All-College Football Insiders Team

New York, NY—College Football Insiders releases its First Annual All-College Football Insiders teams. Eleven players on offense, 11 on defense and four on special teams are honored as first team, second team and third team selections. An additional 125 players received honorable mention honors—50 on offense, 50 on defense and 25 on special teams. In total, 77 players were selected on the first, second and third team (Clemson’s C.J. Spiller was both a first team All-College Football Insiders kick returner and second team All-College Football Insiders running back).

The first team unit covers 22 teams from eight different conferences, as well as independent Notre Dame. Florida led all teams with three players on the first team. Alabama and Florida State had two players represented on the first team. Stanford’s Toby Gerhart is College Football Insider’s Offensive Player of the Year and Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska is College Football Insider’s Defensive Player of the Year. Alabama’s Nick Saban is College Football Insider’s Coach of the Year.

Offensive Player of the Year: RB Toby Gerhart, Stanford

Defensive Player of the Year: DL Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

Coach of the Year: Nick Saban, Alabama

CFI FIRST TEAM

Offense
QB-Kellen Moore (Boise State)
RB-Mark Ingram (Alabama)
RB-Toby Gerhart (Stanford)
WR- Mardy Gilyard (Cincinnati)
WR-Golden Tate (Notre Dame)
TE-Aaron Hernandez (Florida)
OL-Russell Okung (Oklahoma State)
OL-Bryan Bulaga (Iowa)
OL-Mike Iupati (Idaho)
OL-Rodney Hudson (Florida State)
OL-Maurkice Pouncey (Florida)

Defense
DL-Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska)
DL-Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech)
DL-Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma)
DL-Jerry Hughes (TCU)
LB-Greg Jones (Michigan State)
LB-Navorro Bowman (Penn State)
LB-Rolando McClain (Alabama)
DB-Eric Berry (Tennessee)
DB-Joe Haden (Florida)
DB-Patrick Peterson (LSU)
DB-Earl Thomas (Texas)

Special Teams
KR-C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
PR-Greg Reid (Florida State)
PK-Kai Forbath (UCLA)
P-Drew Butler (Georgia)

CFI SECOND TEAM

Offense
QB-Colt McCoy (Texas)
RB- C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
RB- Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh)
WR-Jordan Shipley (Texas)
WR-Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green)
TE-Dennis Pitta (BYU)
OL-Matt Tennant (Boston College)
OL- Jon Asamoah (Illinois)
OL-Mike Johnson (Alabama)
OL-Anthony Davis (Rutgers)
OL-Charles Brown (USC)

Defense
DL-Adrian Clayborn (Iowa)
DL-Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
DL-Terrance Cody (Alabama)
DL-Jared Odrick (Penn State)
LB-Pat Angerer (Iowa)
LB-Brandon Spikes (Florida)
LB-Eric Norwood (South Carolina)
DB-Syd’Quan Thompson (California)
DB-Brandon Harris (Miami)
DB-Robert Johnson (Utah)
DB-DeAndre McDaniel (Clemson)

Special Teams
KR-Chris Owusu (Stanford)
PR-Trindon Holliday (LSU)
PK-Leigh Tiffin (Alabama)
P-Zoltan Mesko (Michigan)

CFI THIRD TEAM

Offense
QB-Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)
RB-John Clay (Wisconsin)
RB-Ryan Mathews (Fresno State)
WR-Danario Alexander (Missouri)
WR-Demon Briscoe (Kansas)
TE-Dorin Dickerson (Pittsburgh)
OL-John Jerry (Ole Miss)
OL-Zane Beadles (Utah)
OL-John Moffitt (Wisconsin)
OL-Jason Pinkston (Pittsburgh)
OL-Trent Williams (Oklahoma)

Defense
DL-Von Miller (Texas A&M)
DL-Brian Price (ULCA)
DL-Tyson Alualu (California)
DL-Greg Romeus (Pittsburgh)
LB-Sergio Kindle (Texas)
LB-Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri)
DB-Dominique Franks (Oklahoma)
DB-Amari Spievey (Iowa)
DB-Chad Jones (LSU)
DB-Mark Barron (Alabama)

Special Teams
KR-Brandon Banks (Kansas State)
PR-LaVon Brazill (Ohio)
PK-Blair Walsh (Georgia)
P-Chas Henry (Florida)

CFI Honorable Mention:

Offense: QB Sean Canfield (Oregon State), QB Any Dalton (TCU), QB Jerrod Johnson (Texas A&M), QB Case Keenum (Houston), QB Dan LeFevour (Central Michigan), QB Josh Nesbitt (Georgia Tech), QB Tony Pike (Cincinnati), QB Tim Tebow (Florida), RB Donald Buckram (UTEP), RB Noel Devine (West Virginia), RB Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech), RB Anthony Dixon (Mississippi State), RB LaMichael James (Oregon), RB Bernard Pierce (Temple), RB Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State), RB Evan Royster (Penn State), RB Curtis Steele (Memphis), RB Daniel Thomas (Kansas State), RB Keith Toston (Oklahoma State), RB Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech), WR Jonathan Baldwin (Pittsburgh), WR Ryan Broyles (Oklahoma), WR James Cleveland (Houston), WR Eric Decker (Minnesota), WR A.J. Green (Georgia), WR Shay Hodge (Ole Miss), WR James Rodgers (Oregon State), WR Emmanuel Sanders (SMU), WR Greg Salas (Hawaii), WR Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech), WR Damian Williams (USC), TE Ed Dickson (Oregon), TE Garrett Graham (Wisconsin), TE Anthony McCoy (USC), TE Tony Moeaki (Iowa), TE Cody Slate (Marshall), OL Clint Boling (Georgia), OL Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin), OL Selvish Capers (West Virginia), OL Brandon Carter (Texas Tech), OL Anthony Castonzo (Boston College), OL John Estes (Hawaii), OL Jason Fox (Miami), OL Colin Madison (Temple), OL Nate Porter (Boise State), OL Matt Reynolds (BYU), OL Dace Richardson (Iowa), OL Nate Solder (Colorado), OL J.D. Walton (Baylor), OL Stefen Wisniewski (Penn State)

Defense: DL Sam Acho (Texas), DL Nate Collins (Virginia), DL Jared Crick (Nebraska), DL Carlos Dunlap (Florida), DL Brandon Graham (Michigan), DL Everson Griffen (USC), DL Cameron Heyward (Ohio State), DL Lamarr Houston (Texas), DL Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), DL Brandon Lang (Troy), DL Bruce Miller (Central Florida), DL Dontay Moch (Nevada), DL Stephen Paea (Oregon State), DL Jason Pierre-Paul (USF), DL Ricky Sapp (Clemson), DL O’Brien Schofield (Wisconsin), DL Brandon Sharpe (Texas Tech), DL Dan Williams (Tennessee), DL Mick Williams (Pittsburgh), DL Lindsey Witten, DL Willie Young (North Carolina State), LB Reggie Carter (UCLA), LB Rennie Curran (Georgia), LB A.J. Edds (Iowa), LB Ross Homan (Ohio State), LB Cardia Jackson (Louisiana-Monroe), LB Luke Kuechly (Boston College), LB Travis Lewis (Oklahoma), LB Roddrick Muckelroy (Texas), LB Darryl Sharpton (Miami), LB Jesse Smith (Iowa State), LB Stevenson Sylvester (Utah), LB Quan Sturdivant (North Carolina), LB Daryl Washington (TCU), DB Nate Allen (USF), DB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska), DB Javier Arenas (Alabama), DB Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech), DB Kendric Burney (North Carolina), DB Barry Church, DB Kurt Coleman (Ohio State), DB Perrish Cox (Oklahoma State), DB Ras-I Dowling (Virginia), DB-Van Eskridge (East Carolina), DB-Shiloh Keo (Idaho), DB Taylor Mays (USC), DB Devin McCourty (Rutgers), DB Deunta Williams (North Carolina), DB Trevin Wade (Arizona), DB Kyle Wilson (Boise State)

Special Teams: KR Tyron Carrier (Houston), KR Ray Fisher (Indiana), KR Mardy Gilyard (Cincinnati), KR Dwayne Harris (East Carolina), KR D.J. Monroe (Texas), KR Titus Young (Boise State), PR Javier Arenas (Alabama), PR Antonio Brown (Central Michigan), PR Ryan Broyles (Oklahoma), PR Jeremy Kerley (TCU), PR Jordan Shipley (Texas), PR Damian Williams USC, PK Tyler Bitancurt (West Virginia), PK Matt Bosher (Miami), PK Kevin Goessling (Fresno State), PK Craig Ratanamorn (Marshall), PK Grant Ressel (Missouri), PK Brett Swenson (Michigan State), PK Matt Waldron (Virginia Tech), P Bryan Anger (California), P Brent Bowden (Virginia Tech), P Matt Dodge (East Carolina), P Derek Epperson (Baylor), P Adam Miller (New Mexico), P Rob Long (Syracuse)

Photos Courtesy of David Gonzales, College Press Box, SEC Sports Media

BCS Postgame Central

Get all the postgame quotes from the BCS Championship game, including both head coaches, as well as the offensive and defensive MVPs.

Alabama Crimson Tide:

Nick Saban talks about winning his second BCS Championship and more.

Click Here To Read Q&A

Mark Ingram speaks after winning Offensive MVP.

Click Here To Read Q&A

Marcell Dareus speaks after winning Offensive MVP.

Click Here To Read Q&A

Texas Longhorns:

Losing Head Coach Mack Brown speaks to the media.

Click Here To Read Q&A

Senior speaks after posting a game-high receptions and yards.

Click Here To Read Q&A

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Q&A: Marcell Dareus Postgame

Alabama sophomore defensive end Marcell Dareus, a rising star and a key cog to Nick Saban's 3-4 defense, spoke to the media following Alabama's victory in the BCS Championship. He made the pivotal play of the game when he returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown to give the Crimson Tide a 24-6 lead heading into halftime earning him defensive MVP honors.

I just wondered if you could talk about the big plays you had, the one where you did knock out Colt McCoy when you hit him, if you knew he was hurt, and then obviously the interception return, as well.

When it came to the first play of McCoy, I really didn't try to hit him that hard. I didn't want to hurt him. It was a part of the game. You don't think, you just react, and I just reacted to what I saw. It is a part of the game. I didn't really try to hurt him.

But they tried to shuffle pass and Brandon Deaderick caught the running back while he was fumbling it, and my first reaction was grab the ball, and then after that I blanked out, and all I was thinking about is Mark Ingram and Javier (Arenas) and just doing moves I didn't think I could do. I was like, I can't believe I pulled off that screen. I saw that lineman coming for my legs, and my first reaction was to spin. I looked to my left and I saw Eryk Anders, I knew it was a touchdown. I could not wait to get to the end zone.

Could you just talk about the emotions of accomplishing what you set out to accomplish? You win the National Championship, it's a perfect season, your names are engrained in at least the minds of National Championship fans forever. What does it mean, this accomplishment?

Coach always talked about working hard. It's always good to bring it back. We worked all year for it, and we put in the time, we put in the sweat, and we all hurt. As you can see, I have a knee brace and an elbow brace on the left side of my body. It was pretty hard, but we pushed through it.

Coach always told us work hard. If you're hurt, sit down. If you feel like you can play, go out there and play and give it your all. Don't go out there and half step because you think you're hurt. Give it your all, and we just went out there and played our best, not taking anything from Texas.

Coach Saban talks a lot about process and about buying into his system he has over the past couple of years. Tell me, was there one particular moment for the players, the athletes, the team, a turning point when you knew it was going to work, when you really started to believe?

I would say last year when me and Mark were freshmen, and we saw a lot of the seniors and upperclassmen bought into the system. They had the same team we had the year before and bought into the system and turned our whole program around. We will always be remembered as the team that turned the University of Alabama program around. As they bought into the system, we were like we were going to make it our thing to buy into the system, and it took a little bit of – now we won the National Championship. We got our first Heisman Trophy winner, and me, I can't believe I got Defensive MVP. We just came so far and worked so hard, and that's why we bought into the system, and we knew it was going to work.

When Colt went out of the game and you're facing the opponent, are you seeing, are you smelling fear, or did you see more determination in them?

I really didn't know that Colt was hurt. He wasn't playing anymore until I got to the sideline a couple plays after. It wasn't about seeing the fear, I saw determination. They were like, man, we're not going down without a fight. Just because our leader is down, we're still going to play hard, we're still going to give them a fight.

I mean, I saw more determination in them. They weren't going to give up. I knew they weren't going to give up. The quarterback just had to work his way – when he got in, he warmed up, and he started doing better. He did hurt us and stuff like that, but we fought through that. I knew he wasn't going to stop, so we couldn't stop ourselves.

Marcell, coming from the Birmingham area, do you have anything you want to tell your friends and family back home watching the game, and the second part of that is, when you came out of Huffman High School are these the things that you envisioned?

Of course not. You know, I came out of Birmingham, I was a mediocre recruit. I felt like I was always better, but I mean, it is what it is. I didn't think I was going to work hard and get to where I am today, where I am now, and accomplish the things that I have accomplished.

I mean, my coaches always told me hard work isn’t going to hurt nobody, and I always worked hard for everything. I knew it wouldn't come easy and I knew what it was going to take to get it.

And so as for everybody back home watching the game, Roll, Tide, Roll, and I'll be back in the house before this weekend.

Q&A: Mark Ingram Postgame

Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram was selected as the BCS Championship’s Offensive MVP after his 116-yard, two-touchdown performance. He spoke with the media following the game.

Could you just talk about the emotions of accomplishing what you set out to accomplish? You win the National Championship, it's a perfect season, your names are engrained in at least the minds of National Championship fans forever. What does it mean, this accomplishment?

It's real special for our entire team and our entire organization. Since we lost to Utah last year, Coach said what do you want to be remembered as? Well, we had our mindset ongoing undefeated and winning the National Championship and winning the SEC Championship. Just the fact that we went out there and we worked every day and we had a common goal that we wanted to accomplish, it's real sweet that we're here and we took advantage of the opportunity. We're obviously proud and excited and can't wait to get to get back to Tuscaloosa and celebrate with the rest of Alabama and the rest of our team.

Could you expand on what Coach Saban was talking about, the two running back system, how you played off each other and always had that fresh pair of legs out there?

It's nothing but an advantage for our team to have two running backs, three, four running backs when they get in the game, as well, and you don't lose any production. Both of us can go out there and make plays, and we run together at night. We just both said we were going to go up for 100 yards. We said we needed to have a big game, we needed to have the team on our back tonight.

We just thrive off of each other, and even in practice. In the games when somebody is having big runs we thrive off each other in practice. When somebody is working hard and running sprints, we push each other and it helps us tremendously to elevate our games to different levels. It's going to be nothing but headaches for defense next year, next year or two.

Coach Saban talks a lot about process and about buying into his system he has over the past couple of years. Tell me, was there one particular moment for the players, the athletes, the team, a turning point when you knew it was going to work, when you really started to believe?

I remember our recruiting class, we were No. 1, and I was in what was kind of Coach Saban's first entire recruiting class, and we said we were going to win a National Championship our second year. It's kind of crazy that we actually did it.

But I remember after just seeing the seniors, like he said, buy into the program there, they had a 7-6 year before and we went 12-0, and kind of the turning point was when we lost to Florida and we lost to Utah. We weren't committed all the way, we were taking teams for granted and we didn't have the will not to be denied. We kind of took all his philosophies into perception, and this is where we are now. We had an undefeated season, and we're going to continue to try to have success.

Do you think that you've supplanted Florida as the power in the SEC?

Florida is a great team, and we're very grateful, and we worked hard all year, and that was our main goal was to beat Florida for the SEC Championship. They're a great team, and I think – I don't know. I don't know if we surpassed them, but we beat them, and we won the National Championship, so right now we're on top.

It's just a blessing, it truly is, and we worked hard for it. We shed blood, sweat and tears for this, and we're really excited right now?

What went through your mind when you saw Marcell, A) scoring the touchdown, and B) when you saw the first play when he knocked Colt McCoy out of the game?

Man, when he knocked Colt out of the game – I saw the hit, and I was like, ooh, I know that kind of hurt. But then somebody told me he was running off holding his shoulder. It was just real unfortunate for him because I got to know him as a person in New York and just know all the hard work he's put in to get to that point. It's really unfortunate that he didn't get to play in this game because I remember he was talking about it, about him having to watch the game from the sideline when he was a red shirt freshman. It was really unfortunate that he didn't get to play.

I just saw him keep moving the ball, keep trying to throw the ball, keep trying to run the ball. I was like they're going to do something, they're going to intercept the ball or do something. I saw everybody yelling and I saw Marcell taking off with the ball. He spun off somebody and then spun off another guy, threw the ball, got a 5 yard penalty, but it was all – I understand for him because D-tackles don't get in the end zone too much, so I was real proud of him. He made a big play, tremendous play that probably was the deciding factor in the game.

I didn't want to ask Coach about this because he doesn't like getting a lot of attention on himself. He is the first coach to win BCS title at two separate schools. Can you talk about what that says about him as a leader in every facet of the program?

He's just a coach that is driven, and he has a vision, and he tries to do his best to instill his characteristics in us. As you can see, like he was excited, but he was more excited for everybody else than he was more of himself. Just the things he can do to influence younger players is how he gets these national championship teams. He influences college athletes and high school athletes to buy into his system, and not only develop characteristics that' are going to help them in football but in life, as well.

I think that shows in the way he won the National Championship at LSU and turned our program around and helped us win the National Championship. He's just a great coach and he's real driven and he just tried to instill the characteristics that drive him in us, and we feed off of each other.

Mark, when you won the Heisman it was such an emotional moment for you. I'm just curious how you compared that moment with how you're feeling right now.

The Heisman was kind of shocking and something I never really expected coming into this year. And when I won the trophy, like, it was a great honor to win the trophy, but it was more than just a trophy to me. It was overcoming adversity. All throughout my life me and my family sticking together overcoming obstacles and people that tried to hold us back. A lot of emotion came from that.

This National Championship was more of everybody. I was so happy to leave my heart out there for the team, and blood, sweat and tears, we were out there running 110 sprints in 110-degree heat. We were like, ‘why are we doing this?’ Some days after practice you're like ‘why am I doing this’ or you get hurt and you're like ‘why am I doing this.’ Tonight was what it was all for, and just to know all the hard work paid off, it was more of just togetherness and a family and a feeling of all our brothers just being able to accomplish this together was real sweet for all of us. That's what the difference is.

Photo Courtesy of Alabama Athletic Media Relations

Game of the Week: Alabama vs. Virgnia Tech

By CHRISTOPHER MOGOLLON

The road to the National Championship begins this Saturday, as the fourth ranked Alabama Crimson Tide meet ninth ranked Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game in Atlanta, Georgia. These two teams haven’t met in the regular season since 1979, and renew an old rivalry with both teams’ title hopes already on the line. The Tide are desperate to start the season rolling after finishing what was once an undefeated regular season with loses in their final two games of 2008. They’re expected to be title contenders again. Virginia Tech has a chance to really put themselves in the driver’s seat for the rest of the year by knocking off a highly-ranked SEC team. If they want to end up in the title hunt, they’re going to have to run the table and a victory over Alabama would be a giant first step. College football may not have a playoff bracket, but this might as well be the first round.

When the Tide has the ball

The main two offensive concerns coming into the season are replacing a three-year starter at quarterback (John Parker Wilson) and two big pieces on the offensive line (Andre Smith and Antoine Caldwell). Quarterback Greg McElroy is untested, but he’ll be taking a difficult exam this weekend. So far he’s received praise for his leadership skills. He wasn’t exactly highly touted coming out of high school but the coaches believe they have a smart and efficient quarterback. The big-play threat is sophomore receiver Julio Jones. The 6’ 4” difference-maker was the go-to guy last year for Alabama as a true freshman, leading the team with 58 receptions for 924 yards. Mark Ingram rushed for 728 yards and a whopping 12 touchdowns in his freshman season, and he’ll lead the ground game for the Tide. Expect to see some carries also for senior Roy Upchurch and true freshman Trent Richardson. If Virginia Tech loads up to stop Jones, Alabama will lean on senior wide out Mike McCoy and speedy sophomore Marquis Maze to take advantage. Tight end Collin Peek (a Georgia Tech transfer) makes his Alabama debut–he could potentially have a big receiving game.

The staple of Virginia Tech’s defensive success has been their secondary and this year should be no exception. Seniors Stephan Virgil (CB) and Kam Chancellor (S) lead an experienced unit. Virgil is a do-it-all player—he can tackle, cover, and make plays on the ball. He led the team last year with six interceptions. Watching him match up with Jones one-on-one will be very interesting. Chancellor struggled at the beginning of last season, but the way he finished 2008 has the Hokies expecting a big 2009. Tech also returns their top pass rushers from a year ago. Despite playing with an injured shoulder last year, defensive end Jason Worilds still was all-conference. He finished with eight sacks and is dangerous coming off the edge. The other defensive end, Nekos Brown, is making his third career start, but he has seen action as a back-up. With a new quarterback and offensive line the Hokies’ ability to get pressure on the quarterback could be the key to shutting down Alabama and creating turnovers. Linebacker Cody Grimm provides the Hokies with another pass-rushing threat (7.5 sacks last year). This defense had a tendency to struggle more against teams that ran the ball, and Alabama has dynamic backs that can do some damage to Tech. A key player to reversing that trend could be sophomore linebacker Barquell Rivers, who will be making just his second career start.

When the Hokies have the ball

Yes, he has yet to show any consistency as a passer, but quarterback Tyrod Taylor is a proven playmaker with his legs. He has really struggled when defenses force him to throw the ball. Taylor has improved and there’s no better stage for a breakout than this game against Alabama. If Taylor can make some good throws early, it could open up a chance for him to take off for some major ground gains. At receiver they’re young, but a trio of sophomores all gained experience last season. Danny Coale and Jarrett Boykin led the team last year in receiving. Boykin is the bigger of the two and finished the season strong. Tight end Greg Boone has good size and hands and is someone Taylor can find in big spots. Virginia Tech returns most of their line, led by tackles Black DeChristopher and Ed Wang. This line has a chance to be real good, and will have a test early going against a top opponent. Starting running back Darren Evans is out for the year, and that’s a big loss. The Hokies had the potential of having a terrific rushing attack and they still can run the football, but will have to get production from players originally expected to provide depth. Sophomore Josh Oglesby and red-shirt freshman Ryan Williams are atop the depth chart with Williams the expected starter. Oglesby has been dealing with a right hamstring injury and an infected blister on his left heel while true freshman David Wilson, who was expected to get some carries, has been troubled with a sprained left shoulder. Injuries could determine who gets the bulk of the carries.

Expect the 3-4 defense of Alabama to gear up on the run and force Taylor to throw the ball as much as possible. The run stopping defense will be led by the massive Terrence Cody. The 365-pounder will give the Hokies’ line plenty to deal with; he’s a great run stuffer and has vowed to become a better pass rusher. He and Lorenzo Washington give the front line some experience and size that should match up well against Virginia Tech’s offensive line. Freshman end Kerry Murphy will be shuffled into the lineup and is a youngster to keep an eye on. Linebacker Rolando McClain led the team with 95 tackles last season—be ready to hear his name, as well as that of his partner on the inside, Dont’a Hightower, called out plenty throughout the season. Look for cornerback Javier Arenas to make a big play, with junior Kareem Jackson (CB) and senior Justin Woodall (S) rounding out a dynamic and experienced group in the secondary. Jackson is a 194-pound cornerback that’s been playing since his freshman year.

Final Analysis

Alabama’s run defense will be on point and hold the Virginia Tech running attack to minimal productivity. They will force Taylor to do it all himself—don’t be shocked if he has a couple of electrifying runs but falls short in the end because of the offense’s inability to do anything down field in the passing game. Expect a big game from Ingram for Alabama as the Tide run all the way to a week one victory.

Score: Alabama 23, Virginia Tech 13

Photos Courtesy of Alabama Media Relations & Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

College Football Insiders Preview: SEC

For the third straight year, the National Championship winner came out of the SEC and it was the second title victory in three seasons for the Florida Gators. The SEC also sent two teams to a BCS bowl game for the third year in a row—no other conference is having that sort of post-season success. It may be hard to believe but the SEC is going to be better this year than last. The two teams that met in last season’s conference title game return nearly their entire team, contenders LSU and Ole Miss are talented and now more experienced, and Georgia is healthy. It’s going to be hard to predict an order of finish, but it’s safe to say whichever team is left standing after the conference title game will be in the National Title discussion.

The Favorites: Florida & Alabama: They both return a tantalizing, talented, and deep defense. Florida brings back the most experience in the conference and from top to bottom, they have no weaknesses. They have pass rushers, fast linebackers, and a secondary full of future NFL draft picks. Last year’s SEC sack leader, Carlos Dunlap, teams up with senior Jermaine Cunningham to form a lethal defensive-end combo. Those two, along with middle-linebacker and vocal leader Brandon Spikes, will strike fear in the hearts of their SEC opponents. That being said, the best unit of the team might be the secondary. They are physical and will create turnovers, led by safeties Ahmed Black and Major Wright, as well as cornerback Joe Hayden and Janoris Jenkins—four of the conference’s best. On offense, it’s all about Tim Tebow. The Heisman winner from 2007 is a get-it-done type of player who is improving his throwing ability. The break-out star this year for Florida will be tight-end Aaron Hernandez, who possesses good hands and will be the go-to guy around the red zone. The only causes for concern are how well the new offensive-line gels, and how to replace dynamic playmaker Percy Harvin. Their toughest conference matchups will be a trip to Baton Rouge and the game against Georgia, which will take place on a neutral field. The Crimson Tide shares the same uneasiness about losing starters on the offensive line, especially since they’re breaking in Greg McElroy as the new starting quarterback. Despite the O-line concerns, the Tide’s cast of running backs and sophomore receiving sensation Julio Jones give them the offensive weaponry necessary to win the conference. The defense, led by massive Terrance Cody, Lorenzo Washington and linebackers Rolando McClain and Dont'a Hightower, is strong up the middle and can stop the run with the best of them. Their big play guy is Javier Arenas, and Kareem Jackson is ready to have a breakout season. Alabama will have to be on point to start the year as they will face Virginia Tech in their opener. They also have tough games at Ole Miss and against LSU.

The Contenders: LSU & Ole Miss: LSU was a disappointment in 2008. They were a five-loss team with a dreadful passing game and a defense that let up too many big plays through the air. This year, Jordan Jefferson is the new quarterback. He performed well in LSU’s bowl game last season and his mobility will help the Tigers’ offense. But it’s all about Charles Scott, the physical number one back. He’s last year‘s conference touchdown leader and the offensive star who could carry LSU to a title game. A big part of the offense is the play of electric receiver Brandon LaFell. The senior is experienced and has good hands. The defense will be better than a year ago-junior safety Chad Jones is the guy to keep an eye on, he should have a big season. They’re going to need Rahim Alem to continue to be a sack machine, and for Pep Livingston to step up. If those two things happen, the LSU front will be more than difficult to contain. They play what is arguably the toughest conference schedule in the SEC, facing all the top teams-trips to Ole Miss, Georgia, and Alabama plus Florida at home. Nevertheless, they’re contenders along with the new kids on the block, the Mississippi Rebels. The edge that Mississippi has over any SEC West team is at quarterback. Jevan Snead is the top returning passer of the conference and shows no signs of slowing down. Even though they lost deep threat Mike Wallace, the Rebels return Shay Hodge, who caught everything (including eight touchdowns) last season. Wide receiver Dexter McCluster was second in the SEC in all-purpose yards, racking up receiving yards and big rushes out of the “Wild Rebel” formation. Because they bring back some dazzling ball-carriers, the offensive line could be the difference between the team being mediocre and playing for a SEC title. The departure of Michael Oher is a big loss and with only two returning starters back the lack of experience could end up catching up to them. If the line does hold up, expect big things from sophomore Brandon Bolden. He excelled down the stretch of last season, averaging 5.5 yards a carry and five touchdowns.

The Sleeper: Georgia: The Bulldogs have a chance to be a better team despite losing Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. The reason—they’ll have a healthier team. Yes, Georgia was a top team last year but injuries really set them back at times, especially in the trenches. The defense will greatly benefit from healthier players. Returning from injury is senior Jeff Owens, who along with Geno Atkins gives them two All-Conference tackles. They missed Owens last season, and struggled to stop teams who played smash-mouth football. The team’s leading tackler, linebacker Rennie Curran, returns, as does playmaker Akeem Dent. The offensive line also suffered from injuries last year. The unit is the strong suit of the offense and will be able to block for Moreno’s replacement, most likely Richard Samuel. If quarterback Joe Cox has the intangibles as described and can get the ball to A.J Green, the Bulldogs could surprise some people.

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Tim Tebow (Florida) vs. QB Jevan Snead (Ole Miss): Tim Tebow is the returning SEC offensive player of the year and without question, the favorite to win the award again. Last year he was in the top ten in the conference in both passing and rushing. Tebow’s duel threat ability puts him in a class of his own, but his stats could go down in 2009—his carries diminished last year and replacing Harvin will be no easy task. That’s why Jevan Snead must be mentioned as a top contender for the award. He was overshadowed last year by Tebow and Matthew Stafford and his overall numbers suffered because of a suspect start to the season. This year Snead will come out of the gate strong, and with an array of receivers around him, he’ll be airing it out plenty.

Honorable Mention: RB Charles Scott (LSU), RB Michael Smith (Arkansas), WR Julio Jones (Alabama), WR A. J. Green (Georgia)

Defensive Player of the Year: S Eric Berry (Tennessee) vs. DE Carlos Dunlap (Florida): Like the offensive award, the returning Defensive Player of the Year is back, too. Tennessee’s Eric Berry was awesome last year, winning the award as a sophomore. He led the conference in interceptions and led a very good Vols’ secondary. He was the team’s MVP, the one bright spot of their 5-7 season. The defense is better this year, and Berry will be as dangerous as ever. But he wasn’t the only sophomore defensive star in the conference. The Gators’ Carlos Dunlap led the SEC in sacks and was the defensive MVP of the title game. He’s relentless, finishes out plays, and is a great pass rusher.

Honorable Mention: DE Rahim Alem (LSU), DL Malcolm Sheppard (Arkansas), LB Joran Norwood (South Carolina), LB Rolando McClain (Alabama), LB Brandon Spikes (Florida)

Breakout Seasons: QB Jordan Jefferson (LSU) & RB Richard Samuel (Georgia): Jordan Jefferson’s performance against Georgia Tech in the Peach Bowl gave SEC fans a glimpse of what LSU could do if they had a decent quarterback. I think Jefferson will be more than just decent this year—he showed he had a good arm in the three games he started in 2008 and with a real good group of receivers, he has the tools around him. What Jefferson also has is mobility. The Bulldogs’ Richard Samuel had a fantastic summer after missing the spring with a wrist injury. He won the job over the favorite Caleb King and speedster Carlton Thomas, and with the Georgia offensive line now healthy, Samuel is poised for a great 2009 campaign.

Best Pro Prospect: Eric Berry, Tennessee: Eric Berry has a long list of accomplishments already. He’s won Defensive Player of the Year and All-American honors, and is a Nagurski Trophy candidate. He led the nation in interceptions and is 15 yards away from becoming the NCAA’s all-time leader in interception return yardage. Berry has no weaknesses and is playmaker of the highest caliber. He is a tremendous pass defender, always making things happen and getting to the ball, to the tune of 13 passes broken up last year. The Vol is a top prospect—he’s quick, skillful, and physical. In other words, he’s a complete player and a future NFL safety.

College Football Insiders Picks:

Conference Champion: Alabama Crimson Tide: Even though they have to break in a new quarterback, Alabama is a favorite in the conference and the pick to win it. Julio Jones is a star wide-out and one of the most dangerous offensive players in the nation. He will continue to thrive, making plays all over the field with the ball, plus running back Mark Ingram is primed for a break-out season. They’re good on offense and dominate on defense. There is nothing not to like about the big D; they have run stoppers and shut down players in the secondary. The team that was so close last year gets it done this year. Trust Nick Saban to make this prediction come true.

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Jevan Snead, Ole Miss: This is a long shot considering he’s going up against a Heisman trophy winner, but Jevan Snead’s going to beat out Tim Tebow for this award. There is a lot of pressure on Snead to have a big season and I believe he will respond and flourish. With his talent and the versatility and athleticism around him, he’s going to have a good year both in the win column and statistically. With another year leading this offense and learning Houston Nutt’s system, Snead is really going to be big. (Note: Yes, I filled this out myself and no, I will not be taking it back.)

Defensive Player of the Year: DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida: Returning sack leaders don’t usually put up the same numbers in their encore seasons, but Carlos Dunlap will be an exception to that trend. His skill, pass rushing, and production all improved throughout 2008 and I think he will continue that momentum into this year. Because Florida has a very good defensive line and is effective when blitzing, opponents won’t be able just key in on Dunlap. The more one-on-ones he receives as a result, the better his numbers will be. By the end of 2008, Dunlap was a different player. If he plays the whole year like he did in the title game, double-teams won’t even matter.

Photos Courtesy of SEC Sports Media

CFI Countdown: #4 Alabama Crimson Tide

2008 Record: 12-2 (SEC 8-0)
Bowl Game: Lost Sugar Bowl to Utah 31-17
Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Stadium: Bryant-Denny Stadium (92,138)
Head Coach: Nick Saban
Overall: 110-50-1 (14th season)
@ Alabama: 19-8 (3rd season)
Link to ‘Bama Football Page

In just his second season as headman of the Crimson Tide, Nick Saban had Alabama in the SEC Championship game with an undefeated record and a 20-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter. It didn’t work out too well after that, but Saban and his Tide made a statement to the rest of the SEC—Bama is back and they aren’t going away. The Tide should be right in the thick of things once again and could find themselves going toe-to-toe once again with the Gators in early December.

When the Crimson Tide Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Jim McElwain (2nd season)
Scheme: Multiple Sets
Starters Returning: Four
Key Losses: QB John Parker Wilson, OT Andre Smith, RB Glenn Coffee, C Antoine Caldwell, TE Nick Walker, TE Travis McCall, G Marlon Davis

Alabama must replace seven starters lost from last season’s offense including veteran quarterback John Parker Wilson, as well as offensive line stalwarts tackle Andre Smith and center Antoine Caldwell. The first order of business is of course addressing the quarterback position with junior Greg McElroy set to take over the helm. McElroy is an accurate passer with a good understanding of the game—with experience, he may give them as much as JPW did. More difficult will be replacing the linemen—Smith and Caldwell have been starting in Crimson seemingly forever and Smith is a talent that doesn’t come around that often. The job of replacing the duo falls to junior college transfer James Carpenter at left tackle and sophomore William Vlachos at center. They do have an All-American candidate in senior guard Mike Johnson with senior Drew Davis back at right tackle. Glenn Coffee was also lost to the NFL, but with sophomore Mark Ingram, junior Terry Grant, senior Roy Upchurch, and true freshman Trent Richardson…they’re covered. Ingram is a hard inside runner, Grant flashed explosiveness in his freshman season, Upchurch is very versatile, and they will all be pushed by the highly touted Richardson. No one is more gifted than sophomore wide out Julio Jones, who stepped in looking like a man from day one. Jones has the size and hands of a possession receiver and the speed to stretch the field, which is the strength of fellow sophomore Marquis Maze. If not Maze, someone needs to take some pressure off of Jones. The arrival of Georgia Tech transfer Colin Peek eases the loss of their tight ends.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) WR Julio Jones (SO), 2) OG Mike Johnson (SR), 3) RB Mark Ingram (SO)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: Kirby Smart (3rd season)
Scheme: Multiple 3-4
Starters Returning: Nine
Key Losses: S Rashad Johnson, DE Bobby Greenwood, LB Brandon Fanney (Transfer)

The biggest reason for Saban’s almost instant success in Tuscaloosa is how quickly he has put together the personnel to fit his 3-4 defensive scheme. They possess two absolute studs at inside linebacker in junior Rolando McClain and sophomore Dont’a Hightower—each checks in at over 250 pounds and can flat out run, striking fear in the hearts of all ball carriers. If, that is, those carriers get past noseman Terrence “Mount” Cody, who tips the scales at over 350 pounds and is the ideal anchor for the 3-4 defense. Helping him hold down the fort is senior Lorenzo Washington. Fellow end Brandon Deaderick suffered a gunshot wound this week, which isn’t life threatening (he’s been released from the hospital), but it remains unclear how it will impact his 2009 season. Coming off the edge, senior Cory Reamer is solid, but they could use more of pass rush from their linebackers—the one thing this defense has lacked. With two of the better corners in the SEC—senior Javier Arenas and junior Kareem Jackson—they can match up with almost any passing attack in the country. Senior Marquis Johnson is a solid backup, with true freshman Dre Kilpatrick talented enough to push for playing time. They must replace their leader in the secondary, Rashad Johnson, but do return senior Justin Woodall, one of the top free safeties in the game. Sophomore Mark Barron is ready to break out from his strong safety spot.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) LB Rolando McClain (JR), 2) LB Dont’a Hightower (SO), 3) NT Terrence Cody (SR)

The Schedule

Last season, they kick-started their undefeated regular season with a win over ACC favorite Clemson in Atlanta, which is exactly how they hope to start 2009, this time against the Virginia Tech Hokies in what looks more like a BCS Bowl then an opening weekend contest. Their toughest four-game stretch comes from October 10th to November 7th, although only one of the four games is on the road, at Ole Miss. If the Tide leave Dixieland unblemished they could be looking at a 12-0 record. Before they get there, they will have to handle South Carolina, Tennessee, and LSU to close out that stretch. Their season finale is at Auburn, in one of the top rivalries in all of college football.

Pivotal Point

With three-year starter Parker Wilson gone and the inexperienced McElroy—he of the 20 career passing attempts—taking over, quarterback play will be vital to the Crimson Tide’s success. However, just is important is replacing the three players lost from the offensive line—one tackle, one guard, and their center. One need look no further than their 31-17 loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl to realize how key the O-Line play is for the offense. With Smith suspended for the contest, Wilson was back peddling all game long and was sacked eight times by the Utes. As a result, he Tide rolled…to a halt on the ground, averaging 0.9 yards per carry—not quite the 4.6 yards per rush they averaged for the season. McElroy’s success will go hand-in-hand with the development of the boys up front.

CFI Final Analysis

I don’t think anyone doubts that with Saban back in the SEC that the Crimson Tide will be a perennial contender. Even with the significant losses on the offensive end, with nine starters back on the defensive side of the ball don’t expect much of a drop off. If they can get past the Hokies in week one, they will have several weeks to work out the offensive kinks heading into their key conference clashes, which bodes well for ‘Bama but not so well for the rest of the SEC West. Expect the Tide make a return trip to the SEC Championship game.

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles
#17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
#16 Boise St. Broncos
#15 North Carolina Tar Heels
#14 Penn St. Nittany Lions
#13 Mississippi Rebels
#12 Oklahoma St. Cowboys
#11 California Golden Bears
#10 Iowa Hawkeyes
#9 Virginia Tech Hokies
#8 Georgia Bulldogs
#7 USC Trojans
#6 LSU Tigers

#5 Ohio St. Buckeyes
Photos Courtesy of Alabama Media Relations & SEC Sports Media

Q&A: Tyson Jackson, DT, LSU

LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson interviewed on All Access Football Radio's Football Friday Show with Ralph Mancini, Daniel Mogollon and Rodney Towe in our Defensive Linemen Special on March 27, 2009

The Draft is basically a month away, are you feeling those butterflies yet and do you have an idea of which teams want you?

Jackson: Right now the butterflies are pretty much just starting to kick in. I am starting to really understand the process and everything I’m going through, so now I am really feeling the pressure of the Draft and everything that comes with it. All in all, it is an exciting time for me and my family and I really have to be thankful for the situation that I am in.

As the Draft (process) and Pro Days are winding down, what are you doing to keep yourself busy?

Jackson: Right now, I’ve had two workouts. Next week is going to a pretty busy week for me. I have to fly out to a few teams. Right now I am just working out with LSU getting back in football shape, getting back wind doing extra conditioning things and just trying to get myself into the best shape possible so that once the Draft is over and I go back to the team, I look good and in pretty good shape.

Any particular teams you want to mention?

Jackson: I met with the Denver Broncos on Wednesday. Today I met with the Seattle Seahawks and next week I go to Detroit, then I go back and meet with the Broncos again. All in all, 3-4 (defense) teams are really impressed with me and even some of the 4-3 teams really like me as a defensive end and on third downs, I can go inside and play three technique so I’m pretty useful throughout the whole series of a game. I can be an every-down defensive lineman.

You began your college career like a house of fire but then you started facing more and more double teams. What did you learn from that and how did that make you a better player?

Jackson: I learned that once you start standing out, you’re going to start drawing a lot of attention and guys are going to start focusing on you. It made me a better player because I started to understand the schemes and how offensive coaches think, how they try to go against defensive guys like me. I understand it fully. I was playing left defensive end about ninety five percent of my college career and while I was on that side, guys did not run on my side when I was a senior, for what reason I didn’t know. In all the big games we played this year guys always ran the ball to the right side of the defense. It helped me by showing me that offensive coaches respected me but it hurt me in the sense that my stats were real low because I couldn’t make tackles unless I ran down from the backside of the play. It made me a better player...understanding the defense, understanding what offensive coaches are thinking and just developing my game as a person, trying to be the best that I can be out there.

When I watch you play, one word comes to mind and that’s “relentless”. Where does that drive come from? Are you having fun out there, or do you feel like you really have something to prove?

Jackson: I’m having fun, but I do have something to prove. Coming out of high school I was never rated real high, even coming to the Draft I’m not rated real high and I feel like I am always in that underdog mode. I think it fits me perfectly and I’m just real relentless for one reason. When I was recruited up here, Coach (Nick) Saban was the coach at the time, and that is all he stressed, he stressed relentless effort and he said it didn’t matter how athletic you were, how strong you were—everyone can give relentless effort. That just grew on me and I just take it to the football field all the time. I’m real aggressive, real physical and I try to dominate my opponent every play, by any means necessary, so I bring that approach with me on the field and I think you need it as a good defensive lineman. You have to be that top of the edge guy where you’re aggressive and very physical with the offensive linemen.

We understand you work out with a lot of former LSU players. Talk about your relationship with a guy like Glenn Dorsey and what has he told you about his rookie season and rookie experience?

Jackson: As a matter of fact, me and Glenn were together last night but he really didn’t talk about his rookie season too much. He just let me know what type of things I should be expecting in the next few days, how everything gets real hectic. I guess he’s been around me for long enough and he could tell I was pretty nervous about this whole situation. He was like, “Man you don’t have nothing to worry about. I know you and I know you can play football”. That helped me out so much inside coming from a guy like Glenn. He’s real comfortable with me and he was like “If I had to pick, I’m picking you any day before any guys”, so that made me feel comfortable at that time but he’s given me other types of advice like while I’m at workouts staying low and being really explosive, on bag drills, different ways to flip your hips and stuff like that. He’s given me those tips and pointers that directly relate to football and it helps out a whole lot.

You mentioned that you think you’re still kind of underrated and you should be ranked higher. Are you out there, checking out and reading where people have you and checking out different mock drafts, is that something to pay attention to at all?

Jackson: I wouldn’t even consider that I should be rated real high, I wouldn’t say that. I am just saying that the things that I do, I don’t get respect for it because it’s not glamorous. I don’t go out there and get the big numbers because I play assignment, sound football. I do what I have to do, whatever the coaches ask me I go out there and give it one hundred and ten percent every down, so a lot of times I don’t get to pin my ears back and run up field and try to get sacks, but it is all for the good of the team. Last year we were one of the top defenses in the country and we won the National Championship, so if I reflect back on my college career I know that being real disciplined and being unselfish pays off in championships at the end. I just go out there and get my job done the best way that I can.

Is that something you learned while at LSU, because you played with a lot of talented guys so it was hard for one guy to stand out and be the man, so to speak, be the star...all you guys as a unit kind of learned that it is a team game, huh?

Jackson: Definitely, we learned that a long time ago when we were freshmen. Being at LSU you have a lot of talented guys, from LaRon Landry to Craig Davis to the Dwayne Bowes,’ Marcus Spears...a lot of talented guys walked through that football field, so you have to learn soon as you get to campus that you have to be a real team player and once you buy into that system, championships just start coming. Once you get that collection of talent together and everybody believes in that one common goal, nothing is impossible. We bought into that system since we got out there and from there we’ve been winning championship after championship.

Before you got on the air we were talking about different players and guys like Andre Smith. Who were some opponents that you faced in that tough and rugged SEC that really stood out to you, that were tough match-ups?

Jackson: I always played left defensive end so I wasn’t fortunate enough to go against guys like Andre Smith and Michael Oher, but talking to my teammates, the other defensive ends, they told me those guys were some of the best guys they went against. Believe it or not, I know other guys across the country are getting better recognition than those two guys from the SEC, but I know hands down any day of the week when comes down to real football players, I’ll pick those two offensive linemen over anybody in the country, just knowing who those guys go against every week in and out within the SEC. I know those guys can play football and they’re hard nosed players. Their stats might not look good as far as their forties and vertical jumps and all that, but when you are looking for a football player, who cares how fast an offensive lineman runs in the forty, you know what I’m saying? I didn’t have the privilege to go against those guys but the right tackle from Ole Miss is Peria Jerry’s younger brother (John), he was one of the real good offensive linemen that I went against this year.

So he’s somebody we should keep an eye out for next season? I think he was thinking about declaring but decided to return for his senior year. Tyson, I’m going to have to bust your chops a little bit because heading into last season, we were touting the Tigers on our college football show (College Football Insiders). We were talking about the defense, the ferocious front four, the depth you guys had, the linebackers and then... what happened? You guys had a few games where you gave up thirty-plus points, I was pretty stunned to be honest.

Jackson: Taking a beating within the SEC itself, injuries started to set in here and there on our defense, some that the public didn't know about. Guys weren’t one hundred percent, things just didn’t go our way and I have to give it up to teams in the SEC, real talented teams, teams like Ole Miss. I wouldn’t say they came out of nowhere because they were in our conference and we knew they were real good. This year they just turned it up a notch and games that we had in the palm of our hands, we just let it slip away like (games against) Alabama or Georgia, we let those games slip away. Even Florida—it was 18-21 going into halftime, so we had a lot of games within our reach we just weren’t able to capitalize and finish them off with the young team that we had, but it was all good. I ended my college experience on a real good note, beating Georgia Tech handily. We just dominated those guys in the Peach Bowl. I ended it on a positive note from there and I just hope to keep riding that wave through the draft process.

I hear that. It looked like you guys were a little p’ed off with the way the season went and you really took it out on the Yellow Jackets on December 31st, a good way to end the year. There are a lot of you guys leaving on both sides of the ball (Demetrius) Byrd, Herman Johnson on offense, yourself, (Darry) Beckwith, Ricky Jean-Francois on defense. Who is somebody we should be on the lookout for next year on LSU, a rising star for the Bayou Bengals?

Jackson: That is one thing you can always count on with LSU—you’re always going to have a rising star down there. Guys like Brandon LaFell and Ciron Black on the offensive line, Charles Scott in the backfield, upcoming freshman Jordan Jefferson...we're real talented at quarterback and on defense we have the MVP of the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Perry Riley, coming back, and a real solid defensive line led by Rahiem Alem. The defense is going to be real, real strong again. It’s going to be another nice year for the Tigers. I’m expecting a lot of big things from those guys.

Is Rahiem going to be able to do it without you? You took up so much attention, having Tyson Jackson on the other side getting those double teams, how is he going to do next year without you?

Jackson: He is going to fare real good even though I left and I drew a lot of double teams. He’s just a real good guy and real fast off the edge, one of those two hundred and sixty pound players who’s real physical. The only thing I find different between him and guys coming up in this Draft is this guy can really play the run. I saw a lot of guys in this Draft who can play the run, but this guy plays it like he is two hundred and eighty or two hundred and ninety pounds and he’s only two-sixty, a real physical guy, so I’m expecting a lot of big things from Rahiem sack-wise and in tackles for loss. He's a real good football player.

Kirk Herbstreit from ESPN once called you a defensive freak. Did you play other sports in the past and if you weren’t a football player, what kind of athlete would you be?

Jackson: For a long time when I was young I was real tall and skinny. I could reflect back to when I was thirteen or fourteen, I was like six-three two hundred and thirty pounds, a real tall skinny guy and I thought for the longest time that I was going to be a basketball player. My one-time dream was always to play basketball for North Carolina, but once I got to high school I just started developing and started gaining more weight and became a real physical football player. If it wasn’t football I would have to definitely say it would’ve been basketball. I know a lot of time my coaches from high school wanted me to get out there and play baseball as a pitcher but I was so afraid of the ball at that time, I was so scared the ball was going to hit me, so I just stayed away from that sport. Basketball was one of my pastimes, which it still is today.

OK. Tysron...time for three-and-out... First down: Who is your favorite athlete outside of football?

Jackson: Michael Jordan.

Second down: Favorite movie of all time?

Jackson: Rocky.

Third down: Growing up as a kid, who was your favorite superhero?

Jackson: Batman .

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

ALABAMA'S SABAN WINS 2008 EDDIE ROBINSON AWARD

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FWAA) - Alabama coach Nick Saban was named the winner of the 2008 FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award for the second time in six years on Tuesday night at a reception here.

The Eddie Robinson Award is sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and was presented in conjunction with the BCS 1-2 game to be played Thursday night at Dolphin Stadium. The entire FWAA membership votes on the association's coach of the year award, which was narrowed to nine finalists in early December.

"Nick Saban has proven to be a winner wherever he has gone," said 2008 FWAA president Ron Higgins. "He has re-established Alabama as a national power in quick fashion. He was an overwhelming choice by our members for this very prestigious award."

The FWAA has honored a major college coach with its coach of the year award since 1957 and Saban is only the second coach to win the FWAA award at two different schools. He also captured the Eddie Robinson Award when he was coach at LSU in 2003. Lou Holtz was the FWAA coach of the year in 1988 at Notre Dame and also in 1977 at Arkansas.

After a 7-6 record in his first season at Alabama in 2007, Saban's Crimson Tide won its first 12 games of the 2008 season. Alabama eventually rose to No. 1 in country after a victory over Arkansas State. The Crimson Tide won the Southeastern Conference's Western Division and beat Auburn for the first time since 2001.

Saban previously was coach of the Miami Dolphins for two seasons (2005 and '06) after spending 11 seasons as a head coach in the college ranks at Toledo (one season) and five years each at Michigan State and LSU. He won the national title at LSU in 2003. He's a native of Fairmont, W. Va., and played college football and graduated from Kent State.

In 1997, the FWAA coaching award was named after Eddie Robinson, a coaching legend at Grambling State University for 55 years. The late "Coach Rob" has more Division I victories (408) than any other coach. Coach Robinson passed away on April 4, 2007. But his legacy will certainly not be forgotten. He coached his entire career at Grambling and produced numerous professional players and coaches as well as players who graduated and distinguished themselves in other professional endeavors.

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of nearly 1,000 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game day operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America team.

Sugar Bowl: #6 Utah vs. #4 Alabama

By RALPH MANCINI

January 2, 2009 * 8:00 PM * FOX

The Utes and the Crimson Tide lock horns on Friday, Jan.2 in a battle that pits Utah’s prolific offense against Nick Saban’s powerhouse defense. It is a Tide defense which routinely keeps opponents’ yardage to a minimum and creates game-changing plays. On offense, Alabama will try to establish its punishing running attack with a road-grating offensive line which opens gaping holes for the two-headed rushing tandem, either of whom can take it the distance. Gaining yards versus a stingy, run-stuffing Utah defense, however, will be no easy chore. The undefeated Utes own the longest winning streak in the nation at 13 games. Both Utah and Alabama were tied at 13 before the Tide’s Dec. 6 loss to Florida. Utah also holds the distinction of being the first Bowl Championship Series buster in 2004 by beating Pittsburgh in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl.

When the Utes Have the Ball

The Utes ran roughshod over their Mountain West Conference schedule thanks in large part to their senior quarterback Brian Johnson. The Texas native isn’t your classic pocket passer, but he’s a clutch performer who can make plays with both his arm and legs. The shoulder injury he suffered last season has turned him into less of a runner but his ability to make game-winning throws in the fourth quarter has been a big factor in his team’s recent success. Johnson often has a plethora of options to throw to due to Utah’s frequent use of four- and five-receiver sets. One receiver who’s clearly emerged as Johnson’s go-to target is Freddie Brown. The 6’3” senior is an acrobatic performer, who’s really come on after three quiet seasons with the Utes. Brown leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. Wide out Brent Casteel is another weapon that puts defenses on their heels. His strength, instincts and explosive running skills make this Bay Area product a real San Francisco treat. The running back duo of Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack is also a force to be reckoned with as evidenced by their combined 4.7 yards-per-carry average. The 235 lb. Asiata is a load who excels at running downhill and bowling over defenders. The junior back isn’t as effective when forced to run horizontally. Mack is a dangerous runner in his own right, but has seen a decrease in carries after last year’s 1,000-yard season. The unselfish Mack has even proved to be a strong blocker for Asiata when called upon. The most vulnerable part of this offense is the offensive line, which doesn’t move defenders off the ball in the running game and also has some holes in its pass protection. Left tackle Zane Beadles is the line’s most athletic component, while right guard Robert Conley is both physically powerful and consistent. Expect Alabama to bring the blitz in an effort to disrupt Johnson’s timing and making him throw early. Louie Sakoda is the first Ute to win first-team All-America honors as a kicker and punter.

The Crimson Tide’s fourth-ranked run defense will pose an almost impossible challenge for Utah’s running attack. Opposing teams have averaged a meager 78.8 rushing yards per game against Alabama’s brick-wall unit, which features larger-than-life nose tackle Terrence Cody. The 385-lb. colossus often fights off double and triple-teams with ease on his way to dropping helpless ball carriers for a loss. The smaller Josh Chapman has filled in admirably for Cody during the year by maintaining a solid base versus the run when needed. The 6’5” Bobby Greenwood is also beast against the run, as well as being a standout special teams player that can block field goals. Fellow 3-4 end Brandon Deadrick is cut from the same mold. Neither Deadrick nor Greenwood are asked or expected to post gaudy sack numbers. Outside linebackers Cory Reamer and Brandon Fanney will often spread out to create a 5-man front line, which opens up lanes for middle linebacker Renaldo McClain and weakside linebacker Don’ta Hightower. The ability to take on lead blocks and still tackle his adversaries makes the 6’4” McClain a force of nature. This former tight end is versatile enough to read offenses and call plays from his traditional position. In addition, he can also provide some heat as an outside pass rusher. Free safety Rashad Johnson is a lethal weapon in the secondary, who flashes remarkable anticipatory skills that allow him to break on the ball early. The intimidating senior is one of the best open-field tacklers at the collegiate level. Cornerback Javier Arenas has outstanding speed and rarely gets beaten deep. Arenas’ return skills are second-to-none.

When the Tide Has the Ball

Alabama’s ground game is a big red machine that simply pummels teams to death behind a veteran line that will be without big nasty left tackle Andre Smith, the leader of this group. Center Antoine Caldwell is a punishing run blocker, who’ll run great distances when clearing the way for his runners downfield. Right tackle Drew Davis has also come into his own this season as an overpowering battering ram. Running backs Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram do an excellent job of taking advantage of the sizable holes before them. In addition to averaging over five yards per carry apiece, Coffee and Ingram have each scored over 10 rushing touchdowns. Coffee, in particular, is a master at setting up his blocks and turning on the jets with his breathtaking burst, which enables the fleet-footed Floridian to author numerous game-breaking runs of 40 yards or more. Ingram, on the other hand, has shown toughness with his willingness to pound the ball inside, but is also quick and shifty enough to break it to the outside. Ingram’s perpetual motion makes him a handful to contain. Over at quarterback, John Parker Wilson will never strike fear into the hearts of opposing defenses with his ordinary arm, but he’s very capable of moving his team when given enough time to throw. Wilson can often be seen playing catch with rookie receiver Julio Jones. The physical wide out has come storming out of the gates in his first season, setting Alabama rookie records for receptions (51), receiving yards (847) and touchdown catches (4). The 6’4” Jones is just as adept at making tough catches in traffic as he is gaining separation from tight coverage. Marquis Maze is an explosive and versatile red-shirt freshman, while Nick Walker is Parker’s reliable safety valve at tight end.

Utah’s defense has made a living creating turnovers and converting them into big plays. This unit is difficult to penetrate by running to the perimeter due to its speed. Without having to deal with the likes of Smith, defensive end Paul Kruger could very well have an impact in the outcome of this year’s Sugar Bowl. Much like Freddy of Nightmare on Elm Street fame, Kruger has been a haunting presence for quarterbacks all season with his uncanny speed off the edge, athleticism and non-stop motor. The former quarterback registered 7.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss during his sophomore campaign. The other defensive end, Koa Misi, similarly pressures quarterbacks off the edge with great tenacity. Stevenson Sylvester is the one shining star among a linebacking corps that isn’t particularly big or fast. The roving 'backer sets the tone with his bone-crunching hits and inspirational vocal leadership. The 224-lb. play-maker can take over a game by racking up tackles from sideline to sideline. Sylvester will have his hands full versus Alabama as Nick Saban’s bunch will surely try to soften the Utes up the middle. The return of nose tackle Kenape Eliapo, who missed seven games due to a broken foot, may help shore up his squad’s overmatched run defense. Utah’s secondary brings a lot to the table in terms of size and speed along with their tendency to get into receivers' faces. King-sized cornerback Sean Smith is the unquestioned ballhawk of the defensive backfield with five interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown. Free safety Deshawn Richard also chipped in by converting two of his three picks into scores.

Final Analysis

The Tide’s firepower in the trenches will be too much for Utah to stop over the course of four quarters. The Utes are good enough to keep this contest close for a half…maybe. Look for Alabama’s size and talent to eventually cause the dam to break. Whatever the outcome, coach Kyle Whittingham should be commended for continuing to run the spread offense like a well-oiled machine and instilling his Utes with a never-say-die attitude.

Final score: Alabama 34 Utah 14

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, College Press Box