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ESPN AND THE SEC: Tony Barnhart of the AJC said the sports network could be entertaining its own 15-year deal with the SEC and purchase whatever is left that CBS didn’t buy. Then ESPN could put several SEC games on its family of networks.
BSC CHAMP TRAITS: Stewart Mandel of CNNSI.com came up with five traits for every BCS champ. 1. Dominant run defense usually allowing less than 100 yards per game 2. Positive turnover margin (2 for 1 margin) 3. Superior offensive and defensive lines (average of 36 sacks and allowing only 21) 4. Efficient QB (average rating of 146) and 5. At least one game breaker
Rivals.com top coaches:
1. Pete Carroll
2. Jim Tressell
3. Urban Meyer
4. Les Miles and
5. Bob Stoop
6. Mark Richt,
7. Frank Beamer
8. Jim Grobe
9. Tommy Tuberville
10. Nick Saban
11. Mack Brown,
12. Dennis Erickson
13. Steve Spurrier
14. Mark Mangino
15. Rich Rodriguez
16. Gary Pinkel
17. Brian Kelly
18. Jeff Tedford
19. Mike Riley
20. Mike Bellotti
FLORIDA: In an unofficial scholarship breakdown according to Gatorbait.net, the Gators have 3 QB, 10 WR, 3 TE, 14 OL, 16 DL, 9 LB, 15 DB, 5 ST. The offense has 37 players and the defense 40. The breakdown is 10 seniors, 16 juniors, 29 sophomores, 8 redshirt freshman and 19 true freshmen.
Defensive tackle continues to be a problem for Florida. The only player that coach Urban Meyer mentioned as a consistent starter was Lawrence Marsh. His backup is juco transfer Troy Epps and behind him is freshman Omar Hunter who practiced for the second straight day on Tuesday. At the other tackle spot is a battle among Jaye Howard, Terron Sanders and Javier Estopinan. Freshman Matt Patchan (torn pec muscle) could eventually get in the mix. Also the position could get a boost if Brandon Antwine returns from a serious back condition this week. The tackle problem could force Florida to play some three man fronts with a nose tackle and two ends. The coaches are happy with the end position consisting of William Green, Carlos Dunlap, Jermaine Cunningham and Duke Lemmens.
Freshman defensive end Earl Okine will likely redshirt due to a persistent groin pull. Meyer said receiver Percy Harvin might be able to practice next week. Quarterback Cam Newton practice Tuesday despite an ankle sprain. Meyer said Joe Haden is Florida’s best cornerback. Ahmad Black and Major Wright are the projected starters at safety. He also said David Nelson is one of the most improved receivers. Junior college transfer Carl Moore, another receiver continues to improve.
Offensive coordinator Dan Mullen said he sees dramatic improvement in backup quarterback John Brantley everyday. Tailback Chris Rainey said he and Harvin got into a fight last week in the pit area. Rainey said there were no hard feelings. Harvin is still watching practice due to his heel problem. Sophomore offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert has been one of the rising stars of the fall camp because he can play several different positions. Defensive tackle Torrey Davis must appear to Alachua Court after being pulled over for a suspended license. His suspension comes from not paying a fine from a Feb. 18 citation. He was also pulled over on July 24. Meyer said Davis will not dress for the Hawaii opener.
Receiver coach Billy Gonzalez said Louis Murphy has been the leader of his position group. He also said Riley Cooper is overcoming his injury and making big strides. Gonzalez said Deonte Thompson simply needs experience. Meyer said team chemistry has improved considerably over last year.
ALABAMA: Lorenzo Washington has been moved from defensive tackle to defensive end. Coach Nick Saban said the improvement of Terrence Cody and Josh Chapman made the move possible. Punter P. J. Fitzgerald said he has improved his technique. Tailback Terry Grant, who said has gained 10 pounds of muscle, said he has improved his pass blocking. SEC referees will work the Clemson game. Yet, Clemson will wear their home jerseys in the neutral site game.
In Saturday’s scrimmage, freshman receivers Julio Jones and Burton Scott (5 for 56 yards) combined for 10 catches for 185 yards. Jones had 125 yards receiving. Earl Alexander had four catches for 44 yards and Mike McCoy (3 for 81 yards) and freshman Chris Jackson (3 for 60 yards) had three each. Saban said McCoy and Jones have been the most consistent receivers. Quarterback John Parker Wilson was 14- of- 25 for 255 yards with two scores and no picks. Backup quarterback Greg McElroy was 19- of- 38 for 198 yards. Tailback Glen Coffee led the team with 35 yards, but freshman Mark Ingram continues to get more carries. The defense had nine sacks, one pick and one blocked field goal. Linebacker Prince Hall led the defense with eight tackles. Freshma n Chris Jordan has been moved from receiver to linebacker. Junior college noseguard Terrence Cody has dropped down to 400 to 365 pounds. Saban said Cody, linebacker Don’ta Hightower, linebacker Jerrell Harris, Jones and Ingram were impressive. Kickoff return specialist Jonathan Lowe and senior receiver Will Oakley will rejoin the team this week when school starts.
AUBURN: Tailback Tristan Davis may not be ready for the opener because of a hamstring injury. Running back signee Reggie Hunt didn’t qualify and will attend junior college. Coach Tommy Tuberville said he will likely name a starting quarterback next week between Kodi Burns and Chris Todd.
The offense had several big plays in Saturday’s scrimmage. Tailback Ben Tate ran for a long touchdown of 65 yards. Receiver Rod Smith also caught a 50- yard touchdown from quarterback Kodi Burns. Tuberville said freshman receiver Philip Pierre-Louis continues to impress. He said little about the defense except for freshman cornerback Harry Adams who had an interception. Cornerback Ryan Williams is in Tuberville’s doghouse due to academics. Tuberville said redshirt defensive back Mike Slade had his best scrimmage. He also complimented freshmen defensive backs D’Antonio Hood and Neiko Thorpe for their efforts in the scrimmage. Safety Mike McNeil has earned a starting safety position. Former tight end Gabe McKenzie has moved from tight end to the defensive line.
TENNESSEE: In the Vols final scrimmage, quarterback Jonathan Crompton was 12- of- 23 for 151 yards and two scores. Tailback Montario Hardesty gained 79 yards on only four carries. B. J. Coleman and Nick Stephens are battling for the backup quarterback job. The pass rush was more improved than in the first two scrimmages. Defensive end Robert Ayers, Wes Brown and Ben Martin each had a sack. Linebacker Gerald Williams didn’t participate in the scrimmage because Coach Phil Fulmer said he was taking care of academics.
Crompton was 12- of- 18 for 101 yards and a scoring pass in the second scrimmage this past Saturday. He admitted to being more comfortable in the second scrimmage. He had no turnovers which is important because he had thrown six in the past three scrimmages. The offense scored only once. Tailback Arian Foster, nursing a bone bruise, ran three times for 18 yards. The secondary continues to be the strength of the defense and the line is getting more pressure on the quarterback. Freshman defensive back Prentiss Waggner blocked a punt and laid out receiver Quinton Hancock. Sophomore tailback Lennon Creer led the team in rushing with 70 yards on nine carries. Williams had a scrimmage high seven tackles and a sack. Coach Phil Fulmer said he is expecting to play eight -of- 11 freshmen and transfers this season. Fulmer had raved about tight end Luke Stocker in camp. Also with Britton Colquitt out, Chad Cunningham has been averaging around 42 yards per punt. The offensive line looked much better in the second scrimmage. Freshman tailback Taurean Poole also was impressive. Tight end Aaron Douglas expects to be cleared for soon. Tight end Brandon Warren’s 120-page hardship waiver has been accepted by the NCAA. Warren, who waited 18 months for his appeal, will have three years to play three. Tight end Jeff Cottam, who broke his leg earlier in the year, will miss six to eight weeks due to back surgery.
UCLA coaches have named junior college transfer Kevin Kraft as the starter against Tennessee. Craft started five games at San Diego State before transferring to a California junior college where his father was the offensive coordinator.
KENTUCKY: In Saturday’s first scrimmage, the defense dominated the offense. The offense failed to score a single touchdown. The only points came on five field goals. One of biggest areas of concern has been the offensive line with three returning starters that have been beaten regularly by the defensive line all fall camp. Quarterback Mike Hartline has a score shoulder. Defensive tackle Corey Peters was a disruptive force in the backfield. The Wildcat defensive line with Peters, end Jeremy Jarmon, and tackle Myron Pryor are the strength of the defense.
LSU: Quarterback Jarrett Lee missed his second scrimmage on Tuesday. Andrew Hatch is looking like the starter even though Coach Les Miles said he won’t announce anything until game day. Lee has missed time with an ankle injury and back spasms. Both Hatch and Jordan Jefferson were 15- of- 30 for 150 yards and two scores in the scrimmage. Defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois led the team in tackles and had a couple of sacks. Center Brett Helms (calf) and defensive tackle Charles Alexander (hamstring) missed three straight scrimmages. Helms returned Thursday and Alexander might be back on Monday. Lee didn’t practice Thursday for precautionary reasons.
The Tigers had a non-tackling scrimmage Saturday. Coach Les Miles said Andrew Hatch ran the team well and Jarrett Lee had some nice runs. He also said Lee threw the ball well. Hatch left the scrimmage early with a stiff back. Running back Charles Scott and tight end Richard Dickson drew praise from Miles. LSU ran for 150 yards and the quarterbacks were 26- of- 50 for 255 yards and two scores. Four different Tigers intercepted passes. Patrick Peterson and Chad Jones were the leading tacklers in the secondary. Lee missed Monday’s practice with back spasms, but he should be able to return for Tuesday’s scrimmage.
MISSISSIPPI STATE: The Bulldogs second scrimmage was similar to the first with the offense being very limited in its production. Quarterbacks Wesley Carroll and Tyson Lee were 21- of- 37 for 162 yards with two score and one pick. He was pleased with the play of linebackers Dominic Davis, Jamar Chaney and K J Wright. Redshirt freshman tailback Robert Elliott has not fumbled this camp after struggling with ball security last year. Offensive coordinator Woody McCorvey underwent surgery Monday and is expected to return next Monday. No word on what the surgery entailed.
OLE MISS: In Saturday’s scrimmage, tailback Cordera Eason has some impressive runs. He is holding off freshmen Brandon Bolden, Devin Thomas and Enrique Davis. Senior linebacker Tony Fein, who weighs 245 pounds, has had a productive fall camp after he changed his attitude. Fein nearly left the team last winter, but he stayed after he talked with Coach Houston Nutt. Sophomore defensive tackle Ted Laurent, who had his right meniscus repaired, might return for the opener against Memphis. Defensive tackle Peria Jerry had his knee scoped Monday and will miss at least a couple of week. Jerry’s injury combined with the loss of Greg Hardy has moved freshman defensive lineman Justin Smith into the lineup.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Starting tailback Mike Davis returned to practice for the first time in nearly a week after battling a shoulder injury and the flu. In his absence, Taylor Rank took advantage of plenty of reps. Starting safety Darian Stewart should return this weekend from a foot injury. With Stewart out, Larry Freeman and Antonio Allen have gotten some valuable reps. Coach Steve Spurrier said on his call-in show Thursday night that former defensive lineman Jarriel King (6-7, 300) could win the offensive left tackle job by midseason.
In Tuesday’s scrimmage, quarterback Stephen Garcia was 0-5 with two picks. Chris Smelley was 5- of- 11 for 83 yards and freshman Aramis Hillary was 1- of- 3 for 15 yards. Starter Tommy Beecher was 5- of- 12 for 118 yards.
Spurrier said he has simplified the offense that was beaten by the defense in Saturday’s scrimmage. He said the offense has down too much shifting and moving around. Beecher was 9- of- 14 for 89 yards and no picks. Garcia, back from a sprained ankle, was 5- of- 9 for 74 yard threw a pick. Backup quarterback Smelley threw for 108 yards. Spurrier played all seven quarterbacks. Tailback Eric Baker, who is from Jacksonville, led the team in rushing with 12 carries for 32 yards. Linebacker Jasper Brinkley, who overcame a knee injury last year, is struggling with a strained ligament in his left heel. One of the more amusing events of practice was the visual of walk-on receiver Scott Spurrier (5-4, 165) and defensive tackle Justin Sorensen (6-7, 315) walked on the field together.
GEORGIA: In Thursday’s thud scrimmage, several players were impressive including freshman tailback Dontavious Jackson who had 51 yards. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was 4- of- 5 for 70 yards. Demiko Goodman led the receivers with three catches for 89 yards. Fifteen position records were broken during the offseason. Freshman center Ben Jones broke two center records (600 pound squat and a 331 power-clean. Offensive lineman Tanner Strickland set a team record 700 pound back squat and 380 pounds in the power-clean. Freshman running back Richard Samuel set a position record power clean of 387 pounds.
Coach Mark Richt said if the season started today that the offensive line would be left tackle Kiante Tripp, left guard Vince Vance, center Chris Davis, right guard Cordy Glenn and right tackle Josh Davis, who started 13 games at left guard last year. The rest of the lineup is first year starters. Clint Boling, who is suspended for the opener, will likely be at right tackle when he returns. Richt also said Boling could move to left tackle and Tripp could move back to right tackle. Linebacker Daniel Ellerbe (236 pounds) and fullback Shaun Chapas (238 pounds) set the new power clean record at 400 pounds. Freshman Blair Walsh has likely won the kicking job.
Nearly two dozen players with minor injuries missed Friday’s scrimmage. Still only two players-left tackle Trinton Sturdivant and linebacker Marcus Washington have season ending injuries. Samuel led the team in rushing with 51 yards. Kris Durham led the receivers with four catches for 30 yards. Stafford was 10- of- 11 for 112 yards with no interceptions. Linebacker Akeem Dent led the defense with six tackles.
Stafford has developed a rapport with receivers Israel Troupe, Kenneth Harris, Durham and tight end Tripp Chandler because Tavarres King, A J Green, Mohamed Massaqoui and Michael Moore have all been in non-contact jerseys. Caleb King tweaked a hamstring which kept him out of Friday’s scrimmage. Running backs coach Tony Ball said he likes Samuel’s strength and speed and King’s quick feet, great vision and body control.
Fullback Brannan Southerland will know the results of a CT scan on his foot this week. He is hoping to return by the fourth or fifth game. Richt said last week that all five freshman defensive backs would see action.
ARKANSAS: In Saturday’s closed scrimmage, tailback Michael Smith and Dennis Johnson had long runs. Freshman defensive back Elton Ford took an interception back for a touchdown. Junior receiver London Crawford also had a big day receiving.
SEC OFFICE: Mark Womack, the longtime right-hand man of Commissioner Mike Slive is a possibility to transition into the office one day. Womack was instrumental in the long term CBS contract.
ACC NOTES
FLORIDA STATE: Kicker Graham Gano is out for four to six weeks following surgery to correct meniscus and ligament damage in the knee that he sustained in a freak accident on Monday. He injured his knee after planting his leg after a bad snap. Shawn Powell will punt and Zack Hobby, a Delaware transfer, will kick. Quarterback Christian Ponder missed Thursday’s practice with a sore shoulder after throwing wet footballs earlier in the week. True freshman safety Ed Imeokparia and redshirt freshman linebacker Aaron Gresham are both out for the year with torn ACLs. The Noles have their next scrimmage on Saturday. Juco receiver Corey Surrency makes a circus catch nearly every practice.
FSU was unranked in the AP preseason poll for the first time since 1982. The school is still waiting on word on Charlie Graham and Justin MIncey. Tavares Pressley, a junior college transfer, has been cleared by the NCAA. Even after he is admitted Pressley will have to spend several days in shorts and helmets. He has been excluded from the weight room also per NCAA rules. However, Pressley will be available for Saturday’s scrimmage. One of the reasons the Noles started practice so late is they don’t start the season until Sept. 6. Running back Jermaine Thomas has also missed practice time due to a glitch in his high school transcripts. The coaches believe it will be cleared up at any time. First Coast High coach Marty Lee told Warchant.com that the trouble is from a teacher quitting at mid-year and the correct grades not being poste d.
In Saturday night’s scrimmage, there were seven plays that went for 30 yards or more including a 61-yard touchdown from quarterback Drew Weatherford (6- of- 12 for 116 yards) to receiver Greg Carr (144 yards) and a 40-yard run from tailback Antone Smith (87 yards rushing). Quarterback D’Vontrey Richardson (8- of- 15 for 103 yards) had a 25-yard run that was called back. He also threw a 40-yard pass to Carr and zipped an impressive pass to Corey Surrency on a third down play. E J Manuel was 6- of- 8 for 84 yards. Preston Parker was limited to a cervical sprain. Surrency had three catches for 57 yards and a score. Receiver Bert Reed had seven catches for 44 yards. True freshman Jarmon Fortson caught three passes for 85 yards. The defense had six sacks. The offensive line played well in the scrimmage. Offensive line coach Rick Trickett said true freshman guard David Spurlock and true freshman tackle Andrew Datko impressed him.
MIAMI: The Canes practiced under the lights Friday morning at 5:30 a.m. Freshman receiver Tommy Streeter underwent surgery for an undisclosed injury and is out for the year. Defensive end Allen Bailey visited the doctor Thursday, but has yet to be cleared after the pec injury. Safety Vaughn Telemaque is another freshman who will play a lot this season. Coach Randy Shannon said a depth chart will be released to the public Sunday night. Linebacker signee Brandon Marti has been cleared by the NCAA. A J Trump and Chris Rutledge are going to rotate with starters Jason Fox, Orlando Franklin, Xavier Shannon, Joel Figueroa and Reggie Youngblood on the offensive line.
Receiver Leonard Hankerson had three long touchdown receptions in Tuesday’s scrimmage. He caught a 30- yard touchdown from Jacory Harris, a 40-yard touchdown from Robert Marve and a 35-yard scoring play on the last snap. Defensive tackle Joe Joseph has one of the highlights in Friday’s scrimmage. Joseph grabbed a fumbled out of midair from quarterback Harris and ran 35 yards with it. Freshman Travis Benjamin scored on a 60-yard touchdown on a screen pass from quarterback Robert Marve. Both Marve and Harris threw picks. Freshman Thearon Collier had a 40-yard punt return. Matt Bosher might do all the kicking.
N C STATE: Top returning receiver Donald Bowens has a hairline fracture that will keep him on the sidelines for the entire season. He had 41 catches last year. The offensive line is still a big question mark and no starting quarterback has been chosen. Redshirt freshman Russell Wilson will start over Daniel Evans against South Carolina.
GEORGIA TECH: The Yellow Jackets host Jacksonville State and quarterback Ryan Perriloux next Thursday night. State coach Jack Crowe believes this is his most talented team yet. Crowe is also worried about Tech’s defensive line featuring Darryl Richard and Michael Johnson. Jax State will get around $200,000 for the two-hour drive.
OTHER TEAMS
SOUTHERN MISS: Coach Larry Fedora has not chosen a starting quarterback. Freshman Austin Davis was 20- of- 30 for 144 yards. Sophomore Martevious Young was 10- of- 25 for 124 yards and two picks. Freshman Bret Jefcoat was 3- of- 3 for 40 yards. The defense-four turnovers and four sacks- was ahead of the offense after the second scrimmage.
UCF: Junior Michael Greco will start the season at quarterback. Redshirt freshman Joe Weatherford is the backup.
BIG 12
TEXAS: Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is getting his defensive players to lose weight so that they will be faster. This is the best conditioned Texas team in awhile. FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger’s comments about Texas’ lack of speed have made the rounds. The secondary is young with two redshirt freshmen possibly starting at safety. A punter or kicker hasn’t been named. The coaches are looking for a third receiver to go with Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley. Quarterback Colt McCoy has been accurate and thrown few picks in camp. John Chiles is coming along as a backup. Junior Vondrell McGee (5-10, 205), nicknamed the Bulldozer, is fast and physical. There is only one senior on the offensive line . The tackle spots are set with Kyle Hix and Adam Ulatoski.
MISSOURI: Senior defensive back Castine Bridges is slowly working his way back after a leg injury. Senior tight end Chase Coffman is recovering from a broken finger. Quarterback Chase Daniel and sophomore Jeremy Maclain are hooking up regularly. Junior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon continues to make big plays. Three of four defensive linemen return. Nose tackle Jaron Baston has stepped up.
OKLAHOMA: The emphasis this fall camp has been on defense. OU fans have been critical of a lack of speed defensively. A lot of the criticism goes to middle linebacker Ryan Reynolds, who has endured two major knee injuries. Reynolds will also have two new starters around him at linebacker. One of the starters could be Mike Balogun, who is 25-years-old. Balogun had nine tackles and several tackles for loss in last Saturday’s scrimmage.
OU coaches are also looking at answers at receiver to go along with seniors Juaquin Iglesias and Manual Johnson. Adron Tennell, a junior, (nicknamed Pooh) is trying to be one of quarterback Sam Bradford’s top targets despite a lengthy rehab for a torn ACL. Bradford is working from a no-huddle this season making the calls at the line. Tennell is athletic, tall and can catch the ball in a crowd. Freshman receiver Ryan Broyles has also been impressive. Coaches and players alike say that senior tight end Brody Eldridge is the MVP of the offense. Junior tailback Demarco Murray continues to be one of the elite backs in the conference and the nation despite an ankle injury. Junior defensive end Auston English has been cleared to practice after recovering from an emergency appendectomy. Redshirt freshman Austin Box will miss three weeks af ter having his knee scoped.
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.
E-MAIL BRENT AT brentbeaird@comcast.net
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