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Recapping the Week 13 SEC Coaches’ Media Teleconference through tweets
By Ethan Levine
Published:
Here’s a collection of noteworthy comments from Wednesday’s SEC Coaches’ Media Teleconference:
Nick Saban — Alabama is coming off its most impressive win of the year against then-unbeaten Mississippi State last week. This week, the Tide take on a much less formidable opponent in Western Carolina of the FCS.
However, Saban has been around long enough to know the right things to say leading up to a game like this.
Fear the Catamounts. RT @BarrettSallee: Saban: "This is a good little team we're playing."
— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) November 19, 2014
Bret Bielema — Arkansas finally broke through and won its first SEC game since 2012 with Saturday’s 17-0 win over LSU. Now, the Hogs’ attention turns from earning their first SEC victory to earning the SEC West’s seventh and final bowl berth this season.
Bielema: "A bowl would give the outside world recognition of what we've accomplished. On the inside, we just try to gain daily respect."
— Barrett Sallee ?? (@BarrettSallee) November 19, 2014
In order to reach a bowl game, Arkansas would have to win one of its final two games against Ole Miss or Missouri. The Rebels come to town this weekend for the Hogs’ Senior Day in Fayetteville, and Bielema gave an honest assessment of Ole Miss in advance of the game.
Bielema: "Ole Miss is knocking on the door of being in the top 4. Their QB Bo Wallace is an exceptional player. Very good up front."
— Evie Van Pelt (@OleMissEvie) November 19, 2014
Bielema on Ole Miss: "Defensively,they are a very opportunistic group."
— Evie Van Pelt (@OleMissEvie) November 19, 2014
Gus Malzahn — Auburn lost its third game of the year in last week’s embarrassing 34-7 rout at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs, but the head coach said his goal is to have more balance on offense in the final two weeks of the season.
Auburn's Gus Malzahn on offense: "We have thrown the ball more. One of our goals was to be a little more balanced."
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) November 19, 2014
For those wondering, Auburn threw the ball 28 times and ran the ball 35 times against Georgia, and had the Tigers not trailed for much of the game the numbers might have been ever more skewed toward the run game.
Will Muschamp — As most already know, Muschamp was fired on Sunday following Florida’s loss to South Carolina in the Swamp. However, the head coach continues to take it all in stride, just as he did in Monday’s press conference to announce his firing.
Question: "Coach, how are you doing?"
Muschamp: "Great. How do you think I'm doing? [Laughs]."— OnlyGators.com: Florida Gators news (@onlygators) November 19, 2014
On a more serious note, Muschamp was asked about Saturday’s Senior Day festivities against Eastern Kentucky, which will also mark his final home game as coach of the Gators. The head coach (for now) admitted it will be an emotional day for him as well.
Muschamp says senior day will be an emotional day. Muschamp also says it will be emotional for him because it's last game in the Swamp.
— Andrew Spivey (@AndrewSpiveyGC) November 19, 2014
Muschamp will be a free agent following the season finale against Florida State, but he did not have much to share regarding his plans for the future.
Muschamp says he would like to continue working next year but will take time with wife Carol after FSU game to map out immediate future.
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) November 19, 2014
The Gators coach even fielded questions about Eastern Kentucky this weekend.
Muschamp just pointed out that EKU has blocked seven kicks this season. That may not bode well for the Gators after last week.
— Robbie Andreu (@RobbieAndreu) November 19, 2014
The Gators had a field goal and a punt blocked in the final minutes of last week’s game, allowing South Carolina to force overtime on its way to an unexpected victory.
Mark Richt — Georgia is fresh off a convincing 27-point win over Auburn last week, but Richt was primarily asked about the SEC East scenarios now that his team is in the clubhouse with a 6-2 conference record. Georgia needs Missouri to lose one of its final two games (against Tennessee and Arkansas) to win the East.
https://twitter.com/DavidCMorrison/status/535131749991579648
Then the questions began focusing more on Missouri than on Georgia, as the Tigers have more control over UGA’s fate than the Bulldogs do with two weeks left in the regular season.
Richt on Missouri: "Gary and the staff have been doing an unbelievable job. They’re very difficult to beat. They don't beat themselves."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 19, 2014
Richt is impressed with how Tennessee has improved under Jones. "Are they ready to beat Missouri? I don't know."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 19, 2014
Mark Stoops — Kentucky is in the midst of a five-game losing streak, all in SEC play with all five losses coming by at least 10 points. They’ve lost by a combined 66 points the last two weeks to Georgia and Tennessee and allowed at least 50 points in both games.
Nevertheless, Stoops urged patience from the Kentucky fan base as he winds down his second year in the Bluegrass.
Stoops says two years is not a long time in terms of building an SEC quality football program.
— Jon Hale (@JonHale_HL) November 19, 2014
Despite all the losing, Kentucky remains alive to earn bowl eligibility if it can win against Louisville in the final week of the season (thanks to a 5-1 start to the year). Luckily for the Wildcats, they’ll have two weeks to prepare for that game.
Stoops: "We're significantly banged up right now, so this bye comes at a good time. We'd have a hard time fielding a team this week."
— Barrett Sallee ?? (@BarrettSallee) November 19, 2014
When asked what reaching a bowl would mean for his program moving forward, Stoops agreed it would be a big step forward, but his reasoning caught some people off guard.
Stoops says reaching a bowl would be extremely important to the development of the team. "It's almost like another spring practice."
— Jon Hale (@JonHale_HL) November 19, 2014
The extra practices would benefit any team as young as Kentucky’s, but it’s hard to believe that would be UK’s greatest benefit upon reaching a bowl game.
Les Miles — LSU enters this week’s open date off last week’s embarrassing 17-0 loss to Arkansas, but Miles asserted the team is looking forward toward its finale against Texas A&M in two weeks. Of course, he said it in a way only Les Miles can.
Miles: "We're putting our collective thoughts together and looking forward to aproaching open week with good, quality answers." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 19, 2014
Arkansas fans stormed the field following the Hogs’ win over LSU, marking the program’s first SEC win since 2012. Miles confirmed his team was able to evacuate the field safely before the chaos in Fayetteville ensued.
Coach Miles was asked if any of his team or staff were injured when the Razorback fans rushed the field. The answer was no.
— Evie Van Pelt (@OleMissEvie) November 19, 2014
And then, just like that, Miles was off the teleconference after just one question.
Speaking of rush, Miles is off the #SEC teleconference after one question. For the record @DellengerAdv was trying to ask 1 as he left. #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) November 19, 2014
Gary Pinkel — Missouri extended its road win streak to nine straight games (dating back to 2012) with Saturday’s win in College Station over Texas A&M, but Pinkel downplayed the streak to the media on Wednesday.
Pinkel: "We don't really ever talk about it. The whole key for anybody is focus. We don't prepare any different for the road than for home."
— Evie Van Pelt (@OleMissEvie) November 19, 2014
Whenever Missouri loses a road game Pinkel's going to smack around reporters for jinxing him with all the road streak questions.
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 19, 2014
The Tigers remain in control of the SEC East with two games remaining this season, and they must win both games to lock down a second straight division title. Pinkel spoke highly of his quarterback and his defense following last week’s win, and both will have to continue to play well the rest of the season if Mizzou is to defend its East crown.
Pinkel on Mauk: "I thought he really managed the game well and the environment, which is important to do"
— Barrett Sallee ?? (@BarrettSallee) November 19, 2014
Pinkel on stopping A&M on 4th and goal, said his players were disciplined and stayed in position. They kept their ground, didn't overpursue.
— Evie Van Pelt (@OleMissEvie) November 19, 2014
Hugh Freeze — The Rebels are coming off a much-needed bye last week and now turn their attention to an upstart Arkansas team this weekend in Fayetteville. Ole Miss is still alive to win the West if it wins its final two games, and Freeze seemed to think last week’s bye will help tremendously in that regard.
Coach Freeze: "We're excited to have the open week last week and get some kids healed up. We face a tall challenge going to Arkansas."
— Evie Van Pelt (@OleMissEvie) November 19, 2014
The Ole Miss head man was asked about the Razorbacks in advance of Saturday’s game, and he seemed impressed with the Hogs’ play on defense this year.
When you watch their cut ups nobody is out of position…no mystery scheme…they do what they do – Freeze on Arkansas D.
— SEC Breakdown (@SECBreakdown) November 19, 2014
Dan Mullen — Mississippi State lost for the first time all season last week against Alabama, but Mullen has already turned the page to this week’s Senior Night showdown with Vanderbilt.
Mullen on game Saturday: Last home game for our Seniors, it could be only second time State could go 7-0 at home in a regular season.
— Evie Van Pelt (@OleMissEvie) November 19, 2014
Steve Spurrier — South Carolina finally ruined someone else’s fourth quarter lead rather than blowing another of its own, resulting in a much-needed victory for Spurrier and company in the Swamp. However, Spurrier is still approaching this season one game at a time, giving this week’s opponent, South Alabama, plenty of respect on Wednesday’s teleconference.
Steve Spurrier says his team doesn't have time to overlook South Alabama. "This team really gets your attention when you see them on tape"
— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) November 19, 2014
Steve Spurrier talking up South Alabama like it's the 72 Dolphins. As he does…
— Barrett Sallee ?? (@BarrettSallee) November 19, 2014
News later broke that South Carolina would wear what it calls its “Big Game Garnet” uniforms for Saturday’s showdown with the Jaguars.
Steve Spurrier told @SpursFeathers that the Gamecocks will wear Garnet on Garnet Saturday. First time since opener vs Texas A&M.
— SportsTalk Media Network (@sportstalksc) November 19, 2014
Butch Jones — Tennessee has endured a difficult week despite last week’s 50-16 rout of Kentucky, suspending A.J. Johnson on Monday following allegations of sexual assault. Jones commented on a few of his players on Wednesday’s teleconference, but not Johnson.
JONES: @josh_dobbs1 has shown much growth (since last year’s Mizzou game). He’s not the same quarterback, his body and maturation have grown
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) November 19, 2014
JONES: @Finally_Maybin’s leadership has continued to grow and grow. He’s viewed as a leader by our team.
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) November 19, 2014
(That second tweet is regarding linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin.)
Jones also commented on Tennessee’s opponent this week, Missouri, which must win in order to keep alive its chances of winning the SEC East. Per Jones’ comments, he seemed very impressed with the job Gary Pinkel has done in a quick transition from the Big 12 to the SEC.
Vols coach Butch Jones: "If there’s one program that really exemplifies developing their players it’s Missouri."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) November 19, 2014
Kevin Sumlin — Texas A&M’s head coach wasn’t asked any questions following last week’s home loss to Missouri, but he did comment on his team’s open date this week before its season finale against LSU on Thanksgiving night.
Sumlin: Hopefully we can heal up a little this week, continue our preparation & be ready for a Thurs night game vs. LSU here in Kyle Field.
— Evie Van Pelt (@OleMissEvie) November 19, 2014
Derek Mason — Vanderbilt, now the only team in the SEC without a conference win this year, faces a tough challenge following its bye week as it prepares for a road date with No. 4 Mississippi State on the Bulldogs Senior Night in Starkville. Nevertheless, Mason feels good about where his team is at following last week’s bye.
Mason: We feel comfortable with where we’re at heading into this game. They’re a talented team.
— Michael Bonner (@michaelbbonner) November 19, 2014
So how is Mason preparing for Saturday’s game against one of the SEC’s premier teams? His answer was a little unorthodox but served as one of the highlights of the teleconference.
#Vandy coach Derek Mason: "I listen to cowbells on my iPod for about 20 minutes every day"
— Adam Sparks (@AdamSparks) November 19, 2014
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.