College Football Special Section Fall 2012

College previews

Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012

AP

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

Ready to rumble

Mullen targets third-straight bowl win; Freeze tackles king-size rebuilding job at Ole Miss

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Football Journal 2012

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2012

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

DAILY JOURNAL

Mixed forecast for the state’s teams this fall

olks have been asking me about the state’s majorcollege teams for weeks now – around the office, on the phone, at the grocery, when I go to get my oil changed. Here are a few of my better answers: MISSISSIPPI STATE: The schedule – described by Rivals.com as the easiest in the SEC – sure does seem to shape up for an 8- or 9win season if quarterback Tyler Russell can deliver.

But the first three Dan Mullen teams have each let at least one winnable game get away. That includes a 17-14 homefield loss to Auburn in 2010.

And that’s why the second game of the season, a visit from Auburn, is so important. Win that one, and the Bulldogs have a

path to 7-0 heading to Alabama.

Somehow, I don’t think it plays out that way.

OLE MISS: The final record in 2012 doesn’t really JOHN L. matter. What PITTS matters is that the Rebels must avoid the kind of 52-something losses that marked the unraveling of Houston Nutt’s tenure in Oxford. Four wins, with the team showing some fight, would be a fine start for Hugh Freeze and his staff.

My gut says the Rebels lose one they shouldn’t and win one they shouldn’t.

Still, looks like 4-8.

SOUTHERN MISS: I don’tget the hiring of a longtime assistant, Ellis Johnson, as the Golden Eagles’ coach. It seems like an overcorrection for a program that doesn’t want to view itself as a stepping stone – after Larry Fedora used it for that very purpose to get to North Carolina.

That schedule is worrisome, too – six tough games to start, three of those on the road, for a team with a new quarterback.

The path to another winning season is going to be demanding.

John L. Pitts (john.pitts@journalinc) is sports editor of the Journal

three of nearly every preseason poll, and their Nov. 3 showdown in Baton Rouge – already seHey, have you heard: SEC lected as a prime-time game by teams have won six consecutive CBS – likely will be the national national titles! game of the year.

And a seventh consecutive After 20 seasons as a 12-team title is a distinct possibility. league, the SEC will be a 14Alabama and LSU played for team conglomeration this fall the national championship last with the addition of Missouri season, with Alabama dominat- and Texas A&M from the Big 12. ing in a 21-0 victory. Those two Despite the ill-fitting geograteams again look to be head phy, Mizzou is in the SEC East. and shoulders above everybody A&M is in the West. else in the league, and while it’s While the West race looks to be a two-team affair, the East AP unlikely both will be in Miami title hunt has more mystery.

Kevin Sumlin of Texas A&M is a for the national title game Jan. Georgia and South Carolina new coach whose team is in a 7, it seems a good bet that one of them will. Both are in the top look to be the top two teams, new league. Wish him luck.

RIVALS.COM (MCT)

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INDEX

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Alabama-LSU rivalry . . . . . . . . . . 23 Alcorn State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Belhaven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Brad Locke column . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Delta State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Donte Moncrief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Itawamba CC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Jackson State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Johnthan Banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Millsaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mississippi College . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Miss. Valley State . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 MSU positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Northeast Miss. CC . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Northwest Miss. CC . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ole Miss positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Parrish Alford column . . . . . . . . . . 5 Schedule analysis . . . . . . . . . . . .10 SEC East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 AP SEC preseason picks . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Ellis Johnson, 60, is the new SEC schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 SEC West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 coach at Southern Miss.

Southern Miss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 West Alabama’s Will Hall . . . . . . . 18

SEC: New look, same lofty goals

BY MIKE HUGUENIN

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but Florida, Missouri and even Tennessee could make things interesting.

There are three new coaches, each in the West. Hugh Freeze takes over at Ole Miss after one superb season at Arkansas State. Kevin Sumlin is the new guy at Texas A&M after a successful four-season run at Houston. And John L. Smith now is in charge at Arkansas after the sudden flameout of Bobby Petrino.

Smith is on a 10-month contract, but if he somehow can guide the Hogs to the West title, chances are he would be back in Fayetteville next season.

FOOTBALL JOURNAL 2012

Sports editor: John L. Pitts Cover photos: MSU’s Dan Mullen

by Rogelio Solis, Associated Press; Hugh Freeze of Ole Miss by C. Todd Sherman, Daily Journal.

Page design: John L. Pitts Writing: Journal staff, Associated Press, Rivals.com

THERE’S MORE ONLINE!

At our website, djournal.com, you can find blogs from Parrish Alford, Brad Locke – both updated daily – and Sports Buzz from John L. Pitts.

You can also follow us on Twitter: @parrishalford, @bradlocke, @johnlpitts and @djournalnow.

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2012 SEC SCHEDULE

ALABAMA

S1 S8 S15 S22 S29 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10 N17 N24

rolltide.com Michigan (at Arlington), 7 p.m.

W. Kentucky, 2:39 p.m. at Arkansas, 2:30 p.m.

Florida Atlantic Ole Miss at Missouri at Tennessee Mississippi State at LSU, 7 p.m.

Texas A&M W. Carolina Auburn

ARKANSAS

www.arkansasrazorbacks.com S1 Jacksonville State, 6 p.m.

S8 Louisiana-Monroe, 6 p.m.

S15 Alabama, 2:30 p.m.

S22 Rutgers S29 at Texas A&M O6 at Auburn O13 Kentucky O27 Ole Miss N3 Tulsa N10 at South Carolina N17 at Mississippi State N23 LSU, 1:30 p.m.

AUBURN

S1 S8 S15 S22 O6 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10 N17 N24

auburntigers.com Clemson (at Atlanta), 6 p.m. at Miss. State, 11 a.m.

La.-Monroe, 12:21 p.m.

LSU Arkansas at Ole Miss at Vanderbilt Texas A&M New Mexico State Georgia Alabama A&M at Alabama

S1 S8 S15 S22 O6 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10 N17 N24

gatorzone.com Bowling Green, 2:30 p.m. at Texas A&M, 2:30 p.m. at Tennessee, 5 p.m.

Kentucky LSU at Vanderbilt South Carolina at Georgia, 2:30 p.m.

Missouri Louisiana-Lafayette Jacksonville State at Florida State

S1 S8 S15 S22 S29 O6 O20 O27 N3

georgiadogs.com Buffalo, 11:21 a.m. at Missouri, 6:45 p.m.

FAU, 6:30 p.m.

Vanderbilt Tennessee, at South Carolina at Kentucky Florida, 2:30 p.m.

Ole Miss

FLORIDA

GEORGIA

N10 at Auburn N17 Georgia Southern N24 Georgia Tech

KENTUCKY

S2 S8 S15 S22 S29 O6 O13 O20 O27 N3 N17 N24

ukathletics.com at Louisville, 2:30 p.m.

Kent State, 6:30 p.m.

Western Kentucky, 6 p.m. at Florida South Carolina Mississippi State at Arkansas Georgia at Missouri Vanderbilt Samford at Tennessee

S1 S8 S15 S22 S29 O6 O13 O20 N3 N10 N17 N23

LSUsports.net North Texas, 6 p.m.

Washington, 6 p.m.

Idaho, 7 p.m. at Auburn Towson at Florida South Carolina at Texas A&M Alabama, 7 p.m.

Mississippi State Ole Miss at Arkansas, 1:30 p.m.

LSU

MISSISSIPPI STATE S1 S8 S15 S22 O6 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10 N17 N24

www.hailstate.com Jackson State, 6 p.m.

Auburn, 11 a.m. at Troy, 6 p.m.

South Alabama, 6 p.m. at Kentucky Tennessee Middle Tennessee at Alabama Texas A&M at LSU Arkansas at Ole Miss

S1 S8 S15 S22 S29 O6 O13 O27 N3 N10 N17 N24

www.mutigers.com SE Louisiana, 6 p.m.

Georgia, 6:45 p.m.

Arizona State, 6 p.m. at South Carolina at UCF Vanderbilt Alabama Kentucky at Florida at Tennessee Syracuse at Texas A&M

MISSOURI

OLE MISS

S1 S8 S15 S22 S29

olemisssports.com Central Arkansas, 6 p.m.

UTEP, 6 p.m.

Texas, 8:15 p.m. at Tulane, 11 a.m. at Alabama

O6 O13 O27 N3 N10 N17 N24

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Texas A&M Auburn at Arkansas at Georgia Vanderbilt at LSU Mississippi State

SOUTH CAROLINA

www.gamecocksonline.com A30 at Vanderbilt, 6 p.m.

S8 East Carolina, 11:21 a.m.

S15 UAB, 6 p.m.

S22 Missouri S29 at Kentucky O6 Georgia O13 at LSU O20 at Florida O27 Tennessee N10 Arkansas N17 Wofford N24 at Clemson

TENNESSEE

A31 S8 S15 S22 S29 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10 N17 N24

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

www.utsports.com NC State (Atlanta), 6:30 p.m.

Georgia State, 3 p.m.

Florida, 5 p.m.

Akron at Georgia at Mississippi State Alabama at South Carolina Troy Missouri at Vanderbilt Kentucky

GAME OF THE YEAR

Alabama at LSU, Nov. 3: Presumably, these teams will meet just once this year after two heavyweight battles last season.

The SEC West title should be on the line when Alabama invades Tiger Stadium for a night game. The game also likely will determine which SEC team has the best shot at the national title game.

More on the LSU-Alabama rivalry, 23B

TOUGHEST SCHEDULES

Ole Miss: The Rebels have road games against Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and LSU. There also are home games against Auburn, Texas and Texas A&M. Good luck, Hugh Freeze.

Parrish Alford’s take on the schedule, 10B Alabama: The Crimson Tide’s schedule also deserves notice. The Tide open against Michigan in Arlington, Texas, in the nation’s best nonconference matchup of the season.

The Tide also must play SEC West foes Arkansas and LSU on the road. And both of Alabama’s SEC divisional crossover games – Missouri and Tennessee in back-to-back weeks – are on the road; no other team in the league faces that task.

EASIEST SCHEDULE

Mississippi State: The Bulldogs’ non-SEC schedule is laughable: FCS member Jackson State, Troy, South Alabama (in its first season as a FBS member) and Middle Tennessee. That’s one FCS team and three Sun Belt opponents.

The Bulldogs miss the four best teams in the

TEXAS A&M

www.aggieathletics.com A30 at La. Tech, 6:30 p.m.

S8 Florida, 2:30 p.m.

S15 at SMU, 2:30 p.m.

S22 S.C. State S29 Arkansas O6 at Ole Miss O20 LSU O27 at Auburn N3 at Mississippi State N10 at Alabama N17 Sam Houston State N24 Missouri

INSIDE THE SCHEDULE

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SEC MEDIA

Western 1, LSU 2, Alabama 3, Arkansas 4, Auburn 5, Texas A&M 6, MSU 7, Ole Miss

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THE 10 BEST SEC GAMES

10, Florida at Tennessee, Sept. 15 9, Auburn at Alabama, Nov. 24 8, Arkansas at Auburn, Oct. 6 7, South Carolina at Florida, Oct. 20 6, South Carolina at LSU, Oct. 6 5, Florida vs. Georgia in Jacksonville, Oct. 27 4, Georgia at South Carolina, Oct. 6 3, LSU at Arkansas, Nov. 24 2, Alabama at Arkansas, Sept. 15 1, Alabama at LSU, Nov. 3

THE 10 BEST NONLEAGUE GAMES

10, Texas at Ole Miss, Sept. 15 9, Texas A&M at SMU, Sept. 15 8. Arizona State at Missouri, Sept. 15 7, Washington at LSU, Sept. 8 6, N.C. State vs. Tennessee in Atlanta, Aug. 31 5, Auburn vs. Clemson in Atlanta, Sept. 1 4, Georgia Tech at Georgia, Nov. 24 3, Florida at Florida State, Nov. 24 2, South Carolina at Clemson, Nov. 24 1, Alabama vs. Michigan in Arlington, Texas, Sept. 1

Rivals.com (MCT)

PHIL STEELE

Western 1, LSU 2, Alabama 3, Arkansas 4, MSU 5, Auburn 6, Texas A&M 7, Ole Miss

Eastern 1, Florida 2, Georgia 3, So. Carolina 4, Tennessee 5, Missouri 6, Vanderbilt 7, Kentucky

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RIVALS.COM

Western 1, LSU 2, Alabama 3, Arkansas 4, Texas A&M 5, Auburn 6, MSU 7, Ole Miss

Eastern 1, So. Carolina 2, Georgia 3, Florida 4, Missouri 5, Tennessee 6, Vanderbilt 7, Kentucky

VANDERBILT

www.vucommodores.com A30 South Carolina, 6 p.m.

S8 at Northwestern, 7 p.m.

S15 Presbyterian, 11:30 a.m.

S22 at Georgia O6 at Missouri O13 Florida O20 Auburn O27 UMass N3 at Kentucky N10 at Ole Miss N17 Tennessee N24 at Wake Forest

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SEC East – Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina. They also get Auburn, Arkansas and Texas A&M at home.

Yes, there are road games against Alabama and LSU, but the Bulldogs weren’t going to win those even if they were played in Dan Mullen’s backyard with Mullen and his family as officials.

It’s better to have Auburn, Arkansas and A&M visiting than the Tide and the Tigers.

Brad Locke’s take on the schedule, 10B

PRESEASON PICKS

Eastern 1, Georgia 2, So. Carolina 3, Florida 4, Missouri 5, Tennessee 6, Vanderbilt 7, Kentucky

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

DAILY JOURNAL

Better depth may rewrite MSU’s fourth-quarter story STARKVILLE he fourth quarter tends to separate the good from the great, and it’s that chasm Mississippi State is trying to cross this season.

A team’s greatest weaknesses surface in the fourth quarter. For MSU, those weaknesses have been depth and an inability to make timely plays, and the former is often a culprit in the latter.

The numbers from 2011 bear it out. MSU OPENER was 1-4 in SEC games Jackson State decided by 14 points Saturday, 6 p.m. or less. In those four losses, it entered the fourth quarter with the opponent still within striking distance.

In a 41-34 loss at Auburn, State entered the fourth down by seven points.

In a 19-6 loss to LSU, the Bulldogs trailed by three by that point. In a 1412 loss to South Carolina, the teams were tied entering the final frame. In a 24-7 loss to Alabama, MSU was down 10 after three periods.

MSU was outscored 31-19 in the fourth quarter in those four losses.

That’s the most important stat, but

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S1 S10 S15 S24 O1 O8 O15 O29 N5 N12 N19 N26 D30

BULLDOGS INSIDER

2011: 7-6 (2-6 SEC) at Memphis at Auburn LSU Louisiana Tech, OT at Georgia at UAB South Carolina at Kentucky UT Martin Alabama at Arkansas Ole Miss Wake Forest

there are other numbers, and this one’s interesting: In the final quarter of those games, MSU’s third-down conversion rate was 46.7 percent (7 of 15), while its opponents’ was 40 percent (6 of 15).

BRAD I suppose that LOCKE tells us that things were fairly even save for a big play or two here and there. Like in the South Carolina game, when Alshon Jeffery leaped over a shorter Corey Broomfield for the game-winning touchdown. Or the Auburn game, when Chris Relf was stopped inches shy of the goal line on the game’s final play.

Why couldn’t the Bulldogs make those plays? Does it go back to depth and the simple fact that they were dogtired by the fourth quarter? Some players believe so.

“If we did have more depth, it might be a little better,” senior defensive tackle Josh Boyd said. “I think it’s going

W, 59-14 L, 41-34 L, 19-6 W, 26-20 L, 24-10 W, 21-3 L, 14-12 W, 28-16 W, 55-17 L, 24-7 L, 44-17 W, 31-3 W, 23-17

RETURNING LEADERS

SIGNIFICANT STATS

In the Auburn game, State held possession for 10:45 in the fourth, yet managed only seven points. MSU’s average time of possession in the fourth quarter in SEC play was 6:30, meaning opponents averaged 8:30. That’s a significant margin.

The overwhelming consensus among MSU players and coaches is that the depth is much improved this season, and thus the fourth quarter won’t be as problematic as in the past.

If so, the Bulldogs could take a step toward great.

Brad Locke (brad.locke@journalinc.com) covers Mississippi State for the Daily Journal and blogs daily at DJournal.com.

AP

Dan Mullen has guided Mississippi State to back-to-back bowl wins.

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Passing: Tyler Russell 1212 yards, 8 TDs Rushing: LaDarius Perkins 87-422-2 Nick Griffin 16-108-1 Receiving: Chris Smith 35-330-2 Arceto Clark 30-442-4 Chad Bumphis 25-339-3 Tackles: Cam Lawrence 123 (50 solo) Johnthan Banks 71 (46 solo)

Classic Finishes

to change this year.”

The defense had good reason to be worn down last year. In the eight SEC games, MSU won the fourth-quarter time of possession battle three times, and went 1-2 in those games. That one win was the 31-3 trouncing of Ole Miss; the fourth was meaningless. One of those two losses was to Arkansas – by 27 points.

Meaningless.

LAST 10 SEASONS

SEC All 2011 2-6 7-6 2010 4-4 9-4 2009 2-5 5-7 2008 2-6 4-8 2007 4-4 8-5 2006 1-7 3-9 2005 1-7 3-8 2004 2-6 3-8 2003 1-7 2-10 2002 0-8 3-9 All-time: 506-544-39

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

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Rebels will first focus on being 60-minute men OXFORD his is the time of year for the question. Are you excited about football season?

If you’re an Ole Miss fan the answer is “yes,” but it might be the 2013 or 2014 season that generates the most excitement.

As the Rebels close Camp Wilderness, they will soon place all of their attention on Central Arkansas, the first opponent of the Hugh Freeze Era. This season may ultimately produce excitement. Right now, it OPENER produces concern Central more than it produces Arkansas hope.

Saturday, 6 p.m.

Most of what we know about Freeze’s debut team isn’t good. Lack of talent, lack of depth. Unproven quarterbacks, little experience at running back.

Considering all of the above, Freeze talks about competing for 60 minutes rather than winning and losing football games.

That’s not a bad plan for a team that was outscored 110-13 in its final three games, the ones after the firing of for-

T

mer coach Houston Nutt was announced.

When considering last year’s team to get a read on this year’s, the last three games should be subtracted. Too many distractions, too little attention to PARRISH daily preparation by ALFORD many different parties during that time.

Before the tragic tripleheader the Rebels had plenty of other problems, but they were competitive with chances to win against BYU, Arkansas, Kentucky and were tied in the middle of the third quarter at Auburn.

Barry Brunetti says when last year’s team was “hit in the mouth” it didn’t respond.

If Freeze, the motivational speaker, can help the Rebels answer the competition question, winning a few games is not a stretch to believe.

Competing for 60 minutes is important. It will eliminate embarrassing losses like 52-7 against Alabama, 52-3

against LSU and 30-7 against Vanderbilt.

While Freeze focuses on competing, fans will share that focus to a degree.

They won’t completely discount wins and losses, however.

THE WAY FORWARD

This team needs to find a way to win the non-conference games that on paper seem manageable – Central Arkansas, UTEP and Tulane. Losing one of those would be an emotional setback that would make belief harder.

After that, the Rebels need to find a way to break the SEC losing streak which stands at 14 games.

That combination would send a message that the program is on the right track, and when Football Journal is produced a year from now the excitement question will receive an enthusiastic “yes” in response.

Win the ones they’re supposed to, and break the streak. They seem like simple goals, but nothing is simple about Ole Miss football right now. It’s a long road back from oblivion.

Parrish Alford (parrish.alford@journalinc.com) covers Ole Miss for the Daily Journal. He blogs daily at Djournal.com. |

S3 S10 S17 S24 O1 O15 O22 O29 N5 N12 N19 N26

REBELS INSIDER

2011: 2-10 (0-8 SEC) BYU Southern Illinois at Vanderbilt Georgia at Fresno State Alabama Arkansas at Auburn at Kentucky Louisiana Tech LSU at Mississippi State

L, 14-13 W, 42-24 L, 30-7 L, 27-13 W, 38-28 L, 52-7 L, 29-24 L, 41-23 L, 30-13 L, 27-7 L, 52-3 L, 31-3

C. TODD SHERMAN | DAILY JOURNAL

Hugh Freeze is at the helm of an Ole Miss program that lost 14 consecutive SEC games under its previous coaching staff. |

RETURNING LEADERS

Passing: Randall Mackey 1112, 7 TDs Barry Brunetti 144, 0 TDs Rushing: Jeff Scott 116-529-6 Randall Mackey 83-180-1 Barry Brunetti 33-110-0 Receiving: Donte Moncrief 31-454-4 Ja-Mes Logan 20-274-0 Tackles: Mike Marry 81 (46 solo) Charles Sawyer 70 (45 solo)

LAST 10 SEASONS

SEC All 2011 0-8 2-10 2010 1-7 4-8 2009 4-4 9-4 2008 5-3 9-4 2007 0-8 3-9 2006 2-6 4-8 2005 1-7 3-8 2004 3-5 4-7 2003 7-1 10-3 2002 3-5 7-6 All-time: 621-486-35

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

FOOTBALL JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

Johnthan Banks East Webster product is the face of the 2012 Bulldogs

BY BRAD LOCKE DAILY JOURNAL

STARKVILLE – For Johnthan Banks, the right time and the right place converged on the night of Oct. 24, 2009.

Tim Tebow and No. 1 Florida were in town. Banks was a freshman safety, a scrawny kid from nearby East Webster High School who wasn’t fully sure he belonged on this field on this night. Then a fortuitous bounce changed everything.

With Florida threatening to score in the second quarter, Tebow dropped back and released a pass under pressure. Cornerback Corey Broomfield tipped it, and there was Banks waiting on it at the goal line. He raced 100 yards for the touchdown.

Then he did it again in the fourth quarter, picking off Tebow and taking it 20 yards to paydirt. MSU lost the game, 29-19, but Banks gained something invaluable.

“I kind of doubted myself,” Banks said. “I’m coming from (Class) 1A to Division I, where in 1A you really don’t (face) much talent. I really never knew how good I really was until I picked off Tim Tebow twice.”

Confidence can be a delicate thing, but Banks had plenty of it after that game. It hasn’t abated, and the senior now stands as one of the country’s top cornerbacks. His 12 career interceptions are four shy of Walt Harris’ school record.

Cornerbacks coach Melvin Smith said he didn’t notice any change in Banks after the Florida game. He knew the ability was there and that it would manifest itself at some point.

Smith saw the potential in Banks early on.

“The first day I threw him a ball, and the first day I saw him run down there on kickoffs. And I told our receiver coach, who was Mark Hudspeth at the time, I said, man, if I was the receiver coach, I’d try and get Banks. Coach (Tony) Hughes told me, ‘Melvin, you know he’s the best corner you’ve got in your group.’

“And that was before he did anything.”

MR. EVERYTHING

Banks did a lot of things at East Webster. Everything, in fact.

On the football team, he was a dualthreat quarterback, receiver, defensive

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL

MSU’s Johnthan Banks, who played high school football at East Webster, made his first big splash in college football when he returned a pair of Tim Tebow passes for touchdowns in 2009. back, and punt and kick returner. He also led the school’s baseball and basketball teams to state championships.

It was Banks’ versatility that drew coach Dan Mullen’s eye when putting together his first MSU signing class.

“He did it all,” Mullen said. “That’s something, to me, that I like because he’s a ball player, and ball players are going to find a way to get on the field for you at some place.”

Being from tiny Maben, Banks was off the beaten recruiting path. His only major offer came from MSU, not that other offers would’ve mattered. Banks never considered going anywhere else.

Maben is about 20 miles west of Starkville, and Banks didn’t want to stray too far from home.

He likes being able to drive to Maben at the end of the day to see his family and girlfriend, and then returning to

ally play with Alabama and Florida?” quarterback Tyler Russell said. “You watch them as a kid, and they’re always on TV, and it’s in the back of your mind.

But now the times are changing, and anybody in the SEC can win at any given time.”

COLLECTIVE CONFIDENCE MSU has come a long way since that 2009 season. When Banks considers Banks has become the face of the how far he’s come as a player, he goes Bulldogs this year. Coming off back-toback to that Florida game. back winning seasons, including a 7-6 “When I picked those two balls off, mark last year, MSU harbors hopes of not just competing in the SEC’s unforsometimes I think it was luck, because both of them came off tipped balls,” he givable Western Division, but winning. said. “I realized I was out there with State has played teams like Alabama and LSU tough, but hasn’t gotten over grown men, and Florida probably had the hump. But there is a collective confi- about, what, 10 or 11 that’s in the NFL right now. We had three or four that’s in dence that they can hang with the SEC the NFL. elite, and the seed of that confidence “I realized I’m out here with grown was planted in that Florida game.

“I think a lot of people that come to men, and I can really do this if I really Mississippi State might think, can we re- put the time and hard work into it.”

campus the next morning.

“When I was a freshman, I haven’t been through no stuff like what I learned at Mississippi State,” he said. “If I went to a school farther off, I’d probably have been back at home.”

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

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Donte Moncrief

Rebels’ leading receiver embraces challenge to be a leader

BY PARRISH ALFORD DAILY JOURNAL

OXFORD – In this election year, the candidate who swings through the Ole Miss campus calling for hope and change will certainly get people listening.

Change is a top priority after a 2-10 and 0-8 SEC finish.

It’s hard to imagine worse times for Donte Moncrief and his teammates than those last three games in 2011, lopsided affairs after the firing of former coach Houston Nutt was announced. Nutt and his staff remained to coach those games, and the Rebels were outscored 110-13 in losses to Louisiana Tech, LSU Moncrief and rival Mississippi State.

“In your head you’re saying, ‘I’ve got to do something to change this,’ but it was hard, we weren’t together as much as a team. We’re trying to change it now.

We want the outcome to be different,” said Moncrief, a 6-foot-2, 214-pound wide receiver.

While Nutt pledged the full attention and effort of he and his staff until the end, the visible results support Moncrief’s theory of disarray. He sums it up with a sort of “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” remembrance.

“Going through that situation, was a DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL FILE great experience, but it was hard at the same time. To me, I don’t think anything Donte Moncrief had his most productive game last season against Arkansas, scoring on catches of 31 and 4 yards. could be harder than that,” Moncrief | | had three different starting quarterbacks at SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala. said.

Freeze coached wide receivers his final At the dawn of the Hugh Freeze Era, and ranked 11th in the SEC, No. 107 in season as an Ole Miss assistant under Ed Ole Miss fans long for change, and Mon- the nation in passing the football.

Orgeron and has high praise for the type “It was kind of hard at the time. As a crief is viewed as an avenue to get there.

Opponent Catches In a recruiting class heavy with wide freshman you’re trying to get used to one of player he believes Moncrief can beBYU 3-16-0 receivers, there was always a buzz about quarterback, but we were switching and come.

Southern Illinois 2-19-0 “The last stint I was at Ole Miss, I switching,” he said.

Moncrief, and this time a year ago he Vanderbilt 1-47-1 counted up, we had 18 players go to the didn’t disappoint, quickly gaining re3-68-1 NFL out of those three recruiting classes. Georgia CHANCE FOR GREATNESS? spect from his peers, trust from the Fresno State 1-57-0 I do believe that Donte has a chance to coaching staff.

Freeze would like to see Moncrief imAlabama 0-0-0 be of that same caliber,” Freeze said. “I Success in camp led to a full-time role, prove his route running, but there’s not Arkansas 5-73-2 say that, because I coached Mike Walmuch left to criticize in the total packand Moncrief started all 12 games as a 3-34-0 lace, Shay Hodge and Dexter McCluster.” Auburn rookie. age. He can’t guarantee that Moncrief 4-68-0 In 12 months, Moncrief has embraced Kentucky He went on the lead the Rebels in every will see only one quarterback, but the Louisiana Tech 4-57-0 the transition from freshman to team competition under center has been major receiving category, posting 31 LSU 1-(-5)-0 leader and the expectations that go whittled to two: Barry Brunetti and Bo catches for 454 yards, four touchdowns Mississippi State 4-20-0 along with change.

Wallace. and an average of 14.6 yards a catch.

“It’s a little pressure, but it’s something His best game was against Arkansas Moncrief – who has worked through a 12 games: 31-454-4 thigh injury in camp – has been an exI’ve always wanted since I was a child. with five catches for 73 yards and two I’ve got to take the pressure and be a man ample off the field also and was among touchdowns. about the situation and help my team.”

The numbers came on an offense that the three players accompanying Freeze

2011 STATS

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

FOOTBALL JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

The Bulldogs: Position by position breakdown OFFENSE QUARTERBACKS

This offense now belongs to Tyler Russell, who’s expected to make the passing game more competent than it’s been in a while.

The fourth-year junior from Meridian has been a part-timer the past two years, completing 55.7 percent of his passes for 1,669 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

With an experienced receiving corps at his disposal and greater command of the playbook, Russell is expected by coach Dan Mullen to have a “huge year.” Mullen has said the Bulldogs will be a more “vertical” passing team this fall.

The main concern with Russell is whether he can stay healthy – he missed time last year with a pair of knee injuries.

Backing him up is redshirt freshman Dak Prescott, the only other scholarship QB on the roster. He’s a dual-threat QB who coaches want to get on the field early in the season when the situations are right.

RUNNING BACKS

Gone is 1,100-yard rusher Vick Ballard, but the backfield is home to an intriguing mix of talent.

Junior LaDarius Perkins is the veteran of the group, having rushed for 988 yards and five touchdowns his first two seasons. The speedster is also a threat out of the backfield, with 22 catches for 306 yards and five TDs. He’s being challenged for the starting job by sophomore Nick Griffin, who’s bigger and a more typical power back. Coming off a knee injury his redshirt year, Griffin saw limited time in 2011, gaining 108 yards on 16 carries with a touchdown. His build and first-cut ability could get Griffin a lot of carries this season, and he and Perkins are certainly expected to get most of the touches.

A pair of redshirt freshmen have made an impression since the spring. Josh Robinson (5foot-9, 215) and Derrick Milton (6-0, 205) have both proved tough to tackle, and the compactly built Robinson brings a good dose of speed to the table.

OFFENSIVE LINE

This area is the biggest question mark on MSU’s team – offense, defense or otherwise. Injuries beset the line last season, and several starting candidates have yet to prove their mettle on game day.

Blaine Clausell is one of those. Last year, as a redshirt freshman, he split time at left tackle with James Carmon, who’s graduated. Clausell made four starts, and he’s now battling classmate Archie Muniz for the starting job. One thing that could help Clausell is the additional weight he’s put on. He’s listed at 305, but early in camp was reportedly heavier than that.

At right tackle, sophomore Damien Robinson and juco transfer Charles Siddoway are both going at it. Line coach John Hevesy has said he doesn’t think in terms of left and right, but that he has four tackles and is trying to figure out who the best two are.

MSU is pretty solid on the interior, especially if oft-injured right guard Tobias Smith stays healthy. Gabe Jackson is an All-SEC left guard,

playing Cox’s three-technique position.

Virges is taking over Boyd’s old job, with the Jones boys (not related) backing up Boyd. This is a multiple defense, so all sorts of combinations are possible.

Kaleb Eulls, the starting left defensive end, might even see some time at tackle. The sophomore is expected to help State beef up its pass rush, but the biggest factor there is juco transfer Denico Autry. An NJCAA All-American at East Mississippi CC last year, Autry is a speed rusher who’s working to develop an all-around game.

He’s battling senior Shane McCardell, who has made noticeable improvements this offseason.

LINEBACKERS

This time a year ago, linebacker was a major concern. But new position coach Geoff Collins whipped them into shape, and entering his second year at MSU has turned them into a real strength.

Weakside linebacker Cam Lawrence, a senior, is the SEC’s top returning tackler, but strongside Deontae Skinner might be the best of the group. Over the final three games of 2011, he recorded 22 tackles, 3.5 tackles-for-loss and two forced fumbles.

Between Lawrence and Skinner, a battle is raging at middle linebacker between sophomore Ferlando Bohanna and 6-5 redshirt freshman Benardrick McKinney. Coaches seem to be happy with whichever player is on the field.

Depth has become a strength here. Chris Hughes, Christian Holmes and Matt Wells are all making good progress, according to Collins.

SECONDARY

MSU has one of the league’s best cornerback units, with preseason All-American Johnthan Banks joined by fellow seniors Corey Broomfield and Darius Slay.

Banks, who had five interceptions last season, might be the best corner in the SEC. Slay looks to have pushed Broomfield out of a starting job, but the latter will still get plenty of snaps – if not at corner then at nickelback and THOMAS WELLS | DAILY JOURNAL FILE safety.

Speaking of safeties, hard-hitting junior Tyler Russell has been handed the keys as the unquestioned starter at quarterback Nickoe Whitley looks healthy after suffering a for Mississippi State this fall. ruptured Achilles’ tendon late last season. Dee and sophomore Dillon Day has taken command consistency and be a game-breaker this fall. He Arrington is expected to start at strong safety and Bumphis are both expected to take some at center after sliding into that role last year. and is backed up by senior Louis Watson, a snaps in the wildcat formation. converted cornerback. Jay Hughes, who played At tight end, big-play sophomore Malcolm RECEIVERS in all 13 games last year, is a key reserve.

Johnson is out with an unspecified injury. But Four seniors lead this deep group: Chad Bumphis, Arceto Clark, Brandon Heavens and Marcus Green was granted a sixth year of eligiSPECIAL TEAMS bility and is healthy again.

Chris Smith. But the man drawing the bulk of attention is redshirt freshman Joe Morrow.

MSU has a little intrigue at the kicker position.

At 6-4, 205 pounds, Morrow gives MSU someDerek DePasquale is gone, and now there is a DEFENSE thing it’s not had in the passing game in a long battle between freshman Devon Bell and several time. He’s an athletic, big target who should be DEFENSIVE LINE walk-ons. Brian Egan, who handled the bulk of Fletcher Cox left early for the NFL, but this able to help MSU stretch the field. kickoff duties last season, is no longer with the might be the deepest group MSU has had under team.

The four seniors have combined for 260 catches, 3,245 yards and 25 touchdowns in their Mullen. Senior Josh Boyd is the anchor at Punter Baker Swedenburg returns, and he tackle, and he’s got plenty of help. Curtis Virges, had a very consistent leg last year while averagcareers. Bumphis is looking to regain the form P.J. Jones, Devin Jones, Dewayne Cherrington ing 41.8 yards per punt. that made him the team’s leading receiver his and Quay Evans will all find a place in the rotafirst two years; last season he was third in Banks and Bumphis will again split handle catches (25) and second in yards (339). tion. punt return duties, while Lewis and Perkins will Coaches are hopeful that sophomore Jameon Boyd has 15.5 tackles-for-loss and 8.0 sacks be deep on kickoffs. for his career as a nose tackle. But he’s now Lewis, a speedy slot receiver, can find some Compiled by Brad Locke

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8E

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

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9E

The Rebels: Position by position breakdown OFFENSE QUARTERBACKS

Neither Barry Brunetti nor junior college transfer Bo Wallace has emerged to take a firm grip on the job.

Perhaps Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze saw that coming. He spoke in the off-season about his willingness to play two quarterbacks, saying it could be several games into the season before the picture becomes more clear.

He has maintained that position.

Wallace is considered the better passer and at 6-foot-4 sees the field better. Brunetti is the better runner, and throughout his career has been a leader off the field. However, listed at 6-feet tall, he’s had trouble with passes batted at the line of scrimmage.

Former Itawamba AHS star Maikhail Miller has done some good things in camp and has established himself as a third on the depth chart.

In an emergency situation, Freeze would also have the option to move Randall Mackey, who started six games last year, from running back to quarterback.

RUNNING BACKS

A position that opened camp with little experience behind starter Jeff Scott has grown its own depth. So much so that the role of the junior Scott – who missed a great deal of camp with injury – is a bit unclear.

Mackey has had such a good month at the position, it’s clear he’ll play a large part in plans. He has the quickness and elusiveness to make plays, and he has shown himself to be a more physical runner than a year ago when scrambling from the pocket.

Fifth-year senior Devin Thomas and Nick Parker a third-year sophomore, are program veterans who haven’t gotten on the field much.

Parker has dropped weight to get below 230 pounds and could be a candidate as a “banger” at the middle.

Freshmen I’Tavius Mathers and Jaylen Walton have done good things in camp and will have the opportunity to earn early playing time. One may redshirt, but that will be a tough call based on what they’ve shown so far.

OFFENSIVE LINE

A group already thin at tackle became thinner in the spring with the departure of Matt Hall, a 12-game starter last year, for personal reasons.

Matt Luke, co-offensive coordinator, is a former Ole Miss lineman. He did most of the heavy lifting with this group in the spring. Camp, except for minor tweaks, has been about building depth.

The starting interior includes junior Evan Swindall at center; former center A.J. Hawkins, a senior, at right guard; and sophomore redshirt freshman Justin Bell at left guard.

Coaches like the talent of sophomore Aaron Morris but have been trying to get him to play harder. Morris, who started six games last year, missed a few camp workouts with an injury, and Bell moved into the lineup. There’s been competition at the position as Morris has had productive workouts recently.

At left tackle, Emmanuel McCray is in his

The table is set for big contributions early from freshman Channing Ward, from Aberdeen, if he quickly grasps the system after being cleared to join the team only a week ago.

LINEBACKERS

There are only two in the 4-2-5 scheme preferred by defensive coordinator Dave Wommack. It’s necessary, he says, to get more speed on the field in the form of safeties playing near the line of scrimmage.

Wommack says he has the ability to go big and to a traditional 4-3 with a third linebacker when necessary.

Otherwise, look for junior Mike Marry in the middle and senior Aaron Garbutt at one side.

Denzel Nkemdiche, brother of the nation’s top recruit – defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche – will back up Garbutt. Senior Joel Kight is playing behind Marry. Kight has 114 career tackles in 15 starts over the last two years.

SECONDARY

In spite of missing spring drills while playing baseball, Senquez Golson stepped into a starting cornerback spot the first day of camp. Senior Wesley Pendleton is expected to hold down the other cornerback spot.

The emergence of Golson has allowed junior AP college transfer Dehendret Collins – a fast study Randall Mackey, a quarterback last season who was moved to receiver in the after enrolling in December to go through spring drills – to move inside to what the staff calls its spring, will get a chance to make plays as a running back this fall. “husky” position.

The secondary took a hit on the second day of fourth year in the program, but has little game DEFENSE practice when junior Charles Sawyer, one of the experience.

DEFENSIVE LINE team’s best players, sustained a torn quad. He’s There are high expectations for junior college As with most positions on the rebuilding team, expected to be back in time for the first game. transfer Pierce Burton at right tackle. Burton there aren’t a lot of experienced SEC players, but With Sawyer out, there have been extra reps successfully fended off a camp challenge from on the defensive line there are a lot of possibilifor freshmen Trae Elston and Quintavius Burjunior Patrick Junen. dette. That’s been helpful, because both of those Junen, however, may be more valuable to the ties – particularly at the interior spots.

Bryon Bennett and junior college transfer have been expected to contribute this season. team as a jack-of-all-trades. He’s played both Uriah Grant combined for 15 starts and 4.5 Cody Prewitt and Chief Brown are the tackles and both guard positions. tackles for loss last year. starters at safety.

Bennett has progressed, though Grant missed RECEIVERS While the 2011 signing class had plenty of star much of the spring and early camp with a shoulSPECIAL TEAMS power at receiver, Donte Moncrief was the only der injury. Grant is expected to quickly work his This is the only position on the team where the one who showed himself mentally ready to make way into the rotation.

One of the brightest spots in practice has been Rebels return both ability and experience. the jump to college football. true freshman Issac Gross. Coaches believe his Senior punter Tyler Campbell was the NCAA His work ethic allowed him to earn a starting quickness will off-set his 270-pound frame. champion two years ago. Last year his average role early. He led the Rebels in every receiving Grant’s absence in the spring allowed lots of dipped to 43.6, still among the leaders in the category and is poised for a big sophomore year.

SEC, but he showed his versatility on the rugby The absence of academic casualty Nick Bras- playing time for redshirt freshman Woodrow Hamilton and third-year sophomore Carlton punt, rolling out of the pocket and punting on the sell subtracts a playmaker, but the group as a Martin. Both have progressed. run to get more of a roll. It was a move that inwhole has dependable hands. Junior Ja-Mes Coaches also expect more from senior Gilbert creased the Rebels’ net punting.

Logan brings two years of experience. Vincent Pena, who struggled with conditioning and a Senior place kicker Bryson Rose was 9 forSanders, a third-year sophomore, had a good hand injury last year as a first-year junior college 11 on field goals last year, his first miss ending a spring and is having a good camp. streak of 17 made kicks over two years. One Freeze has been vocal about building depth at transfer. He has shed weight, gained quickness and still checks in at 326 pounds. more would have tied a 27-year-old SEC record. the position, and that became more difficult the In short, there are parts and pieces to work Rose has gotten stronger, and freshman second day of practice when sophomore Collins with on the interior, enough that the coaches can Nathan Noble has has a good camp. Either Moore sustained a dislocated shoulder, and MRI develop a true rotation and keep players’ fresh. could handle kickoffs, and Freeze is pondering a results showed a torn labrum. He has made a That’s not necessarily true at the end spots. redshirt season for senior Andrew Ritter. That quick return and will play with a brace.

A lot of hopes are riding on sophomore C.J. would give the Rebels an experienced placement The leading candidates to take over Moore’s Johnson, the converted linebacker. Senior E.J. kicker for 2013. inside receiver position are juniors Korvic Neat Epperson – who spent his first four years at tight Scott and Moore are candidates to handle and Philander Moore. end – has been running first team. punt returns. Scott, Elston and Mackey could figFreshman Cody Core has had an impressive Junior Cameron Whigham offers some expe- ure into the kick return game. camp and will find a spot in a rotation that could rience, and sophomore Ralph Williams has include as many as eight players. been moved to end from linebacker.

Compiled by Parrish Alford

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

FOOTBALL JOURNAL

MSU schedule analysis The Journal’s Brad Locke takes a look at the Mississippi State schedule and projects the likely winners:

close for comfort. MSU OCT. 20, MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE: This game falls between what could be a tough Tennessee game and a road trip to Alabama. Trap SEPT. 1, JACKSON STATE: For the second game? Perhaps, but Middle Tennessee went 2time in four years, MSU opens the season against 10 last season. MSU downstate foe JSU. This begins a cupcake nonOCT. 27, AT ALABAMA: The reigning national SEC schedule for the Bulldogs, although it’s nochamps look tough again, although some think table that the Tigers had the most prolific offense the Tide is a bit vulnerable on defense. Maybe in I-AA last year. Likely winner: MSU MSU can get Alabama looking ahead to the next SEPT. 8, AUBURN: MSU has lost four in a row week’s matchup at LSU. Maybe not. ALABAMA and 10 of its last 11 against Auburn. This is Dan NOV. 3, TEXAS A&M: One of the new guys Mullen’s shot to beat a Western Division team come to Starkville, but MSU is familiar with the besides Ole Miss, and it might be the biggest Aggies’ new coach, Kevin Sumlin. He previously swing game of the season. MSU coached at Houston and beat the Bulldogs in SEPT. 15, AT TROY: State makes its first trip to 2009 – in Starkville. MSU this Sun Belt Conference member. Troy is norNOV. 10, AT LSU: MSU hasn’t won in Baton mally a strong program but slipped last year, Rouge since 1991, a losing streak of 10 games. going 3-9. MSU The Tigers are again contenders for a national SEPT. 22, SOUTH ALABAMA: The Jaguars are title, and this time they look to have a real throwa transitional I-A program and will join the Sun ing quarterback, Zach Mettenberger. LSU Belt next season. They’ve had some success NOV. 17, ARKANSAS: The Bobby Petrino saga their first three years of existence. MSU diverted a lot of attention from the fact that a ton OCT. 6, AT KENTUCKY: Because of the reshuf- of talent returns to this team, especially on offled SEC schedule, MSU is going to Lexington for fense. If rent-a-coach John L. Smith can hold it the second consecutive year. Kentucky isn’t very together, Arkansas could be in a great position by good, but this is still an important road test for this point. ARKANSAS State. Mullen is 5-7 in SEC road games. MSU NOV. 24, AT OLE MISS: Mullen has owned Ole OCT. 13, TENNESSEE: The Volunteers are exMiss, winning his first three Egg Bowls. Hugh pected to have a strong offense this year with a Freeze is trying to revive the Rebels, and winning healthy QB Tyler Bray, but coach Derek Dooley’s this game at home would be a great start for job might be on the line. This game could be too him. MSU

DAILY JOURNAL

Ole Miss schedule analysis The Journal’s Parrish Alford takes a for the Rebels is to be more competitive than a look at the Ole Miss schedule and proj- 52-7 loss in Oxford last year. ALABAMA ects the likely winners: OCT. 6, TEXAS A&M: The Aggies’ first SEC road trip. The Rebels benefit from having seen SEPT. 1, CENTRAL ARKANSAS: How many spread offenses against UTEP and Tulane. In a times will the 2010 Jacksonville State game, a close one, TEXAS A&M stunning 49-48 Ole Miss loss in overtime, be OCT. 13, AUBURN: The SEC losing streak referenced by the new coaching staff? Still, the ends here. It’s mid-season, and the Rebels Rebels come out and play with energy – and “find” themselves with their new offense more play for 60 minutes – in Hugh Freeze’s first than Auburn does with its. Bo Wallace shines game as head coach. Likely winner: OLE against a rebuilding Auburn defense. OLE MISS MISS OCT. 27, AT ARKANSAS: Razorbacks QB SEPT. 8, UTEP: The Rebels have had a good Tyler Wilson is accurate, and the Hogs get their preseason defensively. This will be a big test running game going too. Arkansas gets a win against an offense that can put up some points. as Houston Nutt flips the coin in Little Rock, his OLE MISS hometown. ARKANSAS SEPT. 15, TEXAS: The Longhorns are loaded NOV. 3, AT GEORGIA: The Bulldogs’ defense, on defense with a unit led by a coordinator, with nine returning starters, keeps the Rebels Manny Diaz, who had success against the in check. GEORGIA Rebels while coaching for Mississippi State.

NOV. 10, VANDERBILT: Zac Stacy has a big The Rebels won’t win this game, but if they do game, and the Commodores run their winning indeed enter 2-0 it will be an electric atmosstreak against the Rebels to three games. VANphere and a great chance to gauge improveDERBILT ment. TEXAS NOV. 17, AT LSU: Before 2011, this tradiSEPT. 22, AT TULANE: The first road trip of tional rivalry game was usually close regardthe year comes against a team that is also less of circumstances. It’s close again, but the transitioning with a new head coach. The Tigers’ depth at running back wears down the Rebels rebound to improve to 3-1. OLE MISS Rebels. LSU SEPT. 29, AT ALABAMA: The Rebels strugNOV. 24, MISSISSIPPI STATE: Just like gle to get anything going offensively against a 2009, the favored team is the visiting team and Crimson Tide team that will be strong in spite loses because the home team wants it more. of seven lost starters on defense. The challenge OLE MISS

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10E

SEC coaches in the spotlight COACH ON THE HOTTEST SEAT

TENNESSEE’S DEREK DOOLEY: He sits on the hottest seat in the country. The Volunteers are 10-14 in his two seasons, but the poor record isn’t all his fault.

He has had to live with the poor recruiting efforts made by predecessors Phil Fulmer and Lane Kiffin. The Vols have had just three players selected in the past two NFL drafts combined; from 2006-10, Tennessee had a combined seven first-rounders.

Still, three seasons to show your stuff now seems the going rate for a coach in the SEC, so now is the time for the Vols to show some improvement. The athletic director who hired him (Mike Hamilton) is gone, which doesn’t help Dooley’s job security.

BEST COACHING STAFF

ALABAMA: Nick Saban is the best head coach in college football, so it should not be a surprise that he has a great staff surrounding him.

Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart doesn’t get enough credit for his work. Burton Burns does an excellent job as running backs coach. Secondary coach Jeremy Pruitt should be a coordinator soon. Strength coach Scott Cochran (an LSU alum) also does a great job.

Worth watching is how new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier works out this fall. He was hired off Washington’s staff, but he didn’t call plays with the Huskies.

BEST OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

MISSOURI’S DAVID YOST: The laid-back Yost has a distinctive haircut (or non-haircut, more correctly), but he can coach – and he will get a chance to show it against SEC defenses this fall.

He was Mizzou’s quarterback coach before adding OC duties in 2009, so he deserves credit for helping develop QBs Brad Smith, Chase Daniel, Blaine Gabbert and James Franklin. Yost also is Yost Mizzou’s recruiting coordinator and kicking coach. His predecessor as coordinator was Dave Christensen, who has led Wyoming to two bowls in four seasons.

BEST DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

LSU’S JOHN CHAVIS: “The Chief” has been around the SEC since around, oh, 1953 or ’54, it seems. Actually, he worked at Tennessee from 1989-2008 and was coordinator from 19952008 before leaving for LSU. He likes an aggressive, attacking unit – he loves the zone blitz – and with the Tigers, he has a bunch of high-caliber athletes to do his bidding. At times, he takes too many chances, but a Chavis-led defense also is going to make a few big plays each game.

Rivals.com (MCT)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

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2011 LEAGUE STANDINGS

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11E

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EASTERN Georgia South Carolina Florida Vanderbilt Kentucky Tennessee

SEC 7-1 6-2 3-5 2-6 2-6 1-7

PF 234 206 166 169 94 92

PA 145 135 191 187 242 222

All 10-4 11-2 7-6 6-7 5-7 5-7

PF 448 391 331 347 190 244

PA 288 239 264 281 296 271

2010 Home 6-7 5-1 9-5 6-1 8-5 5-2 2-10 5-2 6-7 4-3 6-7 5-3

Div. 4-1 5-0 3-2 1-4 1-4 0-5

T25 2-4 2-1 0-5 0-3 0-4 0-5

Str. L2 W4 W1 L1 W1 L1

WESTERN LSU-x Alabama-# Arkansas Auburn Miss. State Ole Miss

SEC 8-0 7-1 6-2 4-4 2-6 0-8

PF 280 271 266 160 145 93

PA 67 67 197 246 185 292

All 13-1 12-1 11-2 8-5 7-6 2-10

PF 500 453 478 334 329 193

PA 158 106 289 376 256 385

2010 Home 11-2 6-0 10-3 6-1 10-3 7-0 14-0 6-1 9-4 3-3 4-8 1-6

Div. 5-0 4-1 3-2 2-3 1-4 0-5

T25 8-1 5-1 4-2 3-4 0-5 0-3

Str. L1 W4 W1 W1 W2 L7

x-SEC champion; #-BCS national champion; T25 = Games against teams in Top 25 at time of matchup |

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

Alabama 28, Florida 21 Florida 28, Alabama 13 Florida 24, Alabama 23 Florida 34, Arkansas 3 Florida 45, Alabama 30 Tennessee 30, Auburn 29 Tennessee 24, Miss. State 14 Alabama 34, Florida 7 Florida 28, Auburn 6 LSU 31, Tennessee 20

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

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Georgia 30, Arkansas 3 LSU 34, Georgia 13 Auburn 38, Tennessee 29 Georgia 34, LSU 14 Florida 38, Arkansas 28 LSU 21, Tennessee 14 Florida 31, Alabama 20 Alabama 32, Florida 13 Auburn 56, South Carolina 17 LSU 42, Georgia 10

NOTABLE: Eastern Division teams, led by Florida (7-3), still hold a 12-8 edge in league championship games against their Western rivals, although they have lost 4 of the last 5.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

DAILY JOURNAL

SEC West: Again, the cradle of champions ALABAMA

LAST SEASON: 12-1, 7-1 SEC RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 6, Defense 4, Special Teams 2 KEY PLAYERS: QB A.J. McCarron, LT Barrett Jones, LB Nico Johnson BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the defense replace some big losses on defense in order to make another BCS championship run?

BEST CASE: 12-0 WORST CASE: 9-3 QUOTABLE: “We have new people who have new opportunities. This is their opportunity to make this their team.” – Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban

AUBURN

LAST SEASON: 8-5, 4-4 SEC RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 7, Defense 9, Special Teams 2 KEY PLAYERS: LB Daren Bates, DE Corey Lemonier, RB Onterio McCalebb BIGGEST QUESTION: Can Auburn’s offense remain prolific without offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn?

BEST CASE: 8-4 WORST CASE: 6-6 QUOTABLE: “We need to get off to a strong start this season. Our schedule is definitely tough in the month of September.” – Tigers coach Gene Chizik

ARKANSAS

LSU

LAST SEASON: 13-1, 8-0 SEC LAST SEASON: 11-2, 6-2 SEC RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 7, RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 8, Defense 4, Special Teams 2 Defense 6, Special Teams 2 KEY PLAYERS: QB Zach MettenKEY PLAYERS: QB Tyler Wilson, RB berger, RB Spencer Ware, S Eric Reid Knile Davis, LB Alonzo Highsmith BIGGEST QUESTION: How dangerous BIGGEST QUESTION: Will Arkansas will this offense be with a strong passer, be able to fulfill its potential in the wake Mettenberger, finally under center? of the Bobby Petrino scandal and his unBEST CASE: 12-0 WORST CASE: 10expected departure?

2 BEST CASE: 11-1 WORST CASE: 8-4 QUOTABLE: “I think there’s an enjoyQUOTABLE: “We expect to be good ment with the idea that Zach can make offensively. We have to contribute on the that deep ball throw very comfortably.” other side of the ball, as well.” – Razor- – Tigers coach Les Miles backs coach John L. Smith

TEXAS A&M

LAST SEASON: 7-6, 4-5 Big 12 RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 8, Defense 6, Special Teams 1 KEY PLAYERS: RB Christine Michael, WR Ryan Swope, LB Sean Porter BIGGEST QUESTION: How well can the new guys handle the rigors of the stacked SEC Western Division with a new head coach?

BEST CASE: 7-5 WORST CASE: 5-7 QUOTABLE: “I think the combination of size and speed, particularly in the West, but in the SEC, is the differencemaker, and the depth in the front.” – Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin Compiled by Brad Locke

MISSISSIPPI STATE

BEST CASE: 10-2, with road losses to Alabama and LSU. WORST CASE: 6-6, if the Bulldogs’ franchise QB Tyler Russell gets an early season-ending injury.

OLE MISS

BEST CASE: 6-6, in which case Hugh Freeze should get a Nobel Prize for football coaching.

WORST CASE: 2-10 again.

John L. Pitts

MCT | FILE

Alabama coach Nick Saban has hoisted the BCS National Championship Trophy twice in the past three years.

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12E

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

13E

|

SEC East: Can anybody here best the West?

FLORIDA

LAST SEASON: 7-6, 3-5 SEC RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 7, Defense 10, Special Teams 2 KEY PLAYERS: LB Jon Bostic, DL Sharrif Floyd, RB Mike Gillislee BIGGEST QUESTION: Can new offensive coordinator Wayne Pease get production from young QBs and revive a sagging offense?

BEST CASE: 9-3 WORST CASE: 6-6 QUOTABLE: “People ask what will be different. We better score some points.

We will be a more downhill running game because of the backs we have.”

– Gators coach Will Muschamp

GEORGIA

QUOTABLE: “When you go into a BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the Vols league like this, you’re new. You have to get enough from their run game to help prove yourself, earn respect, and that’s a potent passing game?

KENTUCKY what we’re going to work hard to do.” – BEST CASE: 8-4 WORST CASE: 5-7 LAST SEASON: 5-7, 2-6 SEC Tigers coach Gary Pinkel QUOTABLE: “The SEC has enjoyed RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 6, taking advantage of our tough times, Defense 5, Special Teams 1 SOUTH CAROLINA but there’s a nice mood on our team KEY PLAYERS: WR La’Rod King, OL LAST SEASON: 11-2, 6-2 SEC right now, and you’re not going to have Larry Warford, DB Martavius Neloms RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 7, Tennessee to kick around any more.” – BIGGEST QUESTION: Can sophoDefense 6, Special Teams 0 Vols coach Derek Dooley more Maxwell Smith develop into a proKEY PLAYERS: RB Marcus Lattiductive SEC quarterback? more, DB D.J. Swearinger, DL Jadeveon VANDERBILT BEST CASE: 7-5 WORST CASE: 4-8 Clowney LAST SEASON: 6-7, 2-6 SEC QUOTABLE: “There were a lot of BIGGEST QUESTION: Is Lattimore RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 9, young players making plays for us esfully healed after ACL surgery to regain Defense 7, Special Teams 2 pecially in the last four games. I think the form he showed last season before KEY PLAYERS: QB Jordan Rodgers, that was huge for our players gaining the injury?

RB Zac Stacy, DL Rob Lohr confidence.” – Wildcats coach Joker BEST CASE: 11-2 BIG QUESTION: Can Vandy turn offPhillips WORST CASE: 8-5 field enthusiasm into on-field wins by QUOTABLE: “We’ve still not won the making the pivotal plays in close SEC MISSOURI SEC. That’s our ultimate goal. We’re games?

LAST SEASON: 8-5, 5-4 Big 12 looking forward to seeing what we can BEST CASE: 7-5 WORST CASE: 4-8 RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 6, achieve in 2012.” – Gamecocks coach QUOTABLE: “There’s a buzz about Defense 7, Special Teams 2 Steve Spurrier Vanderbilt football right now that there KEY PLAYERS: QB James Franklin, hasn’t been for a long time. We also WR T.J. Moe, DB E.J. Gaines TENNESSEE know that we have a long way to go as BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the spread LAST SEASON: 5-7, 1-7 SEC a program, and we continue to take it offense so successful for Missouri in reRETURNING STARTERS: Offense 10, one step at a time.” – Commodores cent seasons be physical enough week Defense 7, Special Teams 2 coach James Franklin in and week out in the SEC? KEY PLAYERS: QB Tyler Bray, WR BEST CASE: 9-3 WORST CASE: 6-6 Da’Rick Rogers, WR Justin Hunter Compiled by Parrish Alford

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LAST SEASON: 10-4, 7-1 SEC RETURNING STARTERS: Offense 6, Defense 9, Special Teams 1 KEY PLAYERS: QB Aaron Murray, LB Jarivs Jones, DL John Jenkins BIGGEST QUESTION: Can the running game deliver on high hopes after the departure of freshman star Isaiah Crowell?

BEST CASE: 11-2 WORST CASE: 9-3 QUOTABLE: “I think Georgia has as good a chance as anybody to win it. I

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

|

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

FOOTBALL JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

New-look Southern Miss aims to continue winning place a four-year starter at quarterback, Austin Davis. The candidates are junior Chris Campbell, incoming freshman Anthony Alford and redshirt freshman Ricky Lloyd.

ter known for wide-open passing offenses.

“That’s going to make your HATTIESBURG – There’s a defense a certain style – it’s different coach and a different going to look for the big play,” quarterback at Southern Miss.

Johnson said. “You’re going to Still, Golden Eagles running give up some yards. But you’ve back Tracy Lampley said the TOUGH STRETCH got to make people pay for it program’s winning ways will Whoever wins the job will be with turnovers.” stay the same. tested quickly. The Golden EaLinebacker Jamie Collins is “We’re going gles have a difficult non-confer- the Golden Eagles’ leading reto be right ence schedule that includes an turner. The 6-3, 239-pound senwhere we want opener at Nebraska and home ior ranked second on the team to be,” Lampgames against Boise State and with 98 tackles, 191⁄2 tackles for a OPENER ley said. “Every Louisville. loss and 61⁄2 sacks last season. at Nebraska day I see us “I think there’s progress (with “We’re a defense that can do Sept. 1, noon getting better. the quarterbacks), but I also all types of things,” Collins said.

We’ve got some think there’s a long way to go,” “You never know what we’re new faces and some new Johnson said. Alford “is far and going to do.” coaches, but this is the same away the best guy with the ball Southern Miss football, so in his hands as far as running.

SCHEDULE everybody’s extremely confiIn the throwing game, each one S1 at Nebraska, noon S15 East Carolina, 2:30 p.m. dent.” has had his day and his moS22 at Western Kentucky, 6 p.m.

Southern Miss is coming off ments where it’s one step forS29 Louisville, 7 p.m. arguably the best season in ward and two steps back.”

O6 Boise State, TBA school history, a 12-win camLampley said he wasn’t too paign that ended with a Hawaii worried about the quarterback O13 at UCF, 7 p.m.

Bowl victory over Nevada and a competition. Replacing Davis – O20 Marshall, 6 p.m.

No. 20 national ranking. who finished with nearly every O27 at Rice, noon But big changes came quickly Southern Miss passing record – N3 UAB, 6:30 p.m.

N10 at SMU, TBA for the Golden Eagles following won’t be possible, he admits. that success – coach Larry Fe“No matter who is at quarter- N17 UTEP, 7 p.m.

N24 at Memphis, 3:30 p.m. dora left for North Carolina and AP back, we’re going to be OK,” the school hired veteran Ellis Tracy Lampley expects that the Golden Eagles’ running game will Lampley said. “They can all do 2011 RESULTS Johnson. the job. And it’s my job as a vetbe up to the task as the team breaks in a new quarterback.

Louisiana Tech W, 19-17 He couldn’t be much more eran to be there for the quarter- S3 S10 at Marshall L, 26-20 different than his predecessor. about style. He’s focused on ley, Kendrick Hardy, Desmond back and provide a steady S17 SE Louisiana W, 52-6 The 49-year-old Fedora was leading the program to a secJohnson and Jeremy Hester. influence.”

S24 at Virginia W, 30-24 brash and known for his wideond-straight Conference USA The 5-foot-9, 168-pound LamJohnson’s most recent stop O1 Rice W, 48-24 open spread offense that took championship. pley has been a do-it-all player before coming to Southern O8 at Navy W, 63-35 plenty of chances and scored “We need to win Conference throughout his career, and last Miss was at South Carolina, W, 27-3 touchdowns in bunches.

USA and we need to go to bowl season gained 463 rushing where he was the defensive co- O22 SMU W, 3-13 Johnson is 60 years old, ungames,” Johnson said. “If we yards, 574 receiving yards and ordinator under Steve Spurrier. O29 at UTEP at East Carolina W, 48-28 derstated and defensivecan do that on a consistent 356 punt return yards, scoring While the Southeastern Con- N5 W, 30-29 minded, known for his basis then we’re successful.” eight total touchdowns. ference was full of teams with a N12 UCF N17 at UAB L, 34-31 punishing defenses at South Southern Miss should have Lampley said he expects the power running game, Johnson N26 Memphis W, 44-7 Carolina, Mississippi State, Alplenty of talent to make a run at running game to be the team’s said he’s tweaking his defense D3 at Houston W, 49-28 abama and Clemson. the title again, led by a deep strength early in the season. for a different sort of pace in D24 Nevada W, 24-17 But Johnson isn’t worried backfield that includes LampSouthern Miss is trying to re- Conference USA, which is betBY DAVID BRANDT ASSOCIATED PRESS

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14E

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

Can coaching change reverse Tigers’ slide?

BY BRAD LOCKE DAILY JOURNAL

Big changes are being made at Memphis, and they’re aimed at reversing the program’s spiraling descent.

The Liberty Bowl is being renovated, with a new big video board, new lights, new turf and a new sound system. The Tigers’ current practice facility recently received upgrades, and the school is raising funds for a new indoor practice facility.

All of this coincides with Memphis making a transition from Conference USA to the Big East, which will happen next year.

Leading the way is new coach Justin Fuente, a former TCU aide who’s bringing his own changes to a team that’s gone 5-31 over the past three seasons, including 2-22 in C-USA play.

Fuente, who took over for the fired Larry Porter, is stressing accountability and perseverance.

The latter will need to be in ample supply as the Tigers take a very young team into this season.

AP

Memphis coach Justin Fuente inherits a program that went 321 in the past two seasons.

“The mark of this team will be how do we handle it when times are tough,” Fuente said. “I’m not sure that this program in the past has always fought through ad-

versity. That’s something that we’ve got to accomplish.”

Fuente sees all the money and effort being poured into the program as a commitment to building a winner.

“There’s been a definite reformation that they’re ready to go do this thing the right way,” he said.

Only 35 lettermen return this year, and Fuente said he is concerned about the Tigers’ maturity level. But he does have a core group of leaders, which includes quarterback Jacob Karam. The Texas Tech transfer is eligible to play immediately after getting his degree in 21⁄2 years, and he’ll have two years of eligibility at Memphis.

Six starters are back on an offense that ranked last in C-USA in every major category last season. Fuente said he’ll have a multiple offense as he tries to figure out what best fits the current personnel.

Defensively, first-round NFL Draft pick Dontari Poe is gone from the line. Fuente said he’s

been impressed with defensive lineman Terry Redden and cornerback Bobby McCain.

SCHEDULE

S1 S8 S15 S22 O6 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10 N17 N24

UT-Martin, 6 p.m. at Arkansas St., 6 p.m.

Middle Tennessee, 6 p.m. at Duke, TBA Rice, 6 p.m. at East Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

UCF, 7 p.m. at SMU, 2:30 p.m. at Marshall, 1 p.m.

Tulane, 6 p.m. at UAB, TBA Southern Miss, 3:30 p.m.

S1 S10 S17 S24 O1 O8 O15 O22 O29 N12 N19 N26

Mississippi State at Arkansas State Austin Peay SMU at Middle Tennessee at Rice East Carolina at Tulane at UCF UAB Marshall at Southern Miss

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2011 RESULTS

L, 59-14 L, 47-3 W, 27-6 L, 42-0 L, 38-31 L, 28-6 L, 35-17 W, 33-17 L, 41-0 L, 41-35 L, 23-22 L, 44-7

(With first-place votes) Eastern Division Central Florida (20) . . . . . . . . .139 Southern Miss (4) . . . . . . . . . .122 East Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Marshall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 UAB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Memphis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Western Division Houston (12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127 Tulsa (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117 SMU (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Rice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Tulane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 UTEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

2011 STANDINGS

East Division Southern Miss Marshall East Carolina Central Florida UAB Memphis West Division Houston Tulsa SMU Rice UTEP Tulane

C-USA 6-2 5-3 4-4 3-5 3-5 1-7 C-USA 8-0 7-1 5-3 3-5 2-6 1-7

All 12-2 7-6 5-7 5-7 3-9 2-10 All 13-1 8-5 8-5 4-8 5-7 2-11

Championship game: Southern Miss 49, Houston 28.

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

|

FOOTBALL JOURNAL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

DAILY JOURNAL

Another season, another change at the top ALCORN STATE

BRAVES

BY BRAD LOCKE DAILY JOURNAL

Jay Hopson is realistic about Alcorn State football’s present, but he’s determined to move forward a step at a time.

The former Ole Miss assistant has taken over a program that’s seen no stability the last few seasons. Hopson is the third coach in as many years, and the Braves haven’t had a winning campaign since 2006.

FAST FACTS Hopson, the first white head football Affiliation: NCAA FCS (Football coach in SWAC history, doesn’t expect an Championship Subdivision) immediate turnaround, especially not with Conference: Southwestern Athletic, so much youth.

Eastern Division “I’ve kind of been like this: I don’t soothCoach: Jay Hopson (1st year) say,” he said. “My biggest thing is I just want 2011 record: 2-8, 1-8 SWAC to see a football team that is competing harder every day, and every game.”

SCOUTING REPORT Why take on such a challenge? Well, for Tailback Joe Price followed Hop- one, Lorman is just 40 miles south of Hopson from Memphis, where he rushed son’s hometown of Vicksburg. Plus, he relfor 16 yards on 15 carries in six ishes challenges. games last season. … Hopson feels He’s been at bigger schools, with stops at his defense’s strength will be up Southern Miss, Michigan, and most refront and at cornerback. … Sophocently Memphis, where he was defensive more Jacques Caldwell has moved coordinator. from receiver to cornerback. … Al“There are certainly things that you’ll corn State ranked last in the SWAC in face in a (Division) I-AA program that you total defense last year, allowing won’t face in an SEC program,” Hopson 381.0 ypg. said. “There are things you have to adapt to,

JACKSON STATE

TIGERS

DAILY JOURNAL

FAST FACTS

SCOUTING REPORT

Dedric McDonald, who’s expected to start at quarterback, threw nine passes last season. … Comegy said DT Michael Dukes, who’s battled injuries the last couple of years, has been looking good in preseason camp. … Comegy is high on freshman LB Teddrick Terrell. … Comegy received a two-year contract extension this offseason. ... The Tigers had six first-team preseason All-SWAC selections – three on offense and three on defense.

S1 S8 ALCORN STATE S15 Jay Hopson is the first white head football S22 S29 coach at a SWAC school.

O6 O13 but on the whole, coaching is still just O20 coaching.”

O27 A lot of coaching is going to be required of this group. Hopson is expecting to play a N3 lot of freshmen, and one of his major tenets N10 N17 is doing the small things correctly.

“I want us as a team that really takes

SCHEDULE

Grambling (Shreveport, La.) at James Madison Ark.-Pine Bluff* at Arkansas State Alabama State* (HC) Southern* at Alabama A&M* at Prairie View A&M* Open at MVSU* Texas Southern* Jackson State*

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

6 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m. *-SWAC game

Comegy eager to reload his offense this fall

BY BRAD LOCKE

Affiliation: NCAA FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) Conference: Southwestern Athletic, Eastern Division Coach: Rick Comegy (7th year) 2011 record: 9-2, 7-2 SWAC

pride in the little things and is disciplined and plays hard,” he said. “If we can do that and worry about competing, not worry about the results, I think we can get better.”

There is some experience on offense. Junior Darius Smith, the leading candidate at quarterback, passed for 1,044 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Senior Arnold Walker returns at tailback after rushing for 713 yards.

On defense, Alcorn will run a multiple 40 scheme. There’s good experience at linebacker, where Robert Gainwell returns. He had 44 tackles, 8.0 tackles-for-loss and a pair of sacks last fall.

Jackson State just missed out on a division title each of the last two seasons, and that was with the prolific Ryan Therriault at quarterback.

He’s gone, but coach Rick Comegy likes what he has as the Tigers try to get over the hump and reach the SWAC title game for the first time in four years. Last season and the season before, JSU tied for first in the Eastern Division but was on the wrong end of the tie-breakers.

“I think it’s a motivational piece,” Comegy said. “You can keep looking in your rearview mirror, and you wind up going backwards.”

Stepping in for Therriault is senior Dedric McDonald, a 6-foot-5, 220-pounder. Behind him is a gaggle of QBs, including former Ole Miss quarterbacks Clayton Moore and Evan Ingram.

“We may not have what you call that Therriault-type guy, but I think we’ve got guys that can get it in the end zone and win,” Comegy said.

Another big change on offense is at coordinator. After Earnest Wilson left for a job at Hampton, Comegy promoted receivers coach Derrick McCall, who also was with

some things he’d like that he thinks can work, and he finally got an opportunity to put them in along incorporated with the same package that we ran a year ago.”

Leading receiver Rico Richardson (896 yards) is back, as are leading rushers Tommy Gooden (597 yards) and B.J. Lee (348 yards).

With nine starters back, the defense should again be one of the best in the SWAC. Senior end Joseph LeBeau will try to break the school’s single-season sack record of 16, which he tied last season.

Other key players on defense are middle linebacker Milton Patterson and cornerback Qua Cox. S1 AP S8 Rick Comegy is 17-5 in his last two seasons S15 at Jackson State, 13-5 in SWAC games.

S22 S29 O6 Comegy at Tuskegee several years ago.

JSU was first in the SWAC in both scoring O13 and total offense last year. As it tries to keep O20 up that torrid pace, McCall won’t make O27 many scheme changes.

N3 “He’s putting a couple of wrinkles in that N10 he and I had spoke of,” Comegy said. “He’s N17 been telling me about throughout the years

SCHEDULE

at Mississippi State Tennessee State (at Memphis) at Texas Southern* Southern* Prairie View A&M* at Arkansas-Pine Bluff* at Alabama State* MVSU* (HC) Open at Grambling State* Alabama A&M* at Alcorn State*

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

3 p.m.

4 p.m.

TBA 1 p.m. *-SWAC game

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16E

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY

DELTA DEVILS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

17E

Valley hopes close ones go their way

BY BRAD LOCKE DAILY JOURNAL

For a team that won only one game last year, there are some good reasons for Mississippi Valley State to be positive about FAST FACTS 2012.

Affiliation: NCAA FCS (Football Third-year coach Karl Morgan Championship Subdivision) can point to some close losses Conference: Southwestern Athletic, last season. The Delta Devils lost Eastern Division 17-16 to Jackson State, which Coach: Karl Morgan (3rd year) tied for first in the SWAC’s East2011 record: 1-10, 1-8 SWAC ern Division. Then there was a 30-24 overtime loss to GramSCOUTING REPORT bling, which went on to win the Morgan wants to see a better pass league title. rush from his defense. MVSU had Valley’s lone win was a 12-9 just 14 sacks last year. … There’s decision against Texas Southern, depth at tailback with Brandon the 2010 SWAC champ.

Stansell (396 yards last year) and “The players have a sense of juco transfer Cortez Frizell. … WR we’re close, and now when we Richard Drake transferred in from get into a close contest, we’ve Middle Tennessee State. … Morgan got to find a way to win that likes sophomore WR Julian close contest,” Morgan said.

Stafford’s potential.

“You get a couple of those, and then when you get confidence, you believe you can do it.”

MVSU has 15 starters back, including nine on offense. One of those is quarterback Garrick

Jones, who passed for 811 yards and seven touchdowns, and rushed for 100.

Also returning is tailback Trey Morgan Bateaste, who had 543 yards and three TDs last fall. Morgan is expecting more out of Bateaste, who was named All-SWAC preseason second team.

The defense is led by another All-SWAC player, end Leployer Franklin. The 6-foot-3, 240pound senior had a team-high 65 tackles, 14.0 tackles-for-loss and 3.0 sacks last season.

Marcus Thompson (57 tackles, 6.0 TFL) returns to lead the linebackers.

NUMBERS GAME

MVSU was outscored by 17 points per game and outgained by 110 yards per game last year.

As Morgan continues to try and close the gap between his team and the rest of the SWAC, he’s

doing so at a distinct disadvantage.

Valley has about 40 players on scholarship, and that low number is a reason it had to cancel next year’s game against Mississippi State, per an NCAA rule.

Depth, obviously, is a concern.

But Morgan likes what he has.

“Our talent level is better than it was when I first got in my first year. I think we’ve made some strides and improved the talent.”

S1 S8 S15 S22 S29 O6 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10 N17

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SCHEDULE

Concordia College 5 p.m. at Alabama State* TBA at Southern* 6 p.m. at Northwestern State 6 p.m.

Open Alabama A&M* (HC) 2 p.m.

Grambling State* 2 p.m. at Jackson State* 3 p.m. at Ark.-Pine Bluff* TBA Alcorn State* 1 p.m.

Prairie View A&M* 1 p.m. at Texas Southern* TBA *-SWAC game

SWAC PRESEASON POLL

(With first-place votes) Eastern Division 1. Alabama State (11) . . . . . . 108 2. Jackson State (7) . . . . . . . . 95 3. Alabama A&M (7) . . . . . . . . 94 4. Alcorn State (1) . . . . . . . . . . 42 5. Mississippi Valley . . . . . . . . . 36 Western Division 1. Grambling State (20) . . . . 119 2. Prairie View A&M (1) . . . . . . 82 3. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (2) . . . . 69 4. Southern (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 5. Texas Southern . . . . . . . . . . 51 Championship game: Dec. 8 at Legion Field, Birmingham.

2011 STANDINGS

Eastern Division Alabama A&M Alabama State Jackson State Alcorn State Mississippi Valley Western Division Grambling State Ark.-Pine Bluff Prairie View A&M Southern Texas Southern

SWAC All 7-2 8-4 7-2 8-3 7-2 9-2 1-8 2-8 1-8 1-10 SWAC All 6-3 8-4 5-4 6-5 5-4 5-6 4-5 4-7 2-7 4-7

Championship game: Grambling State 16, Alabama A&M 15.

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DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

DAILY JOURNAL

Amory’s Will Hall has D-II West Alabama on the rise “As things have progressed, we just don’t get beat much,” said Hall, 32, who was offensive coordinator at UWA for Bobby Wallace, stepping up when Wallace retired.

Hall and the Tigers are getting noticed. UWA is ranked No. 8 in USA Today preseason D-II poll, No. 14 by Lindy’s.

West Alabama placed a school-record 13 players on the All-GSC team at the end of last season and have followed that up this summer with 10 players on the All-GSC preseason team.

West Alabama is picked to finish second behind Valdosta State.

BY PARRISH ALFORD DAILY JOURNAL

Will Hall can tell you exactly how long it takes to reach Livingston, Ala., from Tupelo, setting the trip distance at 2 hours, 5 minutes. He can tell you the time involved to reach Livingston from anywhere else, for that matter.

Location is what Hall sells to recruits, even when that location is in rural Alabama.

It’s a pitch recruits are buying right now, and recruiting is one of the biggest reasons for his successful debut season as head coach at West Alabama. A year ago he guided the Tigers to their first Division II home playoff game and a top 25 ranking at the end of the season.

West Alabama – four points from being 10-2 – finished 8-4 after losing in the first round to North Alabama, a Gulf South Conference rival and Hall’s alma mater. Hall was named GSC co-Coach of the Year.

“We are in a great location. That’s our biggest sell,” he said. “There are a lot of good players around us. I tell them, ‘I know you wanted to play in the SEC. So did I. For whatever reason, it didn’t work out. So why not stay close to home and Ole Miss

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NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI TIES

His staff has a Northeast Mississippi feel with Corinth native and former Ole Miss defensive coordinator Robert JOE CHANCE Henry running his defense and former Will Hall, a standout QB at Amory, went Amory standout Sam Gregg serving as 8-4 in his first season at West Alabama. offensive coordinator.

Hall played for his father, Bobby Hall, get a great degree at a place you have a at Amory before going on to success at chance to win a championship?”

Northwest Community College and The glut of information on recruiting eventually at UNA, where he won the at the major-college level makes the Harlon Hill Trophy, the Division II process very different from the smallequivalent of the Heisman. college level. The coaches who work the He wasted no time beginning a hardest often find success. coaching career and had stops at Pres-

byterian, Henderson State, Southwest Baptist and Arkansas-Monticello before arriving at UWA. Hall credits his father for influencing his career and subscribes to his dad’s beliefs that defense, a running game and few mistakes are key elements in winning football games.

But he doesn’t see Bobby, still coaching at Class 6A Madison Central, and himself ever coaching together.

“We have a great relationship, but we are both chiefs. He likes running his program, and I like running mine,” said Will Hall, who is under contract at West Alabama through 2014.

As he sells location to players, he doesn’t believe location is a disadvantage for himself as he ponders his future. And Hall says he doesn’t feel branded as a small-college coach.

“You always want to compete at the highest level. Right now, I am fortunate to be at a great place with great players and an administration that wants to win and is forward-thinking,” he said. “We are trying to do something everybody said couldn’t be done. We have a chance to win a conference championship and a national championship at West Alabama. I am living in the moment.”

Have A Great Season

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18E

BELHAVEN

DELTA STATE

BLAZERS FAST FACTS

INSIDE SCOOP

In an era when the spread offense is trendy, Joe Thrasher is bucking the trend. In his fourth season, he’ll seek to make the Blazers more balanced and stronger in the run game.

This not a new preference, but it’s taken a while get the players comfortable in the system.

Belhaven took steps in that direction last year, amassing 1,516 yards on the ground.

The Blazers were just a few plays from being a seven- or possibly eight-win team in 2011.

Thrasher hopes a more physical team will make those plays.

OFFENSE

Former Ole Miss quarterback Raymond Cotton is back at a Mississippi four-year school, the fourth school in his post-high school career.

He will battle an established senior for the job; Alex Williams had 5,052 career passing yards, third-most in school history.

Cotton passed for 806 yards and six TDs and ran for 437 yards and six more scores at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College last year.

All-conference running back Justin Gaines returns rushing for 977 yards last season including 250 yards against Faulkner.

The backfield will have added depth with Louisiana-Lafayette transfer Aaron Spikes. He showed some explosiveness in the Blazers’ spring game with 89 yards on three carries.

The top returning receiver is Kylan Pollard, who had 52 catches for 742 yards and four TDs in 2011.

A position change to watch: the move of senior Reese Unger from defense to tight end.

DEFENSE

Thrasher likes the defensive speed allowed with a 4-2-5, and defensive back Craig McDonald is the Blazers’ top returning player. He was All-MSC last year with 108 tackles and eight tackles for loss.

Senior Jared McCarthy is back along the defensive line after a stellar junior season in which he recorded eight tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble.

At linebacker, the Blazers will benefit from two transfers Donnell Williams (Oklahoma State) and Montrell Connor (Troy).

FAST FACTS

INSIDE SCOOP

blazers.belhaven.edu Opponent Kickoff Cumberlands (Ky.) 1:30 p.m.

Louisiana College 7 p.m.

Cumberland (Tenn.)* 1:30 p.m.

Campbellsville* 1:30 p.m.

Virginia-Wise 6 p.m.

Kentucky Christian 1:30 p.m.

Bluefield* (HC) 1:30 p.m.

Lindsey Wilson* 1:30 p.m.

Faulkner* 1:30 p.m.

Pikeville 1:30 p.m.

Bethel* 5 p.m.

FAST FACTS

Affiliation: NCAA Division III Conference: Southern Athletic Association Head Coach: Aaron Pelch 2011 Record: 4-6, 3-3 in SCAC Top 3 Returning Players: OL Kyle Skene, DB Greg Blasiar, DE Jeff Milner

INSIDE SCOOP

The Majors were in the hunt before dropping their last three games, two in the league, to finish 3-3 in SCAC play. It was a tailspin that left them with a losing record, 4-6, in the second season under head coach Aaron Pelch.

It’s a more experienced group that returns, and Pelch hopes, will have the Majors more successful at the finish.

“We’ve got a pretty good senior group coming back as we are senior-heavy on both sides of the ball,” he said.

Last season was a different take from 2010, Pelch’s first season as coach, when the Majors were 2-3 after five games but finished 7-3.

OFFENSE

While experience abounds, the real strength is up front, where all five starters return including All-SCAC selection Kyle Skene and veterans Charlie Sagan and Kyle MacDonald.

“Our offensive line is probably our most experienced group,” said Pelch. “We got seven offensive linemen with extensive time in games and our expectation is to be able to build off that.”

Millsaps returns two experienced quarterbacks in Garrett Pinciotti and Konner Joplin.

The two combined for 2,109 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year but were also sacked 14 times.

Joplin’s brother, Kegan, is a wide receiver.

The Majors will be looking to replace their leading rusher. Sophomore Mike Barthelemy, with 137 yards and a touchdown in 2011, is the most experienced returner.

DEFENSE

The new 3-4 alignment will be a good fit for speedy linebacker, Ixavier Triplett, a junior who has totaled eight forced fumbles in his first two seasons. Triplett was an honorable mention AllAmerican by Football Gazette last year.

A secondary without much experience will get some know-how from senior C.J. Lester. He appeared in 12 games last year, starting four, and finished with 19 tackles and an interception.

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

Six starters return including all-conference players Joiner Stewart, Alex Stewart and Jonathan Moore and Greg Blasiar as well as the league’s newcomer of the year in Jeff Milner.

The Stewarts combined for 69 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries. As a freshman DE, Milner had four sacks, five tackles for loss and forced two fumbles.

The Majors figure to be strong in the secondary where Blasiar had 22 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions.

Also returning is senior linebacker Jeb White, whose 91 tackles led the SCAC.

DELTA STATE

2011 result L, 58-0 L, 33-24 (3OT) W, 34-21

L, 34-28 W, 45-27 L, 28-17 *-MSC game

Date S1 S8 S22 S27 O6 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10

gostatesmen.com Opponent Kickoff Fort Valley State Noon at Elizabeth City State 6 p.m.

North Alabama* 6 p.m.

Abilene Christian 6 p.m. at Tarleton State 7 p.m.

West Georgia* 6 p.m. at Valdosta State* 2 p.m.

West Alabama* (HC) 4 p.m. at Univ. of Indianapolis 5 p.m. at Shorter* 12:30 p.m.

FAST FACTS

Affiliation: NCAA Division III Conference: American Southwest Head Coach: Norman Joseph 2011 Record: 3-7, 2-6 in ASC Top 3 Returning Players: WR Randall Pharr, OL Brennan Herrmann, S Doc Ward

INSIDE SCOOP

You can scan the Mississippi College roster and find a half dozen quarterbacks – even one named Favre from the Coast – but you can’t find a QB with noteworthy game experience.

That’s rare for Norman Joseph, who’s beginning his seventh season as coach of the Choctaws. For the last six seasons Joseph had only two QBs, Adam Shaffer and Tommy Reyer.

M.C. will try to rebound from a three-win season in 2011, its least-productive year since Joseph’s first team went 2-8.

OFFENSE

Reyer led Joseph’s spread offense, passing for 1,935 yards with 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year. He was also the team’s second-leading rusher with 296 yards.

He is the only quarterback in school history to pass for more than 5,000 yards and rush for more than 1,000 in a career and is still with the program as a student assistant.

The only returner to take game snaps last year is sophomore Jonathon Redd, who was 2 for 6 passing and rushed five times for 24 yards against Texas Lutheran.

Beaux Gipson, also a sophomore, could emerge as the mobile option, a contrast to Redd, who Joseph credits with a “live” arm.

The Choctaws will look for a new starter at running back, too.

Sophomore Jacob Becker was most consistent in spring drills, while junior Josh Johnson is the most experienced with 88 rushing yards and special teams success a year ago when he was second in the league in kick returns.

WR Randall Pharr is back after notching 21 catches for 266 yards in 2011, one of three starting receivers back.

Four starters return up front.

DEFENSE

Seven starters are gone. The Chocs will miss safety Blake Rowell (19.5 TFLs, 8 forced fumbles) and linebacker Jarryn Bingham (13.5 TFLs, 8 sacks).

Four starters are back, the most experienced being defensive back Doc Ward, who had five tackles for loss and an interception last year.

Capsules compiled by Parrish Alford

MILLSAPS

2011 result W, 27-7 W, 28-21 (OT) W, 30-24 (OT) L, 39-35 W, 36-33 W, 36-34 *-GSC games

Date A30 S8 S15 S29 O6 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10

gomajors.com Opponent Kickoff Mississippi College 7 p.m. at LaGrange noon at Point noon at Centre* 12:30 p.m.

Huntingdon 1 p.m.

Sewanee* 1 p.m. at Rhodes* 1 p.m. at Trinity (Texas) 1:30 p.m.

Austin 1 p.m.

Birmingham Southern 1 p.m.

19E

CHOCTAWS

Delta State won the GSC championship in four of the last five years. That run of success cost the Statesmen their coach as Ron Roberts left to take the Southeastern Louisiana job. SLU competes in the FCS Southland Conference.

New coach Jamey Chadwell will have big holes to fill on offense with the loss of GSC player of the year Micah Davis at quarterback and on defense without cornerback Dominique Davenport, a Baldwyn native and All-GSC performer in the Statesmen’s run to the Division II semifinals last year.

Chadwell, though, no stranger to rebuilding.

He won 22 games in three seasons at North Greenville, 20 of those in his last two years.

Chadwell has installed a spread offense based more on the option than the pass.

That should bode well for Bruce native Richard Freelon, who brings experience to the running back position. He was second-team AllGSC last year, his first at DSU after transferring from Jacksonville State.

Chadwell got a close look at Freelon in the playoffs when he rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns as Delta eliminated North Greenville. Freelon finished with a team-high 700 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

A quarterback competition between two transfers went to the wire.

Spencer Van Brunt, from Concord, Calif., enrolled in December and went through spring drills. Trevor Wooden, considered the better passer, made up any ground he might lost to Van Brunt’s early start. Wooden played last season at Missouri State and arrived just this month but has had a good camp.

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MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE

MAJORS

Affiliation: NCAA Division II Conference: Gulf South Conference Head Coach: Jamey Chadwell 2011 Record: 11-3, 3-1 GSC Top 3 Returning Players: WR Lavon Downs, RB Richard Freelon, LB Ixavier Triplett

BELHAVEN

Date S1 S8 S15 S22 S29 O6 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10

MILLSAPS

STATESMEN

Affiliation: NAIA Conference: Mid-South Head Coach: Joe Thrasher 2011 Record: 5-6, 3-3 in MSC Top 3 Returning Players: RB Justin Gaines, WR Kylan Pollard, DB Craig McDonald

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE

2011 result L, 33-27 (OT) W, 24-7 L, 24-22 W, 21-20 W, 44-36 L, 10-3 W, 33-27 L, 35-21 *-SAA games

Date A30 S8 S15 S29 O6 O13 O20 O27 N3 N10

www.gochoctaws.com Opponent Kickoff at Millsaps 7 p.m.

Webber International 6 p.m. at West Alabama 6 p.m. at Hardin-Simmons* 6 p.m.

Sul Ross State* 1 p.m. at Howard Payne* 2 p.m. at Texas Lutheran* 1 p.m.

East Texas Baptist* 3 p.m.

Louisiana College* 1 p.m. at Mary Hardin-Baylor* 1 p.m.

2011 result W, 33-27 (OT) W, 45-28 L, 49-42 (OT) W, 34-21 L, 36-16 L, 34-21 L, 52-17 L, 35-12 *-ASC games

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

ITAWAMBA CC

INDIANS

Indians targeting quick start, playoff run

depend on early success,” Williams said. “I 2011 record: 4-5, 4-2 division think the guys Coach: Jon Williams Change is almost a fact of life on this team Returning starters: 3 offense, 5 in junior college sports. trust each defense Itawamba Community Colother, and that lege head coach Jon Williams is can lead to dealing with the change of his PLAYERS TO WATCH great things for roster from last Goodman WR Ronald Carswell, Fr., 6-1, 185 us.” season as he Has the potential to be an explosive Trust will be ultimately key prepares for playmaker. for one of the marquis positions the 2012 camLB Deryck Gildon, So., 6-3, 220 on the field as Williams will start paign.

Throughout camp, has proven to be a a freshman at quarterback for “Every year, defensive leader.

ICC. But which freshman? you probably lose half your DE Theo Rich, So., 6-4, 265 A spirited competition beteam, and we probably lost Brings maturity to defensive line. tween three first-year players is more than that,” Williams said. provided quite the show in “We have already seen some SCOUTING REPORT ICC has finished with a 4-2 record great things out of guys both old Itawamba practices.

Andrew Goodman, from each of the last two seasons in North and new, but we won’t know a North Carolina, will get the start thing until they are battle Division play, good enough to tie for while Griff Loftis of Mooreville second place with two other schools, tested.” will be the backup.

The past couple of seasons, but the Indians fell short of the playGoodman threw for 36 touchthe Indians have been testing offs each time on tiebreakers. ... A downs last year in high school. well on the back end of their key for head coach Jon Williams “It was an intense battle beschedule, posting back-to-back early in the season will be the team tween our three freshmen for 4-2 North Division marks. But chemistry of the Indians. “It’s the the starting job,” Williams said. neither of those efforts pushed glue that holds everything together, the Indians into the playoffs – a “At the end of the day, we felt and will be very important early in like Andrew does a great job of the season.” ... ICC signed 42 players fact Williams wants to remedy. rallying the team around him.”

“I think a lot this season will on National Signing Day.

FAST FACTS

DAILY JOURNAL

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

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Chase Watson, from Saltillo, will be redshirted.

“I can’t say enough about how Griff and Chase battled for the starting job,” Williams said.

Balancing that youthful competition on offense will be the veteran presence of tackle Brennan Tutor from Pontotoc, wide receivers Demarius Howard from Calhoun City and Rashad Pargo from Aberdeen, and running back Chris Ingram from Southaven.

Specifically in the backfield, the race for playing time is no less dramatic with four players in line. Besides Ingram, there is Courtney Gladney from Olive Branch, LaDarryl Hunt, and Tobias Lawson.

“Other freshmen that could impact us on offense could be Tabarrius Coffey, Shante Rogers, Archie Dennard, and Hunt,” Williams said.

YOUNG ON DEFENSE

On defense, the players in the key leadership roles were known from the start of camp.

On the line, it will be end Fred Ward from Aberdeen. In the backfield, it will be Pat Malone from Byhalia.

“We’re obviously young on Williams defense, and we’ll have to have some young guys step up,” Williams said.

“They’ll have to play bigger than freshmen.”

Some of those young guys for Itawamba include linebacker C. J. Jackson, lineman D. Q. Reynolds, and cornerback Stanley Childs.

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 20 Oct. 27

SCHEDULE

at East Central 6:30 p.m.

Southwest 7 p.m. at Miss. Delta* 6:30 p.m.

Holmes* 7 p.m. at Northwest* 6:30 p.m.

Copiah-Lincoln 7 p.m.

Coahoma* 7 p.m. at Northeast* 3 p.m.

East Miss.* (HC) 4 p.m. *-North Division game

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20E

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI CC

TIGERS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

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21E

After playoff trip in 2011, Tigers aim higher

from Holmes CC. Fitting into Smither’s ballcontrol philosophy will be FAST FACTS The Northeast Community freshman running back Xavier 2011 record: 6-4, 4-2 division College Tigers rode the tails of Amerson from Florida, along Coach: Ricky Smither early success to a 4-2 North Diwith sophomores Jay Jones, a Returning starters: 2 offense, 2 vision record and a playoff aptransfer from Northwest Comdefense pearance. munity College, and Garrett Not good enough for head Smith from Starkville.

PLAYERS TO WATCH coach Ricky Smither.

JaMarious Talle from West QB Matt Lipham, Fr., 6-1, 180 “Sure we had experienced Point at wide receiver, and DonHas speed, arm strength, and the players and a nell Chapman from South leadership head coach Ricky great start, and Panola and LSU commit Logan Smither is looking for. that was imporStokes at tight end round out RB Jay Jones, So., 5-10, 225 tant last year,” Transfer is a real difference-maker.

DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL FILE some of the significant offenSmither said.

LB Nick Thomason, So., 6-1, 230 Northeast coach Ricky Smither. sive personnel.

“But the older “We don’t want to get behind Hard-nosed kid, runs sideline to players on this team remember The offense will be led by an the chains,” Smither said. sideline well. the way we ended the season. experienced offensive line, “We’re about ball control on of“A lot of that started with the headed by center Collin Stubfense, that’s my philosophy.

SCOUTING REPORT blefield from New Albany, guard “We’ll take what the defense In 2010, running back Jay Jones East Mississippi game (a 63-35 Brandon Avant from Maben, gives us.” from Horn Lake rushed for 920 yards loss).

“We ended the season on a tackle Carlton Howard from and eight touchdowns for Northwest. sour note, and that sticks in South Panola, and bolstered by DEFENSIVE DEPTH ... Coach Ricky Smither calls this Northeast generally had a season’s edition of the Tigers “Young, their craw. I think the end of last Anthony Kibble and third-year season really formed our direc- player Jonathan Braddock. pretty stingy defense last seafast, and energetic. The summer tion for this year.”

A pair of first-year Tigers are son, and Smither looks to plug workouts did not phase them.”...

While the sophomores are vying for playing time at quarin the pieces to make that hapNortheast finished in a three-way tie pen again. in the North Division for second place motivated, first-year players will terback, Nolan Greene from have to do some of the heavy Corinth and Matt Lephen from Ends Lavon Hooks from Atwith a 4-2 record last season, and lifting as well for the Tigers.

Louisiana. Greene is a transfer lanta and Maurice Booker will qualified for the playoffs.

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

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Aug. 30 Sept. 8 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 20 Oct. 25

SCHEDULE

Copiah-Lincoln 7 p.m. at Jones 7 p.m. at Holmes* 7 p.m.

Northwest* 7 p.m. at Gulf Coast 7 p.m. at Coahoma* 6:30 p.m.

East Miss.* (HC) 7 p.m.

Itawamba* 3 p.m. at Miss. Delta* 7 p.m. *-North Division game

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ON THE HOUSE

anchor the unit, with help from freshmen Daniel Ross and Ernesto Wynn. Hooks also starred for the Tigers basketball team last season.

A deep backfield boasts Kareem Brown from New Albany, Brian Walker, Quinten Spraggins, and Antione Wilson. Linebackers Nick Thomason, J. R. White, and Dennis Drapper will have to log a lot of minutes.

“It’s always fun in this league,” Smither said. “It will come down to staying healthy, and maintaining quickness.

“We want to be in a position to get to the playoffs.”

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DAILY JOURNAL

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FOOTBALL JOURNAL

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26, 2012

NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI CC

RANGERS FAST FACTS

2011 record: 6-3, 4-2 division Coach: Ricky Woods Returning starters: 4 offense, 3 defense

PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Dominique Harris, So., 6-4, 235 Division I prospect with a good arm.

DT Jerome McClain, So., 6-2, 285 A big physical player who can run.

DE Randolph Williams, So., 6-0, 245 Uses his physical skills well on the outside, good footwork and speed.

SCOUTING REPORT

Head coach Ricky Woods said his Rangers have good team speed, and defense is very fast, but not real big. ... Northwest was ranked No. 11 in the preseason NJCAA poll. ... On offense, the three returning starters on the line and a veteran quarterback will be keys to eventual success. ...

Woods said he also likes the offense’s depth at running back with four potential players seeing time, as well as at wide receiver, with eight players in the mix.

DAILY JOURNAL

Rangers boast veterans on both sides of ball

BY DAVID WHEELER SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL

Sophomores on offense.

Sophomores on defense.

And sophomores on special teams.

The Northwest Community College Rangers certainly will have more than its share of upper classmen in the “wild west” of Mississippi junior college football for 2012.

“I really like this team,” Northwest head coach Ricky Woods said. “On defense, we have good team speed.

“On offense, we’ll go as far as Domonique Harris takes us.”

Harris, who used to power an explosive Southaven offense in high school, saw limited time last season, and appears ready to pace the Rangers’ up-tempo offense this season.

No shortage of experience will be aiding Harris, beginning with running back Teshadi Tal-

ton from Louisiana. As a freshman, Talton rushed for 872 yards, and added 18 receptions as part of the passing game.

In all, the Rangers could rotate in four backs who will be involved in the passing game as well – Matthew Baker from Columbus, LaMont Dean from Oxford, and Percy O’Bannon from Charleston.

Sophomores also populate the offensive line, with Austin Douglas, Martez Wallace, and Deshondrick Hines from South Panola, and Chris Chalmers from Olive Branch.

Perhaps the biggest question mark on the whole team is in the receiving corps, where the Rangers will rotate in eight players – all freshmen.

SPEEDY DEFENSE

Veteran coach Andy Greening – Northeast Mississippi football watchers will remember him from his time at Amory, Alcorn Central, and Northeast Community College – returns for his third season as defensive coor-

dinator of the Rangers.

Plenty of sophomores on that side of the ball for Greening, too.

“We’ve got Greening more speed than my last two years,” Greening said. “And in this league, speed is very important because of all the spread offenses teams run.”

The Rangers appear to be especially strong on the line, blostered by the return of defensive ends Jeremy McClain from Florida and Randolph Williams from Georgia, who led the Rangers last season with six sacks.

And the end position will have a deep rotation with freshmen Byron Scott from Tunica and Courtney Sanders from Starkville.

Tackle Jason Safford helps to anchor the middle, with Kendall Carr from South Panola adding impact. Linebackers Demarcus

Pegues from Oxford and Desmond Lavelle from Alabama lead that unit.

Aaron Thompson Woods from Calhoun City heads the backfield, while freshmen Ty Northern from Tunica, and Terrell White from Florida adds depth.

“Overall, we’re a good, solid football team,” Woods said.

“How good we are will be according to how good the enemy is.”

Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 27

SCHEDULE

at Southwest 7 p.m. at Copiah-Lincoln 7 p.m.

Coahoma* 6:30 p.m. at Northeast* 7 p.m.

Itawamba* 6:30 p.m. at Miss. Delta* 6:30 p.m.

Holmes* 6:30 p.m. at East Miss.* 7 p.m.

Jones (HC) 2 p.m. *-North Division game

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Alabama-LSU: Fueled by Saban, stakes, strength so much riding on the game, I understand how the country and our conference and certainly the SEC area can be College football is a game of tradition, drawn into certainly two very, very fine where Ohio State-Michigan, Army-Navy, historic teams playing.”

USC-UCLA and any number of other Saban said the strength of both procelebrated rivalries are born from grams makes the rivalry so big. neighborly disdain and nourished by a “Rivalries sort of sustain because of century or so of simmering feuds. tradition,” he said, citing the team’s Then there is LSU vs. Alabama. games with Tennessee and Auburn. “I These days, nothing tops the Tigers also think that new rivalries get born beand Crimson Tide, two headline-hogcause of the competitive synergy that ging juggernauts who have shared a surrounds the games that you have in head coach and a claim to top dog in this era or in this time. the Southeastern Conference – and that “The reason that our LSU-Alabama means nationally, too. game has been such a big game is beRivalry of the decade? It’s off to an awcause they’re two very, very good profully good start. grams, two really good teams.”

LSU and Alabama both have such an It has at least created the impression embarrassment of riches in the form of that LSU and Alabama have left other All-Americans, blue-chip recruits and SEC programs behind, even potential devout followers that it’s hard to imagTop 10 teams such as Arkansas, Georgia ine the Nov. 3 prime-time meeting in and South Carolina.

Baton Rouge not having national title There’s no questioning they’ve both ramifications. got a bounty of talent, squaring off freThe SEC has produced six straight quently for top recruits. Alabama leads BCS national champions and a new rithe nation with 11 first-round draft valry that’s practically must-see TV for AP picks since 2007 while LSU’s nine ranks college football fans.

LSU coach Les Miles, left, talks Alabama head coach Nick Saban after the BCS third, one behind Southern California.

The players appreciate the matchup’s National Championship game in New Orleans. Their teams play again on Nov. 3. significance. LSU defensive end Sam RIVALRY AT A GLANCE Montgomery calls it “one of the most tor Kirby Smart, who held the same job title and has stacked up a league-high COACHES: powerful things ever. ... When they play under Saban at LSU in 2004. “I think the 75 wins over the past seven seasons, inLes Miles, LSU: 103-39, 12th year overall; each other, it’s like one of those big hiskey part of that rivalry was coach Saban cluding an 11-week run at No. 1 in 2011. 75-18, 33-15 at LSU, eighth year torical battles.” being here and having been there.

That’s where Alabama finished, though.

Nick Saban, Alabama: 156-71-1, 19th year Just without all that much compelling “We didn’t see it as that big of a rivalry The Tigers won 9-6 last November in a overall; 50-12, 32-8 at Alabama, sixth year (five history. while we were there ... but it’s grown be- game that showcased a big reason these of the wins were vacated in 2007) The teams first played in 1895 and cause of coach Saban being here.” teams are so hard to beat: Defense. Alhave met 76 times since then (Alabama abama won the all-SEC West grudge FIRST-ROUND NFL DRAFT PICKS: leads 46-25-5), but the games didn’t rouSABAN’S LEGACY match 21-0 in New Orleans in January LSU: Nine, with six Top 10 selections. tinely captivate college football fans Saban rebuilt the Tigers into a power for the BCS title.

ALABAMA: 11, with six Top 10 selections. outside the Southeast like they do now. after eight losing seasons in 11 years, Less than six months later, college The rivalry heated up as soon as extaking them to the 2003 national cham- football’s off-the-field powers decided a FIRST-TEAM AP ALL-AMERICANS: LSU coach Nick Saban landed back in pionship. He has led Alabama to 48 wins four-team playoff seemed like a good LSU: seven, three in 2011 the SEC West 51⁄2 years ago after a lessover the past four seasons and two of idea, after all.

ALABAMA: 13, four in 2011 than-spectacular jaunt with the NFL’s the past three national titles even as Les “Our football team and school enjoy Miami Dolphins.

Miles kept the good times flowing in that rivalry,” Miles said. “The fact we’re FINAL AP RANKINGS, STARTING FROM 2007: “It’s definitely grown, it’s evolved a Baton Rouge. both in the same division, the fact we’re LSU: 1, unranked, 17, 8, 2 lot,” said Alabama defensive coordinaMiles led LSU to the 2007 national going to meet every year, the fact there’s ALABAMA: Unranked, 6, 1, 10, 1

BY JOHN ZENOR ASSOCIATED PRESS

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