PLAYOFF TALK:
Georgia president Michael Adams suggested it is time for an eight-team playoff. SEC Commissioner Mike Slive admonished him about the timing. Yet, the topic will be a popular one this year starting with the NCAA convention this week. One of the problems with playoff talk is that the people actually in charge of implementing the playoff haven’t seriously discussed it. Adams might be forcing the powers to be to discuss it.

FOX drew 14.4% of the households for the BCS title game, down 17% from last year’s Florida vs. Ohio State game and down 34% from the previous year’s Texas vs. Southern Cal title game. Of the four BCS games only West Virginia vs. Oklahoma drew a higher rating than last year. Fox’s four games drew 9% of the households, down 13% from last year. The Rose Bowl was down 20% from last year. A “plus-one” will be discussed in the BCS spring meetings. Slive and ACC commissioner John Swafford said full participation by all the conferences is not mandatory to start it. BCS commissioners meet in April in Miami.

ALABAMA: Colin Peek, a tight end from Georgia Tech and The Bolles School in Jacksonville, said he is transferring to Alabama. Peek also considered Florida. He saw action in 2005, redshirted in 2006 and this year caught 25 passes in 11 games. Gene Peek, his father, played at Florida. His grandfather played at Alabama. Peek is applying for a hardship which would make him eligible immediately. Alabama officials have signed a deal with Clemson to start the 2008 season in Atlanta. Corey Smith, a two-star kicker from Bunker Hill, West Virginia and receiver Chris Jackson (6-0, 187), a three-star receiver from McDonough, Ga., are midterm enrollees for the Tide. Former Michigan State coach Bobby Williams is reported to have interviewed for the vacant slot on coach Nick Saban’s staff after Ron Middleton went to Duke.

AUBURN: For the fourth time in nine seasons, coach Tommy Tuberville is looking for a new defensive coordinator after Will Muschamp left to go to Texas. Jon Tenuta’s name has been mentioned as the favorite. North Carolina defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, Houston Texan secondary coach Jon Hoke, Clemson defensive coordinator Vic Koenning and Joe Tresey from Cincinnati have been mentioned as possible candidates. Antoine McClain (6-6, 317), a four-star tackle from Anniston, Ala., is down to Clemson, Tennessee, Auburn and LSU. Reserve quarterback Blake Field is transferring to Valdosta State. Tackle Pat Sims, the defensive MVP, of the bowl game, has declared for the NFL. Former Auburn offensive coordinator Al Borges has interviewed for the same position at UCLA.

ARKANSAS: Former defensive coordinator Reggie Herring has taken the same position at Texas A & M. Former Michigan quarterback Ryan Mallett is interested in visiting Arkansas. Mallett visited Houston Nutt’s summer camp for five straight years before he crossed the Hogs off the list after they signed USC transfer Mitch Mustain. Spring semester starts at Arkansas next week. Tailbacks Felix Jones and Darren McFadden have yet to announce their intentions for the NFL draft. Jones said he would announce on Monday. Already several running backs such as Rutgers’ Ray Rice, Texas Jamaal Charles and UCF’s Kevin Smith and Clemson’s James Davis have announced they are coming out early.

MISSISSIPPI STATE: Sly Croom has elevated Charlie Harbison to defensive coordinator replacing Ellis Johnson.

FLORIDA: Matt Patchan (6-7, 265), a five-star offensive lineman from Seffner (Fla.) Armwood, has committed to the Gators over Miami. Earl Okine (6-6, 235), a Gator verbal commitment, was one of the MVP’s in the Offense-Defense game in Fort Lauderdale last Friday night. Okine, who is enrolling early at Florida, had three and a half sacks plus three more tackles for loss. Jackson High coach Kevin Sullivan said Okine could sit at the middle of a car and touch the end of the trunk and hood with his wingspan. Jeffrey Demps (5-8, 162), a four-star back from Groveland (Fla.) South Lake, has committed to the Gators. The Rivals250 back chose Florida over Tennessee. He has blazing speed and will also run track.

Omar Hunter (6-1, 295), a four-star defensive tackle from Buford, Ga., has decommitted from Notre Dame. He said Florida is his leader with Auburn and Southern Cal close behind. Hunter is scheduled to visit Florida on Jan. 18. He said Muschamp’s leaving Auburn impacts him negatively. Darrell Scott (6-0, 204), a five-star running back from Ventura, Calif., said Texas has a slight lead. Scott, who grew up in Tallahassee, might be visiting Florida this weekend. LSU and Colorado are also in the mix. T J Lawrence (6-0, 185), a four-star receiver Lakeland (Fla.) Kathleen, is visiting Florida this weekend. He is down to Florida, South Carolina and Virginia Tech.

Tight end Cornelius Ingram has decided to stay in school. However, Ingram’s playing time might not increase with redshirt freshman Deonte Thompson having a chance to play. Only Bubba Caldwell leaves the receiving corps. Florida assistant Doc Holliday has been hired by West Virginia coach Bill Stewart. Holliday will coach tight ends and fullbacks and be the recruiting coordinator. He is reportedly offered $2 million in five years. Stan Drayton left earlier in the week to go to Tennessee. Defensive coordinator Charlie Strong turned down an offer from Miami.

Florida weekend visits: Adrian Bushell (5-11, 180), a four-star athlete from DeSoto, Texas. Michigan, Nebraska, Michigan and Oklahoma State are recruiting at him. His teammate, Cyrus Gray (6-0, 188) is coming with him. Lawrence and Hunter are also expected to visit. T. J. Pridemore (6-1, 228), a three-star linebacker from Buford, Ga., is visiting after decommitting from Georgia Tech on Monday. He could also play fullback. The Gators have 17 verbal commitments.

GEORGIA: The Bulldogs have the No. 2 ranked recruiting class next to Notre Dame. A J Harmon (6-4, 308), a Rivals100 offensive lineman from Jefferson County, Ga., surprised many during the Army All-American game and chose Georgia. He decommitted from Clemson, and said Thursday that he is totally committed to the Bulldogs. Zebrie Sanders (6-5, 273), a five-star offensive lineman from Ohio, said he will choose from Florida or Georgia on Jan. 13. Bulldog assistant Rodney Garner said he is not interested in leaving Georgia for an assistant’s job in the SEC, but he does want to be a head coach one day. Bulldog commitments four-star receiver Tavarres King, three-star lineman Ben Jones, four-star running back Dontavious Jackson, five-star athlete Richard Samuel and four-star outside linebacker Akeem Hebron have already enrolled in school. Coach Mark Richt said Samuel will play tailback this spring. Richt doesn’t expect to lose any eligible players-fullback Brannan Southerland, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and defensive tackle Jeff Owens-to the draft.

LSU: Patrick Johnson (6-1, 193), a five-star cornerback from Pompano Beach (Fla.) Ely, has committed to LSU at the Army All-American game. He is the USA-Today Defensive Player of the Year. He starts class at LSU this week. Tyler Edwards (6-3, 222), a four-star tight end from Monroe, La., committed to the Tigers at the Army All-American game over offers from Alabama and Florida.

TENNESSEE: Florida assistant coach Stan Drayton, who made $135,000 at Florida this past season, has accepted a job as running backs coach. He replaces Kurt Roper. Drayton, who was told that he would not be retained after the Capital One Bowl, was named one of the top 25 recruiters in the nation by Rivals.com last year. Florida’s traditional running backs carried the ball 136 times this year compared to Tennessee’s 415.

Richmond coach Dave Clawson has reportedly been offered the job as offensive coordinator. Michigan offensive coordinator Mike DeBoard and quarterback coach Scott Loeffler have also talked with Fulmer. It appears to be a decision between the Michigan duo and Clawson. If DeBoard was to be named offensive coordinator, then Loeffler would likely come as quarterback coach. The Ryan Mallett connection could also be involved in this decision. Gus Malzahn, the former Hog assistant and current Tulsa assistant, was a hot rumor last Sunday. San Francisco 49er assistant Frank Cignetti is no longer a candidate after he took the offensive coordinator job at Cal.

Tennessee has added freshmen enrollees Austin Johnson, a three-star fullback and Tauren Poole, a three-star running back and former starting safety Demetrice Morley, who didn’t play due to academics, is back on the team. Linebacker Jared Mayo has decided to turn pro. Vol junior Ramon Foster and Antony Parker, both offensive lineman and Britton Colquitt all said Thursday that they are returning for their senior season. Tailback Arian Foster is the only eligible junior yet to make a decision.

KENTUCKY: Rich Brooks has already set a goal of three straight bowls for the 2008 season even though the Wildcats lose 16 seniors including seven who played significant roles on offense. Junior Curtis Pulley, more of a dual-threat player and Mike Hartline will battle for the starting quarterback position. The defense loses only three starters.

OLE MISS: Assistant David Lee has left for a job with the Miami Dolphin organization. Kent Austin, the former Rebel quarterback and current CFL head coach, has been linked to the offensive coordinator position. Houston Nutt has asked receiver coach Hugh Freeze to interview for the same position. Also being interviewed are Larry Coker (formerly with Miami), Al Borges (Auburn), Dave Rader (Alabama), Sparky Woods (Alabama) and Les Koenig (Texas A & M).

SOUTH CAROLINA: Coach Steve Spurrier said in his Monday presser that he is going to make some changes in the program including putting in a package for a running quarterback. Spurrier pointed out that a mobile Syvelle Newton helped South Carolina to convert 48% of its third downs compared to last year’s 35% conversion rate with Blake Mitchell and Chris Smelley. Spurrier also said Jordin and Justin Lindsey are on probation with him after a recent incident at the Five Points area where they were involved in a fight. As many as seven recruits could enroll early next week such as prep school players Eric Baker (5-11, 190), a four-star running back from Fork Union Military College in Va., and Akeem Auguste (5-11, 180) and Antonio Allen (6-2, 190), both four-star defensive backs from Fork Union Military College in Va.

SOUTH ALABAMA: Woody McCorvey, Mississippi State offensive coordinator, Auburn running back coach Eddie Gran, former Southern Miss coach Jeff Bower, Clemson assistant Dabo Swinney and Alabama’s Kevin Steele have all been linked to the new South Alabama position. USA won’t start football until 2009.

ACC:
The conference is 2-6 in bowl game this season and 1-9 in BCS game overall.

CLEMSON: Jamie Harper (6-210), a four-star running back from Trinity (Fla.) Christian in Jacksonville, is visiting Clemson on Jan. 11, Florida on Jan. 18, Miami Jan. 25 and maybe FSU on Feb. 2. He has already visited Illinois. Defensive end Phillip Merling has decided to become eligible for the NFL draft. Tailback James Davis, who was given a third round projection by the league, said he is leaving for the NFL. He has fathered a baby that he wants to support. Junior tackle Dorrell Scott , who received a fourth round projection, said he is coming back. Quarterback Cullen Harper, who received a fifth round projection, said he is certainly coming back. Junior safety Michael Hamlin also said he would be back this year. Receiver Aaron Kelly said he will stay at Clemson.

MIAMI: The Canes might have a record number of early enrollees including defensive tackle Marcus Fortson, quarterback Jacory Harris (Florida’s Mr. Football), defensive back Joe Wylie, linebackers Jordan Futch and Sean Spence, quarterback Cannon Smith, tight end John Calhoun, receiver Aldarius Johnson and kicker Jake Wieclaw. Only Wieclaw (Illinois) and Smith (Virginia) played high school football outside the Miami area. However, it won’t be known until later in the week if all of them will enroll. Spence is considering a visit to Florida this weekend. Harris said he will be on campus Jan. 13.

Defensive end Calaias Campbell has declared his intentions of leaving early for the NFL.

Three players on LSU’s national title team had Miami area connections. Ricky Jean Francois, the defensive MVP, was never offered by Miami. Tiger linebacker Ali Highsmith signed with Miami out of high school, but academics were a problem and he ended up at LSU. Tiger receiver Demetrius Byrd signed with FIU then went the JUCO route before ending up at LSU.

Cane targets: After Patrick Johnson went to LSU, the Canes are trying to sign Brandon Harris, a defensive back from Booker T. Washington or T. J. Bryant, a cornerback from Tallahassee. Harris will visit Miami on Jan. 25 and announce on Feb. 6. Miami also covets Corey Liuget, a defensive lineman from Hialeh, Fla., who is an Illinois commitment.

FLORIDA STATE: School president T K Wetherell said the maximum number of players suspended for the first three games next year will be 16 and that number could drop depending upon suspensions. Junior linebacker Geno Hayes has declared for the NFL. Defensive lineman Letroy Guion is undecided about leaving for the NFL. Receiver Greg Carr and cornerback Tony Carter said they are not leaving early for the draft. There are rumors that offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher has talked to quarterback Xavier Lee about moving to another position. Tight end Charlie Graham is transferring to Tallahassee Community College. Kicker Shaun Powell, a grayshirt, began classes this week. He signed last February. The Western Carolina game has been set for Sept. 6 in Tallahassee.

Wetherell said he would like to name a new athletic director this month. Possibilities mentioned are former Marlins president Don Smiley, Martin Mayhew, the senior VP of the Detroit Lions, former FSU interim AD Wayne Hogan. Mark Meleney, the head of the academic-athletic support program, will not have his contract renewed when it ends in July.

Nigel Bradham (6-2, 230), a five-star linebacker from Wakulla, Fla., enrolls this week in FSU. Bradham was a standout in Saturday’s Army All-American game in San Antonio. Three-star cornerback Terrance Parks (6-1, 200) also enrolls at FSU this week. Parks, five-star quarterback E J Manuel (6-4, 201) and four-star linebacker Nigel Carr (6-3, 220), three Nole commitments, all played well in the Under Armour All-Star game last Saturday. Manuel comes to Tallahassee in June.

Jermaine Thomas (6-1, 190), a three-star tailback from First Coast (Fla.) High in Jacksonville, is deciding between FSU and LSU. He visits both schools during the next two weeks. Thomas is a soft verbal to FSU. Julio Jones (6-4, 215), a five-star receiver from Foley, Ala., is visiting FSU this weekend. His safety teammate, Robert Lester (6-2, 190), an Alabama commitment, is not visiting FSU this weekend. Jones is scheduled to visit Florida, Oklahoma and Texas Tech the next three weeks. Josh Jenkins (6-3, 282), a four-star guard from Vienna, West Virginia, is also visiting. He is looking at FSU and Ohio State. Lerentee McCray (6-2, 200), an outside four-star linebacker from Dunnellon, Fla., is visiting. He is looking at Florida, FSU, Miami, South Carolina and Tennessee. British Footman (6-1, 182), a running back commitment from Tallahassee (Fla.) Godby, was not going to qualify and has already enrolled at Northeast Mississippi Junior College.

ARMY ALL-AMERICAN GAME: Terrelle Pryor (6-6, 235), a five-star quarterback from Jeanette, Pa., was the MVP with 4- of- 6 passing for 76 yards and one score. He ran 10 times for 79 yards and a touchdown. Pryor is deciding among a list of Michigan, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Florida. Arthur Brown (6-1, 210), a five-star linebacker from Wichita, Kansas had six tackles including four solos. Brown is a Miami verbal.

TEXAS: The Longhorns officials are close to moving the Texas A & M game to Thanksgiving Day the next two years, if ESPN and the conference can work out the details.

SEC HOOPS

The SEC is No. 7 in RPI behind the other BCS conferences and the Missouri Valley Conference. After Vandy, Ole Miss and Tennessee, no other SEC team is in the top 70. Three schools, Auburn, Georgia and Florida, have non-conference schedules ranked in the 300s.

Several SEC schools are revamping their basketball facilities including Kentucky (built $30 million weight room and training facility), Auburn ($95 million arena coming soon), Tennessee ($35 million practice facility for men and women), Georgia ($31 million facility for men and women’s basketball and gymnastics teams already done) and LSU ($13 million for men and women’s facility in the plans).

GEORGIA: Rashard Singleton, a junior center, has left the team. He averaged three rebounds and three points in 72 games.

SOUTH CAROLINA: The Gamecocks have only one player taller than 6-foot-7.

BRENT BEAIRD IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR MYCLAYSUN IN ORANGE PARK, FLA. HE ALSO WRITES FOR RIVALS.COM, SAMSPORTSLINE.COM AND GATOR BAIT MAGAZINE. HE CAN BE HEARD ON SPORTS RADIO 1010 XL.