The Daily Reveille's Football Guide 2009

lsu living The Daily Reveille’s Guide for College Students

football guide

PAGE 2 football guide

football guide

CONTENTS

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

Saban, Alabama team look for vengeance after loss in SEC Title game and Sugar Bowl, page 4.

SEC EAST

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS

Michigan quarterback transfer hopes to be a good fit for Arkansas’ offense, page 5.

OLE MISS REBELS

Team ranked for the first time since 2000, but players try not to let the hype affect them, page 10.

MISS. STATE BULLDOGS

New era established in Starkville with big win against Jackson State to start season, page 12.

FLORIDA GATORS

New defensive coordinator John Chavis hopes to help the Tigers step up their defense from last year’s disappointing season, page 6.

Losing Stafford and Moreno puts Georgia in an unfamiliar underdog position, page 14.

lsu living

S. CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

THE DAILY REVEILLE

Tebow, Gator squad have high expectations to live up to heading into 2009 season, page 13.

GEORGIA BULLDOGS

SEC WEST

LSU TIGERS

Spurrier looks for a fresh start, hopes for breakout season with Gamecocks, page 16.

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TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

Kiffin says controversy surrounding Vols’ preseason will not affect the team’s play, page 17

VANDERBILT COMMODORES

Vanderbilt hopes for better offensive year, returning 17 starters from 2008 team, page 19.

PAGE 4 football guide

Alabama looks for vengeance after bowl loss

By Michael Lambert Sports Contributor

A perfect 12-0 regular season in 2008 gave the Alabama football team a lofty No. 1 ranking and national title aspirations.

But losses against Florida in the Southeastern Conference Title Game and underdog Utah in the Sugar Bowl turned the Crimson Tide’s dream season into a nightmare.

“Last year we won 12 games, but we lost the last two games, so that’s not a lot of success,” said junior linebacker Rolando McClain at SEC Media Days. “For us as a team, we’re just hungry.”

Coach Nick Saban and No. 5 Alabama are building off the momentum of last year’s fast start while trying to finish strong in Saban’s third year in Tuscaloosa.

The offense has to rebuild

with the departure of quarterback John Parker Wilson, running back Glen Coffee and offensive tackle Andre Smith, but the defense returns nine starters.

Wilson’s replacement is junior quarterback Greg McElroy, who is not new to succeeding high-profile gunslingers. McElroy replaced former Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel at Southlake Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas.

“McElroy has done a nice job of developing,” Saban said. “He’s only going to get that experience by playing and making plays. With that, he’s going to develop a lot of respect from his teammates.”

McElroy started off strong in Alabama’s opening game victory against No. 7 Virginia Tech in the Chickfil-A Kickoff Game. He completed 15-of-30 passes for 230

DAVE MARTIN / The Associated Press

Alabama’s Mark Ingram (22) pulls away from Virginia Tech’s Stephan Virgil (22) at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sept. 5.

yards, a touchdown and an interception against the Hokies.

Coffee’s successor, sophomore running back Mark Ingram, was equally impressive and ran through the Hokies for a career-best 150 yards and two touchdowns.

The offensive line paved

the way for the running game in 2009, averaging 4.6 yards a rush. The loss of Smith and All-SEC center Antoine Caldwell led to an influx of fresh talent.

“The offensive line is ALABAMA, see page 39

football guide PAGE 5

Mich. transfer good fit for Petrino offense

By Chris Branch Sports Contributor

For the first time in five seasons, the Arkansas football team will not have a quarterback with the last name of Dick.

Since the 2005 season, brothers Casey and Nathan Dick started for the Razorbacks with little interruption.

But Arkansas’ record during that time was just a pedestrian 27-23.

Ryan Mallett could change that.

Mallett, the 6-foot-7inch, 238-pound quarterback transfer from Michigan, has the hopes of Razorback fans nationwide riding on his gifted arm.

Coach Bobby Petrino, in his second year at the helm, is looking to build on last season’s performance that has many experts picking Arkan-

sas as a dark horse in a crowded SEC West race. Petrino will need Mallett to help guide his high-octane scheme that produced quarterbacks like Stefan Lefors and Brian Brohm at Louisville.

“One thing Ryan can really do is throw the deep ball,” Petrino said at SEC Media Days. “If we can run the ball better and run the ball more consistently, it should open up our deep passing game and our ability to get the ball down the field, something I’ve always loved to do and really believe in doing, because then you don’t have to call so many plays.”

Mallett sparkled in his lone season in Ann Arbor, completing 61-of-141 passes for 892 yards and seven touchdowns in four starts as a true freshman. Then-coach Lloyd Carr resigned at the end of the season, opening the door for

current Wolverine coach Rich Rodriguez.

Mallett and Rodriguez didn’t fit each other’s needs.

Mallett believed he was a poor fit in Rodriguez’s unique spread attack, so he transferred and Arkansas was his first choice.

Petrino was delighted.

“When he decided to transfer from Michigan, he says that the first phone call he made was to us,” Petrino said. “He came down, took a visit, got a good understanding of what we wanted to do offensively, kind of knew what we did at Louisville when he was being recruited before and made the decision to come and attend the university, which we’re very, very happy about.”

Mallett is not the only asset returning to Fayetteville for the 2009 campaign. Junior tight end D.J. Williams, who

led the team in receiving last season, should provide Mallett with a reliable target.

“I think he set a record at the University of Arkansas for most catches by a tight end,” Petrino said. “He’s a young man that has overcome adversity at a very, very young age.

He’s very special to our football team.”

Williams said he is excited to see the direction the offense will take under Mallett.

“He’s got one of the strongest arms I’ve ever seen,” Williams said. “In practice, I’ve got to bring a couple of pairs of gloves because he tears the gripping off with his passes.”

Also returning for the Razorbacks is 2008 leading rusher Michael Smith, who accrued 1,072 yards on 209 carries with eight touchdowns.

Returning for a young ARKANSAS, see page 39

PAGE 6 football guide

Tigers try to rebound from substandard ’08

By Luke Johnson Sports Contributor

LSU will rely on new defensive coordinator John Chavis and quarterback Jordan Jefferson to rebound from a disappointing 2008 campaign in which the team netted its fewest wins since 2002.

The Tigers saw a glimpse of hope in an otherwise uninspiring season during the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Georgia Tech and posted a resounding 38-3 victory against Georgia Tech. Their eyes are set on carrying the success from their last bowl game into the 2009 season.

“There were some lessons learned from a year ago,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “We’re more ambitious and prepared. I think our team will continue to develop.”

LSU looks poised to be strong offensively. Halfback Charles Scott, wide receiver Brandon LaFell, tight end Richard Dickson and tackle Ciron Black provide strong senior leadership. Scott unexpectedly burst from the scene in 2008 out of a crowded backfield to garner first-team All-SEC honors.

The senior leadership of LaFell and Scott could be a keystone to the team’s success this season.

“I think both of those guys think that they have a responsible position as veterans and leaders,” Miles said. “I think Scott has a want to have a very strong senior campaign and to represent his career in a way that is very noble. LaFell wants to have the same.

Those two guys want to have their finest year in their last.”

Scott is the Tigers’ featured back again and is on

the watch list for the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation’s premier college running back. Scott is joined in the backfield by senior Keiland Williams and junior Richard Murphy.

The biggest question mark for the LSU offense is the quarterback position.

Sophomore Jordan Jefferson took over late in the 2008 season and put up decent numbers. But if LSU wants to return to its status as one of the country’s elite out of what is widely regarded as the top conference in the country, Jefferson is going to need to play some mistake free football, something the team lacked last season. The quarterbacks for the 2008 Tigers combined to throw 18 interceptions last season, seven of which were returned for touchdowns.

LSU is looking to regain its identity as a top defense. The 2008 defense underperformed and ranked near the bottom of the SEC in nearly every defensive category.

The performance prompted LSU to ditch its one-year experiment with co-defensive coordinators and hire Chavis to re-establish LSU as one of the nation’s elite defenses.

Miles described Chavis’ attention to detail and focus on the team concept as benefits LSU will be receiving from his presence.

“Chavis has done a great job in introducing his system and how it’s called,” Miles said.

The defensive success may rest upon the defensive line which lost several experienced players, including Tyson Jackson, the third overall draft pick of the LSU, see page 37

KRISTEN M’LISSA ROWLETT / The Daily Reveille

LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson runs the ball in the Tigers’ 23-9 win against Vanderbilt on Sept. 12.

football guide PAGE 7

GOLDEN BAND FROM TIGER LAND

BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille

The Golden Band from Tiger Land marches into the Stadium before the Tigers’ game against Vanderbilt on Sept. 12.

PAGE 8 football guide

football guide PAGE 9

SEC QBs impress in first weekend

By David Helman Sports Writer

There have been some developments at the quarterback position in the Southeastern Conference.

Two short weeks ago, it was Florida’s Mr. Football, Tim Tebow, Ole Miss’ savior, Jevan Snead and 10 big question marks playing trigger man in the SEC. But after one week of play, Gator and Rebel fans can’t be the only ones feeling good about their quarterbacks.

Six SEC signal callers feasted on cupcakes.

Tebow completed 10of-15 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown before taking the bench against Charleston Southern, while two late touchdown throws highlighted Snead’s 175yard day against Memphis.

High-profile Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett looks like he’ll fit just fine in Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino’s pass-happy attack. The sophomore completed 77 percent for 309 yards and a score in a 48-10 demolition of Missouri State.

Kentucky junior quarterback Mike Hartline is also off to a hot start, throwing for 222 yards and two scores against Miami of Ohio, just one season after tossing only nine touchdowns to eight interceptions.

Even Mississippi State, who has finished with an offense ranked No. 100 or worse for four-straight years, got into the action. Sophomore quarterback Chris Relf completed 7-of-10 passes for 75 yards and three touchdowns and rushed 12 times for 82 yards and a score, establishing himself as a possible starter for first-year coach Dan Mullen’s spread offense.

But the renaissance

was perhaps most obvious at Tennessee, where senior Jonathan Crompton completed 75 percent of his passes for 233 yards and five touchdowns against Western Kentucky.

The performance doesn’t sound that phenomenal at first, but consider Crompton only threw four touchdowns in all of 2008, and it quickly becomes a glimmer of hope for a frustrated Volunteer fanbase that watched Tennessee go 5-7 last season.

Speaking of frustrated fans, the Auburn faithful had to be happy with senior Chris Todd’s 255 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of26 passing against Louisiana Tech. The Auburn attack limped to a 3-2 victory against Mississippi State around this time last year, but Todd and the Tigers’ offense cranked out 556 yards under first-year offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn on Sept. 5.

Non-BCS foes weren’t the only ones to suffer the wrath of these recently revamped SEC quarterbacks.

Four SEC teams started their seasons against BCS conference opponents — three of them with either new or inexperienced starters. All four games were on the road or at neutral venues, but this new crop of SEC quarterbacks emerged 3-1.

South Carolina sophomore Stephen Garcia and Georgia senior Joe Cox had equally frustrating outings, and they get the chance to right the ship against each other Sept. 12. Garcia had a handful of clutch completions, though no touchdowns and an interception, in a horrendous 7-3 win against North Carolina State.

Cox wasn’t awful in a 24-10 loss to No. 9 Oklahoma State, completing 50

percent for 163 yards and a touchdown. But the Bulldogs undoubtedly miss Matthew Stafford, their No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft last spring.

Most notable on a national scale was the debut of Alabama junior quarterback Greg McElroy, who evoked memories of his predecessor John Parker Wilson in a 34-24 win against No. 7 Virginia Tech. Like Wilson, McElroy didn’t do anything spectacular, but completed 50 percent of his passes for 230 yards and a touchdown and scrambled for 28 yards.

McElroy was at his most effective when he was handing off to his devastating run game, which combined for 248 yards.

LSU fans are probably concerned about the Tigers’ defensive performance against Washington, but for the first time in more than a year, LSU’s starting quarterback didn’t help the opposition by throwing an interception.

Sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson wasn’t amazing, but he was reliable and efficient — something Tiger fans would kill for after watching LSU quarterbacks throw 18 picks last season.

Jefferson cooly drove the Tigers to 24 offensive points, finishing with 172 yards, three touchdown passes and, most importantly, no interceptions.

Entering the season, the SEC boasted two established quarterbacks and the possibility of another ugly, defense-dominated season.

But if the early returns are any indication, there could be some fireworks in store.

Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com

PAGE 10 football guide

Ole Miss poised to make SEC title run

By Amos Morale Sports Contributor

Being ranked in the preseason polls carries a certain amount of expectations and preseason hype.

But for the Ole Miss football team, who began the season ranked for the first time since 2000, there is a new amount of hype surrounding the program.

“We know that we have a bull’s-eye on our chest,” senior safety Kendrick Lewis said at Southeastern Conference Media Days.

“Everyone knows us. We’re going to get the publicity.

We can’t buy into it.”

The Rebels were ranked No. 8 when the season began and are trying to ignore the hype in order to chase an SEC title.

“People said we weren’t going to do well last year,”

senior quarterback Jevan Snead said at SEC Media Days. “We ignored them and kept working hard. I think this year we’re doing the same and working hard.

We’re going to follow that same formula and keep doing everything we can to improve.”

The Rebels went winless in SEC play in 2007, but the arrival of first-year coach Houston Nutt and first-year starter Jevan Snead sparked a quick turnaround.

Snead began the season with shakey outings but was able to get it together and help the Rebels end the season on a six-game winning streak.

“If you fast forward from the first five games, fast forward to the last five games, Jevan Snead was a OLE MISS, see page 36

ROGELIO V. SOLIS / The Associated Press

Ole Miss junior quarterback Jevan Snead, right, looks to throw a pass as offensive lineman Bradley Sowell, left, protects him Sept. 6.

football guide PAGE 11

PAGE 12 football guide

Miss. State hopes to establish new era

By Sean Isabella Sports Contributor

For the first time in years, football fans in Starkville, Miss., have something to cheer about.

A new era at Mississippi State was established Sept. 5 when first-year head coach Dan Mullen led the Bulldogs to a 45-7 romp against Jackson State.

Mullen comes to Starkville after being an apprentice under Florida coach Urban Meyer for eight seasons, as he attempts to turn around an under-achieving Mississippi State program that had only one winning season since 2001 “There is a lot of excitement around Mississippi.

I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said junior offensive lineman Derek Sherrod at the Southeastern Conference Media Days in July.

Mullen served as the quarterbacks coach under Meyer at Bowling Green and Utah before guiding the Gators to two National Championships as their offensive coordinator.

He was hired in December to replace former Bulldogs coach Sylvester Croom, who struggled in Southeastern Conference games, going 10-30 during his four-year stint.

Mullen brings the same explosive spread offense that Meyer used to establish Florida as one of the best offensive attacks in the country, replacing Croom’s old fashioned West Coast system.

“We’re a multiple spread team,” Mullen said.

“We want to create advantageous one-on-one matchups, where I get a player in the open field matched up against someone that he’s better than.”

One problem Mullen ran into in the spring and fall practice was finding a quarterback to run his offense.

Senior Tyson Lee is the most experienced of the signal callers and started the season opener, but it was sophomore Chris Relf who stole the show against Jackson State.

Relf, who saw limited action as a freshman last year, threw for 75 yards and three touchdowns, while scampering for 82 yards and another score.

Lee should see the most time under center, but Mullen said he remains open to a two-quarterback system.

“We really need Tyson Lee to step up for us,” Mullen said. “We might rotate the other guys and play more than one quarterback, but we do need him as a senior to be a steady leader and a winner for us out there on the field.”

Senior running back Anthony Dixon, who figures to be the focal point of Mullen’s offense, was suspended for the first game because of disciplinary reasons.

But Dixon figures to be one of the better backs in the SEC this season, after rushing for more than 1,900 yards and 21 touchdowns the past two seasons.

Despite posting a 21-38 overall record for the Bulldogs, Croom was known as a defensive-oriented coach.

Mullen brought in former Louisiana Tech and North Carolina coach Carl Torbush to take over the defensive ropes.

The Bulldogs lost linebacker Dominic Douglas, who led the team with 116 tackles last season, to the NFL draft, but senior linebacker Jamar Chaney is back MISS ST, see page 36

ROGELIO V. SOLIS / The Associated Press

Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen holds his son as defensive lineman Rodney Prince congratulates him on his inaugural win on Sept. 5.

football guide PAGE 13

Florida aims to repeat National Championship

By Rowan Kavner Sports Contributor

The number “one” is a familiar site to the Florida football team.

It’s the Gators’ ranking heading into the season, it’s where they finished after winning a national championship last season and it was the number of former wide receiver/running back Percy Harvin.

Harvin had nine rushes for 122 yards and a touchdown to go along with five catches for 49 yards in the 2009 BCS National Championship game against Oklahoma — all on a sprained ankle. But now Harvin’s on the Minnesota Vikings, and the Gators are searching for his replacement.

Freshman Andre Debose was competing for the “Percy role” but suffered

a severe hamstring injury that could require surgery.

It’s possible that senior Brandon James, one of the team’s five captains, could fill Harvin’s shoes.

“Everyone calls it the Percy role,” James told The Gainesville Sun. “I just call it more involved in the offense. I’m playing receiver and getting the ball out of the backfield.”

The Gators also lost offensive weapons in wide receiver Louis Murphy and tight end Cornelius Ingram.

Junior tight end Aaron Hernandez will take Ingram’s place, and senior wide receiver Riley Cooper decided to return after being drafted by the MLB’s Texas Rangers.

The Gators return all 11 starters from 2008’s dominating defense, including first-team All-American

JOHN RAOUX / The Associated Press

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, center, celebrates with teammates after defeating Charleston Southern, 62-3, in Gainesville on Sept. 5.

linebacker Brandon Spikes and defensive end Carlos Dunlap, defensive most valuable player of the national championship game.

And of course, there’s Tim Tebow — the 2007 Heisman winner whose postgame speech after last season’s loss to Ole Miss is already on a plaque outside

the Gators’ new football facility.

Tebow returned in hopes of winning another championship, and the schedule is favorable as the Gators won’t play either Ole Miss or Alabama in the regular season.

FLORIDA, see page 37

PAGE 14 football guide

Bulldogs want to return glory to Georgia

By Jonathan Schexnayder Sports Contributor

At this time a season ago, the Georgia football team was in the national spotlight with its No. 1 preseason ranking.

But with Southeastern Conference Eastern Division foe Florida atop the polls this year, the Bulldogs find themselves as an underdog after losing quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno.

Stafford was the first overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Moreno also opted for the NFL after his sophomore season and was taken No. 12 overall by the Denver Broncos.

“We absolutely just have to focus on ourselves and what we need to do to prepare,” said ninth-year coach Mark Richt at SEC Media

DUE OGROCKI / The Associated Press

Georgia quarterback Joe Cox fumbles the ball during the Bulldogs’ game against Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., on Sept. 5.

Days. “I think our team understands the only chance they have is to play together, work together, earn it as a

team.”

Senior Joe Cox takes over at quarterback after three seasons as Stafford’s

understudy. Cox has seen minimal action in his five years with the program and completed 11-of-15 pass attempts for 151 yards and two touchdowns in three games in 2008, mostly in mop-up duty.

Richt compared Cox to former UGA quarterback D.J. Shockley, who, like Cox, waited his turn in the program. Shockley led the Bulldogs to the SEC championship in 2005 after replacing long-time starter David Greene.

“There are a lot of similarities between the respect the team has for both of these men and the respect and trust the coaches have in these men and the charisma they have,” he said. “They draw people to them.”

Cox wouldn’t mind a GEORGIA, see page 34

football guide PAGE 15

Kentucky picked to finish last in SEC East Three players named to All-SEC preseason team

By Andy Schwehm Sports Writer

The Kentucky football team is coming off a 7-6 season that included a victory against East Carolina in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

That’s the good news.

The bad news: the Wildcats lost four of their last five regular season games last season and were recently picked by the media to finish last in the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division.

In addition, Kentucky faces a tougher schedule this season than it did last season with home games against Florida and Alabama and road games against South Carolina, Auburn and Georgia.

But Kentucky coach Rich Brooks still feels positive about the upcoming season, despite everything working agains the Wildcats’ favor.

“This year’s Kentucky football team going into this season is a better team than I had going into last season” Brooks said at SEC Media Days. “The reasons I feel that way is I believe our offense will be much more productive, which it needs to be because we were not very good a year ago.”

The Wildcat offense will be headed by junior quarterback Mike Hartline, a second-year starter who threw for 1,666 yards and nine touchdowns in nine starts last season.

“Mike Hartline did a very good job … managing our offense,” Brooks said.

“He didn’t make a lot of negative plays, but he didn’t make as many positive plays as he needs to make.”

Hartline said at Kentucky’s media day he feels he has improved since last season.

“I think that I am more mature and more of a vocal leader,” Hardline said. “The biggest thing that [offensive coordinator Randy] Sanders and I talked about was to get on guys when I need to get on them, but No. 1 I have to take care of my business.

I believe that I have, and I am at the point where I have great relationships with every single person on this football team.”

Kentucky had three players named to the AllSEC team at Media Days — cornerback Trevard Lindley was named to the First Team, while linebacker Micah Johnson and offensive tackle Zipp Duncan were named to the Second Team.

Johnson had 93 tackles last season despite missing two plus games because of injury. Lindley was a consensus first-team All-SEC choice last season with four interceptions and 11 pass breakups.

Lindley thought about bypassing his senior season to head to the NFL after last season, but he decided to come back.

“I went back and forth each day, honestly,” Lindley said at SEC Media Days. “It was a hard decision because I was projected to go high.

Ultimately, my parents and coaches helped me make my decision. I decided to stay because I hurt my shoulder at the end of the season. I couldn’t work it out until February.”

Brooks said Lindley is one of the best at his position in the nation.

“Trevard Lindley, simply put, can line up against KENTUCKY, see page 34

AL BEHRMAN / The Associated Press

Kentucky running back Moncell Allen is pursued by defenders in the Wildcats’ 42-0 win over Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 5 in Cincinnati.

PAGE 16 football guide

Spurrier still looking for breakout season Gamecocks start with win at NC State

By Jarred LeBlanc Sports Contributor

The 2008 South Carolina football team finished the season ranked No. 2 in pass defense and No. 13 in total defense but only managed to post a 7-6 record for the season.

In coach Steve Spurrier’s four years at South Carolina, the team has won 28 games, averaging seven wins a season. But in that span the Gamecocks have also lost 22 games — numbers that are far from what Spurrier was used to posting when he coached at Florida. From 1990-2001, the Gators were 122-27-1 with Spurrier at the helm.

But the 2009 season is a

fresh start for the Gamecocks, who opened the season with a 7-3 victory at NC State on Sept. 3. Despite the victory, the “Old Ball Coach” was not happy that his team only scored one time in four red zone possessions.

“We were pretty sad the other night,” Spurrier said.

“It’s nobody’s fault but mine.

So I’ll coach my tail off and see if we [can] get some offense around here.”

South Carolina lost its leading rusher, passer and top two receivers from the 2008 squad.

Former Gamecock wide receiver Kenny McKinley left USC as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (207) and receiving yards (2,781), surpassing former USC star Sterling Sharpe. McKinley was one of seven Gamecocks to be drafted in the 2009 NFL

GERRY BROOME / The Associated Press

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier looks on during the Gamecocks’ 7-3 win against N.C. State in Raleigh, N.C., Sept. 3.

Draft.

South Carolina has just nine seniors on its roster, and Spurrier said he looks forward to improving the team’s record during the next four seasons.

“We’re starting a new four-year stint with a lot of

new coaches and hopefully a lot better attitude on our team,” Spurrier said. “We’re getting national recruit type players that maybe we used to not get.”

The Gamecocks finished GAMECOCKS, see page 33

football guide PAGE 17

Kiffin has rough start as Tenn. coach Vols beat W. Kentucky, lose to UCLA

By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer

The Tennessee football team finished 5-7 in 2008, its worst record in the 16-year tenure of former coach Phillip Fulmer.

Now Lane Kiffin is at the helm in Knoxville, and the Volunteers are hoping for a fresh start.

Defensive back Eric Berry, the team’s first unanimous All-American since 1990, is back for his junior season, and Tennessee sealed a top10 recruiting class in 2009, including running back Bryce Brown — the No. 1 overall prospect in the country.

Things did not get off to a smooth start on the recruit-

ing front for Kiffin. The exOakland Raiders coach was charged with three recruiting violations since his hiring in December, including accusing Florida’s Urban Meyer of a violation in February and referring to Brown as “a great player” before the prospect signed his letter of intent.

At Southeastern Conference Media Days in July, Kiffin dismissed the importance of the multiple infractions and said they wouldn’t affect the way the team would play in 2009.

“We’ve had a number of violations, and I don’t think it’s a crazy amount comparable to other schools,” Kiffin said. “Not one of the violations that occurred to us was something we planned, and none of the violations we had gained us an advantage in recruiting.”

WADE PAYNE / The Associated Press

Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin watches a play during the Vols’ game against Western Kentucky on Sept 5 in Knoxville, Tenn.

But now Brown has made his debut on the football field, entering Tennessee’s season opener against Western Kentucky on Sept. 5 on

the second possession. Brown finished with 11 carries for 104 yards and scored a 2-yard VOLS, see page 32

PAGE 18 football guide

football guide PAGE 19

Vanderbilt comes off first bowl win in 53 years Commodores return 17 starters from 2008

By Katherine Terrell Sports Contributor

When it comes to Southeastern Conference football, Vanderbilt usually gets overlooked when compared to perennial national championship contenders like LSU, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.

But after ending its season with a 7-6 record and a victory against Boston College in the Music City Bowl, the Commodores won’t have the luxury of flying under the radar this year.

Vanderbilt returns 17 starters from the 2008 squad — eight on offense and nine on defense.

Last season’s team relied heavily on its defense. Five of its six losses in 2008 were low scoring games decided by 13 points or less.

Those losses came in large part due to Vanderbilt’s anemic offense that ranked 117th in the country. They only averaged 133.6 rushing yards per game and 122.6 passing yards per game.

According to Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson, the offense has switched to a no-huddle system this year in hopes to boost their poor 2008 production.

“Whatever we did last year just wasn’t working,” Johnson said at SEC Media Days. “We were one of the worst teams in the nation when it came to offensive production.”

Johnson said in a highly competitive SEC, every team must improve every season.

“In turning the corner, like I’ve said many times before, you never get over the hump,” Johnson said. “You never get around the corner.

We’ve got to fight and we’ve got to work and we’ve got to continue to do what we’re doing to get better,” Vanderbilt started this season on a good note by shutting out Western Carolina on Sept. 5, its first shut out in 10 years.

Sophomore quarterback Larry Smith, who made his first start last season in the Music City Bowl, got the nod as starter for the season opener.

Smith responded and completed 10-of-18 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game in the third quarter with cramps.

Two freshmen running backs stood out in the game.

Warren Norman ran for 105 yards and two touchdowns, while Zac Stacy rushed for 133 yards.

“They’re cool customers and can handle the pressure,” Johnson said after the game.

“They’ve done a good job of learning the offense and we were able to run through some big holes. We’re pleased with their execution and stayed aggressive.”

On the defensive side, Johnson said he feels confident about his returning starters: senior defensive tackle Greg Billinger, junior defensive tackle Adam Smotherman, senior defensive end Broderick Stewart, and senior defensive end Steven Stone.

Senior cornerback Myron Lewis said he is excited about the secondary, particularly freshmen defensive backs Trey Wilson and Eddie Foster.

But the Commodores have their work cut out for them this season. Because of scheduling conflict a few years ago, Vanderbilt has VANDY, see page 32

MARK HUMPHREY / The Associated Press

Vanderbilt quarterback Larry Smith (10) fumbles the ball into the end zone as he is hit by Western Carolina linebacker Adrian McLeod, left, and safety Chris Collins, right, in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 5.

PAGE 20 football guide

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Ole Miss, Florida will meet in SEC championship

Predicting anything about college football is an inexact science.

So much can happen, and an injury or two could completely derail a team’s season.

With that being said, it’s a fun and frustrating task. So here are my fearless predictions for how the 2009 Southeastern Conference season will pan out.

SEC WEST 1. Ole Miss Colonel Reb’s crew could win its first-ever outright SEC West title this season and make its first trip to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta if the Rebels play up to their potential.

Ole Miss returns junior signal-caller Jevan Snead, who passed for more than 2,700 yards and 26 touchdowns in his sophomore cam-

paign.

Also returning are many of the members of a fierce defense that finished No. 19 in total defense last season.

2. LSU After finishing 3-5 in the SEC in 2008, the Tigers made s o m e c h a n g e s Johanathan Brooks and could Sports Columnist be more competitive this season.

The Tigers have new defensive coaches and quarterbacks with experience, but the jury is still out, waiting to see how these adjustments will help the Tigers.

Defensive coordinator John Chavis brings to Baton Rouge his brand of defense

that made his Tennessee squads of the past some of the most feared in the conference.

3. Alabama Last season’s SEC West champions could see some drop off on offense this year after the graduation of quarterback John Parker Wilson and the early departure of stud running back Glen Coffee.

Junior Greg McElroy will take over at quarterback, and he has sophomore receiver Julio Jones to assist in his endeavors.

The Tide finished tied for No. 3 nationally in total defense in 2008, and return the core of that group this season.

4. Arkansas In Bobby Petrino’s second year, the Razorbacks will probably improve on the 5-7 record from last season.

Arkansas will start Michigan transfer Ryan Mallett at quarterback, and he’ll bring stability to an offense that finished No. 49 in the country in 2008.

The Razorbacks’ schedule might give them some trouble, however. It features trips to LSU, Ole Miss, Florida and Alabama.

5. Auburn It’s going to take firstyear coach Gene Chizik longer than one season to right the ship at Auburn.

The Tigers finished 5-7 in 2008 because of a bad offense, finishing No. 104 in total offense last season.

Auburn’s still trying out a two-quarterback system where junior Kodi Burns does the running and senior Chris Todd does the passing.

SEC, see page 30

PAGE 22 football guide

Defensive coordinator expected to make impact Chavis know to team as the “Chief”

By David Helman Sports Writer

This story originially ran in The Daily Reveille on Aug. 24.

The name has stuck with John Chavis for nearly his entire life.

From winning a national title with the Tennessee Volunteers to assuming command as LSU’s new defensive coordinator, it’s never long before he’s known simply as “chief” to players and peers alike.

“My mother was fullblooded Cherokee, and my dad was Lumbee, and it’s a name that stuck early in life,” Chavis said. “It has to do with a heritage, and I’m kind

of glad that it stuck.”

But from watching Chavis’ fiery personality with the LSU defense, one might assume he got the moniker from other means.

“He is the chief,” said junior linebacker Kelvin Sheppard. “When he’s out there, everybody gives him the utmost respect, and when he says something, it’s going to happen.”

His intense approach is understandable, as Chavis’ move from Tennessee to LSU is expected to restore a Tiger defense which dropped from No. 3 nationally in total defense in 2007 to No. 32 in 2008.

“His emotion and his swagger just connected from day one,” said senior linebacker Harry Coleman. “Just CHAVIS, see page 28

MAGGIE BOWLES / The Daily Reveille

Defensive coordinator John Chavis watches a drill at practice Aug. 13.

football guide PAGE 23

PAGE 24 football guide

Scott propels offense with running game Senior puts value in hometown roots

By Rachel Whittaker Chief Sports Writer

This story originially ran in The Daily Reveille on Aug. 25.

Charles Scott etched his place in LSU lore in 2008 and finished with the fifth-highest rushing total and the secondmost rushing touchdowns in Tiger history.

But the senior running back’s achievements have come not only on the field in Death Valley, said Shannon Brown, Scott’s football coach at Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Jonesboro.

“With all the success he’s had and all the things coming his way, he’s still the same kid I coached in high school,” Brown said. “This past year Charles came out to the Little League park here and sat out there for hours signing autographs. There was a line 100 yards long at the field, and he just sat there and spent time with all the kids.”

Brown said Scott has never lost touch with his hometown roots, and he has always given credit to his teammates for any awards he’s garnered, much like he does today at LSU. Scott had a career year in 2008 with 1,174 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on his way to receiving firstteam All-Southeastern Conference honors. The year was a breakout season for Scott who began the season with 10 combined rushing touchdowns in his first two years at LSU. Scott was named to the 2009 Doak Walker Award watch list for college football’s best running back and the Maxwell Award watch list for the most outstanding

college football player.

“When Charles started getting his accolades and things, he was careful to make sure he mentioned his offensive linemen and his teammates,” Brown said. “He doesn’t like people saying, ‘Hey Charles, you’re on the Doak Walker list,’ but where we’re from in a small town, that’s a big deal. And [the accolades] didn’t just happen last year; he’s built himself up far, and he’s finally getting the recognition.”

Scott’s mother, Phyllis, said her son assuming a leadership role in the running game and on the team as a whole is something his family and friends are accustomed to seeing.

“He has such a strong work ethic, so I never had to worry about him not working hard to achieve something,” Phyllis Scott said.

“He actually became the main leader as a running back when he started his junior year of high school. Before that I always encouraged him to be patient and his time would come.”

With LSU’s 2009 season drawing near, Scott said the Tiger running backs are a “tight-knit group” amid the “friendly competition” in practice.

“It’s a sense of pride we have, and our unit is going to handle our end of the deal,” he said. “I’m not the best running back in every situation in a game. If it calls for Keiland [Williams] or it calls for Richard [Murphy], I’m cheering them on. We’re actually kind of crazy on the sideline.”

At Jonesboro-Hodge, Charles Scott was not just a running back. In fact, Brown said Scott began as a defensive back and gradually took SCOTT, see page 29

KRISTEN M’LISSA ROWLETT / The Daily Reveille

Senior running back Charles Scott breaks a tackle Sept. 12.

football guide PAGE 25

Coleman makes impact at new position Senior makes start at strong side linebacker

By Sean Isabella Sports Contributor

This story originially ran in The Daily Reveille on Aug. 25.

Harry Coleman’s bone crushing hits will continue for the LSU football team — just at a new position.

The former starting strong safety, who led LSU with 71 tackles last year, will suit up at strongside linebacker this fall.

The decision to switch the 6-foot-2-inch, 206-pound senior to linebacker was made to provide depth and versatility to a defense that finished No. 9 in the Southeastern Conference in yards allowed per game.

“When you have a guy

like him that can play every down, it gives you the flexibility that you don’t have to make substitutions,” said first-year defensive coordinator John Chavis.

LSU coach Les Miles said Coleman could see situational time at safety throughout the season but reiterated Coleman will start at linebacker.

“He is a starter for us.

We’re certainly going to get him on the field,” he said.

When Chavis talked to Coleman near the end of spring practice about the possibility of a switch to linebacker, Coleman embraced the idea with open arms.

“He’s willing to do whatever he needs to do to make this team as good as it can be,” Chavis said. “His attitude is the attitude you’re looking for in terms of having a team concept.”

BRIANNA PACIORKA / The Daily Reveille

LSU senior linebacker Harry Coleman hits Vanderbilt sophomore quarterback Larry Smith on Sept. 12 in Tiger Stadium.

Chavis said he wants to have as many linebackers as possible in a rotation, keeping them fresh for the speed they will see from SEC offenses.

Coleman’s addition to

the linebacker corps will now allow junior Kelvin Sheppard to see more action at his natural middle linebacker position.

COLEMAN, see page 27

PAGE 26 football guide

COLEMAN, from page 25

“It provides us with a lot more depth,” said Sheppard, who finished second to Coleman with 64 tackles.

“If we get tired, like Chief [Chavis] tells us all the time, tap on your helmet and we’ll get somebody else in there until you can go.”

Since learning of his position change in the spring, Coleman has made a smooth transition to linebacker.

He showed he grasped his new position Aug. 15 in LSU’s first scrimmage, where he recorded four tackles and a sack.

Coleman said his safety background has taught him to constantly be aware of both the run and pass, but now has a new thought process.

“It’s pretty much knowledge — run first, pass second,” said the Baldwin native.

Senior weakside linebacker Perry Riley applaud-

ed Coleman’s effort and how hard he worked transitioning to linebacker.

“It’s definitely a lot harder to be in the box than it is to be roaming around, but he’s a very physical player, and he’ll make the transition well,” Riley said.

Coleman spent a lot of time in coverage last year, which gives him an advantage in the position change.

His instinctive ball skills helped him record seven pass break ups, good enough for second on the team.

In Chavis’ scheme, Coleman will take the primary responsibility of picking up the tight end, running back or even a slot receiver.

“Because I played safety last year … it will be much easier for me to adjust to any coverage,” he said.

When Coleman isn’t out in coverage, he will be in the box against the run, something unfamiliar to a safety.

Coleman said he made a

football guide PAGE 27

conscious effort over the past few months to work on how to shed off blockers.

“Going from safety to linebacker you’ve got to use your hands more,” he said. “I worked all summer on getting better at that. It’s coming along fine.”

Chavis, who coached several All-American linebackers during his tenure at Tennessee, sees Coleman as a nightmare for SEC linemen.

He said Coleman not only brings athleticism but packs a powerful punch for his sleek 206-pound frame.

“He makes it very difficult for offensive linemen to block him because of his quickness and because of his feet,” Chavis said. “And also, he shocks them when there’s contact because he’s very powerful.”

Coleman will benefit from the three years he spent commanding the Tigers’ secondary.

His speed and quickness will bring much needed athleticism to a group of linebackers who constantly face questions about their ability to compete in the SEC. “A lot of people try to question mine, [Kelvin’s] and Jacob [Cutrera’s] speed,” Riley said. “Well you can’t question Harry’s speed. He was a starting safety in the SEC, so the speed is there, the size is there, the depth is there.”

No matter where Tiger fans see Coleman line up this fall, he should continue to see plenty of opportunities to make “highlight-reel hits.”

“At the Sam [strongside linebacker] position, it’s great for big hits … interceptions even,” Coleman said.

“However I can get you on the ground, I’m going to do it.”

Contact Sean Isabella at sisabella@lsureveille.com

PAGE 28 football guide CHAVIS, from page 22

playing under him just makes you want to do good, makes you want to play better. And you don’t want him to holler at you. That’s never good.”

Chavis comes to LSU after 14 seasons with the Volunteers, where he captured the 1998 Southeastern Conference and national championships with former coach Philip Fulmer.

“Not only was I in one spot for a long time, but I was with the same coaching staff for a long time,” Chavis said. “When we got started in the spring, after the second or third day, it felt like home.

It felt like my players. It felt like my school and I’m a part of LSU, and I can’t be any happier about that.”

Chavis’ final Tennessee defense finished last season as the nation’s third-best defense, despite the team having just a 5-7 record. The Volunteers were the only los-

ing program with a defense ranked No. 25 or better.

That fact wasn’t lost on LSU coach Les Miles, who last fall witnessed the Tigers’ biggest defensive dip in eight seasons and the worst of his tenure.

“There was an existing culture of dominant defense played here,” Miles said.

“Our guys know that price and look forward to it. They wanted it, and it’s who they are.”

That price has been made known at offseason workouts and practices. Miles said the team underwent a rigorous conditioning program, and Chavis has opened the defense to competition. But so far the transition has been seamless for the Tigers’ new defensive coordinator.

“There’s not one position on our defensive football team where there’s not competition,” Chavis said. “Competition is a driving force to being great.”

Joining Chavis on the coaching staff are secondary coach Ron Cooper and defensive line coach Brick Haley to shore up setbacks in last season’s defensive backfield and front line. Cooper was a defensive backs coach with two top-five pass defenses nationally at South Carolina, while Haley comes back to the college game after a stint with the NFL’s Chicago Bears.

“Defensively, the enthusiasm with which the new coaches have taken hold and how it’s been met with an equal commitment with our players, it just seems like a lot of fun,” Miles said.

Cooper said the collaboration with Chavis and Haley has been a familiar one.

Chavis and Cooper both had coaching stints at Alabama A&M, Haley’s alma mater, and all three men have held various jobs in the SEC in the past 15 years.

“The three of us that

came in have known each other for years,” Cooper said.

“Everybody brings a little bit of something to the table …

We’ve all got a job to do, and we’ve got to work together.”

The trio has an abundance of talent to help regain the defensive mojo. Four of Miles’ five recruiting classes at LSU have been ranked in the top 10 nationally, and many of the Tigers’ projected starters were highly-touted high school recruits.

It’s safe to say the LSU defense has become a “Chief” concern.

“There’s no question in my mind that we have the talent to become a very good defense,” Chavis said. “You’ve got to make sure you’re asking them to do the things they know how to do. That way they can play more aggressively and cut it loose.”

Contact David Helman at dhelman@lsureveille.com

SCOTT, from page 24

on roles on both sides of the ball and in kickoff returns.

“His freshman year, he didn’t carry the ball a tremendous amount,” Brown said.

“In his senior or junior year, we moved him to linebacker and tailback, two of the more difficult positions to handle, but he did it with ease. He wanted to be out there all the time … His junior year he was primarily our offense.”

Charles Scott also played basketball and baseball, ran track and sang in his church’s youth choir in high school.

In the midst of his whirlwind of extracurricular activities, Phyllis Scott said her son also excelled academically.

“He’s the kind of student who would come home and do his homework, but I would tease him because he didn’t have very good study habits,” she said. “He would take a test and pass it no problem, and I said to him, ‘Boy,

you’re going to have to learn some study habits if you’re going to get into college.’”

Charles Scott had the chance to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft, but Phyllis Scott, an elementary school teacher, said she was very pleased with her son’s decision to finish college and get his degree.

LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton described Charles Scott as a “punishing runner who makes a lot of big plays.” But for Shannon Brown, his character can be recognized further in his interactions with others.

“When he comes home, he talks to the high school kids and anybody who wants to talk football or otherwise,” Brown said. “He’s one of those special guys you’ll never forget. They don’t come along often, particularly for a place like this. He’s one of a kind.”

Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com

football guide PAGE 29

JOHN FROSCHAUER / The Associated Press

Senior running back Charles Scott receives a hand off from sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson on Sept. 5 against Washington.

PAGE 30 football guide SEC, from page 21 6. Mississippi State Another team with a firstyear coach, the Bulldogs will be under the guidance of former Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen.

This team was especially bad in 2008 and finished No. 113 in total offense.

Under Mullen, Florida finished No. 15 in total offense in 2008, so Mullen could make a difference in the future with good recruiting classes.

Tim Tebow is poised to make another run at the Heisman trophy — an award he won in 2007.

SEC EAST

2. Tennessee First-year coach Lane Kiffin may have ruffled a few feathers in the offseason, but the guy can coach.

The Volunteers return junior safety Eric Berry, who is considered one of the best in the nation.

They also return senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton who threw for five touchdowns in his season debut in a 63-7 win against Western Kentucky.

1. Florida Urban Meyer’s boys will likely be making a return trip to the Georgia Dome representing the SEC East in the championship game.

This squad returns 21 of 22 starters from the 2008 national championship team, including 11 on defense.

3. Georgia Despite losing a large portion of their offense, the Bulldogs hope to maintain the success that has marked the Georgia program for years.

Senior quarterback Joe Cox will start this season and has a talented group of receivers, including sophomore A.J.

Green.

The only hiccup for the Bulldogs this season could be a daunting schedule, which includes games against Oklahoma State, Arizona State, LSU and the annual contests against Florida and Georgia Tech.

4. South Carolina The Steve Spurrier era at South Carolina has been largely unsuccessful, and this season probably won’t be any different.

Sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia is back to lead an offense that finished No. 97 nationally last season.

These are numbers uncharacteristic of any Spurrierlead offenses of the past.

5. Vanderbilt This team was actually ranked for a time in 2008 but finished the regular season 6-6 and was invited to the Music City Bowl, where it won its first bowl game in 53 years.

The Commodores, who finished No. 117 in total offense last season, tabbed sophomore Larry Smith as their starting quarterback this season after leading the team to its bowl win.

6. Kentucky The Wildcats finished with the worst SEC East record in 2008 and will probably have more of the same luck.

Kentucky will have to face Florida and Alabama in consecutive weeks and finishes the season at Georgia and against Tennessee. Those game will be tough for Rich Brooks’ boys.

Johanathan Brooks is a 21year-old mass communication senior from Powder Springs, Ga. Follow him on Twitter @ TDR_jbrooks.

Contact Johanathan Brooks at jbrooks@lsureveille.com

football guide PAGE 31

PAGE 32 football guide VANDY, from page 19

ended up with a schedule that has them playing 12-consecutive weeks, a nightmare when playing in the grind of the SEC. “I’m really not happy about it,” Johnson said. “I don’t think there’s anything

VOLS, from page 17

touchdown — the Volunteers’ first points of the season.

Senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton accounted for 233 passing yards of Tennessee’s 657 yards of total offense in the Volunteers’ 63-7 rout of Western Kentucky.

Crompton completed 21 of 28 passes and threw five touchdowns after his first pass of the season was intercepted.

Another former coach is missing from the Volunteers’ staff in 2009. John Chavis left to be LSU’s defensive coordinator after holding the position for 14 years at Tennes-

anybody could do to avoid it.

In fact, we tried to fix it up a little bit last year when we found out it would work out that way, but we just couldn’t get it done.”

Playing 12 weeks without a bye is tough for any team, especially a team ending its season last year by

losing six out of its last seven games.

“It’s always been Vanderbilt’s story that we always start well but falter towards the end and that we never had enough depth. Now we finally have that,” said senior center Bradley Vierling. “We have starters coming back

and reserves coming back.

We have backups pushing for starting spots. It’s more competitive than it’s ever been.”

see, and Lane Kiffin hired his father, Monte, who spent 15 years as a Superbowl winning NFL defensive coordinator, to replace Chavis.

Berry said at SEC Media Days that Monte Kiffin, and Chavis are “very similar as coaches.” Berry enters his junior season with 487 interception return yards, just 15 yards shy of setting a new NCAA record.

Berry led the nation in 2008 with 265 return interception return yards, and he was the only player to have an interception in seven different games last season.

Tennessee also made

splashes on the recruiting front on defense. Tennessee secured former Barbe High School standout cornerback Janzen Jackson, the No. 2 overall prospect in Louisiana, a signing Kiffin was especially proud of because Jackson came all the way from Louisiana.

“We just went down there, and we brought him on a trip,” Lane Kiffin said.

“Five-star players don’t leave the state of Louisiana. I think he fell in love with my dad. I think he saw how good he can be in that system, how much football he can learn underneath my father.”

Berry said the team has tremendous faith in Lane Kiffin to guide the Volunteers to a winning season this year.

“We just thought we were in this thing by ourselves last year, not having anybody on our side,” Berry said. “So when he comes in and says he has confidence in us, the team went crazy. Just seeing somebody having that type of faith in us after a 5-7 season, who wouldn’t want to put themselves on the line for him?”

Contact Katherine Terrell at kterrell@lsureveille.com

Contact Rachel Whittaker at rwhittaker@lsureveille.com

football guide PAGE 33 GAMECOCKS, from page 16

with the No. 12-best recruiting class in 2009, according to Rivals.com. Athlete Stephon Gilmore, who elected to stay in state and play for South Carolina, highlighted the recruiting class.

“We worked him a little bit this spring,” Spurrier said.

“He is really something with the ball in his hands. We got to utilize him also on offense a little bit here and there.”

The Gamecocks have also added several members to their coaching staff.

On the offensive side of the ball, South Carolina added former NFL running back Jay Graham as running backs coach, Johnson “Jeep” Hunter as tight ends coach and assistant special teams coordinator, G.A. Magnus as quarterbacks coach and Eric Wolford as running game coordinator and offensive line coach.

Defensively, the Game-

GERRY BROOME / The Associated Press

South Carolina sophomore wide receiver looks for running room in the Gamecocks’ 7-3 win against N.C. State on Sept. 3, in Raleigh, N.C.

cocks added Lorenzo Ward as defensive coordinator and safeties coach and also hired Craig Fitzgerald as director of football strength and conditioning.

Sophomore quarterback Stephen Garcia started under the center for the Gamecocks against NC State and went 13for-22 with 148 yards passing and one interception. Garcia played in eight games in the

2008 season, passing for 832 yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Senior linebacker Eric Norwood, who led South Carolina with eight tackles and two sacks in the season opener, leads the Gamecocks defensively. After being a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection each of the last two seasons, Norwood was selected as a preseason

All-American in 2009. Norwood is also on the preseason Rotary Lombardi and Ronnie Lott award watch lists.

Senior wide receiver Moe Brown, who was third on the team in receiving last season with 391 yards, has taken over a leadership role on the team.

“Moe is the vocal guy,” Norwood said. “He makes the speeches in the locker room, gets the hype up and the team excited before the game.”

The Gamecocks were picked to finish third in the SEC East this season, which is an improvement from the seven previous seasons when the team was picked to finish fourth in the division.

“We haven’t turned it around big time yet,” Spurrier said. “We’re looking forward to see how it plays out this season.”

Contact Jarred LeBlanc at jleblanc@lsureveille.com

PAGE 34 football guide Freshman of the Year and first team All-SEC honors similar end to his career in last season. He had 56 catchAthens. es for a team-best 963 yards “D.J. had that great last and eight touchdowns in 11 season. He led Georgia to an starts. His catch total set a SEC championship,” Cox freshman record at Georgia. said. “He’ll be remembered Hard-hitting junior lineforever for that. That’s how backer Rennie Curran returns our senior class wants to go to a defense that fell from out. We want to be remem- grace last season. bered as a great Georgia The Bulldogs gave up team.” more than No one 40 points will soon forget in each of ‘We want to be what Moreno their three remembered as a did in just losses two seasons great Georgia team.’ in 2008. in Athens. He That conaccounted for tributed to Joe Cox 2,734 yards and a No. 10 Georgia senior quarterback 30 touchdowns defense in in his career. the conferSophomore running ence and 59th in the nation backs Caleb King and Rich- in scoring defense. Georgia ard Samuel have the chal- surrendered the second-most lenging task of replacing one touchdowns (42) in the SEC, of the most prolific rushers in better only than Arkansas.

UGA history.

Curran said the defense Sophomore wide receiv- didn’t play like the “junkyard er A.J. Green earned SEC dogs” opposing offenses are

GEORGIA, from page 14

accustomed to from the Bulldogs.

“You’ve got to be able to perform even when your back is against the wall, when you are in a bad situation,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to make plays and make turnovers, and I don’t feel like we did that consistently.”

Curran racked up 115 tackles a season ago, the most by a Bulldog since 1998. He is on the 2009 Ronnie Lott Trophy watch list, which is awarded to the nation’s defensive impact player of the year.

The Bulldogs lost their opener 24-10 to Oklahoma State and must navigate a tough schedule that includes non-conference games against two other BCS schools, in addition to the SEC slate.

Contact Jonathan Schexnayder at jschexnayder@lsureveille.com

KENTUCKY, from page 15

any receiver in the country one on one,” Brooks said.

“And we would have a very optimistic feeling that he’s going to cover them pretty darn good the whole game, not allow a lot of big plays.

He not only can cover, he can make plays.”

So far the season has started out well for the Wildcats, as they steamrolled Miami (Ohio), 42-0, in their season opener Sept. 5 behind Hartline’s 222 yards passing and two touchdowns.

“Hartline played in the game like he did all fall,” Brooks said after the game.

“He played with poise, threw the ball very well and didn’t have a lot of bad plays. He made a lot more good plays than bad. I thought his accuracy was good for the most part.”

Contact Andy Schwehm at aschwehm@lsureveille.com

football guide PAGE 35

PAGE 36 football guide MISS ST, from page 12

after suffering a season-ending injury last year in the first game of the season.

“He’s probably our most valuable player coming into the season,” Mullen said of Chaney, who recorded a team-high 89 tackles in 2007. “It’s just fantastic having him back … to help build that foundation of what we want, and the message we’re trying to get across to our team on a daily basis.”

Mullen and the Bulldogs have their hands full with one of the more difficult schedules in the country, though all of their big games will come at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State hosts No. 1 Florida, No. 5 Alabama, No. 8 Ole Miss, No. 11 LSU and No. 15 Georgia Tech all at home.

Contact Sean Isabella at sisabella@lsureveille.com

OLE MISS, from page 10

different quarterback,” Nutt said at the SEC Media Days.

“Why? Because he took care of the ball. He got us out of the wrong play, got us in the right play, distributed the ball to different guys.”

Snead also helped Ole Miss hand eventual national champion Florida its sole loss of the 2008 season.

“That was a game that showed us that we could compete with all the other schools in the SEC,” Lewis said.

Snead’s name has also been mentioned in some Heisman Trophy talks.

“I try not to put too much into it,” Snead said.

“When you’re a kid you dream of stuff like that. I’ve had a rocky road getting to where I am. Just to be mentioned with all the great players and for the Heisman is a great honor for me. At the same time, I’m not fo-

cused on that. That’s not my main goal. My main goal is to do everything I can to improve so I can help my team get some wins.”

The Rebels will begin this season without offensive lineman Micheal Oher and defensive lineman Peria Jerry, who left for the NFL after last season.

“Those guys were not only captains of our football team and leaders but just played so hard,” Nutt said. “So we’ve got to replace a very good group of seniors.”

The Rebels do return their leading rusher and receiver from last season.

Senior wide receiver Shay Hodge caught 44 balls, eight of which were touchdown receptions.

Senior wide receiver Dexter McCluster also returned for the 2009 season. McCluster caught 44 passes but also led Ole Miss in rushing, often car-

rying the football from the “Wild Rebel” formation. He rushed for 697 yards and led the team with six rushing touchdowns.

On the other side of the ball, the Rebels return senior defensive lineman Greg Hardy who led the team with 8.5 sacks last season.

Lewis said the pressure applied by the Rebels’ defensive line will be key Ole Miss’s defensive success.

“We got Greg Hardy, [senior] Marcus Tillman, [junior] Ted Laurent, [junior] Lawon Scott, [junior] Jerrell Powe. All those guys are putting in the work that makes our job easier.

They’re the ones who are applying the pressure on the quarterback and stuffing the run. Those guys get all the credit for what happens in the backend with us.”

Contact Amos Morale at amorale@lsureveille.com

football guide PAGE 37

LSU, from page 6

2009 NFL Draft.

“We’ll need five or six defensive ends, and when you look at the roster from last year we lost five guys that played a tremendous amount of football for us,” Chavis said.

Seniors Rahim Alem and Charles Alexander stand as the anchors of a defensive line attempting to ramp up pressure on opposing quarterbacks to increase the turnover output of a defense which was in dire need of turnovers last season. The defense is also benefitting from the return of senior linebacker Perry Riley and will be looking for sophomore safety Chad Jones to emerge as a playmaker.

Contact Luke Johnson at ljohnson@lsureveille.com

very close. He was my FLORIDA, from page 13 quarterback coach for three “This season is very years. I wish him nothing special for us,” Tebow said but the best at Mississippi at SEC Media Days. “I think State. I know he’s going to we’ve had the best offsea- do a great job.” son that we’ve had since Running more plays I’ve been at the University under center could help of Florida.”

Tebow’s NFL Offensive draft stock. But c o o r d i n a t o r ‘We’ve had the best Florida coach Steve Add- offseason that we’ve Urban Meyer azio, quarterthat rehad since I’ve been said backs coach lies mainly on at the University of the trust in his Scot Loeffler and tight ends running backs, Florida.’ coach Brian which he’s still Tim Tebow White are enfiguring out.

Florida quarterback tering their “We’re first season at looking for that their respective positions all-day, everyday tailback,” for Florida.

Meyer said. “Emmanuel Former offensive coor- Moody and Chris Rainey dinator Dan Mullen left to and [Jeffery] Demps are gotake the head coaching job ing to have a lot to do with at Mississippi State. Loef- it. Scot Loeffler and Tim fler is coming off a one-year [Tebow] are not going to stint coaching quarterbacks be the guys that are going for the Detroit Lions. to determine if we go under “I’ll miss Coach Mul- center. It’s going to be the len,” Tebow said. “We were quality of tailback play.”

‘‘

Moody, Rainey and Demps combined for three touchdowns and more than 250 yards on 15 carries in the season opener against Charleston Southern on Sept. 5. Rainey only got one of those carries but took it for 75 yards and a touchdown.

Florida has won two of the last three national championships. The Gators already broke a record before the season began by setting the biggest margin for a preseason Associated Press No. 1 team. Florida had 58 of the 60 first-place votes, with the other two going to Texas.

A team hasn’t repeated a national championship since Nebraska in 1995-96 — the Gators might have the pieces to do just that.

Contact Rowan Kavner at rkavner@lsureveille.com

PAGE 38 football guide

ALABAMA, from page 4

a critical area for us to develop,” Saban said. “We have some young players that need to step up.”

Alabama features another offensive weapon in sophomore wide receiver Julio Jones. Jones racked up 924 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman and has become the Crimson Tide’s No. 1 receiver.

The defense is pushing to be one of the best in the nation as they bring back nine starters from a unit that allowed 263.50 yards per game last season. But Saban is encour-

ARKANSAS, from page 5

Razorback defense is senior defensive end Malcolm Sheppard. Sheppard amassed 68 tackles, 14.5 of those for loss, and nabbed 6.5 sacks.

“Malcolm is a great leader for our defensive front and our defensive squad,” Petrino said.

football guide PAGE 39

aging his players not to let their guard down.

“The challenge to me on defense is those guys have to take it to the next level,” Saban said. “When you’re satisfied and you’re ranked high in a lot of categories ... maybe you don’t challenge yourself as much. That can’t happen.”

Three seniors return to anchor the defensive line in Alabama’s 3-4 scheme, while four starting linebackers come back as well.

Senior defensive lineman Terrence Cody lost 11 pounds in the offseason and anchors the line along with senior defensive ends Brandon Deader-

ick and Lorenzo Washington.

McClain, a potential first-round NFL draft pick, led the team in tackles last season with 95 and added three sacks.

Senior safety Justin Woodall takes over defensive play calling, while junior cornerback Kareem Jackson and senior cornerback Javier Arenas return to the defensive backfield.

Arenas is also a threat on special teams, averaging 15.9 yards per punt return with three touchdowns and 23.6 yards per kick return.

“A lot of people look at him as just a great kick re-

turner and a punt returner, but he’s so good on defense,” McClain said. “He watches so much film, watching receiver routes and different defense.

He pressures those guys in the secondary.”

Alabama earned a 34-24 victory against Virgina Tech, but divisional rivals Ole Miss and LSU will also pose a threat. The Crimson Tide face the Rebels in Oxford, Miss., on Oct. 10, and they host LSU on Nov. 7 in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“He’s a very, very good football player. I anticipate him having a great year for us this coming season.”

Some analysts have pegged the Razorbacks as a seven- or eight-win team in 2009.

Arkansas opened the 2009 season with a 48-10 romp

against Missouri State, setting a school record in the process by racking up 447 yards of total offense.

Mallett’s debut was impressive as well. The redshirt sophomore went 17-of-22 with 309 yards and a touchdown.

Petrino didn’t make any predictions, but said he does

believe this team to be better than last season’s 5-7 squad.

“I really believe that we’ll be a much better football team this year than we were a year ago,” Petrino said.

Contact Michael Lambert at mlambert@lsureveille.com

Contact Chris Branch at cbranch@lsureveille.com

PAGE 40 football guide