UK Beat

Team preview: Florida

2006-07-28T19:07:00.000-04:00

Last year: 9-3 (5-3 SEC); Beat Iowa 31-24 in the Outback Bowl
Offensive starters returning: 6
Defensive starters returning: 6

Florida might be the biggest enigma in the SEC, if not the country. The Gators beat Florida State, Iowa and Georgia last year but also got crushed by Alabama, lost to South Carolina and nearly fell to Vanderbilt.

Was their improved play at the end of last year a sign that Urban Meyer's system finally started clicking? Questions were raised throughout the season whether his spread-option offense would work in the SEC, especially when they struggled to score against Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.

"Can the spread offense work in the SEC?" Meyer said. "In my opinion, absolutely. Any offense can work if it's personnel driven. Texas didn't do too bad with the spread offense last year, and Penn State wasn't too sahabby in the spread either."

Part of the reason Meyer's offense stalled was a lack of go-to running backs and wide receivers. He said it's no coincidence that the points started piling up when star wideout Dallas Baker returned from injury.

The Gators have to replace four offensive linemen and find some reliable runners and catchers. They also have to play at Tennessee, Auburn and Florida State. A lot will come down to quarterback Chris Leak, who hasn't quite earned the love of Florida fans despite three statistically strong years. He has the same offense in place two years in a row now for the first time in his career now and hopes to take off.

"Trying to learn an offense on the go while playing the SEC schedule is going to be tough," Leak said. "I'm more comfortable now."
it's a perosnall drien ovve and variations
ca spread offense wor in sec>

Team preview: Mississippi State

2006-07-28T18:58:00.000-04:00

Last year: 3-8 (1-7 SEC)
Offensive starters returning: 8
Defensive starters returning: 8

The major rebuilding job continues for Sylvester Croom, who managed just one SEC win in his second year. At least it came over rival Ole Miss.

The Bulldogs do have 16 starters back, but they lost their most talented player in running back Jerious Norwood. Mike Henig, who came on late in the season, should start out at quarterback. Croom played 23 true or redshirt freshmen last year.

"In all things, my mom used to say in tough situations, this too shall pass," Croom said. "Thank God it's passed. Now those guys are seasoned players. They've been through an SEC year."

It won't be easy this year, with games against Auburn, LSU, West Virginia, Georgia and Alabama. But Croom is starting to get his own type of players in this building effort.

"We're right about where I thought we'd be," he said. "Now we get a chance to start to make a turnaround and move forward and give us a chance to compete with the better teams in this conference."

Team preview: LSU

2006-07-28T18:46:00.000-04:00

Last year: 11-2 (7-1 SEC); Beat Miami 40-3 in the Peach Bowl
Offensive starters returning: 6
Defensive starters returning: 5

It's really quite amazing to think what LSU accomplished last year amid the chaos of Hurricane Katrina. The Tigers were a late collapse against Tennessee from going unbeaten in the regular season. Then they destroyed Miami in the Peach Bowl.

Will fewer distractions help LSU be even better this year? There's plenty of talent for Les Miles to work with, but there are also some questions. LSU lost six of its top nine tacklers and has to replace all but one of its starting defensive linemen. Running back Alley Broussard is coming back from major knee surgery. There could be a quarterback controversy among JaMarcus Russell, Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux. And then there's a brutal schedule with road trips to Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas.

"Everybody talks about the road games that we have to play," Miles said. "I can tell you they count one. If you're going to be a champion, you're going to have to win road games. We're going to worry about ourselves and look forward to that road schedule."

Miles said he's excited about freshman Ciron Black taking over at left tackle. Someone among Charles Alexander, Glenn Dorsey, Ricky Jean-Francois and Tyson Jackson needs to step up and anchor the D-line.

LaRon Landry is an all-American safety, and Miles thinks the team is loaded at receiver with Dwayne Bowe (fresh off eye surgery), Buster Davis and Early Doucet.

"Our football team's talented," he said. "We'd expect we'd contend for the title."

Team preview: Auburn

2006-07-28T18:37:00.000-04:00

Last year: 9-3 (7-1 SEC); Lost to Wisconsin 24-10 in Capital One Bowl
Offensive starters returning: 6
Defensive starters returning: 6

Here are your preseason SEC favorites. Pretty easy to see why. Tommy Tuberville has done a great job collecting talent and getting it to perform on the field in recent years. The Tigers return junior quarterback Brandon Cox and senior running back Kenny Irons, a legitimate Heisman contender. Then there's that schedule, which sees the only road games at Mississippi State, at South Carolina and at Ole Miss before the Iron Bowl showdown in Tuscaloosa. The toughest non-conference game is the opener against Washington State.

"Our program is as solid as it's been since I've been at Auburn," Tuberville said.

Irons rushed for 1,293 yards last season and will again be the featured weapon.

"We're a running team," Tuberville said. "Our team is built on playing defense and running the football. Kenny has been a blessing for us to pick up running where Ronnie (Brown) and Carnell (Williams) left off."

The Tigers do have to replace some holes on both lines and find some receivers to complement Courtney Taylor. But right now, they're the team to beat.

Team preview: South Carolina

2006-07-27T17:20:00.000-04:00

Last year: 7-5 (5-3 SEC)
Offensive starters returning: 6
Defensive starters returning: 4

Steve Spurrier worked wonders his first year in Columbia, guiding the Gamecocks to seven wins with victories over Tennessee and Florida. But he hasn't quite rebuilt this into another Florida yet.

"We're just trying to get better," Spurrier said. "We're trying to improve. We're not there yet. Hopefully I can someday come to (SEC Media Days) and tell you we have a team that is ready to challenge for the SEC, which I probably did all 12 years at Florida. We're not there yet, but hopefully after one or two more recruiting classes, these guys growing up, becoming ball players, we'll be in that position."

Spurrier has one of the best quarterback-wide receiver combos in Blake Mitchell and rising star Sidney Rice. But the Gamecocks still finished just ninth in scoring in the league a year ago.

"That was the lowest I've ever had a team in the conference, but that's just where we are," he said. "If we can get up in the top half this year, that would be very good for us."

Spurrier said he's hoping his team can do a better job on defense, especially stopping the run. While the talent might not quite be there yet, you just know he's got some miracles stored in that visor.

Team preview: Arkansas

2006-07-27T17:12:00.000-04:00

Last year: 4-7 (2-6 SEC)
Offensive starters returning: 10
Defensive starters returning: 9

There's a lot to like about Arkansas, if you don't look at last year's record. The Razorbacks return virtually everyone on both sides of the ball, making them perhaps the most experienced team in the league. They showed the ability to scorelast year with 25.7 ppg. Four of their losses came by four points or fewer. And they continue to be one of the league's best rushing attacks, led by sophomore Darren McFadden, who had 1113 yards on just 176 carries a year ago.

No wonder the Hogs are a trendy sleeper pick.

"We had a tough year last year," coach Houston Nutt said. "But I look in their eyes. I look at their work ethic. I look at their attitude. These guys are ready. They're hungry. Our fans our hungry."

After an season-opening visit from Southern Cal, the schedule is pretty manageable, with the only road games at Vanderbilt, Auburn, South Carolina and Mississippi State.

The Hogs also have quarterback Mitch Mustain, perhaps the nation's No. 1 recruit a year ago. Nutt brought in his high school coach, Gus Malzahn, as offensive coordinator.

Team preview: Tennessee

2006-07-27T17:02:00.000-04:00

Last year: 5-6 (3-5 SEC)
Offensive starters returning: 6
Defensive starters returning: 5

There was no more disappointing team in the country last year than Tennessee, which began the season ranked in the top five and finished out of bowl contention for the first time in 18 years. Still, this is a program that averaged 10 wins for the previous 10 years, and there's enough talent on hand for the Vols to return to that level as soon as this year.

"I think last year was an aberration, but we still have a lot of work to do to get back to where we want to be," coach Phillip Fulmer said. "I don't think you just flip a switch and say, 'Oh, we're going to be back there.' The goal is always to be in the championship mix. We have a group of talented young players that if we play up to our expectations and abilities, then I think we have a chance to make a run again."

UT is already better off without a quarterback controversy, as junior Erik Ainge will be the starter without having to look over his shoulder at Rick Clausen. And David Cutcliffe is back to run the offense after holding the same job for years under Fulmer before becoming head coach at Ole Miss.

"What David brings is a really sound fundamental system to coach the quarterbacks and run the offense that's been proven over a period of time," Fulmer said.

Tennessee opens with its first four games at home, although California, Air Force and Florida each present unique offensive styles that will be hard to get prepare for. Fulmer is also concerned about youth at linebacker. But the biggest thing might be a change in attitude among the players, who seem determined not to let another 5-6 happen again.

Team preview: Ole Miss

2006-07-27T16:24:00.000-04:00

Last year: 3-8 (1-7 SEC)
Offensive starters returning: 5
Defensive starters returning: 5

Last year was not a solid beginning for new coach Ed Orgeron, as the Rebels' lone SEC win came at home over Kentucky. The offense averaged an abysmal 13.5 points a game. And their projected starting quarterback, Brent Schaeffer, hasn't even made it to campus yet as he's still trying to complete junior college coursework.

Orgeron built his reputation as a recruiter, and the Rebels are hoping he is bringing a major talent upgrade to Oxford. He also added former longtime Miami assistant Art Kehoe to the staff, which should help.

The best player here is probably linebacker Patrick Willis, a second-team allSEC performer last year. Orgeron is promising a more exciting offense, with Schaeffer allowing him to open things up a bit more.

"We totally need to get better in almost every area, obviously," Orgeron said. "We need to take care of the football. We scored nine touchdowns last year and threw 18 interceptions. That's not very good."

Prediction time

2006-07-27T10:26:00.000-04:00

Preseason media predictions are due in a couple of hours, with the results announced Friday. Here's how I voted:

East Division
1. Florida: Urban Meyer's teams usually take off in Year Two. Not that his first year was bad; the Gators beat Tennessee, Georgia, Florida State and Iowa.

2. Tennessee: Monster comeback for the Vols.

3. Georgia: If they get their quarterback situation settled, the Bulldogs could be a lot better than this, especially with a fairly manageable schedule.

4. South Carolina: Steve Spurrier worked his usual magic last year, but the Gamecocks will likely take a step back before they really take off.

5. Kentucky: 6-6 or bust.

6. Vanderbilt: Jay Cutler's not walking through that door.

West Division
1. Auburn: Love the talent, and really love the schedule, with LSU, Florida and Georgia all coming to The Plains.

2. LSU: Love the talent, but hate the schedule with road games to Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas.

3. Arkansas: Virtually everyone is back from a young team that will surprise this year.

4. Alabama: The Tide won on defense last year, and most of those defensive stars are gone.

5. Mississippi State: Somebody has to finish fifth here.

6: Mississippi: Brent Schaeffer could rescue this pathetic offense (13.5 ppg last year) if he shows up in Oxford.

League champ: Florida

Team preview: Georgia

2006-07-27T10:11:00.000-04:00

Last year: 10-3 (6-2 SEC); Lost to West Virginia 38-35 in the Sugar Bowl
Offensive starters returning: 4
Defensive starters returning: 5

The Bulldogs won the SEC title last year before being upset by West Virginia in Atlanta. Mark Richt has gone 52-13 over his first five years while assembling a lot of talent in Athens.

This year, Richt will have to work in plenty of new players as Georgia returns just nine total starters. The biggest question --- notice a theme emerging here? --- is at quarterback, where D.J. Shockley departed. Richt has four options: Joe Tereshinski, a fifth-year senior who stepped in when Shockley got hurt last season; Blake Barnes, a sophomore who missed spring practices with a knee injury; Joe Cox, a freshman whom Richt compared to Eric Zeier; and true freshman Matthew Stafford, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound prospect.

"We just can't play a guy based on potential right now," Richt said. "I don't want to look at our seniors and say, 'Hey, we're going to play Joe Cox or Stafford because we're going to get them ready for the future. No, we're going to try to win this year."

Richt said some of the team's strengths should be at defensive end, with first team SEC returnee Quentin Moses on one side and junior Charles Johnson on the other, and in the kicking game, where veterans Gordon Ely-Kelso and Brandon Coutu are back.

"I've never been on a team that has had such a strong (kicking) tandem," Richt said.

Team preview: Vanderbilt

2006-07-26T17:27:00.000-04:00

Last year: 5-6 (3-5 SEC)
Offensive starters returning: 7
Defensive starters returning: 6

Vanderbilt had one of its best seasons in recent memory but missed a golden opportunity to break the school’s now 24-year bowl drought. The Commodores started off 4-0, beating Arkansas and Ole Miss, and they also bested Tennessee in Knoxville for the first time in 30 years. But losses to Middle Tennessee, Kentucky and a crushing overtime defeat at Florida kept them from bowl eligibility.

The challenge now will be to somehow maintain that momentum and even build upon it without one of the best players in school history. Quarterback Jay Cutler was a first-round draft choice this spring. Sophomore Chris Nickson got the majority of the snaps in the spring. Arizona transfer Richard Kovalcheck took advantage of a new NCAA rule allowing graduate students to change schools and play immediately, and he could compete for time at QB as well. Vandy coach Bobby Johnson said he anticipates having more of a running option at quarterback this season.

Then there’s the schedule. Vanderbilt will open at Michigan this season, a one-time game that seems completely insane for the Commodores, and then goes at Alabama before playing host to trendy sleeper pick Arkansas.

“I don’t know if any team has a tougher opening three games than we do,” Johnson said. “It should tell us a lot about our football team.”

Quote of the day (thus far)

2006-07-26T15:50:00.000-04:00

HOOVER, Ala. --- Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson was asked about last year's close call against Florida, when receiver Earl Bennett was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after catching a late touchdown pass and celebrating ever so slightly.

The Commodores were planning to go for the two-point conversion and the win but had to settle for the long PAT and the tie. Florida won in OT. Vandy finished 5-6, just missing its first bowl game since 1982.

After briefly trying to recreate Bennett's blink-and-you-missed-it shimmy, Johnson related the following story.

"A little old lady wrote us a letter after that game," Johnson said. "She said, 'Coach, Southern Baptists are allowed more dancing than Earl did.'"

Team preview: Alabama

2006-07-26T15:29:00.000-04:00

Last year: 10-2 (6-2 SEC). Lost to Texas Tech in Cotton Bowl
Offensive starters returning: 8
Defensive starters returning: 4

It's fitting that Alabama would start off the SEC Media Days sessions seeing as how we're in Birmingham. The hotel lobby was packed with fans hoping to get a glimpse or or autograph from head coach Mike Shula and players Kenneth Darby and Ramzee Robinson.

The Crimson Tide was one of the big surprises of the season last year, starting off 10-0 and moving into the top 5 before losing their final three games. Alabama won largely on the strength of its defense, but must replace several holes, including star linebacker DeMeco Ryans.

The biggest two question marks, though, are probably on offense. Shula must replace beloved quarterback Brodie Croyle and plans to do so with sophomore John Parker Wilson.

"I'm excited about him already," Shula said. "I think he's a leader for this football team, and not just the offense but the entire team. He's got good arm strength, a good touch, good accuracy and he's mobile. He's not Vince Young by any means, but he can make plays when he needs to."

At wide receiver, Tyrone Prothro emerged as the team's playmaker before he broke his leg in the Florida game. Prothro, who won the ESPY for best play for his catch against Southern Miss. Prothro's recovery continues, but his availability remains uncertain.

"He's still got a ways to go," Shula said. "He's improving every day, and seeing that makes me feel good about him coming back."

The Tide gets eight home games this year, but its four road games are killer: at Arkansas, at Florida, at Tennessee and at LSU.

"We may be playing at four of the loudest stadiums in America," Shula said.

State of the SEC

2006-07-26T15:04:00.000-04:00

HOOVER, Ala. --- First, a quick scene setter.

The SEC football media days are held in this suburb of Birmingham at the Wynfrey Hotel. It's attached to a mall with a lot of big chain stores and chain restaurants surrounding it and little else. In other words, we could pretty much be anywhere in America.

The session lasts for three days, with four teams going each day. The head coach and two players are made available for about an hour-long press conference setting for us print types. Then they go and do radio and TV interviews.

SEC commissioner Mike Slive kicked things off today with a brief address. He talked about the success the league had in the past year --- topped, obviously, by Florida winning the NCAA basketball title and LSU also making the Final Four. Some of his more interesting comments, though, were about the BCS. Slive begins a two-year duty as BCS chairman this season.

Slive went over the changes to this year's BCS format. Namely, the national title game will be played on Jan. 8, after the Fiesta, Orange, Sugar and Rose Bowls. This opens two more slots for teams to make the BCS games. The champions of the six BCS conferences are still guaranteed entry, as is Notre Dame if it finishes eighth or higher in the BCS standings.

One champion from any other Division I-A conference will also qualify automatically if it finishes in the BCS Top 12. Bowls will have their choice of picking teams for any remaining open spots, and those invitations can go to any team that has won at least nine regular-season games and finishes in the BCS Top 14 or in the top 16 if it finishes higher than a BCS conference champion.

For example, Slive said, since Florida State finished No. 22 in the standings despite its ACC title, a team that was ranked higher like TCU could have been chosen for a BCS game.

The new setup looks like it would lend itself perfectly to a plus-one scenario that many have advocated. In other words, the bowls would be played and then the top two teams after that could play in the national title game a week later. But Slive went out of his way to say that this structure is not set up for a plus-one system down the line. It's still the BCS.

A couple other comments of note. Slive said that, starting Oct. 15, the BCS standings will be revealed Sunday afternoons on Fox during NFL coverage.

And in what was no surprise at all, he said the league is exploring the option of starting an all SEC cable television channel. The Big Ten announced plans to form its own network earlier this year, and you can bet every other big time league will follow suit. Slive did note that the SEC's TV contracts with CBS, Jefferson Pilot, ESPN and others still have several years remaining.

Let's talk football

2006-07-26T14:13:00.000-04:00

HOOVER, Ala. --- Welcome back to the UK blog. I'll be your temporary host this week for SEC football media days, which are now underway. Alabama coach Mike Shula is at the podium now, and UK is due up later this afternoon. Check back for updates and capsule information on each of the teams this week.

What about Tubby's recruiting

2006-05-03T10:13:00.000-04:00

Name......: Sammy

Question..: Michael, looks like we have more players going out than coming in. Is Tubby doing anything now besides vacationing? Are there any players who are still unsigned that could make an impact or are we getting beat on those players as well? Put yourself in the seat of Big Blue Nation and put down the pen - what advice would you give us "Tubby Bashers"?

Sammy, I can assure you that Tubby has been recruiting. He spent a weekend in Houston watching several of UK’s top targets for 2007, including Lucas, Randolph and Johnson. He also went to Huntington WV recently to visit Patrick Patterson. The most recent 2006 recruit he went after, Tyler Smith, signed with Iowa. I asked him the other day if he’s played any golf lately and he said, no, not at all. As for advice, well, Tubby deserves much of the criticism he’s gotten. I don’t agree with some that he should be fired, but there certainly should be a fire under his rear end to recruit better. Thanks.

UK recruits in Derby

2006-04-25T11:28:00.000-04:00

Name......: Wayne Tomes

Question..: After watching the Derby Classic, I came away impressed by the future Wildcats. What was your overall opinion?

Wayne, scroll down and check out my blog entry from Friday, April 14, after I attended their practice.

UK baseball

2006-04-25T11:27:00.000-04:00

Name......: Bryant Anacker

Question..: Why isn't anyone talking about the UK baseball team, which is having a great season and ranked #21 in Baseball America?

See today’s Courier-Journal.

Donovan

2006-04-25T11:26:00.000-04:00

Name......: Ken Hatfield

Question..: Any chance UK is considering Billy Donovan to take over as UK coach. Tubby's dismal performance this year has turned UK into a U of GA where Tubby came from. Billy would be a coach that could stay a long time and rebuild the empire to its glory.

Sure, UK would consider him, if there was an opening. Right now, there’s not. The problem is that I don’t think UK could get Donovan now.

UK needs better recruiting

2006-04-25T11:24:00.000-04:00

Name......: STAN

Question..: why do you believe that UK constanly losses out on the top players. style? sec? smith? i think one of the things is UK's lack of going to a final 4 since 98 most of the coming in for the year 2006-2007 were in 3rd-4th grade when UK last went to the final 4. do you really believe any of them remember seeing the CATS play in a final 4?

Under Smith, UK simply isn’t one of the cool schools anymore. I don’t think it has as much to do with Final Four appearances as it does the way Tubby runs the program. He is the only coach in America who tries, actually tries, to get less exposure for his program. He doesn’t want to be in the spotlight, but you can’t turn on the TV without seeing K, Roy, Calhoun, etc. Getting to a Final Four would help UK’s recruiting somewhat, but it all comes back to Tubby.

Tubby out?

2006-04-25T11:21:00.000-04:00

Name......: Clay L.

Question..: Mike, for weeks now, the message boards have been undulated with rumors about Tubby being forced out. Of late, similar talk of Tubby leaving on his own are in the legitimate media. So let us have your take. Do any of these rumors have legs to run on?

In the legitimate media? Where? You’d have to show me that. A one-sentence note item (rumormongering) out of New York or from the West Coast doesn’t tell me squat. I have answered questions and written stories about this over and over and Tubby is not being forced out. I’m not saying he won’t leave at some point, but it’ll be because he doesn’t want this job anymore.

Travis Ford, etc.

2006-04-25T11:18:00.000-04:00

Name......: ron hall

Question..: how did travis ford do at umass this year? is there any hope we will land another big man this spring. looking at 2007 recruting who do you see coming to kentucky . is mayo on kentucky's list or is he louisville bound.

The Minutemen went 13-15 and lost in the first round of the A-10 tournament to Xavier. Despite a 4-1 start in league play, UMass finished 8-8. As for adding a big man, I don’t know, although I like UK’s chances of landing 6-7 forward Tyler Smith, who likely will occupy Rekalin Sims’ scholarship after Sims transfers.

Tubby too one-dimensional

2006-04-25T11:14:00.000-04:00

Name......: Dave Y

Question..: I think Tubby is a great X's and O's coach and usually gets his players to play good team ball. However, I see three HUGE flaws in Tubby's coaching.(1)Recruiting,(2)Developement (3)Shooting. You can't be successful at that level without those three, but Tubby's teams are consistantly weak in those areas.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Dave.

Bradley and Crawford

2006-04-17T18:02:00.000-04:00

Name......: John

Question..: Is there any word on bradley or crawford leaving? Some media people tend to believe one or both might go. Any truth?

Not to my knowledge. Bradley and Crawford could very well form the starting backcourt next season, so it really doesn’t make much sense that they’d transfer. Their best chance for playing time is right here. Then again, I’ve heard rumors of transfers about every player except Bobby Perry and Sheray Thomas. In fact, I still expect Rekalin Sims to leave, even though it hasn’t been announced yet.

Looking ahead and behind

2006-04-17T08:21:00.000-04:00

Name......: tim johnston

Question..: mike, what does next season look like, as far as recruiting class is concerned, also what is your opinion on the 13 losses (was it talent or poor coaching or both). thanks, looking foward to your answer. tim j.

Well, let’s take care of last season first. Was it a lack of talent? Yes. Was it poor coaching? Yes. It certainly wasn’t good coaching. But does that mean it can’t be fixed. Of course it can. The Cats will miss Rondo, but all in all, I think their chemistry has a chance to be better and that will lead to better things on the court. As far as recruiting, not sure if you’re asking about the ’06 class or the ’07 class. The ’06 class, or the players who will be freshmen next season, consists of three guards (Jodie Meeks, Michael Porter and Derrick Jasper) and a forward (Perry Stevenson). For a more in-depth look at those guys, scroll down please.