannot be included in parlays or teasers.
COVER - This term means a point spread win.
DIME - $1000,00 sports betting wager.
DIME LINE - A line where the juice is 10 percent.
DOG - The team being perceived the most likely to lose.
DOG PLAYER - Refers to one most likely to play underdogs.
DOLLAR - $100, in sports wagering.
DOUBLE ACTION - An "if bet" is processed if the precedent bet wins, ties or cancels.
DOUBLE BET - A wager for twice the size of one's usual wager; also known as "double pot" or "doubling up."
EDGE - A persons advantage when it comes to sports betting.
EVEN MONEY - A bet whose odds are 1/1; a wager in which no vigorish or juice is laid.
EXOTIC - Any bet other than a straight bet or parlay; also called a prop or proposition.
EXPOSURE - The maximum amount of money a sports book stands to lose on a game.
FAVORITE - The team expected to win an event. The quoted odds reflect the extent to which the choice is favored.
FIFTY CENTS - $50.00 of betting action.
FIGURE - The amount owed to or by a bookmaker.
FIRST HALF BET - Bet placed on the first half of a game.
FUTURE - Odds are posted in advance on the winners of various major events.
GAMBLE - To risk money on the outcome of an event.
GETTING DOWN - Making a bet.
GRAND SALAMI - The grand total of goals scored in all the hockey games of the day. It can be wagered to go Over/Under.
HALF A DOLLAR - $50.00 in sports bettin action.
HANDICAPPER - One who studies, rates and wagers on sporting events.
HANDICAPPING - The attempt to predict the outcome of sporting events.
HANDLE - Means the total amount of bets taken.
HEDGING - Means placing wagers on the opposite side in order to cut losses or guarantee a minimun profit.
HOOK - A half a point added to football and basketball betting lines.
HOT GAME - A game that is drawing a lot of action on one side by knowledgeable handicappers.
JUICE - The bookmaker's commission on a losing bet, also known as "vigorish."
LAYING The POINTS - Betting the favorite by giving up points.
LAYING THE PRICE - Means betting the favorite by laying money odds.
LAYOFF - Money bet by a house with another bookmaker to reduce its liability.
LIMIT - The maximun amount a bookmaker will allow you to bet before he changes the odds and/or the points.
LINE - The current odds or point spread on a particular event.
LINEMAKER - The person who establishes the original and subsequent betting lines.

[WorkHorse]

Gambling Definitions cont....Part II

LONGSHOT - This is a team perceived to be unlikely to win.
MIDDLE - To win both sides of the same contest. Wagering on the underdog at one point spread and the favorite at a different point spread and winning both sides.
MONEY LINE - Odds expressed in terms of money. Whenever there is a minus(-) you lay that amount to win a $100, where there is a plus (+) you get that amount for every $100 wagered.
MOVE THE LINE - A player pays an additional price to receive half a point or more in his favor on a point spread game.
NICKEL - $500.00 sports betting wager.
NICKEL LINE - A sports wagering line where the juice is 5%.
NO ACTION - A wager in sports betting in which no money is lost nor won.
ODDS - The likelihood of the outcome occuring, stated in numbers form.
OFF THE BOARD - This is a game on which the bookmaker will not accept action.
ONE DOLLAR - $100.00 in sports betting action.
OPENING LINE - The earliest line posted for a particular sporting event.
OUTLAW LINE - Term for the earliest line in sports betting. This is an overnight line that only a handful of players are allowed to bet into.
OVER - The over is a sports bet in which the bettor guesses that the combined point total of two teams will be above a specified total.
PARLAY - A bet with two or more teams in which all teams must win or cover for the bettor to win and receive higher payouts.
PICK'EM - When neither team is favored.
POINT SPREAD - The predicted scoring differential between two opponents as quoted by a sports book.
POWER RATINGS - The strength of a team in comparison to another team.
PRESS - This means to wager a larger amount than usual.
PRICE - Term for the odds or point spread.
PROP - Special wager offered by the books on unique and various topics.
PUCKLINE - Giving odds of a goal spread instead of using a Canadian Line in hockey, where both a goal spread and money line are played.
PUPPY - The underdog.
PUSH - When the contest ends with no winner or loser for wagering purposes.
ROUND ROBIN - This is a series of three or more teams in 2-team parlays.
RUN DOWN - This is all the lines for a specific date, sport, time, etc.
RUN LINE - In baseball a spread used instead of the money line.
RUNNER - One who places bets for another.
SCAMDICAPPERS - Term used to refer to a sports handicapping service that is not in business to help their clients, but to profit off of, and scam you out of your money. (Dime a dozen...BEWARE!)
SCOUTS - Person(s) who waits for what he thinks is an unusually strong wager.
SHARP - A sophisticated or professional gambler.
SIDES - The names of two teams playing: the underdog and the favorite.
SINGLE ACTION - An "if bet" that is processed only if the precedent bet wins.
SPORTSBOOK - A person or company that accepts bets.
SPREAD - The predicted scoring differential between two opponents as quoted by a sports book.
SQUARE - A novice when it comes to sports betting.
STEAM - When a line starts to move rapidly. Games a mass of bettors are drawn to for some reason.
STRAIGHT BET - This is a wager on just one team.
STRAIGHT UP - Winning the game without any regards to the pointspread.
SYSTEMS - Using trends for the past that you are consistent with to predict future outcomes.
TAKING THE PRICE - This means betting the underdog and accepting money odds.
TEASER BET - A prop bet that allows you to alter the betting odds up and down in your favor. The most common teaser bets in football are 6, 6.5, and 7 point teasers. You must pick at least 2 teams, but you are able to select up to 6 teams total.
TIE - A tie is a wager in which no money is lost nor won because the teams' were equal to the number of points in the given line.
TOTAL - The combined amount of runs, points or goals scored by both teams during the game.
TOTALS BET - The bettor speculates that the total score by both teams in a game will be more or less than the line posted.
TOUT - Someone who sells their expertise on sports wagering. (BEWARE of the TOUTS!!)
UNDER - A wager in which the bettor guesses that the total points scored by two teams will be under a certain figure.
UNDERDOG - The team perceived to be most likely to lose. Also known as a "dog".
VALUE - Means getting the best odds on a wagering proposition; the highest possible edge.
VIGORISH - The bookmaker's commission on a losing bet; also know as "juice".
WISE GUY - Term for a well informed or knowledgeable handicapper or bettor.

Good Luck

[WorkHorse]

Tennessee

The Vols are in the midst of the worst five-year stretch in the programs modern era. Tennessee has gone 28-34 since the start of the 2008 season, with one winning season and four years with seven or more losses, for a .452 winning percentage. Tennessee has now won only a single game in SEC play for two years in a row. Prior to 2011, UT had notched just one SEC win only three times in program history (1954, 1964 and 1977). The Vols suffered six SEC losses over the last two years by 17 or more points. In comparison, UT went nine years, from 1993-2001, losing only two league games by the same margin. Interesting season ahead for the hounddogs.
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LSU

The LSU Tigers have gone 34-4 over the course of the last three regular seasons, but they are lined at only 9.5 wins in 2013. After losing four NFL draft choices from their defensive line and two more in the secondary, early bettors are expecting a significant defensive dropoff from a mediocre defensive team. Also, when eleven juniors come out early for the draft that will affect your depth and maturity.
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Georgia Offensive Line

The Dawgs have all five starters returning on the offensive line plus several key backups who are pressing for playing time. Mark Richt loves how the backups (Mark Beard, Xzavier Ward, Watts Dantzler, Greg Pyke and Austin Long) are putting pressure on the starters. "The better they get, the more pressure they put on guys who have been starters for us," Richt said. "So it's not so much a question mark of can they get the job done, its a question of who's going to win the job. Who's going to win the most playing time." Nice situation for Richt and the Bulldogs.
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Paul Horning Award Watch

The Horning Award, now in its fourth season, is given annually to the "most versatile player" in major college football. The Watch List was announced recently and includes nine players from the SEC.

Odell Beckham, LSU, Jr., (WR/PR)
Trey Burton, Florida, Jr., (WR)
Bruce Ellington, South Carolina, Jr., (WR/KR)
Christian Jones, Alabama, Jr., (WR/KR)
Johnny Manziel, Texas AM, RSo., (QB)
Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia, Jr., (WR/KR)
Marcus Murphy, Missouri, Sr., (WR/KR)
LaDarius Perkins, Miss State, Sr., (RB/KR)
Loucheiz Purifoy, Florida, Jr., (CB/WR)

The Watch List was compiled by a panel of college football experts based on a combination of 2012 statistics, career performance and expectations heading into the 2013 season. Tavon Austin of West Virginia won the award in 2012 with more than 500 yards in three different categories (rushing, receiving, and kick returns).
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[WorkHorse]

Vanderbilt Receivers

The Commodores have one of the top receiving corps in the SEC. Starters Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd are among the league's best duos. Mathews could be one of the country's best receivers entering his senior season in 2013. He has 2,282 career receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 150 catches; more than 1,300 of those yards came last year. Mathews is the No. 1 guy, but Boyd is certainsly no slouch. He caught 50 passes last season for 774 yards and 5 touchdowns in his second year on the field. Five receivers were a part of Vandy's recruiting class and all of them could be in line for some backup duty.
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Maxwell Award Watch List

The Maxwell Football Club recognizes the "College Football Player of the Year" and has recently announced its "Watch List" for the coming season. Listed below are SEC players on the list.

Quarterbacks: Johnny Manziel (TxAM), AJ McCarron (AL), Aaron Murray (GA), Zack Mettenberger (LSU), Tyler Russel (MSU) and Bo Wallace (OM).
Running Backs: Todd Gurley (GA), TJ Yeldon (AL), LaDarris Perkins (MSU)
Wide Receivers: Amari Cooper (AL), Jordan Mathews (V) and Mike Evans (TxAM).
Defensive End: Jadeveon Clowney (SC)
Linebacker: C.J. Mosley (AL)

Last year's winner was Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o.
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Alabama Punter

Cody Mandell, 6-4, 215, senior, has become one of the best punters in the SEC, perhaps the nation, in his three years on the job. The Lafayette, Louisiana, native came to Bama as a walk-on in 2010 and has improved his production each seson. Last year he had a school record average of 44.3 yards per punt on 50 opportunities. Mandell had his longest punt of his Bama career, 61 yards, against Mississippi State, and also had a 60 yarder against Texas A&M. He dropped 19 punts inside the 20-yard line and 13 of his kicks were fair caught. He allowed only 18 returns (6.5 yards) with a long return of only 14 yards. In his three year career he has punted in 39 games, a total of 130 punts, and averaged 41.2 yards per punt. He has put 43 of his punts inside the 20-yard line and he has had 25 punts of over 50 yards. Just another solid player for Alabama's football team.
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Auburn Quickhit

Location: Auburn, Alabama
Nickname: Tigers
Colors: Orange & Blue
Conference: SEC, Western Division
Stadium: Jordan-Hare Stadium (87,451)
2012 Record: 3-9 (0-8 SEC)
Head Coach: Gus Malzahn
Career Record: 9-3 (Arkansas State)
Starters Returning: 18

Offensive (8): C Reese Dismukes, G Chad Slade, T Patrick Miller, T Greg Robinson, TE C.J. Uzomah, QB Jonathan Wallace, FB Jay Prosch, RB Tre Mason

Defense (8): DE Nosa Eguae, DT Angelo Blackson, DT Gabe Wright, LB Jake Holland, CB Chris Davis, CB Jonathan Mincy, S Demetruce McNeal, S Jermaine Whitehead.

Specialist (2): K Cody Parkey, P Stephen Clark

Letterman Returning: 44 (17 offense, 23 defense, 4 special teams)
Letterman Lost: 15 (8 offense, 7 defense, 0 special teams)

2013 Schedule: Washington State, Arkansas State, Mississippi State, @LSU, Ole Miss, Western Carolina, @Texas A&M, Florida Atlantic, @Arkansas, @Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama.
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[Fredvic247]

Vanderbilt Receivers

The Commodores have one of the top receiving corps in the SEC. Starters Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd are among the league's best duos. Mathews could be one of the country's best receivers entering his senior season in 2013. He has 2,282 career receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 150 catches; more than 1,300 of those yards came last year. Mathews is the No. 1 guy, but Boyd is certainsly no slouch. He caught 50 passes last season for 774 yards and 5 touchdowns in his second year on the field. Five receivers were a part of Vandy's recruiting class and all of them could be in line for some backup duty.
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Maxwell Award Watch List

The Maxwell Football Club recognizes the "College Football Player of the Year" and has recently announced its "Watch List" for the coming season. Listed below are SEC players on the list.

Quarterbacks: Johnny Manziel (TxAM), AJ McCarron (AL), Aaron Murray (GA), Zack Mettenberger (LSU), Tyler Russel (MSU) and Bo Wallace (OM).
Running Backs: Todd Gurley (GA), TJ Yeldon (AL), LaDarris Perkins (MSU)
Wide Receivers: Amari Cooper (AL), Jordan Mathews (V) and Mike Evans (TxAM).
Defensive End: Jadeveon Clowney (SC)
Linebacker: C.J. Mosley (AL)

Last year's winner was Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o.
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Alabama Punter

Cody Mandell, 6-4, 215, senior, has become one of the best punters in the SEC, perhaps the nation, in his three years on the job. The Lafayette, Louisiana, native came to Bama as a walk-on in 2010 and has improved his production each seson. Last year he had a school record average of 44.3 yards per punt on 50 opportunities. Mandell had his longest punt of his Bama career, 61 yards, against Mississippi State, and also had a 60 yarder against Texas A&M. He dropped 19 punts inside the 20-yard line and 13 of his kicks were fair caught. He allowed only 18 returns (6.5 yards) with a long return of only 14 yards. In his three year career he has punted in 39 games, a total of 130 punts, and averaged 41.2 yards per punt. He has put 43 of his punts inside the 20-yard line and he has had 25 punts of over 50 yards. Just another solid player for Alabama's football team.
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Auburn Quickhit

Location: Auburn, Alabama
Nickname: Tigers
Colors: Orange & Blue
Conference: SEC, Western Division
Stadium: Jordan-Hare Stadium (87,451)
2012 Record: 3-9 (0-8 SEC)
Head Coach: Gus Malzahn
Career Record: 9-3 (Arkansas State)
Starters Returning: 18

Offensive (8): C Reese Dismukes, G Chad Slade, T Patrick Miller, T Greg Robinson, TE C.J. Uzomah, QB Jonathan Wallace, FB Jay Prosch, RB Tre Mason

Defense (8): DE Nosa Eguae, DT Angelo Blackson, DT Gabe Wright, LB Jake Holland, CB Chris Davis, CB Jonathan Mincy, S Demetruce McNeal, S Jermaine Whitehead.

Specialist (2): K Cody Parkey, P Stephen Clark

Letterman Returning: 44 (17 offense, 23 defense, 4 special teams)
Letterman Lost: 15 (8 offense, 7 defense, 0 special teams)

2013 Schedule: Washington State, Arkansas State, Mississippi State, @LSU, Ole Miss, Western Carolina, @Texas A&M, Florida Atlantic, @Arkansas, @Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama.
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Workhorse, really love your work in this thread. Hope my ACC Notebook can compare and help us all as we move forward to the season.

I see above your comment about Vandy receivers. I like them as well. I even like their running back combo if Brian Kimbrow and Wesley Tate. Im really excited about those two and think they can be one of the top combos in the SEC flying under the radar now that Zac Stacy has moved on to the NFL.

[WorkHorse]

Les Miles File

Miles is 85-21 in eight seasons at LSU with three SEC West titles, two SEC championships and that national title in 2007. Before Nick Saban won an SEC title in 2001, LSU hadn't won an outright conference title since 1986. Maybe the best thing that can be said about Miles is that he didn't let the program slip after Saban left. Miles has been a head coach for twelve years at Oklahoma State and LSU. Here's a look at his yearly records.

2001 Oklahoma State 4-7
2002 Oklahoma State 8-5
2003 Oklahoma State 9-4
2004 Oklahoma State 7-5
2005 LSU 11-2
2006 LSU 11-2
2007 LSU 12-2
2008 LSU 8-5
2009 LSU 9-4
2010 LSU 11-2
2011 LSU 13-1
2012 LSU 10-3

Total at Oklahoma State: 28-21
Total at LSU: 85-21
Total coaching record: 113-42

*Sidenote: Miles is 46-54-1 against the spread at LSU. Take out the 2011 season (10-4 ATS) and he is a money burning 36-50 (42%) against the spread.
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LSU Quickhit

Location: Baton Rouge
Nickname: Tigers
Color: Purple & Gold
Conference: SEC, Western Divison
Stadium: Tiger Stadium (92,400)
2012 Record: 10-3 (6-2 SEC)
Head Coach: Les Miles
Career Record: 113-42, 12 seasons
Record at LSU: 85-21, 8 seasons
Returning Starters: 12

Offense Starters (8): G La'el Collins, G Trai Turner, T Vadal Alexander, WR Odell Beckham, WR Jarvis Landry, QB Zach Mettenberger, FB J.C. Copeland, *RB Jeremy Hill (suspended at this time)

Defense Starters (4): LB Lamin Barrow, LB Tahj Jones, CB Jalen Mills, S Craig Loston

Specialist: 0

Letterman Returning: 37 (18 offense, 16 defense, 3 special teams)
Letterman Lost: 25 (9 offense, 14 defense, 2 special teams)

2013 Schedule (7 home, 5 road: TCU (Arlington), UAB, Kent State, Auburn, @Georgia, @Mississippi State, Florida, @Ole Miss, Furman, @Alabama, Texas A&M, Arkansas
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Blast From The Past -2001

LSU hadn't won the SEC title since 1988, and with three league losses before November, it didn't look as if 2001 would be the season that broke the streak. It was then that the Tigers found their missing higher gear, especially on offense. Not many could match LSU's offensive skill, led by record setting receiver Josh Reed, all league RB LaBrandon Toefield and tough guy QB Rohan Davey. LSU won its final six games, including a 47-34 Sugar Bowl decision over Ohio State. Along the way, the Tigers knocked off Tennessee, 31-20 in the SEC title game for their first SEC championship in 13 years.
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Tiger Stat

Seven of LSU's eight conference games were decided by eight or less points last season.

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[WorkHorse]

Manziel Shows Immaturity Again

This kid has the maturity of an eight grader. This time he showed total disrespect for the Manning family (Archie, Payton, Eli) and hundreds of high school athletes at the Manning Passing Academy located at Nicholls State University. Seems little Johnny partied too hard on Friday night and didn't come rolling into camp until noon on Saturday. Showing the character he has instilled in his sons, Archie Manning booted the pretty boy from the camp and sent him packing. Kudos to Archie for giving the kid a valuable lesson.
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Auburn Team On The Rise

Very rarely does a first year coach step into a new situation with such a high level of confort with the program, the university and his new personnel. That's Auburn's greatest asset with the new coaching staff. Gus Malzahn not only knows these players, but the players are very familiar with his offensive style. This should allow Auburn to make a hugh improvement upon last years's mess of an offense while the defense grows more familiar with DC Ellis Johnson's 4-2-5 scheme. The team has some flaws for sure but I predict Auburn will be the most improved team in the SEC this season. I see four clear wins (Wash St., Arkansas St., Western Carolina and Fla-Atlantic). I can see four toss-up games (Miss St., Ole Miss, Arkansas, Tennessee) and four they probably won't win (LSU, Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama). After going 3-9 and winless in the SEC last year, it is not out of the question to see a 7-5 or even 8-4 regular season record during 2013.
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Mississippi State Receivers

With the loss of its top three targets from last season, the Bulldogs return only 43 career receptions among its current group of wide receivers. Only three receivers on the roster have recorded a reception. Those three stand on top of the depth chart entering the fall. Junior Robert Johnson was sixth on the team in receptions with 17 last season. He has 21 catches for his career. Junior Jameon Lewis is already one of the top return specialist in the SEC and will now line up as a slot receiver. Joe Morrow, a sophomore had five catches during his redshirt freshman campaign diring 2012. Behind the three starting guys are a group of talented inexperienced players, but none have stepped on the field yet. With so many new names and faces among them, the MSU receivers bear watching as a storyline this fall.
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Ole Miss Deep and Experienced

Under first year head coach Hugh Freeze direction, the Rebels snapped a 14 game SEC losing streak last year and went on to a winning season. This season, a deep and experienced team returns with 58 letterman and 19 starters back, including quarterback Bo Wallace - the only quarterback in Ole Miss history not named Manning (Archie, Eli) to pass for more than 3,000 yards in a season. In addition, leading rusher Jeff Scott and all nine wide receivers that lettered last year are back. Add to that, a 2013 recruiting class that was the best in Ole Miss history. Expectations for a winning/productive season run high in Oxford. No one needs to remind the Rebel faithful that their team has't won an SEC title since 1963...they know.
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Alabama's Clinton-Dix on Thorpe Watch List

Bama junior safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was named to the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award on Friday. The annual award goes to the nation's top defensive back each year. This is the third watch list for Clinton-Dix, who is from Orlando, Florida. He was placed on the Bednarik watch list for best defensive player and the Bronco Nagurski Trophy list, again as top player on defense. Joining Clinton-Dix on the Nagurski list were three other Alabama players: Cornerback Deon Blue, and linebackers C.J. Mosely and Adrian Hubbard.
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[Louisvillekid1]

good info, thanks Horse

[Huckleberry Pig]

horse just finished reading the entire thread, great stuff. Highest quality i'v seen on this website. As an Arkansas alum, I love following the SEC but don't get to learn as much about it as I'd like - this thread will change that. Can't wait for the season to start, even though it may be a rough year for us. keep up the good work and if I see/hear anything I'll be sure to post it on here.

[WorkHorse]

Thanks Lou and Huck....I appreciate the comments.
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Georgia's Opener

Clemson hasn't been able to beat Georgia in any of the last five meetings between these two teams. Their last win in the series came all the way back in 1990. But the Tigers and Bulldogs haven't faced off since 2003, which is also the last time Clemson got shut out...a 30-0 defeat.
Georgia's near uupset of Alabama in the SEC Championship Game and second-half comination in their bowl game against Nebraska has Dawg boosters sky high heading into the new campaign. With record setting senior quarterback Aaron Murray, and star running back Todd Gurley playing behind an offensive line with all five starters returning, and a receiving corp considered one of the best in the league...that optimism appears justified.
Clemson notched their second straight double digit victory total last year, culminating with an impressive upset over LSU in their bowl. An offense that averaged 41 points per game in 2012 returns senior quarterback Tajh Boyd, junior wide receiver Sammy Watkins and nine of their top 10 on the offensive line. Boyd's improvement last season made Clemson's offense even more difficult to defend. He has dedicated himself to get in better shape, making him more mobile than ever.
This Saturday night national TV showdown on the opening week of the season is likely to attract lots of betting attention. Early money has shown for the home team, but SEC money nearly always shows for non-conference TV matchups toward gametime.
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Auburn Opens First Three at Night

The Tigers will open the 2013 football season and the Gus Malzahn era with three straight night home games, the SEC announced yesterday. Auburn opens the 2013 regular season at home against Washington State at 6 p.m. August 31. The game will be televised on ESPUU. Malzahn and the Tigers welcome his former team the following week as Arkansas State comes to the Plains for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff September 7. It will be televised on FSN. The final kickoff time announced is the September 14 opener against Mississippi State. The 6 p.m. game will be televised by one of the ESPN networks.
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Missouri Quarterback Situation

Senior quarterback James Franklin missed three games with injuries last season and parts of three others, so head coach Gary Pinkel said it is only fair that his senior needs to earn his way back to the starting position. "Our policy, how we handle it, is if you're not an established quarterback coming in, we leave the competition open. We're leaving this open until August, somewhere in the middle of August. Coming down to spring, he had a good spring and he's the starter. We'll see where it goes."
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Spurrier Takes Shot at Notre Dame

On Notre Dame joining the conversation with the new proposed playoff: "We just started trying to figure out why the athletic director of Notre Dame is equal to all the conference commissioners. For whatever reason, all 14 of our head coaches thought that Notre Dame should join the ACC and play football like the rest of us." Notre Dame has joined the ACC in all sports but football where they will remain an independent.
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15 On Biletnikoff Watch List

Fifteen players from the Southeastern Conference were named to the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top collegiate receiver. Those making the list were Alabama's Amari Cooper and Kevin Norwood. Georgia's Michael Bennett and Malcolm Mitchell. Vanderbilt's Chris Boyd and Jordan Matthews. South Carolina's Damiere Byrd, Shaq Roland and Bruce Ellington. LSU's Odell Beckham. Texas A&M's Mike Evans. Missouri's Dorial Green-Beckham and Ole Miss' Donte Moncrief. Some really good receivers in the SEC this year!
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Nine Game Conference Schedule

Nick Saban is on record in favor of a nine-game conference schedule. Like some of his cornerbacks, he's on an island by himself going against the league's other coaches. At the SEC meeting in Destin, Florida, this past spring, coaches voted 13-1 to keep the conference schedule as is (8 games). Although it wasn't binding, Saban cast the lone dissenting vote. Chances are, the league will eventually start playing nine conference games - probably by 2016.
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Vanderbilt Dismisses Four Players

Vanderbilt has identified the four players dismissed from the team for an incident last month that is being investigated by police as a possible sex crime. Coach James Franklin released a statement saying defensive back Brandon Banks, safety Cory Batey, receiver Jaborian McKenzie and tight end Brandon Vandenburg are no longer on the roster after violating team rules. Vanderbilt dismissed the players June 29 and kicked them off campus for an incident being investigated by the Nashville Police Department's sex crimes unit, but the university officals had not identified them until now.
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More Johnny Football Crap

Prettyboy Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor stemming from a 2012 bar fight near campus, closing a case that had dogged his Heisman Trophy winning season. Manziel admitted he failed to identify himself to police following the altercation. As part of a plea deal, other charges against the 20-year-old, including disorderly conduct, were dismissed. Manziel was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine, $230 in court cost and was credited with the overnight jail time he served following his arrest. He had faced up to 180 days in jail for the June 2012 incident.
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[daneblazer]

HOOVER, Ala. — Georgia’s football team is picked to again win the SEC East championship, according to an annual preseason media poll announced this morning at SEC Media Days.
But Alabama is again picked to win the SEC West and to beat the Bulldogs in the SEC Championship game for the conference title, according to the same poll.
Georgia received 149 votes to finish first in the Eastern Division, almost twice as many as predicted runnerup South Carolina, which got 75 first-place votes. Florida, which got 19 first-place votes, was picked to finish third in the East.
Alabama was an even larger favorite in the Western Division, garnering 225 first-place votes. Texas A&M, picked to finish second in the West, got 11 first-place votes.
Two-time defending national champion Alabama got 182 votes to win the SEC championship, while Georgia, with 38 votes, got the second most.


PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH (PRESEASON MEDIA POLL)
SEC CHAMPION - votes
Alabama - 182
Georgia - 38
South Carolina - 18
Texas A&M - 4
LSU - 1

[daneblazer]

Not one person picked Florida to win the SEC...

EASTERN DIVISION (first-place votes) - points
Georgia (149) - 1570
South Carolina (75) - 1474
Florida (19) - 1300
Vanderbilt - 858
Tennessee - 694
Missouri - 577
Kentucky - 331
WESTERN DIVISION
Alabama (225) - 1681
Texas A&M (11) - 1333
LSU (7) - 1324
Ole Miss - 883
Auburn - 579
Mississippi State - 516
Arkansas - 488

[WorkHorse]

Great to have guys like DANEBLAZER who just love college football here at SBR. Thanks Dane and all you guys who enjoy the SEC College Football thread. I post mainly for a few old dudes in Atlanta, Tampa and Dallas...but always enjoy the give and take from loyal football guys.

**Only time I will mention this on this SEC College Football Forum. I will post what we call (Horse Plays) during the 2013 season on this site. Not many but they have been huge winners for us over the years. Last year these plays were 15-4 for the season. Hell, may go 4-15 this year but we like our chances.

We will not promote them, discuss them or give a rat's ass if you care or comment about them. My guess is we win more than we lose or I'll kiss someone's sorry ass...or cry because I have lost a lot of money.

Last comment on the (Horse Plays).
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[chunk]

Although unlikely, I hope that you don't have to kiss any ass Workhorse.

[bamaatlsu]

Looking forward to the Horse Plays. Will they be on this forum, or somewhere else on the site?

[WorkHorse]

Four New Coaches

Gone are Joker Phillips, John L. Smith, Derek Dooley and Gene Chizik. Arriving in their places are Mark Stoops (Ky), Bret Bielema (Ar), Butch Jones (Tn) and Gus Malzahn (Au). The influx of new coaches shows how tenuous job security is these days in the ultra competitive SEC. Gus Malzahn returns to Auburn after a year away from the Plains at Arkansas State. He takes over for Chizik, who was fired just two years removed from a national championship after a disastrous 2012 season. Mark Stoops arrives at Kentucky from Florida State, where he was defensive coordinator for Jimbo Fisher for the past three years. Bret Bielema was an interesting hire at Arkansas, leaving the relative safety of the Wisconsin job to coach the Razorbacks. Bielema won 68 games at Wisconsin, using mostly a bruising rushing attack on offense. What Arkansas will look like on offense remains to be seen, and it will be interesting to see if he resorts to a similar style in the SEC. Butch Jones moved to Knoxville from Cincinnati, and the Vols have nowhere to go but up. He replaces Dooley, who never could undo the damage Lane Kiffin inflicted on the program. Jones has followed the Brian Kelley (ND) program for ascending to a big-time program with his head coaching roots dating to a stint in the MAC. After that, Jones spent three seasons in Cincinnati, winning 23 games. It will certainly be interesting to see how the new coaches do this season.
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Vanderbilt Quarterback

Fifth-year senior Austyn Carla-Samuels will lead the Commodores at quarterback this season. Carla-Samuels transferred from Wyoming before the 2011 season and is the former Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year. The 6-foot-1, 218 pounder has started just one game at Vanderbilt, throwing just 25 passes. He is considered to have a very strong arm with good accuraty. Good test for the first year starter opening night against the Ole Miss Rebels.
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Ole Miss

The Rebels' offense clicked under new coach Hugh Freeze last year scoring 409 points, the third most in program history and the sixth most in the SEC. While the offense had its moments early, the Rebs productivity increase during the second half wher Ole Miss averaged 31.57 points per game from Auburn through the bowl game with Pittsburgh, ending the year with four wins in seven games. The Rebels also saved the best for last, taking out favored Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl and trouncing Pitt with a strong offensive game plan in bowl play. The lone drawback to last fall was Ole Miss' inability to beat the elite teams on the schedule, losing to six ranked teams (Texas, Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, LSU, Vanderbilt) by a combined score of 234-143. But three of those losses could have gone the Rebels way. Losing to Texas A&M 27-30, Vanderbilt 26-27 and LSU 35-41, which bears noting.
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SEC Bowl Tie-ins for 2013-14

The Southeastern Conference will be represented in nine bowls after this season. Listed below are the conference tie-ins.

Music City Bowl, Nashville, SEC vs ACC
Independence Bowl, Shreveport, SEC vs ACC
Chick-fil-A Bowl, Atlanta, SEC vs ACC
Gator Bowl, Jacksonville, SEC vs Big Ten
Capitol One Bowl, Orlando, SEC vs Big Ten
Outback Bowl, Tampa, SEC vs Big Ten
Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, SEC vs BCS
Cotton Bowl, Dallas, SEC vs Big 12
Compass Bowl, Birmingham, SEC vs AAC

Might as well add BCS Championship Game, Pasadena, BCS 1 vs BCS 2. Southeastern Conference teams have made a habit of playing in the title game the past several years.
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[WorkHorse]

Alabama Preseason Expectations

College football's national championship has often been called "mythical." Why a football team that perseveres through a long and grueling regular season, wins one or more postseason games and convinces a broad panel of voters that it's the best team around is less a champion than a basketball team that gets hot at the end of the season and wins five tournament games, I can't say. But because big-time college football doesn't/hasn't had an NCAA sanctioned championship or a playoff, the football championship has long been considered subjective. If this were Jeopardy, the card would read: Alabama, Alabama, Alabama. And the question is, "Which college football team is the reigning national champion, recruiting champion and preseason favorite?" Notre Dame players were still icing down bruises from the BCS National Championship Game tilt with the Crimson Tide when Alabama snared what a number of experts said was the best recruiting class in the country. The last few weeks, annual preseason magazines were virtually unanimous in naming the Tide the favorite to win a third straight national championship. Should Alabama live up to expectations this year, it would be historic. Questions? Will Alabama stay focused? Will it make history? In the middle of summer, amid the buzz of the coming season, all is possible.
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Non-conference Foes

The first and last weekends of the regular season feature some outstanding non-conference encounters. On August 29, South Carolina again opens the season with a Thursday night game on ESPN, facing North Carolina. It's one of three SEC vs. ACC matchups the first weekend of the season. For the third time under Nick Saban, Alabama is playing in one of the premier early season games, this time, facing Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic in Atlanta on August 31. Also on August 31, Mississippi State opposes Oklahoma State in Houston. Georgia visits rival Clemson in a potential top 10 battle, and LSU tackles TCU in Cowboys Stadium. Now, fast forward to the end. On November 30, three of the great in-state non-conference rivalries in America have Florida hosting Florida State, Georgia visiting in-state rival Georgia Tech, and South Carolina at home against Clemson. The Gamecocks have won four in a row over the Tigers. There are other highlights including Florida/Miami, Tennessee/Oregon, Ole Miss/Texas, Louisville/Kentucky and then there are some out of conference snoozers.
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Can Coaches Monitor Players Around The Clock?

Well, the answer is no. As Alabama's Nick Saban put it: "We can be the moral compass for our young players but we cannot always drive the ship. We cannot always be there to drive the ship." Alabama dismissed four players from school following their arrests stemming from two violent robberies on campus barely a month after the Crimson Tide claimed its second straight national title. Saban said every player he has kicked off has been someone the team's leadership group felt needed to go. "With events of today and the attention on some of the people who have been arrested in sports in the last couple of weeks, it's even going to be more critical to players' future that they make good choices and decisions." Saban said. "And they have to realize that." Saban said Alabama has a 12-course program in behavior for success and has psychiatrists or sports psychologist talk to troubled players. "I always talk to our players about being a blinking light." he said. "If you look at a Christmas tree, when all lights shine bright, it's beautiful, all working together. But if one light's flickering, your attention is just to that light. Nobody should be a blinking light. The players always bring that up to me: "This guy is a strobe light, man."
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[daneblazer]

This is similar to LSU, UGA, UF's facilities. This is what you get in the SEC

http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2013/alabama-football-facilities-video-tour/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

[Huckleberry Pig]

Florida's starting MLB will be suspended for the first two games of the season - a bit of an unusual arrest in harassing a canine officer. Guy said the dog barked first

Anyways, not a huge deal might be something to consider when evaluating spreads

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9496533/florida-gators-lb-antonio-morrison-arrested-barking-police-dog

[WorkHorse]

New Ejection Rule

This new NCAA ejection rule has controversy written all over it. The rule calls for officials to impose a 15-yard penalty and eject any player who uses the crown of his helmet to target a defenseless player above the shoulders. There is a built-in replay review that will determine if a player should be ejected, but as we've all seen in past games, reviews themselves can often be controversial. Under the new rule, any player ejedcted in the first half of action will miss the rest of the game. A player ejected during the second half of a game will also miss the first half of his team's next game. This new rule will be worth watching out for this season.
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Ole Miss Uniforms

The Rebels will have four options for its jersey: blue, red, white with blue lettering and white with red lettering. There are three pants options: blue, grey and white. And the blue have the word Rebels down the side. The uniform changes have been coming for awhile, and athletic director Ross Bjork said in January that the look would remain overall very similar and that Ole Miss would not deviate from navy helments. The thinking is recruits love new uniforms and coach Hugh Freeze is going to give them at least a taste of something different. Amazing, Alabama has had the same uniforms for fifty years and doesn't seem to hurt their recruiting one bit.
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Tennessee's First Practice

The Vols will officially begin its first football season under new coach Butch Jones when players officially report for practice August 1st, according to a schedule released by the school. Tennessee's first practice will be on August 2nd. The practices are closed to the public although Jones said he would like to have one open practice, possibly at Neyland Stadium. The Vols practiced early in the morning last year under Derek Dooley and in spring ball under Jones, but are switching back to an afternoon schedule for the fall. Two-a-day practice sessions are scheduled on August 12, 14 and 17. Tennessee opens the season August 31 at home against powerhouse Austin Peay.
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Recruiting Update

This list shows the number of 4 and 5 star (high-caliber talent) players who are committed to each school as of this date.

School.........Commits.........4 or 5 star
Tenn..............24.................12
Ala.................15.................9
Ga.................16.................9
LSU................14.................8
TAM................14................8
Ky..................20................6
Aub................14................5
Fla.................10.................5
Ms..................19................5
SC..................10................5
Van................16................3
Ark.................12................2
MSU................15...............1
Mo..................14...............0
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[WorkHorse]

Missouri

The Tigers seem to be lacking momentum heading into its sophomore SEC season, but Missouri has enough talent to regain some credibility and get back to the postseason. New offensive coordinator Josh Henson hopes to have some answers to fix a sagging attack, but he'll need a quarterback to emerge in August. Last year's defensive meltdown was overshadowed by the problems on offense, but the Tigers need to trade punches with SEC counterparts to have a fighter's chance at a winning record.

A year ago, as Missouri prepared for their debut season in the Southeastern Conference, they were one of six schools from the major conferences to win at least eight games in the previous six seasons. MU's 48 wins from 2006 to 2011 ranked ninth among teams in BCS automatic qualifying leagues. But last year's depth and talent couldn't sustain the injury setbacks that occurred during one of the country's most grueling schedules. The schedule is more forgiving in 2013. Two time defending national champion Alabama is off the slate, replaced by a November trip to up-and-coming Ole Miss. In SEC play, the Tigers' three biggest challenges are at home against Florida, South Carolina and Texas A&M in the season finale. Missouri will make its first ever trips to Vanderbilt and Georgia. The Tigers host Tennessee, the only SEC team they beat on the road last year, and travel to Kentucky, the only league team they beat at home.

The non-conference schedule includes two bowl teams from 2012 in Toledo and Arkansas State, but the September road is paved for a 4-0 start. Missouri opens with FCS Murray State and plays at Big Ten weakling Indiana in their third game.

Aug. 31 Murray State
Sep. 07 Toledo
Sep. 21 @Indiana
Sep. 28 Arkansas State
Oct. 05 @Vanderbilt
Oct. 12 @Georgia
Oct. 19 Florida
Oct. 26 South Carolina
Nov. 02 Tennessee
Nov. 09 @Kentucky
Nov. 23 @Ole Miss
Nov. 30 Texas A&M

Seven home games and five road dates.
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Texas A&M Player To Watch

Sophomore wide receiver Mike Evans caught the biggest pass of 2012 for the Aggies. While trailing Ole Miss by ten in the fourth quarter, faced third-and-19 from their own three. Utilizing his 6-5, 225 pound long frame, Evans leaped up and grabed the ball over the 5-9 Senquez Golson for a 32-yard gain that ignited the A&M comeback. Evans only began playing football as a high school senior and still has great room for improvement. He led the Aggies last year with 82 catches and 1,105 yards. He is one of the SEC's toughest, most hard nosed receivers when going over the middle. Evans should again be Manziel's favorite target this season.
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Blast From The Past - 1991

The Florida Gators blew away Alabama 35-0 in Week 2, and went from there, driving to its first 10-win season, its first-ever official SEC championship and the real beginning of a 20-year rise of Gator football. In Steve Spurrier's second season, quarterback Shane Matthews and defensive tackle Brad Culpepper helped to establish the kind of passing game and defensive dominance now expected in Gainesville. Florida rolled to five of the next six SEC championships. Alabama, meantime, responded to the humiliating loss to Florida by starting an SEC-record-tying 28-game winning streak that continued through their perfect 1992 national championship season and beyond.
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All-Time SEC Championships

Alabama - 23
Tennessee - 13
Georgia - 12
LSU - 11
Florida - 8
Auburn - 7
Ole Miss - 6
Kentucky - 2
Miss State - 1
Vanderbilt - 0
Arkansas - 0
South Carolina - 0
Texas A&M - 0
Missouri - 0
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*Former members of the SEC.
Georgia Tech - 5
Tulane - 3
Sewanee - 0

[daneblazer]

CFN Predictions for every game -

Florida
2013 Prediction: 9-3
2013 Prediction: 5-3

8/31 Toledo
9/7 at Miami
9/14 OPEN DATE
9/21 Tennessee
9/28 at Kentucky
10/5 Arkansas
10/12 at LSU L
10/19 at Missouri L
10/26 OPEN DATE
11/2 Georgia (in Jax)
11/9 Vanderbilt
11/16 at South Carolina L
11/23 Georgia Southern
11/30 Florida State

Georgia
2013 Prediction: 11-1
2013 Prediction: 7-1

8/31 at Clemson W
9/7 South Carolina W
9/14 OPEN DATE
9/21 North Texas W
9/28 LSU W
10/5 at Tennessee W
10/12 Missouri W
10/19 at Vanderbilt W
10/26 OPEN DATE
11/2 Florida (in Jax) L
11/9 Appalachian St W
11/16 at Auburn W
11/23 Kentucky W
11/30 at Georgia Tech W

Kentucky
2013 Prediction: 3-9
2013 Prediction: 0-8

8/31 WKU (in Nashville) W
9/7 Miami Univ. W
9/14 Louisville L
9/21 OPEN DATE
9/28 Florida L
10/5 at South Carolina L
10/12 Alabama L
10/19 OPEN DATE
10/26 at Miss State L
11/2 Alabama State W
11/9 Missouri L
11/16 at Vanderbilt L
11/23 at Georgia L
11/30 Tennessee L

Missouri
2013 Prediction: 8-4
2013 Prediction: 4-4

8/31 Murray State W
9/7 Toledo W
9/14 OPEN DATE
9/21 at Indiana W
9/28 Arkansas St W
10/5 at Vanderbilt W
10/12 at Georgia L
10/19 Florida W
10/26 South Carolina L
11/2 Tennessee W
11/9 at Kentucky W
11/16 OPEN DATE
11/23 at Ole Miss L
11/30 Texas A&M L

South Carolina
2013 Prediction: 10-2
2013 Prediction: 6-2

8/31 North Carolina W
9/7 at Georgia L
9/14 Vanderbilt W
9/21 OPEN DATE
9/28 at UCF W
10/5 Kentucky W
10/12 at Arkansas L
10/19 at Tennessee W
10/26 at Missouri W
11/2 Miss State W
11/9 OPEN DATE
11/16 Florida W
11/23 Coastal Carolina W
11/30 Clemson W

Tennessee
2013 Prediction: 6-6
2013 Prediction: 3-5

8/31 Austin Peay W
9/7 WKU W
9/14 at Oregon L
9/21 at Florida L
9/28 South Alabama W
10/5 Georgia L
10/12 OPEN DATE
10/19 South Carolina L
10/26 at Alabama L
11/2 at Missouri L
11/9 Auburn W
11/16 OPEN DATE
11/23 Vanderbilt W
11/30 at Kentucky W

Vanderbilt
2013 Prediction: 6-6
2013 Prediction: 2-6

8/31 Ole Miss W
9/7 Austin Peay W
9/14 at South Carolina L
9/21 at UMass W
9/28 UAB W
10/5 Missouri L
10/12 OPEN DATE
10/19 Georgia L
10/26 at Texas A&M L
11/2 OPEN DATE
11/9 at Florida L
11/16 Kentucky W
11/23 at Tennessee L
11/30 Wake Forest W

Alabama
2013 Prediction: 11-1
2013 Prediction: 7-1

8/31 Virginia Tech (in Atlanta) W
9/7 OPEN DATE
9/14 at Texas A&M W
9/21 Colorado State W
9/28 Ole Miss W
10/5 Georgia State W
10/12 at Kentucky W
10/19 Arkansas W
10/26 Tennessee W
11/2 OPEN DATE
11/9 LSU L
11/16 at Miss State W
11/23 Chattanooga W
11/30 at Auburn W

Arkansas
2013 Prediction: 6-6
2013 Prediction: 2-6

8/31 Louisiana W
9/7 Samford W
9/14 Southern Miss W
9/21 at Rutgers W
9/28 Texas A&M L
10/5 at Florida L
10/12 South Carolina W
10/19 at Alabama L
10/26 OPEN DATE
11/2 Auburn W
11/9 at Ole Miss L
11/16 OPEN DATE
11/23 Miss State L
11/30 at LSU L

Auburn
2013 Prediction: 6-6
2013 Prediction: 2-6

8/31 Washington St W
9/7 Arkansas State W
9/14 Miss State W
9/21 at LSU L
9/28 OPEN DATE
10/5 Ole Miss W
10/12 Western Carolina W
10/19 at Texas A&M L
10/26 Florida Atlantic W
11/2 at Arkansas L
11/9 at Tennessee L
11/16 Georgia L
11/23 OPEN DATE
11/30 Alabama L

LSU
2013 Prediction: 10-2
2013 Prediction: 6-2

8/31 TCU (in Arlington) W
9/7 UAB W
9/14 Kent State W
9/21 Auburn W
9/28 at Georgia L
10/5 at Miss St W
10/12 Florida W
10/19 at Ole Miss L
10/26 Furman W
11/2 OPEN DATE
11/9 at Alabama W
11/16 OPEN DATE
11/23 Texas A&M W
11/30 Arkansas W

Ole Miss
2013 Prediction: 6-6
2013 Prediction: 3-5

8/31 at Vanderbilt L
9/7 SE Missouri W
9/14 at Texas L
9/21 OPEN DATE
9/28 at Alabama L
10/5 at Auburn L
10/12 Texas A&M L
10/19 LSU W
10/26 Idaho W
11/2 OPEN DATE
11/9 Arkansas W
11/16 Troy W
11/23 Missouri W
11/30 at Miss State L

Mississippi State
2013 Prediction: 6-6
2013 Prediction: 3-5

8/31 Okla St (in Houston) L
9/7 Alcorn State W
9/14 at Auburn L
9/21 Troy W
9/28 OPEN DATE
10/5 LSU L
10/12 Bowling Green W
10/19 OPEN DATE
10/26 Kentucky W
11/2 at South Carolina L
11/9 at Texas A&M L
11/16 Alabama L
11/23 at Arkansas W
11/30 Ole Miss W

Texas A&M
2013 Prediction: 10-2
2013 Prediction: 6-2

8/31 Rice W
9/7 Sam Houston St W
9/14 Alabama L
9/21 SMU W
9/28 at Arkansas W
10/5 OPEN DATE
10/12 at Ole Miss W
10/19 Auburn W
10/26 Vanderbilt W
11/2 UTEP W
11/9 Miss State W
11/16 OPEN DATE
11/23 at LSU L
11/30 at Missouri W

[Huckleberry Pig]

some odd predictions this year. Even as an Arkansas alum I don't see us taking South Carolina at home, though we do always play them well. I do see us taking the Miss. State game at home though.

Also don't see Mizzou beating Florida, even if it is at home.

Appreciate the predictions! was just giving my 2 cents

[Huckleberry Pig]

Reading grantland today and came across a stat that I thought was pretty interesting...

"Since 2005, the Dawgs have gone 3-4 versus Florida. Following their three wins, they have gone 12-0 with an average score of 39-14 for the rest of the regular season. Following their four losses, they have gone 12-5 with an average score of 32-23."

just something to consider after Georgia's game with Florida this year. Look for spreads against auburn, kentucky, and georgia tech this year

[nickeydyme]

Workhorse--awesome thread with valuable info. Thanks for your hard work...Any insight on how you think Ok St/Miss St game will go?

[Huckleberry Pig]

Workhorse--awesome thread with valuable info. Thanks for your hard work...Any insight on how you think Ok St/Miss St game will go?

Not as knowledgeable as workhorse but I'll give my insight...

Mississippi St. got a lot of hype at the beginning of the year last year but their schedule was extremely soft. Consider this, out of all of their wins last season, only two teams they beat finished with winning records. Those teams - Jackson State and Middle Tennessee. IMO they had zero quality wins all season.

In their losses last season, they got TROUNCED. Every loss was by 14pts or more which tells me one thing - when they start losing, they quit. Not a good quality for a team to have.

They have most of their O-line returning, along with their qb so they should improve some but I think they will be severely overmatched against a very good Oklahoma State team. Oklahoma State likes to start off quickly and I think this will work well because, like I mentioned before, if Miss St starts losing by more than a TD they tend to pack it up.

Really like OSU here. Would take them at anything -10 or under. Would consider taking them at -11 or even -12

[nickeydyme]

Thanks! I tend to agree with you.

[WorkHorse]

First, thanks for the kind words Nick. Second, don't sell yourself short Huck, damn good summary on MSU.

Gundy seems to have the Oklahoma State offense down pat. That side of the ball has been very productive of late. He's replacing some good players and has to settle on a QB but the O should be pretty good again. If he could get the same production out of his defense...then OSU would be hell on wheels.

Miss State lost some good players from their secondary and that is a concern to me in this game. Also 5th year senior QB Tyler Russell has all new receivers and not sure how that will work out in the first game.

I will pass on this game. If each team had a couple games under their belt I might be more helpful, but being the opener, I wouldn't give or take 13 with either team. If the line were to go to 14 or 14.5, I would lean MSU.

Not sure that helps much but difficult game for me to cap.

[nickeydyme]

Thanks it was, I'm thinking of adding ok st to my ml parlay, I don't see a logical reason for ok st to lose

[daneblazer]

http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/uga-sports/2013/jul/26/fitting-houston-back-o-line-delicate-task/

NCAA Reinstates Kolston Houston after a 3 year ban. This kid had a botched surgery and the NCAA wouldn't let him play because he had a banned substance still in his system.

UGA's offense got even better.

[WorkHorse]

Alabama Running Backs

After losing a starter in such a key position, there's no question how the Alabama football team moves forward in the backfield. The Crimson Tide goes with the next man in line: T.J. Yeldon. Yeldon, as a true freshman, was the backup last season to Eddie Lacy, who left for the NFL. Lacy gained 1,322 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. However, Yeldon shared the load to be ready for this moment. Lacy carried the ball 204 times to Yeldon's 175. Yeldon played in every game last season and is a proven ball carrier who gained 1,131 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 131 yards and a score. His production last season led to the SEC media voting him onto the preseason all-conference first team.

There's also a reliable backup in sophomore Kenyan Drake, who was third on the team in rushing with 285 yards and 5 scores on 42 carries. The duo should be able to handle the load this season. Junior Jalston Fowler and sophomore Dee Hart are coming off knee injuries from last season. Sophomore Trey Roberts rounds out the returners. Alabama restocked the shelves at this position by signing four freshmen: Alvin Kamara, Derrick Henry, Tyren Jones and Altee Tenpenny. They are talented enough to make an impact early in their careers. All of them were ranked in the top 11 in the nation at their position when they signed as 4 star recruits. Kamara was the highest rated at No. 2 in the nation.
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Auburn Running Backs

The backfield will be the driving force of Auburn's offense this season. While the quarterback competition received most of the attention during spring practice, and will again in the fall, the running backs will be the foundation of the offense. The Tigers look to have multiple threats. Trey Mason, arguably the team's best offensive player last season, ran for 1,002 yards and eight touchdowns and should easily top those marks again. He was limited in the spring because of an ankle injury, and junior college transfer Cameron Artis-Payne, the nation's top-rated JUCO tailback, was the A-Day offensive MVP, rushing for over 100 yards. While Mason offers a balanced attack and Artis-Payne is a tough, power runner, the speedy Corey Grant (Ala transfer) can break open a play at any time.

Fullback Jay Prosch (6-1, 253) is the lone senior on the Auburn offense and a rare physical specimen. Prosch doesn't carry the ball often but his blocking ability will be crucial to operating the entire offense, particularly for a new quarterback. Freshmen Johnathan Ford and Peyton Barber are new to the mix heading into the fall, and coaches have said the goal is for them to come in and play. Ford was rated a 4 star recruit and Barber a 3 star.
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South Carolina's Clowney

South Carolina's athletic compliance department is looking into contact between All-American defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and rap mogul turned sports agency head, Jay-Z. Spokesman Steve Fink said yesterday the department was aware of reports about conversations between Jay-Z and Clowney, the 6-foot-6, 275 pound lineman who's considered the top pick in next year's NFL draft. Athletes are permitted under NCAA rules to talk with agents, just not reach agreements about future representation. Athletes cannot accept benefits from agents or their representatives while in college. If I were Jay-Z, I would walk softly with Clowney. Mess his future up and Gamecocks fans would shoot the bastard.
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Arkansas Quick-Hit

Location: Fayetteville
Nickname: Razorbacks
Colors: Cardinal & White
Conference: SEC, Western Division
Stadium: Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000)
2012 Record: 4-8, 2-6 SEC
Head Coach: Brett Bielema
Career Record: 68-24, 7 seasons
At Arkansas: First year 0-0
Starters Returning: 13

Offense (4): C Travis Swanson, OT David Hurd, TE Austin Tate, WR Mekale McKay.
Defense (8): DT Byran Jones, DE Trey Flowers, DE Chris Smith, LB A.J. Turner, CB Will Hines, CB Tevin Mitchel, S Eric Bennett, S Rohan Gaines.
Specialists (1): K Zach Hocker

Letterman Returning: 48 (24 offense, 21 defense, 3 special teams)
Letterman Lost: 27 (11 offense, 13 defense, 3 special teams)

2013 Schedule:
ULL, Samford (Little Rock), Southern Miss, @ Rutgers, Texas A&M, @Florida, South Carolina, @Alabama, Auburn, @Ole Miss, Miss State (Little Rock), @ LSU
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[Huckleberry Pig]

Fun fact on the Arkansas Quick-Hit: The Arkansas Razorbacks actually used to be known as the Arkansas Cardinals. However, after a game in 1909 Coach Hugo Bezdek proclaimed his team played "like a wild band of razorback hogs". The nickname stuck and in 1910 they changed to the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Really glad we didn't stay the Cardinals, that would suck. Definitely something fun about having a truly unique mascot