Another day in paradise

Going back to basics: how to stop the spread

2008-09-21T19:15:00.001-07:00

The spread offense has taken over the football world and no one can stop it. Now, I’m no high paid analysis, but I have figured out how to stop the spread.
It’s very basic when you break down the foundation of the spread. It is designed to put the ball in the hands of the playmakers, while they are in space.
The first step in defeating the spread is very simple: tackle. Defenders are more interested in making big hits, then securing the tackles. When facing the spread, the offense is trying to create one on one matchups, often allowing a big gain after the first tackle is missed.
If the defense concerns itself with making a sure tackle before attempting a big stick, it will eliminate the long gain.
The next step in stopping the spread is playing man to man defense. Along with running man coverage, you need to press the receiver. This prohibits the receiver from getting off of the line of scrimmage freely and disrupting the timing of the offense.
To adjust to the multiple receiver sets, the defense should line up in a 3-4 hybrid look or a 4-2-5 look with a nickel back. With these alignments you get better athletes on the field. With these schemes you still get an effective pass rush, along with better coverage skills.
As the spread offense has developed so has the defensive side of the ball. In older variations of the 3-4 scheme the outside linebackers were more suited to rush quarterbacks. These linebackers have developed into better cover players. For example you can look at Nevin McKenzie and Adam Meyers-White at the University of Tennessee. They are both former high school safeties that moved to outside linebackers. The nation is full of these players, and more are making big plays on every level of the game.
With the man to man scheme, the team will have to play more disciplined football. Much like the defenses of the 80s, who adapted to the triple option, the amount of responsibility increases. There is a safety net for coaches who run zone coverage, but they are picked apart in the long run. If you look back to the Florida – Tennessee game from 2007, you will notice the Gators offense shredded the Vols defense for 554 total offensive yards. If you compare that to the Florida- Michigan game from 2007, you noticed that the Wolverines pressured the Gators receivers and only allowed 399 total yards.
The best way to defend against the spread is having a good offense. Looking at the four games that Florida lost in 2007, they lost the time of possession by 6.5 minutes per game. In those same games they were outrushed by 89 yards.
Those teams who beat Florida converted 56% of their 3rd downs. With those conversions the explosive spread attack is not on the field. Looking at the development of the spread offense the offense is not a catch-up type of offense. It is used to score and strike quickly at the beginning of the game.
The four loses that the Gators suffered in ’07 they were behind in three of the loses. Of the 552 total points that Florida scored in 2007, 309 were scored before half time. So if you could make it to half time with the lead, there is a good chance that you can keep the lead until the game is over. Football is an ever evolving sport, and the schemes are evolving as fast as the players. With more wide open attacks there are new ways to defend them. However some things don’t change. The old saying is true, offense sells tickets, and defense wins championships.

Basketball in Tennessee

2007-12-29T21:55:00.000-08:00

Isn't funny how with only 3 losses this season until the SEC championship, the UT fans were already for basketball season. Even the school newspaper were counting down the days until the first game. Now going in to the new year things have not changed.
On New Years Day the Vols will take on the Wisconsin Badgers at the Outback bowl. According to the Knoxville News Sentinel the Vols and Badgers resemble each other both on and off the field. However I will disagree with one comment that is that UT is a second tier team in the SEC. How can this be? Have we fallen this far off of the ball. There was the off year but is one year enough to condim this program has declined that much. No offense to these programs but UT is not in the same category as Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, and South Carolina. UT always is a contender and always will be.
That brings me to the basketball program and the success of them. Pat Summit always has a top program with a natonal title in her sights. Bruce Pearl has turned the boys program around and brought excitement to Thompson Bolling Arena. His nfast pace coaching style and his teams fast pace of play keeps the fans watching. It is truly an honor to watch these teams when they are on the court.
I know that change is a good thing however how much change begins to sway towards negative ways. Tennessee has lost its offensive coaching staff as it appears today and even several canadiades have fallen through. Fulmer is trying to get a staff together as soon as possible to help benefit the program and I pledge my full support to the coaches he hires to take the open positions. There is a call for some new blood in the program and who is to say that some new blood cant fall into place with the system that UT has in place. The spread option offense has taken over the college football world, however i do not think that it is the answer to the problems within the system. Throughout history you can trace different phases of the game and the spread is a new phase. The offense that UT runs has always produced and looks to keep going as long as it is ran.
I know this is a random collection of items, but it is an example of what I am going to strive to discuss from now on.

New York Giants

2007-08-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Giants are already missing Tiki Barber and the season has not even started yet. Barber had 1,600 yards and 5 td's running the ball last year. To replace Barber the Giants will turn to Brandon Jacobs who is a good runner but lacks the receiving skills of Tiki. The Giants also signed Reuben Droughns from the Browns. With the safety of Barber gone it places more pressure onto the shoulders of Eli Manning. Manning threw for 3,200 yards and 24 td's. Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer will be leading the push for starting receivers. Sinorice Moss and rookie Steve Smith pushing for playing time early on. The ace in the hole for Manning will be tight end Jeremy Shockley. Shockley is still one of the best tight ends in the game and can still dominate the game. The o-line remains in tact from last season and looks to improve on the number of sacks a year ago.

The LaVar Arrington era is over in New York. Never truly productive while in town he was released to free agency this past season. Antonio Pierce, Gerris Wilkinson, and Mathias Kiwanuka are claiming starting spots in camp. The big story so far is the absence of Michael Strahan from camp. Strahan is a leader for the defense and the team in general. The d-line also returns Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield at tackles and Osi Umenyiora at end. The backs are led by safeties Gibril Wilson and Will Demps. The corners are Sam Madison and Corey Webster. 1st round draft pick Aaron Ross looks to be on the field so defenses beware.

Dallas Cowboys

2007-08-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

Wade Phillips will be the man in Dallas until owner Jerry Jones walks through the door. Along with Jones comes all about me wide receiver Terrell Owens, along with a quarterback that no one really has an opinion on. Tony Romo went from the saving grace of the so-called bad days with Drew Bledsoe to being called a failure after a blotched PAT against Seattle. Romo threw for 2,900 yards last season with a low 19-13 td to int ratio. Capable receivers Owens and Terry Glenn are back but how much do they have left in their aging legs. Workhorse at Tight End is Jason Witten. Witten is coming off of his 3rd straight Pro Bowl season and looks to improve from only 1 td catch a year ago. Running back Julius Jones broke the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in Dallas since Emmitt Smith in 2001. However this is his last year in his deal and young Marion Barber is looking hungry for more carries.

The 3-4 defense in Dallas returns Chris Canty, Jason Ferguson, and Marcus Spears on the front line with Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware waiting at the outside backer spots. On the inside Akin Ayodele and Bradie James are awaiting unsuspecting backs wanting to go through the hashes. the backs are led by Roy Williams at his strong safety position.

Crash in Selmer

2007-06-17T14:52:00.001-07:00

I know about the drag car crash in Selmer. I know Troy and his crew and it bothers me how he has been show as an evil man. This is a tragedy and I can't help but feel sorrow for those involved. I lift my prayers up to those who were injured and i hope that people will see that team for what they are. They are good folks. God Speed

All-SEC Team 2007

2007-06-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

Offense
QB Andre' Woodson SR Kentucky
RB Darren McFadden JR Arkansas
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis SR Ole Miss
WR Earl Bennett JR Vanderbilt
WR Early Doucet SR LSU
TE Jacob Tamme SR Kentucky
C Jonathan Luigs JR Arkansas
OL King Dunlap SR Auburn
OL Phil Trautwein SR Florida
OL Chris Williams SR Vanderbilt
OL Ciron Black SO LSU
AP Percy Harvin SO Florida
PK Brandon Coutu SR Georgia

Defense
DL Titus Brown SR Mississippi State
DL Glenn Dorsey SR LSU
DL Quentin Groves SR Auburn
DL Derrick Harvey JR Florida
LB Jasper Brinkley SR South Carolina
LB Jonathan Goff SR Vanderbilt
LB Wesley Woodyard SR Kentucky
DB Simeon Castille SR Alabama
DB Paul Oliver SR Georgia
DB Jonathan Hefney SR Tennessee
DB Derek Pegues JR Mississippi State
P Britton Colquitt SR Tennessee

MVP Darren McFadden
Offensive Player of the Year Andre' Woodson
Defensive Player of the Year Jasper Brinkley

Vanderbilt Commodores

2007-06-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

The Earl Bennett show airs ever week in Nashville. For 2 years now he has dominated defenses all across the SEC. Last season he brought in 82 catches for 1,100 yards. He is joined by fellow junior George Smith to form an explosive team of receivers. The o-line returns all 5 starters from last year. Hamilton Holliday, Josh Eames, Merritt Kirchoffer, Brian Stamper, and Chris Williams led the way up front for the 'Dores. The line paves the way for senior Cassen Jackson-Garrison. The pressure is on Jackson as junior Jeff Jennings return from a knee injury that kept him out all year last year. Chris Nickson is back from a 2,000 yard passing season and the leading rusher from a year ago. Nickson is an amazing athlete who is improving as a passer.

Jonathan Goff leads the effort on defense for the 'Dores. He led the team last year and looks to improve on his efforts in his senior year. He is flanked by Marcus Buggs and Brandon Bryant. The backs return 3 of 4 from last year. Free safety Ryan Hamilton and strong safety Reshard Langford will be deep in the 4-3 scheme. The corners will be DJ Moore and Myron Lewis. The d-line is led by Curtis Gatewood who led the team in sacks. The opposite end is Steven Stone a sophomore. The tackles are Greg Billinger and Theo Horrocks.

Georgia, Alabama, and Wake Forest all come to Nashville to play. While the 'Dores travel to Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee.

Tennessee Volunteers

2007-06-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

Eric Ainge has had an up and down career in Knoxville. Last season was a high. Ainge threw for 2,900 yards and 19 touchdowns. Ainge also missed 2 games last season and sophomore Jon Crompton stepped up and filled his shoes. Juniors Lucas Taylor and Josh Briscoe lead the inexperienced receivers. David Cutcliffe has expanded the offense to use 2 tight ends instead of a fullback. Chris Brown and Brad Cottam have taken over the spots with former fullback David Holbert lurking behind them. The offensive line lost Arron Sears an All-American, but returns Eric Young, Anthony Parker, and Josh McNeil. Ramon Foster and Chris Scott look to grab the remaining spots on the o-line. LaMarcus Cocker led the team rushing a year ago, with Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty not far behind. They all fill the running back position by commission. Combined they rushed for 1,400 yards last year.
Jerod Mayo moves form outside backer to middle during the off season to replace Marvin Mitchell. Mayo had 83 tackles and 5 sacks in his sophomore season in Knoxville. Sophomore Rico McCoy moves into the spot vacated by Mayo. Senior Ryan Karl returns for his senior season. Karl is a smart player who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. The front line returns 2 starters at end, Xavier Mitchell and Antonio Reynolds lead the charge. Former started JT Mapu returns to top shape after serving his 2 year Mormon mission. He showed a little rust last year but finally got back into shape by the bowl game. Demonte Bolden showed signs of promise but has not played up to par at all times. The backfield returns only one starter. All American safety Jonathan Hefney looks to have a promising senior season. Jarod Parrish is at strong safety while Marsalous Johnson and Antonio Gaines are at cornerback.

The Vols travel to California, Florida, and Alabama. Meanwhile Neyland Stadium welcomes Georgia, South Carolina, and Arkansas.

South Carolina Gamecocks

2007-06-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

Steve Spurrier has his swagger back. The Gamecocks are led by senior All SEC linebacker Jasper Brinkley. After leading the team in tackles a year ago her looks to lead the team to a SEC championship. He is lining up beside his twin brother Casper who moved from end to play backer. Casper led the team in sacks last year, and looks to be a force at backer. Sophomore Rodney Paulk also returns to his starting role at backer. Corner Carlos Thomas will lead the backfield as the only returning starter. Captain Munnerlyn will lay claim to the other corner spot. Free safety Brandon Issac and strong safety Emmanuel Cook look to reek havoc on opposing offenses. The d-line is led by Nathan Pepper. The other spots upfront are being claimed by freshman. Travian Robertson, Clifton Geathers, and Ladi Ajiboye are looking to dominate as young stars in Columbia.

Spurrier's pass-oriented offense looks to senior Blake Mitchell for the path to victory. Mitchell threw for 1,700 yards last season while sharing the starting duties. Gone is Sidney Rice and Kenny McKinley steps in. His 800 yards from last year lead the team . They need others to step up for more options in the field. Tight end is a popular position in Spurrier's offense. Senior Andy Boyd is returning for his last year in Columbia. Running back Cory Boyd is back and looks to continue being a threat to defenses across the nation. He contributes in both the running and passing game as an excellent threat out of the backfield. Mike Davis is willing to play when needed as a former starter. The front line is flankered by tackels, Justin Sorensen and Jamon Meredith. Guards Garrett Anderson and James Thompson looks to claim the starting spots when the season begins. William Brown moves from guard to center, to start the year.

South Carolina goes to Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Meanwhile the Gamecocks welcome Florida and Clemson to end the season.

Mississippi State Bulldogs

2007-06-16T08:33:00.001-07:00

The Dogs of Starkville are coming into a year with a lot to prove. Junior quaterback Michael Henig returns from a injury filled season a year ago. Despite breaking his collarbone twice last year he threw for 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns. Main target senior Tony Burks returns from an explosive first year in Starkville. He caught 35 balls for 850 yards and 5 td's. Across the formation from Burks will be Jamayel Smith. Sophomore running back Anthony Dixon will be the featured back after pounding out 668 yards last season as a true freshman. However the Dogs have several backs lurking in the shadows willing to help carry the load for the ground game. Paving the way from the backfield is fullback Brandon Hart. The front line had all but one returner from last year. Tight end Eric Butler, tackles; Mike Brown and Craig Jenkins, guard; Anthony Strauder and center, Royce Blackledge are all back from last years squad. JD Hamilton looks primed to take over the vacant spot at guard when the season opens.

The defense is the opposite from the offense. Only 4 starters return. The heart of the defense lies with in the 6'3" frame of defensive end Titus Brown. He is the only lineman back and leads a group the is made up of tackles; Cortez McCraney and Jessie Bowman along with Brown and Avery Hannibal at ends. Junior Jamar Chaney moves from weakside backer to middle to replace Quintron Culberson. He is lining up beside senior Gabe O'Neal who has played in all but one game in his career. Jamon Hughes moves into Chaney's spot at weakside backer. The db's are led by Derek Pegues at free safety. Pegues moved from corner wheere Marcus Washington and Anthony Johnson take over. The strong safety is De'Mon Glanton.

The Bulldogs welcome LSU, Tennessee and Alabama to Starkville through out the season. They visit Auburn, West Virginia, and Arkansas. The annul Egg Bowl will be in Starkville to close out the regular season.

Ole Miss Rebels

2007-06-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

Ed Orgeron has not had the success in Oxford that they had planned. Highly known former Tennessee quarterback Brent Schaeffer did not live up to the promising career he had started in Knoxville. Fellow senior Seth Adams has stepped up and challenged for the starting spot. The Rebels also received the services of former Texas quarterback Jevan Snead. Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for 1,000 yards. Ellis is a hard nosed runner who gets the tough yards. The receiver corps are filled with young but experienced players. Junior Mike Wallace had 400 yards receiving. Sophomores Marshay Green, Dexter McCluster, and Shay Hodge are also returning and planning for a big year. The o-line has 3 returning starters in tackles: Micheal Oher and Maurice Miller, along with center Corey Actis.

The defense in Oxford has 6 returning players. The entire line returns . Ends Greg Hardy and Marcus Tillman will improve after good freshman seasons. At tackle both Peria Jerry and Brandon Jenkins return, with Jeremy Garrett providing depth off the bench. All 3 linebackers are young and very green. Jonathan Cornell will move from the middle to outside to allow Anthony Fein to move up into the rotation. Defensive backs Nate Banks and Jamarca Sanford return to lead the backfield. Sanford is the leader from his safety slot.

The Rebels will travel to Georgia and Auburn. While Florida, Alabama, and LSU travel to Oxford. They will face instate rivals in Starkville for the Egg Bowl on November 24.

LSU Tigers

2007-06-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

Les Miles brings back a very talented team to Baton Rouge. Quarterback is been a disappointment since JaMarcus Russell left town for the draft. Senior Matt Flynn had an amazing game in 2005 against Miami. However he has not had much playing time since then. Sophomore Ryan Perrilloux was projected to be an amazing star, however his star was dulled by an off season mistake. Who ever is taking snaps will be throwing to amazing receiver Early Doucet. As a junior Doucet caught 59 passes for 750 yards. Fullback Jacob Hester led the team in rushing with 450 yards. He is a versatile player who runs, catches, and blocks. The tailback is being projected to be sophomore Keiland Williams. Williams got a year worth of experience last year as a freshman. Senior Alley Broussard could be a great asset to the team once he reaches the form he had 3 years ago. The o-line returns 3 starters at tackel with Ciron Black and Herman Johnson and center Brett Helms.

Glenn Dorsey brings back the big time play making ability that the d-line needs in Baton Rouge. Along with end Tyson Jackson, they anchor an impressive defensive unit. Jackson had 8.5 sacks a year ago and both of them led the team for tackles for a loss. The backing corps is loaded with senior Ali Highsmith, juniors Darry Beckwith and Luke Sanders returning. Highsmith is fast enough to play defensive back but hits hard enough to lead the SEC at linebacker. The backfield is at a loss after LaRon Landry, however the corner position is filled by 2 returning seniors. Jonathan Zenon and Chevis Jackson continue to disrupt the passings game of opposing offensives.

Tiger Stadium welcomes the challenge of Virgina Tech, South Carolina, and Auburn to Death Valley. Meanwhile the Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa to face Nick Saban and his new team in the Crimson Tide.

Kentucky Wildcats

2007-06-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

Kentucky is on a roll. 8-5 and a bowl victory. Rich Brooks brings an explosive offensive team to Lexington. There are 7 returning starters on the "O" including senior quarterback Andre' Woodson. A year ago he threw for 3,500 yards and 31 touchdowns. Predicted by many to be an All SEC pick, he leads a veteran unit into battle against quality defenses. Woodson has capable targets in Keenan Burton and Dicky Lyons. Burton led the team with 1,000 yards while Lyons had 800 yards. Tight end Jacob Tamme is a mismatch against most linebackers, while being good enough to out muscle defensive backs. Tamme had 400 yards during his junior year. Mr. Everything on the Kentucky team is senior running back Rafael Little. Little had 1,400 all purpose yards last year including sitting out 4 games with a knee injury. The o-line returns 2 players on the left side. The other 3 players are returning upper classmen.

The defense revolves around hard nosed linebacker Wesley Woodyard. Woodyard had 122 tackles last year when he was named first team All SEC. Woodyard is joined by the other 2 returning linebackers from last year. The backfield returns 3 starters from last year with safety Roger Williams leading the way. The corner position is held by 2 sophomores: Trevard Lindley and EJ Adams. Free safety Marcus McClinton led the nation with 5 forced fumbles. The d-line returns 2 starters being end Jeremy Jarmon and tackle Myron Pryor.

Commonwealth Stadium welcomes Louisville, LSU, Florida,and Tennessee. The Wildcats visit South Carolina and Georgia.

Georgia Bulldogs

2007-06-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Dawgs are looking for the promised land and sophomore quarterback Matthew Stafford is ready to carry the load for the team. After passing for 1,700 yards and 7 touchdowns a year ago, he is primed for a break out season. He has to cut back on interceptions after throwing 13 in his freshman year. He still has 2 great tailbacks to hand off to in Kregg Lumpkin and Thomas Brown. Both seniors returned for their last year in Athens. Combined they rushed over 1,000 yards splitting time with departed player Danny Ware. Pounding the ball between the tackles will be junior fullback Brannan Southerland. Southerland led the team with 10 touchdowns and is making a strong push for All American honors. The receivers are back with lots of experience in juniors Mohamed Massaquoi and Kenneth Harris, along with seniors Sean Bailey and AJ Bryant. Massaquoi is the leading returner with 350 yards and 23 tds. The o-line returns 2 starters in center Fernando Velasco and tackle Chester Adams.

The defense only returns 3 starters from last year. Senior cornerback Paul Oliver leads the defense in to battle this year. Safety Kelin Johnson looks to strike fear into anyone coming across of him. The only other starter is Jeff Owens at the defensive tackle spot. At ends there are 2 new players in Jarius Wynn and Marcus Howard who have big shoes to fill after last season. All 3 linebackers from last year are gone. The group is young and looking to make people believe that they are young but very good.

When the Dawgs come out between the hedges they will look across at South Carolina, Auburn and Kentucky. While the Dawgs take trips to Alabama, Tennessee and end the year at Georgia Tech. Also the Dawgs wage war in Jacksonville against Florida in what might determine the SEC East.

Florida Gators

2007-06-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

The Urban Meyer era at Florida began with a bang. In the 100th year of football at Florida, they brought home the SEC and National championships. However only 8 starters return from the team that dominated Ohio State just a few months ago.

Let the Heisman race begin between sophomore teammates quarterback Tim Tebow and receiver Percy Harvin. In only his 2nd season in Gainesville Tebow has reached rock star status. Passing for 350 yards and 5 touchdown, along with 470 rushing yards, Tebow is now at the controls of Meyers team. He is surrounded by receivers Percy Harvin, Andre Caldwell, Cornelius Ingram, all of which are capable targets and very dangerous in the open field. Sophomore Harvin is dangerous no matter where he lines up, even when he is deep at the tailback position. Ever since Meyer stepped on campus he has struggled to find a tailback to fit the mold for his offense. Junior Kestahn Moore is taking over at running back with sophomore Mon Williams in hot pursuit when he returns from a torn ACL. The O-line returns 4 starters with center Drew Miller leading the way. Miller has the most starts with 18 starts in his career. This year the offense will have to carry the defense until the Gators develop the young player it has rebuilding the defense.

Only 2 players return from the defense that terrorized the nation a year ago. End Derrick Harvey leads the way after his MVP performance in the BCS title game. His 11 sacks last year led the team. Strong safety Tony Joiner started every game last year and leads the backfield this year. Linebackers Dustin Doe and Brandon Spikes look to replace Brandon Siler and Earl Everett from last years squad.

The Gators schedule is not easy with trips to LSU and South Carolina. The Swamp welcomes the challenges from Tennessee, Auburn, and Florida State. Not to mention the annul game in Jacksonville against Georgia.

Auburn Tigers

2007-06-09T19:44:00.000-07:00

Tommy Tuberville's 11-2 team from a year ago has a lot to build on from last years team. Returning is Senior quarterback Brandon Cox. Cox threw for 2,200 yards last season with 14 touchdowns. His targets at receiver are limited with the return of former walk on Rod Smith. Smith brought in 450 yards and 4 touchdowns. The offensive line returns only one starter in massive tackle King Dunlap. He will pave the way for junior Brad Lester(510 yards) and sophomore Ben Tate(400 yards), along with others. Lester has the lead but has not spread apart form the others far enough. Senior fullback Carl Stewart is a versatile runner, blocker, and receiver.

On the defensive side senior end Quentin Groves leads an impressive group of returning players. An All SEC caliber, Groves will become an even bigger playmaker during his last year in Auburn. He is gonna be moving around from rushing end to outside backer. Also returning from the front is nose man Josh Thompson and sophomore end Sen'Derrick Marks. The linebacking corps return with junior Merrill Johnson filling in the middle. Impact sophomore Tray Blackmon may also return after serving 2 suspensions a year ago. Blackmon is an amazing talent and incredible play maker for this defense. The backfield returns 3 of 4 starters from last year. Safeties Aairon Savage and Eric Brock return to terrorize offenses in the conference.

The Tiger's schedule sends them to 2 of the more fearful stadiums in the nation. Tuberville leads his team into The Swamp to face Florida and to Death Valley to face LSU. The annul Iron Bowl against Alabama will be fought with in the friendly atmosphere of Tiger Stadium to end the regular season.

Arkansas Football

2007-06-08T14:56:00.001-07:00

Houston Nutt had an amazing season going 10-4, winning the SEC West, and having a Heisman runner up. The season was over shadowed by the unscheduled leaving of Gus Malzahn and quarterback Mitch Mustain, and receiver Damian Williams.

The Razorback offense is led by running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. McFadden led the team with 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns, to go with his Heisman accomplishments. Jones had 1,200 yards to help lead the 1-2 punch for the ground game. The path is paved by do it all fullback Peyton Hillis. Hillis is recovered from a thigh injury which kept him out of the last 4 games last year. With the ground game so solid the quarterback has plenty to fall back on. Casey Dick is the only quarterback with game time so he has to lead the team. Senior Marcus Monk leads the way for the receivers as he closes in on the career reception record. The offensive line return only 2 starters.

The defense returns 6 starters with 3 being in the backfield. Safeties Michael Grant and Matt Hewitt begin their last season in Fayetteville. Grant lead the team last year in interceptions with 3 and looks to disrupt the air ways again. The d-line returns 2 starters from last years talented squad, which produced Jamaal Anderson to a first round pick in the NFL draft. The linebacker corps is left with only 1 remaining starter and is very young. Middle backer Weston Dacus finished third on the team with tackles and looks to have an amazing senior seasons.

The schedule has Arkansas visiting Alabama, Tennessee, and LSU. While Auburn amd South Carolina have to visit Razorback Stadium.

Alabama Football

2007-06-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

Nick Saban has brought back the feeling of winning to Alabama football. Taking over a team with 16 starters returning. After 2 years in the NFL, Saban has returned to the SEC.

Bama returns John Parker Wilson at quarterback for his second year as a starter. As a sophomore he passed for 2,700 yards and 17 touchdowns. Wilson has capable targets in DJ Hall and Keith Brown. Hall caught 62 balls for 1,000 yard season and 5 touchdowns. The big story for receivers is the possible return of Tyrone Prothro. Prothro broke his leg against Florida in 2005, and yet has returned. The Offensive line has 4 of 5 returning starters including left tackle Andre Smith. The sophomore has everyone talking about him being the best o-linemen in Alabama history.

The Defense is anchored by Simeon Castille. The senior led the Tide with 6 interceptions a year ago. Castille has big shoes to fill as he chases his father's record of 10 interceptions in a year in 1982. Sophomore Prince Hall will take position at inside backer in the Tide's new 3-4 scheme. Hall has been placed with the duty to call plays, quite an honor for a young player. The d-line is anchored by 2 returning starters at end. Senior Wallace Gilberry can change the momentum of a game with his pass rushing skills.

Saban starts his new career in Tuscaloosa with 28 year old Major Applewhite as the offensive coordinator. He led Rice University to school records in passing as the offensive coordinator a year ago. Saban will also switch to a 3-4 scheme from the 4-3 scheme that Mike Shula ran during his tenure.

Bama gets Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, and LSU in Tuscaloosa along with playing Florida State in Jacksonville. The year ends with the Iron Bowl taking place at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn.

First day

2007-06-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is my first time writing a blog and I am a sports media student so i am going to use this for practice. So please give me feed back and voice your opinions because i want to hear back so i can try and become better with my writing.