Vanderbilt Recruits Responding to James Franklin’s Pitch

Based off the momentum James Franklin has created for Vanderbilt in recruiting circles, one would think the Commodores are a perennial SEC East powerhouse instead of a program coming off just their fourth bowl game in school history.

Having no previous head coaching experience to help his cause, Franklin hit the recruiting trails in 2011 with little more than a promise of a top notch education and the ability to play in the SEC.

In a few short weeks leading up to National Signing Day, he did the unthinkable, he turn Vanderbilt into a destination school for highly regarded talent and in the process paved the way for the Commodores to be a contender in the SEC East for years to come.

Vanderbilt’s 2011 recruiting class was not on the level of other high profile SEC teams like Alabama, LSU, Georgia, and Arkansas but what cannot be denied is the immediate impact Franklin made. He hauled in the two 4-star recruits- quarterback/wide receiver Lafonte Thourogood (Virginia Beach, Virginia) and tight end Dillon van der Wal (Westlake Village, California).

To put this achievement into prospective, Vanderbilt had not signed a 4-star recruit since 2003- tight end Jonathan Loyte (Danvers, Massachusetts).

In the process Vanderbilt posted their first Top 50 recruiting class in over a decade finishing ranked No. 49 (Scout.com).

Still not impressed? Of the 21 recruits Franklin signed 13 were rated as 3-star or better.

How about the fact that Vanderbilt finished the recruiting season ranked ahead of Baylor (50), West Virginia (53), UCLA (55), Maryland (56), Kansas State (61), and Arizona State (64)?

On the field Franklin translated his message into wins. Vanderbilt surpassed the win total of the two previous seasons (four wins) winning six games. Besting teams like Ole Miss, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Wake Forest along the way.

In four heartbreaking losses to Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee by a total of 19 points, Franklin showed they are close to taking the next step he just needs a few more talented players to round out his roster.

2012 is shaping up to be an even better year for the Commodores on the recruiting trail than 2011. Vandy is currently ranked No. 35 according to Scout.com with 21 total recruits verbally committed.

Running back Brian Kimbrow (Memphis, Tennessee) and defensive end Josh Dawson (Tucker, Georgia) are two 4-star recruits highlighting the early recruiting season for Vanderbilt.

Another recruit Commodore fans will be happy to see on campus is kicker Colby Cooke (Goochland, Virginia). Cooke is rated the 16th best place kicker in this year’s senior class. He was awarded spots on Parade Magazine and Sports Illustrated All-American teams after making 17-21 field goal attempts and helping his team advance to the state championship game.

If Vanderbilt’s pledges stay true, nine different states will be represented in this year’s haul.

As the final two weeks of the recruiting season heats up all eyes will be on Franklin hoping he can continue pulling top talent to Nashville.

The following is a complete list of all 21 current verbal commitments:

QB Patton Robinette, 6’5”, 200 pounds, 3-star, Maryville, Tennessee

RB Jaborian McKenzie, 5’9”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Natchez, Mississippi

RB Brian Kimbrow, 5’9”, 165 pounds, 4-star, Memphis, Tennessee

WR Adre McDonald, 6’3”, 210 pounds, 3-star, Minnetonka, Minnesota

WR Cory Batey, 5’11”, 180 pounds, 3-star, Nashville, Tennessee

OT Andrew Jelks, 6’6”, 260 pounds, 3-star, Paris, Tennessee

OT Will Holden, 6’6”, 271 pounds, 2-star, Green Cove Springs, Florida

OT Blake Fromang, 6’8”, 280 pounds, 3-star, Orlando, Florida

OT Barrett Gouger, 6’4”, 275 pounds, 3-star, Chattanooga, Tennessee

OG Adam Butler, 6’5”, 285 pounds, 3-star, Duncanville, Texas

CB Torren McGaster, 6’0”, 180 pounds, 2-star, Daphne, Alabama

CB Brandon Banks, 5’11”. 170 pounds, 3-star, Brandywine, Maryland

SS Paris Head, 5’10”, 170 pounds, 3-star, Buford, Georgia

DE Ladarius Banks, 6’2”, 263, 2-star, Dallas, Georgia

DE Stephen Weatherly, 6’4”, 190 pounds, 2-star, Atlanta, Georgia

DE Josh Dawson, 6’4”, 225 pounds, 4-star, Tucker, Georgia

DE Caleb Azubike, 6’5”, 240 pounds, 3-star, Nashville, Tennessee

DE Torey Agee, 6’4”, 250 pounds, 3-star, Opelika, Alabama

OLB Jacob Sealand, 6’1”, 220 pounds, 3-star, Tucker Georgia

OLB Darreon Herring, 6’2”, 195 pounds, 3-star, Stone Mountain, Georgia

K Colby Cooke, 6’3”, 175 pounds, 2-star, Goochland, Georgia

If Franklin continues to open 4-star and 3-star doors the Commodores will be a team to be reckoned with for years to come.

All commitments are verbal and non-binding.

National Signing Day is February 1. 

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SEC College Football Preview: No. 8 Arkansas on Upset Alert vs. Vanderbilt

The past two weeks have been full of upsets in college football. Powerhouse teams including Oklahoma, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Illinois, and Michigan have all been shocked by lesser or non-ranked teams. This weekend’s match up between the eighth ranked Razorbacks versus the Commodores in Nashville has all the makings of a classic trap game and a potential upset.

Arkansas is coming off a 29-24 come from behind victory against SEC West rival Ole Miss. A game the Hogs were favored by more than two touchdowns. The Razorbacks were down 17-0 in the second quarter but closed the gap to 17-7 before halftime.

In the second half Arkansas defensive coordinator Willy Robinson made the adjustments necessary to slow down the Rebels rushing attack. The Razorback defense tightened up and only allowed a last minute four-yard touchdown pass by Randall Mackey to Donte Moncrief in the second half.

The upstart Commodores have shown signs of life under first year head coach James Franklin. To date Vanderbilt has won as many games this year as they had in the previous two years combined making Franklin a successful hire.

Vanderbilt is coming off a 44-21 ego boosting win over Army. The Commodores rushed for 344 total yards while new their new starting quarterback, Jordan Rodgers, threw for 186 yards. Rodgers also contributed 96 rushing yards on 18 attempts.

Junior running back Zac Stacy had a career high 198 yards rushing in the win over Army. Stacey’s 198 yards rushing would be the third-best single game effort in school history.

More important for the Commodores is the momentum they have built over the past two games. Against the Georgia Bulldogs they pulled within five points with 9:59 left in the fourth quarter but could never find the end zone to pull off the upset victory.

With a showdown against No. 14 South Carolina looming overhead, will the Razorbacks get caught overlooking upset minded Vanderbilt?

Key In-game Matchups

Arkansas passing attack versus Vanderbilt’s pass defense

Arkansas has the 9th best passing attack in FBS. The Razorbacks average 321.86 yards per game with starting quarterback Tyler Wilson averaging 287.29 of those yards.

Vanderbilt has the 25^th ranked passing defense in the nation. Opponents are throwing for an average of 191.29 yards per game.

Vandy’s defense has picked off 15 passes this season. Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and Tyler Wilson will have to respect the Commodores competent secondary entering the game.

Vanderbilt’s rushing attack versus Arkansas’ rush defense

The Commodores are piling up 159.86 rush yards per game. Arkansas allows 183.29 rushing yards per game, ranked 88^th in the nation.

Zac Stacey is 6th best in the SEC with 579 total rushing yards.

In his past two games against Georgia and Army, Jordan Rodgers is averaging 88 rushing yards per game.

The Razorbacks have been susceptible to giving up big rushing days to opponents this season. Ole Miss ran for 151 yards, Auburn 291, Texas A&M 381, and Alabama 197.

Inside the Numbers

Vanderbilt has the 23rd ranked total defense in the nation limiting opponents to 323.86 yards per game.

Arkansas has the 64th ranked total defense in the nation allowing 386.71 yards per game.

Vanderbilt has the 33rd best scoring defense in the nation limiting teams to an average of 21.57 points per game.

Arkansas has the 34th best scoring defense in the nation limiting teams to 21.71 points per game.

Arkansas’ pass defense is 36th in the nation allowing a respectable 203.43 yards per game.

Vanderbilt’s rush defense is 45th in the nation stopping opponents at 132.57 yards per game.

Vanderbilt’s passing offense averages 140.14 passing yards per game, 111th worst in college football.

Arkansas averages 37.71 points per game.

Vanderbilt averages 24.86 points per game.

Analysis

The Commodore defense has played at a high SEC level all season. Their offense has been more than disappointing.

Starting senior Vanderbilt quarterback Larry Smith was taking a beating behind his offensive line having been sacked 16 times; second most in the SEC. Smith did not finish the South Carolina or the Alabama games due to various hits and injuries he had sustained. Backup quarterback Jordan Rodgers has been sacked twice in his place.

Much has been made about Jordan Rodgers being made the starting quarterback for Vanderbilt; the enthusiasm of the team with Rodgers under center and his bloodline get the headlines. He’s the brother of Green Bay Packers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers two starts have resulted in a moral victory against Georgia and a blowout win against Army.

The Razorbacks have been waiting for their running game to show up in 2011. Starting running back Ronnie Wingo Jr. was not clicking with his offensive line early in the season.

Junior running back Dennis Johnson, an All-American in 2009 as kickoff returner, missed the 2010 season with a bowel injury and the first two games of 2011 with a hamstring injury. Johnson now appears to be the emerging go-to running back for Bobby Petrino.

Against Troy and Alabama in weeks three and four, Johnson had four and three rushing attempts respectively for a total of 17 yards. In his last three games against Texas A&M, Auburn, and Ole Miss he is averaging 85.33 rushing yards per game highlighted by his 160 yard performance versus the Rebels.

Inside the Teams

Moral victory aside, Vanderbilt choked when the opportunity to beat Georgia presented itself. In three possessions after they pulled within the final score of 33-28, Vandy went three and out with a fumble on the third down of their first possession, threw an interception on their second series, then blocked a Georgia punt but could not score on three plays from Georgia’s 20 yard line to win the game with 15 seconds left.

Rodgers had a really bad throwing performance against Georgia. He was 4 of 19 for 47 yards with one interception. His saving grace was the 80 rushing yards he picked up.

Against an Army team that came into the game with a 2-4 record with a signature win over Northwestern, Rodgers finished the game 10 of 27 for 186 yards passing with one score and two picks. Again, Rodgers saving grace was the 96 yards he gained on 18 attempts.

Rodgers is not a running quarterback. Rodgers is a quarterback that runs because he is not comfortable with his receivers or in the pocket.

The Razorbacks running game has shown signs of life. A balanced attack is something Arkansas and Petrino needs in upcoming games against South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi State, and most importantly LSU.

Against Auburn and Ole Miss Petrino took the air out of the passing attack to develop his running game against SEC teams instead of his scout teams. Petrino will let Wilson throw when needed but pound the ball with his running backs as often as he can until his line and running backs get into sync.

The Razorback defense has been criticized for their play in the first half of their games. Much of the blame should land on the offense. Against A&M in the first quarter the Razorbacks average time of possession was 1:28. The defense gave up 35 first half points, 14 coming in the first quarter.

In a blowout win against Auburn the Razorback offense held the ball for an average of 2:26 through five first quarter possessions. The result was one touchdown for the Hogs and 14 Tiger points. Arkansas finished the half with 21 points and put pressure on Auburn’s offense the rest of the game as the defense buckled down in the second half.

Against Ole Miss the Hogs held the ball for a total of 3 minutes and four seconds in the first quarter which led to a 17-0 first half deficit.

How is the defense supposed to make in-game adjustments when they are on the field the entire first half?

Petrino’s offense will always have a quick strike element to it. Willy Robinson or whoever is the next Razorback defensive coordinator under Petrino will have to live with that fact. But Petrino’s offense has been slow to start this season making life more difficult than necessary. Petrino will try to find the remedy against the Commodores.

Look for the Hogs to try to jump on Vanderbilt early to establish their tone for the rest of the game and perhaps the rest of the season.

Prediction

The Commodores have not faced a passing offense like the Razorbacks this season.

Wilson opens it up for another 250-300 yard passing effort with a couple of scores before being relieved by backup quarterback Brandon Mitchell.

Zac Stacey had rushed for a total of 381 yards in six games before facing Army. His 63.5 yards per game average will not scare Arkansas. Look for Stacey to finish above his average per game but get his yards later in the game.

The Razorbacks ground game will grind away at the Commodores defensive line in a scrimmage game against SEC caliber players. Practice makes perfect.

Vanderbilt will keep the game tight but have little luck moving the ball against the Hogs throughout the game.

Rodgers will keep running to move the chains and find a couple of holes in the Razorback defense late in the game.

Arkansas has not received the credit due for beating their in-conference rival Ole Miss and former head coach Houston Nutt last week. Nutt had his team coached up and up playing at a higher level than they have all season.

Rodgers completed 21 percent of his passes against Georgia and 37 percent against Army. His ability in the pocket will not click against the Hogs.

Once Willy Robinson figures out Franklin’s offensive game plan and Rodgers in-game tendencies, he will stop their offense completely.

The Hogs are getting used to taking their opponents best shots. The role of favorite instead of underdog has been a slow transition for Razorback players but the team has responded well.

Arkansas takes another tough shot from Vanderbilt but wins comfortably getting separation in the third quarter.

The Hogs do not get caught looking ahead for next week’s game versus No. 14 South Carolina.

Final Score

31-10

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College Football Preview: Predicting Every SEC Game in Week 7

Week after week the SEC features great college football match-ups. This weekend is no different as three SEC East teams continue their fight to stay alive for a conference title game berth and two of the top teams in all of college football look to keep pace with each other in the SEC West.

Two teams are on byes this week, Arkansas and Kentucky.

Arkansas travels to Ole Miss next week.

Kentucky hosts Jacksonville State.

No. 15 South Carolina at Mississippi State

Believe it or not, South Carolina versus Mississippi State is the SEC game of the week.

Mississippi State and South Carolina started the season off in similar fashion, with high hopes. MSU’s came crashing down fast while USC still has a shot to right the ship.

The Bulldogs are 3-3 after starting the season ranked 20th. MSU moved up as high as 16th in the nation but quickly lost their way after Auburn shut quarterback Chris Relf down at the goal line on the final play of their game.

The two head coaches, Steve Spurrier and Dan Mullen, find themselves in the middle of a quarterback controversy this week.

South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier dismissed senior quarterback Stephen Garcia from the team on Tuesday after he reportedly failed an alcohol test. Garcia had lost his starting job to sophomore Connor Shaw for USC’s game against Kentucky last weekend. Garcia had been suspended five times previously by Spurrier.

Another upstart sophomore is pushing an established senior quarterback for playing time in the SEC. This time MSU head coach Dan Mullen has to make some hard choices about who will start and who will sit and how many snaps each quarterback will get in the game.

Chris Relf has struggled much of 2011 after having a solid junior campaign. He is ranked 9th in the SEC in total passing yards (860), 7th in completion percentage (58.1), but has 5 interceptions thrown to four touchdown passes thrown.

MSU quarterback Tyler Russell started the second half against UAB which lead to a 21-3 come from behind win for the Bulldogs. Russell completed 11 of 13 passes for 166 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Relf finished the game 6 of 10 for 46-passing yards.

The in-game battle will be between Mississippi State running back Vick Ballard and USC’s running back Marcus Lattimore. Ballard is fifth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 531. Lattimore leads the SEC with 779 but has 61 more carries on the season than Ballard.

Lattimore appears to be slowing down some. His last three games he’s had one 100-yard effort (102 yards vs. Kentucky). Mississippi State’s linebackers have trouble stopping the run.

Ballard had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season against UAB.

Neither team has a signature win this year.

Both quarterback situations are sketchy at best but USC has the better defense especially with the return of DE Melvin Ingram.

USC wins at Davis-Wade Stadium 35-21.

No. 2 Alabama versus Mississippi

Ole Miss welcomes one of the top defenses in the nation to go against their offense, one of the worst in the nation.

Rebel fans are optimistic that junior quarterback Randall Mackey will be the key to ignite their offense. Mackey was penciled to be the starter for Ole Miss after spring practices but Houston Nutt went with Zack Stoudt and Barry Brunetti to start the season.

Mackey completed eight passes for 214 yards and one touchdown in their last game against Fresno State. Mackey also had ten incomplete passes against the Bulldogs, a team allowing 392.5 yards per game.

Scat back Jeff Scot rushed for a career-high 138 yards against Fresno State.

Alabama’s offense:

19th best rushing attack in the nation averaging 217 yards per game with 18 touchdowns.

Bama’s total offense is second best in the SEC at 434.8 per game.

The Tide features the 4th best passing game in the SEC averaging 226.80 yards per game.

Scoring at a rate of 37.67 points per game is 22nd best in the nation.

Alabama’s defense:

Top scoring defense in the nation allowing 7 points per game.

Third best total defense in the nation, 191.33 yards per game.

Best rushing defense in the nation by holding teams to 39.83 yards per game.

4th best pass defense in the nation limiting opponents to 151.50 yards per game.

Common opponent: Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt 30, Ole Miss 7.

Alabama 34, Vanderbilt 0.

Linebacker C.J. Mosley returns from an elbow injury suffered against Arkansas. 

Life does not get better for Houston Nutt. Ole Miss losses another one 38-7.

Florida versus No. 24 Auburn

A reoccurring theme in the SEC is quarterback play or lack thereof. Auburn head coach Gene Chizik is sticking by his struggling junior quarterback Barrett Trotter and Florida cannot keep a quarterback healthy enough to play.

Quarterbacks John Brantley and true freshman Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, Florida) both injured their ankles against Alabama. Florida head coach Will Muschamp made a game time decision to not start Driskel against LSU in favor for another true freshman quarterback, Jacoby Brissett (West Palm Beach, Florida).

The game will come down to who can stop the run. Florida has the 4th best rushing attack in the SEC (194 per game) and Auburn has the 3rd best (204 per game).

Florida’s rush defense is 32nd in the nation. Auburn’s is 103rd allowing 201.83.

Auburn and Florida did not play each other last season.

Auburn has more stability at quarterback but Florida may have more raw talent under center.

Florida holds Dyer to 115 rushing yards and Chris Rainey finds the holes to keep the Gators on the field.

Jeff Demps was limited to two carries last week in Baton Rouge due to an ankle injury. His playing time will be a game time decision.

Florida 21, Auburn 18.

Georgia versus Vanderbilt

First year head coach James Franklin has already passed expectations at Vanderbilt. He has eclipsed last year’s win total and scored a SEC conference victory against Ole Miss. More importantly the Commodores have been competitive.

The final score in their past two games may not reflect the abilities of his team, at No. 12 South Carolina 3-21 and at No. 2 Alabama 0-34, but their defense is playing tough and they are young. Franklin is laying ground work for a strong Commodore team next season if they can find any offense.

Georgia has turned their season around after two straight home losses to fifth ranked Boise State and twelfth ranked South Carolina. The Bulldogs are on a four game winning streak and tied with the Gamecocks for first place in the SEC East.

Georgia head coach Mark Richt started true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell after the South Carolina loss and the Bulldogs offense has responded.

The Bulldogs have the 4th ranked total offense in the SEC (2,435 yards) while averaging 405.80 yards per game. Crowell is fourth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 573 after seeing limited action in the first two games of the season.

Georgia’s starting quarterback Aaron Murray now has a complement to his passing abilities. Murray is third in the SEC in total passing yards with 1,327, second in passing touchdowns (13), and fourth in quarterback rating (150.2). Murray’s tendency to take a sack (SEC worst 13) and throw interceptions (6) has got to improve against the opportunistic Commodore defense.

The Commodores lead the SEC with 14 interceptions. Three of those picks have been returned for touchdowns.

Georgia has the sixth best defense in the nation.

Vanderbilt has the 117th worst offense in college football, 244.40 yards per game.

Vandy quarterback Larry Smith has missed time in the last two games due to injuries. Smith could have returned against Alabama last week but Franklin played Jordan Rodgers the rest of the game.

Georgia gets a bye next week before playing Florida in Jacksonville. The Bulldogs will not get caught up in a trap game.

Georgia has enough offense to beat Vandy’s determined group. Georgia wins 21-7.

No. 1 LSU versus Tennessee

Another SEC team, another starting quarterback injured. Tennessee’s Tyler Bray broke the thumb on his throwing hand last week against Georgia. Now LSU will face their second straight game against a quarterback making their first start of the season.

Senior quarterback Matt Simms takes over for Bray. Simms was the starter last year before injuries and solid play by Bray in the final five games of 2010 resulted in him losing his starting job.

Simms threw for 1,460 yards and eight touchdowns last season against the hardest part of Tennessee’s schedule: Oregon, Florida, LSU, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.

Simms almost pulled off an upset win against the Tigers last year in Baton Rouge. Simms was 12 for 23 for 121-yards passing with five sacks, no touchdowns, and zero interceptions in last year’s meeting. Their performance last season has the Vols excited about their chances this week.

The difference in last year’s Vols team and this year team is a running game. Tauren Poole has not clicked with the offensive line yet this season. Poole had 109 yards rushing against the Tigers in 2010 to pace UT’s offense.

Poole left last week’s game with an injured hamstring in the first quarter. His status for this week is a game time decision.

LSU has the fifth best defense in the nation.

Tennessee was held to negative 20 yards rushing against Georgia.

LSU escaped with a last second 16-14 win in 2010 against the Vols. Don’t look for LSU to take Tennessee lightly this year nor ruin a chance to play for the BCS National Championship by looking ahead to Auburn.

LSU methodically breaks down Tennessee for a 48-3 win. 

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College Football: Picking Every SEC Game in Week 6

Six ranked SEC teams take the field this weekend in conference race shaping games. Two SEC East showdowns, one SEC West game of the week, and one cross-divisional game could dramatically shift the rest of the season after week 6 unfolds.

No. 15 Auburn versus No. 10 Arkansas

This week’s top game in the SEC is Arkansas versus Auburn. Both teams are fighting for national respect, regardless of their current rankings, and coming off upset wins. The winner lives to fight for an outside shot at the SEC West title.

Auburn is 4-1 with three last minute wins; Utah State, Mississippi State, and South Carolina. After the exodus of nearly forty percent of their 2010 roster, not much was expected of this year’s team outside of Auburn. Somehow Gene Chizik keeps finding the magical winning formula for the Tigers.

Auburn is led by sophomore running back Michael Dyer. Dyer is seeking his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season against the Razorbacks; he had four 100-yard games in 2010.

Dyer has risen to the challenge against top competition this year; Mississippi State, 150-yards rushing with two touchdowns, Clemson, 151-yards rushing, with two touchdowns, and South Carolina, 141-yards rushing and one score. Dyer has to be chomping at the bit to play against Arkansas’ rush defense knowing they gave up 381-yards rushing  to Texas A&M last week; Christine Michael 230 yards, Cyrus Grey 95 yards.

The Razorbacks are led by junior quarterback Tyler Wilson. Wilson leads the SEC in passing yards with 1,517 and is second in the SEC in with 10 passing touchdowns. Wilson is coming off a career game in which he threw for a school record 510 yards with two touchdowns against the Aggies.

The key match-up on paper is Arkansas’ passing attack versus the Auburn pass defense and Auburn’s rushing attack versus Arkansas’ run defense. Which team will be able to slow down the opposition’s strengths?

The Razorback rush defense is ranked 82nd in the nation allowing 168.20 yards per game. Auburn’s pass defense is ranked 74th in FBS as teams are passing for 232.80 yards per game.

If Michael Dyer hits 168-yards rushing the Razorbacks will be okay. Auburn’s passing attack is limited; 184 passing yards per game. The Tiger’s top wide receiver, Blake Emory, will not play this weekend. Look for the Hogs to stack eight in the box and beg Barrett Trotter to beat them with his arm.

Auburn did a great job of holding Stephen Garcia to a 39 percent completion percentage. Wilson completed 63 percent of his passes against Alabama’s third ranked defense.

Arkansas found their running game in the fourth quarter when Petrino finally ran Broderick Green and Dennis Johnson. Auburn’s rush defense is ranked 108th in the nation giving up 207 yards per game.

Arkansas puts together a complete offensive game plan and win this one 38-24.

Georgia versus Tennessee

After a 0-2 start that included a conference loss to SEC East foe South Carolina, the Georgia faithful were looking around for answers. Three wins later, a South Carolina conference loss, and a Florida conference loss, the Bulldogs find themselves in a three way tie for first in the SEC East.

Bulldog quarterback Aaron Murray grabs the headlines but the emergence of true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell has allowed Georgia to have a balanced offensive attack.

Crowell has three 100-yard games already this season (South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State). His 575 total rushing yards ranks him 4th in the SEC.

Tennessee tailback Tauren Poole has yet to click with the offensive line. He has rushed for 318 yards with only one touchdown. His best performance was last week against Buffalo when he rushed for 101-yards on 17 attempts with no touchdowns.

Georgia’s pass defense has been outstanding this year only allowing 151.60 yards per game. Tyler Bray leads the SEC in touchdown passes and passing percentage but has played primarily against lesser competition.

Tennessee’s pass defense ranks 35th allowing 198.50.

Georgia’s run defense is limiting teams to 107 yards per game; Tennessee allows 139.75.

With Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter out for the year with a torn ACL, Da’Rick Rogers will see constant double team in passing situations.

Georgia’s balanced offense will eventually overwhelm Tennessee’s passing offense by winning the time of possession.

Georgia breaks their two-game losing streak at Neyland Stadium winning 28-24.

Georgia outside linebacker Cornelius Washington is suspended for two game after being arrest for a DUI Sunday night. Washington will be replaced by Jarvis Jones. Jones had two sacks against MSU last week.

Mississippi State versus University of Alabama Birmingham

A battered and bruised Mississippi State team takes their last non-conference road game of the season against the 0-4 Blazers.

UAB has found some momentum in their last two losses. They were beat soundly by the Florida Gators in the Swamp 39-0 and by Tulane 49-10. Then in two consecutive road games the Blazers found their competitive spirit in losses to East Carolina by five points and Troy by one.

Can UAB pull off an upset against the Bulldogs?

The Blazers held a second half lead over MSU last year before two late Derek DePasquale field goals lifted the Bulldogs to victory. But that was last year when MSU was in the midst of a six-game winning streak.

MSU is strong against the pass ranking 27th in the nation. The one thing UAB does fairly well on offense is pass the ball. They average 191-yards per game. Their rushing attack is 106th in the nation against lesser competition.

UAB is ranked 116th in rush defense (228.75) and 113th in pass defense (300). If the 2-3 Bulldogs cannot pull off a win this weekend they will miss a bowl game this year. MSU has winnable games left against Kentucky, Tennessee-Martin, and Ole Miss which would put them at six wins for the season. Remaining games against South Carolina, Alabama, and Arkansas may be too much for Dan Mullen and company this year.

Chris Relf and Vick Ballard need this game to get back on track before South Carolina comes to town. Ballard was held to 23-yards rushing against Georgia last week. Relf had 157-yards passing.

Even if MSU can pull ahead early, look for Mullen to play his guys into the third quarter and possibly early into the fourth quarter to build confidence and rhythm for his offense.

MSU wins 38-14.

Kentucky versus South Carolina

Kentucky fans circled this stretch of games on the schedule before the season started. The 2-3 Wildcats play their third straight ranked opponent when they travel to No. 18 South Carolina on Saturday. Joker Philips is hoping to end his team’s three game losing streak at Williams-Brice Stadium (Louisville, Florida, and LSU).

Philips is still looking for ways to ignite the Kentucky offense. Morgan Newton has replaced Mike Hartline under center but with very different results. Last season UK was ranked 34th nationally in scoring offense (31.20) and 27th in total offense (427.90). This season the Wildcats are averaging 15 points per game (113th nationally) and 255.50 yards of offense per game (118th nationally).

South Carolina enters the game after being upset at home by Auburn 16-13. The much publicized love-hate relationship between head coach Steve Spurrier and fifth-year senior quarterback Stephen Garcia appears to have finally ended, for now, due to Garcia’s poor play against the Tigers.

Spurrier has benched Garcia again for sophomore Connor Shaw. Shaw was the starter beginning the season against East Carolina but after two fumbles and struggling within the offense he was benched in the first quarter in favor of the experienced Garcia.

Fans that like to see power running and gifted linebackers that stuff the run will enjoy the match-up between Gamecock running back Marcus Lattimore and Kentucky’s linebackers Danny Trevathan and Winston Guy.

Danny Trevathan leads the SEC in tackles with 59 and Guy is second with 53. Lattimore leads the SEC in rushing yards with 677.

Lattimore will get as many touches as Spurrier feels is necessary for the Gamecocks to win. With Shaw under center, the Wildcats will try to pressure Shaw every chance they get. Unfortunately for UK defensive end Collins Ukwu will be out for the third straight game.

Both teams need this win. Which team is more motivated?

USC and UK are one dimensional teams relying solely on their running game. Kentucky has allowed 21 sacks (2nd most in the nation). The Gamecock defense averages 2.60 sacks per game. Long third down attempts would normally favor the Gamecocks defense.

Shaw was 3 for 9 for 21-yards passing with no touchdowns and zero interceptions before he was taken out of the game. First game jitters could have contributed to the two fumbles Shaw committed. What will Shaw be able to do against UK? If Shaw struggles will Spurrier pull the emergency switch again and place Garcia back in the game?

The Gamecock offense is in better shape with Lattimore than Kentucky is with true freshman running back Josh Clemons (269 yards rushing). But USC senior left tackle Kyle Nunn may miss his second straight game with a bulging disc. Last week true freshman Mike Matulis (Boynton Beach, Florida) struggled against Auburn.

Kentucky has more stability in their backfield with Morgan Newton under center than Connor Shaw for USC.

Shaw will key on All-American wide receiver Alshon Jeffery as will the Wildcat secondary.

Kentucky finds a way to keep the game close and upsets South Carolina for the second straight year 17-14.

Vanderbilt versus Alabama

James Franklin has had a really nice start to his Vanderbilt coaching career. He won his first three games and eclipsed the team’s total wins in 2010 (2). He also earned his first SEC conference victory over Ole Miss (30-7). Then the Commodores had a tough road trip to South Carolina that ended in a 21-3 loss.

Now Vanderbilt is trying to put their offense back together against the third ranked defense in the nation. USC held the Commodores to 77 net yards after Larry Smith was sacked six times for a loss of 42 yards. Vandy’s rushing offense only netted four positive yards in the defeat.

Smith was harassed all game by the Gamecocks. His completion numbers tell a different story. He finished the game 12 of 16 passing with one interception and zero touchdowns. He only passed for a total of 44 yards.

If Vanderbilt’s offense keeps everything within a ten yard zone against the Tide, this will be a really long day for the Commodores.

Vandy has the 11th ranked defense in FBS only giving up 279.25 yards per game. Their secondary has been ball hawks all season leading the nation with 14 picks; four against South Carolina in week 4. They limited Marcus Lattimore to 77-yards rushing and now have to take on Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy.

Alabama’s rushing offense is 13th best in the nation averaging 229.80. AJ McCarron has been efficient as the starting quarterback for the Tide only throwing four touchdown passes but has thrown two interceptions.

Vanderbilt’s defense took a hit against South Carolina when junior linebacker Tristan Strong hurt his knee and is lost for the season.

Larry Smith did not make it through the South Carolina game due to all the hits that he was taking. If Vanderbilt’s offensive line does not play better, Smith is in for another long or short game.

Vanderbilt’s offense is too inept to hang with Alabama’s defense. Vanderbilt’s defense is SEC quality but gets no support from the offense. Bama wears down Vandy and wins 38-10.

Florida versus LSU

A week ago this game looked like a possible SEC Conference Title Game preview. It still may be but the loss of Florida’s starting quarterback John Brantley puts a different spin on this SEC cross-divisional game.

The Gators will start true freshman quarterback Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, Florida) against the number one team in the nation. Driskel played the second half for the Gators after Brantley suffered what appears to be an ankle injury. In a half of play against Alabama, Driskel finished 2 of 6 for 14-yards passing.

Alabama was able to stack the box against the Gators and shut down their tandem running attack of Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Both players finished the game with four rushing yards each. For the game the team finished with 15 net yards rushing.

LSU’s defense is as good as Alabama’s if not better. The Tiger’s are third in the nation in rush defense (60.40 yards per game) and only allow 12.80 points per game (9th in FBS).

Look for LSU to have a field day with Driskel and stack the box against the Gators running attack.

LSU will play their game and grind out another win. Florida’s defense will keep it close. Final score LSU 28, Florida 7.

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College Football Review: Recap of Every SEC Game in Week 4

Georgia (1-2) vs. Ole Miss (1-2)

Georgia’s defense held the Ole Miss offense to 185-total yards during a dominating performance winning 27-13.

Nothing seemed to click for Ole Miss against Georgia except Blair Walsh’s three missed field goal attempts for the Bulldogs.

One of the strength’s of the Rebels team going into the season was their offensive line and running game. The Rebels were held to 36-yards rushing led by Jeff Scott’s 27-yards on seven attempts.

The Rebel passing attack did not prove to be much better, a problem for most Houston Nutt coached teams. Zack Stoudt finished the game 9 of 23 for 71-yards passing and Randall Mackey, the thought starter for the Rebels after spring practices, finished three of seven for 78-yards passing with one touchdown and one interception. Both Rebel quarterbacks were sacked twice.

Aaron Murray was effective for the Bulldogs. He finished the game 17 of 26 for 269-yards passing with two scores and one interception. Murray also added a rushing touchdown in the first quarter.

True freshman Isaiah Crowell got his second career start and another 100-yard rushing game. Crowell rushed 30 times for 147-yards.

Next week’s games

Mississippi State (2-2) vs. Georgia (2-2)

Mississippi (1-3) vs. Fresno State (2-2)

Arkansas (3-0) vs. Alabama (3-0)

Alabama was able to take advantage of several early Arkansas miscues on their way to an impressive 38-14 win in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama got on the board first on a 37-yard touchdown pass thrown off of a fake punt by AJ McCarron. Arkansas answered with a 10-yard Tyler Wilson touchdown pass to Dennis Johnson just before the end of the first quarter.

Bama was able to take advantage of a Wilson tipped pass before halftime returning the interception 25-yards for a touchdown making the score at half 17-7.

To start the second half Marquis Maze returned an Arkansas punt 83-yards for a touchdown. From there Arkansas’ defense seemed to wear down from Alabama’s ground attack. Alabama was able to rack up 197-yards of rushing to Arkansas’ 17-yards. Trent Richardson ended with a game high 17 carries for 123-rushing yards.

Tyler Wilson was held to 185-yards passing and two touchdowns.

Next week’s games:

Arkansas (3-1) vs. Texas A&M (3-1)

Alabama (4-0) vs. Florida (4-0)

Kentucky (2-1) vs. Florida (3-0)

Florida will get their first test of the season next week when Alabama comes to town, but so far this year the Gators have looked impressive under first year head coach Will Muschamp. They thoroughly dominated Kentucky for their 25th straight win in their series Saturday winning 48-10.

Kentucky was able to hold the Gator offense on their first two series but a Kentucky fumble ignited a 21-0 run before Kentucky kicked a 24-yard field goal ending the first quarter.

The Gators led 31-10 at halftime and were able to cruise through the second half of play. Jeff Brantley’s arm was not needed as Jeff Demps (157-yards) and Chris Rainey (105-yards) provided 262-rushing yards combined. The Gators finished the game with 405-total rushing yards.

Morgan Newton provided the majority of the Wildcat’s 300-yards of total offense. He threw for 124-yards and rushed for a Kentucky game high 50-yards.

Next week’s games:

Alabama (4-0) vs. Florida (4-0)

Kentucky (2-2) vs. LSU (4-0)

Vanderbilt (3-0) vs. South Carolina (3-0)

A mark of a great team is finding different ways to win and South Carolina did that against Vanderbilt Saturday winning 21-3.

Vanderbilt’s defense was able to stop Marcus Lattimore (20 rushes for 79-yards) and Stephan Garcia (222-yards passing, one touchdown, four interceptions) but more impressively Vanderbilt offense was held to 73-total yards of offensive by the Gamecock defense.

Vandy finished the game with negative four yards rushing after Larry Smith was sacked six times for a loss of 42-yards. Smith and Jordan Rodgers combined for 77-passing yards. Smith left the game in the third quarter but Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin refused to comment on Smith’s status after the game.

Both teams had ball control issues. The Gamecocks fumbled three times but never lost possession. The Commodores fumbled four times losing three possessions.

Next week’s games:

Auburn (3-1) vs. South Carolina (4-0)

Vanderbilt (3-1) Bye

Florida Atlantic (0-2) vs. Auburn (2-1)

Auburn’s defense finally showed up when needed Saturday stopping the Owls 30-14 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn was able to intercept Graham Gilbert three times and pick up critical third down stops when needed. Auburn’s defensive woes are not fixed by any means. Auburn gave up 306-total yards of offense to a team that was only averaging 92-yards of offense per game. Auburn also allowed the first offensive touchdown of Florida Atlantic’s season in the fourth quarter on a 12-yard pass.

Auburn’s offense did not seem motivated after their first loss of the season to Clemson last week. Michael Dyer was held to 53-yards rushing and Barrett Trotter only completed 54 percent of his passes against the Owls.

True freshman quarterback Kiehl Frazier (Springdale, Arkansas) got playing time in the wildcat offense for the Tigers. He finished the game with 31-yards on three rushing attempts but did not attempt a pass.

Auburn only had 13 more total yards than Florida Atlantic finishing with 319.

Next week’s games:

Auburn (3-1) vs. South Carolina (4-0)

Florida Atlantic (0-3) vs. Louisiana Lafayette (3-1)

Louisiana Tech (1-2) vs. Mississippi State (1-2)

The offensive and defensive struggles continued for the Bulldogs Saturday but they held on to win 26-20 in overtime against Louisiana Tech.

Mississippi State’s defense was put to the test by quarterback Nick Isham, a 17-year old true freshman from Westlake Village, California (3-star recruit, Rivals.com). Isham completed 29 of 40 passes for 228-yards with one touchdown but had two costly interceptions. Isham’s first interception ended a 60-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that could have won the game for the visiting Bulldogs. His second interception happened on Louisiana Tech’s second offensive play in overtime.  

MSU’s offense was held to 176-net yards rushing; Vick Ballard rushed for 68-yards on 18 attempts with one touchdown. Chris Relf was held to a 48 percent passing percentage. Not the type of performance Dan Mullen and the Mississippi State faithful were expecting.

Chris Relf threw a 16-yard game winning touchdown to LaDarius Perkins on their second play in overtime.

Next week’s games:

Mississippi State (2-2) vs. Georgia (2-2)

Hawaii (2-2) vs. Louisiana Tech (1-3)

LSU (3-0) vs. West Virginia (3-0)

WVU tried to make it interesting in the third quarter but LSU was too much for the Mountaineers winning 47-21.

LSU stormed out to a 27-7 half time lead behind three Garrett Lee touchdown passes. But Geno Smith put on a show throwing for 424-yards and two touchdowns against the Tigers. Smith started the scoring in the second half with his second touchdown pass of the game to Tyler Urban. Just before the end of the third quarter, WVU pulled the score to within six on a one-yard touchdown run by Dustin Garrison. On the ensuing kick Marcus Claiborne returned the kick-off 99-yards for the Tigers.

WVU outgained the Tigers in total yards 533 to 368, but the Tigers were able to get two Geno Smith interceptions and recover two Mountaineers’ fumbles to end critical drives. LSU only lost one fumble and Jarrett Lee did not throw an interception in the game.

Spencer Ware and Michael Ford continued their two back rushing attack for LSU combining for 171-yards with two Ford touchdowns.

Next week’s games:

Kentucky (2-2) vs. LSU (4-0)

Bowling Green (3-1) vs. West Virginia (3-1)

University of Tennessee

Bye

Next week’s game:

Buffalo (1-3) vs. Tennessee (2-1)

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2011 SEC College Football Preview: Overview of the SEC East

This is part five in a series previewing the 2011 SEC college football season. 

Eastern Division Team Previews

Florida Gators

The Gators may be one of the more perplexing teams in all of college football going into the 2011 season. Between Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyers’ time in Gainesville (sorry Ron Zook), the Florida Gators have been built into a brand name with lots of recognition and high expectations nationally. With a new coach, new offensive coordinator, and a new defensive coordinator, the fact that Florida has 6 returning starters on offense, including senior quarterback John Brantley, and 3 returning starters on defense can be thrown out the window. Do we gage UF on Texas’ poor defense last season, Charlie Weis’ poor offenses at Notre Dame, or the quality of recruits Urban Meyer left for Will Muschamp from an 8-5 2010 team? Will the players rally around their new coach? Time will tell.

Florida only has two starting offensive lineman returning and a new system to learn, there will be some growing pains; 23 seniors gone from last year’s team. The defense may be turned loose but they are still very young and they will take some heavy lumps along the way. Talent, a new coach and system, plus a really tough schedule should make Florida a year away, or two, from getting back to their 10 win seasons.

The Gators have a couple of swing games that could make their season or break it; at Kentucky, versus Alabama, at LSU, vs. Georgia, at South Carolina, vs. Florida State. If the Gators start to slide look for true freshman Jeff Driskel to get a head start on 2012.

Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia may have the best quarterback in the SEC but who’s going to catch the ball or run the ball? A.J. Green and Kris Durham are gone. Their offensive line is a make shift bunch with only two returning linemen. Mark Richt is hoping prized recruit, running back Isaiah Crowell, can be Marcus Lattimore “like” this season and open up opportunities for Murray downfield. RBs Washaun Ealey transferred out and Caleb King failed to qualify academically. Richard Samuel a running back turned linebacker and back to running back will get some looks. RB Carlton Thomas is suspended for the first game versus Boise State. Any preseason injury or an injury to Isaiah Crowell and the Bulldogs season could be essentially over. Murray will win them some games with his arm but if you can’t run the ball in the SEC you can’t win.

The Bulldogs have plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball with 7 starters coming back and underclassmen pushing those starters for playing time and their positions. Their secondary should be good enough to help the younger D-linemen and linebackers put pressure on opposing QBs.

Coming off their first losing season (6-7) since 1996, Mark Richt has no choice but to win this season or else. His average of 8 wins per season over the past five years is not enough for the Athens faithful. Richt has not taken the Bulldogs to the SEC Title Game since 2005 when he went 3 times out of the previous 4 years.

Their 2011 road schedule is soft; two toughest games should be at Tennessee and Florida in Jacksonville. They avoid playing Arkansas, LSU, and Alabama. The promise of Murray as a junior may not be enough for Richt’s coaching prospects in Athens if Georgia settles for another 8-4 regular season. The Bulldogs can make a statement in week one at home against Boise State. If that game turns into a bad loss… watch out!

The Bulldogs swing games are versus Boise State, vs. Mississippi State and at Tennessee.

Kentucky Wildcats

Joker Phillips had about as good of a first year at Kentucky as anyone could have hoped. The Wildcats played tough last year and were in every game they played; Florida and Pittsburgh got a little out of hand. They shocked South Carolina and gave eventual national champs, Auburn, a run for their money (37-34).

QB Mike Hartline, WR Randall Cobb, and RB Derrick Locke are gone and will be tough to replace. UK has 4 returning linemen which should help Morgan Newton find his way under center. If UK does not have a running back take control of their ground game this could be a long second season for Mr. Phillips. Look for incoming freshmen running backs Marcus Caffey and Josh Clemons to get plenty of opportunities to earn the starting position and show what they can do.

If a couple of defensive lineman can make an impact, this defense can win UK some games. Seven total starters return including 2 linebackers and the entire secondary. Co-defensive coordinator Rick Minter should be very aggressive with this group and cause turnovers and extra opportunities for the Wildcats. Linebacker Danny Trevathan is a beast and should be a great person for Minter to build around. Turning on a UK game to watch Trevathan play will be time well spent.

Kentucky has a tough SEC schedule; at LSU, at South Carolina, at Georgia. They get the Gators, Tennessee, and MSU at home. Those games should be considered trap games for the visiting teams. Their non-conference schedule should put them in position to make a bowl this year. The real question is can/could anyone not named Meyer, Saban, or God recruit at Kentucky?

South Carolina Gamecocks

Last year Steve Spurrier took advantage of the most talented freshman running back to enter the SEC since Darren McFadden was in the backfield for Arkansas… that and a weak SEC East Division. Spurrier has one mission this season, keep QB Stephen Garcia from self imploding. The final outcome of that mission will be if USC makes their second straight SEC Title Game.

The Gamecocks have a ton of talent returning, especially at their skill positions. All a novice needs to know about USC football before tailgating or a Saturday BBQ in Columbia is RB Marcus Lattimore and WR Alshon Jeffery. Saying you love those two guys will get you a cold one and a couple of new friends. Lattimore has three returning lineman who will try to pave the way for another 1,000 season for him. Who will start at LG and RT is the biggest question the Gamecock faithful have going into 2011.

Ellis Johnson is making USC’s defense into a title contending unit. Devin Taylor and true freshman Jadeveon Clowney should spend as much time in the opposition’s backfield as the head referee. Senior DT Travian Robertson will anchor the Gamecock line and give the 3 returning secondary players time to shut down opposing receivers.

Why Spurrier has not been able to develop a quarterback into an All-American is a question for the ages. In Spurrier’s first three years at USC he seemed to lack the recruiting fire or edge he once had while in Gainesville. Over the past three years he has added great talent, seemingly regained some of that fire, and the time has come to cash in on his efforts.

South Carolina has some swing games before anointing them the SEC East Champs; at Georgia, at MSU, and at Arkansas. Beating Florida last year at the Swamp had to be a relief for Spurrier. He should be able to do the same again this year at home. If USC can stay consistent and not have a let down game after a big win like last year (beating Alabama then losing to UK), this is your SEC East Champs. If Spurrier overruns Lattimore again like he did early last year, this could be a better than average year in Columbia but a true disappointment for the fans.

Tennessee Volunteers

Derek Dooley got every bit of effort out of his team in his first year in Knoxville. A four game winning streak at the end of the season could be the main motivator for this year’s team. Tennessee is still young and if they keep improving the balance of power could swing back to the SEC East next season.

Will Tyler Bray or Matt Simms win the starting quarterback position? Bray went 4-1 against weaker teams but still almost throw for 2,000 yards in those 5 games; impressive. What could he do with an entire year under center? Whoever is taking snaps will have to learn to play without WR Denarius Moore and WR Gerald Jones. Tauren Poole should be able to increase his 1,034 yard season in 2010 with three returning offensive linemen in front of him.

Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox will have his hands full this season. Wilcox has five returning starters on defense and a bunch of underclassmen fighting for playing time. His unit played really well in the second half of the season; having an offense eat up time instead of going three and out sure helped.

Dooley gets no help from the schedule this season. His team may improve but the record will be hard to show it. His biggest coaching job may be to keep his players playing tough and staying motivated through October, similar to last season. They play versus Georgia, vs. LSU, at Alabama, vs. South Carolina and then on the road to Fayetteville, Arkansas in November. The sliver lining is three of those games are at home. The bad thing is four of those teams should be in the top 10 at some point during the season.

Vanderbilt Commodores

James Franklin could be in the cat bird seat or he really has his work cut out for him; time will tell. He inherits a 2-10 team, 1-7 in the SEC, during the 2010 season but he has 18 total starters returning. If he can make an impact with his team this could be one of the most overlooked trap games in the SEC. The problem for the Commodores is they basically play every tough team in the conference except for LSU and MSU.

Vanderbilt may be a year away from making some real noise. Their entire offensive line returns and all but one are underclassmen. They have a top quarterback recruit to break in to replace senior starter Larry Smith; Lafonte Thourgood.

If this defensive unit can stay healthy, they could win a game or two at home that everyone expects them to lose. They have a stud middle linebacker in Chris Marve and three players returning in their secondary. The defensive line will have to help stop the run or this could be a repeat season from last year. Vandy’s rush defense was ranked 100^th nationally in 2010 and 93^rd in overall team defense. A jump 40-50 spots north and this team will make a lot of noise.

In truth if Franklin wins all of his non-conference games and leads Vandy to victory over Ole Miss, this will be a pretty good season. Kentucky could be a home swing game for them. 

Predicted Order of Finish

SEC East

Team/SEC Record/Overall Record

South Carolina 6-2, 10-2

Florida 6-2, 9-3

Georgia 5-3, 9-3

Kentucky 4-4, 8-4

Tennessee 2-6, 6-6

Vanderbilt 1-7, 5-7

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