The State of Mississippi - by Brent Beaird

Mullen doesn’t have long to regroup with consecutive games against Georgia Tech and Houston.  Talk about a contrast on offensive styles. Tech runs 99% of the time and Houston throws the ball on nearly every down. Regardless, props go to Mullen for getting his team ready to play.
Starting left offensive tackle Bradley Sowell probably didn't select his words carefully when he said that he was glad the hype surrounding Ole Miss' No. 4 ranking was over.

"We can just concentrate on playing football and getting ready for Vanderbilt," Sowell said.

Making the situation worse for Sowell was his play contributed directly to at least two sacks of Snead and the Rebels had trouble running the football in short yardage situations.

However, Nutt came to Sowell's defense to some extent on Friday.

In the latest AP poll, the Rebels are ranked No. 21. That is much more appropriate for them than previous ranking.=2 0Ole Miss will have a nice record and go to a respectable bowl, but they are not ready to win its first SEC title since the early 1960s.

Should Tebow Have Been In? - By Brent Beaird

As everyone knows by now that after the sack, Tebow's head smashed into the knee of right tackle Marcus Gilbert producing a concussion. Tebow was taken off the field and to the hospital. Gator Coach Urban Meyer has said he is optimistic that Tebow will play next week against LSU. The good news is that the Gators have a bye week.

Meyer is going to get second-guessed for leaving his quarterback in the third quarter with Florida leading, 31-7. Mathematically, Kentuck y was in the game, but the Wildcats never posed a serious threat. Tebow was also dealing with flu symptoms all week. He came to Lexington on a separate plane, along with 11 other Gators. He had to take two IVs before the game, as did several other teammates.
Also, if Tebow can’t play against LSU, the Gators can still win primarily due to their defense against a LSU offense that is ranked at the bottom of the league in several categories. Brantley is probably not ready to be thrust into the role of winning the LSU game. Gator fans who believe Brantley is the second best quarterback in the SEC are delusional. He will be a fine quarterback in time, but expect No. 15 to be on the field next Saturday night.

Brent Beaird Power Poll-Sept 29

1. Florida-Much needed week off
2. Alabama-Many believe best team in the nation
3. Texas-Defense keeps make them better
4. LSU –Big test at Georgia
5. Cincinnati-Getting some well deserved attention
6. TCU-Nice win at Clemson
7. Iowa-Dominating the Penn State series this decade
8. Houston-Capable of scoring 100 points in a game?
9. Boise State-BCS rankings will knock them down
10. Kansas-Win over a good Southern Miss team last week
11. USC-Huge game at Cal
12. Ohio State-Who should be the quarterback?
13.  Virginia Tech-Maybe the best team in weak conference
14. Oklahoma-Game of the week at Miami
15.  Georgia-Fans are=2 0all done with fingernails
16. Michigan-Getting better each week
17.  Penn State-Should rebound against Illinois
18. Cal-Need to regroup at home against USC
19. Ole Miss-This is where they should have started in the polls
20. Miami-A win against Sooners would right the ship
21. Auburn-Chance for legitimate win against Tennessee
22. Georgia Tech-A Johnson team rarely loses two straight
23.  Oregon-Boise State opening loss seems in the distance
24. Nebraska-Intriguing game against Missouri next Thursday
25. South Carolina-A blocked pass away from begin unbeaten

SEPT 21—Brent Beaird

1. Florida-Tennessee exposed weaknesses

2. Texas-No trouble with UTEP

3. Alabama-Big challenge with the Hog passing game

4. Penn State-Big Ten play begins with Iowa

5. Cal-The best team in the Pac 10

6. LSU-Another easy win over Mississippi State

7. Ole Miss-Huge road challenge at South Carolina

8. Boise State-Trip to Bowling Green

9. TCU-Intriguing game at Clemson

10. Miami-Easily one of the most improve teams in the nation

11. Cincinnati-Big win on the road last week at Oregon State

12. USC-Does Carroll get enough criticism for losses to unranked conference teams?

13. Ohio State-Too disciplined for another Illinois upset

14. Oklahoma State-First game with Grambling of the SWAC

15. Geo rgia-Might beat Arizona State worse than last year

16. BYU-Back down to earth after FSU loss

17. Oklahoma-Landry Jones more than capable at qb

18. Virginia Tech-Nebraska win gives momentum against Canes this week

19. FSU-Could have turned season around with BYU win

20. Michigan-Will still be unbeaten after Indiana this week

21. Houston-Hope the stat guy has sharp pencil at Texas Tech game

22. Washington-One of the great stories of the year

23. Auburn-Also, one of the most improved teams in the country

24. Nebraska-Huskers deserved a better fate at Va. Tech

25. North Carolina-Still unbeaten but going to Georgia Tech not easy

The SEC Gets Offensive by Brent Beaird

Has the SEC turned into the WAC? Few predicted that the SEC would be as productive offensively as it has become. Eight SEC teams scored at least 30 points last Saturday. Georgia, Alabama and Ole Miss scored more than 50 points. Every team in the conference has scored at least 30 points in one game this season. Five SEC teams--Arkansas, Florida, Auburn and Alabama are in the top ten nationally in total offense all averaging over 500 yards per game. Ole Miss, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn and Kentucky all are in the top 25 in scoring offense.

 

The offensive production can be linked to improved quarterback play. There were many questions early on about Alabama’s Greg McElroy, Auburn’s Chris Todd, Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett, South Carolina’s Stephen Garcia, Kentucky’s Mike Hartline and Georgia’s Joe Cox. Arguably, all the previously mentioned quarterbacks have show promise beyond preseason expectations. As a whole, the quarterback situation in the SEC is better in the early going. Mallett, Florida’s Tim Tebow, Cox, McElroy, Todd, Hartline and Ole Miss’ Jevan Snead are all ranked in the nation’s top 36 in passing efficiency.

 

At least for the present, the SEC has improved its offensive production.

Rebels and Gamecocks in Big Thursday Night Tilt by Brent Beaird

SURPRISING AUBURN CLICKING ON ALL CYCLINDERS

Power Poll - September 14th

Brent Beaird Power Poll Sept. 7

Rookies Come Through by Brent Beaird

SEC Eastern Division Predictions by Brent Beaird

Florida is No. 1. This is no surprise, but the reason is for more than talent. Even if this team has another “Ole Miss” type loss, their maturity can help them win the rest of their games again. They are also No. 1 because next to Alabama, they have the best defense in the SEC.  The media has put the Gators under a microscope during the offseason to find weaknesses- the need for a 25 carry per game running back, quality at defensive tackle and receiver depth. Gator fans need to relax about freshman star receiver Andre Debose. It’s hard to lose what you don’t have ye t. The Gator staff is wise in allowing him to recover completely from his hamstring injury before putting him on the field.  Regardless, this is the best team in its division because of talent, maturity and coaching.

Georgia is the second best team in its division. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and tailback Knowshon Moreno are hard to replace, but this team has ample talent to overcome their losses.  Quarterback Joe Cox should be a steady hand throughout the season.  Richard Samuel is the leader in the clubhouse at running back after his scrimmage work.  The strength of this team is along the line of scrimmage.  Georgia’s curse last year of losing so many linemen to injury is a blessing this year.  The offensive and defensive lines with a healthy Trinton Sturdivant and Jeff Owens are among the best in the league. This is a pivotal year for Willie Martinez as defensive coordinator because Georgia is stocked with experienced defensive talent.  If the Dawgs could start the season 2-0, they could possibly be unbeaten coming to Jacksonville to face Florida.

South Carolina could end up in the third spot this season.  Coach Steve Spurrier virtually cleaned house during the offseason on his coaching staff. The Gamecocks are primed to improve on last year’s dismal finish. Yet, as usual, the determining factor will be at quarterback. Is Stephen Garcia mature enough to stay out of trouble and level headed enough to endure Coach Steve Spurrier yanking him out of the game after he makes a mistake? A consistent offensive line and productive running game would go a long way in helping Garcia’s numbers.  Spurrier should begin to see some of the fruition of better recruiting. The team’s downfall over his tenure in Columbia has been abysmal offensive line and skill position recruiting. Freshmen such as tailback Jarvis Giles, receiver Alshon Jeffrey and defensive back Stephon Gilmore should provide a spark.  There are far less worries about the defense under veteran coach Ellis Johnson.

The record at Tennessee this is season is nearly unimportant. Coach Lane Kiffin has already met most of his goals in his first season. He has gotten the attention of recruits across the nation. Kiffin will get a mulligan regardless of the record. Kiffin’s main goal this year is to have a m ore exciting offense than the last few years under former coach Phil Fulmer and to continue to recruit elite talent. This is a throw away season in many respects. The pieces of the puzzle are just not in place yet.  Tennessee’s quarterback of the future is still in high school.  The Vols will get by this season with veterans like Jonathan Crompton, Nick Stephens, Montario Hardesty, Quinton Hancock and Eric Berry.  Tennessee will have to endure some beat downs this season due to Kiffin’s mouth, but better days are on the horizon for the Big Orange.

Kentucky Coach Rich Brooks should have a stature erected in his honor outside the football stadium if the Wildcats win a fourth straight bowl game. I was among the many who thought Brooks should have been fired early in his Kentucky career, but the Wildcat administration made a wise decision to stick with him. It has paid off. Brooks has said repeatedly the UK offense is light years ahead of last year.  Quarterback Mike Hartline could be on the verge of a surprising season. The defense might not be as stingy this season after losing linemen Jeremy Jarmon and Myron Pryor, but they should be fine with Corey Peters, Micah Johnson and Trevard Lindley returning.  There are at least six to seven winnable games on the schedule so Wildcat fans should start considering what how Coach Brooks might look in bronze.

Two straight winning seasons? A no-huddle offense? Both are possible this season at Vanderbilt.  Coach Bobby Johnson finally got his team off the snide last season.  Is an encore possible? Yes, it is. Sophomore Larry Smith, who is the best passer on the team, has been named the starter at quarterback.  Seventeen returning starters and at least six possible wins on the schedule give the Commodores a shot at consecutive bowl games once considered impossibility at Vandy.

Septemeber 2nd - READ MORE-

Alabama--University of Alabama football player Brandon Deaderick was shot late Monday night in an apparent robbery attempt at Rivermont Apartments on Rice Mine Road. The player suffered one gunshot wound to the forearm, which Anderson said was not life-threatening. The chief was at DCH Regional Medical Center at about 11:30 p.m. Monday night and had spoken with the victim. The player was in the parking lot of Rivermont Apartments at about 10 p.m. when he was approached by a man wearing dark clothes, a dark ball cap and a blue bandana over his face. He did not know the man, who pointed a gun and said “Give it up,” Anderson said. When he refused, the assailant fired the gun, striking him in the arm.Deaderick,=2 0a 6-foot-4, 306-pound defensive end from Elizabethtown, Ky., started all 14 games last season as a junior and was Alabama’s top returning pass rusher. He made 36 total tackles last season and was second on the team with four quarterback sacks and tied for the lead in quarterback hurries with seven. He won the team’s Up-Front Award as the outstanding lineman on defense. As a sophomore, Deaderick played in all 13 games with seven starts.

 

alabama-still no decision from the NCAA on the eligiblity of julio jones and mark ingram for sat night's game

 

Ok lahoma State problems--Head coach Mike Gundy announced today that Jamal Mosley is no longer with the program after leaving due to personal reasons. "Jamal Mosley is leaving our football team for personal reasons," Gundy said in a statement. "He has been a good teammate and we wish him the best. We will have no further comment on this matter."This has not been the easiest offseason for Mosley off the field.  In July, he was arrested for possession of marijuana; a week ago, the World reports, a Stillwater female filed an order of protection against Mosley. Last season, Mosley had five receptions for 57 yards. In the latest depth chart, Mosley was listed as the starter at TE.  With his departure, Wilson Youman will likely slide into the starting role.

Oklahoma State (part two)-The lone returning starter in Oklahoma State's secondary has run a bit afoul of the law, Tulsa World is reporting. Cornerback Perrish Cox was arrested Friday on a complaint of driving with a suspended license.The penalty for such an offense is a fine of $ 240. Head coach Mike Gundy is aware of the incident, but would only say that "[w]e handle these matters internally

 

Tennessee- (Good news) WR Denarius Moore got everybody's attention at Tennessee's football practice Monday. And he didn't even need a football. Moore, who sat out preseason camp with an injured foot, ran through agility drills early in practice. Later in the practice, he ran pass routes. "I'm very surprised at how well he's doing," UT coach Lane Kiffin said. "He's ahead of schedule. "They say he could play this week, but I can't imagine that happening."But it does look as though Moore will be ready for the second game against UCLA. UT also is without wide receiver Gerald Jones (ankle) for the season opener.

 

 

FSU--With the player departures becoming commonplace the past couple years, Florida State will again field a very young team when it takes the field against Miami on Monday night. At the start of his Monday press conference, defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews noted that 13 of top 22 players on his depth chart will be sophomores or freshmen (WOW!). Some of those underclassmen are true freshmen incl uding former five-star signees Greg Reid and Jacobbi McDaniel. 

Power Poll

1. Florida-Duh!
2. Texas-Top two teams in BSC title game
3. Oklahoma-Sooners have done it all lately except win big one
4. Alabama-Tide’s nasty defense gets early test against Hokies
5. Penn State-May be the best team in the Big Ten
6. Oklahoma State-Laying a trap for Georgia
7. Virginia=2 0Tech-Can the Hokies run the ball with all the injuries?
8. Cal-Will challenge USC’s supremacy
9. LSU-Much improved with John Chavis as DC
10. Ohio State-Injuries and suspensions could hurt early
11. Georgia Tech-Top ten team sooner than later
12. Georgia-Willie Martinez defense better be improved early
13. USC-taking a chance with a freshman at QB
14. TCU-Patterson one of the best coaches in nation
15. Oregon State-Mike Riley does it every year with less talent
16. Ole Miss-A very good team, but don’t buy the hype
17.  Kansas-QB Todd Reesing returns, but tough schedule
18. Nebraska-Year two under Bo Pelini will show improvement
19. North Carolina-Maybe a year away from winning ACC
20. BYU-Qb Max Hall and eight returning defensive starters
21. Utah-BYU and TCU on the road means a slight dip
22. Rutgers-Could be best team in school history
23. Pitt-A total of 15 starters return
24. Oregon-New coach in Chip Kelly and only nine starters return
25. Boise State-Probable WAC champs. Play Oregon this week.

Power Poll

1. Florida-Duh!
2. Texas-Top two teams in BSC title game
3. Oklahoma-Sooners have done it all lately except win big one
4. Alabama-Tide’s nasty defense gets early test against Hokies
5. Penn State-May be the best team in the Big Ten
6. Oklahoma State-Laying a trap for Georgia
7. Virginia=2 0Tech-Can the Hokies run the ball with all the injuries?
8. Cal-Will challenge USC’s supremacy
9. LSU-Much improved with John Chavis as DC
10. Ohio State-Injuries and suspensions could hurt early
11. Georgia Tech-Top ten team sooner than later
12. Georgia-Willie Martinez defense better be improved early
13. USC-taking a chance with a freshman at QB
14. TCU-Patterson one of the best coaches in nation
15. Oregon State-Mike Riley does it every year with less talent
16. Ole Miss-A very good team, but don’t buy the hype
17.  Kansas-QB Todd Reesing returns, but tough schedule
18. Nebraska-Year two under Bo Pelini will show improvement
19. North Carolina-Maybe a year away from winning ACC
20. BYU-Qb Max Hall and eight returning defensive starters
21. Utah-BYU and TCU on the road means a slight dip
22. Rutgers-Could be best team in school history
23. Pitt-A total of 15 starters return
24. Oregon-New coach in Chip Kelly and only nine starters return
25. Boise State-Probable WAC champs. Play Oregon this week.

Power Poll

1. Florida-Duh!
2. Texas-Top two teams in BSC title game
3. Oklahoma-Sooners have done it all lately except win big one
4. Alabama-Tide’s nasty defense gets early test against Hokies
5. Penn State-May be the best team in the Big Ten
6. Oklahoma State-Laying a trap for Georgia
7. Virginia=2 0Tech-Can the Hokies run the ball with all the injuries?
8. Cal-Will challenge USC’s supremacy
9. LSU-Much improved with John Chavis as DC
10. Ohio State-Injuries and suspensions could hurt early
11. Georgia Tech-Top ten team sooner than later
12. Georgia-Willie Martinez defense better be improved early
13. USC-taking a chance with a freshman at QB
14. TCU-Patterson one of the best coaches in nation
15. Oregon State-Mike Riley does it every year with less talent
16. Ole Miss-A very good team, but don’t buy the hype
17.  Kansas-QB Todd Reesing returns, but tough schedule
18. Nebraska-Year two under Bo Pelini will show improvement
19. North Carolina-Maybe a year away from winning ACC
20. BYU-Qb Max Hall and eight returning defensive starters
21. Utah-BYU and TCU on the road means a slight dip
22. Rutgers-Could be best team in school history
23. Pitt-A total of 15 starters return
24. Oregon-New coach in Chip Kelly and only nine starters return
25. Boise State-Probable WAC champs. Play Oregon this week.

Power Poll

1. Florida-Duh!
2. Texas-Top two teams in BSC title game
3. Oklahoma-Sooners have done it all lately except win big one
4. Alabama-Tide’s nasty defense gets early test against Hokies
5. Penn State-May be the best team in the Big Ten
6. Oklahoma State-Laying a trap for Georgia
7. Virginia=2 0Tech-Can the Hokies run the ball with all the injuries?
8. Cal-Will challenge USC’s supremacy
9. LSU-Much improved with John Chavis as DC
10. Ohio State-Injuries and suspensions could hurt early
11. Georgia Tech-Top ten team sooner than later
12. Georgia-Willie Martinez defense better be improved early
13. USC-taking a chance with a freshman at QB
14. TCU-Patterson one of the best coaches in nation
15. Oregon State-Mike Riley does it every year with less talent
16. Ole Miss-A very good team, but don’t buy the hype
17.  Kansas-QB Todd Reesing returns, but tough schedule
18. Nebraska-Year two under Bo Pelini will show improvement
19. North Carolina-Maybe a year away from winning ACC
20. BYU-Qb Max Hall and eight returning defensive starters
21. Utah-BYU and TCU on the road means a slight dip
22. Rutgers-Could be best team in school history
23. Pitt-A total of 15 starters return
24. Oregon-New coach in Chip Kelly and only nine starters return
25. Boise State-Probable WAC champs. Play Oregon this week.

Power Poll

1. Florida-Duh!
2. Texas-Top two teams in BSC title game
3. Oklahoma-Sooners have done it all lately except win big one
4. Alabama-Tide’s nasty defense gets early test against Hokies
5. Penn State-May be the best team in the Big Ten
6. Oklahoma State-Laying a trap for Georgia
7. Virginia=2 0Tech-Can the Hokies run the ball with all the injuries?
8. Cal-Will challenge USC’s supremacy
9. LSU-Much improved with John Chavis as DC
10. Ohio State-Injuries and suspensions could hurt early
11. Georgia Tech-Top ten team sooner than later
12. Georgia-Willie Martinez defense better be improved early
13. USC-taking a chance with a freshman at QB
14. TCU-Patterson one of the best coaches in nation
15. Oregon State-Mike Riley does it every year with less talent
16. Ole Miss-A very good team, but don’t buy the hype
17.  Kansas-QB Todd Reesing returns, but tough schedule
18. Nebraska-Year two under Bo Pelini will show improvement
19. North Carolina-Maybe a year away from winning ACC
20. BYU-Qb Max Hall and eight returning defensive starters
21. Utah-BYU and TCU on the road means a slight dip
22. Rutgers-Could be best team in school history
23. Pitt-A total of 15 starters return
24. Oregon-New coach in Chip Kelly and only nine starters return
25. Boise State-Probable WAC champs. Play Oregon this week.

Power Poll

1. Florida-Duh!
2. Texas-Top two teams in BSC title game
3. Oklahoma-Sooners have done it all lately except win big one
4. Alabama-Tide’s nasty defense gets early test against Hokies
5. Penn State-May be the best team in the Big Ten
6. Oklahoma State-Laying a trap for Georgia
7. Virginia=2 0Tech-Can the Hokies run the ball with all the injuries?
8. Cal-Will challenge USC’s supremacy
9. LSU-Much improved with John Chavis as DC
10. Ohio State-Injuries and suspensions could hurt early
11. Georgia Tech-Top ten team sooner than later
12. Georgia-Willie Martinez defense better be improved early
13. USC-taking a chance with a freshman at QB
14. TCU-Patterson one of the best coaches in nation
15. Oregon State-Mike Riley does it every year with less talent
16. Ole Miss-A very good team, but don’t buy the hype
17.  Kansas-QB Todd Reesing returns, but tough schedule
18. Nebraska-Year two under Bo Pelini will show improvement
19. North Carolina-Maybe a year away from winning ACC
20. BYU-Qb Max Hall and eight returning defensive starters
21. Utah-BYU and TCU on the road means a slight dip
22. Rutgers-Could be best team in school history
23. Pitt-A total of 15 starters return
24. Oregon-New coach in Chip Kelly and only nine starters return
25. Boise State-Probable WAC champs. Play Oregon this week.