SEC hopes to have schedule format Friday
May, 30, 2012
5/30/12
1:12
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
DESTIN, Fla. -- When SEC commissioner Mike Slive and the rest of the SEC elites leave the 2012 SEC spring meetings later this week the hope is that there will be a concrete scheduling format for the 2013 football season and possibly beyond.
The addition of Missouri and Texas A&M means teams will have to play six divisional games instead of five, making things a little complicated.
Right now, it looks like the most likely format, which could be set as early as Friday, will be a 6-1-1 model. That gives teams six divisional games, one permanent crossover game and rotating crossover. The rotating crossover would no longer be a traditional two-year home and home series. It would simply be a one-year rotation. It’s the same model that will be used for the 2012 season.
LSU coach Les Miles said he’d like the structure of future SEC schedules to be “definable,” and wouldn’t mind if the league re-examined how it chose permanent crossovers.
"Legitimately tell me about how you're picking crossover games,” Miles said at the spring meetings Tuesday. “Is it the best team in the East, the best team in the West, top three and top three? OK, if you guys want to do that let's do that. It might change the matches, but if you want to say, 'Well, we really are going to seed the best teams verses the lesser teams,' well, OK, let's do that, but define the structure and let's stay with it.
The addition of Missouri and Texas A&M means teams will have to play six divisional games instead of five, making things a little complicated.
Right now, it looks like the most likely format, which could be set as early as Friday, will be a 6-1-1 model. That gives teams six divisional games, one permanent crossover game and rotating crossover. The rotating crossover would no longer be a traditional two-year home and home series. It would simply be a one-year rotation. It’s the same model that will be used for the 2012 season.
LSU coach Les Miles said he’d like the structure of future SEC schedules to be “definable,” and wouldn’t mind if the league re-examined how it chose permanent crossovers.
"Legitimately tell me about how you're picking crossover games,” Miles said at the spring meetings Tuesday. “Is it the best team in the East, the best team in the West, top three and top three? OK, if you guys want to do that let's do that. It might change the matches, but if you want to say, 'Well, we really are going to seed the best teams verses the lesser teams,' well, OK, let's do that, but define the structure and let's stay with it.
DESTIN, Fla. – Alabama coach Nick Saban hasn’t held back from talking about his disdain for placing only conference champions in a four-team playoff. He’s very much for a four-team playoff, but he won’t go for one that alienates teams by only picking the top four conference champions.
The whole reason any of this playoff talk even started is because people outside of the game are passionate about seeing one in college football. To take away the chance for the four BEST teams to play makes no sense to Saban.
The whole reason any of this playoff talk even started is because people outside of the game are passionate about seeing one in college football. To take away the chance for the four BEST teams to play makes no sense to Saban.
TideNation recruiting writer Greg Ostendorf brings you another edition of The O-zone, a confidential look inside Alabama recruiting. Get the latest updates from the gridiron and the hardwood as it pertains to the Crimson Tide.
In this week’s update:
In this week’s update:
- Tide set to host five-star
- ESPN 150 DB has UA on top
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From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down the days before Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 94 and what it means to UA football.
John Copeland was arguably the biggest name on one of the best defenses college football has ever seen. The defensive lineman from Lannett, Ala., who wore No. 94 took the junior college route on his way to the Crimson Tide, but when he landed it was with a bang.
He and defensive end Eric Curry became the anchors to the 1992 defense that beat Miami 34-13 to win the national title. Both were named All-Americans and both were taken in the top 10 of the NFL Draft in 1993. The St. Louis Dispatch would call Copeland and Curry the "Tide's Twin Terrors" and history would recall them as two of the most successful defensive ends in Alabama history.
Just a few months ago, ESPN SEC blogger Chris Low wondered why Copeland, Curry and others haven't been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Copeland went on to enjoy an eight-year career in the NFL and is currently an assistant coach at Tuscaloosa Academy in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
One for the road: In 1992, the Alabama defense allowed just 194 yards per game. They pitched three shutouts and surrendered 9.1 points per game. By comparison, the 2011 UA defense gave up 183 yards per game.
John Copeland was arguably the biggest name on one of the best defenses college football has ever seen. The defensive lineman from Lannett, Ala., who wore No. 94 took the junior college route on his way to the Crimson Tide, but when he landed it was with a bang.
He and defensive end Eric Curry became the anchors to the 1992 defense that beat Miami 34-13 to win the national title. Both were named All-Americans and both were taken in the top 10 of the NFL Draft in 1993. The St. Louis Dispatch would call Copeland and Curry the "Tide's Twin Terrors" and history would recall them as two of the most successful defensive ends in Alabama history.
Just a few months ago, ESPN SEC blogger Chris Low wondered why Copeland, Curry and others haven't been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Copeland went on to enjoy an eight-year career in the NFL and is currently an assistant coach at Tuscaloosa Academy in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
One for the road: In 1992, the Alabama defense allowed just 194 yards per game. They pitched three shutouts and surrendered 9.1 points per game. By comparison, the 2011 UA defense gave up 183 yards per game.
The rundown
Western Kentucky's 2011 record: 7-5
All-time against the SEC: 0-17
Western Kentucky's 2011 record: 7-5
All-time against the SEC: 0-17
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Each week at TideNation we will speak with a writer who covers one of Alabama's 2012 opponents. Today, we spoke with Western Kentucky beat writer Chad Bishop of the Bowling Green Daily News.
To start things off, give us a brief tutorial on the Hilltoppers. What's their style of play? What are their strengths and weaknesses, as you see it?
Chad Bishop: The Hilltoppers want to play a physical style both offensively and defensively. Willie Taggart's offense is predicated on time of possession, the running game, play action and using multiple tight ends. Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry implements a 4-3 defense that will allow itself to bend, but not break. The team's weaknesses are still depth on both sides of the ball and a woeful place-kicking game. The Tops are also still just three years into FBS football.
To start things off, give us a brief tutorial on the Hilltoppers. What's their style of play? What are their strengths and weaknesses, as you see it?
Chad Bishop: The Hilltoppers want to play a physical style both offensively and defensively. Willie Taggart's offense is predicated on time of possession, the running game, play action and using multiple tight ends. Defensive coordinator Lance Guidry implements a 4-3 defense that will allow itself to bend, but not break. The team's weaknesses are still depth on both sides of the ball and a woeful place-kicking game. The Tops are also still just three years into FBS football.
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From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down the days before Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 95 and what it means to UA football.
Not every day on the road can be pleasant, as evidenced by No. 95 in our countdown to kickoff against the Wolverines.
It was nearly two decades ago, in 1995, when the University of Alabama football program received the first blow to a history long propped up by the dignity of winning without even the scent of any wrongdoing. The program had gone 102 years -- and won 12 national championships -- without the NCAA batting an eye. But in the summer of '95, the handling of two players -- Antonio Langham and Gene Jelks -- was enough to humble a university and its beloved football team.
Not every day on the road can be pleasant, as evidenced by No. 95 in our countdown to kickoff against the Wolverines.
It was nearly two decades ago, in 1995, when the University of Alabama football program received the first blow to a history long propped up by the dignity of winning without even the scent of any wrongdoing. The program had gone 102 years -- and won 12 national championships -- without the NCAA batting an eye. But in the summer of '95, the handling of two players -- Antonio Langham and Gene Jelks -- was enough to humble a university and its beloved football team.
Rossville, Ga. -- Less than three miles from the Tennessee border, coaches from Auburn and Tennessee watch as defensive back Vonn Bell (Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland) makes it look easy against his teammates during the school’s spring scrimmage. Three carries result in three spectacular touchdown plays for the 6-foot, 185-pound ESPN 150 athlete, who would also make his presence known on defense with a couple bone-jarring hits before letting the backups take over.
For Bell, who is coming off an All-State season in which he made 180 tackles, five interceptions, three forced fumbles and three recoveries for touchdowns on defense, as well as 37 rushes for 280 yards and five touchdowns, 31 catches for 487 yards and six touchdowns on offense, it was just another day at the office.
More than 15 programs made the trip in the last month to Rossville to evaluate Bell, who has done his best to return the favor, making trips to Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Texas and Vanderbilt this year. It is all part of a process that Bell and his parents take seriously.
For Bell, who is coming off an All-State season in which he made 180 tackles, five interceptions, three forced fumbles and three recoveries for touchdowns on defense, as well as 37 rushes for 280 yards and five touchdowns, 31 catches for 487 yards and six touchdowns on offense, it was just another day at the office.
More than 15 programs made the trip in the last month to Rossville to evaluate Bell, who has done his best to return the favor, making trips to Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Tennessee, Texas and Vanderbilt this year. It is all part of a process that Bell and his parents take seriously.
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From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down the days before Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 96 and what it means to UA football.
Prior to the arrival of Nick Saban in 2007, there was quite the long and well-documented spell of coaches who never quite panned out at the University of Alabama. There was Mike Dubose, Dennis Franchione, 15 forgettable minutes of Mike Price, Mike Shula and an interim Joe Kines. None lasted for more than four seasons.
That saga began when Gene Stallings stepped down as head coach following the 1996 season. Appropriately, Stallings made his decision public after an epic Iron Bowl victory that year at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.
"I talked to the players and the coaches and told them there comes a time for everyone to pass the torch,'' Stallings said after beating Auburn 24-23. He finished his career 5-2 against the Tigers.
Stallings coached the Tide for seven seasons, compiling a 70-16-1 record and reeled in UA's first national title since Paul 'Bear' Bryant. The Paris, Texas, native earned a spot in Alabama football lore with the 1992 title, beating Miami in the Louisiana Superdome.
Stallings was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame 2010 and currently sits on the Texas A&M Board of Regents.
Prior to the arrival of Nick Saban in 2007, there was quite the long and well-documented spell of coaches who never quite panned out at the University of Alabama. There was Mike Dubose, Dennis Franchione, 15 forgettable minutes of Mike Price, Mike Shula and an interim Joe Kines. None lasted for more than four seasons.
That saga began when Gene Stallings stepped down as head coach following the 1996 season. Appropriately, Stallings made his decision public after an epic Iron Bowl victory that year at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.
"I talked to the players and the coaches and told them there comes a time for everyone to pass the torch,'' Stallings said after beating Auburn 24-23. He finished his career 5-2 against the Tigers.
Stallings coached the Tide for seven seasons, compiling a 70-16-1 record and reeled in UA's first national title since Paul 'Bear' Bryant. The Paris, Texas, native earned a spot in Alabama football lore with the 1992 title, beating Miami in the Louisiana Superdome.
Stallings was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame 2010 and currently sits on the Texas A&M Board of Regents.
From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down the days before Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 97 and what it means to UA football.
There may never be another No. 97 to play at the University of Alabama better than Cornelius Bennett. The three-time All-American at linebacker defined the position, averaging more than 95 tackles and five sacks a season. The Birmingham native took home the Lombardi Trophy his senior year, finished in the top 10 on Heisman ballots and was named the SEC Player of the Year.
Bennett was named UA's Player of the Decade for the 1980's, and earned a spot on Alabama's Team of the Century. In 2005, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
The tenacious linebacker went on to be selected second overall in the 1987 draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He played 14 seasons in the NFL and appeared in five Super Bowls, four coming while with the Buffalo Bills.
When talking about the greatest linebackers in Alabama history, a good place to start is with No. 97 and Cornelius Bennett.
Who could be next in the line of great UA linebackers? Vote inside The Tusk.
There may never be another No. 97 to play at the University of Alabama better than Cornelius Bennett. The three-time All-American at linebacker defined the position, averaging more than 95 tackles and five sacks a season. The Birmingham native took home the Lombardi Trophy his senior year, finished in the top 10 on Heisman ballots and was named the SEC Player of the Year.
Bennett was named UA's Player of the Decade for the 1980's, and earned a spot on Alabama's Team of the Century. In 2005, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
The tenacious linebacker went on to be selected second overall in the 1987 draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He played 14 seasons in the NFL and appeared in five Super Bowls, four coming while with the Buffalo Bills.
When talking about the greatest linebackers in Alabama history, a good place to start is with No. 97 and Cornelius Bennett.
Who could be next in the line of great UA linebackers? Vote inside The Tusk.
From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down the days before Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 98 and what it means to UA football.
The Crimson Tide had their first All-American selected in 1915, and since then they have been on a roll. Prior to the 2011-12 season, Alabama had 98 All-Americans. Last season, UA added five more Associated Press All-Americans in Barrett Jones, Trent Richardson, Dont'a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw and Mark Barron. The Tide trail only Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Oklahoma.
Alabama players have done more than just take home the hardware, though. In April, eight Tide players went in the NFL draft, five going in the first three rounds. That brought the total number of Alabama players drafted in Rounds 1-3 to 98 all-time.
Make your pick how many Alabama players will go in next year's draft inside The Tusk.
The Crimson Tide had their first All-American selected in 1915, and since then they have been on a roll. Prior to the 2011-12 season, Alabama had 98 All-Americans. Last season, UA added five more Associated Press All-Americans in Barrett Jones, Trent Richardson, Dont'a Hightower, Courtney Upshaw and Mark Barron. The Tide trail only Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan, USC and Oklahoma.
Alabama players have done more than just take home the hardware, though. In April, eight Tide players went in the NFL draft, five going in the first three rounds. That brought the total number of Alabama players drafted in Rounds 1-3 to 98 all-time.
Make your pick how many Alabama players will go in next year's draft inside The Tusk.
Edward has already unveiled the five players in the East who have the most to prove in 2012.
Now, it’s on to the West:
1. Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU: Mettenberger finally gets his chance to lead a team in the SEC. He’s persevered through adversity. He’s got a big arm, and he understands what he’s up against when it comes to SEC defenses. The Tigers are counting on Mettenberger making them more balanced on offense with his ability to throw the ball down the field and keep defenses from loading up against the run. LSU is plenty talented enough to be right back in the BCS National Championship Game in 2012. The only thing the Tigers were missing a year ago was a consistent passing game when it counted most. That’s where Mettenberger comes in.
2. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas: If anybody can make it all the way back from three fractured ankles, it’s Davis. He was pushing to play at the end of last season and now insists that he’s 100 percent healthy. He was clocked this offseason at 4.33 in the 40-yard dash and is one of the Hogs’ strongest players. There simply aren’t many running backs that combine Davis’ blend of speed, power and strength. His biggest hurdle may be mental, which is why Arkansas plans to get him some live contact in preseason camp. Everybody will be watching to see if he can get back to his 2010 form when he led all SEC running backs with 1,322 rushing yards.
3. Trovon Reed, WR, Auburn: Trooper Taylor, Auburn’s receivers coach, once referred to Reed as a limousine with no gas. From the day Reed signed with the Tigers, he’s been pegged as one of those playmakers in space that gives every defensive coordinator nightmares. The only problem is that Reed has battled injuries each of his first two years on the Plains. He sat out his first season with a knee injury and was plagued by a shoulder injury last season as a redshirt freshman. He’s yet to score a touchdown for the Tigers, who are going to need more firepower from the receiver position in 2012. Emory Blake won’t be able to do it by himself.
4. Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M: With the Aggies moving to the SEC in 2012, it’s imperative that they man up in the defensive line. Moore is the most talented of the group, but he’s moving from a hybrid outside linebacker position in Texas A&M’s old 3-4 setup to defensive end in Mark Snyder’s new 4-3 scheme. Moore has shown in the past that he can get to the quarterback and make big plays. He led the Big 12 last season with 17.5 tackles for loss. The Aggies are counting on him to be more than just a pass-rusher this coming season. And while Moore won’t be the biggest defensive end in the league, he’ll need to play big in every game if the Aggies are going to hold their own up front.
5. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama: It’s safe to say that McCarron has already proved himself on a big stage. He was outstanding last season in the BCS title game win over LSU with his poise, decision-making and accuracy. The Crimson Tide did a nice job of not putting too much on McCarron’s shoulders during the season. That’s going to change some as he enters his junior season. Alabama will look to stretch the field more in 2012. McCarron has an NFL-caliber arm, and teams will gear their defenses more to stop him in 2012. We’ll see if he can pick up where he left off in New Orleans and sustain that level of play for the entire season.
Now, it’s on to the West:
1. Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU: Mettenberger finally gets his chance to lead a team in the SEC. He’s persevered through adversity. He’s got a big arm, and he understands what he’s up against when it comes to SEC defenses. The Tigers are counting on Mettenberger making them more balanced on offense with his ability to throw the ball down the field and keep defenses from loading up against the run. LSU is plenty talented enough to be right back in the BCS National Championship Game in 2012. The only thing the Tigers were missing a year ago was a consistent passing game when it counted most. That’s where Mettenberger comes in.
2. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas: If anybody can make it all the way back from three fractured ankles, it’s Davis. He was pushing to play at the end of last season and now insists that he’s 100 percent healthy. He was clocked this offseason at 4.33 in the 40-yard dash and is one of the Hogs’ strongest players. There simply aren’t many running backs that combine Davis’ blend of speed, power and strength. His biggest hurdle may be mental, which is why Arkansas plans to get him some live contact in preseason camp. Everybody will be watching to see if he can get back to his 2010 form when he led all SEC running backs with 1,322 rushing yards.
3. Trovon Reed, WR, Auburn: Trooper Taylor, Auburn’s receivers coach, once referred to Reed as a limousine with no gas. From the day Reed signed with the Tigers, he’s been pegged as one of those playmakers in space that gives every defensive coordinator nightmares. The only problem is that Reed has battled injuries each of his first two years on the Plains. He sat out his first season with a knee injury and was plagued by a shoulder injury last season as a redshirt freshman. He’s yet to score a touchdown for the Tigers, who are going to need more firepower from the receiver position in 2012. Emory Blake won’t be able to do it by himself.
4. Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M: With the Aggies moving to the SEC in 2012, it’s imperative that they man up in the defensive line. Moore is the most talented of the group, but he’s moving from a hybrid outside linebacker position in Texas A&M’s old 3-4 setup to defensive end in Mark Snyder’s new 4-3 scheme. Moore has shown in the past that he can get to the quarterback and make big plays. He led the Big 12 last season with 17.5 tackles for loss. The Aggies are counting on him to be more than just a pass-rusher this coming season. And while Moore won’t be the biggest defensive end in the league, he’ll need to play big in every game if the Aggies are going to hold their own up front.
5. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama: It’s safe to say that McCarron has already proved himself on a big stage. He was outstanding last season in the BCS title game win over LSU with his poise, decision-making and accuracy. The Crimson Tide did a nice job of not putting too much on McCarron’s shoulders during the season. That’s going to change some as he enters his junior season. Alabama will look to stretch the field more in 2012. McCarron has an NFL-caliber arm, and teams will gear their defenses more to stop him in 2012. We’ll see if he can pick up where he left off in New Orleans and sustain that level of play for the entire season.UGA commit Henry looking hard at Alabama 
May, 25, 2012
5/25/12
11:58
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
For a big, bruising running back, it doesn’t get much better than the University of Alabama. The Crimson Tide have produced two first-round backs in the last two years, and they have a stable of players in the backfield this year who could potentially get drafted.
That’s why Derrick Henry, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound athlete who’s set on playing running back, has taken interest in Alabama. Henry committed to Georgia last July, but UA has started to pick up its recruitment in recent weeks, and it’s hard to look past the Tide’s track record.
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From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down the days before Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 99 and what it means to UA football.
Bryant-Denny Stadium opened in 1927, but it didn't become the home many Crimson Tide fans know until 1999. That's the first year UA stopped playing multiple games at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.
Why? Because in 1998 construction was completed on the Tuscaloosa stadium, adding 13,695 seats with an upper grandstand on the east side, raising capacity to 83,818. Four skyboxes were added and video replay was installed in the south end zone.
Legion Field, the former site of coach Paul "Bear" Bryant's record making win, was totally abandoned by the Tide in 2004 when the upper deck was deemed to be unsafe. The following season, UA finished work on the North End Zone project which added 8,000 bleacher seats, a pair of large video scoreboards and "The Walk of Champions" plaza.
One more for the road: The 1999 NFL draft was one of just two drafts in the past 40 years where one or fewer Alabama players were selected, the last coming in 2008.
Bryant-Denny Stadium opened in 1927, but it didn't become the home many Crimson Tide fans know until 1999. That's the first year UA stopped playing multiple games at Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala.
Why? Because in 1998 construction was completed on the Tuscaloosa stadium, adding 13,695 seats with an upper grandstand on the east side, raising capacity to 83,818. Four skyboxes were added and video replay was installed in the south end zone.
Legion Field, the former site of coach Paul "Bear" Bryant's record making win, was totally abandoned by the Tide in 2004 when the upper deck was deemed to be unsafe. The following season, UA finished work on the North End Zone project which added 8,000 bleacher seats, a pair of large video scoreboards and "The Walk of Champions" plaza.
One more for the road: The 1999 NFL draft was one of just two drafts in the past 40 years where one or fewer Alabama players were selected, the last coming in 2008.
Coach Anthony Grant and the rest of the University of Alabama basketball staff are poised to make an impact recruiting in 2013. Today, ESPN released the top 100 recruits for next year's class, including two Crimson Tide commits. Recent commit Jimmie Taylor checked in at No. 49 on the ESPN 100 and power forward Shannon Hale just made the cut at No. 99.
Last month, Grant told reporters he would save his open scholarships (created by the departure of JaMychal Green, Tony Mitchell and Charles Hankerson) for next year, rather than load up on 2012 commits.
Looking to the even more distant future, ESPN released both the early 2014 and 2015 rankings. Stay tuned at TideNation as we update you on how the UA basketball staff goes after college basektball's future stars.
Last month, Grant told reporters he would save his open scholarships (created by the departure of JaMychal Green, Tony Mitchell and Charles Hankerson) for next year, rather than load up on 2012 commits.
Looking to the even more distant future, ESPN released both the early 2014 and 2015 rankings. Stay tuned at TideNation as we update you on how the UA basketball staff goes after college basektball's future stars.
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Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.