Arkansas AD throws some shade Bobby Petrino’s way (and maybe the guy who hired him, too).
Just because it’s a cheap shot doesn’t mean it isn’t effective.
Daily Archives: August 15, 2021
Not the sales pitch you think it is
Dennis Dodd sounds positively giddy about the three-headed alliance of the ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12. Just imagine the possibilities!
While the Big Ten, ACC and Pac-12 would improve their nonconference schedules with an alliance, they could take it a step further by refusing to play the top eight teams in the SEC. Hey, TV networks, forget Florida-Florida State, we’ll raise you Ohio State-USC.
Jesus, these people are stupid.
“… not playing with a full deck, if you follow what I’m saying.”
JT Daniels was missing a few of his weapons at yesterday’s scrimmage.
Wide receivers Saturday were missing not only George Pickens (torn ACL) and Dominick Blaylock (torn ACL) and Kearis Jackson (knee scope), but also Jermaine Burton who turned an ankle early in preseason practices and LSU transfer Arik Gilbert who is dealing with “personal issues,” Smart said.
Throw in the line rotation because of Ericson’s injury, John Fitzpatrick’s absence because of a sprained foot, and it’s no surprise Smart said something like this:
“Secondary wise, we didn’t get as stressed as we do out there sometimes,” Smart said. “We didn’t have as many mismatches with some of those guys out. You know, Kearis and Burton being down right now, it probably wasn’t as much skill.”
They’ll have most of those bodies back before the opener, so it’s too early to panic. On the bright side, it sounds like Smart is pretty happy with his secondary depth.
Clemson transfer cornerback Derion Kendrick missed the scrimmage to attend the funeral of a close friend, Smart said.
“He’s done a good job to be honest with you,” Smart said. “He’s been very consistent.”
Another contender for a starting cornerback job, Jalen Kimber, missed the scrimmage due to a shoulder injury.
At the Star nickel back spot, West Virginia transfer Tykee Smith is splitting time with senior Latavious Brini, Smart said.
“I would say that both of those guys are neck and neck,” Smart said. “If you remember last year, we had (Mark) Webb and Tyrique Stevenson, they both played the Star position in the same game. These guys are very similar in terms of, not necessarily their skill set, but they’re similar in terms of we may play them that way. And that gives Brini the flexibility to go back to safety and provide some depth.”
Also, this.
Filed under Georgia Football
Tall boys
Sure, any piece listing Ole Miss’ backfield as the top offensive group position in the SEC deserves to be taken with a grain of salt, but I’m linking to it because of this:
Clemson wide receivers
The projected starters: Frank Ladson Jr., Joseph Ngata and Justyn Ross
The buzz on this unit: Ross (6 feet 4, 205 pounds) missed last season with a spinal issue that required surgery, but he recently was cleared to play. Early plans seem to be to use him in the slot, and that should terrify opposing coordinators (and linebackers and safeties, too). Ross had 66 receptions for 865 yards and eight TDs in 2019, and should be the go-to guy this season; he has first-team All-American talent. Ladson and Ngata haven’t quite met expectations, but both have big-time potential (and excellent size: Ladson is 6-3 and 205, and Ngata is 6-3 and 220). They combined for 25 receptions last season as reserves, but have the talent to serve as more-than-able complements to Ross. E.J. Williams provides excellent depth, and sophomore Ajou Ajou (it’s pronounced “uh-JOE uh-JOE”) has a ton of upside. (Ross and Williams attended the same high school: Central High in Phenix City, Ala., which is about 35 miles from Auburn’s campus.) And true freshman Beaux Collins and Dacari Collins (no relation) have received a ton of praise from Clemson coaches. This unit has big-time size, speed and strength. TEs Braden Galloway and Davis Allen are weapons, too.
The size of this unit was noticeable at Clemson’s spring game. Makes you wonder how good Uiagalelei is throwing the 50/50 ball. We’ll find out in a few weeks.
Filed under Clemson: Auburn With A Lake
Greg Sankey, working without a net
Dude figures since he got away with it in 2020, why not double down this season ($$).
The SEC might not finalize its game management COVID-19 protocols until the week of the first game, commissioner Greg Sankey told The Athletic on Friday, but teams should be ready for the possibility they will have to forfeit if they don’t have enough players available due to the virus.
“Our medical task force meets twice a week and everything is subject to change right now,” he said. “Our athletics directors will continue to discuss the COVID roster policies, particularly my reference that, ‘Be ready, be healthy to play, if you’re unable to field a team. that would be deemed a forfeit.’ We’ll have to finalize that one before the start of the season.”
That is cutting it close. Last season the conference left breaks in the schedule so there would be some flexibility built in for rescheduling games as things developed. The SEC is working without that net in 2021. Sure hope this doesn’t come back to bite him in the butt.
Filed under SEC Football, The Body Is A Temple
Get The Picture 