SEC Football Individual Awards Announced

Tebow, McClain, Arenas, Norman, Black and Saban given league’s top honors

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain and Alabama return specialist Javier Arenas were voted as the Southeastern Conference’s top offensive player, top defensive player and top special teams player, respectively, in a vote of the league’s coaches, it was announced on Wednesday.

The league’s coaches also selected Tebow and Vanderbilt return specialist/running back Warren Norman as the league’s scholar-athlete of the year and top freshman performer, respectively. It was the second straight year for Tebow to receive the academic honor.

LSU offensive lineman Ciron Black was selected as the recipient of the Jacobs Trophy, given to the league’s top blocker. Alabama’s Nick Saban was voted by his peers as the SEC Coach of the Year.

All of this year’s individual award winners were named first-team All-SEC in voting by the league’s coaches that was announced on Tuesday, outside of Norman, who was second team. There were no unanimous selections to this year’s individual award winners.

The 2009 first-team All-SEC quarterback from the Associated Press and SEC, Tebow leads the SEC in completion percentage (65.2), is second in passing efficiency (155.6), lowest interception percentage (1.8) and rushing touchdowns (13) in the league. He is the only player in NCAA history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a season, with 32 passing and 23 rushing scores in 2007, and ranks first in the SEC’s record book for the most career rushing touchdowns.

McClain was named the 2009 SEC Defensive Player of the Year after leading one of the nation's top defensive units with 101 tackles, including 12.5 tackles for loss (-58 yards) and four sacks (-36 yards). He also added 14 quarterback pressures, three pass breakups, two interceptions (21 return yards) and forced one fumble. He anchors a defense that leads the nation in scoring defense (11.0 ppg) and pass efficiency defense (88.81 rating) while ranking second in rushing defense (77.9 ypg) and total defense (241.69 ypg). The Tide are also seventh nationally in pass defense (177.82 ypg).

Arenas was a first-team All-SEC selection at two positions. He was selected at cornerback after recording 66 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, four pass breakups and three interceptions this season. He was also honored as a return specialist, where he accumulated more than 1,000 return yards and one touchdown this season. The Tampa, Fla., native is also the SEC's all-time leader with 1,733 career punt return yards, which leaves him 28 yards shy of Wes Welker's NCAA career punt return record.

Norman broke several SEC and Vanderbilt marks in his first Commodore season. He amassed 1,941 all-purpose yards, breaking a 29-year-old SEC freshman record set by legendary Georgia back Herschel Walker in addition to the all-time Vanderbilt record. Norman also topped the SEC with an average of 161.8 all-purpose yards, becoming the first freshman to lead the league in that stat category since Walker. Norman became just the second SEC player ever to return three kickoffs for touchdowns.

Boasting a 3.66 grade point average as a Family, Youth & Community Sciences major, Tebow has twice been named the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American of the Year. Based on his combined scholastic achievement and campus involvement, Tebow also recently earned induction into the University's Hall of Fame, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to students by the Division of Student Affairs at Florida.

Black, who was named to the All-SEC first team, has started 52 straight games at left tackle, which tied the school record of consecutive starts set by Andrew Whitworth. With one more start in the Capital One Bowl, Black will become the school’s record holder in that category. Black was a second-team All-SEC selection last season.

Saban has guided the Crimson Tide to a No. 1 BCS ranking and berth in the BCS National Championship Game after compiling a 13-0 record this season and securing the school's 22nd SEC Championship. Alabama will face No. 2 Texas on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. In three years at Alabama, Saban has compiled a 32-8 (.800) overall record and has led the Tide to back-to-back SEC Western Division titles. The Crimson Tide has won 26 of its last 28 games, dating back to the 2007 season.

2009 SEC FOOTBALL INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Offensive Player of the Year: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Defensive Player of the Year: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
Special Teams Player of the Year: Javier Arenas, RS, Alabama
Freshman of the Year: Warren Norman, RS/RB, Vanderbilt
Jacobs Blocking Trophy: Ciron Black, OL, LSU

Player Profile: Captain Munnerlyn South Carolina CB

Pros: This Captain has good speed and quickness, a smooth runner with the agility to make effortless cuts. The former Gamecock is very athletic and uses his explosion well, both in coverage and run support. He is a very solid corner that shows playmaking ability as a returner. He did well in zone coverage, and with his physical tools he should also be able to handle playing man-to-man. Munnerlyn possesses very fluid hips and excellent agility.

Cons: At just a tad under 5’9’’, Munnerlyn is going to have to prove himself against bigger receivers whenever he steps on the field on Sundays. Despite his quickness, Munnerlyn can be beat by crisp route runners and double moves. He lacks the playmaking ability that a lot of corners in this class offer, with zero interceptions last year and just five in his college career. Durability was an issue at South Carolina for him and could limit his production at the next level. Munnerlyn was benched after missing a meeting this past season, something that will raise a red flag with many franchises.

Scouts Take: Munnerlyn has great agility and open field speed, but he is still raw. His lack of size really hurts his draft stock. He should not start at either outside corner position in his first year, but could excel as the team's nickel back because of his sure tackling ability. He also has great potential as a punt and kick returner. Look for him to land somewhere between the late second round to early fourth round. This early entry is a work in progress, who could end up being a real day two find.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Music City Bowl: Boston College vs. Vanderbilt

By JOHN GARRETT

December 31 * 3:30 PM * ESPN

The possibility of a low-scoring game looks high as these two solid defenses go head-to-head in Nashville, Tennessee with defensive stars D.J. Moore of Vanderbilt and Mark Herzlich of BC leading the way. Vanderbilt is making its first trip to a bowl in 26 years, although the trip will not be very far. The Commodores lost six of their last seven games and hope to prove that starting 5-0 wasn’t a fluke. Their offense has been the problem down the stretch, with Chris Nickson and Mackenzi Adams splitting time at the quarterback position. Vanderbilt’s defensive line, which tied for third in the SEC with 30 sacks, should also play a huge role in trying to nullify the Eagle running game, putting the pressure on freshman quarterback Dominique Davis. Boston College also has a very good defense, which ranked 6th overall, allowing just 273.4 yards per game. The Eagles will be looking to get back on track after losing the ACC championship game and the defense will hope to capitalize on the Commodores’ passing inefficiency – they ranked last in the SEC. Giving Davis time to make reads and establishing a ground game should be a priority, and should be possible with an offensive line that allowed just 16 sacks – tops in the ACC.

Inside the Numbers
Pass, Run & Catch

Boston College Eagles (9-4, 5-3)
Pass: Dominique Davis – 551 yards, 4 TDs
Run: Montel Harris – 832 yards, 5 TDs
Catch: Brandon Robinson – 39-606-3 TDs

Vanderbilt Commodores (6-6, 4-4)
Pass: Mackenzi Adams – 882 yards, 5 TDs
Run: Jared Hawkins – 580 yards, 4 TDs
Catch: Sean Walker – 34-452-3 TDs\

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Boston College)

HOUSTON IS TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 70-30 win over Tulsa, the Houston Cougars (6-4) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Nov. 15.

Case Keenum threw six touchdown passes - five in the first half - and ran for another score as the Cougars raced to a 42-17 halftime lead.

Houston's Loyce Means intercepted three passes, including one he returned 69 yards for a touchdown.

The win moves Houston into a three-way tie for first place in Conference USA's West division with Rice and Tulsa.

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Nov. 15 included:

· Florida (9-1): Percy Harvin ran for a career-high 167 yards to pace the Gators in their 56-6 rout of South Carolina.

· Northwestern (8-3): C.J. Bacher threw a pair of second-half touchdown passes as the Wildcats beat Michigan for just the fifth time since 1905, 21-14.

· Vanderbilt (6-4): D.J. Moore caught two touchdown passes and had a pair of interceptions as Vanderbilt became bowl eligible for the first time since 1982 with a 31-24 win at Kentucky.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the fifth season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Fans Weekend Guide - Week Twelve

The Conference Title is on the Line When…
Maryland Hosts North Carolina (November 15, 3:30, ABC): With their win over the Yellow Jackets, the Tar Heels created a three-way tie atop the Coastal Division with Virginia Tech, Miami and the Heels all 3-2 in conference play. Mean-while, the Terps’ loss to Virginia Tech was their second in ACC play – prior to that, they were the lone one loss team. Maryland is now a half game behind both Florida St. and Wake Forest, but Ralph Freidgen’s squad does control its own destiny and is 5-0 at home with three wins over (then) ranked foes. Having lost to the Hokies themselves, UNC needs help. They are 2-1 on the road, with their lone loss coming in overtime at Virginia, so this one should be a dandy. Keep an eye on junior wide outs Hakeem Hicks and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Don’t Call it an Upset When…
BYU Visits Air Force (November 15, 3:30, CBS College Sports): Heading into the season, the BYU Cougars were the numero uno “BCS Buster”. However, a loss to TCU quickly changed that. The team on top is now their in-state rival, Utah, who the Cougars play next Saturday, but they best not look ahead. When Utah made the trip to Colorado Springs, they found themselves in a tie game before crossing the goal line in the final minute, proving the Falcons are no walkover. While BYU does it mostly with the arm of Max Hall, Air Force gains 76 percent of their yards on the ground. The Academy’s leading receiver, Josh Cousins, has 11 receptions, a number BYU tight end Dennis Pitta (67 receptions, 879 yards, six touchdowns) has equaled twice in a single game this season. And Pitta isn’t even the Cougars’ leading receiver – that would be Austin Collie with his 78 receptions for 1,185 yards and 13 touchdowns. While they do it in far different ways, expect both teams to find the end zone often in a thriller.

The Team That Can’t Afford to Look Ahead is…
Ohio St. Visiting Illinois (November 15, 12:00, ESPN): What could the Buckeyes be looking ahead to? For starters they are in the BCS hunt and could win a conference title if Penn St. is to fall to say…Michigan St., whom the Buckeyes defeated. Oh yeah, they play hated border rival Michigan AKA “that school up north” next week.

The Team on the Cusp is…
Kentucky Hosting Vanderbilt (November 15, 8:00, ESPN2): Or Vanderbilt visiting Kentucky – take your pick. With a win, the ‘Dores become bowl eligible for the first time since 1982 and after starting the season 5-0, Vandy is desperate for a victory. Kentucky has already secured their sixth win, but would be wise to add one more to the ‘W’ column to secure what would be their third straight bowl appearance, something they’ve done only once (from 1950-1952).

Photo Credit: UNC Athletic Communications

A Football Fan’s Four-Pack…

By JOHN GARRETT

Notre Dame @ Boston College (November 8, 8:00, ESPN): In a battle between the only two Catholic universities in the nation that sponsor FBS football programs, the Eagles will look for their sixth-straight win over the Irish. Notre Dame should be heading into Chestnut Hill with a chip on its shoulder after a 36-33, four-overtime loss at home last week to Pittsburgh. The Irish will also have something to play for, as they look to prevent the Eagles from becoming the fourth school to register a winning streak of six games or greater against them.

Super Senior: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Star of Tomorrow: Michael Floyd, WR, ND

Cal @ USC (November 8, 8:00, ABC): In the 96th meeting between these Pac-10 rivals, much is on the line in addition to bragging rights. Both schools have only one blemish on their records, and both boast two of the better defensive squads in the country–-a rarity in the Pac-10. The Trojans are tops in total defense (211.6 ypg), pass efficiency defense (82.33 rating) and scoring defense (7.13 ppg). Entering the contest, the Bears find themselves tied for the national lead with 17 interceptions, three of which have been returned for scores.

Super Senior: Zack Follett, LB, California

Star of Tomorrow: C.J. Gable, RB, USC


Florida @ Vanderbilt (November 8, 8:00, ESPN2): In 42 all-time meetings between the Gators and Commodores, Florida holds a 30-9-2 advantage and has won the last 17 contests. However, three of the last six meetings in Nashville have been decided by seven points or less. The No. 4 Gators (7-1, 5-1) are the only SEC team that doesn’t have a senior starting on defense. Despite the lack of senior leadership, the Gators still rank fifth in scoring, and 16th overall defensively.

Super Senior: Reshard Langford, S, Vanderbilt

Star of Tomorrow: Joe Hayden, CB, Florida

Ohio St. @ Northwestern (November 8, 12:00, ESPN2): Looking to keep their Rose Bowl hopes alive following a 13-6 loss to No. 3 Penn State on Oct. 25, the Buckeyes (7-2, 4-1) hope to get right-down-to-business as they head to Ryan Field. Awaiting them, the Wildcats (7-2, 3-2) will be riding high on the wave of emotion after their stunning 24-17 victory at Minnesota last week. Safety Brendan Smith’s miraculous 48-yard interception return for a touchdown with 12 seconds left secured the triumph, but the defense will have its hands full with Terrelle Pryor and Beanie Wells coming to town.

Super Senior: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State

Star of Tomorrow: Jeremy Elbert, WR, N’Western

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

VANDERBILT IS TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 14-13 win over 13th-ranked Auburn, the Vanderbilt Commodores (5-0) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Oct. 4.

Mackenzi Adams threw a pair of touchdown passes as the Commodores improved to 5-0 for the first time since 1943. The Vanderbilt defense limited Auburn to just 208 yards and registered five sacks by five different players.

Vanderbilt's 3-0 start in SEC play is the school's best since 1950. The win over Auburn snapped a 13-game losing streak to the Tigers that dated back to the 1955 Gator Bowl. Coming in ranked No. 19, the Commodores also produced their first win as a ranked team since 1956.

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Oct. 4 included:

· Army (1-4): Collin Mooney ran for 187 yards and four touchdowns to help the Black Knights end a 10-game losing streak with a 44-13 win at Tulane.

· North Carolina (4-1): Converted safety Shawn Draughn ran for 109 yards and a score as the Tar Heels recorded their first win over a ranked non-conference opponent since 1997 with their 38-12 win over No. 24 Connecticut.

· Pittsburgh (4-1): LeSean McCoy ran for 142 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers upset 10th-ranked South Florida, 26-21, in Tampa.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the fifth season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Members of the FWAA board of directors and All-America committee decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2008 college football season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Bowl National Team of the Week through Dec. 1.

Since 1971, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl has hosted six games that have decided the college football national championship, including three Bowl Championship Series title games. This season the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl game will be played on Jan. 5, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., and the Insight Bowl will be played on Dec. 31, 2008 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.

For more information on the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week, go to footballwriters.com or fiestabowl.org.

VANDERBILT'S HAMILTON IS BRONKO NAGURSKI PLAYER OF THE WEEK

DALLAS (FWAA) - Vanderbilt strong safety Ryan Hamilton has been named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week for games of the weekend of Sept. 20.

Hamilton, a 6-2, 210-pound senior from Wycombe, Pa., tied a school record with three interceptions. He returned one interception 79 yards for a touchdown in Vanderbilt's 23-17 victory at Mississippi. Hamilton's third interception sealed the victory as time expired.

Hamilton, who became the second Vanderbilt defender to win the FWAA's weekly award this season, added a fumble recovery and had six tackles (four unassisted), including a goal-line stop that prevented a Rebel score. The other Vanderbilt winner of the award this season was linebacker Patrick Benoist in a 24-17 victory over South Carolina.

Hamilton will be added to the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be presented to the best defensive player in college football on Dec. 7 by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. Five finalists for the Nagurski Trophy will be announced on Nov. 17.

Each week during the 2008 season the FWAA All-America Committee will select a national defensive player of the week from nominations made by the 11 Division I Bowl Subdivision Conferences and major independents.

Last season, LSU tackle Glenn Dorsey won the coveted Bronko Nagurski Trophy during the 13th season the FWAA has named a national defensive player of the year.

BOISE STATE IS TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 37-21 win at Oregon, the Boise State Broncos (3-0) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Sept. 20.

Kellen Moore threw for 386 yards and three touchdowns as the Broncos used a 24-point second quarter to build a 37-13 lead.

Boise State ended Oregon's 18-game winning streak vs. Western Athletic Conference schools as the Broncos upended a BCS conference team on the road for the first time in school history.

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Sept. 20 included:

· LSU (3-0): Jarrett Lee threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Brandon LaFell with 1:03 left as the Tigers rallied past Auburn, 26-21.

· Vanderbilt (4-0): The Commodores forced six turnovers in a 23-17 win at Ole Miss to improve to 4-0 and earn a spot in the Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 1984.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the fifth season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Members of the FWAA board of directors and All-America committee decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2008 college football season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Bowl National Team of the Week through Dec. 1.

Since 1971, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl has hosted six games that have decided the college football national championship, including three Bowl Championship Series title games. This season the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl game will be played on Jan. 5, 2009 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., and the Insight Bowl will be played on Dec. 31, 2008 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.

For more information on the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week, go to footballwriters.com or fiestabowl.org.

VANDERBILT'S BENOIST IS BRONKO NAGURSKI PLAYER OF THE WEEK

DALLAS (FWAA) - Vanderbilt linebacker Patrick Benoist has been named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week for games of the weekend of Sept. 6.

Benoist, a 6-0, 222-pound junior from Southlake, Texas, keyed the Commodores' 24-17 upset of South Carolina last Thursday night. He had 15 tackles, including a six-yard sack, a two-yard tackle-for-loss and a pass deflection. His performance helped limit South Carolina to just one second-half score as Vandy knocked off a ranked opponent at home for the first time since 1992.

Benoist will be added to the 2008 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be presented to the best defensive player in college football on Dec. 7 by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. Five finalists for the Nagurski Trophy will be announced on Nov. 17.

Each week during the 2008 season the FWAA All-America Committee will select a national defensive player of the week from nominations made by the 11 Division I Bowl Subdivision Conferences and major independents.

Last season, LSU tackle Glenn Dorsey won the coveted Bronko Nagurski Trophy during the 13th season the FWAA has named a national defensive player of the year.

EAST CAROLINA IS TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 24-3 win over 8th-ranked West Virginia, the East Carolina Pirates (2-0) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Sept. 6.

Patrick Pinkney completed 22-of-28 passes for 236 yards and a score and Jonathan Williams had two short touchdown runs as the Pirates won their third straight game vs. a ranked opponent.

East Carolina closed the 2007 season by beating then-No. 22 Boise State in the Hawaii Bowl and opened the 2008 campaign with a 27-22 win over then-No. 17 Virginia Tech last week.

Entering Saturday's game, East Carolina had lost seven straight to West Virginia and had won just twice in 19 tries in the series.

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Sept. 6 included:

· Middle Tennessee (1-1): Joe Craddock threw for 256 yards and two touchdowns as the Blue Raiders defeated Maryland, 24-14, to register their first-ever win over an ACC team.

· Vanderbilt (2-0): The Commodores upset South Carolina for the second straight season, 24-17, marking their first home win over a ranked team since 1992.

South Carolina Names Smelley As Starter

All Access Football has learned that Chris Smelley will start at quarterback for South Carolina against Vanderbilt on Thursday night.

Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said he made the decision after starter Tommy Beecher couldn't practice Monday because he couldn't lift his non-throwing shoulder. He said Smelley probably deserves to start even if Beecher was not injured.

Beecher threw four interceptions in his first career start last week against North Carolina State. The junior came out before the fourth quarter because he was hurt.
Smelley then completed all five of his passes and led the Gamecocks on three scoring drives. Stephen Garcia will probably be Smelley's backup unless Beecher's shoulder improves.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

CFI: THE SEC REPORT

BY RAFAEL GARCIA
SEC INSIDER

FULLY ARMED
* AT&Tebow does it again. He was more than just Superman as he passed for a career high 304 yards going 22-of-32 with one interception and two touchdowns. He shows that he has the whole package when healthy. He reads the field well and can hit receivers on the numbers. What makes it so hard for defenses is this guy is too big to just go down. He continues to make his case for the Heisman.

* Vanderbilt’s Mackenzi Adams continues to blossom in coach Bobby Johnson’s offense. He is managing the game better each week and that showed as he went 20-of-31 for a career high 193 yards and two touchdowns. Granted there is room for improvement as he made mistakes.

ROAD RUNNERS
* AT&Tebow again folks. He not only has a great passing day, but tops it off with 26 carries for 120 yards and five rushing touchdowns. You can see that this guy is for real as he goes head first into defenders with no fear. He knows that he is counted on to throw as well as run and he does both. No Percy Harvin was no problem for Tebow. Now all he needs is some help from other teams in the East to make it to Atlanta.

* Tennessee duo of Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty. The knew they had to control the ball and keep out of the hands of Arkansas’ two-headed monster of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. They combined for 33 carries and 148 yards and a Foster touchdown.

* Arkansas’ McFadden worked hard to get 117 yards on 22 carries. He was shut down to the tune of 25 yards in the first half but still managed to get over one hundred after his running mate Felix Jones was injured. Even though the bulk of those yards came after the game was about decided he still showed how good he can be.

BIG HITS
* UT had a defensive gem against Arkansas. Vols defensive coordinator John Chavis said his plan was what he called “probably the smallest package we’ve ever taken into a game since I’ve been here”. He told his players to buy into to the plan and they would come out winners. Then the defense went out and executed it to near perfection. The Hogs’ running game was shut down and they could never get into a rhythm. Give the defense an A on this day.

* The men in Georgia came out wearing black uniforms further showing that coach Mark Richt is not your laid back coach these days. He is trying to find every way to motivate his team as they find themselves at number nine in the BCS. They are fighting for an SEC East title as well as a BCS bowl berth. So when Auburn took a 20-17 lead in the third quarter the defense took over. They did not allow another score.

* The Mississippi State defense was just superb. They kept Alabama QB John Parker Wilson off balance all day as he finished a dismal 16-of-34 for 121 yards and two interceptions. Most importantly they held the ‘Bama offense out of the end zone. Anthony Johnson returned an interception 100 yards for a score on a bad pass by Wilson to close out the first half. The great effort made Mississippi State bowl eligible for the first time since 2000.

AIN’T THAT SPECIAL
* Alabama kicker Leigh Tiffin accounted for all of his team’s points in the loss to Mississippi State. He had field goals of 39, 51, 29, and 50 yards.

* UT’s is finding a return man in Denis Rogan, as he had a kickoff return for 78 yards as well as four punt returns for 32 yards. Kicker Daniel Lincoln continues his good season with two more filed goals and punter Britton Colquitt had five punts for 201 yards.

* Mississippi State special teams got 144 return yards in their win over Alabama.

INTO THE MINDS
* At Vanderbilt a win would make the ‘Dores bowl eligible for the first time in a quarter century. Mistakes cost them big in this one. They had eight penalties for 65 yards as well as two missed field goals and a missed point after. Then there was the sack late in the game followed by a spike instead of what most thought would be a timeout called. Finally it ended with an Adams pass that sailed over his receiver’s head on the final play. This was very discouraging for Coach Johnson as his team won the statistical battle but not the war. They out-gained the Wildcats, had more first downs, and controlled the time of possession.

* Down in Georgia Coach Richt is getting his team ready for the stretch run. They still need help in the East as Tennessee holds the tiebreaker but are also fighting for a BCS bowl berth. Richt has abandoned the laid back approach and is now using all kinds of tactics to fire up his team. First it was the celebration in the end zone against Florida and then they come out in black jerseys against Auburn. Let’s see what he comes up with next as his Dawgs try to bite and claw their way up the rankings.

* Tennessee controls their own destiny but they cannot afford to slip up. Coach Phillip Fulmer has installed an “us against the world” attitude and will need every bit of it if the Vols hope to play in Atlanta for the SEC title.

PHOTO CREDIT: SEC SPORTS MEDIA

CFI: THE SEC REPORT

BY RAFAEL GARCIA
SEC INSIDER

FULLY ARMED

1. John Parker Wilson - 32-46 363 yards (career high) and three touchdowns: The Vols made him look like an NFL QB.
2. Mackenzi Adams - 8-16 123 yards: Not much, but he managed the game well for his first start.
3. Tim Tebow - 18-26 256 yards and four touchdowns: I think he is so big we ought to start calling him AT& Tebow.
4. Andre Woodson - 35-50 415 yards and five touchdowns: This guy is the real thing in case y'all didn't notice.

ROAD RUNNERS

1. Arkansas' two-headed monster of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones combine for 32 carries for 211 yards. Too bad that's all they have.
2. Tim Tebow 20 carries for 78 yards: Seems like he is this section every week.
3. Alabama Terry Grant 26-104: Helped his quarterback keeps the Volunteers off balance all day.

CATCH HAPPY

1. D.J Hall had 13 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns: It seemed like he had about twice that many yards as he caught anything and everything thrown his way.
2. LSU'S Early Doucet had 10 grabs for 182 yards: He showed how important he is the Tiger offense now that he is back.
3. Kentucky duo of Steve Johnson and Dicky Lyons each caught eight passes with Johnson getting 128 yards and Lyons getting 124 more.

BIG HITS

1. How bout them Commodores: The way they manhandled South Carolina and had seven sacks by seven players. They also had two interceptions both by D.J Moore. When they had every reason not to show up…they just outplayed Steve Spurrier’s highly touted defense by holding them to just 26 yards rushing on 22 carries on offense.
2. Heads up to the Bama defense: They may have allowed Tennessee to move the ball several times in the second half but they held them scoreless too.

AIN’T THAT SPECIAL

1. LSU kicker Colt David continues to come up big: He had three more field goals, but more importantly, started another LSU comeback with his sure foot

INTO THE MINDS

1. After a losing to Vanderbilt, Coach Spurrier said that the loss to Vandy should not be a surprise. I take it that he is giving them too much credit or not giving enough credit to his team. Before and during the season he kept preaching how his team was ready to compete for the East. Well make up your mind coach because I am sure you did not have the ‘Dores in mind when you said that. It is also the wrong message to send to his team if he wants to keep their confidence up the rest of the way. They have to go to Knoxville next week and Arkansas and they have not fared well there recently. On top of that, those games are followed by a visit from Florida. He better get that famous motivation speech ready, if he does not, what started as a promising season can sink fast.

2. What does it take to get Tennessee back to its winning ways? Definitely not the brand of football they are playing. When you are running the ball well you don't punt on fourth and one when you need points. You do not run a fourth stringer on third and two when you have guys in front of him getting the job done. At one point in the first half, the Vols had almost three times as many passes as they did runs. Didn't offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe say not too long ago that he would run more? Yet, he continues to pass. In the third quarter they were driving down when they faced third and eight and Erik Ainge made a huge pass for the first down. Next play is a run right? Not these days. Cutcliffe calls pass and the ball was picked off. That ended any hopes for the Vols. The Alabama players would later say they noticed the Vols had given up. Look folks this may be acceptable in other conferences but not in the SEC boys. Here is where the big boys play and if Phillip Fulmer and his staff don't put some fight into their troops the heat will come hard and fast. Rocky Top just ain’t taking it anymore and the call for his head is getting louder with each loss.

3. Last but not least let’s hear it for Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson. For so long the Vandy fans have suffered. They have been as patient as Chicago Cub fans. After losing in the closing seconds last week, Johnson put his teams’ character to the test. They could fold it up for the season or show themselves and the football world that winning ways at Vandy are here to stay. Johnson had it all when Jay Cutler took over and offered a glimmer of hope for a sorry program. Then they lose Cutler to the draft and instead of packing it in…the coach told his team that this was a new day. The Vanderbilt Commodores would no longer be the doormat of the SEC East. He worked tirelessly with his coaches and players so that they would believe in themselves. The results are clear. No longer can a team come to Nashville and just expect a win. He has taught his kids the art of winning and it's getting contagious. Four wins in the book with two more for a bowl game. Chances look good for Vandy and the future is now brighter thanks in part to a heck of a game day coach. So now the fans wait for what may be the best stretch run this school has ever seen and possibly that elusive bowl bid...................Hip Hip Hooray.

Vanderbilt's Moore is Nagurski National Player of the Week

DALLAS (FWAA) - Vanderbilt cornerback D.J. Moore has been named the FWAA/Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week for games of Oct. 20.

Moore, a 5-10, 175-pound sophomore from Spartanburg, S.C., had two interceptions and added a team high eight tackles (five unassisted) in Vanderbilt's 17-6 upset of sixth-ranked South Carolina. One of Moore's interceptions was in the end zone and thwarted a Gamecock scoring drive.

Vanderbilt's stunning victory at South Carolina was over its highest ranked opponent in 70 years, since beating sixth-ranked LSU in 1937.

Moore will be added to the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be presented to the best defensive player in college football on Dec. 3 by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C.

Each week during the 2007 season the FWAA All- America Committee will select a national defensive player of the week from nominations made by the 11 Division I Bowl Subdivision Conferences and major independents.

Vanderbilt is Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week

DALLAS (FWAA) - With their 17-6 win at South Carolina, the Vanderbilt Commodores (4-3) are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of the Week for games of the weekend of Oct. 20.

Mackenzi Adams threw two touchdown passes and D.J. Moore intercepted two passes for a Vandy defense that held South Carolina to 195 total yards.

The win marked Vanderbilt's first win over a team ranked as high as No. 6 since a 7-6 win over LSU in 1937.

I'm proud of the effort of our team." Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson said. "They played extremely hard and tried to execute the game plan while they were out there. We didn't always do it, but the majority of the time we played extremely well. I thought we played extremely aggressive on defense."

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Oct. 20 included:

· Kansas (7-0): The Jayhawks moved to 7-0 for just the second time since 1968 with a 19-14 win at Colorado, their first win in Boulder since 1995.

· Rutgers (5-2): Ray Rice ran for 181 yards and the Scarlet Knights handed South Florida its first loss of the season, 30-27.

· Temple (3-5): The Owls won their third straight game for the first time since 1990 with a 24- 17 triumph over Miami (Ohio).

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the third season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Select members of the FWAA board of directors decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2007 college football season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Bowl National Team of the Week through Nov. 26.

SEC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

OFFENSIVE
MATT FLYNN Quarterback LSU 6-3 • 228 • Senior Tyler, Texas (Robert E. Lee HS)
• Flynn completed 22 of 34 passes for 319 yards with three touchdowns (all career-highs) and also rushed for 34 yards on 10 carries in LSU’s 30-24 win against Auburn.
• Flynn’s 22-yard TD pass to Demetrius Byrd with one second left lifted the Tigers to the victory.
• Trailing 17-7 at halftime, LSU scored on five of its six second-half possessions. • Auburn came into the contest with the SEC’s second ranked total and scoring defense.

DEFENSIVE
D.J. MOORE Cornerback VANDERBILT 5-10 • 180 • Sophomore Spartanburg, S.C. (Broome HS) • Moore was credited with eight total tackles, two interceptions and a pass deflection in Vanderbilt’s 17-6 win at #6 South Carolina.
• His first interception led to Vanderbilt’s first points of the game and his final pick halted the Gamecocks’ deepest threat in Vanderbilt territory early in the second half.
• Moore’s performance was key to a Commodore defensive effort that held an SEC opponent out of the end zone for the first time in 15 seasons. The defense limited South Carolina to 26 net rushing yards and just one conversion in 12 third-down attempts.
• Moore leads the SEC with five interceptions this year.

SPECIAL TEAMS
BRETT UPSON Punter VANDERBILT 5-11 • 190 • Sophomore Griffin, Ga. (Spalding HS)
• Upson averaged 40.1 yards on eight punts and had six of them inside the 20-yard line in Vanderbilt’s 17-6 win at #6 South Carolina.
• South Carolina’s average starting field position in the game was its own 22-yard line. The Gamecocks started four of its possessions inside its own 10-yard line.
• Upson averages 38.4 yards per punt this season and leads the SEC in percentage of punts inside the 20-yard line (15 of 35, 42.9 percent).
• Vanderbilt leads the SEC in average starting field position difference (VU - 40 yd. line/ OPP - 29 yd. line).

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
JONATHAN LUIGS Center ARKANSAS 6-4 • 315 • Junior Little Rock, Ark. (Pulaski Academy) • Luigs graded out at a team-high 90 percent on 62 snaps in Arkansas’ 44-8 win over Ole Miss.
• Against the Rebels, Luigs graded out at 88 percent in run-blocking and 94 percent in pass blocking.
• He also had two knockdown blocks against Ole Miss.
• Luigs helped Arkansas rack up 437 yards of total offense, including 293 rushing yards.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM Defensive End FLORIDA 6-3 • 229 • Sophomore Stone Mountain, Ga. (Stephenson HS)
• Cunningham had a career-high 2.5 sacks (-17 yards) and seven total tackles in Florida’s 45-37 win at Kentucky.
• His previous career highs were a 17 tackles performance against LSU.
• Cunningham leads all Florida defensive linemen with 36 total tackles and two pass deflections. He is second on the team with seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

FRESHMAN
KAREEM JACKSON Cornerback ALABAMA 5-11 • 185 Macon, Ga. (Westside HS/Fork Union)
• Jackson was credited with six total tackles (five solos), two interceptions and a tackle for loss in Alabama’s 41-17 win against Tennessee.
• First interception came in thie quarter at the Alabama 10-yard line with the Tide leading, 24-17, and was returned 29 yards.
• His second interception came in the fourth quarter at the Alabama 27-yard line.

Source: SEC SPORTS

Vanderbilt's upset not surprising to players, coach

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The euphoria of Saturday's 17-6 victory at South Carolina was still evident Sunday at Vanderbilt.

The previously sixth-ranked Gamecocks were the highest-rated team the Commodores have defeated since upsetting No. 6 LSU 70 years ago.

Saturday's victory had Vanderbilt coaches, players and media-relations personnel scouring the record books in search of historical perspective.

``When I saw 1937, I was like, 'Wow,''' wide receiver George Smith said. ``It's one of those strides you make for the program, and I'm just glad I was able to be part of it.''

Vanderbilt has never defeated a team ranked higher than No. 6, and Saturday's win was its first ever on the road against a top 10 opponent. Prior to Saturday, the Commodores' last win over a top 10 team was over No. 8 Auburn in the 1955 Gator Bowl.

Vanderbilt's last regular season win over a top 10 opponent came against No. 8 Florida in 1974.

``You really don't come across opportunities like that,'' Smith said. ``To beat a highly ranked team, it's definitely enjoyable.''

Saturday's win marked Vanderbilt's fourth on the road in its past 10 Southeastern Conference games, a run unequaled by the Commodores since 1949-51.

``There's definitely a sense of accomplishment, but I don't think anyone is really surprised,'' safety Ryan Hamilton said. ``We all went into the game expecting to win. We know we're good enough to beat anybody we play.''

Vanderbilt's defense, ranked No. 19 nationally this week, limited South Carolina to 280 yards of total offense and held a Southeastern Conference opponent without a touchdown for the first time since 1992.

The Gamecocks converted only one of 12 third-down opportunities, largely due to Vanderbilt's blitzing defense, which tied a single-game school record with seven sacks.

Vanderbilt is currently allowing an average of 310 yards per game, on pace to be the school's lowest mark in 10 years.

Coach Bobby Johnson said their aggressive defense was the difference after the Commodores built an early 17-0 lead.

``It kept South Carolina sort of off balance, and we never let them get into a rhythm,'' he said. ``In the second half, they tried to come back, and I think our guys stepped up and said, 'We're going to have something to say about it.'''

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports

THE SEC REPORT

BY RAFAEL GARCIA
SEC INSIDER

Oh…how the mighty know how to fall.

In the East, it’s Kentucky leading the pack. Yeah you heard me Kentucky. In the West it’s LSU as it should be. This all came about when Florida lost to Auburn 20-17, on a last second field goal, shaking up the SEC and the BCS picture. You would figure that Florida would have used last year’s lost to this team as motivation. Instead, Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville had his team outplay, out hustle and outmuscle the Gators. Now they must hope this will work out as it did last year when they responded to the loss by winning the BCS Title.

In the meantime, Nick Saban and Alabama went to play Florida St. with Bobby Bowden and his Seminoles winning 21-14 as Alabama managed just 78 total yards in the first half without a score.

In Kentucky, where QB Andre Woodson was the feature attraction, the senior signal caller had a great game and he is making a serious case for Heisman consideration. All he did was throw for 301 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in a 45-17 rout. The Wildcats are eighth in the AP poll.

The Arkansas Razorbacks had 446 yards rushing with three players topping the century mark in a 66-7 rout of North Texas. Other winners were Vanderbilt over Eastern Michigan (30-7), South Carolina over Mississippi State (38-21), Georgia 45 - Mississippi 17 and the new top ranked team in the AP LSU’s 34-9 win over Tulane.

Fasten your seat belts because this ride in the SEC is about to get hairy.

Let’s look at this past week’s top performers:

Quarterbacks:
1. Kentucky’s Andre Woodson goes 26-33-1 and 5 touchdowns (career high).
2. South Carolina freshman Chris Smelley has a career day with 279 yards passing.

Running Backs:
1. All of the Razorbacks that ran the ball (446 yards rushing).
2. Georgia’s Thomas Brown had 180 of the Bulldogs 328 rushing yards along with three touchdowns.
3. Kentucky’s Rafael Little’s 112 yards to help Woodson.

Wide Receivers:
1. Vandy’s Earl Bennett had nine catches for 93 yards and moves to within three of the team record for receptions.
2. Ole Miss wideout Mike Wallace only caught three passes for 62 yards but got his fifth touchdown grab of the season.
3. Kentucky’s duo of Dicky Lyons and Keenan Burton combined for 14 catches for 176 yards and three touchdowns

Kickers:
1. Auburn’s Wes Bynum had the game-winner with no time left to beat Florida from 43 yards out.
2. LSU’s Colt David hits one at the end of the first half and then one in the third quarter to ensure the Tigers win.

Defense:
1. Vandy secondary has five picks by five different players.
2. S.C. holds Mississippi St. QB Josh Riddell to 9-21 for 101 yards and then ends his season with a torn ligament.

Low Ends:
1. Florida possibly looking ahead to LSU and falling to Auburn.
2. LSU’s vaunted running game manages only 134 yards against Tulane.
3. Alabama’s inability to run the ball vs. Florida State