SEC Media Days: Day One(07/23/2008) 
1:33
We're live at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Alabama, poised and ready for an all-time record crowd of media members at SEC Football Media Days 2008.   Join KSR's Larry Vaught, Lonny Demaree, Brian Eldridge, and Darrell Cartwright as we bring you coast-to-coast coverage of the kickoff to the 2008 Football Season.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 1:33 
1:36
Today's session will bring Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow -- the Heisman Trophy is about 15 feet away from me as I type this -- I was wondering if my laptop bag was big enough to cover it and if anybody would notice if I carried it away -- together with defending national champion LSU Tigers.   Florida, LSU, Miss. State and Vanderbilt highlight today's activities.

Wednesday July 23, 2008 1:36 
1:39
The lobby of the Wynfrey Hotel is a madhouse.   Fans have gathered downstairs waiting on players and coaches to arrive.   One enterprising young lady has a sign that today is her birthday, and all she wants to do is to meet Tim Tebow.

Bet she gets her wish.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 1:39 
1:45
Commissioner Mike Slive will begin the schedule by addressing the media in about five minutes.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 1:45 
1:54
A few Rule Changes of Note -
* the five-yard face mask foul has been eliminated.   Now, there is only a 15-yard penalty for twisting, turning or pulling the face mask.

* "Horse-Collar" tackles are now a 15-yard penalty.   The basics are that it involves grabbing the inside back collar of shoulder pads or jerseys, or inside collar of side of shoulder pads or jersey.   EXCEPTIONS--runner inside the tackle box or QB in the pocket.

* No player shall initiate contact with crown of his helmet--when in doubt, it is a 15-yard personal foul.  

* No person shall initate contact above the shoulders, period--when in doubt, it is a 15-yard personal foul.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 1:54 
2:03
Lunch menu for today:   lettuce and tomato salad, potato salad, pasta salad (since a theme?), cold cuts, potato chips, brownies, served with iced tea and water.   Part of the lunch was served in the Wynfrey lounge -- with soft (read: dim) lighting, one reporter remarked to me how "romantic" the setting was.

I immediately went to the bar and sat where he couldn't follow me.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:03 
2:03
Uhh, that's "sense" a theme.   Although I sat at the bar, there was nothing in my iced tea -- or water -- that would impact my spelling.   Or typing.   That's just me.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:03 
2:10
We're with Sylvester "Sly" Croom of Miss. State right now.   "We're finally at the point where we can compete with the best teams in the league," he says.   Clearly confident -- has 21 seniors this year, and believes they are "battle-tested," and "refuse to lose."  


Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:10 
2:12
"One of the biggest games in Mississippi State history was that game," Croom said about the victory over Alabama in Tuscaloosa two years ago.   He said he told his players then if MSU football was going to be turned around, that would be the game that did it.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:12 
2:15
"Our goal is to win the SEC West.   If we're not good enough, we're not good enough.   But that's how we're approaching the season."
Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:15 
2:19
Interestingly, Croom discussed minority hiring in football, and laid the blame not at University Presidents failing to hire minority head coaches, but on head football coaches themselves.   Said until they begin hiring minority coaches as coordinators, they will not get the opportunity to be serious contenders for head coaching positions, so they have to do that first.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:19 
2:19
Biggest concerns for MSU this year, according to Croom?

Backup left tackle.   Seriously.  

After that, "intangibles."   Croom is clearly confident about this season.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:19 
2:21
"Our goals never change of beating Ole Miss and Alabama," Croom said, pointing out the obvious that everyone knew already.   Those goals were in addition to "winning the SEC West and getting to a BCS Bowl game," he said.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:21 
2:52
Pardon the break -- changed rooms from radio/internet to print/internet.   Long story.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:52 
2:53
Have seen a Tim Tebow sighting.   In addition, have seen the Heisman Trophy sighting.   Lonny Demaree and Larry Vaught both insisted upon having their pictures made with the Heisman Trophy -- claimed it should be the "New KSR front page photo."  
Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:53 
2:58
Speaking of the Heisman Trophy winner, Tim Tebow takes the podium.   Some comments from him to follow.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 2:58 
3:00
During the off-season, Tebow went on three mission trips.   "It's more important than football to me," Tebow said.   Football is a game.   He helped perform surgeries, circumcisions, etc. in the countries he visited on his mission trips.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:00 
3:01
"At the University of Florida, every year there's going to be pressure," Tebow explained.   "I'm just going out there playing a sport that I love.   What kind of pressure would I have?"

"I love playing.   When you love playing as much as I do, and when you are as passionate about it, you don't worry about the naysayers."   "I am truly blessed."


Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:01 
3:05
In addition to the comments Tebow has made -- which appear very sincere -- it is remarkable how he addresses each old, crusty media member with "Yes, sir," "No, sir."

"It is more important to me to go and speak to a youth organization than playing a game."   It is more important to change somebody's life than to beat Georgia or Florida State.

How can you not like this kid?   Unless he's hammering you on the football field, of course.


Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:05 
3:12
[Comment From MacMac: ] 
Thanks for doing this Darrell.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:12 Mac
3:14
Our pleasure, Mac.

Larry Vaught, Lonny Demaree and Brian Eldridge will be contributing mainly on the boards --we'll have posts throughout the day -- stories tonight -- photos tonight and tomorrow -- and we'll be blogging all three days as well.   Hope to bring you a sense of SEC football leading up to Friday and UK.   I can't wait myself.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:14 
3:17
Just now checked my text msgs, and Brian Eldridge is here, anxious to have his pic made with the Heisman Trophy.   Oops.     He's been here for awhile.   I'll check him out after Tim Tebow concludes.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:17 
3:20
[Comment From JimCatsJimCats: ] 
Is there any obvious intent by Tebow to stay for the full 4 and perhaps become the first ever 3 time Heisman winner?
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:20 JimCats
3:21
Jim, I don't know.   I know this -- he is a very sincere, humble young man, despite his confidence and apparent brashness, at times.   He believes in himself, and appears as sincere as he can be that there are more important than the game of football, although he loves it.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:21 
3:24
[Comment From JimCatsJimCats: ] 
It's so very good to see athletes who are great successes at their games also be great people. That is what I liked so much about our senior footballers from last season,
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:24 JimCats
3:28
May seem like we're starting over, but visiting with MSU's Sylvester Croom again.   Long story, but changed from one room to another, which impacted the schedule/speakers.   As a result, I now get Coach Croom twice.   Let's see if he contradicts himself ;)
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:28 
3:31
I don't know if I'm getting old and cranky, and have no blood or what, but these rooms are like refrigerators.  

Maybe somebody saw all the old media members and thought this was a morgue, and needed to keep the room this cold.   Yes, I resemble that remark.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:31 
3:38
[Comment From letabrotherspeakletabrotherspeak: ] 
Is Tim Tebow College Football's version of Tyler Hanbrough? Exactly how does Tebow project in the NFL? Hanbrough will be lucky to get to the lottery. Hence the comparison....or is it a poor comparison?
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:38 letabrotherspeak
3:42
I'm no Mel Kiper, but I believe he will be drafted fairly high.   He is not the typical kind of quarterback, to be sure, but he has some toughness that must be very appealing to the NFL.     If Ben Roethleisberger (don't grade me on my spelling) can make it, why can't Tim Tebow succeed?

I see Tebow in the NFL more than I see Hansbrough in the NBA.   But I'm no NBA scout, either.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:42 
3:43
Sly Croom is not an advocate of an early signing period.   Believes it would be bad to have the "intense" portion of the recruiting period right in the middle of your football season.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:43 
3:45
"This is the Southeastern Conference, games are going to be close," Croom said about so many close games last season.   Said they had a lot of close games two years ago they lost, and a lot of them last year they won.   "The days of going in at halftime [when he played at Alabama] leading 35-0, drinking water and eating popcorn the rest of the game are over."
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:45 
3:46
"Every year, prior to now, we have played as good as we can play," Croom said.  
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:46 
3:48
Completely off-topic -- Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga has a perfect game through six innings against the Royals.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:48 
3:54
The ACC is toying with the idea of using an NFL-style "Injury Report."   The SEC isn't evaluating that -- to my knowledge -- and Sylvester Croom was fairly non-commital with it.   He said that he had no problem with it, "if everybody else is doing it."

Remember, that's where players are reported as "probable, doubtful, out, etc."   Would there still be "game-playing" with head coaches manipulating injuries?   The ACC thinks it's something that needs to be addressed.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:54 
3:57
[Be Right Back Countdown]10 minutes 
Wednesday July 23, 2008 3:57 
4:17
In the "important news" of the day, Lonny Demaree and I will be teeing off tomorrow at 1:14 p.m. in the SEC Media Days Golf Tournament.   I'm actually listed in two different foursomes at this time, but the SEC is aware of it, and approves the waiver.   Long story.   And no, I won't be playing in both.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 4:17 
4:24
Next up will be defending national champion head coach Les Miles of the LSU Fighting Tigers.   Are they still called the "Fighting" Tigers?   Bengal Tigers?   Or just plain old Tigers?

Regardless, they are the defending national champions.   And Kentucky beat them.   Those two things I do know.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 4:24 
4:39
Quick word about the lobby -- I am always amazed at the size of the crowds waiting, sometimes hours, just to get a glimpse of their football coach, or players, in the lobby.     It's kinda crazy today, but with Alabama tomorrow, it will be a zoo.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 4:39 
4:45
Last year is over, Les Miles' message appears to be.   Not basking in the moment.  

Said that except for the five guys that went straight to the NFL, every LSU senior last year graduated.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 4:45 
4:50
Miles wins the award for longest "opening remarks," not timed by me, but must've approached 10 minutes.   Most spend a minute or two and move on to questions.   From previous years, Tennessee's Phil Fulmer sometimes gives quite lengthy opening remarks as well.   We'll see.

Questions now up.

Wednesday July 23, 2008 4:50 
4:54
While I have a moment, I'm going to "borrow" a few observations from KSR's Larry Vaught.   Larry has posted several of these items on the KSR Premium message board throughout the day, as he customarily does during media events.   Look for a late night/early morning story from him as well.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 4:54 
4:55
Was talking to Florida offensive tackle Phil Trautwein about last year's game at UK.
"We knew that was a huge game. Florida is not used to being the underdog against Kentucky," he said.
Underdog? Who told you that?
"Everybody in Florida told us that. It really motivated us for that game," he said.

Guess that counts as more respect for the Cats
Wednesday July 23, 2008 4:55 
4:59
Not sure Florida coach Urban Meyer is putting UK in this group, but my guess is Kentucky and Vanderbilt are not among the nine teams he thinks believe they can win the SEC. Judge for yourself since he would not elaborate on the three he didn't count as potential title winners.


Q. I guess you're one of five coaches in the league now that have won national championships. Talk about the coaching competition in this league, what you think about that.
COACH MEYER: Well, I came back from the SEC meetings, I want to say it was in June. I shared with our staff immediately. I walked in that room. The thing that catches your eye, I don't get in awe very often, but I don't want to say I was in awe, but you look around the room, there are some fine coaches in this conference at any given time, which nine, I don't know.
I looked around that room, understand I counted right off the top of my head nine programs that they think they're going to win the conference championship, nine right now. There's others that could do very well because they're very talented. Coaches are obviously paid in this conference. Stadiums are filled in this conference. It's not an opportunity to go blast other conferences, that's not the business we're in. However, it is an opportunity to tell you the respect we have in this conference. Once again, any given nine think they're going to play in a conference championship. I don't know if I feel you see that anywhere else in America.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 4:59 
4:59
Thanks to Larry Vaught for those gems.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 4:59 
5:04
OK, so I've heard from other members here.   IT IS COLD.

Tomorrow I will wear long sleeves and bring a jacket.   Then go outside and change into shorts and a golf shirt for golf, and melt in the sweltering Alabama weather.   There's no way this is a comfortable temperature for anybody.   Wish I had a thermometer, it has to be in the mid-60's, at its warmest.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:04 
5:08
Les Miles, who dropped two overtime games last year (one to Kentucky, of course), was asked about the overtime rules and if he liked it.

He said "the good news is, there is an overtime."   It decides a winner, which he likes.   He did not like the way it removes special teams from the equation, and some of the rules--does not resemble the rest of the game--but he did not have a solution.

On the whole, I expected more criticism of the overtime rules, given his experience with it, but he was not terribly harsh with it.   Pretty fair comments.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:08 
5:10
LEADER qualities, according to Coach Miles:
Put your hand on the line and play every snap.
Your teammates see that you are pressing.
It is based on these habits you are developing.
It is your ability to "show up," rather than what you say, that makes you a leader--according to Miles.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:10 
5:15
On the "Plus 1" Playoff System --

" I am not necessarily in favor of a full-blown playoff system.   I am in favor of tweaking the system.   ......if that's a Plus one.....I am not ready to scrap it."
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:15 
5:18
[Be Right Back Countdown]10 minutes 
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:18 
5:34
From earlier in the day, SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, as usual, was touting the conference.   Some of the accomplishments are pretty impressive.

* LSU's national championship is the SEC's 3rd in the last 6 years, and 4th in the last 10.

* SEC is the first conference to win consecutive BCS titles, and the only conference to have 5 head football coaches who have won national championships.

*   SEC's 7 Bowl Wins last year was the most for any conference in NCAA history
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:34 
5:35
Kentucky was mentioned by Commissioner Slive in a positive manner, as exemplary in ethnic diversity, through the appointment of Joker Phillips as head football coach designate.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:35 
5:38
On a basketball note, SEC Commissioner Mike Slive will be the chair of the NCAA's Men's Basketball Committee beginning this fall, and culminating with the Final Four in Detroit this season.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:38 
5:39
In 14 of the 16 years the SEC has had a title game, at least one of the two teams was ranked in the top 5 in the nation.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:39 
5:40
SEC has led the nation in attendance 27 consecutive years.   Wow.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:40 
5:40
[Be Right Back Countdown]5 minutes 
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:40 
5:46
And the last coach to grace the media today is Vanderbilt head coach Bobby Johnson.

The Commodore's skipper will be addressing the media momentarily.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:46 
5:47
5:47 pm ET (4:47 CT - local), and it's still cold.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:47 
5:51
Still waiting on Bobby Johnson.   Media room is less than half-full, whereas this morning for Urban Meyer, it was standing room only, easily more than double the number here now.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:51 
5:52
For UK fans, I would not expect a full media room when Rich Brooks takes the podium Friday.   It's the last day, "check-out" day of the hotel, and I suspect some media members will be sneaking back to their respective homes a little early.   But we'll be here coast-to-coast with Heisman-like coverage of the event ;).
Wednesday July 23, 2008 5:52 
6:01
Without this sounding offensive, at this point in the day, most of what I hear from the coach sounds the same, "blah, blah, blah.....SEC is tough.....blah, blah....we expect to be competitive.....blah, blah...everybody is good."

KSR's Larry Vaught got some one-on-one time with Coach Bobby Johnson, though, and asked him specifically about the University of Kentucky and head coach Rich Brooks.   He had some interesting things to say about UK specifically, which Larry has shared on the premium message board.     I will "borrow" a couple of these comments for this blog as well--thanks again to Larry Vaught.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:01 
6:02
Question: Has the success Rich Brooks has had the last two years at Kentucky with eight-win seasons and back-to-back bowl victories surprised you?

Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson: “I knew coach Brooks from back when he was with the Atlanta Falcons (as defensive coordinator) and I was (head coach) at Furman. I knew he was an outstanding coach.

“Kentucky has a lot of fan base and some resources. I knew it was just a matter of time for somebody to go in there and really get that program started. I think he has shown Kentucky can certainly be a force in SEC football, and not just SEC basketball.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:02 
6:03
Question: Is Rich Brooks just a better coach than some fans, and media members, realized when he was hired at Kentucky?

Johnson: “I always thought he was good. I don’t know what you all (the media) thought about him or anybody else thought about him. We all knew he was a quality coach when he was hired. It didn’t surprise anybody in the league coaching-wise.”

Question: What do you think of him personally?

Johnson: “He is a fine man and fun to be around. He doesn’t take everything so seriously. I think he has a great attitude about it. I am really happy for him.”
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:03 
6:06
Thanks to Larry Vaught for those tidbits--he has more on the boards, so be sure and stop by and read those, too.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:06 
6:08
Bobby Johnson on this year's team than last year's team:
"I think we can be better at quarterback."
"I think we can be better at running back."
"We're not gonna have a guy that will catch 70 or 80 guys like Earl (Bennett) did."
"Offensive line looks like a huge concern on paper because we lost five starters.   We are probably more athletic this year on the offensive line than last year.   We expect our offensive line to be as good as it was last year."


Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:08 
6:09
"We will be better at quarterback this year than we were last year, no doubt about it."
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:09 
6:11
"I was really in favor of the early signing date."  
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:11 
6:12
Coach Johnson thought it was a great solution, and was disappointed when it was tabled by the Presidents.

BCS -- "I think it is great like it is.   Even when there's a controversy, people talk about it."
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:12 
6:16
While we have a moment -- a quick preview for tomorrow.

In the morning session, Alabama head coach Nick Saban will be joined by OL Antoine Caldwell and S Rashad Jonson.

Georgia head coach Mark Richt will bring WR M. Massaquoi and DT Jeff Owens as he will, no doubt face questions about the possible national title run.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:16 
6:16
In the afternoon session, we'll see Ole Miss and Tennessee.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:16 
6:18
"Ya'll did well, thank you," Bobby Johnson quipped as the questions died down and ended, allowing him to leave maybe a couple of minutes early.


Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:18 
6:21
The SEC has not handed out ballots yet for the media's "All-SEC" team predictions, as well as predicted order of finish.

KSR's Brian Eldridge may not be available when the ballots are turned in tomorrow, so rather than miss a possible vote, he has hand-written his entire first and second team members, together with order of finish, so that I can turn his in by proxy.  

Remember -- I will be placing my own vote, and have agreed to be heavily influenced by KSR members and their votes.   So please visit either the KSR Football forum, or the KSR premium message board forum, and cast your vote(s) there.   My vote will be a "KSR members" vote, but will count just the same.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:21 
6:23
We'll end today's SEC Media Days Live Blog, Day One with this post.   Thanks for joining today, and remember, we'll be starting bright and early tomorrow with KSR Heisman-like coverage at 8:30 a.m. CT.     Be sure and join us then.
Wednesday July 23, 2008 6:23 
6:23



 
 
 
 Writer: Darrell KSR
 
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