SEC Grill Toppers

Biggest cocktail party of the year... oh, and other games...

2010-10-28T21:11:00.000-04:00

October 30th... gameday predictions....

Arkansas vs Vandy @ Arkansas... winner, AKANSAS for sure! I have become a huge hogs fan over the last two seasons and they are growing on me for a bowl bid.

Auburn vs Ole Miss @ Ole Miss... winner Auburn. I have been pleasently suprised at Aburn's ability to keep pushing through to wins. I can see an Iron bowl II for the SEC West coming up soon....

Florida vs Georgia @ Florida... winner, who cares?! It's the largest cocktail party of college football! The absolute best college football experience is this event every year. I am thinking that Georgia may be able to upset these Gator fans in their won backyard this year, of course I am going to bring up Tim Tebow angst again... it's all the UF announcers talk about. Until Florida can let go of Tebow, look, I made a rhyme, they just aren't going to cut it in the SEC.

Kentucky vs Miss State @ Miss State... winner, Miss State. Kentucky has been playing pretty decent this year but I have to let Miss State take the cake on this one. Please leave the cow bells at home though, it is quite annoying.

LSU off weekend

South Carolina vs Tennessee @ SCU... winner, SCU. Hate to say it but the Vols just aren't going to cut the rug, squeeze the mustard or anything else that could happen this year. I will say however; HUGE kudos to SCU for that last huge win!!!

Gameday Predictions October 16th

2010-10-14T20:34:00.000-04:00

Alabama at home vs Ole Miss.. Winner:Bama.... Ramma Jamma Yello Hammer Give em' hell Alabama!!!! Sorry Rebs... you guys just aren't doing it for me thisyear.

Arkansas at Auburn ... winner: Sooo Wee!!!! Get em Hawgs! Sorry War eagle fans but I think Arkansas may have a chance to be the SEC West Champs...

Florida Vs Miss State at Florida.. winner: Gators... Chomp Chomp Chomp...

Georgia vs Vandy.. who cares at this point...

Kentucky vs South Carolina at UK... Winner: South Carolina... Period. Don't argue, you will not win this one.

LSU vs McNeese State at LSU... Winner: TIGERS!! Roar...

October 9th gameday predictions

2010-10-04T12:59:00.000-04:00

Alabama vs South Carolina at SC.... winner: Alabama... I predict they win the SEC Tourny as well... and possibly another National Title.

Arkansas vs Texas A&M at Texas... winner: Arkansas. Show them what they are missing in the SEC Hawgs... I know you can beat them!!!! Plus, I'm just not a fan of any other conferene... truly... SEC all the way.

Auburn vs Kentucky at Kentucky...winner: UK... Go BLUE!!!! Auburn, you are obviously in a re-building year... or something...

Florida vs LSU at Florida... winner: LSU. Get em Tigers... Tigers like Gator meat... right???? I know I do :-)

Georgia vs Tennessee at UGA. Winner: Georgia... damn, really? I think Dooley has something to prove here... he has to win.. like, NEEDS A WIN.
But, I'm still picking Georgia.

Ole Miss off week

Miss State vs Houston at Houston.... winner: Miss State. You can do it guys... if not, just beat their fans to a pulp with your cow bells... hey, it could happen.

vandy... I'm just going to keep ignoring them till they contribute to the SEC teams... can't we get Tech in here to take theor place??? I have a hundred good reasons why... hey... maybe another blog JUST for that!

October 3 gameday predictions

2010-09-26T15:54:00.001-04:00

Alabama v Florida at Alabama... winner: Bama. Again. Florida... you have lost your mojo... a.k.a. Tebow... look,they rhyme.

Arkansas (off week)

Auburn v Louisiana-Monroe at Auburn... winner:Auburn.. I just love their colors.. so pretty...

Georgia v Colorado at Colorado... winner:Georgia... yeah, I'm still on your side. It doesn't seem like it these last 4 weeks... of course calling every loss and catching flack for it (priceless).

Kentucky v Ole Miss at Ole Miss ... winner: Kentucky. Ole Miss, you are seriously become the worsst team in the SEC for me. WORST. After your performance in the bowl game on 2009 and then to see your 2010 season crumble.. my fall football hopes were crushed.

LSU v Tennessee at LSu... winner: LSU. It's warm there right now and cold here... weather and location have always caught the Vols off guard and just becasue the coach changes doesn't mean the odds will... sorry. But I will still be wearing my orange shirt!

South Carolina (off week)

Vandy... again... are they STILL here?! Can't we trade them for Virginia or Georgia Tech?! PPPPLLLLEEEEAASSSSEEE!!!!

Sept 26 football gameday predictions

2010-09-19T08:56:00.000-04:00

Alabama v Arkansas at Arknasas ... winner: Bama. Arkansas is doing really well this year but Bama just can't be beat... Thumpin' good football!

Auburn v South Carolina at Auburn.... winner: toughy! I'm going to pick Auburn... I like their school colors better...

Florida v Kentucky... winner: Florida... Kentucky makes some serious mistakes on the field and even without Tebow, Florida still picks up those mistakes quick and takes advantage.

Georgia v Miss State ... Winner: Miss State. Georgia just can't seem to get it together this year... if they were playing Ole Miss... who knows.

LSU v West Virginia... Winner: LSU... have to go with the SEC school on this one... plus I am NOT EVER going to acknowledge that WVU has a good sports program no matter what you do to me!

Tennessee v UAB... Winner: Tennessee... come on guys... win this!!

A little footnote for all of you that scoffed at my predictions last week... uh huh... yeah, you know who you are... at least I got a couple of them correct! baw haw haw :-)

September 18th gameday Predictions

2010-09-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

Alabama at Duke... winner: Alabama... seriously... did Alabama even get a good opponant this year?

Arkansas at Georgia.... winner: Arkansas... this is tough b/c Georgia is trying really hard... but I'm going for the Hawgs...

Auburn V Clemson at Auburn... winner: Clemson... I hate to go against a SEC team, but I think that Clemson may pull this off... If I'm wrong I will shout Warrrrr Eeeeeaaaggggllleee on my youtube page and wear an Auburn hat.

Florida at Tennessee... winner: Tennessee... ONLY b/c of the way they played against Oregon... Damn Dooley is a good coach.

Kentucky v Akron at Kentucky... Winner: Kentucky... where do these teams come from?!

LSU v Miss State at LSU... winner: oh god... this is a tough choice... uuummm.... MISS STATE... I hope I don't eat my words... I don't look good in yellow.

Ole Miss at Vandy.. winner: Vandy... gross, I had to say that. Thanks Ole Miss for screwing up my whole weekend and having to admit Vandy could actually win something.

South Carolina v Furman at South Carolina ...winner: Gamecocks baby!!!

Spet 11th gameday predictions!

2010-09-08T17:32:00.000-04:00

Alabama v Penn State at Alabama winner: BAMA... duh.

Arkansas v Louisana-Monroe at Arkansas winner: Razorbacks

Auburn v Miss State at Miss State winner: oooohhhh... toughie... Miss State... don't hold it against me...

FLorida v South Florida at Florida winner: Florida... but if the Gators play like they did last week, Tennessee has a chance to beat them next week.. just sayin'.

Georgia v South Carolina at South Carolina winner: Gamecocks. Georgia is doing well but so are the Gamecocks.. they proved past week in their Thursday night opener they had some heart!

Kentucky v Western Kentucky at Kentucky winner: UK baby! Go BLUE!!

LSU v Vanderbilt at Vandy winner: LSU. I don't even consider Vandy a team.

Ole Miss v Tulane at Tulane winner: God after my bad decision to back Ole Miss for last weeksn win... just kidding.. Ole Miss won't lose two in a row...

Tennessee v Oregon at Tennessee winner: Oregon. Yeah, I said it. Still love some Dooley though.

SEC Grill Toppers Tips video

2010-09-03T11:48:00.000-04:00

SEC Grill Toppers Tips

WVLT Volunteer TV and SECGrillToppers.com

2010-09-03T08:08:00.000-04:00

SEC Grill Toppers and Channel 8 WVLT Volunteer TV had a show this morning on Tennessee Tailgate Tips and showed a few of the products secgrilltoppers.com has for sale on the website!

SEC Football weekend opening predictions

2010-08-26T13:16:00.000-04:00

September 4th is as follows:

Alabama v San Hose state Winner: ALABAMA
(Alabama, really? this is who you decide to embarrass right out of the gate? Give these guys to someone else)

Arkansas v Tennessee Tech Winner: ARKANSAS
(Razorbacks are stepping up their game this season and I wouldn't be shocked if they make a bowl game this year)

Auburn v Arkansas St Winner: AUBURN
(This is a give me. Warrrrrrr EEEEAAAGGGLLLEEE!!!)

Florida v Miami (oh) Winner: FLORIDA
(Gators, get it together. Injured players, bad publicity, missing Tebow is just too much drama. Show the SEC you can do this!)

Georgia UGA v ouisiana-Lafayette Winner:TBD
(UGA, I keep rooting for you. I really do, but if you don't start winning your team needs to rethink it's conference.)

Kentucky v Louisville Winner: KENTUCKY
(Biggest in state rivalry other than AU and UA. Wish I could see this one. UK is showing real promise for the SEC against any team. Thanks for geat basketball and now football too!)

LUS v North Carolina Winner: LSU
(Hello! Togers... we will eat you alive.)

Ole Miss v Jackson State Winner: OLE MISS
(if you can kick the KKK off campus and get your mascot sorted out, your defense is oretty damn good.)

Miss State v Memphis Winner: MISS STATE
(Memphis, you pissed them off big time when you refused to allow their uniform selection. Miss State was my pick for conferece last year, and they will stomp you a new one this game. Be scared.)

South Carolina v Southern Miss Winner: GAMECOCKS
(only b/c I like saying Gamecocks)

Tennessee v Tennessee Martin Winner:VOLS
(Tennessee finally has a respectable coach. Injured players or not the fans are coming out in droves for this game. The support is there team, now go win at least one game this season!!!)

Vanderbilt... who cares...

See you on twitter @SECGrillToppers and facebook.com/secgrilltoppers

PRE season ALL-SEC Teams

2010-07-23T09:29:00.004-04:00

QB Ryan Mallet (118)
Arkansas
6-6 238
Jr. Texarkana, Ark.
RB Mark Ingram (165)
Alabama
5-10 215
Jr. Flint, Mich.
RB Trent Richardson (69)
Alabama
5-11 220
So. Pensacola, Fla.
WR A.J. Green (142)
Georgia
6-4 205
Jr. Summerville, S.C.
WR Julio Jones (123)
Alabama
6-4 220
Jr. Foley, Ala.
TE D.J. Williams (105)
Arkansas
6-2 251
Sr. Little Rock, Ark.
OL Lee Ziemba (114)
Auburn
6-8 391
Sr. Rogers, Ark.
OL Barrett Jones (103)
Alabama
6-4 301
So. Memphis, Tenn.
OL Clint Boling (85)
Georgia
6-5 310
Sr. Alpharetta, Ga.
OL James Carpenter (77)
Alabama
6-6 300
Sr. Augusta, Ga.
C Mike Pouncey (109)
Florida
6-4 310
Sr. Lakeland, Fla.
Defense
Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
DL Marcell Dareus (126)
Alabama
6-4 306
Jr. Birmingham, Ala.
DL Jerrell Powe (77)
Ole Miss
6-2 320
Sr. Waynesboro, Miss.
DL Cliff Matthews (46)
South Carolina
6-4 260
Sr. Cheraw, S.C.
LB Dont'a Hightower (158)
Alabama
6-4 258
So. Lewisburg, Tenn.
LB Kelvin Sheppard (84)
LSU
6-3 239
Sr. Stone Mountain, Ga.
LB Josh Bynes (72)
Auburn
6-2 235
Sr. Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.
LB Brandon Hicks (65)
Florida
6-2 228
Sr. Jacksonville, Fla.
DB Mark Barron (127)
Alabama
6-2 210
Jr. Mobile, Ala.
DB Patrick Peterson (116)
LSU
6-1 211
Jr. Pompano Beach, Fla.
DB Ahmad Black (67)
Florida
5-9 189
Sr. Lakeland, Fla.
DB Stephon Gilmore (61)
South Carolina
6-1 188
So. Rock Hill, S.C.
Special Teams
Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
PK Blair Walsh (72)
Georgia
5-10 191
Jr. Boca Raton, Fla.
P Drew Butler (104)
Georgia
6-2 207
Jr. Duluth, Ga.
RS Derrick Locke (45)
Kentucky
5-9 190
Sr. Hugo, Okla.
AP Randall Cobb (123)
Kentucky
5-11 186
Jr. Alcoa, Tenn.
SECOND-TEAM
Offense
Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
QB Greg McElroy (44)
Alabama
6-3 225
Sr. Southland, Texas
RB Derrick Locke (40)
Kentucky
5-9 190
Sr. Hugo, Okla.
RB Mario Fannin (22)
Auburn
5-11 228
Sr. Hampton, Ga.
WR Darvin Adams (19)
Auburn
6-3 185
Jr. Kennesaw, Ga.
WR Randall Cobb (14)
Kentucky
5-11 186
Jr. Alcoa, Tenn.
TE Luke Stocker (26)
Tennessee
6-6 253
Sr. Berea, Ky.
OL Carl Johnson (53)
Florida
6-6 360
Sr. Durham, N.C.
OL Marcus Gilbert (48)
Florida
6-5 322
Sr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
OL Derek Sherrod (47)
Mississippi State
6-6 305
Sr. Columbus, Miss.
OL DeMarcus Love (27)
Arkansas
6-5 315
Sr. Lancaster, Texas
C William Vlachos (27)
Alabama
6-1 289
Jr. Mountain Brook, Ala.
Defense
Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
DL Pernell McPhee (34)
Mississippi State
6-4 285
Sr. Pahokee, Fla.
DL Justin Trattou (31)
Florida
6-3 252
Sr. Ramsey, N.J.
DL Kentrell Lockett (29)
Ole Miss
6-5 260
Sr. Hahnville, La.
LB Chris Marve (62)
Vanderbilt
6-0 232
Jr. Memphis, Tenn.
LB Nick Reveiz (32)
Tennessee
5-10 224
Sr. Farragut, Tenn.
LB Courtney Upshaw (31)
Alabama
6-2 263
Jr. Eufala, Ala.
LB Justin Houston (30)
Georgia
6-3 260
Jr. Statesboro, Ga.
DB Janoris Jenkins (56)
Florida
5-11 186
Jr. Pahokee, Fla.
DB Will Hill (41)
Florida
6-1 204
Jr. West Orange, N.J.
DB Brandon Boykin (39)
Georgia
5-10 183
Jr. Fayetteville, Ga.
DB Zac Etheridge (33)
Auburn
6-0 213
Sr. Troy, Ala.
Special Teams
Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Class Hometown
PK Wes Byrum (65)
Auburn
6-2 216
Sr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
P Chas Henry (34)
Florida
6-3 222
Jr. Dallas, Ga.
RS *Julio Jones (42)
Alabama
6-4 220
Jr. Foley, Ala.
RS *Warren Norman (42)
Vanderbilt
5-10 192
So. Stone Mountain, Ga.
AP Chris Rainey (35)
Florida
5-9 176
Jr. Lakeland, Fla.

Vandy needs a coach

2010-07-15T13:08:00.001-04:00

Vandy, the unloved college of teh SEC has no head coach this week.
What does that leave the SEC in it's responsibility to this college?
I stated earlier this year I would prefer to trade Vandy to the ACC in exchange for Virginia Tech or hell even Georgia Tech for that matter so this is just one more reason to revisit that idea.

Phillip Fulmer still needs a job, Vandy. That would win you some brownie points with the press and cause a bit of controversy and potentially gain you some finaices which you kind of owe the rest of the schools in the SEC b/c they carry you.... aside from that...

Anyone want to weigh in on who you would choose and why?!

Alabama worried about Auburn 2010?

2010-07-15T13:05:00.000-04:00

Alabama University paid Georgia State an extra $35,000 to move their scheduled game to a Thursday. Georgia State will now be receiving $435,000. Alabama is stating they need the extra couple of days to focus on the 2010 Iron Bowl against Auburn.

Is Auburn really a threat to Alabama this comong year? Is anyone?!

Dinner with Dooley

2010-06-16T10:17:00.003-04:00

I recently had a dinner with Head Coach Derick Dooley...
I have to say that this time I really liked what he had to say. The first time I had met him he had just moved to Knoxville and was adjusting and i felt he wasn't truly ready to become the next UTK Head Coach. I want to say I was wrong about this man. He looks like he has list a good 10 pounds due to spring training and has gotton somewhat of that Tennessee tan going on. He just looked more like Tennessee. His walk was confident and his demeanor was much more relaxed. He didn't speak like a lawyer, he spoke like a head coach. Win or lose these next few seasons, Tennessee has a dedicated coach on their hands and I think he will offer the football program much more than ever expected.... in time.

A look into Florida 2010 football

2010-05-04T12:53:00.000-04:00

Bet you miss Tim Tebow now huh?!
The new guy Brantly is a good QB but he is no Tebow. He will pass the ball much more and take less personal risk for the team. He is just not the go getter that Tim was and it will be hard pressed to find another kid like that for any team in the SEC.
I thought it was impossible for the Gators to get any faster but their game is up a notch. Will it be UF and UA again for the SEC Championship? I doubt it, but one can never tell.
Seeing that 2 VERY key defensive players were drafted into the NFL will Florida be able to defend against Alabama again this year? For that matter MSU as I like to call Miss State?

Florida has lost an iconic college QB and several D-line player. That Gator chomp may be smaller this year.

A look into Mississippi State 2010 Football

2010-05-04T12:47:00.000-04:00

It is really strange to have 2 teams with the same mascot and when I attend a game I usually type MSU in which case I have Michigan fans texting and commenting all the time... if you haven't noticed northerners my text, blog and website say SEC.... thank you for reading... back to business.

MSU :-) may also have the potential of a 2 QB system this season. If that is the case I am very excited for them but I do not see their Offensive catching up to that style of play.
The MSU defense is top notch this year and I think they proved themselves to be formidable in the 2009 season. I don't mind the maroon either... kind of a nice color.
The MSU widereceiver situation does not make me very happy for this SEC team but being the only SEC team without injuries surely they can find someone to take this spot!!

A look into Ole Miss 2010 Football

2010-05-04T12:40:00.000-04:00

Cotton is injured but lets hope he gets it together soon. This kid has major potential.
Watching the 2009 Defensive line reminded me of the days when they were a serious SEC contender. I was very impressed with their level of play for as many injuries and set backs they incurred and look forward to seeing that red and blue in 2010.
Unfortunately the Offensive Line is not as great as the D-line but they are working on. Will this be any better by the start of the season? They better hope so.

Cotton may need surgery and if that is the case this kids football career is over. Ole Miss has a history of good bone crushing football and I would like to see more of that this season.

A look into LSU 2010 football

2010-05-04T12:36:00.000-04:00

LSU has 2 great QB's to choose from and it may behoove them to rotate if at all possible. The team seems to be warming up to both styles of play and may be able to pull of a 2 QB system.
LSU offers a running Offense and that's tough to beat when you have a large sized offense line to combat with. Sleek and slender may be able to get the job done.
The LSU defense has too many new faces to know what is going to be going on during that line up. I just hope they beef them up a bit with that cajun food.

All-in-all I have to be honest in saying that I have not seen LSU be a winning team in too long. I don't really like to see the purple everywhere but I would grit me teeth for them to start winning for the SEC again.

A look into Auburn 2010 football

2010-05-04T12:33:00.000-04:00

So Auburn steals a HUGE QB from Florida... hmmmm... I cannot determine if this kid will benefit the Tigers yet but I will pass opinion when I know more.
Auburns Offensive line has 4 returning starters and after the 2009 season of lackluster playing they are going to need it.
Auburns list of injuries so far this year could measure the whole football team at Notre Dame! Who knows what their Defense is going to be capable of and again I state last years performance was at best a snooze to watch. I have to say I highly enjoyed their fans though... what a great group of supporters.

A look into Arkansas 2010 football

2010-05-04T12:30:00.000-04:00

The Razorbacks have a returning QB which is really good for team moral but can he lead them to wins?!
The Razorbacks are what I like to call up and comers. They are one step behind UK but are catching up quick. This teams passing ability is OFF THE CHARTS good and if an opposing team doesn't have a good Defense for passing the Razorbacks will rake them under the coals.
I have to compare the kicking capability of Arkansas to Alabama... get someone to get this job done guys... recruit a soccer player if you have to! It's embarrassing.

I think that being newly accepted into the SEC has given the Razorbacks a new outlook on how to play. Highly enjoyed watching their 2009 season and will tune in for 2010.

A look at Alabama 2010 Football

2010-05-04T12:26:00.000-04:00

With a returning QB I tell you what Bama may bring the SEC another Championship and I welcome the money into the SEC schools!
The offensive line has 8 returning starters and after last season I just don't see the Tide turning in any other teams favor.
Unfortunately you cannot be good at everything and without a punter the Crimson Tide is placing that responsibility on a freshman. Could a field Goal determine a game winner? Absolutely so this kid better get to work!

I will say it once if I have said it a hundred times ... no one looks good in Crimson Red but this team sure brings the heat when it comes to football. Bear Bryant has for sure returned with Head Coach Nick Saban and unless the other teams can catch up to his coaching and recruiting style look out SEC...Bama is back.

A look at Tennessee 2010 football season

2010-05-04T12:20:00.000-04:00

New head coach (again) Dooley cannot seem to choose a QB. No one will know more than likely till fall. I say go for the tall guy, at least he can see what is going on with the field.
Senior Chris Walker is leading the D-line this year and without Eric Berry doing all the heavy lifting does anyone really think the Vols can pull out the wins? I cannot say I am overly optimistic about the D-line ability but only time will tell.
The O-Line has NO returning starters leaving the Vols completely helpless in this 2010 season. Bet your butt they will pull out that Orange and White Spirit but will that be enough for a decent winning season?

All I can say about the Tennessee Vols is that while you have brought in 4 years time 3 head coaches the football team is seemingly resilient to the different styles of coaching. Will they be able to pull it off with hard hitting home games this year? We shall see.

A look at South Carolina 2010 Football season

2010-05-04T12:15:00.000-04:00

South Carolina has a returning QB and a freshman backup. Although Spurrier is a great coach can he make this work?
Although SCU has a good defense it seems that the mediocre playing of last season will spill over to 2010. I just do not see this team growing.
The SCU Offensive line has 5 returning starters but I say again practice caution with this team. For the last 3 seasons it doesn't seem like they have been able to put together a string of positive wins.

Would I like to see Spurrier get a winning season before he is either going to retire or be asked to retire? YES! But this team needs some serious work. All the talent is there but it seems the core ingredients of energy and follow through are missing. Step it up Spurrier!

A look at Kentucky Football 2010

2010-05-04T12:11:00.000-04:00

Kentucky has 3 QB's to choose from - good start!
WIth a good ole Tennessee boy as their Wide Receiver, Kentucky has a serious upper hand on the Offensive Line. Looking to Running back Locke, UK has serious O-line potential this year.
With UK losing 4 Defensive players this year no matter how good the Offense is you need a good Defense. With some coaching the players stepping up to fill the 4 all-SEC Players shoes may be able to do pull off a bowl game at the end of the 2010 season.
Will Kentucky be the next SEC rising star in all sports?! Let's keep an eye on them over the next 5 seasons.

UGA Georgia Bulldogs quick look

2010-05-04T12:06:00.000-04:00

Zach Mettenberger was dismissed as the QB leaving Red Shirt freshman Murray to take his place. The positive is that UGA has 5 returning starters and can hopefully make up for lack of experience on the O line for Murray.
The negative is that the new D coach is well; new and with a ton of new starters it may prove difficult for the players to adapt to the new 3-4 idea.
Something to watch for is Houston. The guy had nearly 8 sacks last year and is being moved to outside linebacker. I think he could be the Georgia version of Eric Berry if given the chance.

I would like to see UGA pick up more wins this year for the SEC. It seems that if not careful Georgia will end up much like UTK with a new Head Coach if not careful this year.

South Carolina 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:50:00.001-04:00

Sept. 2 Southern Miss
Sept. 11 Georgia
Sept. 18 Furman
Sept. 25 at Auburn
Oct. 9 Alabama
Oct. 16 at Kentucky
Oct. 23 at Vanderbilt
Oct. 30 Tennessee
Nov. 6 Arkansas
Nov. 13 at Florida
Nov. 20 Troy
Nov. 27 at Clemson

Kentucky 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:49:00.003-04:00

Sept. 4 at Louisville
Sept. 11 Western Kentucky
Sept. 18 Akron
Sept. 25 at Florida
Oct. 2 at Ole Miss
Oct. 9 Auburn
Oct. 16 South Carolina
Oct. 23 Georgia
Oct. 30 at Mississippi St.
Nov. 6 Charleston Southern
Nov. 13 Vanderbilt
Nov. 27 at Tennessee

UGA Georgia 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:49:00.001-04:00

Sept. 4 Louisiana-Lafayette
Sept. 11 at South Carolina
Sept. 18 Arkansas
Sept. 25 at Mississippi St.
Oct. 2 at Colorado
Oct. 9 Tennessee
Oct. 16 Vanderbilt
Oct. 23 at Kentucky
Oct. 30 Florida (Jacksonville)
Nov. 6 Idaho St.
Nov. 13 at Auburn
Nov. 27 Georgia Tech

Florida 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:48:00.007-04:00

Sept. 4 Miami (Ohio)
Sept. 11 South Florida
Sept. 18 at Tennessee
Sept. 25 Kentucky
Oct. 2 at Alabama
Oct. 9 LSU
Oct. 16 Missississippi St.
Oct. 30 Georgia (Jacksonville)
Nov. 6 at Vanderbilt
Nov. 13 South Carolina
Nov. 20 Appalachian St.
Nov. 27 at Florida St.

LSU 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:48:00.005-04:00

Sept. 4 North Carolina (Atlanta)
Sept. 11 at Vanderbilt
Sept. 18 Mississippi St.
Sept. 25 West Virginia
Oct. 2 Tennessee
Oct. 9 at Florida
Oct. 16 McNeese St.
Oct. 23 at Auburn
Nov. 6 Alabama
Nov. 13 Louisiana-Monroe
Nov. 20 Ole Miss
Nov. 27 at Arkansas

Ole Miss 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:48:00.001-04:00

Sept. 4 Jacksonville St.
Sept. 11 at Tulane
Sept. 18 Vanderbilt
Sept. 25 Fresno St.
Oct. 2 Kentucky
Oct. 16 at Alabama
Oct. 23 at Arkansas
Oct. 30 Auburn
Nov. 6 Louisiana-Lafayette
Nov. 13 at Tennessee
Nov. 20 at LSU
Nov. 27 Mississippi St.

Mississippi State University 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:47:00.003-04:00

Sept. 4 Memphis
Sept. 9 Auburn
Sept. 18 at LSU
Sept. 25 Georgia
Oct. 2 Alcorn St.
Oct. 9 at Houston
Oct. 16 at Florida
Oct. 23 UAB
Oct. 30 Kentucky
Nov. 13 at Alabama
Nov. 20 Arkansas
Nov. 27 at Ole Miss

Auburn 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:47:00.001-04:00

Sept. 4 Arkansas St.
Sept. 9 at Mississippi St.
Sept. 18 Clemson
Sept. 25 South Carolina
Oct. 2 Louisiana-Monroe
Oct. 9 at Kentucky
Oct. 16 Arkansas
Oct. 23 LSU
Oct. 30 at Ole Miss
Nov. 6 Chattanooga
Nov. 13 Georgia
Nov. 26 at Alabama

Arkansas 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:46:00.002-04:00

Sept. 4 Tennessee Tech
Sept. 11 Louisiana-Monroe
Sept. 18 at Georgia
Sept. 25 Alabama
Oct. 9 Texas A&M (Dallas)
Oct. 16 at Auburn
Oct. 23 Ole Miss
Oct. 30 Vanderbilt
Nov. 6 at South Carolina
Nov. 13 UTEP
Nov. 20 at Mississippi St.
Nov. 27 LSU

Alabama 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:45:00.003-04:00

Sept. 4 San Jose St.
Sept. 11 Penn St.
Sept. 18 at Duke
Sept. 25 at Arkansas
Oct. 2 Florida
Oct. 9 at South Carolina
Oct. 16 Ole Miss
Oct. 23 at Tennessee
Nov. 6 at LSU
Nov. 13 Mississippi St.
Nov. 20 Georgia St.
Nov. 26 Auburn

Tennessee 2010 Football Schedule

2010-05-01T08:45:00.000-04:00

Sept. 4 UT-Martin
Sept. 11 Oregon
Sept. 18 Florida
Sept. 25 UAB
Oct. 2 at LSU
Oct. 9 at Georgia
Oct. 23 Alabama
Oct. 30 at South Carolina
Nov. 6 at Memphis
Nov. 13 Ole Miss
Nov. 20 at Vanderbilt
Nov. 27 Kentucky

Meeting Derek Dooley

2010-04-21T08:53:00.000-04:00

Thank you Channel 8 WVLT for inviting several donors and business owners to the Derek Dooley meet and greet at Neyland Stadium.
Dooley opened the speach with a small stint about he and his family and loved quickly to talking about the team. Opening the floor for questions many did not feel like asking....
Eventually the crowd warmed up and most questions revolved around the lack of a D line for the team. Dooley answered every question with a positive outlook for the team and reminded the fans attendng that rebuilding a team can take time and if any team can do it he felt confident it was the Tennessee Vols.
However; as quippy and intelligent as Dooley is and while I watched the crowd begin to have hope and stary eyed thoughts of a win for the Vols, I wathced also as many in the room just didn't know what to do and that included me.
I felt very releaved by meeting Dooley myself and I have to say he was much more personable than Lam-o Kiffin but less friendsly to the press. I have to also say that although I feel now some small personal connection with Dooley that not one time in that speach or duringquestioning was there any promise of exuberance, of excitement, of I will get this damn team back up and running in X years and it will be the best ever.....
All-in-all I truly hope that Dooley is the guy to stay at the University of Tennessee. He ssems to really like this area, but fans, don't expect a win right out the gate. This program is in a transition phase and Dooley may or my not be the answer for that. I predict a 3 year build up before this Vols program gets back up.. and that's if the gung ho attitude is forth coming - and soon.
I will still buy my tickets and attend the tailgates and wear my orange; I am still a proud VOL.
Thanks again WVLT for the opportunity to attend and fans, Dooley is a very nice person so get ready to support him... he's going to need it.

SEC's Tennessee falls to Michigan

2010-03-30T13:45:00.001-04:00

Let me start this blog out by saying that UTK coach Bruce Pearl deserved and still deserves SEC coach of the year if not All conference coach of the year. Period. No argument. Pearl should get it.

Tennessee only lost to Michigan State by one point. ONE point!!! I have to say that as unfortunate as it is the VOLS should have all of thier team members practice foul shots till their arms fall of b/c had they all made those free throws UTK would be in the final four. No doubt about that.
Ohio State came out swinging at the beginning of that game and Tennessee for as young as their team is brought it right back. If there was ever a better matched two teams to play Tennessee and Ohio State were the two.

I don't really have a lot to say about this game. other than I was sitting on the couch on pins and needles and as Tennessee lost that one last point a lone tear came down my cheek. I am an avid lover of the SEC conference but an even bigger lover of that Tennessee Orange. Although, the head bands on the basketball court ... not a fan.
All I can say is Tennessee played super hard and although they were the last SEC team standing for the fianl four I could not have been more proud at that moment to be a TEnnessee VOlunteer.
Now... wating for spring football games :-)

SEC's Kentucky loses out on final 4

2010-03-30T13:27:00.000-04:00

Kentucky fell to WVU. HOw did this happen you ask? As I watched the dream of the SEC taking the title in football AND basketball slipping away As WVU pulled away from Kentucky I realized that it was a coaching error. Yeah, I said it; a coaching error.
Kentucky's coach Callipari took his team game by game through tape after tape of WVU offense to prepare them for the game. However; what games were watched? WVU mostly has kept their shootinbg at the 2 point level and played hard inside offense. FOr anyone that doesn't really know what that means it's the space inside the 3 point line and mostly close inside the free throw line or foul line.
WVU however; had a different approach to this game. WHen the WVU team came out shooting 3 after 3 pointer Kentucky had not prepared for this undertaking. The ill prepared Kentucky WIldcat defense just didn't have what it took to shut out the WVU 3 point shots. THey hung in there though, being that they are (in my eyes) the rightful place holder of the final four spot. It was just a bad call not to prepare for a team you had never played before and go only by what the videos showed. WVU had been practicing their 3 pointers while Kentucky had prepared for 2's.
Next year SEC, next year we will win them all!!

Another #SEC win by Ole Miss.

2010-03-24T12:38:00.001-04:00

Oxford, MS (Sports Network) - Murphy Holloway completed a three-point play with three seconds remaining to lift the second-seeded Ole Miss Rebels to a thrilling 90-87 victory over the fifth-seeded Texas Tech Red Raiders in the quarterfinal round of the National Invitation Tournament.

Chris Warren netted 22 points for Ole Miss (24-10), which moves on to Madison Square Garden to face either top-seeded Illinois or third-seeded Dayton in the semifinal round. Holloway and Terrico White both added 17 points, and Holloway ripped down 11 rebounds to go along with five steals.

Mike Singletary poured in 28 points in defeat for Texas Tech (19-16). The Red Raiders received 14 points from Brad Reese, as well as 12 points and 17 boards from D'walyn Roberts.

Ole Miss led 34-29 at intermission despite 38.9 percent shooting from the floor in the first half.

In the second half, Texas Tech nailed four three-pointers and knotted the score at 68-68, forcing overtime.

In the 10 total minutes of overtime sessions, Ole Miss outscored Texas Tech 11-3 from the foul line.

The Rebels, who got 10 points from Zach Graham, committed six fewer turnovers than the Red Raiders in the tilt.

Tennessee v Ohio rundown of scores (NCAA SEC Basketball)

2010-03-22T12:58:00.003-04:00

J.P. Prince scored 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, and Tennessee took down Ohio, 83-68, in the second round of the Midwest Region.

Scotty Hopson had 17 points, while Wayne Chism finished with nine points and 12 rebounds for the sixth-seeded Volunteers (27-8), who will face either Georgia Tech or Ohio State next week in the Sweet 16.

Tommy Freeman drained six threes en route to a game-best 23 points for the 14th-seeded Bobcats (22-15), who shocked Georgetown on Thursday. DeVaughn Washington logged 16 points and eight boards and D.J. Cooper also contributed 16 points with six boards and five assists in defeat.

Kentucky vs Wake Forrest (thanks to score moble!)

2010-03-22T12:58:00.001-04:00

New Orleans, LA (Sports Network) - Darius Miller led a balanced scoring attack with a career-high 20 points and nine rebounds, and top-seeded Kentucky walloped Wake Forest, 90-60, to move on to its first Sweet 16 since 2005.

Miller, who scored 16 in the first half, went 7-of-9 from the field for the Wildcats (34-2), who avoided the upset bug on a day full of them by shooting a robust 60.3 percent from the field. Kentucky will next take on either Wisconsin or Cornell in the East Regional Semifinals after winning an NCAA Tournament game for the 100th time in its storied history.

DeMarcus Cousins added 19 points and eight rebounds for Kentucky, which became the de facto top seed remaining in the tournament after top-ranked Kansas was shocked by ninth-seeded Northern Iowa, 69-67, earlier on Saturday. A total of three lower-seeded teams won on Saturday, but UK made sure it wouldn't suffer the same fate it did when it earned its last top seed; the Wildcats were a top seed in 2004 but lost to UAB in the second round.

John Wall added 14 points and seven assists in the convincing victory, while Eric Bledsoe, coming off a record performance in which he converted eight three-pointers, contributed with 13.

Al-Farouq Aminu battled foul trouble from the start and finished with 16 points to lead ninth-seeded Wake Forest (20-11), which had earned a comeback 81-80 victory over Texas in the first round. C.J. Harris had 11 points in the defeat, as the Demon Deacons were limited to 32.8 percent from the field.

Wake Forest looked solid early on, grabbing a 10-5 lead, but Aminu was whistled for two fouls in the first four minutes, prompting a 7-0 UK run that put the Wildcats in front on a Miller three.

Aminu returned shortly and helped the Demon Deacons keep it close, and a Harris three had Wake Forest even, 19-19, eight minutes into the game.

Just seconds after the shot, though, Aminu was whistled for his third foul, forcing him out for the remainder of the half. A 17-5 Kentucky burst ensued, taking all the momentum from the Deacons.

Wall had six points during the run and finished it with a layup for a 36-24 lead with 4 1/2 minutes to go. The Wildcats then scored the final eight points of the half to take a commanding 44-28 cushion into halftime.

Kentucky picked up right where it left off in the second half, scoring on each of its first seven possessions. The Wildcats outscored Wake Forest, 16-5, during the spurt, which ended with a 60-33 advantage on a Daniel Orton layup four minutes in.

The outcome was never in doubt down the stretch.

Alabama Alumni Association

2010-02-19T18:55:00.000-05:00

I attended the monthly meeting of the Alabama Alumni Association held on the University of Tennessee Campus (yes strange) and learned so much about Alabama Football History that I think I could become an expert! Ok, maybe not an expert but pretty darn close!

One author of "Twelve and Counting" as well as the Director of the Bear Bryant Museum in Alabama Ken Gaddy, was the guest speaker at the dinner. (I snagged a signed copy of the book!)

I learned all about how the Bryant-Denny Stadium came to be what it is today and what it will be in the fall of 2010. A day, slated for April 17th, is also the unveilling of the Nick Saban Statue... yeah... he gets a statue...

After dinner and the learning, the fans gathered for one final roll-tide chant and we were off until next month. If anyone is a graduate of the Univeristy of Alabama or is an Alabama Fan living in the east Tennesse area, contact the East Tennessee Chapter of the Association aptly listed on the association website!

Kentucky no longer #1

2010-01-31T10:23:00.000-05:00

Well SEC fans... how do I approach this one? Kentucky Wildcats basketball has always been a force to be reckoned with but the Gamecocks took them out of the #1 National spot. Both are SEC teams and I can tell you from the tweets that South Carolina was overjoyed to take them down. But how does this affect the SEC? Question of the week I have been asked...

It doesn't is my answer.
So what the Gamecocks got fined $25,000 for their fans running onto the court - I would pay that if my team beat a #1 seated team. It was worth it no doubt, if I had been there I would have run out in pure shock no doubt.
Kentucky will still continue to win basketball games and I fully plan on seeing them in the final four. Don't get discouraged SEC fans! A win is a win for the SEC and that televised game brought in millions in future advertising and fans buying merchandise into the SEC colleges pockets. Which makes it good for everyone in the SEC!

I applaude the Gamecocks for that win, it was hard and those kids played their hearts out.
Kentucky, keep up the wins. the SEC would love to see another National Title this year.

College Signing Day

2010-01-20T14:20:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I know you have all been missing my up to date and crazy antics on college football but I just didn't know how to say the things that are going on and how to approach some situations.... So here goes....

National College Football Signing day is held on the first Wed. of Feb. for those of you out there that didn't already know. This is the general day it is held and of course can change but rarely ever does...

Amist all of the hulla-baloo (i like that word) we have come to this...

UGA head coach Mark Richt scrambling to keep his job, whose schools previous AD Vince Dooley's son is now working for Tennessee b/c their head coach (Lame Kiffin) decided to up and leave in the middle of the night. So will if Richt can't get his coaching together this 2010 season we may have Dooley I pulling for Dooley II to also leave Tennessee and come coach UGA.... that's two down.

Kentucky's head coach, Brooks, retired and gave way for the assistant coach, Phillips, to step up. Also, as of right now, UK is undefeated in basketball and is looking to make recruiting hard for any other team in the naiton... do I smell championship SEC?
Three down...

South Carolina, Steve Spurrier... what can we say? Lackluster performance all around the 2009 season with no shinig star recruits is going to make it hard to the SEC to adapt to the Gamecocks in any way. Understanding though that Spurrier has every bit of the experience and can we say expertise (two completely different things) to turn this team around but he's aging and has so far been unable to motivate his team...
four down...

LSU, where ya been?! Havent' seen anything come out of the tiger den since around, oh wait I can't remember when the last time the Tigers got a trophy... as far as recruits and coaches though, LSU is stepping it up so we may some good competition coming out the there soon enough...
five down...

MSU... how did these guys NOT get a bowl game this year? Other than the super annoying cow bells I think that MSU is one team to watch for the next five seasons. New to the SEC these bulldogs have proven they can bite...
six down...

Ole Miss... get the KKK off your school property and you may have some good recruits staying! This Rebels team is by far one rough team to play. Watching their 2009 bowl game I could hear the crumple of helmets and concussions in the making... you don't want to mess with these kids!
seven down...

Auburn, always a good team to watch. Recruiting wise 2010 seems to be looking up for them and their performance at the Iron Bowl 2009 really pushed that out there...
Eight....

Arkansas, the long lost far the west SEC team... hoping you get a chance to go hog wild... if you can show the SEC that you can recruit and deserve a bowl game, more power to you.. I look forward to watching you...
nine...

Alabama.. NICK SABAN is the man! This guy is Urban Meyer and Bear Bryant rolled into one person. The Tide will have NO problem getting or keeping recruits and if the other SEC teams don't start stepping up thier programs it looks like Bama will roll right over every team in the country for many many seasons to come. Signing day will be awesome to watch for this team.
ten...

Florida... Meyer, quits, stays, heart attack, not an attack, stressed, not stressed, who knows. This guy sure knows how to recruit a good, solid defense... If he can pull off not getting sick for one more month, we may have a solid UF team even without the drama of the rest of the SEC... keep your announcers out of the child porn stores though...
and that makes MY SEC...

So all-in-all it's been a battle of being seen, heard, and staying out of trouble for the teams of the SEC. Only one day will really let us all know what is in the near future but keep an eye on these recruits...

Alabama Alumni Meeting Knoxville Chapter

2010-01-15T14:05:00.000-05:00

I met with the Knoxville Chapter of the Alabama Alumni Association this afternoon and was pleasently suprised with their presence in the Knoxville area.
They welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to listen in on their shared stories of attending the National Championship game and a few of them even brought suvenoirs to share with the group.
The Knoxville Chapters Scholarship Committee was reporting hundreds of applicants to the University of Alabama and the Knoxville Chapter is one of the largest donating chapters around.
Claire Shepherd of the Hospitality Committee, whose husband used to play for the University Football Team was happy to report that all members attended the meeting that had signed up to attened. I dont think I have ever met someone with such a southern belle accent but I couldn't stop wanting her to speak!
The meeting ended on door prize giveaways, thoughts for the day jokes and something called Happy Dollars. This is where every member gives $1 to the association for a happy thought. One member gave $13 for the 13 National Championships and one couple gave $40 for the 40 years they had spent together. It is a fantastic idea and plan on incorporating it into family gatherings and such in my own life.
If you are an Alabama graduate inthe Knoxville area, please contact Lanny Payne of the Knoxville Chapter .

I will leave you with a joke that Travis Parker of the Thoughts for the Day:
The University of Tennessee released today that they would not hire anymore coaches with blode wives. Layna Kiffin was not happy at Tennessee and had not been since she arrived in Knoxville.
Layna stated several times that everywhere she went people were talking about Lane and about how the fans didn't want them to be here.
Said that everyday she went home after shopping and told Lane that everywhere they went there were signs painted all over the road that said ...... Fire-Lane... lol... best Blonde Joke of the Century thanks to the Knoxville Chapter of the Alabama Alumni Association!
More information on this chapter will be found in the fan information section of my website http://www.secgrilltoppers.com

Hati donations from SEC Grill Toppers

2010-01-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

For every $100 that is spent in Merchandise sales on my website SECGrillToppers I will donate 10% out of my personal funds to Hati refugee funds.

thanks everyone for being supportive!

Phillip Fulmer comments on University of Tennessee

2010-01-14T11:34:00.000-05:00

Over the last 24 hours I have been contacted by friends, great fans and media members, and I feel it is important to comment, as a man who loves the University of Tennessee deeply and shares this love with millions of great Volunteer fans and friends.

Recent events have been painful and an embarrassment to all of us who care about UT. I love the University; I am loyal to my alma mater and am ready to help as the University makes one of the most important decisions in the history of our football program. However, to prevent any misunderstanding, I am not seeking to be a candidate for the head coaching position.

I am looking forward to embracing the next coach and have some strong beliefs about the kind of man he should be. He must embrace Tennessee’s culture and traditions, be mature and of good character, and demonstrate integrity and leadership to our young men who desperately want to be shown the way. He must deserve, earn and keep the trust of our young men -- both present and future.

Tennessee football has been successful for so many years because it has been rooted in values and traditions. We can’t take those values for granted – if we do not guard them carefully, we will lose them.”

Thank you Phillip Fulmer for being a great Volunteer. Even after the way to Universtiy treated you - this man is a TRUE Tennessee Volunteer.

Letter from Mike Hamilton (sent to seaon ticket holders and doners)

2010-01-14T11:14:00.000-05:00

Dear Vol Fans,

As you've heard Coach Kiffin resigned last night as our head football coach. While this does come at an inopportune time, remember that we are still Tennessee. Tennessee Football has been around for more than 113 seasons. We've been winning games for a long time and will continue to win games for a long time to come. It's a special place, rich in football tradition. The University of Tennessee is among the top 10 winningest programs in college football, has six National Championships, 13 SEC Championships and has tremendous student-athletes that have and are representing us well.

We have already begun a search for the new head football coach of the Tennessee Volunteers and we'll complete this process as quickly as possible to put the right person in place to lead our great football program forward in the months and years ahead.

Kippy Brown, who has been a critical piece of our success in years past, will serve as interim head coach until this process is completed. Please be patient and know that we are giving our all for Tennessee and there is a bright future ahead of us.

Go Vols!

Mike Hamilton

Men's Athletics Director

University of Tennessee

Mike Hamilton AD of Tennessee speaks about Lane Kiffin (paraphrasing)

2010-01-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

Hamilton talking about moments of opportunity.
He is highly disappointed with the students and student athletes having coaches leave the team.
Says while it may hurt here in the short term, that we will be able to look back on this and gain valuable life lessons from this happening.
Vols will press on toward the goal to win in Tennessee.
The coach search process has started according to Hamilton, however he didnt give us any idea of who those people may be.
Trying to bring closure to the fans to the athletes and to the employees.
Said he had previously discussed with Lane Kiffin about taking the USC job and that Kiffin had shown interest in the job. So Hamilton knew??? really??? are you serious!!!!
Signing day questions being asked:
we don't have any NCAA investigations in football. Only reviews. there is a huge difference.
In this case, we are worried about the next few days and getting these kids in classes and started in school.
(very good answer Hamilton... you didn't asnwer anything!)
What did you advise the athletes to do?
I advised them to go to class.
Kiffins recruiting class... what about that?
significant number of commitments and we are trying to hire a HC asap so these commitments can stay here and want to stay here.
How would you describe Lane Kiffins time here:
Brief... hahahaha
How does Hamilton feel personally?
disappointed for the fans and for the students more than himself.
from the outside look in - Tennessee keeping traditions - Kiffin didn't....
Hamilton says Kiffin maintained traditions of UTK but says he just added his own spin on them. Talking of the changes throughout the years of Tennessee all the way from Coach Dickie adding the checkerboard...
Hamiltons pressure of second coaching look in two years....
knew what he was getting in to when he took the job and feels that the SEC is truly the best football program in the country and will NOT keep interim coach. HE WILL hire a new HC.
Is UTK going to make sure that the coach they hire will stay here?
Wants whomever thenew coach is to want to be here, to want to stay and to want to be part of the best of Tennessee.
Will Phillip Fulmer be considered?
NO. (that was it. No comment other than NO)
How do you feel?
If you don't want to be here I don't want you here... that's a gerat statement Hamilton... great! \
Hamilton saying that he hopes that we will hire someone before recruiting capabilities end.
Did you make a mistake hiring lane kiffin?
no. I think he did a great job as far as being a home field coach and good for recruting.
What's the reaction to the students?
I was not here. they had every right to be displeased. If I had been here I may have been out there with them.
Lane was very brash while here... can you give any insight to this?
qualities of a HC need to be confident in his ability to be a coach no matter what.
Hamilton knew that Kiffin was leaving and is thankful that HE was not blindsided.... interesting.

Now the spotlight is on Kippy Brown...

Lane Kiffin leaves Tennessee

2010-01-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

Jeppers creepers Vols get your s*&^ together!!!! Since when did the Tennessee Vols become the black sheep of the SEC?! Why can't Tennessee keep coaches?

Problem #1) Tennessee fans think that Tennessee is the only school that is in the SEC. Did we expect Lane Kiffin to stay in Knoxville for a job - it was just a job. Not a lifestyle for him. Any job you take will eventually lead you to a promotion or a better career. Keep that in mind.

Problem #2) What goes around comes around and maybe just maybe Tennessee should not have jumped on board so quickly with firing Phillip Fulmer - the most winning coach - motivaiton and rude comments do not make the better coach - just a louder one.

Problem #3) Lane Kiffin is from California. He loves warm weather. Tennessee is not warm all year and is UBER conservitave in thought and requirements. The whole south is - I love it, people from California may not - he wanted to go home whn he go here.

Positive #1) No matter what Vols fans will be supportive of their teams and their players and other fans. They will ralley and keep thier heads high.

Positive #2) Vols fans may hunt Lane Kiffin like wild duck and shoot him. (no, really)

Positive #3) The SEC has lost several coaches this yearfrom different teams. Recruits really don't have a better choice unless Nick Saban wants to adopt every single scholarshipped recruit and pay their way through school.... tennessee and it's recruiting class may be good to go this season.

How it all went down:
\
Kiffin was talking about going to USC weeks ago. He started talking to them this week, they offered, he took it. He called a press conference. Said thanks to the fans for the undying support and left the podium without answering any questions. That was it. end of story. See you later Lane Kiffin.....

Kipper will take over as interim Head Coach until Mike Hamilton can appoint and hire a new one. He will be having a live press conference at 1:00 p.m. omn Wed evening.

I personally am a Vols fan and you all know that I try very hard to run my company with love for all SEC teams and I support every SEC win and hurt with every SEC loss. This however; well, this is something that I will need 24 hours to hink about before putting a serious personal spin on.... so for now, Go VOLS and stay strong.!!!

Tennessee Men's Basketball Team beats #1 Kansas

2010-01-11T10:05:00.000-05:00

I usually do not write or talk about basketball simply b/c I don't sell clothing on my site and most avid basketball fans don't buy during basketball season. However; I think this game deserves a SEC shoutout!

So I am sitting at Flemming Steak House with a buddy of mine and we are trying to talk business and politics, two of which are highly not likely to be spoken at the dinner table elsewhere, when the men's Tennessee men's basketball game took a turn for the best...

So what happens next you ask?
Well..... me being the tweeting queen of the SEC news, we both leave our dinners to attend the small gather of standing room only in the resturant bar to watch the last half of the game. I was on pins and needles and could not believe that the Vols pulled out that win. Needless to say Flemming recooked our food at no charge so they are high on the list of great places to eat in Knoxville, TN for me and I had something SEC related to tweet about that night!

So, what does this win mean for the Vols?
Well, the first think I thought was that Pat Summit had appeared out of no where and started coaching the men's team.. (j/k Bruce you rock) but then I realized there was a lesson for everyone to learn here.
The four players that were arrested for acting like disrespecting idiots probably acted like that on and off the court to not only their fellow students on campus but to their younger and less recognized teammates. Their negativiy was shown via their complete lack of thoughtfulness as to how their actions affected not only their team butthe entire reputation of Tennessee and it's Athletic Department. And Mike has worked hard on that.
So... the lesson here is that patience and hard work will get you where you need to go. Just look at these second string players. They just beat the #1 team in the country without the four startes that made them and te rest of Tennessee athletes look bad. They have worked in practice and been patiently waiting for their time to shine and I can't see a better time than last night - So CONGRATULATIONS to the mens Tennessee Vols basketball team for standing up, being positive, patient and hard working... it is paying off for you!!

BCS Championship end of the game notes - my version

2010-01-07T23:58:00.001-05:00

Saban let someone else take over play calling..could be a factor. Texas however; scored 15 points so far with 5 mintues left in the game. Not that they are really and truely playing any better than they were .... just that Alabama got a liitle SEC cocky and decided to half-ass a couple of plays and look what happens when you do that bama? just look?!
regardless of letting your guard down bama, you are going to pull off this win. Gilbert fumbled the ball with only 3 minutes on the clock---- rookie and left it to Bama to recover and score. Gameover.. but again, to say it, again, Saban, don't make calls like that again. It is dangerous and the SEC needs Bowl wins. Just a quick thouht for anyone that really reads this.... when your foot is on the throat of your opponenant... DO NOT lift it. Saban, you reading this?

Finla Score for the 8th National Title Champions The Alabama Crimson Tide is 37-21 against the texas Longhorns for the Rose Bowl Stadium 2010.

Credit to =Texas ... I would like Gilbert to come and play for Tennessee .... Kiffin.... hello----->RU reading this? go get this kid... Tennessee needs a QB!

BCS Championship halftime report - my version

2010-01-07T22:23:00.000-05:00

So far in the first half of this BCS National Championship game Alabama vs Texas... texas QB McCoy is out with a HUGE shoulder injury. He is replaced with Gilbert, a true freshman. (now you know what you have to look forward to Gilbert, excited yet? ready to tranfer to the SEC?) No one saw this coming....really? you are talking a big12 team against a SEC team and as i have been saying all year... SEC players are THE best in the country. Period. We are bigger, stronger and willing to hurt you. We grew up with a football in our cribs and learned to tackle our hunting dogs while carrying a shotgun at the age of 10.
That being said... Texas is almost as basass as we SEC players... but almost only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades....and Lee Corso... chill out man... chill out.

As it stands Mark Ingram 90 yards and 13 carries 1 TD and this guy can really play. ESPN compared him to Emmit Smith... very good comparrison. Remember he only had a little over 150 against Florida for the whole SEC CVhampionship game so at half time inthe BCS NC game he is almost there.
Credit goes out to Cody and his 356 pound frame. This guy is massive... do not hit him - Texas... really... you have been doing it all first half. Score is now 24 to 6 in the favor of Alabama and I don't see it getting much better from here.

Okay so I am going to ask super nice that ESPN not interview SEC college kids (ah- hem yes, bama talking about you) There are plenty of SEC students and fans that travel all the time, all over the world and we are not all overtaken and speechless over the west coast and the cost of a tweed jacket... do people even wear that anymore? regardless... can we scan the crown next time ESPN? scan scan scan.. where is Dan Reubinstein when you need him!

Bands are now playing their halftime shows and I must say I truely enjoy the Texas band much more than Bama. I love the cowboy hats!!!!

BCS Championship game

2010-01-07T19:13:00.000-05:00

Just to let everyone know I will be tweeting this whole game as well as updating facebook. If you would like to be kept up to date play by play follow us on twitter.com/secgrilltoppers

Arkansas Razorbacks Commitment not signed 2010 recruiting list

2010-01-05T10:39:00.000-05:00

Name/position/height/weight/hometown

Jatashun Beachum ATH 6-2 275 Dallas, TX

Eric Bennett ATH 5-10 176 Tulsa, OK

LaCraig Brown DT 6-4 261 - Monroe, LA

Eduardo Camara K 5-8 155 Cedar Hill, TX

Luke Charpentier OL 6-4 305 River Ridge, LA

Cam Feldt OL 6-5 290 Pilot Point, TX

Courtney Gaston LB 6-3 205 Fort Gibson, OK

Brad Hefley ATH 6-5 255 Joplin, MO

Jeremiah Jackson DT 6-2 265 Hoover, AL

Braylon Mitchell ATH 6-2 208 Heber Springs, AR

Dimitri Orr DE 6-6 230 Oxford, AL

Jordan Rainey OL 6-5 310 Joplin, MO

Chris Smith LB 6-2 230 Mount Ulla, NC

Darrell Smith ATH 6-2 185 Port Saint Joe, FL

Garrett Uekman TE 6-4 235 Little Rock, AR

Marquel Wade WR 5-11 180 Jacksonville, FL

Jacoby Walker QB 6-2 210 Spring, TX

Auburn 2010 Commitment not signed list

2010-01-05T10:31:00.000-05:00

Joel Bonomolo DE 6-3 245 Fullerton, CA

Kenneth Carter DT 6-5 267 Greenville, AL

Ed Christian OL 6-5 280 Valdosta, GA

Steven Clark K 6-5 230 Kansas City, MO

Shon Coleman OL 6-7 285 Olive Branch, MS

Chris Davis ATH 5-11 175 Birmingham, AL

Justin Delaine DE 6-5 225 Linden, AL

Michael Dyer RB 5-8 201 Little Rock, AR

Antonio Goodwin WR 6-2 170 Atlanta, GA

Jake Holland LB 6-1 228 Pelham, AL

D.J. Howard ATH 6-0 195 Lincoln, AL

Shaun Kitchens ATH 6-3 211 College Park, GA

Demetruce McNeal DB 6-0 176 College Park, GA

Jonathan Mincy DB 5-10 175 Decatur, GA

Dakota Mosley TE 6-4 252 Little Rock, AR

LaDarius Owens LB 6-2 225 Bessemer, AL

Cody Parkey K 6-2 195 Jupiter, FL

Trovon Reed WR 6-0 173 Thibodaux, LA

Jeremy Richardson WR 6-4 220 Springville, AL

Chad Slade OL 6-6 316 Moody, AL

Jawara White LB 6-2 220 Troy, AL

Ryan White ATH 6-0 185 Tallahassee, FL

Auburn 2010 Signed letter of intent recruits

2010-01-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

SIGNED LETTER OF INTENT

Jessel Curry LB 6-2 215 Buford, GA

Roszell Gayden OL 6-7 310 Visalia, CA

Brandon Mosley TE 6-6 285 Coffeyville, KS

Cameron Newton QB 6-6 247 Brenham, TX

Craig Sanders DE 6-4 230 Ariton, AL

Alabama Crimson Tide Commited recruits list 2010

2010-01-04T14:45:00.000-05:00

Name Pos Ht/Wt Rank

Keenan Allen DB 6-3/195 1

Deion Belue DB 6-0/175 82

Devonta Bolton LB 6-4/230 NR

Ronald Carswell WR 6-0/180 71

Cade Foster K 6-1/215 11

Jalston Fowler RB 6-0/240 2

John Fulton DB 6-1/180 4

Corey Grant RB 5-10/186 5

Alfy Hill DE 6-4/222 8

Adrian Hubbard DE 6-7/227 24

Harrison Jones TE 6-4/230 20

Brandon Lewis DT 6-3/275 NR

Chad Lindsay OL 6-3/307 41

Wilson Love DE 6-4/235 42

Keiwone Malone WR 6-1/165 30

DeMarcus Milliner DB 6-2/180 2

Nick Perry DB 6-2/195 24

Austin Shepherd OL 6-4/316 18

Blake Sims ATH 6-0/180 28

Phillip Sims QB 6-2/209 2

Brian Vogler TE 6-7/248 9

DeAndrew White WR 6-0/170 11

Jarrick Williams DB 6-2/205 5

Jay Williams K 6-4/220 24

Arkansas vs eastern Carolina pirates

2010-01-01T23:48:00.001-05:00

The East Carolina Pirates will take part in their second consecutive Liberty Bowl when they take on the Arkansas Razorbacks for the first-time ever on the football field this Saturday evening at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis.

The Razorbacks have a long history of participating in bowl games, but unfortunately winning those matchups have been tough for this school. This will be the 37th bowl game for Arkansas, but the team is just 11-22-3 in the postseason, and has lost 12 of its last 14 bowl games, including a 38-7 setback to Missouri in the 2008 Cotton Bowl. This year the Razorbacks opened the season with a 48-10 win over Missouri State, but after that victory the team dropped four of its next six contests. However, after a 30-17 loss to Ole Miss, the Razorbacks rebounded with four consecutive wins, including a 42-21 victory over Mississippi State. Unfortunately the team could not close out its regular season on a high note, as Arkansas fell to LSU, 33-30 in overtime.

As for the Pirates, they could not find their stride out of the gate in 2009, splitting their first six games down the middle. However, after a 28-21 loss to SMU, the Pirates really took off, winning six of their last seven contest, including a thrilling, 38-32 decision over Houston in the Conference-USA title game. East Carolina's bowl history is not as dated as Arkansas', but the Pirates have postseason experience, with a 5-5 mark in their previous 10 bowl games. However, the team has lost three of its last four and that includes a 25-19 setback to Kentucky in last season's Liberty Bowl.

The Razorbacks might not have been one of the top teams in the SEC, but they definitely possessed one of the most dangerous offensive units in the entire nation, as the team produced 37.3 ppg. The ground game is churning out 136 yards per matchup, but the team does not have a main source of production out of the backfield. Michael Smith led the way on the year with 396 yards, while Broderick Green added 392 yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.2 yards per carry. What really made this offense go was the passing attack, which was led by one of the top quarterbacks in the country, Ryan Mallett. Mallett completed 57.2 percent of his throws this season for 3,422 yards, with 29 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. Mallett was outstanding with spreading the ball around this season and used every outlet at his disposal. Greg Childs proved to be extremely valuable, as the wide out hauled in 45 receptions for 862 yards and seven touchdowns. Jarius Wright collected 37 passes for 591 yards and four scores, while Joe Adams also caught seven touchdowns.

The reason why the Razorbacks were unable to keep up with the top teams in their conference was because the defense was simply not good enough. The defense allowed 25.8 ppg throughout the regular season and was unable to stop opponents on the ground or through the air. Arkansas was gashed for 150.1 rushing ypg, and even worse was their performance against the pass, as teams torched this unit for 251.8 ypg and also tossed 21 touchdowns against Arkansas. The defense however, was one of the top teams in the country in forcing turnovers, racking up 34 takeaways on the year. Pressuring the quarterback was also another solid area for this team, with 26 sacks. The Razorbacks also stepped up their effort when it mattered most defensively, as the team held opponents to just 36 percent on third downs and allowed just 17 touchdowns in 39 red zone chances for the opposition. Jerry Franklin led the way for Arkansas on the season with 84 tackles, while Adrian Davis and Jake Bequette both collected 5.5 sacks apiece.

Power T run through at the ChickFilA Bowl

2010-01-01T16:16:00.000-05:00

Kickoff at the ChickFilA Bowl

2010-01-01T16:13:00.000-05:00

Auburn Tigers vs Northwestern Outback Bowl Notes

2009-12-31T08:34:00.001-05:00

On New Year's Day, the Northwestern Wildcats and Auburn Tigers will collide in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, a game that annually pits the SEC against the Big Ten Conference.

Northwestern earned its spot in this game by winning eight contests during the regular season, including three in a row to close out the schedule. During that late win streak, the Wildcats were able to knock off a pair of nationally-ranked foes, Iowa and Wisconsin. The 'Cats are making their eighth all-time bowl appearance, and their seventh in the last 15 years. They are led by head coach Pat Fitzgerald, one of the best young leaders in all of college football.

"We're extremely proud of our football program, which for the second straight year, finished the season by playing its best football," says Fitzgerald. "Our number one goal this season was to win a bowl game. Now the opportunity is in front of us and it is time to consistently prepare every day to achieve that goal."

As for Auburn, it is led by first-year head coach Gene Chizik, a controversial hire who had little success in his previous role as the leader of the Iowa State football program. Chizik's Tigers opened this season with five consecutive victories to silence critics, but losses in five of the final seven games have caused doubters to resurface. Auburn nearly knocked off SEC champ Alabama in the regular-season finale, but a late touchdown drive by the Tide resulted in a five-point defeat. This will be Auburn's 35th bowl appearance and 12th in the last 15 years. The Tigers have a 19-13-2 record all-time in bowl games.

"We are very excited about the opportunity to play in the Outback Bowl against an outstanding Northwestern team," Chizik said upon learning of the matchup. "This is a tremendous reward for our football players as well as our fans that have been so supportive of our program this season."

This game marks the first ever meeting between the Tigers and Wildcats on the gridiron.

Northwestern is scoring 25.2 ppg this season while allowing 386.0 total ypg. The team is averaging a mere 3.1 yards per rushing attempt, a major area of weakness thus far. The fact that Arby Fields leads the Wildcats with 294 rushing yards tells the story of a team without a featured back. There are four players who have run for at least 226 yards, and quarterback Mike Kafka is one of those. He leads the team with seven rushing scores.

As a passer, Kafka has connected on 65.7 percent of his throws for 2,898 yards and 12 touchdowns against seven interceptions. His top target on the outside in regard to number of catches is Zeke Markshausen, who has 79 grabs. Andrew Brewer leads the team with 792 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 49 catches, as he is much more explosive than Markshausen.

Opponents are scoring 23.3 ppg against Northwestern, which is allowing 344.2 total ypg. Coach Fitzgerald was a star linebacker for the Wildcats during his playing days, and he has preached the importance of defense since taking over the program. The team is yielding a mere 3.7 yards per rushing attempt, but there have been some big plays made through the air against the 'Cats. With 27 sacks and 26 takeaways, there have been some big plays made by the team.

Brad Phillips leads Northwestern with 84 total tackles, and he has forced four fumbles. Quentin Davie has posted 81 stops, including nine TFLs, and he has also forced four fumbles. Sherrick McManis is worth watching as well, as he has intercepted four passes. Senior safety and captain Brendan Smith will try to play this game despite a thumb injury that figures to at least limit him.

"It would make my five years at Northwestern a huge success," says Smith. "I'd be very proud to be a captain who led this team to something this program hasn't done in a long time."

While Auburn has been inconsistent this season, the offense has been strong in almost every contest. The Tigers are generating 32.9 ppg and 432.2 total ypg on the strength of a balanced attack that yields over 200 ypg both on the ground and through the air. Auburn averages 5.0 yards per rushing attempt and 12.2 yards per pass completion.

Chris Todd has been solid under center, completing 59.9 percent of his passes for 2,377 yards and 21 touchdowns against six interceptions. Darvin Adams has made the most of his 48 catches, racking up 855 yards and 10 touchdowns. As for the ground attack, Ben Tate churned out 1,254 yards and eight scores in 12 regular season games.

Florida vs Cincy Sugar Bowl Notes

2009-12-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

In a game full of storylines, the Florida Gators and Cincinnati Bearcats will collide in the much-anticipated Sugar Bowl on New Year's night.

Cincinnati is making its second straight New Years Day appearance in a Bowl Championship Series game. The Bearcats have won back-to-back Big East Conference titles and wrapped up a perfect regular season with a come-from- behind, 45-44 victory over Pittsburgh in the finale. The team is currently ranked fourth in the AP poll, matching the highest spot ever achieved by the program.

"To have the chance to represent the University of Cincinnati in a game like the Sugar Bowl that has such great history against an outstanding opponent in Florida is a real honor for our football team," said head coach Brian Kelly after the Pittsburgh win. "We look forward to a great game in New Orleans on Jan. 1."

While Kelly may have been looking forward to this bowl game at the time, he won't be on the sidelines for the Bearcats, as he decided to resign his post at Cincinnati to accept the vacant head coaching position at Notre Dame. Kelly's assistant, Jeff Quinn, was named the interim head coach for this Sugar Bowl, and even though he was recently selected to be the next head coach at Buffalo, Quinn will honor his commitment and lead the Bearcats against the Gators.

"The most important thing right now is our players," Quinn said. "This has been a tremendous season, but we still have another game to finish off. We will handle our preparations for the Sugar Bowl with class and distinction."

The story becomes even more complicated in that Cincinnati has already hired a new permanent head coach in Butch Jones, who led Central Michigan to a pair of Mid-American Conference titles. Jones replaced Brian Kelly at CMU after he left the Chippewas to lead the Bearcats.

As for Florida, it is making a bowl appearance for the 19th consecutive year, the second-longest active streak in the nation. The Sugar Bowl marks the program's sixth appearance in a BCS game, and the team knocked off Oklahoma by a 24-14 final in last season's national title contest. The Gators hoped to defend the championship this season, but a 32-13 loss to Alabama in the SEC title tilt on December 5th crushed that dream. Still, at 12-1, Urban Meyer's Florida squad has plenty to be proud of. The Gators' 22-game win streak, which began in 2008 and was snapped by Alabama, was a school record and the fourth- longest ever by an SEC team. It was the best in the league in the past 15 years.

Adding even more intrigue to this clash is the recent announcement by Meyer that he is going to take an indefinite leave of absence following the Sugar Bowl for health-related reasons. Meyer had originally stepped down from his coaching position, stating his desire to concentrate on his health and focus more on his family. But a day later, changed his mind and will take leave instead.

Clearly, there is unrest with both teams at the moment, which could make for some interesting developments on the Superdome playing surface this Friday.

In the only previous meeting between Florida and Cincinnati on the gridiron, the Gators cruised to a 48-17 victory back in 1984.

Cincinnati leads the nation in passing efficiency (166.19), and ranks sixth in scoring offense (39.8), passing offense (320.3), and total offense (464.3). The team has the good fortune of having two outstanding quarterbacks in Tony Pike and Zach Collaros. Pike, the senior, missed three games due to injury, but he has still thrown for 2,350 yards with 26 touchdowns against six interceptions this year. Collaros, a sophomore, has connected on 75 percent of his attempts for 1,434 yards and 10 touchdowns against a mere two interceptions. As a runner, he has posted 344 yards and four touchdowns.

Pike will get the start under center in this bowl game, and he will benefit from the presence of receivers Mardy Gilyard and Armon Binns as usual. Gilyard has recorded 80 catches for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Binns adds 56 grabs for 859 yards and 10 scores. Gilyard has also scored a touchdown as a runner, one as a punt returner and two as a kick returner. Isaiah Pead leads the UC ground attack with 758 yards and nine touchdowns

Virginia Tech vs Tennessee Chickfila Bowl game notes

2009-12-31T08:25:00.000-05:00

The Virginia Tech Hokies of the ACC and the Tennessee Volunteers of the SEC will collide on New Year's Eve in the 2009 Chick-Fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Virginia Tech is hoping to clinch a 10-win season for the sixth consecutive year, and that would be a tremendous accomplishment to say the least. The team is 9-3 overall this season, including a 5-2 mark against ACC competition. The Hokies are just 8-14 all-time in bowl games, and head coach Frank Beamer is 7-9 in bowl games after winning last years Orange Bowl. Beamer's team closed out the 2009 regular season with four consecutive double-digit victories, so expect a confident group of Hokies entering this bowl matchup.

"We feel fortunate to be going back to the Chick-fil-A Bowl," said Beamer upon learning of the bid. "It is an extremely well-run bowl in which we'll be facing a tradition-rich University of Tennessee football team. I know our fans will be excited and we look forward to traveling to Atlanta for the game."

Speaking of Tennessee, it owns a 25-22 all-time record in bowl games. UT is playing in the Chick-fil-A Bowl for the fifth time in school history and first since back-to-back appearances following the 2002 and 2003 seasons. The Vols are 1-3 in the Atlanta-based bowl, and they enter this game with a 7-5 overall record. Four of the final five games resulted in victory for the Vols, who were able to even their SEC mark at 4-4. First-year head coach Lane Kiffin halted on-campus preparations for this bowl game a day earlier than expected.

"We were really almost to a point of over-working them, with the practices being so long and so physical, that they needed some time off," said Kiffin. "Our injuries were mounting, so it was good timing."

Tennessee owns a 5-2 lead over Virginia Tech in a series that dates back to 1896. The most recent meeting took place in 1994, a 45-23 triumph by the Vols.

Virginia Tech is led by standout freshman tailback Ryan Williams, who has run for a school and ACC freshman record 1,538 yards this season. He needs 110 yards against Tennessee to break the school's single-season rushing record set by Kevin Jones in 2003. Williams has 20 total touchdowns, including 19 rushing scores, and was named First Team All-ACC earlier this month. The rookie has had a play of 40 yards or more in seven games, proof of his big-play ability.

"The things he did from game one to game 12 have been absolutely amazing," says Tech associate head coach Billy Hite of Williams. "I think he became a complete football player."

Overall this season, the Hokies are generating 31.4 ppg on the strength of 388.3 total ypg. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor has become a better passer during the course of his career, and he has connected on 55.8 percent of his throws for 2,102 yards and 13 touchdowns against four interceptions. As a runner, which has also been a strength, Taylor has racked up 344 yards and four scores. Jarrett Boykin paces the club with 36 catches for 715 yards and five touchdowns.

Virginia Tech's defense was the only one in the country to finish in the top 10 each of the last four seasons in total defense. They are limiting opponents to 15.8 ppg and 300.1 total ypg. Opposing quarterbacks have completed fewer than 50 percent of their passes against Tech, which has permitted a mere eight touchdowns through the air. Nine rushing scores have been allowed, and the Hokies are giving up just 3.8 yards per rushing attempt. Keep an eye on Third Team All-American Cody Grimm, who has recorded 99 total tackles and forced seven fumbles.

Tennessee is scoring 30.6 ppg this season while generating 395.4 total ypg. The offense has been explosive at times, and the total of 45 offensive touchdowns registered is certainly impressive. Jonathan Crompton was overshadowed by some other SEC quarterbacks this season, but the Vols' signal caller had a tremendous campaign, passing for 2,565 yards and 26 touchdowns. Gerald Jones has 41 catches for 610 yards to pace the squad, while Denarius Moore has six receiving scores.

Tennessee has a true workhorse back in Montario Hardesty, who was one of the top tailbacks in the SEC this season. He posted 1,306 yards and 12 touchdowns, carrying the ball 264 times.

notes on independence bowl Georgia v Texas AM

2009-12-27T21:35:00.002-05:00

The Texas A&M Aggies of the Big 12 Conference and the Georgia Bulldogs of the SEC will collide in the Independence Bowl, which will be played at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Texas A&M is making its 31st bowl appearance, the most recent of which was a trip to the 2007 Alamo Bowl. The Aggies enter this tilt with a modest 6-6 overall record and closed out the regular season with a 49-39 loss to Texas, a game that was close from start to finish. Texas A&M finished fifth in the Big 12 South Division, as inconsistency can be blamed for the mediocre results. The Aggies are making their third appearance in the Independence Bowl and their first since 2000.

"They've watched the tapes and know that we are playing a quality team, and I've expressed that to them," said Texas A&M head coach Mike Sherman about his team. "I would say they are very, very excited about that."

As for Georgia, it made its only previous appearance in the Independence Bowl back in 1991. The program is making its 45th all-time bowl appearance, sixth most of any team in the nation, and the Bulldogs are 25-16-3 in the previous 44 showings. This season has been a bit of a struggle, as the club's 7-5 overall record and 4-4 SEC mark is undoubtedly disappointing. On a positive note, three of the final four regular season games resulted in victory.

The team decided recently not to retain three defensive assistant coaches, and it will be interesting to see how the Georgia defense responds without those men. Willie Martinez, the defensive coordination, was a member of Richt's original staff in 2001, but his group just didn't get the job done during the 2009 regular season, making the coach expendable.

"Texas A&M is an outstanding football team with a great football tradition," says Georgia head coach Mark Richt about his opponent. "Coach Sherman has their team on the rise and playing extremely well late in the year. It will be a tremendous challenge for us."

Texas A&M holds a 3-1 series lead over Georgia, and the teams haven't met since 1980.

It is somewhat surprising that Texas A&M is 6-6 considering the fact that the team averages 33.9 ppg and 465.3 total ypg. The Aggies have scored 52 offensive touchdowns in 12 games, and the team can move the ball equally as well on the ground and through the air.

Jerrod Johnson is a standout at the quarterback position, as he has 37 total touchdowns to his credit. As a passer, Johnson has thrown for 3,217 yards and 28 scores while completing 60.8 percent of his throws. The fact that he was only intercepted six times in 439 pass attempts during the regular season was tremendously impressive. As a runner, Johnson added eight touchdowns. Christine Michael has rushed for 767 yards and nine touchdowns for A&M, and Ryan Tannehill leads a balanced receiving corps with 44 catches.

"To play in a bowl game, that's your goal," said Johnson when asked about the excitement of playing in this contest. "Last year we didn't get to experience that for the first time in my career. Being back now it's exciting and we're looking forward to it, especially playing a team like Georgia. To be with these guys for two more weeks, it's everything that you want."

Defensively, Texas A&M is allowing 32.7 ppg and 431.3 total ypg. The Aggies have struggled in their efforts to stop the run, as they have permitted 26 scores on the ground through 12 games. As for the pass the defense, it is yielding 262.8 ypg and 12.0 yards per completion. Clearly, A&M does a great job of pressuring opposing quarterbacks, as the club has posted 36 sacks to date. Also worthy of mention is the fact that the Aggies have 21 takeaways to their credit.

Von Miller is one of the best defensive players in the nation. The Texas A&M standout has posted a staggering total of 17 sacks, and he has 21 TFLs to his credit. Trent Hunter leads the Aggies with 87 total tackles, and Jordan Pugh has recorded three interceptions.

Georgia isn't as explosive offensively as Texas A&M, as the Bulldogs are scoring 27.7 ppg to go with 361.8 total ypg. They have posted 36 offensive touchdowns, only 14 of which have come on the ground. Washaun Ealey, a talented freshman, leads a balanced group of runners with 639 yards, while fellow tailback Caleb King has run for five touchdowns and 534 yards.

cotton bowl talk Ole Miss

2009-12-24T20:40:00.002-05:00

he Cotton Bowl, in and of itself is the Norma Desmond of bowl games. It used to be one of the major bowl games that we would see year in and year out. National Championships were decided at this bowl game. And now? It keeps mostly to itself in some sort of a Grey Gardens scenario, but I would not be surprised to find the Texas Bowl lying face down in the Cotton Bowl’s pool.That’s not to say that what we have here won’t be fun. Though Dez Bryant is a long ago memory? Oklahoma State has been able to maintain the offensive balance that Mike Gundy has been priding himself on. Keith Toston and Zac Robinson have combined to bring forth a strong running game. And while the Giggidy’s defense is strong? The Giggidy can be run upon, as the Egg Bowl has shown.Oklahoma State’s has strong running game stats (6th against the run), but being 92nd against the pass makes you wonder how much of that is based on the fact that it’s a whole lot easier to get moving versus the pass. I know Jevan Snead has had something of a lost season. But it’s as Punch-Out says. Redemption is only three games away. It just might start here.I kinow it seems like some sort of a cliche to say, but the difference for this game? Turnovers. Ole Miss has had some real struggles taking care of the ball this year. Okie State wasn’t great either, but at least their margin was positive. And in a game where both teams offensive strength coincide with their opponents defensive weakness? We’re going to see points scored. Who keeps two hands on the bean and looks off their main receiver? They’ll get the win

Kentucky wildcats v Clemson bowl game

2009-12-24T12:52:00.002-05:00

GAME NOTES: The Kentucky Wildcats of the SEC and the Clemson Tigers of the ACC are set to do battle in the Music City Bowl from Nashville, Tennessee.

Kentucky finished the regular season with a 7-5 record, and all five losses came against SEC opponents. The Wildcats opened the season with a 2-3 mark, but five of their last seven outings resulted in victory. They had a chance to close out the regular season on a four-game win streak, but the finale against Tennessee ended in a 30-24 overtime setback.

Despite that disappointing ending, Rich Brooks did a tremendous job keeping the 'Cats on track despite numerous injuries. The team won at least seven games for the fourth consecutive season, the first time that has been done at Kentucky in nearly a century, since 1909-12. Also, the club set the school record for consecutive non-conference wins with 18, the nation's second- longest active streak.

"I watched Clemson last night and wow!" Brooks said after learning of the opponent for this bowl game. "They are a really good team. They have talent, just like the last time we played them, with great athletes on defense and one of the best running backs in college football."

Speaking of the Tigers, they won the ACC's Atlantic Division with a 6-2 record and are 8-5 overall. Three of the five losses have come by five or fewer points to a team ranked in the current top-10, proof that the club has been competitive all season.

"Winning our first Atlantic Division Championship and having a chance to play for the ACC title, was a significant accomplishment for Coach (Dabo) Swinney and his staff in his first year," said Clemson Athletic Director Terry Don Phillips. "Kentucky has had a terrific season and has been an outstanding program under Coach Rich Brooks. I am sure it will be a great game."

The Wildcats hold an 8-4 series lead over the Tigers, which includes a 28-20 victory in the most recent meeting back in 2006.

Kentucky figures to have quarterback Mike Hartline available for this game. With the exception of a brief appearance in a tilt against Vanderbilt, Hartline has been sidelined since October 10th when he injured his knee against South Carolina.

"There's no soreness right now, there's no swelling," said coach Rich Brooks of his quarterback after Hartline's first practice back.

In the six games that he has played this season, Hartline has completed 59.4 percent of his passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns with seven interceptions. Morgan Newton has played in Hartline's absence, and he has connected on 55.4 percent of his attempts for 608 yards with five scores and two picks.

Regardless of who is under center, expect plenty of passes to go the way of Randall Cobb, the club's must dangerous all-around player. In addition to his 37 catches for 427 yards and four touchdowns, Cobb has rushed for 537 yards and 10 scores, impressive to say the least. As for Derrick Locke, who is third on the roster in catches, he leads the team in rushing with 843 yards and six touchdowns.

Kentucky is generating 27.2 ppg and 336.1 total ypg, decent production for a team that has certainly had some highly productive offensive games.

Defensively, the Wildcats are limiting opponents to 22.8 ppg on 362.9 total ypg. Slowing down Clemson will be difficult without the services of linebacker Sam Maxwell, who will miss this contest because of shoulder surgery. Maxwell had a tremendous senior season, posting 80 tackles to place second on the team.

The Wildcats have allowed 16 rushing scores and 16 passing touchdowns, and there is room for improvement against both means of attack.

Clemson quarterback Kyle Parker has guided the Tigers to eight wins this year as the starter, tied for the most among freshman signal callers nationally. He has set freshman records at the school for touchdown passes, passing yards and completions. His favorite target is Second Team All-ACC wideout Jacoby Ford, who has 53 catches, while First Team All-ACC tight end Michael Palmer has 41 grabs, a Clemson record for a tight end.

Win 2 tickets to Chick-Fil-A Bowl

2009-12-23T13:08:00.002-05:00

Complete any order on SEC Grill Toppers and be entered to win 2 tickets to the Chick-Fil-A bowl. Winner will be noified via email and or phone.

For a $50 gift cirtificate

2009-12-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

1) Follow @secgrilltoppers on twitter

2) Follow SECGrillToppers on Blogger

3) Friend request SECGrillToppers on Facebook and Myspace

4) Visit SECGrillToppers

I will announce the winner via Twitter TODAY!!!!

Update on BCS Championship Tailgate Tickets

2009-12-17T13:55:00.003-05:00

http://grilltoppers.blogspot.com/2009/12/win-2-passes-to-official-alabama.html

You want to be there? You better enter to win these tickets!!

Ticket Price: $125.00
Location: Rose Bowl parking lot (adjacent to Rose Bowl Drive)
Celebrity Appearances:
 Derrick Oden (Crimson Tide great)
 Lamonde Russell (Crimson Tide great)
 Chris Mohr (Crimson Tide great)
 Mark Rypien (Super Bowl MVP)
 Pete Johnson (Ohio State All Century Team & NFL Pro Bowl selection)
 Johnny Rodgers (Nebraska Heisman winner)
 Members of 3 Doors Down
 Hoobastank
 Members of REO Speedwagon
 Bobby Capps (.38 Special)
 Mark Matejka (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
 Tyler Connolly (Theory of a Deadman)
 Many more to come!

(Visit GlobalSportsLive.com for updates)

Game Day Party Includes:
 Celebrity meet and greet
(including many former Alabama players)
 Classic tailgating food prepared by Pete Johnson (celebrity grill master & Ohio State Hall of Famer)
 Live entertainment
 Security Staff
 All you can eat and drink
(including beer, wine, soft drinks, and water)
 Live and silent auction of GREAT sports and music memorabilia
 On site restroom facilities

Game Day Party

at The Rose Bowl

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

1:00 pm (PST) till Kick-Off

2010 Bowl Predictions (SEC teams)

2009-12-15T10:18:00.000-05:00

Gaylord Hotels Music City

Kentucky vs. Clemson
Nashville, Tenn.
LP Field Dec. 27
8:30 p.m. ESPN

Unfortunately as well as UK has played this year I am going to have to give this one to Clemson. Great bowl matchup though.

AdvoCare V100 Independence
Texas A&M vs. Georgia
Shreveport, La.
Independence Stadium Dec. 28
5 p.m. ESPN2

I will be giving this one to Texas A&M. UGA has not faired well in most of their SEC rival matchups and Texas A&M has done well in their conference.

Chick-fil-A

Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
Atlanta
Georgia Dome Dec. 31
7:30 p.m. ESPN

I will be going for Tennessee by 1 or 3. This game will be tough to call. VTech is an amazing ACC team. If I could pick any team to replace Vandy in the SEC it would be VTech.

Outback
Northwestern vs. Auburn
Tampa, Fla.
Raymond James Stadium Jan. 1
11 a.m. ESPN

Auburn all the way here. They play like they did against Alabama and they could rack up some serious points.
Capital One
Penn State vs. LSU
Orlando, Fla.
Florida Citrus Bowl Jan. 1
1 p.m. ABC

Toughie... I want LSU to win but I think they will have to muster some of the strenght in play they had a few years back before we really see this team make it big.

Allstate Sugar

Florida vs. Cincinnati
New Orleans
Louisiana Superdome Jan. 1
8:30 p.m. FOX

Florida. Easy win for Tebow. Cinci may have a fantastic team in their conference but Tebow is just a badass.

South Carolina vs. UConn
Birmingham, Ala.

Legion Field Jan. 2
2 p.m. ESPN

Spurrier gets this win.. hands down.. football yes.. basketball I think the gamecocks may fall...

AT&T Cotton
Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss
Arlington, Texas
Cowboys Stadium Jan. 2
2 p.m. FOX

Ole Miss all the way. They have played hard this year and proven time and again they belong in the SEC!!

AutoZone Liberty
Arkansas vs. East Carolina
Memphis, Tenn.
Liberty Bowl Jan. 2
5:30 p.m. ESPN

Arkansas all the way here. They nearly beat Florida and have a fantastic drive on defensive plays.

Citi BCS
National Championship Game

Texas vs. Alabama
Pasadena, Calif.
Rose Bowl Jan. 7
8 p.m.

only 1 out of 7 teams to recieve the heisman have gone on to win the National Championship game. Not great odds for Bama... will Saban be able to overcome McCoy? I am pulling for Alabama but I think this will be a hard game to bet on.

Win 2 passes to the official Alabama Tailgate in Passadena

2009-12-14T13:36:00.002-05:00

Contest rules:

1) follow @secgrilltoppers on twitter and let them know you have followed them.

2) follow this blog too!!

3) friend request us on facebook and/or Myspace let us know you did so to win the tickets

4) Friend request us on Youtube

5) visit our website and register your email address for the mailing list located below the catagories list

Each entry will give each contestant 1 point. If we find that you retweet or pass along our website we will allot an extra point!!!

We will announce the winner and send tickets out one week before (Jan 2nd) the National Championhip game.

Good luck and thanks for playing!

.38 Special will be the official band for the tailgate. Food and drink are provided. Entertainment and celebrities from the Celebrity Gold Tournament will be in attendance!!!!

P.S. you must tag SECGrillToppers in all your photos if you get to go!

What do you get for playing in a bowl game?

2009-12-09T13:51:00.001-05:00

Published December 07, 2009 : Page 32

Bowl Electronics Watch/Ring Apparel/Sunglasses Luggage Other

New Mexico

Dec. 19, 4:30 p.m., Albuquerque, N.M., ESPN Sony gift suite Oakley beanie, Oakley Antix sunglasses Ogio wheeled garment bag, Oakley Surf Pack backpack

St. Petersburg

Dec. 19, 8 p.m., St. Petersburg, Fla., ESPN iLuv iPod/DVD player Oakley Holeshot 3-Hand watch Oakley Eyepatch sunglasses Oakley Surf Pack backpack

R&L Carriers New Orleans

Dec. 20, 8:15 p.m., New Orleans, ESPN Pure Digital Flip mini-camcorder Balfour ring Oakley Antix sunglasses Oakley Panel Packbackpack

MAACO Las Vegas

Dec. 22, 8 p.m., Las Vegas, ESPN Sony gift suite Fossil watch New Era cap Ogio Fugitive laptop pack

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia

Dec. 23, 8 p.m., San Diego, ESPN Flo TV television, 1-year of service; Best Buy gift card Tourneau watch Sports Tek hooded sweatshirt, cap

Sheraton Hawaii

Dec. 24, 8 p.m., Honolulu, ESPN Kahala Aloha shirt

Little Caesars Pizza

Dec. 26, 1 p.m., Detroit, ESPN Sony gift suite Timely Watch Co. watch Football

Meineke Car

Care Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m., Charlotte, ESPN Choice of Bose gift packages or iPod touch, speakers and $20 gift card Fossil watch Ogio duffle bag Commemorative Richard Petty Driving Experience photo

Emerald

Dec. 26, 8 p.m., San Francisco, ESPN Fossil watch

Gaylord Hotels Music City

Dec. 27, 8:30 p.m., Nashville, ESPN RCA HD camcorder Fossil watch Majestic fleece pullover,New Era hat Ogio Metro laptop pack

AdvoCare V100 Independence

Dec. 28, 5 p.m., Shreveport, La., ESPN2 Sony gift suite Timely Watch Co. watch New Era hat Football

EagleBank

Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m., Washington, D.C., ESPN Slingbox SOLO with Slinglink Turbo 1 Port, Powermat charging station Visions Marketing Hat Football, Kanata tailgate blanket

Champs Sports

Dec. 29, 8 p.m., Orlando, ESPN Party at Best Buy($420 limit) Timely Watch Co. watch

Roadys Humanitarian

Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m., Boise, Idaho, ESPN Sony gift suite, Garmin GPS Parka, Nike pullover, gloves, hand warmers, skull cap Ogio Fugitive laptop pack Football

Pacific Life Holiday

Dec. 30, 8 p.m., San Diego, ESPN Flo TV personal television (includes one-year of service), Best Buy gift card Tourneau watch Sports Tek hooded sweatshirt, cap

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces

Dec. 31, Noon, Fort Worth, Texas, ESPN Sony gift suite Timely Watch Co. watch Camouflaged knit cap Ogio Metro laptop pack, luggage tag Football, calendar

Brut Sun

Dec. 31, 2 p.m., El Paso, Texas, CBS Sony gift suite Timely Watch Co. watch Majestic fleece pullover, VP Sports cap Ogio Politan laptop pack Brut hair dryer; coin

Texas

Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m., Houston, ESPN $300 Best Buy gift card Fossil watch Under Armour shirt and hat; Bowl T-shirt Under Armour backpack Belt buckle

Insight

Dec. 31, 6 p.m., Tempe, Ariz., NFL Network Sony gift suite Fossil watch Hat Ogio Bounty Hunter or Hermit laptop pack

Chick-fil-A

Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., Atlanta, ESPN $250 Best Buy gift card Fossil watch Russell Athletic knit cap Russell Athletic travel bag Football, Chick-fil-A gift card

Outback

Jan. 1, 11 a.m., Tampa, ESPN Best Buy gift card Pro-Swiss watch, Jostens ring Hat Outback Steakhouse gift card

Capital One

Jan. 1, 1 p.m., Orlando, ABC Party at Best Buy($420 limit) Timely Watch Co. watch

Konica Minolta Gator

Jan. 1, 1 p.m., Jacksonville, CBS Fossil watch Oakley Antix sunglasses

Rose Bowl presented by Citi

Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m., Pasadena, Calif., ABC 19 Sharp television combo Fossil watch New Era 59Fifty fitted hat Ogio Fugitive laptop pack Plaque

Allstate Sugar

Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m., New Orleans, Fox Sony, Apple, Trek, Garmin and Weber gift suite Timely Watch Co. watch New Era cap Ogio Politan laptop pack Lane recliner

INTernational

Jan. 2, Noon, Toronto, ESPN2 Electronics package Timely Watch Co. watch Football

Papajohns.com

Jan. 2, 2 p.m., Birmingham, Ala., ESPN RCA HD mini-camcorder Oakley Surf Pack backpack

AT&T Cotton

Jan. 2, 2 p.m., Arlington, Texas, Fox Would Not Disclose

AutoZone Liberty

Jan. 2, 5:30 p.m., Memphis, Tenn., ESPN Westinghouse 19 LCD HDTV/computer monitor Fossil watch Nike training shoes, Nike sport sandals, Nike sunglasses Football

Valero Alamo

Jan. 2, 9 p.m., San Antonio, ESPN 32-gig iPod Touch, Dr. Dre Monster Beats headphones Fossil watch Oakley Antix sunglasses Shutt mini-helmet,panoramic photo

Tostitos Fiesta

Jan. 4, 8 p.m., Glendale, Ariz., Fox Sony gift suite Fossil watch,Tourneau watch Hat Ogio Hermit checkpoint friendly laptop pack

FedEx Orange

Jan. 5, 8 p.m., Miami, Fox Sony gift suite Tourneau watch New Era cap Ogio Politan laptop pack

GMAC

Jan. 6, 7 p.m., Mobile, Ala., ESPN RCA HD mini-camcorder Timely Watch Co. watch Cap Garment bag with dop kit Football

Citi BCS National Championship

GameJan. 7, 8 p.m., Pasadena, Calif., ABC Sony gift suite with Trek and Garmin Fossil watch New Era 59Fifty hat Ogio Politan laptop pack

NCAA college football playoffs required now? really Congress.. really?

2009-12-09T12:44:00.000-05:00

SHINGTON (AP)—A House subcommittee approved legislation Wednesday aimed at forcing college football to switch to a playoff system to determine a national champion, over the objections of some lawmakers who said Congress had more pressing matters on its plate.

The bill, which faces long odds of becoming law, would ban the promotion of a postseason NCAA Division I football game as a national championship unless that title contest is the result of a playoff. The measure passed by voice vote in a House Energy and Commerce Committee subcommittee, with one audible “no,” from Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga.

“With all due respect, I really think we have more important things to spend our time on,” Barrow said before the vote, although he stressed he didn’t like the current Bowl Championship Series, either.

The bill’s sponsor, GOP Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, said the BCS system is unfair and won’t change unless prompted by Congress.

The vote came three days after the BCS selections were announced, including the Jan. 7 national title game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Texas.

In a statement before the vote, BCS executive director Bill Hancock said, “With all the serious matters facing our country, surely Congress has more important issues than spending taxpayer money to dictate how college football is played.”

The subcommittee chairman, Rep. Bobby Rush, an Illinois Democrat who co-sponsored the bill, said, “We can walk and chew gum at the same time.”

Yet Barrow wasn’t alone in criticizing his colleagues’ priorities; Reps. Zach Space, D-Ohio, and Bart Stupak, D-Mich., made similar arguments. Space said that with people facing tough times, the decision to focus on college football sends the “wrong message.”

The bill has a tough road ahead, given the wide geographic representation of schools in the six conferences—the ACC, Big East, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-10 and SEC—that get automatic BCS bowl bids.

“The schools in those six conferences, which have such a huge financial benefit from the system, have enormous clout,” said Gary Roberts, dean of the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis and a sports law expert. “I don’t see anything coming from this.”

The current college bowl system features a championship game between the two top teams in the BCS standings, based on two polls and six computer rankings. Eight other schools get the Orange, Sugar, Fiesta and Rose bowls.

Under the BCS, the champions of those six big conference get automatic bids, while other conferences don’t.

Although Alabama and Texas finished with undefeated seasons, so did several other teams that will not get a chance to play for the title game, including TCU, Cincinnati and Boise State.

Each will get to play in a BCS bowl: Cincinnati is the Big East champ; TCU, champion of the Mountain West, gets a bid awarded to a nonautomatic qualifying conference that meets certain criteria; and Boise State, winner of the Western Athletic Conference, gets an at-large bid.

At a May hearing, Barton warned college football officials that unless they took action toward a playoff system within two months, Congress probably would act. It took a little longer, but the timing of this week’s vote isn’t exactly a coincidence.
“Part of it is because BCS is in the news,” Barton said before the meeting.
There is no Senate version, although Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, has pressed for a Justice Department antitrust investigation into the BCS.

Shortly after his election last year, Obama said there should be a playoff system.

“I’m going to throw my weight around a little bit,” Obama said at the time. “I think it’s the right thing to do

2010 Bowl Game Schedule SEC games in bold

2009-12-07T10:01:00.001-05:00

New Mexico

Fresno State vs. Wyoming Albuquerque, N.M.
University Stadium Dec. 19
4:30 p.m. ESPN

St. Petersburg
UCF vs. Rutgers St. Petersburg, Fla.
Tropicana Field Dec. 19
8 p.m. ESPN

R+L Carriers New Orleans
Southern Miss vs. Middle Tennessee New Orleans
Louisiana Superdome Dec. 20
8:30 p.m. ESPN

MAACO Las Vegas
Oregon State vs. BYU Las Vegas
Sam Boyd Stadium Dec. 22
8 p.m. ESPN

S.D. County Credit Union Poinsettia
Utah vs. Cal San Diego
Qualcomm Stadium Dec. 23
8 p.m. ESPN

Sheraton Hawaii
Nevada vs. SMU Honolulu
Aloha Stadium Dec. 24
8 p.m. ESPN

Little Caesars
Marshall vs. Ohio Detroit
Ford Field Dec. 26
1 p.m. ESPN

Meineke Car Care
Pitt vs. North Carolina Charlotte, N.C.
Bank of America Stadium Dec. 26
4:30 p.m. ESPN

Emerald
Boston College vs. USC San Francisco
AT&T Park Dec. 26
8 p.m. ESPN

Gaylord Hotels Music City
Kentucky vs. Clemson Nashville, Tenn.
LP Field Dec. 27
8:30 p.m. ESPN

AdvoCare V100 Independence
Texas A&M vs. Georgia Shreveport, La.
Independence Stadium Dec. 28
5 p.m. ESPN2

EagleBank
Army or UCLA vs. Temple Washington, D.C.
RFK Stadium Dec. 29
4:30 p.m. ESPN

Champs Sports
Miami vs. Wisconsin Orlando, Fla.
Florida Citrus Bowl Dec. 29
8 p.m. ESPN

Roady's Humanitarian
Bowling Green vs. Idaho Boise, Idaho
Bronco Stadium Dec. 30
4:30 p.m. ESPN

Pacific Life Holiday
Arizona vs. Nebraska San Diego
Qualcomm Stadium Dec. 30
8 p.m. ESPN

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
Houston vs. Air Force Fort Worth, Texas
Amon G. Carter Stadium Dec. 31
Noon ESPN

Brut Sun
Oklahoma vs. Stanford El Paso, Texas
Sun Bowl Dec. 31
2 p.m. CBS

Texas
Navy vs. Missouri Houston
Reliant Stadium Dec. 31
3:30 p.m. ESPN

Insight
Minnesota vs. Iowa State Tempe, Ariz.
Sun Devil Stadium Dec. 31
6 p.m. NFL Network

Chick-fil-A
Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee Atlanta
Georgia Dome Dec. 31
7:30 p.m. ESPN

Outback
Northwestern vs. Auburn Tampa, Fla.
Raymond James Stadium Jan. 1
11 a.m. ESPN

Capital One
Penn State vs. LSU Orlando, Fla.
Florida Citrus Bowl Jan. 1
1 p.m. ABC

Konica Minolta Gator
West Virginia vs. Florida State Jacksonville, Fla.
Municipal Stadium Jan. 1
1 p.m. CBS

Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi
Ohio State vs. Oregon Pasadena, Calif.
Rose Bowl Jan. 1
4:30 p.m. ABC

Allstate Sugar
Florida vs. Cincinnati New Orleans
Louisiana Superdome Jan. 1
8:30 p.m. FOX

International
South Florida vs. Northern Illinois Toronto, Canada
Rogers Centre Jan. 2
Noon ESPN2

Papajohns.com
South Carolina vs. UConn Birmingham, Ala.
Legion Field Jan. 2
2 p.m. ESPN

AT&T Cotton
Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss Arlington, Texas
Cowboys Stadium Jan. 2
2 p.m. FOX

AutoZone Liberty
Arkansas vs. East Carolina Memphis, Tenn.
Liberty Bowl Jan. 2
5:30 p.m. ESPN

Valero Alamo
Michigan State vs. Texas Tech San Antonio
Alamodome Jan. 2
9 p.m. ESPN

Tostitos Fiesta
Boise State vs. TCU Glendale, Ariz.
U. of Phoenix Stadium Jan. 4
8 p.m. FOX

FedEx Orange
Iowa vs. Georgia Tech Miami
Land Shark Stadium Jan. 5
8 p.m. FOX

GMAC
Central Michigan vs. Troy Mobile, Ala.
Ladd-Peebles Stadium Jan. 6
7 p.m. ESPN

Citi BCS National Championship Game
Texas vs. Alabama Pasadena, Calif.
Rose Bowl Jan. 7
8 p.m.

SEC breakdown for football newbies and party goers.

2009-12-03T13:39:00.000-05:00

Some of you have been sending me questions via facebook and twitter asking what all the differenes in the conferences are etc... I guess you are all sending messages b/c you feel like you are out of the loop or someone would make fun of your for asking. I am glad you have brought this to my attention and I am happy to help you be able to contribute to conversations aroudn the water cooler or even at a game watching party!!!!

OK.. so the SEC or South Eastern Conference of Divison 1-A (the big schools are 1-A) is split into two different sides even though it is still one big conference. You have the SEC East and the SEC West.
Why do you ask? Well.... for 1 team to become the SEC champion and continue to the National Championhip game you have to have an East and a West winner. For example, Alabama is the SEC West winner and Florida is the SEC East winner.
Why split it all you ask? Well... what would happen if UF and UA didn't play each other in the regular season and were both undefeated like now, but there was no split in the conference? You can't play 12 regualr season games, AND play non-conference games, too. There just isn't enough time before basketball season! lol (not the rael reason but it sounded good)
So... once each "side" of the SEC has played then they get to play each other... now this breakdown is as follows:
SEC East -
Florida
Tennessee
UGA
S. Carolina
Kentucky
Vandy

SEC West -
Alabama
LSU
MSU
Ole Miss
Arkansas
Auburn

Now, I think this gives way to open the conversation as to why specific rivalries are such a big deal. Think if Alabama and Auburn were both undeafeated and then played each other at the end of every season? Phenominal game for the West champ... This is possibly why some people live for college football.. there is always a chance something exciting will happen like that!

I hope this has helped you a little in your quest for college football knowledge and as I grow my company I will continue withe the updates!

Bowl Game Information - Date, Time, Payout

2009-12-02T10:56:00.000-05:00

2009 Bowl Games 2009         Conferences 200 Date '09      Kickoff 2009         TV Expected Payout

EagleBank Bowl             Army/Navy v ACC December 29       4:30 pm ET            ESPN $1 million

New Mexico Bowl          WAC v MWC December 19              4:30 pm ET            ESPN $750,000

St. Pete Bowl                 C-USA v Big East December 19          8 pm ET                ESPN $1 million

Las Vegas Bowl             Pac-10 v MWC December 22               8 pm ET              ESPN $1 million

New Orleans Bowl            Sun Belt v C-USA December 20        8:30 pm ET         ESPN $325,000

Poinsettia Bowl              MWC v Pac-10 December 23              8 pm ET              ESPN $750,000

Hawaii Bowl                WAC v C-USA December 24                8 pm ET              ESPN $398,000

Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl    Big Ten v MAC December 26         1 pm ET              ESPN $750,000

Meineke Bowl                   Big East v ACC December 26          4:30 pm ET          ESPN $1 million*

Champs Sports Bowl     ACC v Big Ten December 29               8 pm ET               ESPN $2.25 million

Emerald Bowl              Pac-10 v ACC December 26                  8 pm ET              ESPN $850,000

Independence Bowl     SEC v Big 12 December 28                  5 pm ET               ESPN$1.1 million

PapaJohns.com Bowl    SEC v Big East January 2                     2 pm ET                ESPN $300,000

Alamo Bowl                 Big Ten v Big 12 January 2                   9 pm ET               ESPN $2.25 million

Humanitarian Bowl       WAC v MWC December 30               4:30 pm ET             ESPN $750,000

Holiday Bowl              Pac-10 v Big 12 December 30              8 pm ET               ESPN $2.13 million

Texas Bowl             Big 12 v U.S. Naval Academy Dec 31    3:30 pm                ESPN $500,000

Armed Forces Bowl   MWC v C-USA December 31             12 noon                 ESPN $600,000

Insight Bowl           Big 12 v Big Ten December 31                6 pm ET         NFL Network $1.2 million

Sun Bowl             Pac-10 v Big 12 or Big East Dec 31         2 pm ET             CBS $1.9 million

Music City Bowl    ACC v SEC December 27                     8:30pm ET        ESPN $1.6 million

Chick-fil-A Bowl   ACC v SEC December 31                   7:30 pm ET   ESPN $3.25 million ACC,2.4SEC

Outback Bowl       Big Ten v ACC January 1                   11 am ET                ESPN $3 million

Gator Bowl          ACC v Big 12 or Big East/ND January 1 1 pm                   CBS $2.5 million

Capital One Bowl   Big Ten v SEC January 1                       1 pm ET           ABC $4.25 million

Rose Bowl           Big 10 Champ v Pac-10 Champ Jan 1    4:30 pm ET           ABC $17 million

Orange Bowl        ACC Champ v BCS at large January 5       8 pm               FOX $17 million

Cotton Bowl       Big 12 v SEC January 2                            2 pm                     FOX $3 million

Liberty Bowl       C-USA v SEC January 2                       5:30 pm ET          ESPN $1.7 million

Sugar Bowl      BCS @ large vs BCS @ large January 1   8:30 pm                 FOX $17 million

International Bowl   MAC v Big East January 2               12 pm ET             ESPN2 $750,000

Fiesta Bowl      Big 12 Champ v BCS January 4             TBA                       FOX $17 million

GMAC Bowl    MAC v ACC January 6                         7 pm ET                 ESPN $750,000

BCS Championship Bowl   BCS #1 v BCS #2 January 7   8 pm ET                 FOX $17 million

Predictions from Florida fans - SEC Chamionship game

2009-12-02T10:28:00.000-05:00

Derek Bernstein

Marketing and PR Specialst at AMTC

Wish I could go! Have prior obligations to take care of that day. It will be a good game. We can score 30 on them they can't score 30 on us. Gators win by 10.. Tebow has a huge game and wins another Heisman, three championships. Is then anointed best college football player ever.

Dave Lindsey

Software Developer at Microfilm Service Corporation

I wish that I could be there. This is going to be another slug fest much like it was last year.
Can Nick win the big games when it counts the most? He is starting to remind me of Stoops. He's an amazing regular season coach but when it comes to post season he just can't seem to get control of his team.
Florida is going to have a test like they've not seen this year I think. The Bama defense is very good and super fast. Our offensive line and running backs at times seem to get shell-shocked with speed. I point to the LSU game. Bama's defense is better than LSU's, in my opinion.
I think in order for us to win Urban and the staff must out schyme Bama. I don't think that we can line up and just play old-school SEC smash mouth football with them, not that I wouldn't love to see that style of play in a game like this one.
Go Gators..

Margo Sarlo
Client Relations/Speakers Divison at Burns Entertainment and Sports Marketing

I will be there! Cheering on the Gators, of course!

Stewart Lee Beck 李渡
Shanghai-based producer

Will be watching via slingbox with Gator friends here in Shanghai!!!

David Senko
Construction Management Leader; experience range from hands-on thru operations / exec mgmt

Should be a great game and a tough one. UF and AL are not ranked #1 & #2 by accident. Lets hope and pray our guys stay healthy this week and I believe we'll come out ahead. I myself, would not like to see Pouncey twins being pushed by Tebow headed my way! Oh, and I would not be surprised to see another jump pass!

Ron Stein
High Performance Sales, Marketing & Business Development Executive

I'm leaving for Atlanta Friday and will be in the dome cheering the Gators on. It will be an amazing game with 60 minutes of ups and downs, but there is no doubt that the Orange and Blue WILL be victorious!

Margo Sarlo
Client Relations/Speakers Divison at Burns Entertainment and Sports Marketing

Dale Bissette
Consultant at A&R Business Services

Gators need to score quick and often to shut down the obnoxious Roll Tide noise! The only thing worse is listening to FSU doing their tomahawk chop. See you in Pasadena...Go Gators!!

Christopher Forsha
Business Development, Americas & APAC at Sykes

HAHA! Chop!

Craig Lamberson
President - J.O. DeLotto and Sons, Inc.

Let's reflect on what we just saw Auburn do. Three young linebackers, one being a true freshman, play the entire game and basically shut down Ingram. "The Drive" gets completed through the help this young and worn out linebacking crew. A deep and strong Florida D, even with out Dunlap, puts pressure on Bama QB, he makes mistakes and the defense with Tebow's enthusiastic leadership leads UF to another SEC crown. Made last year's SEC Championship, a true classic, hope to be at the Nat'l Championship this year. Go Gators!! >,-----,------

Lou Ortega
UF-AITP Vice President

I agree with Derek regarding the outcome. Every time I see an incident like Dunlap's, I wonder where his teammates are. Players usually party with teammates, where were the leaders that should've said, "hey man, let me drive you home" or, "let's call a cab."
I won't be going to ATL but do plan to go to Pasadena with two friends if we win. Does anyone know the best way to get tickets? Is it ticketmaster? (I know they won't be cheap!)

David Hammer
VP, Enterprise Revenue Management at McKesson Provider Technologies

All,
Stewart Lee Beck 李渡, you're a REAL gator fan! For if I recall correctly, there's a 12- or 13-hour time-zone difference between EST and CST (China Standard Time). That means Stewart and his Shanghai-based Gator stalwarts will be up in the middle of the night to watch our beloved Gators.
Well done Stewart, and GOOOO GATORS!

Marilyn Etheridge
SE Business Development Mgr at TimHaahs & Associates

I am going to Atlanta to see another Gator SEC Championship win! It is going to be a very hard fought game but it was last year. Our hero Timmy will pull us through another tough game. GO GATORS! Pasadena here we come!

Kristen Shepley
Director of Marketing at CBIZ Tofias & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.

The situation with Dunlap is disappointing - how many people need to serve as examples that it's not worth putting one of the biggest games of their career at risk? At least wait until the off season! Regardless, we won without Percy Harvin last year, and the Gators will prevail again! GO GATORS!

Predictions from Bama fans on the SEC Championship game

2009-12-01T09:54:00.000-05:00

Wish I could go but my daughter is getting her masters that day from South Alabama. Just hope Alabama wins. It's our turn and I'm really sick of all the hype surrounding Tebow!

Roll Tide!!!

Dan Bowers
Managing Partner & Co-Founder OpenPath Systems

I think the Tide can take em problem is Tebow is the x factor. But Bama's offense will have to roll to get by the Gators. As long as we don't give up points early (like at Auburn) we can win.

Todd Kirby
Six Sigma Black Belt (Project Manager at Thompson Tractor Company

Tickets are out of the roof, does anyone know where to find a good deal?

Bruce Eades
VP at Insurance Office of America

I have 2 club level tickets with parking pass if anyone is interested

Mark Mayfield
Owner/President, MM Publishing Inc.

I'm not going, but I'll be watching here with friends in New York. If Bama's defense can get over the fact that it's Tebow on the other side, the Tide can win this one. Bama has a defense that can be dominant, and despite the team's struggle against Auburn, the offense proved it can move the ball even when Ingram is having a bad day. A lot depends on Ingram's health, because they need him. Richardson can't carry the load the entire game. But having either Ingram or Richardson in the backfield will be enough of a threat to open up Bama's passing game a bit more.
It'll be a battle. But I believe Bama has quietly been preparing for this game for weeks, and I think it'll show Saturday. I have this feeling that we are going to see a lot of Julio Jones, and maybe even see Arenas on offense a bit. Just a quess. Bama will hold nothing back in this one. The last thing Bama wants to do is come away with two losses in back-to-back SEC championship games. I don't think they'll accept defeat this time.
I just heard the Pittsburgh Steelers coach say "we're going to unleash hell in December." That's exactly the attitude Bama needs going into this game.

William Bennett
CEO/Co-Founder at TransformHealthRx

Better chance than last year - tired of all the Tebow hype everytime I turn on the TV to a sports program. Ready to send him out on a sour note from the TIde.

Ann Davis
President at Beverly M. Burton Scholarship Trust

I also think Alabama has a better chance against Florida than last year. The Auburn game was a great wake-up - think Bama overlooked them a little - plus the short week of practice and looking ahead to Florida since the hype had already started - plus the delayed time getting to the stadium because of the accident on the highway - everything seemed to go against Bama but they still found a way to win- here's hoping that we will find a way to beat Florida and I would love to see Tebow on the ground a couple of times - he can't be the "saint" he appears to be. ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!

Charles Singley
Sybase Architect at Southern DataComm

Florida is very, very good. But, I think this is Alabama's year.

Mark Mayfield
Owner/President, MM Publishing Inc.

I can only hope that CBS tells its on-field reporter, Tracy Wolfson, to stop wearing the eye black as she did Saturday in honor of Tebow. That's not exactly what I call objective coverage of a ballgame. The Tebow worship was a bit out of hand, especially considering it was probably Bobby Bowden's last game against Florida.
Nevertheless, Tebow is the real deal and Bama's challenge is to finally prove he's not superman.

Gene Lewis
Strategy and Marketing Professional

It will be a tough game for Bama, but they can win. Need to be very aggressive on offense early- play from ahead and force Florida to throw. Then give them a heavy dose of 22 and 3 late.
And yes I will be there pulling hard for the Tide!

Dan Bowers
Managing Partner & Co-Founder OpenPath Systems

I agree, need quick points that catch FLA off guard, and then pound on them with Bama D

Charles Singley
Sybase Architect at Southern DataComm

Nothing would be more satisfying than to see Alabama come out and methodically impose their will on the opposition like they have in several games this year. If we do so, then I don't think Florida could beat us even if they are at their best. But, something tells me it will be close the whole way and will go down to the wire. I just think this is our year to be on the winning side of another great SECCG. Roll Tide.

Clinton Sledge
Sales Professional

I am in aggreement with a lot of what has been stated. The Saban formula is working very well and the Gators are the focus now. Sure there is too much Tebow Hype and it is what it is.......We need to shut down their small ball game and make them try to beat us down the field. They can't handle the defensive pressure. On offense, they have no answers for 3, 22, 8 and etc.
Tickets are going for as much as $1,500 and averaging about $500 for one. I probably won't make it and if I did, I would just find a nice Bar and watch it.
Roll Tide Roll!

Ron McKelvy
Financail Advisor at Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Will be there, 38th Anniversary (great wife) Bama will win if Tebow like auburn doesn't have the ball with time at the end.

Pam Picard
Experienced Professional specializing in Evaluating, Engaging, Encouraging and Executing!

Being a BAMA GRAD and living in Central Florida, this week has already been a challenge. According to the local's, Bama need not even show up for this game. (Reminds me of the attitude of the Miami fans in Dec. 1992). I have Crimson Class on my side and am not letting the gator fans pull me down to their level. My head will be held high no matter the result of the game...although a win this year sure would be nice!

Kirk Abner
Lead Physician Trainer at Kaiser Permanente- Mid Atlantic Region

Sure hope it's the Tide. I feel confident the way things have evolved with both teams since the game last year. We've got more weapons. I'll be watching from Abingdon, VA.
Univ Alabama- Class of '79
ps- it just hit the wires that Florida DE Dunlap- team leading sacks- arrested last night for DUI. This is great news!

Mark Mayfield
Owner/President, MM Publishing Inc.

Pam,

Since you're living in Florida, I'm sure it's tough to put up with the Gator arrogance. But I guess I can understand it. They've won 22 games in a row and at this point, their fans don't believe they can be defeated. At least that's their public front. I have a feeling they're worried about this game, and they should be. Especially with the news this morning that their starting defensive end, Carlos Dunlap, was arrested at 3:30 a.m. for DUI.
Here in New York, most people I know are pulling for Bama to wipe out Florida's swagger. And if you think about it, Bama is probably the only team out there capable of doing it. The Tebow worship really turns people off up here.
Anyway, on Saturday night, I have a feeling there will be a much different attitude in Florida about Bama. But we'll see.

Georgia Dome Parking information SEC Championship game

2009-12-01T09:32:00.000-05:00

Parking / MARTA

The quickest, most hassle-free ride to the Dome will be on MARTA—check www.itsmarta.com for system maps. MARTA train passengers are encouraged to use the Dome/Philips/GWCC station for a quick hop to and from the North, South and East lines. Falcons fans without reserved parking are strongly encouraged to take MARTA or other regional transit to the games to avoid weekend traffic on the highways and city traffic for other downtown activities. MARTA offers free daily parking at 21 of its stations.

Lots open to public

Yellow Lot ($8), Green Lot ($8).

Accessible Parking

Silver Lot, Red Deck ($10)

Handicapped Accessible Parking

Silver Lot and Red deck will be available. Both will open to the public at 7a.m.

RV/Bus Parking
RV Parking is SOLD OUT.

*RV parking will be available in the yellow lot. The cost per RV is $120 for duration of stay, which is from Thursday to Sunday.
*The tow-vehicle is included in the price.
*RV’s can begin arriving at 7am on Thursday, December 3rd. RV’s must depart by 11am on Sunday, December 6th

GEORGIA DOME TAILGATING POLICY

All guests that desire to tailgate must observe the following guidelines. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in loss of tailgating privileges and ejection from the parking lot.

1.Parking spots are for vehicles only.
2.Only one (1) vehicle per space is allowed. Additional parking spaces may not be used for tents, grills, chairs or other items.
3.Driving lanes must remain clear at all times. No items (coolers, tents, tables, chairs, etc.) of any kind may be placed on the ground behind, in front of or around vehicles blocking these lanes.
4.Tailgating is permitted only in the grassy areas behind parking spaces. The maximum area that any single tailgate space may occupy is 9 feet wide X 12 feet deep.
5.Contained barbeque grills are allowed but open-flame fires are not.
6.Charcoal must be disposed of in designated coal barrels only.
7.All trash must be taken to the appropriate receptacles. Trash receptacles are provided throughout the lots.
8.All guests must follow the directions and instructions provided by stadium personnel (parking staff, security, police, etc.)

PROHIBITED ITEMS & ACTIVITIES
Please be aware that fans are subject to citations or arrest and the loss of season parking privileges if found in possession of, or participating in the following:

1.Sales or distribution of food, beverages and products.

2.Blocking of sidewalks and handicap-accessible spaces.

3.Unauthorized use of stadium property.

4.Unauthorized vehicles such as Go-carts and mini-bikes.

5.Saving or blocking parking spaces.

6.Open-Flame fires.

7.Deep fryers or any oil-based cooking or frying.

8.Amplified sound systems or the use of radios/audio devices at loud levels.

UGA v GTech - my whole day mapped out.

2009-11-30T11:15:00.004-05:00

Georgia versus Georgia Tech

These fans really hate Joe cox.... really... when they stopped to ask if I would take their photo I said, you guys are out of order... and they said - nope. It's right where it needs to be...

This long time rivalry was not at all what I expected it to be... being that it was my first time at a Tech game and of course I choose UGA (my compnay and all being SEC related) I assumed I would be walking into a fire pit of rivalry but little did I know....

As I krept slowly across the Tech campus, being veered at by the UGA fans while wearing my super cute orange and white peacoat, I quickly found out that these two teams REALLY didn't like each other...

What's the Word? To hell with Georgia

What's the Word? To hell with Georiga and Piss on them too!

This is the chant heard all over campus and this was started around 11 a.m. -EARLY!

As I continued about my business, walking from tailgate to tailgate I found many a Georgia fan that was happy to bark up a storm.. pretty much drowning out any to hell with Georgia chants... both sides showed some serious team spirit...

3 hours to kickoff -

Georgia Tech and Georgia fans swarm the Varsity in an effort to eat before the game... scalpers trying SUPER hard to sell tickets that are severly overpriced to the UGA fans - I found this out by standing on the corner and handing out 10% off cards... At this point in the night the fans have been drinking a bit and have now started to chant and bark while walking as fast as possible toward the stadium... there was no longer any talking going on.. barker or chanter... pick one!

30 minutes to kickoff -

Varsity has cleared out. A few scalpers are trying to lighten their load with super bad prices to the many fans that still do not have tickets and believe me there were so many people there still trying it was actually impresive... I can actually say I think there were enough people outside still wanting to get tickets that the fan base from both schools could have filled two stadiums just for this game...

Kickoff -

Now comes the bad part of the whole evening... As I watch the Yellowjackets plow through the tunnel the roar of the fans nearly deafens me. The excitment is at it's highest level and the proud look of a Nationally ranked team is beaming from every gold painted face in the stadium.. even to be ACC I was a little choaked up by the pride! The band is playing, the players start running out.. it's football no matter what!

NOW... the embarrassing part for me for the evening... I am standing 2 rows up from where the players come out of the tunnel... Being that I was wearing bright, hey look at me I'm a Vols fan, Orange; everyone there knew I was a SEC fan. Even thoguh I was not wearing Red, Everyone knew who I was cheering for.

As the Bulldogs come out of the tunnel the UGA fan section bursts with barking, yelling and cheers... HOWEVER; as the players were running out of the tunnel a flood of explicits from the players, water boys and coaches come pouring out to the fans standing by. Yes. the fans were chanting to Hell with Georgia, but it had been done all day and the UGA fans were chating back...

I just cannot believe that Mark Richt would allow his players to act so disgusting and say such foul remarks while representing a SEC college at another teams field. I could hear them all - and I will NOT repeat them here... I was immediately embarrassed for the SEC and myself for witnessing such behavior from a sports team and it's coaching staff... talking trash to the other players on the field is part of the game - but to act so vile to fans? Appalled. So, ACC fans, on behalf of the fans of the SEC I am truely sorry for our sportsmanship... we need to work on it.

BUT... the SEC did beat the ACC all weekend and regardless of the outcome of the games I am a proud SEC business owner and am glad that our teams pulled it out again this year! See you next week at the SEC Championship game!

MSU v Ole Miss fan comments

2009-11-25T11:39:00.000-05:00

MSU fans:

Long shot, but I agree that my Dawgs will do their best. Love seeing all that maroon in the stands. Looks great on TV, for sure.

Posted by Ginger Croce

I think my Bulldogs will play hard and have a fair chance to win. They were inches from beating LSU and played very well against Florida.

Posted by Robin Mangum\

MSU and all fans should never forget last season's score. I know the players hve not forgotten last season. MSU can win this game. btw.. MSU played LSU when LSU was healthy versus many of their key players hurt and some did not play. There is always something to play for when you play a rival.

Posted by Charles Cascio

You never know, but Ole Miss looked awfully good last week vs. LSU and my Dawgs look like they have nothing to play for. I'll be there for the Dawgs, though.

Posted by Fred Evans

Thank you all for your comments and for visiting the website!

Kiffin is a caring coach

2009-11-24T12:06:00.000-05:00

On my YouTube account you can see the opneing video is of Lane Kiffin in slow motion replay after the touchdown by Wes Brown.
You can also see the 50 something comments, mostly left by people that didn't understand why he decided to jump 20 yards and celebrate like a kid getting his first candy bar!

So let's help all you sad, sad Vols haters out there that just can't seem to make a comment worth posting in a blog.

Wes Brown is a Senoir Defensive tackle who needed surgery in both of his knees. He elected NOT to do the surgery so he could play football his last year of college. He is only allowed 25 snaps per game and he is NOT allowed to practice in full contact. Wes Brown Scored a touchdown on Senoir Day at Neyland Stadium... be happy for this young man... this will be one of the happiest moments in his young life to share forever and Lane Kiffin deserves to be patted on the back for being so excited for him he celebrated more than Brown did!

Good coach - it wasn't about the score of the game - it was who made the score!

Alabama Comments on the Auburn game

2009-11-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

For Alabama:

I think we are better than the 'BARN in every category so we should win the game. However, we cannot commit turnovers and keep them in the game. I believe our defense will be the big difference. The 'BARN has ZERO depth and I believe they will wear down. I'm thinking a 31-10 BAMA win!

Posted by Austin Dare

Like to see Bama take it up a notch against Auburn and go into the FLA game with a big win over AU. Auburn has has 2 weeks to review film and will be gunning to spoil the season. With only a 6 day prep and a holiday in the mix, Bama's got a busy week. Still, we're a winner on this one....

Posted by Beverly Roberts

We have to much defense, but, hope we don't overlook the bad guys, but, Saban want let them, Roll Tide with a win and look out Florida!

Posted by Brad Paris

Fun Filled Family Day at SEC Football game!

2009-11-23T13:34:00.000-05:00

Now this looks like a fun filled family day at a SEC Football Game! This is how ya gameday SEC fans!!!!

Florida v Alabama comments and thoughs who will win the SEC Cahmpionship

2009-11-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all my Linkedin alum that commented on my Alabama v Florida game thoughts and thank you for eing respectful and thoughtful in your answers and replies! Now here they are!!!

For Florida:

The Gators! Seems to be the consensus, but it will be a tough one and great to watch. I think Tebow's graduation will affect the team's ability to continue winning championships thereafter. Tebow's leadership is of such rare quality, it's hard to imagine lightening could strike twice. Certainly, Urban Meyer can coax the best out of anyone, but there are many great coaches out there with teams of great talent.

Posted by Diane (Robison) Farrell

Florida by a touchdown or couple field goals. I expect Tebow's leadership will be as visible as ever and I am sure he will see that his O-Line eats a good breakfast and light lunch. Florida special teams play will be a standout.

I also expect to see some surprises or trickery!
Florida 35-28

Posted by David Senko

I believe it will be a low scoring game with the Gators winning 17-10.

Is there a place wherte I can watch the UF-FIU game? IS such a game ever available as a replay?
Adis Vila
UF, LAW, '78

Posted by Adis Vila

I think this year's game could be one of the BEST SEC Championship games ever. In my opinion, last years' game is the current holder of that title!

That said, I think we have the classic match-up of two nearly identical Heavy-weight Champions. Once again, this game is the defacto National Championship - the winner goes into the National Title game as the odds-on favorite to win it all.
In my opinion, if we played Alabama 10 times, we split with 5 wins each. So it will all come down to which team executes and minimizes mistakes. I expect Ingram to get his 100+ yards - we just have to keep him out of the end zone. If we can win the turnover battle, and get a big play on special teams, we can pull off another amazing SEC Championship, and moves one step closer to its first historic undefeated season.
I predict FLORIDA wins the game of the season, 20-16.

Posted by Doug Masters

For Alabama:

In the late 70's (?) , we had a slogan.. "you gotta believe" in reference to the TEAM and Bear's ability to walk on water... I always believe in the TIDE. Hope u do too.

Florida is down... let's hit them.
Ron '68 C& BA

Posted by Ron Sorrells

Bama will roll. The Gators no longer possess the offensive outside speed they had last year, their line is suspect, and their running backs are not faster than our linebackers, even with Hightower out. Our kicking game is superior, thank you Mr. Tiffin. And as long as McElroy remains patient, and the line keeps the pressure to a minimun we can exploit their defensive weaknesses. Expect Jones, Maze, and Hanks to do well as Florida will probably crowd the box to stop Ingram. Expect a healthy dose of Ingram and Richardson in the second half as we protect another slim lead. Run out the clock and wear down their defense. Saban will not let this year be a repeat of last year.

Posted by Neil Schuchart

The defense will certainly have to be on target to beat Tebow, he is the key. They don't have the tools they had last year, but, he is still one of the best there is.....even though I hope Ingram will get the Heisman.

If Greg has a bad day, we will lose, but, if the defense can get to Tim, we will win. Roll Tide !

Posted by Jerri Nichols

Well, we were "THIS" close last year. And, while we have a more complete team this year (more balanced offense and unbelievably an even better defense), Florida does not seem to be playing at the same level they did last year. Don't be mistaken; this will be our toughest test of the year. But, I have to believe that we have the guns to pull it off. If GMac can hit just one or two deep passing plays, that will open it up for a big day for Ingram, and he just might win the Heisman in this game. I'm calling for a Bama victory by 5: Bama-17, UF-12.

Posted by Gary Frazier

Puleaseeeee BAMA! ROLL TIDE ROLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Todd Bonner

Thanks again for all the responses and good luck to bith SEC teams!

Last week in College Football matchups

2009-11-23T09:55:00.000-05:00

Alabama at Auburn

Arkansas at LSU

Florida v FSU

Georgia at Georgia Tech

Tennessee at Kentucky

MSU at Ole Miss

South Carolina v Clemson

Alabama Senoir Day News

2009-11-20T12:43:00.002-05:00

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama senior nose guard Terrence Cody has been named one of five finalists for the 2009 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Football Writers Association and the Charlotte (N.C.) Touchdown Club announced Thursday.

Cody is joined by Iowa linebacker Pat Angerer, Tennessee strong safety Eric Berry, TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes and Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh as the five finalists vying for one of the FWAA's highest honors, its National Defensive Player of the Year award.

The FWAA's National Defensive Player of the Year Award is named after Bronko Nagurski, who dominated college football at Minnesota as a bruising fullback and defensive tackle from 1927-29. He could have been an All-American at any position playing 60 minutes and was the best player wherever he lined up.

A member of the 2008 FWAA All-America team, Cody anchors an Alabama defensive front the leads the SEC and ranks second nationally in rushing defense. The Crimson Tide has allowed only 2.4 yards per play and 72.8 yards per game this season.

In addition, the Tide defense ranks second nationally and second in the SEC in scoring defense (10.9 ppg) and second in the SEC and third nationally in total defense (239.3 ypg). The Crimson Tide has held eight of its first 10 opponents to less than 100 yards rushing and three of the 10 opponents to less than 200 total yards in a game. Alabama has held five teams to a touchdown or less this season.

Cody has recorded 20 tackles, including five tackles of loss (-10 yards), two quarterback pressures and one pass breakup for the nation’s second-ranked team. He recorded three tackles and blocked a school-record tying two field goals in the Tide’s 12-10 win over Tennessee on Oct. 24. He was named the AT&T All-America and SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Vols, which included two blocked kicks in the final 10 minutes of the game, with second one coming on the game’s final play.

A 2009 Sporting News midseason All-American, Cody is also a finalist for the Lombardi Trophy and a semifinalist for the Bednarik Award.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 7 and presented the Bronko Nagurski Trophy at a gala banquet at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, N.C., where North Carolina State coach Tom O'Brien will be the keynote speaker.

Figuring out Twitter Lists - Follow me @secgrilltoppers

2009-11-18T13:13:00.000-05:00

Ok. So, I have created some twitter Lists on my twitter page .

As far as I can tell if you look at my profile you can see all the lists I have created.
I have one list for each SEC college and 1 list for just tailgate fans.
If you are, say, an Alabama fan, then you would want to follow me 1st of course, then click on my @secgrilltoppers/tidefans list and click follow list.
This wil put you following all of the sports information tweets and twitterers that only talk about Tide sports!

What an amazing invention and I hope that you all find the SEC team that you like the most and follow my list. That way, we are all on top of the sports news!!

Win $25 gift card to my site - contest rules below!

2009-11-17T09:24:00.000-05:00

SEC NFL Trivia Challenge Brought to you by SECGrillToppers

The winner gets a $25 E-Gift Certificate for the SECGrillToppers site.

12 player profiles will be posted at 7 PM EST this Friday on the SECSportsWire Blog and on this blog.

The winner will identify every player and corresponding SEC Alma Mater through a DM or Tweet to @SECSportsWire. Tweets are public so a DM is the recommended way to provide answers.

So get your SEC school and NFL history notes together and be ready Friday evening. Based on similar contests we have had I think this one will go quickly!

The prize will be issued on the following Monday.

NOTE: To send a DM to SECSportsWire we will need to follow you…that means you need to give us time after you follow us to follow you back…Please don’t wait until the last-minute to get into this game!

Example Profile for Warm-up!!

This player was All SEC, All America, SEC Player of the Year, and has been elected to his Alma Maters Hall of Fame. From Chattanooga, TN, this 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 13-time Pro Bowl and 12-time All-Pro selection holds 2nd place all-time amongst career sack leaders with 198.5. He was an ordained Evangelical minister which led to his nickname, “the Minister of Defense.” He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, two years after his death. What was this man’s name and for what SEC school did he play?

Thanks again to SECGrillToppers for providing the $25 prize for this contest. Please check out their merchandise at http://www.secgrilltoppers.com/

What will week 11 in College Football hold - who plays who?

2009-11-16T09:56:00.000-05:00

Alabama v Chatanooga (At Alabama) We will automaticly call this a W for Bama

Arkansas v Miss State (Little Rock) This will be a tough game ... I'm going to vote for Arkansas

Auburn has an off week but has to play bama next weekend... ouch.

Florida v Florida International (at Florida) Hmmmm.... wonder who will win this?

Georgia v Kentucky (at UGA) Being that UGA has home field advantage... I'll say UGA

LSU v Ole Miss (at Ole Miss) I'm going with LSU.. they can't lose anymore...

South Carolina has an off week.... they are done for the season...

Tennessee v Vandy (at UTK) After the very embarrasing loss to Ole Miss I may have to take Vandy here.

VOls tailgaters already sending in photos!

2009-11-13T12:25:00.001-05:00

Tailgting on a Friday! way to go VOLS fans for being dedicated!

Defensive Warning Sign by:Saurian Agacity

2009-11-13T10:29:00.001-05:00

One thing I have noticed over the past several years of compiling statistical data is a reasonably reliable indicator that a team is headed for trouble – the giving up of significant points in any single game (not including overtime).

How so? In this decade there have been six BCS conference teams that have gone undefeated. Of those teams, none gave up more than 31 points in any single regular season game. Their worst point surrendered by individual game were –

2000 Oklahoma – 31

2001 Miami – 27

2002 Ohio State – 21

2004 Auburn – 28

2004 USC – 28

Now look at Oregon this season, recently said to be playing “the best football of anyone”. But were they really? How about that second game of the year where they beat Purdue 38-36. In giving up 36 points to the Boilermakers, the Ducks surrendered more than any unbeaten team this decade did in the regular season (yes, I know they had already lost, but the point is whether they might lose again).

I first noticed this “warning sign” in 2006 when Ohio State beat Michigan in “the game of the century” 42-39. What I saw in that game was a defense that had the prospect of surrendering 39 points, not an offense that scored 42. And in their very next game, the BCS title game, they gave up even more.

There are many examples of this occurring over the past several years. Besides giving up 45 in their loss to Texas last season, Oklahoma also surrendered 35 at Kansas State and 41 at Oklahoma State.

I have noted variations on this phenomena in the past, starting in early 2007 in regard to then highly ranked Louisville, who would later go on to lose several games. Likewise I have pointed out that California and Oregon flashed warnings, only to succumb later on in similar fashion.

This season you might have seen it with Southern Cal in their win over Oregon State when the Trojans gave up 36 points to the Beavers (not to mention 482 yards). It was a precursor to their 27 point blowout loss to Oregon.

It is important to note that NOT having a “warning game” doesn’t mean you are bound to be undefeated either. It is just a significant indicator of what seems to happen when you get to the point where you face superior talent (like Ohio State did in 2006). I remember watching the much heralded Big 12 earlier last season giving up huge points in games and thinking, “These teams are going to be in trouble sometime”. And eventually, they were.

Likewise, 31 points given up in a single regular season game (not including overtime) is the highest for every 1 loss BCS Champion of the decade. The exception was LSU, who played 2 overtime games that skew their statistics. The maximum points given in a single contest by the other champions were -

2003 LSU - 24

2005 Texas - 29

2006 Florida – 28 (Arkansas SEC Championship)

2008 Florida – 31 (the Ole Miss loss)

For which of our current undefeated teams might this be a problem? Here are the highest points surrendered by each of the unbeaten –

1 Florida 20

2 Alabama 24

3 Texas 24

4 TCU 21

5 Cincinnati 45

6 Boise State 35

If giving up a high number of points in any single game is an indicator of a fatal flaw and future failure, then Cincy and Boise are in trouble somewhere down the line. In the Bearcat’s case West Virginia and Pitt loom large. As for Boise State it may not be until their bowl game that their defensive weakness is revealed.

But I’m guessing in Cincinnati’s case, they are very close to getting exposed.

Now I’m not suggesting this is some magic bullet, but thus far this decade it has played out this way. I’m also not suggesting 31 points is a hard-and-fast rule. But giving up a large number of points in the 30’s seems to be a valuable warning indicator, at least when it comes time to play high level talent.

I’m going to do some further work on this from a historical standpoint. One place it seems to hold up – the 1995 and 1996 Gators. In 1995 Florida did indeed have a “warning game”, when they twice gave up 30 plus points in wins – (62-37 over Tennessee, and 49-38 over Auburn). We know how that season ended – a 62 to 24 blowout loss to Nebraska. However in 1996 with a better defense, the worst points given up was 30 to Arkansas in the SEC Championship game (29 regular season).

Posted by Mergz at 10:15 AM

LSU end of season

2009-11-13T10:24:00.000-05:00

Here is a food-for-thought question for LSU fans?

If LSU ends the regular season 10-2 -- and that is a big if with Ole Miss and Arkansas still remaining on the SEC schedule -- do you consider it a successful season?

Granted 10 years ago at this time LSU fans would have walked on hot coals for a 10-2 season.

But 10 years later, do losses at home to Florida and on the road at Alabama -- the two biggest games of the season -- alter the way the season is viewed?

Does a second-place finish in the West, even if it comes in a 10-win season, sit well with folks after the greatest decade in school history?

I'd be interested to hear what folks think

Leftover Hot Dog: Gamecock Tailgating Must Have

2009-11-10T10:31:00.000-05:00

Leftover Hot Dog: Gamecock Tailgating Must Have

Thank you so much LOHD for writing a little story about some of the products SEC Grill Toppers has on their site! Big thumbs up to gamecock fans!!!!

tailgating Photo Pick of the week!

2009-11-09T10:50:00.000-05:00

So this was the second game in a row that I found a Bama fan and a Tigers fan sitting together to watch the game... Two different states, same fans! Interstingly enough Bama and LSU were playing each other! You have absolutely got to love the SEC schools fans and friendships!

This is my tailgting photo pick of the week!

Parking map of Ole Miss for Vols fans

2009-11-09T09:55:00.001-05:00

Parking at UGA for Wildcat fans

2009-11-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

Parking

Many of the lots surrounding the stadium are permitted by the Athletic Association and allocated through a points system. There is a limited amount of non-permitted public parking near the stadium which is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The highest concentration of free public parking on gameday is available on East Campus, surrounding the Ramsey Center off College Station Road. East Campus offers multiple decks and surface parking.

Overflow parking is located at the Intramural Fields and will only be used once all spaces on East Campus have been filled. Fans parking at the Intramural Fields are asked to remove their cars no later than three hours after the game ends. Cars remaining after that time will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Additional public parking is available at many churches and businesses throughout town, as well as through Prestige Parking and Tailgate Station.

There are designated areas for RV’s and large trailers. For more information on these areas, please contact the Athletic Association . Additional RV spaces are available through Prestige Parking, Bulldog Park, and other private lot owners.

Parking Regulations

To manage the large amount of cars on campus on gameday, the University has implemented parking procedures that will serve to keep the public safe from oncoming traffic and to allow emergency vehicles and public transit easier access to the campus.

Sidewalk parking is not allowed (except as designated on the south side of Carlton St. from Sanford to East Campus)

When cars park on sidewalks, pedestrians are pushed into the street, creating a safety hazard and slowing traffic.

Parking on grass and other landscaped areas is not allowed (except as designated by the University).

One aspect that draws visitors to the University is its beauty. When vehicles are parked on grass and other landscaped areas, it harms what took many years to create. There are enough spaces on campus for all of the vehicles that arrive on gameday, so please be patient and park in an approved space.

Fans using a tent or canopy over the tailgate of a vehicle should keep travel lanes open for vehicle traffic and should not take up space in other parking spaces

One vehicle per parking space.

We've all seen it — one car, surrounded by a grill, seven chairs and three coolers, filling four parking spaces while you drive in circles. This type of parking means that 3 or 4 other vehicles are forced farther away from campus each time this happens. Our new policies will help ensure that more people can park within an easy walk of the stadium.

Additional parking if you can't find one here!

Downtown Athens Georgia

Classic Center

Parking for Gator fans at South Carolina

2009-11-09T09:44:00.002-05:00

Parking and Traffic

General Parking Info?A Gameday parking office is located inside the ticket office beneath the ramp in the northwest corner of the stadium. The office opens at 8 AM or five hours prior to kickoff depending on game time. This is for last minute parking problems only. No new parking passes will be sold at this time. For GPS purposes the address of Williams-Brice Stadium is 1125 George Rogers Boulevard.

Handicapped Parking?The University of South Carolina only sells season passes for handicapped parking.

Handicapped individuals who are members of the Gamecock Club should send in a copy of a state-distributed handicap parking tag to acquire a paid reserved parking space in the handicapped area of the fairgrounds.

Handicapped individuals who are not members of the Gamecock Club should present their state-distributed parking tag and purchase a spot in the handicapped area of the Fairgrounds via the University of South Carolina Ticket Office as long as space is available. In the event that the designated area fills up, they should drop off handicapped persons at the stadium and seek parking elsewhere.

To access the shuttle service to the stadium, guests should wait by Pole 13 in the lot. We ask that seats on the shuttle be reserved for those who are handicapped and that those who are able to walk to the stadium assist their handicapped companions. The shuttles will transport guests to the north corners of Williams-Brice Stadium. Service begins two and one-half hours before kickoff and will continue until the game begins. Return transportation will also be available after the game, beginning with five minutes left in the event and until there is no one waiting at the shuttle stations. Please be advised that both pedestrians and vehicular traffic are extremely heavy following the game; therefore, the wait time for shuttles may be extensive.

There are a limited number of spaces available to handicapped Gamecock Club members in each lot.

Visitor Parking?Please review the pre-game and post-game traffic flow maps to help you plan your visit to Williams-Brice Stadium. All parking in the South Carolina State Fairgrounds is reserved parking for the football season. No individual parking is available. Visitors are also encouraged to park in the Capitol City Parking Lot. This lot is located less than a half-mile from the stadium on the west side of Assembly Street and costs $10 per car.

RV Parking?For individuals interested in RV parking there are a couple of options available. RV parking is available in the Fairgrounds (803.799.3387) on the east side of Assembly Street. Also, RV parking is available at Capitol City Stadium/Blowfish Park which is located less than a half-mile from the stadium to the west side of Assembly Street. Parking in this lot costs $10 per space needed to fully accommodate the vehicle. RV hook-ups are not available in this lot.

Capital City Stadium Parking Lot?This parking lot is provided for overflow Gamecock Club members and visitor parking. This is the least expensive and least crowded lot and is located less than a half-mile from the stadium on the west side of Assembly Street. The cost to park in this lot is $10 per car or $10 per space needed to fully accommodate RVs.

Farmer’s Market Parking – Individual Gameday Sales?The South Carolina State Farmer’s Market sells individual parking spaces on game days on a first come-first serve basis. This parking area is located just southwest of Williams-Brice Stadium. To locate this parking lot travel South on Bluff Road, turn right onto National Guard Road, go 0.2 miles, and turn right. This could be a source of parking for handicapped individuals on a game-by-game basis.

Band Performances?Live music is not allowed at tailgating sites.

Beverage Policy (Alcohol)?The possession or consumption of alcohol in Williams-Brice Stadium is expressly prohibited by University policy. In an effort to encourage an enjoyable experience for all fans, persons who are obviously intoxicated will be denied entry into the stadium regardless of ticket possession.

Buses?Buses will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis in the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. Drivers should use the entrances located at Gate 6 on Assembly Street or Gate 11 on Bluff Road. The cost to park a bus is $60.

Caterers?Caterers should have proper parking permits to be admitted to private tailgate areas. Permits will not be available from Gamecock Club offices and should be secured with the client.

Flammables?Charcoal must be disposed of properly to prevent fires. Please do not place charcoal or other flammables in trash cans or under trees or leave it in the parking areas.

Gates?All parking lot gates will open five hours prior to kickoff or 8 a.m., whichever is later. Vehicles should be removed no later than two hours after the conclusion of the game or risk being locked in until the following business day.

Golf Carts, Mopeds, Scooters?For the safety of all concerned, the use of these motorized vehicles (other than those authorized by USC) will not be allowed by fans in the vicinity of the stadium on the day of games. As a reminder, S.C. highway laws do not allow the use of motorized vehicles on roadways outside of a two mile radius from the registered address of the registered operator.

Liability?Neither the University of South Carolina nor the Gamecock Club will be liable for loss or damage to vehicles or contents.

Lost and Found?Items found in the parking lots will be turned over to Stadium Lost and Found, located in Williams-Brice Stadium. Call 803-777-8506 to ask if your item has been turned in.

Limousines?Due to space constraints, limousines are not allowed in Gamecock Club-controlled parking areas. Drivers should drop off any guests at Williams-Brice Stadium and seek parking in public lots made available by area businesses.

Media Parking?Media parking is located in the South Carolina State Fairgrounds inside Gate 11 on Bluff Road. Members of the media should request parking credentials for this area from the University of South Carolina Media Relations Office. For more information, please contact them at 803-777-5204.

Political Materials?Distribution of political stickers, brochures, and other promotional items is strictly forbidden on properties owned or being leased by the University. Violations will result in the surrender and disposal of said items by University officials.

Restrooms?Stadium restrooms located on the north & south ends of the stadium as well as porta-jons on the East side of the stadium will be made available for use once parking lots open (five hours prior to kickoff). Once gates open (2 ½ hours prior to kickoff) only the East side porta-jons will remain available for use and will close at kickoff.

Security?The University of South Carolina makes every attempt to ensure that all fans are able to enjoy the festivities surrounding the game. In the unfortunate event that threatening or illegal behavior is observed, guests may contact lot attendants or uniformed security located throughout the parking areas. Richland County Sheriff’s Department deputies are stationed in the stands in the Fairgrounds and are mobile as well. Members of various law enforcement agencies are also in attendance. Please do not hesitate to report suspicious activities or unruly fans.

Tailgating?Please tailgate in front or back of your vehicle. Tailgating is not allowed in parking spaces unoccupied by a vehicle. Drive areas must be cleared enough to allow access for emergency vehicles.

Tents?Tents should be no larger than 10′ x 10′ and be contained within the individual parking space. Tents should be dismantled prior to guests leaving for the game. Unattended tents are subject to removal by University officials at their discretion. Drive areas must be cleared enough to allow access for emergency vehicles.

Towing?Towing of all vehicles impeding the flow of traffic or obstructing the right of a member to park in assigned parking is imminent. Once a tow truck has arrived at the vehicle in violation, negotiations will be strictly between the towing company and the vehicle owner. Any vehicles that may have been towed may be recovered at City Garage located on Huger Street, 803-765-9780.

Trash?The University conveniently places receptacles for the disposal of trash and other items throughout the parking areas. Please help us keep the area enjoyable by disposing of all bagged trash into these containers.

Utility Trailers?Due to space restrictions, utility trailers are no longer allowed in any of the lots regardless of the number of passes in the vehicle driver’s possession.

Vendors?Soliciting or vending of any goods or services is strictly prohibited in the lots owned or leased by the Gamecock Club on game day.

Traffic Tips

0.Get to the game early.

0.Police advise fans to use I-77, accessible from I-26 and I-20.

0.If you have reserved parking, get in the two right lanes of Assembly Street as you approach the fairgrounds.

0.If you are picking up someone from the game, you must arrive before the game is completed.

0.Postgame stadium traffic will have priority. All lanes of Assembly Street will be used for traffic from the stadium. The two left lanes on Assembly Street will turn left onto Blossom Street.

0.Traffic leaving Stadium Road will be routed south on Bluff Road. The left two lanes may take I-77 north; the right two lanes take I-77 south.