SEC school eyeing $150-180 million ‘face lift’ for football stadium

University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart has singled out “facilities” as the No. 1 item on his to-do list for 2011. Barnhart, in a one-on-one interview this week, said his primary focus will be renovations to Commonwealth Stadium. The renovations would include the addition of club seating and more luxury suites; new scoreboards; the construction of a multi-purpose recruiting room; upgrades to the concession-stand areas; and the addition of electronic monitors in the concourse areas and around the perimeter of the stadium. Barnhart said the renovations would cost an estimated $150-180 million. — Lexington Herald-Leader

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December 2, 2010, 7:20 am

Alabama assistant interviews for Colorado football job

Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain has interviewed for the Colorado head coach vacancy, sources close to the search confirmed today. McElwain has been at Alabama since January 2008, and helped guided the Tide to the national championship a year ago. Before going to Alabama, McElwain was the offensive coordinator at Fresno State in 2007. He was quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders in 2006. McElwain was the assistant head coach, receivers coach and special teams coach at Michigan State from 2003-05. He also spent three seasons (2000-02) as an assistant at Louisville. – Denver Post

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December 2, 2010, 7:15 am

SEC Championship Game has economic impact of $30 million

Then there’s the SEC Championship Game.  According to StubHub, the SEC title game is the highest grossing college football game of the year (followed by the State Fair game).  The game has been played in Atlanta since 1994 and only failed to sellout in 1995.  Currently, there is a waitlist each and every year with 20,000+ names vying for a ticket.  Unfortunately, only around 200 tickets become available each year, since those with tickets in previous years are allowed the right to renew.  With each person on the waiting list buying two tickets, only around 100 people a year make it from the waitlist to the stands without having to go to the secondary market.  That’s where this game truly sets itself apart.  The average ticket price to the SEC Championship Game last year was $583!  This year, a suite at the game sold for $22,500 on eBay.  On top of all that, the game has an economic impact upwards of $30 million in Atlanta.  Next year, the PAC-10 and Big Ten will roll out championship games of their own, hoping to rival the SEC.  They both certainly have better brand power in college football than the ACC and Big 12.  If they have any sense, they’ll be studying the SEC model, because it runs like a well-oiled machine in Atlanta the first weekend of every December.  I hope they’re watching; I know I will be. — Forbes

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December 1, 2010, 6:57 am

Conference USA team has longest trip between two schools

The longest treks between two schools in the same football conference (including future additions).

CONFERENCE……………SCHOOLS……………………MILES
Conference USA……………..East Carolina/UTEP……………..1,690
Western Athletic…………….La. Tech/San Jose State………..1,684
Big East…………………………Connecticut/TCU………………..1,508
Atlantic Coast…………………Boston College/Miami…………1,259
Pac-12……………………………Arizona/Washington……………1,220
Sun Belt………………………….Florida Intl/North Texas……….1,140
Big Ten…………………………..Nebraska/Penn State……………….982
Mountain West………………San Diego State/Wyoming…………871
Big 12…………………………….Iowa State/Texas…………………….845
Southeastern………………..Arkansas/Florida……………………..817
Mid-American…………….Buffalo/Northern Illinois……………508

Source: Wall Street Journal

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December 1, 2010, 5:09 am

SEC team adds cupcake to football schedule for $1 million payday

Georgia will pay Florida Atlantic $1 million to play a 2012 football game in Sanford Stadium –  the most UGA has ever agreed to pay an opponent for coming to Athens. The game will be played on Sept. 15, 2012, replacing an originally scheduled game at Louisville on that date.  A two-game, home-and-home contract with Louisville was canceled as part of Georgia’s arrangement to play Boise State in the 2011 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta. Georgia and Florida Atlantic last week signed a memorandum of understanding on the 2012 game. The document was obtained Tuesday by the AJC under an open-records request. — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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December 1, 2010, 4:58 am

SEC coach says he’s not leaving school

In light of recent reports that Colorado and Miami might pursue Mark Richt for their open coaching jobs, one caller implored Richt to “hang in with us, don’t leave us now.” Richt replied: “I’m definitely going to do more than hang with Georgia. Georgia is going to thrive, and Georgia is going to have a tremendous future ahead of us. And I’m excited to be here.” Another caller had two questions: Will junior linebacker Justin Houston enter the 2011 NFL draft? And will Richt stay or “jump ship” to his alma mater, Miami? Richt said he doesn’t know what Houston will do but suggested he could be a top-five or top-10 NFL pick in 2012 if he plays another season of college ball. Houston faces a tough decision, Richt acknowledged. As for the caller’s second question: “For me, I don’t have a tough decision,” Richt said. “Georgia is the greatest place in the United States of America for me and my family.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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November 30, 2010, 7:14 am

Colorado interested in SEC coach

Two sources at Ole Miss have dispelled those Houston Nutt-to-Colorado rumors. Nutt just completed his third season in Oxford, Miss., posting a disappointing 4-8 record after leading the Rebels to consecutive 9-4 seasons that were capped by Cotton Bowl victories. — Rivals.com

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November 30, 2010, 7:05 am

Bama’s Nick Saban made up bogus story about unhappy players?

On Aug. 5, 2009, just before Alabama’s football team embarked on what would be a championship season, head coach Nick Saban delivered some unpleasant news at a preseason news conference. Four players hadn’t been invited back to the program because they had “violated some type of team rule.” “These guys all did something,” Mr. Saban continued, without elaborating. “It doesn’t make them bad people.…These guys didn’t do what they were supposed to do here, whether it was for academic reasons or whatever. They’re not going to be part of the program.” In interviews with The Wall Street Journal, three of the players Mr. Saban mentioned that day—cornerback Alonzo Lawrence, running back Jermaine Preyear and linebacker Prince Hall—said Mr. Saban’s statement about their departures wasn’t accurate. … A person familiar with the matter said the school has no evidence to show that Mr. Lawrence or Mr. Preyear had ever violated team policies. Mr. Hall and the fourth player Mr. Saban named, linebacker Brandon Fanney, had both faced disciplinary action in the past.

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November 25, 2010, 10:53 am

SEC coach plans to party like its 1940

It’s been 70 years since a coach at Mississippi State won his first two games in the Egg Bowl. That’s the harsh reality facing Dan Mullen as he enters this week attempting to do something 11 other coaches could never do — beat Ole Miss in their first two seasons at MSU. Allyn McKeen, who was 5-4 against the Rebels, was the last coach to do it in the 1939 and 1940 seasons. Alerted to this fact, Mullen responded and laughed: “We plan on partying like it’s 1940.” — Clarion-Ledger

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November 24, 2010, 8:07 am

SEC coach happy to be interviewed by ESPN’s Erin Andrews

An offbeat exchange between LSU football coach Les Miles and a retired Advocate reporter led to some awkward moments Monday at Miles’ weekly news conference. Near the end of Miles’ question and answer session, former Advocate sportswriter Ted Castillo asked Miles about being interviewed by ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews. “What is it like to be, and you can take the Fifth (Amendment) on this, but what is it like to be interviewed by a sweet, young thing like Erin Andrews?” Castillo asked. Miles responded by saying: “If they had given that job to some old, big, ugly man, it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun. But what a joy it is to represent LSU in the postgame with victory and to celebrate victory in a postgame interview with a very talented, very attractive woman.” — Baton Rouge Advocate

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November 23, 2010, 6:06 am

Les Miles: credit goes to LSU seniors

LSU is getting better, and so is Les Miles. He is 61-16 in six seasons at LSU with two more win chances available. He has produced double-digit victories in a season four times out of six. “I’m really proud of this senior class,” Miles said after closing the home season on senior day with a 7-0 mark – his second perfect home record. “This senior class has played a significant role in what is a series of great seasons here at LSU. If you look across college football, that 10 victories is a very significant milestone in any season. Now, they get to play for 11.” — Town Talk

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November 23, 2010, 5:57 am

Ole Miss has top 12 recruiting class

Houston Nutt thinks winning Saturday’s Egg Bowl game is “always big” in terms of how it molds in-state recruits’ thinking heading into the final two months before signing day. But a two-touchdown loss in Starkville didn’t adversely affect the Rebels last year, Nutt said. “We had our best year recruiting in Mississippi,” the Ole Miss coach said, “and I think it’s because they saw the success of two back-to-back bowl games, Jan. 1 (games), two Cotton Bowls. They felt the energy of our players. … I was concerned a little bit from losing that ballgame last year, but by the end of signing day, by that first Wednesday in February, I was excited because that was our best year of recruting in Mississippi.” As of last week, Nutt’s 2011 class is ranked 12th in the nation by Rivals.com and 24th by Scout.com. — Clarion-Ledger

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November 23, 2010, 4:06 am

Texas Longhorns athletic revenue at $143 million

The University of Texas athletic department — once dubbed the Joneses by UT men’s athletic director DeLoss Dodds — has set another record for making money. According to forms filed with the federal government, UT athletics had revenue of more than $143 million for the 2009-10 school year. That’s up about $5 million from the previous year, even though UT had seven home football games in 2008 and only six in 2009. Alabama, which defeated Texas in the Bowl Championship Series title game after the 2009 season, was second with $129 million, followed by former No. 1 Ohio State at $123 million. Others in the growing $100 million club were Florida, Louisiana State, Michigan, Penn State and Tennessee. “It’s people with big football stadiums that they can fill,” said Ed Goble, associate men’s athletic director for business at UT. The University of Oklahoma, with $98.7 million, was not far behind. Another Big 12 rival of Texas, Texas A&M, reported athletic revenue of slightly less than $72 million, about half of the amount pulled in by the Longhorns. Football was the big money-maker for UT, bringing in a whopping $93.9 million. That compared with $87.6 million a year ago and $73 million only two years ago. — Austin American-Statesman

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November 19, 2010, 1:57 am

Boise State to play SEC team in 2011

Further speculation began that Boise State and Georgia would meet in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Georgia-based writers spoke with the Bulldogs’ new athletic director Greg McGarity and football coach Mark Richt to ask about potentially playing Boise State. “I just can’t comment at this time,” McGarity told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. According to the paper, UGA coach Mark Richt said he couldn’t comment on anything regarding a Georgia-Boise State game, even “hypothetically.” Georgia, of course, defeated Boise State 48-13 in the 2005 season opener in Athens, Ga. Finally, if the Broncos are switching from Mississippi to Georgia for next year’s season opener, they stand to make a lot more money. Boise State is to receive $900,000 from Mississippi next season. This year’s participants in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff — LSU and North Carolina — received $2.3 million each. Boise State got $1.25 million and Virginia Tech $2.25 million for playing the season opener in D.C. this year. — Idaho Statesman

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November 19, 2010, 1:41 am

Urban Meyer repeats he’ll ‘absolutely’ remain as Florida coach

For the second time this week, Urban Meyer has made something perfectly clear — he plans to remain as the head coach at Florida in 2011. Following Thursday’s practice, Meyer said he will “absolutely” be Florida’s coach next season and said “nothing” will get in his way of coming back. Questions arose about Meyer’s return because of his health issues that forced his short resignation before last year’s bowl game and his eventual leave of absence after the 2009 season. Meyer returned to the team, but has delegated some of his old duties to his assistant coaches this season. “The head coach will be back next year,” Meyer said during his Monday press conference. “I’m going to do the best I can to get this thing back to the elite level that we all expect.” — Gainesville Sun

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November 19, 2010, 1:35 am

SEC could block UCF from earning Liberty Bowl invitation

UCF needs some help from the mighty Southeastern Conference if the Knights want to play in the Liberty Bowl. In the past, Conference USA’s champion has always been invited to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. This year, UCF (7-3 overall, 5-1 in C-USA) has a strong chance of winning the league title. However, a C-USA championship ring might not be enough to gain the Knights’ preferred trip to the Liberty Bowl thanks to new four-year contracts the bowl signed with three conferences. The Liberty Bowl has complex agreements with the SEC, the Big East and C-USA. The SEC has made it clear it would like for its schools to play teams from automatic qualifying Bowl Championship Series conferences whenever possible. The Liberty Bowl signed a backup agreement with the Big East, allowing the league to send a representative to Memphis to play the C-USA champion if the SEC failed to send a team. The SEC also has the option to bump C-USA out of the bowl and play the Big East team instead, skipping a BBVA Compass Bowl played at aging Legion Field in Birmingham, Ala. – Orlando Sentinel

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November 19, 2010, 1:31 am

SEC coach says conference should have team in BCS title game every year

LSU coach Les Miles is shameless for suggesting that a team from the Southeastern Conference should play for the national championship no matter what. What a pandering, politicking, condescending, elitist SEC snob he is. Seriously, did you see what Miles said earlier this week? “I only know this about this conference,” Miles said of the SEC. “The highest ranked team to come out of this conference should well have an opportunity to play in the national championship game.” Translation: Who cares if Boise State and TCU are undefeated? They are the used gum stuck to the bottom of the SEC’s cleats. — Orlando Sentinel

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November 18, 2010, 5:13 am

Cam Newton scandal could cost Auburn coach money

An NCAA investigation of academic fraud allegations and possible NCAA rules violations involving Auburn quarterback Cam Newton could have long-term ramifications for the Tigers program. It also could have financial implications for Auburn coach Gene Chizik, according to a USA TODAY examination of his contract. Chizik’s total compensation for this season was set at $2.25 million. With his team’s record at 11-0, he is still in contention for his maximum of $1.3 million in athletically related bonuses. He also could get $150,000 based on the team’s academic performance. However, Auburn can suspend one or both of the nearly $60,000 payments it makes monthly to Chizik for personal endorsement rights and TV, radio and personal appearances “in the event an investigation is instituted by Auburn, the SEC or the NCAA into alleged major rules violations involving Coach and/or the football program,” the contract says.  — USA Today

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November 16, 2010, 6:49 am

Urban Meyer gives Gators asst vote of confidence

Urban Meyer said Monday that Steve Addazio would return as Florida’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 2011 despite overseeing an offense that has struggled all season and a line that has underachieved despite starting four seniors. “I don’t think [Addazio not returning as offensive coordinator] will happen,” Meyer said Monday. “I’m not into blame. I’m not into excuses. We’re into solutions and right now the solution is somehow have a great Tuesday and Wednesday. I know that’s a coach-speak answer, especially around here, but that’s what we do. “We started heading in the right direction [on offense]. We’ve got to get the momentum back. We failed to capitalize on that last week offensively.” Meyer’s vote of confidence comes after Florida’s offense was embarrassingly bad in a 36-14 loss to South Carolina on Saturday. — Florida Times-Union

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November 16, 2010, 3:52 am

Lane Kiffin says Cam Newton didn’t ask for money while he was coaching at Tennessee

As Tennessee’s coach, Lane Kiffin recruited Cam Newton when the Florida transfer was playing in junior college. Kiffin, hired by USC in January, said the quarterback and his father made an unofficial visit to Knoxville. “We didn’t offer him a scholarship, which doesn’t make me look very smart, but we did talk to him,” Kiffin said Wednesday. “We just went in a different direction. He was a very exciting player that wasn’t necessarily a perfect system fit for what we were doing, but we knew he would be great in other systems.” The controversy surrounding Newton, a Heisman Trophy frontrunner, began last week. ESPN and the New York Times reported that a former Mississippi State player said a person claiming to represent the Newton family had sought money from the school to land the quarterback. Asked if the Newtons, or someone claiming to represent the family, ever said money would be required for Tennessee to sign Newton, Kiffin said, “No.” – LA Times

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November 11, 2010, 4:17 am

Auburn QB Cam Newton leak violated federal laws?

Florida coach Urban Meyer has denied being the source for a FoxSports.com story alleging academic cheating by Auburn QB Cam Newton during his time at Florida. Whoever leaked the info, however, could face legal repercussions. According to The Buckley Amendment, a university or institution cannot release confidential information without the consent of the student. According to the FoxSports.com story, Newton allegedly had three different instances of academic cheating during his two years at Florida. The story said Newton faced expulsion at UF before leaving the school after the fall 2008 semester (although, this story says it’s unlikely Newton would have been expelled). “We can’t comment on federally protected student records,” UF spokesman Steve McClain said. It’s unclear who the source for the story was, but UF seems the likely place to start looking. — Orlando Sentinel

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November 10, 2010, 5:10 am

SEC team captain wants NO part of pregame coin toss

Mike Pouncey hasn’t been stripped of his captaincy. He just doesn’t want any part of the pregame coin toss. Florida’s senior center went out with the other captains before the season opener, but he hasn’t been back since. He’s a bit superstitious, plus he prefers running out of the tunnel with his teammates. “Since we’ve been here, that’s what I like doing,” Pouncey said Monday. “I like leading the team out. I was trying to figure out why I played so bad the first game. I went out for the coin toss and I told coach [Urban] Meyer, ‘Don’t ever, ever pick me to go out for the coin toss,’ and he said, ‘You got it.’ ” Pouncey has just two games remaining at Florida Field — Saturday against South Carolina and Nov. 20 against Appalachian State — and he’s content to stay in the tunnel, even for senior day. “Only two more times out, but I won’t be going out for the coin toss, though,” he said. — Florida Times-Union

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November 9, 2010, 7:05 am

Coach Gene Chizik: `Cameron Newton is eligible at Auburn University, period. End of story’

Auburn coach Gene Chizik gave a firm endorsement of quarterback Cam Newton on Thursday night in the midst of a story that questioned his recruitment. “Unfortunately, I can’t comment on it. But here’s what I can and I will this say very loud and very clear: Cameron Newton is eligible at Auburn University, period. End of story,” Chizik said. Chizik made his statement during his Tiger Talk radio show Thursday night. — Birmingham News

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November 5, 2010, 5:30 am

Ala sheriff: GOP would have beaten Nick Saban

How bad did Democrats in Alabama get beaten on Tuesday? To quote Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely: “Alabama Coach Nick Saban running on the Democratic ticket could not have beaten a one-legged child molester running as a Republican.” — Gadsden Times

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November 5, 2010, 5:27 am

Phillip Fulmer drops out of Big Ten coaching race

Former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer publicly took his name out of consideration by telling a Knoxville, Tenn., radio station that Minnesota is “not a good fit.” — Star Tribune

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November 5, 2010, 5:22 am

LSU football Coach Les Miles hoping quarterbacks step up

LSU Tigers’ Coach Les Miles said again the passing game looked good in practice the last two weeks as No. 12 LSU prepares to meet No. 5 Alabama in a crucial game Saturday in Tiger Stadium. “Our passing game looks like we’re throwing the football better in practice on a regular basis,” Miles said at his Wednesday press briefing. “The need is to translate that to the game. I’m pretty confident we’ll be able to throw and catch it. I felt that way before. I suspect it will come to fruition Saturday.” Miles said there would be no changes to the two-man quarterback rotation. Jordan Jefferson will start and Jarrett Lee will come in after Jefferson’s second series. — New Orleans Times Picayune

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November 4, 2010, 6:40 am

SEC team could make bowl with 5-7 record

Ole Miss’ November math is simple: Win at least three of its last four games to get to at least 6-6, which would make the Rebels eligible for a third straight bowl game. But what about 5-7? The NCAA’s approval in April of 35 bowls and the possibility of a dearth of teams to fill the 70 slots at the end of this season are making some observers wonder if the NCAA will relax its six-win requirement for bowl eligibility. At 3-5 entering Saturday’s game against Louisiana-Lafayette (2-6, 2-3 Sun Belt), the Rebels would need to win just twice to meet that hypothetical bar, a task that seems simpler considering two of their four remaining games are against ranked teams. “The committee is looking at options and should there not be enough bowl-eligible teams available,” said Nick Carparelli, an associate commissioner at the Big East who chairs the committee that would make the decision. “We’re not prepared to announce a solution just yet, but one thing is for sure, that we are committed that the games do get played.” — Clarion-Ledger

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November 4, 2010, 5:55 am

Gators Trey Burton playing like Tim Tebow?

Florida coach Urban Meyer was asked if he could compare the value Trey Burton has to this year’s team to Tim Tebow’s value to the ’06 team that won the national championship. “Tremendous value,” Meyer said. “I don’t know if I can do that because they’re both unique guys. I think very similar because they brought so much to this team. “We went through (Burton’s) job description yesterday when we were game-planning, and it should be illegal what we ask that kid to do. The fact he can do it all and still manage taking the shotgun snap and run this offense at a high level, that’s enough. “The fact we’ve got him playing all the other positions, it’s just a marvel. He’s a tremendous player.” Given the fact Burton is now sharing time with Brantley and still playing at the other positions, is his value bigger than what Tebow’s was to the 2006 team? “I can’t make that,” Meyer said. “I can’t and I won’t make that (comparison) because I don’t know.” — Gainesville Sun

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November 4, 2010, 5:16 am

LSU’s Les Miles NOT going to Colorado?

LSU coach Les Miles “could probably be lured” to Colorado, which may have an opening soon if embattled coach Dan Hawkins is let go. The Buffaloes are 3-5 overall and 0-4 in the Big 12, and Hawkins was almost fired last season. It may take more than a lure for Miles to go to Colorado. It may take a hook. Hawkins only makes $1.3 million a year, and should Colorado hire a new coach it hopes to stay in the $2 million range or less. Miles makes $3.8 million at LSU. — The Advertiser

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November 4, 2010, 4:32 am

Georgia assistant’s action warrants firing

Todd Grantham should be fired. Now. The Georgia defensive coordinator who made a “choke” gesture and yelled obscenities at Chas Henry as the Florida kicker was lining up for the winning overtime field goal in last Saturday’s game, should be relieved of his employment. He won’t be, of course. Georgia Coach Mark Richt has already downplayed the incident, but the SEC should step in and at least suspend Grantham for one, if not multiple games. — Lexington Herald-Leader

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November 4, 2010, 4:27 am

Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer presents game ball to a sportswriter

For a lifelong Gator fan whose nemesis (and biggest rival) over the years was Georgia, how’s this for the perfect birthday present: A game ball from Florida’s overtime victory over Georgia, presented by UF coach Urban Meyer. That’s what happened to Robbie Andreu’s father on Monday, on what would have been his 88th birthday. In a wonderful and greatly appreciated gesture, Meyer opened his weekly Monday press conference by presenting a game ball to Andreu in honor of the real Robbie Andreu, who died on Oct. 21. — Gainesville Sun via Orlando Sentinel

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November 2, 2010, 7:20 am

SEC defensive coordinator gives kicker “choke” sign

Todd Grantham, Georgia’s defensive coordinator, was shown seemingly giving the “choke” sign before Florida’s Chas Henry lined up to attempt a winning field goal in Saturday’s game in Jacksonville. Attempts to reach Grantham since this morning have been unsuccessful. Georgia sports information director Claude Felton said Grantham has been in meetings all day and can’t be reached. Now, it would be understandable if Grantham thought, “Choke!” or “Miss it!” in his head. It wouldn’t even be surprising a Georgia player yelled, “Choke!” or grabbed his neck. But for a 44-year-old college coach to be grabbing his neck when a 21-year-old is lining up for a field goal? That would be a bit much. It would be over the line — certainly not to the point of when Woody Hayes punched a Clemson player in the 1978 Gator Bowl, but excessive nonetheless. Grantham was hired from  the Dallas Cowboys to replace the fired Willie Martinez and given a three-year contract worth $750,000 per year.  — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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November 2, 2010, 6:32 am

Georgia’s Caleb King blames arrest on ‘miscommunication’

Georgia tailback Caleb King thought the fine for his speeding ticket had been paid and said a miss-communications was to blame for his Oct. 11 arrest for failure to appear in court. Speaking to the media for the first time since the arrest, King wouldn’t name who he thought had paid his fine for a speeding ticket in Walton County on June 20. Subsequently, he didn’t attend his Aug. 6 court date. “It was a miscommunication, and unfortunately I had to get in trouble for it,” King said Monday. “I thought it was taken care of.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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November 2, 2010, 5:33 am

LSU’s Les Miles still taking heat despite 7-1 record

Despite the record and a No. 10 ranking, LSU coach Les Miles has still received a heavy dose of national criticism because of questionable play calling and poor game management issues. It also doesn’t help Miles is once again pitted against former LSU and current Alabama coach Nick Saban, who has had Miles’ number since leaving the Miami Dolphins to join the Crimson Tide. Saban is 2-1 against LSU as the Alabama coach, and LSU needed a late rally to beat Alabama in Saban’s first game against the Tigers. — Daily Reveille

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November 1, 2010, 8:22 am

LSU’s Les Miles grilled for poor passing game

The LSU football team may be in the midst of an open week, but it was open season on coach Les Miles and his bottomed-out passing game Tuesday night after practice. One reporter set up a question to Miles about the nation’s 113th-ranked passing offense out of 120 upper division schools in this way: “Jordan Jefferson’s been in the program for almost three years now. Jarrett Lee’s been in it for four, and yet you’ve got the worst passing attack in the SEC. It continues that way every week. Every week, you answer the question the same way, that, ‘We’ve got to get better throwing the ball.’ What are you all not doing? Or what is the problem?”
MILES: “We’re throwing it, I can tell you that.”
Reporter: “I Know That, But “¦”
MILES: “We’re throwing it. I don’t know. It’s “» we’re working at it. And the players and the coaches are taking the time. And we’re throwing. We’re throwing balls. I guess for me, I just expect at some point in time that this thing is going to take off. I just think it’s OK. That’s what we would well have expected.”
REPORTER: “Do you think the coaching has been good enough after four years with one, three with the other?”
MILES: “I don’t know. You know, that’s a tough question. The only thing I can tell you is that they’ve been coached and coached and coached, and drilled. The passing attack has not changed so significantly that it’s not comfortable for all. I, uh, yeah, I think they’ve been coached.” — Monroe News-Star

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October 27, 2010, 6:06 am

Bama star feels pain with every catch

Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones said he feels pain in the hand every time he catches a pass, pain he rated a “five or six” on a scale of 1-10. But he also noted that mentally strong players can perform without being affected by pain. “I’ve got teammates, 10 other people that count on me to be there and do my job,” Jones said. “Everybody is hurt at this time in the season. You’ve just got to persevere.” — Tuscaloosa News

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October 27, 2010, 5:59 am