SEC Open Thread

[Legacy]

Five stars leaving opens up scholarships for walkons.

Nick Saban: Jamey Mosley 'earned' scholarship

Nick Saban told the Alabama team Monday night, announcing that Jamey Mosley had been awarded a scholarship. The reaction from the team? "There was a roar that went up," Saban said.

From another article:

"I think that a lot of young guys right now, they get really, really fearful of their future and it creates a lot of anxiety," Saban said after the first practice Aug. 4. "They think if they change environments that's going to help solve that anxiety and help them be able to get where they want to go. We certainly feel like we can help guys develop here, but if they think that there's a better way for them, another place, then we're going to support them in every way that we can to help them do the things they would like to do if they don't want to be in our program here."

2015 signee transfers

Adonis Thomas: Northwest Mississippi Community College
Shawn Burgess-Becker: Central Florida
Daylon Charlot: Kansas
Christian Bell: Wisconsin
Kendall Sheffield: TBA

 

[Bishop2b5]

Daddy Ball. His dad thought he should be starting.

Oh, geez. Last thing you need is Mom or Dad interfering and pitching a fit because their kid isn't getting to start. Doesn't matter if it's college or HS football, Little League, or elementary school girl's soccer.

 

[irishtrain]

I'm having a hard time making any sense of this decision. Saban made it clear that Sheffield was wanted and had a place on the team (and badly needed, as our depth at DB is almost nonexistent). Sheffield was in the mix for a starting job and at worst, was expected to see major playing time this season and step into a starting role next year. By all accounts he was well-liked, never in trouble, a hard worker, and his development as a player was on track. Personal issues or maybe academics?

Academics--you're kidding right

 

[dublinirish]

Daddy Ball. His dad thought he should be starting.

GTFO here son!

ahah where you been dude?

 

[T Town Tommy]

Oh, geez. Last thing you need is Mom or Dad interfering and pitching a fit because their kid isn't getting to start. Doesn't matter if it's college or HS football, Little League, or elementary school girl's soccer.

Yep. Sadly, sometimes those around these talented players are looking out more for their interests than their kids interests. Wish KS all the success in the future.

 

[T Town Tommy]

GTFO here son!

ahah where you been dude?

Been a little more low key this summer.... that, plus I have been covered up at work recently. But the smell of pigskin is in the air. Best of luck to your Irish this fall.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Y sources: NCAA's long investigation of Ole Miss getting longer as it expands probe to rival SEC schools <a href="https://t.co/epYRxwcKjF">https://t.co/epYRxwcKjF</a></p>— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) <a href="https://twitter.com/YahooForde/status/768800321539682305">August 25, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[PANDFAN]

From Yahoo!’s Pat Forde:

NCAA Enforcement representatives have visited Auburn and Mississippi State, and perhaps at least one more SEC Western Division school, this summer to speak with players who were recruited by Ole Miss. The players were granted immunity from potential NCAA sanctions in exchange for truthful accounts of their recruitment, sources said.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Ole Miss recruiting the past few years reminds me of a guy who averages 20 HR's per year and then suddenly gains 40 lbs of muscle and starts hitting 50. Yeah, nothing going on there at all.

 

[Legacy]

Alabama

Alabama

Alabama hasn't gotten 'final decision' on freshman D-lineman's eligibility

Reports in April had Davis cleared to play. Davis also signed a LOI for a JUCO. (Jamar King, another '16 signee, has been cleared and has enrolled. Kendall Jones, a '16 signee, did not qualify.)

"We don't have a final decision on that. I'll let you know when we get one. We haven't gotten a final decision on that yet." Saban

Suspended starting OG, Alphonse Taylor, was back at practice. Taylor was suspended indefinitely for DUI.

“Alphonse Taylor has gone through a program – pretty significant program, pretty intense program – and we have cleared him to practice. But we have not made a decision, and it will be based on what he does and how he does it as to whether that suspension that he had will be lifted when the games come. I’m not ready to make that decision right now and I don’t think we have all the information we need to have to be able to make that decision.” Saban

DB Tony Brown, suspended by the NCAA, has also been practicing with the team.

“We’re sort of having a work in progress with the NCAA. At some point in time they’ll give us a decision based on what they feel is their punishment for him or whatever. When that comes, we’ll let you know. We’re preparing for the season as if he’s going to be suspended for several games.” Saban

LT Cam Robinson and reserve DB Hootie Jones were back at practice.

“Those guys have done everything they’re supposed to do and if they continue to do that, I feel like they’ve done a good job. Unless there are other issues that come up, I don’t know that any kind of further punishment is going to help their behavior. I think they learned their lesson. I think when the facts came out, things were not what they seemed to be and I’m not going to comment on that anymore either.” Saban

 

[Legacy]

Embarrassment of riches: Alabama’s depth chart by star rank

Offense:
QB: 4-star or 5-star or 4-star
RB: 5-star or 5-star, 5-star
WR (Z): 4-star, 4-star
WR (H): 5-star, 3-star or 4-star
WR (X): 5-star or 5-star, 3-star
TE: 4-star, 4-star
TE: 5-star, 4-star or 3-star
RT: 5-star, 4-star
RG: 4-star, 4-star
C: 3-star, 4-star
LG: 4-star, 4-star
LT: 5-star, 3-star

Defense:
DE: 5-star, 5-star
NT: 5-star, 4-star
DE: 4-star, 3-star
OLB: 4-star, 4-star or 4-star
OLB: 4-star, 4-star or N/A (walk-on)
MLB: 5-star, 5-star
MLB: 4-star, 4-star
STAR: 5-star, 4-star
CB: 5-star, 4-star
CB: 5-star, 4-star
SS: 3-star, 4-star
FS: 4-star, 4-star

Within Alabama’s two-deep alone, the Crimson Tide feature 18 former five-star prospects, and 28 former four-star prospects. (Total 46)

Of the nine transfers this offseason, 8 were rated as four or five stars. Both Early Entrants to the draft were ranked as four or five stars.

Adding those eight transfers to the forty-six gives a total of 54 four or five star recruits, which indicates the depth of talent. (Only three players on the two deep depth chart are freshmen. Only one of those is a three star.)

 

[Bishop2b5]

Don't hate us because we're beautiful.

We spent our 25 years in the wilderness after 1992 and the coaching carousel that went with it (not to mention the decade of irrelevance after Bear's death). It's a special run and a great time to be a Bama fan, but Saban won't be here forever. We're just enjoying it while it lasts.

 

[dshans]

We spent our 25 years in the wilderness after 1992 and the coaching carousel that went with it (not to mention the decade of irrelevance after Bear's death).

Never, NEVER forget: ND 4 – Bear Bryant 0.

I know, I know; 'Bama has kicked ND's ass to the curb since the mid 70's.

[Side note: does Tuscaloosa even have paved streets and curbs?]

I was remotely basking in glory when The Irish beat Alabama in the '74 Sugar Bowl. I was at the '75 Orange Bowl when The Irish took out The Tide yet again.

Forgive me if I've told this story before, but I somehow wound up sleeping on the floor of the hotel that housed the team and staff. In my hangover haze the following morning I found my way to the elevator and then the lobby.

Through the glaring sun streaming through the front window I realized that Moose Krause, Fr. Hesburgh and Ara Parseghian were there chatting. It was Ara's last game as ND's football coach. I felt that I should say something.

I shuffled over to the trio, looked at ARA through the blur that were my eyes and head, introduced myself as a 1974 grad. I thought I should say something meaningful, profound and sentimental. In my diminished state I was only able to extend my hand to Ara, blurt out "Great game," and then shuffle off in search of coffee.

Another side note (that I may have already related) I drove to Tallahassee two or so months ago to see some (Orlando – Bishop Moore) high school friends. I went to our restaurant of choice to reserve a table. They went to the liquor store to stock up.

While waiting outside, I overheard a couple and a friend. It turns out that the couple were FSU fans and the solo woman a 'Bama fan. She thanked them for the Seminole paraphernalia that gotten her and she promised to bring some Alabama "stuff" on her next visit.

I couldn't resist: I asked all three if they'd be interested in some Irish T's, hats or sweatshirts. I offered them.

Their response: an emphatic and loud "NO" with shared laughter and CFB camaraderie.

I left them with a "Go 'Noles" and a "Roll Tide."

I only wish that the food had been as good as the brief connection with "my" rivals.

It's all good.

 

[Legacy]

Don't hate us because we're beautiful.

We spent our 25 years in the wilderness after 1992 and the coaching carousel that went with it (not to mention the decade of irrelevance after Bear's death). It's a special run and a great time to be a Bama fan, but Saban won't be here forever. We're just enjoying it while it lasts.

Ain't hatin'. Ain't baitin'. Ain't envyin'. Just sayin'

Will leave any of that to other SEC teams, if they feel like it. The road runs through T Town.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Never, NEVER forget: ND 4 – Bear Bryant 0.

Geez, you guys just ripped our hearts out a few times. Not to mention '66 & '77 when we didn't even play you.

[Side note: does Tuscaloosa even have paved streets and curbs?]

No, the pavement & curbs are tough on bare feet & toes, and it's easier to cover up the mule manure with dirt.

I shuffled over to the trio, looked at ARA through the blur that were my eyes and head, introduced myself as a 1974 grad. I thought I should say something meaningful, profound and sentimental. In my diminished state I was only able to extend my hand to Ara, blurt out "Great game," and then shuffle off in search of coffee.

LOL! At least you didn't pull a Flounder and throw up on him. The first time I ever met Bear, I was only 12 or 13 and had something profound to say, but when I got in front of him all I could do was go, "Uh, uh-bub, uh" and forgot to even stick out my hand to shake his. I felt like a retarded chimp.

I couldn't resist: I asked all three if they'd be interested in some Irish T's, hats or sweatshirts. I offered them.

Their response: an emphatic and loud "NO" with shared laughter and CFB camaraderie.

I left them with a "Go 'Noles" and a "Roll Tide."

I only wish that the food had been as good as the brief connection with "my" rivals.

It's all good.

Most fans from all the schools are good people and fun to meet. I've been very fortunate and never had a bad experience dealing with rival fans in person.

 

[Legacy]

Comparing Two-Deep Star Rankings and More USC Football News

Comparison between Alabama's and USC's depth charts based on star rankings.

After perusing the depth chart, there can be no question, Alabama is a physically talented football team. Of the 55 players on the two-deep, 42 of them were four or five-star recruits. That's 76 percent.
Impressively, 13 of those players are five-star talents, while 29 were four-stars.

For those keeping score, that's 55 players on USC's two-deep, not including the kickers or the repeat appearances by Chuma Edoga and Rasheem Green. Of those, 39 were four or five-star recruits coming out of high school. In other words, 70 percent of USC's two-deep were top-flight recruits.
That's incredibly close to Alabama's percentage when you consider the fortunes of the two programs over the last five years.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Comparing Two-Deep Star Rankings and More USC Football News

Comparison between Alabama's and USC's depth charts based on star rankings.

Outside of the couple of years USC was thin due to their sanctions and had Joey Freshwater leading them, the Trojans have always had the talent. Their skill position players this year are no exception. I expect them to come ready to play my Tide. Should be a good one to kick off the new season. Let's teet up.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

SEC Open Thread

Outside of the couple of years USC was thin due to their sanctions and had Joey Freshwater leading them, the Trojans have always had the talent. Their skill position players this year are no exception. I expect them to come ready to play my Tide. Should be a good one to kick off the new season. Let's teet up.

Agree. The coaching disparity is way more profound than the talent disparity between them IMO.

 

[NorthDakota]

Best sign at GameDay....Les Miles killed Harambe.

 

[Legacy]

Roll Bama Roll has a weekly review of some college football team's comments after their games. This week's starts with LSU...

NSFW: It's Meltdown Time! Week One

College football is back, and with it comes the overwhelming sadness and anger of college football fans across the nation. Congratulations reader, you survived the bleak, depressing winter of the not-football season. We're all very proud of you.

Team Entropy reigned supreme this week with the football gods gifting us with an enormous bounty of butt-hurt to enjoy this week. This week gave us several teams on the verge of meltdown greatness, hey there Vols, but there is no need for us to be greedy.

No, for this week we will open with the LSU fans who had themselves so convinced that last year's mediocre players would become good over the course of a magical offseason while Les Miles and Cam Cameron figured out the game of football. Next up are the Sooners who likely saw their national title chances evaporate at the hands of Tom Herman. Mississippi State lost to South Alabama, Auburn melted down even though they played better than most expected (of course they did) and Ole Miss fans were terribly perturbed watching their team blow a three-TD lead.

As always, know the language in here is deplorable but also hilarious. Read on at your own discretion, consenting adults, and tell us who won week one.

Join with me breathing in the misery of these poor sad souls. It's as good for the soul as your favorite barbecue meal served with a crisp, cool, adult beverage of your choice. College football is back!

 

[Legacy]

SEC Power Rankings after Week 1 (Saturday Down South)

Seven SEC teams lost games to non-conference opponents in Week 1 (Weak 1?), something that hadn’t happened since 1992. The worst part? It could have been worse. If Jalen Hurd doesn’t dive into a pile of players and somehow come out of it the football, Tennessee likely loses to Appalachian State. If Deatrich Wise doesn’t sack La. Tech quarterback J’Mar Smith, setting up a 4th-and-20 late in the fourth quarter, who knows whether Jonathan Barnes nails a long field goal to shock the Razorbacks.

Week 1 was such a mess that Auburn scored one touchdown, lost by six and still had the second-best performance.

These power rankings are fluid, sure to change every seven days, but here’s how the SEC stacks up after a Weak 1.

Editor’s note: We use the term “power rankings” loosely.

The middle sections of the rankings:

6 WINS ARE POSSIBLE
11. South Carolina
10. Missouri
9. Arkansas
8. Florida

It wasn’t pretty, but SEC road wins rarely are. The Gamecocks will take it. … Missouri’s offense flashed potential, if not results. Call me surprisingly optimistic. … Arkansas always gets better. … Florida scored 10 points in three quarters. The Gators should have scored 42, not 24.

YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING …
7. Tennessee
6. LSU

Both teams are way too talented to be this low. The reality is they’re both better than this. Maybe

 

[NDbrbkny]

any female who sets someone up should be in jail
https://reason.com/blog/2016/09/09/female-student-admits-to-incredible-lie

 

[Legacy]

Lane Kiffin gets an an "ass chewing" by Saban

Lane Kiffin gets an an "ass chewing" by Saban

Up by thirty-five points, Kiffin called a run that resulted in a fumble recovered by Western Kentucky, who scored a TD with two minutes to go in the game. Saban let Kiffin know how he felt with one minute to go in the game and up by four touchdowns.

Watch angry Nick Saban explode on Lane Kiffin on Alabama's sideline

At the post-game conference, Saban expressed his disappointment:

"I don't know that I've ever been this disappointed after winning a game, maybe ever. We have lots of work to do. We're going to play a lot better teams. I didn't think we practiced very well this week. I didn't think we prepared very well for this game. I don't think we respected the team we played. Like I said before, when you're arrogant, it makes you complacent. It creates a blatant disregard for doing things right. If we don't start doing things right, we're not going to have the kind of success that we're capable of."

"It's all my responsibility. We need to get the job done better. I'm almost embarrassed that I didn't do a better job for my team."

Saban has given "ass chewings" to Kiffen more than once before. Last year, on Alabama's final drive in their 45-21 win over Georgia Southern (below), Saban was angry when the offense had to call a timeout.

Against W.Va in 2014:

Against Florida in 2014:

 

[Bishop2b5]

Just Saban being Saban. He's a perfectionist. Makes him difficult to deal with I'm sure, and he's never satisfied, but the results are hard to argue with.

 

[Legacy]

Just Saban being Saban. He's a perfectionist. Makes him difficult to deal with I'm sure, and he's never satisfied, but the results are hard to argue with.

I agree, Bishop. I don't think he calls any individual players out, right? Players get in the doghouse or you know who he is talking about, but he doesn't yell at players on the sideline.

It's just remarkable to me that he did this at the end of the W. Kentucky and Ga S. games with a five TD leads.

Not sure if he likes Kiffin. Saban is just different than Bryant on the field.

 

[Bishop2b5]

He's chewed out a few players on the sideline (the infamous swat across the butt of AJ McCarron in '10 comes to mind), but it's not something he often does. I actually think he's more likely to go off near the end of a won game. He wants players - even 3rd stringers doing mop-up duty - to execute to perfection and play as though it's the first quarter and the game's tied.

I think he & Kiffin get along well enough. If they didn't work well together and he didn't appreciate what Kiffin brought to the table, Lane wouldn't be there long, and he sure didn't get a raise this past week without Saban OK'ing it. Keep in mind that a LOT of the rants in press conferences and on the sideline are for effect to get a point across to the players about not taking opponents lightly, not losing focus, etc. I'm friends with a former Bama beat reporter and he says 99% of it is all an act to drive home a message or make a point to the players.

 

[Legacy]

Thanks, Bishop.

As for K's raise, he was still getting paid his buyout money from USC over the '14 and '15 seasons - reportedly $2.7 million a year. Typically, any new coaching salary, e.g. at Alabama, would reduce the buyout by that much annually. So, Kiffin's OC salary was low, in comparison, and he did not receive any raises these first two years at Alabama while being paid by USC. But his total annual income (USC+Bama) for '14 and '15 was about $3.4 million ($2.7m + 700k).

Since USC's money ended on July 1, his salary at Alabama has now jumped to $1.4 m over the remaining eight months of his three year contract. That would be a $2.1 m annual contract. Not bad but a dip from his $3.4 m total the last two years. The only SEC OC who is making more is Cam Cameron.

Wonder what the buyout is if Kiffin leaves for a head coaching job in Dec or Jan? K probably would not have to pay Bama that much. But maybe he could get performance bonuses in Jan, too.

With his USC buyout apparently complete, Lane Kiffin has his salary doubled at Alabama

Kiffin gets significant raise in final year of contract

Another example, Brady Hoke was fired with two years ('15 & '16) remaining on his contract at a buyout cost to Michigan of $3 m. With the Michigan money coming in this year, Hoke is working for $400k in 2016. He signed with Oregon as DC for three years, too. Then his salary jumps to $700k for '17 & '18.

 

[Kingbish01]

This Arkansas vs A&M game is awesome. I don't see any of these kids missing tackles and not getting their heads around. What is holding ND back from getting guys like this. I'm all for running BVG out of town, but some of our guys don't even look like football players.

And on the flip side, I'd take our offense all day long.

 

[Irish YJ]

This Arkansas vs A&M game is awesome. I don't see any of these kids missing tackles and not getting their heads around. What is holding ND back from getting guys like this. I'm all for running BVG out of town, but some of our guys don't even look like football players.

And on the flip side, I'd take our offense all day long.

I think part of BVG's problem is concentration on complexity, instead of fundamentals. I think our kids would tackle much better with a different coach at the helm. He just can't get the fact he's not in the NFL anymore...

 

[T Town Tommy]

Guess the deep pocket donors in La finally got their wish. Sad that they wouldn't at least let Les finish the year out however.