Kickoff Zone College Football Blog

Here are the media’s selections for the conference (SEC) order of finish:

MEDIA SURVEY

(Predicted order of finish with first-place votes in parentheses)

EASTERN DIVISION

1. Florida (153) 1030

2. Georgia (15) 791

3. South Carolina (8) 790

4. Kentucky 462

5. Tennessee 450

6. Vanderbilt (1) 194

WESTERN DIVISION

1. Alabama (157) 1034

2. Arkansas (6) 726

3. Auburn (10) 691

4. LSU (1) 653

5. Mississippi State 320

6. Ole Miss (3) 293

Votes to win SEC Championship Game: Alabama 143, Florida 17, Auburn 7, Arkansas 3, Georgia 2, Ole Miss 2, Kentucky 1, LSU 1, South Carolina 1.

Tags: All-Conference, Auburn University, College Football, College Football Picks, College Football Power Rankings, Florida Gators, LSU, Live Update, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, NCAA, Ole Miss, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Rankings, Schedule, Southeastern Conference, Top 25, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Vols, bcs by Tommy
1 Comment »

The Southeastern Conference have announced the media’s All SEC teams (which yours truly voted on).  There are some real headscratchers included.

Here they are:

1st Team All SEC Offense:

QB	Ryan Mallet (118)	Arkansas	6-6	238	Jr.	Texarkana, Ark.
RB	Mark Ingram (165)	Alabama	5-10	215	Jr.	Flint, Mich.
RB	Trent Richardson (69)	Alabama	5-11	220	So.	Pensacola, Fla.
WR	A.J. Green (142)	Georgia	6-4	205	Jr.	Summerville, S.C.
WR	Julio Jones (123)	Alabama	6-4	220	Jr.	Foley, Ala.
TE	D.J. Williams (105)	Arkansas	6-2	251	Sr.	Little Rock, Ark.
OL	Lee Ziemba (114)	Auburn	6-8	391	Sr.	Rogers, Ark.
OL	Barrett Jones (103)	Alabama	6-4	301	So.	Memphis, Tenn.
OL	Clint Boling (85)	Georgia	6-5	310	Sr.	Alpharetta, Ga.
OL	James Carpenter (77)	Alabama	6-6	300	Sr.	Augusta, Ga.
C	Mike Pouncey (109)	Florida	6-4	310	Sr.

1st Team All SEC Defense-

DL	Marcell Dareus (126)	Alabama	6-4	306	Jr.	Birmingham, Ala.
DL	Jerrell Powe (77)	Ole Miss	6-2	320	Sr.	Waynesboro, Miss.
DL	Cliff Matthews (46)	South Carolina	6-4	260	Sr.	Cheraw, S.C.
LB	Dont’a Hightower (158)	Alabama	6-4	258	So.	Lewisburg, Tenn.
LB	Kelvin Sheppard (84)	LSU	6-3	239	Sr.	Stone Mountain, Ga.
LB	Josh Bynes (72)	Auburn	6-2	235	Sr.	Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.
LB	Brandon Hicks (65)	Florida	6-2	228	Sr.	Jacksonville, Fla.
DB	Mark Barron (127)	Alabama	6-2	210	Jr.	Mobile, Ala.
DB	Patrick Peterson (116)	LSU	6-1	211	Jr.	Pompano Beach, Fla.
DB	Ahmad Black (67)	Florida	5-9	189	Sr.	Lakeland, Fla.
DB	Stephon Gilmore (61)	South Carolina	6-1	188	So.	Rock Hill, S.C.

 

Lakeland, Fla.

1st Team All Purpose/Special Teams-

PK	Blair Walsh (72)	Georgia	5-10	191	Jr.	Boca Raton, Fla.
P	Drew Butler (104)	Georgia	6-2	207	Jr.	Duluth, Ga.
RS	Derrick Locke (45)	Kentucky	5-9	190	Sr.	Hugo, Okla.
AP	Randall Cobb (123)	Kentucky	5-11	186	Jr.	Alcoa, Tenn.

2nd Team Offense-

QB	Greg McElroy (44)	Alabama	6-3	225	Sr.	Southland, Texas
RB	Derrick Locke (40)	Kentucky	5-9	190	Sr.	Hugo, Okla.
RB	Mario Fannin (22)	Auburn	5-11	228	Sr.	Hampton, Ga.
WR	Darvin Adams (19)	Auburn	6-3	185	Jr.	Kennesaw, Ga.
WR	Randall Cobb (14)	Kentucky	5-11	186	Jr.	Alcoa, Tenn.
TE	Luke Stocker (26)	Tennessee	6-6	253	Sr.	Berea, Ky.
OL	Carl Johnson (53)	Florida	6-6	360	Sr.	Durham, N.C.
OL	Marcus Gilbert (48)	Florida	6-5	322	Sr.	Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
OL	Derek Sherrod (47)	Mississippi State	6-6	305	Sr.	Columbus, Miss.
OL	DeMarcus Love (27)	Arkansas	6-5	315	Sr.	Lancaster, Texas
C	William Vlachos (27)	Alabama	6-1	289	Jr.	Mountain Brook, Ala.

2nd Team Defense

DL	Pernell McPhee (34)	Mississippi State	6-4	285	Sr.	Pahokee, Fla.
DL	Justin Trattou (31)	Florida	6-3	252	Sr.	Ramsey, N.J.
DL	Kentrell Lockett (29)	Ole Miss	6-5	260	Sr.	Hahnville, La.
LB	Chris Marve (62)	Vanderbilt	6-0	232	Jr.	Memphis, Tenn.
LB	Nick Reveiz (32)	Tennessee	5-10	224	Sr.	Farragut, Tenn.
LB	Courtney Upshaw (31)	Alabama	6-2	263	Jr.	Eufala, Ala.
LB	Justin Houston (30)	Georgia	6-3	260	Jr.	Statesboro, Ga.
DB	Janoris Jenkins (56)	Florida	5-11	186	Jr.	Pahokee, Fla.
DB	Will Hill (41)	Florida	6-1	204	Jr.	West Orange, N.J.
DB	Brandon Boykin (39)	Georgia	5-10	183	Jr.	Fayetteville, Ga.
DB	Zac Etheridge (33)	Auburn	6-0	213	Sr.	Troy, Ala.

2nd Team All Purpose/Special Teams

PK	Wes Byrum (65)	Auburn	6-2	216	Sr.	Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
P	Chas Henry (34)	Florida	6-3	222	Jr.	Dallas, Ga.
RS	*Julio Jones (42)	Alabama	6-4	220	Jr.	Foley, Ala.
RS	*Warren Norman (42)	Vanderbilt	5-10	192	So.	Stone Mountain, Ga.
AP	Chris Rainey (35)	Florida	5-9	176	Jr.	Lakeland, Fla.

Tags: All-Conference, Auburn University, College Football Picks, Florida Gators, LSU, Live Update, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, NCAA, News, Ole Miss, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Southeastern Conference, Top 25, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, bcs by Tommy
No Comments »

Rumors are floating around SEC Media Days concerning Bobby Johnson’s departure.

Apparently, some of the “big money” supporters of the Vanderbilt program put an ultimatum on Johnson’s job.  It is being said that they wanted to win a certain number of games, and also for Johnson to fire members of his offensive staff; an idea which created a major rift between the program and Johnson.  Since Vanderbilt does not have an athletic director, there was no middle man to negotiate the differing sides.

Tags: Bobby Johnson, College Football, Live Update, NCAA, Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt University, coaching carousel, rumor mill by Tommy
No Comments »

The coaches selections for the preseason All SEC teams have been released.   Here they are:

Preseason Coaches All SEC Team-

1st Team Offense:

QB Ryan Mallet Arkansas 6-6 238 Jr. Texarkana, Ark.

RB Mark Ingram Alabama 5-10 215 Jr. Flint, Mich.

RB Derrick Locke Kentucky 5-9 190 Sr. Hugo, Okla.

WR A.J. Green Georgia 6-4 205 Jr. Summerville, S.C.

WR Julio Jones Alabama 6-4 220 Jr. Foley, Ala.

TE D.J. Williams Arkansas 6-2 251 Sr. Little Rock, Ark.

OL Clint Boling Georgia 6-5 310 Sr. Alpharetta, Ga.

OL Carl Johnson Florida 6-5 360 Sr. Durham. N.C.

OL Barrett Jones Alabama 6-4 301 So. Memphis, Tenn.

OL Lee Ziemba Auburn 6-8 391 Sr. Rogers, Ark.

C Mike Pouncey Florida 6-4 310 Sr. Lakeland, Fla.

1st Team Defense

DL Marcell Dareus Alabama 6-4 306 Jr. Birmingham, Ala.

DL Jerrell Powe Ole Miss 6-2 320 Sr. Waynesboro, Miss.

DL Cliff Matthews South Carolina 6-4 260 Sr. Cheraw, S.C.

LB Josh Bynes Auburn 6-2 235 Sr. Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.

LB Dont’a Hightower Alabama 6-4 258 So. Lewisburg, Tenn.

LB Chris Marve Vanderbilt 6-0 232 Jr. Memphis, Tenn.

LB Kelvin Sheppard LSU 6-3 239 Sr. Stone Mountain, Ga.

DB Mark Barron Alabama 6-2 210 Jr. Mobile, Ala.

DB Patrick Peterson LSU 6-1 211 Jr. Pompano Beach, Fla.

DB Stephon Gilmore South Carolina 6-1 188 So. Rock Hill, S.C.

DB Janoris Jenkins Florida 5-11 186 Jr. Pahokee, Fla.

1st Team All Purpose/Special Teams

PK Blair Walsh Georgia 5-10 191 Jr. Boca Raton, Fla.

P Drew Butler Georgia 6-2 207 Jr. Duluth, Ga.

RS Warren Norman Vanderbilt 5-10 192 So. Stone Mountain, Ga.

AP Randall Cobb Kentucky 5-11 186 Jr. Alcoa, Tenn.

2nd Team Offense

QB Greg McElroy Alabama 6-3 225 Sr. Southland, Texas

RB Jeff Demps Florida 5-8 184 Jr. Winter Garden, Fla.

RB Trent Richardson Alabama 5-11 220 So. Pensacola, Fla.

WR Darvin Adams Auburn 6-3 185 Jr. Kennesaw, Ga.

WR Alshon Jeffery South Carolina 6-4 237 So. St. Matthews, S.C.

TE Luke Stocker Tennessee 6-6 253 Sr. Berea, Ky.

OL James Carpenter Alabama 6-5 300 Sr. Augusta, Ga.

OL DeMarcus Love Arkansas 6-5 315 Sr. Lancaster, Texas

OL Derek Sherrod Mississippi State 6-6 305 Sr. Columbus, Miss.

OL *Cordy Glenn Georgia 6-5 330 Jr. Riverdale, Ga.

OL *Joseph Barksdale LSU 6-5 315 Sr. Detroit, Mich.

C Ryan Pugh Auburn 6-4 297 Sr. Hoover, Ala.

2nd Team Defense

DL Pernell McPhee Mississippi State 6-4 285 Sr. Pahokee, Fla.

DL Drake Nevis LSU 6-1 292 Sr. Marrero, La.

DL *DeQuin Evans Kentucky 6-3 256 Sr. Long Beach, Calif.

DL *Chris Walker Tennessee 6-3 245 Sr. Memphis, Tenn.

DL *Ladi Ajiboye South Carolina 6-2 278 Sr. Riverdale, Ga.

LB Jerry Franklin Arkansas 6-1 241 Jr. Marion, Ark.

LB A.J. Jones Florida 6-1 226 Sr. Tampa, Fla.

LB Craig Stevens Auburn 6-3 229 Sr. Tallahassee, Fla.

LB K.J. Wright Mississippi State 6-4 250 Sr. Olive Branch, Miss.

DB Ahmad Black Florida 5-9 189 Sr. Lakeland, Fla.

DB Chris Culliver South Carolina 6-1 197 Sr. Garner, N.C.

DB Will Hill Florida 6-1 204 Jr. West Orange, N.J.

DB Neiko Thorpe Auburn 6-2 186 Jr. Tucker, Ga.

2nd Team All Purpose/Special Teams

PK Caleb Sturgis Florida 5-10 192 Jr. St. Augustine, Fla.

P Chas Henry Florida 6-3 222 Jr. Dallas, Ga.

RS Brandon Boykin Georgia 5-10 183 Jr. Fayetteville, Ga.

AP Chris Rainey Florida 5-9 176 Jr. Lakeland, Fla.

Tags: Auburn University, College Football, College Football Picks, Derek Dooley, Florida Gators, Houston Nutt, LSU, Live Update, Louisiana State University, Mark Ingram, Mark Richt, Mississippi State University, NCAA, Nick Saban, Ole Miss, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Ryan Mallett, Southeastern Conference, Steve Spurrier, Top 25, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Urban Meyer, Vanderbilt University, Vols, bcs by Tommy
No Comments »

First of all, I’d like to thank the Georgia Tech fans for helping give this blog one of it’s most successful Mondays in recent history.  Accordingly, it seems that my little mention of Al Groh on Vanderbilt’s “radar” has gotten around to a couple of forums, and the Tech fans are passionate about their new defensive coordinator.

However, before I read any more personal insults thrown my way on Jacket message boards, let me give you my personal opinion.

I think that there is about a 2.2456% chance that Al Groh will be the next head coach at Vanderbilt.  In comparison, I think there is probably a 4.32555346% chance that the Commodores name Philip Fulmer to be their next head football coach.  However, these names have been tossed around in the media, and since I do get tired of talking only about expansion and NCAA allegations during the offseason, then I will occasionally post rumors or items that can be classified as “water cooler” discussion from time to time. 

If there is a news article that comes across my feed and catches my attention, then I will likely post it here.  That doesn’t mean that I find it likely to happen, nor does it necessarily mean that I personally endorse everything that I post on this site.

Tags: Al Groh, Bobby Johnson, College Football, Georgia Tech, Hot Seat, NCAA, Preseason Prognostications, Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt University, bcs, recap, rumor mill by Tommy
No Comments »

I have just finished my ballot for the preseason ALL SEC team (the media ballot). 

So- in full disclosure-  I am publishing my ballot.

Tommy’s All SEC Media Ballot:

1st Team Offense:

QB- Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

RB1- Mark Ingram, Alabama

RB2- Jeff Demps, Florida

WR- AJ Green, Georgia

WR- Julio Jones, Alabama

TE- Luke Stocker, Tennessee

OL- Clint Boling, Georgia

OL- Lee Zimbia, Auburn

OL- Carl Johnson, Florida

OL- Barrett Jones, Alabama

Center- Mike Pouncey, Florida

1st Team Defense:

DE- Chris Walker, Tennessee

DE- Marcell Dareus, Alabama

DT- Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss

LB- A.J. Jones, Florida

LB- Donte Hightower, Alabama

LB- Kelvin Sheppard, LSU

LB- Chris Marve, Vanderbilt

DB- Janoris Jenkins, Florida

DB- Patrick Peterson, LSU

DB- Will Hill, Florida

DB- Janzen Jackson, Tennessee

1st Team All Purpose/Special Teams

Placekicker- Blair Walsh, Georgia

Punter- Drew Butler, Georgia

Return Specialist- Warren Norman, Vanderbilt

All-Purpose Back- Randall Cobb, Kentucky

Tommy’s Preseason SEC Ranking:

Eastern Division

1- University of Florida

2- University of South Carolina

3- University of Georgia

4- University of Tennessee

5- University of Kentucky

6- Vanderbilt University

Western Division

1- University of Alabama

2- Lousiana State University

3- Auburn University

4- University of Arkansas

5- Mississippi State

6- University of Mississippi

SEC Champion:

University of Alabama

Tags: Auburn University, College Football, College Football Picks, College Football Power Rankings, Florida Gators, LSU, Louisiana State University, Mark Ingram, Mississippi State University, NCAA, Nick Saban, Ole Miss, Preseason College Football Rankings, Preseason Prognostications, Ryan Mallett, Schedule, Southeastern Conference, Steve Spurrier, Top 25, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University, Vols, bcs by Tommy
4 Comments »

According to NBC affiliate, WVIR Channel 29, one name that has surfaced as a permanent replacement for Vanderbilt’s Bobby Johnson is former Virginia coach and current defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech, Al Groh.

Groh’s name is being mentioned quite prominently, along with former Tennessee coach Philip Fulmer and former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach.

Considering that Groh was just named to his current position this offseason, and the fact that Vanderbilt has already named an interim coach for the coming year, it would imply that whoever gets the job will not officially take over until after the 2010 season.

Former Vanderbilt head coach and current Tennessee Tech head coach Watson Brown, rumored as a possible candidate, has stated that he is not interested in the job.

Tags: Al Groh, Bobby Johnson, College Football, Georgia Tech, Mike Leach, NCAA, Preseason Prognostications, Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt University, bcs, coaching carousel, phil fulmer, recap, rumor mill by Tommy
4 Comments »

As most college football fans are probably aware of by now, Vanderbilt’s Bobby Johnson unexpectedly resigned yesterday.  While Johnson’s seat had been getting warmer, the timing of this makes absolutely no sense.  Why would a coach suddenly step down just weeks before summer practice? 

“I’ve decided to retire, not resign,” Johnson said. “It is a tough decision with which my wife Catherine and I struggle. This is a personal decision. It’s about what we want to do with our lives.”

Vandy is Vandy.  It’s never going to rival the Floridas or Alabamas on a yearly basis in the SEC.  When you are the head coach of the Commodores, you always have to curb your own enthusiasm when it comes to your own personal expectations for the season. 

In other words… maybe Johnson looked at the schedule… then looked at his roster… then looked at his schedule again… you get the idea.

To be completely honest- the more I read about it, the more I am of the opinion that Johnson just burned out.  To be the head man on a collegiate level, you have to have some ego- but Vanderbilt is one of those ego deflating jobs.  It’s not that they can’t be successful (Bobby Johnson did win a bowl game), but it is a struggle for an academic power to do so on a yearly basis in a conference like the SEC.

Now comes the next important question… who will Vanderbilt go after to replace Johnson?  Of course, there are rumors flying, and the name making the rounds?

It doesn’t seem very likely, but stranger things have happened.  Would Phil Fulmer be successful at a school like Vanderbilt where he has to recruit athletes with a high standards of academic achievement?  Would Vanderbilt be willing to pay his hefty salary?

Tags: Bobby Johnson, College Football, NCAA, Southeastern Conference, Vanderbilt University, bcs, coaching carousel, phil fulmer, recap, rumor mill by Tommy
1 Comment »

Recruiting Recap: Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt won’t ever be able to recruit the way the other programs in the SEC are able to because of their high academic standards, but Coach Bobby Johnson was able to sign a respectable group of players this time around.  Rivals states that this might be “the top Vanderbilt class in many years.”  While that point is debatable, they did end up with a solid class, and were able to grab one elite talent.  The star of this class is undoubtedly RB Rajaan Bennett, the only 4 star prospect of the bunch.  Other standouts in this class include 2 DBs,  Andre Simmons (#35 DB in the nation according to Rivals) and Kenneth Ladler (#42 DB in the nation), and DE Thomas Ryan (#39 DE in the nation).  To fill the void left over at the quarterback position, Vandy signed Juco star Jordan Rodgers, who was also offered scholarships by Virginia, Colorado, Kansas, and Houston.

Class Rankings:

Rivals: 61st; Scout – 53rd; ESPN – NR

Star of the Class:

RB Rajaan Bennett

Rivals Ranking: #19 RB in the nation; #246 overall player in the nation

Bennett is a big signee for a school such as Vanderbilt, where many top athletes don’t always meet their high academic standards.  A big back, he could grow into a Ricky Williams-type of runner.  He has a physical running style that will wear down defenses and good hands out of the backfield.  He should see the field a lot as a freshman next season.

Sleeper of the Class

QB Jordan Rodgers

Unrated Juco Prospect

If there is one glaring need for the Commodores next season, it’s consistency at the quarterback position.  Though not highly touted, Juco QB Jordan Rodgers should have the opportunity to compete with returning players Mackenzie Adams and Larry Smith.  Rodgers has the right frame and size for the position, is pretty quick on his feet, and can throw.  He is also the younger brother of the current Green Bay Packer starting signal caller, Aaron Rodgers.

Tags: College Football, NCAA, National Signing Day, Rankings, Recruiting, Vanderbilt University, commitments, recap by Tommy
No Comments »