Published July 9, 2012 - 4:06am
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One Alabama state economist estimated the impact that Auburn and Alabama have on the state in terms of economic impact is as high as $500 million annually. Both Auburn and Alabama are profitable institutions, and there are not many in the country that can say that. “Everything surrounding football, there’s no telling how much of an economic impact it has, but I know it is substantial,” said Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard. [AL]
Isaiah Crowell is now going to Alabama State, and they are taking a major gamble. “Win at all costs” is a good summation for his acceptance into the program. Alabama State is already facing Academic Progress Rate penalties in 2012, and now they have just taken in a wayward football player who is accused of two felony gun charges. “Obviously, I’d be pulling your leg if I didn’t say he’s an outstanding football player,” Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said Friday. “Also a guy like myself, who has experienced a bunch in life when I was given another opportunity, I think I can help him.” Crowell chose the FCS route as opposed to the JUCO route. [AL]
Kentucky has four must-win games in 2012 to generate a sustained upward mobility for the future. The four are Louisville, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Vanderbilt. The Louisville game matters because of the in-state rivalry, thus resulting in recruiting repercussions. Mississippi State is Kentucky’s permanent cross-divisional rivalry. South Carolina and Vanderbilt will both enter with more prowess than Kentucky this year. The Benchmark Four are the four most important games for the Cats in 2012. [Kentucky]
LSU landed a pledge from North Carolina. DE Lewis Neal committed to the Tigers, and he becomes their 19th commitment for the class of 2013. Neal had been committed to Ohio State, but later rethought his commitment. Neal had 88 tackles, eight sacks and four forced fumbles as a junior last year. Although Neal is on the smaller side for DEs (6-1, 235lbs), he could potentially double as a linebacker, depending on how LSU plans to use him. [The Advocate]
The Egg Bowl rivalry has the potential to be moved to Thanksgiving Night. MSU officials said there is a small chance this happens, and Ole Miss administrators are not opposed to the idea. “It’s unbelievable exposure,” Stricklin said this week. “There could be amazing viewership and you’re putting your brand out there for the game.” Ole Miss and MSU played on Thanksgiving Night from 1998 to 2003 on ESPN. That would be great for brand exposure and the state of Mississippi. [Clarion Ledger]
