Here are some highlights of what each SEC coach had to say during Week 9’s teleconference on Wednesday:
Les Miles, LSU
On Alabama rivalry:
Les Miles on #LSU–#Bama rivalry: "It's a quality football game and event as there is in college."
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 28, 2015
On QB Brandon Harris:
"I like his tenacity in his leadership around the team," Miles said of Harris. "His leadership has grown by leaps and bounds."
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) October 28, 2015
On defensive coordinator Kevin Steele (former Alabama assistant):
#LSU coach Les Miles: Kevin Steele is a quality teacher, very organized. The same enthusiasm and speed has been a part of us for my time.
— JimKleinpeter (@JimKleinpeter) October 28, 2015
Shawn Elliott, South Carolina
On the turmoil at QB position for Texas A&M:
Elliott: "At the end of the day, it still comes down to blocking and tackling. We should be OK whoever they trot out there first."
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) October 28, 2015
On his usage of the bye week:
Shawn Elliott on the SEC teleconference: "Implementing new schemes and new ideas. We've had a chance to do that this week."
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) October 28, 2015
On last season’s blowout loss to the Aggies:
Elliott: Confirms stats from last year's A&M game were posted on a board at the stadium. Not a motivational tactic, though.
— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) October 28, 2015
Jim McElwain, Florida
On team’s performance through 6-1 start:
McElwain said the Gators have not exceeded his expectations. "I really like these guys. They've done what we've asked," he said.
— Robbie Andreu (@RobbieAndreu) October 28, 2015
On joining the Florida/Georgia rivalry:
"Doesn't matter what part of country you grow up in. This is one of those Saturdays you know about.'' — Mac on #UFvsUGA
— Scott Carter (@GatorsScott) October 28, 2015
Derek Mason, Vanderbilt
On facing high-powered Houston offense:
Derek Mason said he would prefer not to get into a scoring match with any team. Vanderbilt is averaging 18 points per game. Good call coach
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) October 28, 2015
On Missouri QB Drew Lock:
Derek Mason on Drew Lock: "I believe Drew’s going to be a great quarterback. … This league makes young quarterbacks grow up fast."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) October 28, 2015
Nick Saban, Alabama
On LSU RB Leonard Fournette:
Nick Saban on recruiting Leonard Fournette: "We thought he was absolutely one of the best running backs we've ever seen."
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) October 28, 2015
On comparing Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry:
Saban on LF and Henry: "Both guys are outstanding players in their own ways." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 28, 2015
On former assistant Kevin Steele (now LSU defensive coordinator):
Saban on Steele: "Outstanding coach. Very well organized. Really good FB guy. Their defense is playing really well." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 28, 2015
Butch Jones, Tennessee
On upcoming game against Kentucky:
Butch Jones on UK: “It’s a game that’s going to challenge our fortitude … They play their best football at home."
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) October 28, 2015
On similarities to Kentucky:
Butch Jones on SEC teleconference: UK’s “had some tough losses like we’ve had.” He notes that Stoops has really elevated program.
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) October 28, 2015
On evaluating recruits:
https://twitter.com/DavidCMorrison/status/659398834892599296
Bret Bielema, Arkansas
On retirement of Minnesota coach Jerry Kill:
Bret Bielema sends thoughts to Jerry Kill in his opening statement on the SEC Coaches Teleconference, calls him a great coach and great man.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 28, 2015
On player suspensions:
Jojo Robinson's suspension due to a mandatory school policy about class attendance, Bielema says. Kendrick Edwards is on alert w/same deal
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) October 28, 2015
Gary Pinkel, Missouri
On the return of previously suspended QB Maty Mauk:
Pinkel on Mauk: He's back with the team. Welcomed with open arms. Practiced Tuesday. Won't discuss practice, depth chart details.
— Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) October 28, 2015
Pinkel: Mauk wants to speak to the team today and apologize. "That's really great of him to do that. He's excited to be back."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) October 28, 2015
Pinkel won't discuss Drew Lock's reception to the Mauk news. "That's private."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) October 28, 2015
Hugh Freeze, Ole Miss
On upcoming game against Auburn:
Freeze on Auburn: I know they’ll have their kids ready to play ours. Ours should have gained some confidence from last week. #olemiss
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) October 28, 2015
On recent play of WR Laquon Treadwell:
Freeze on if he’s surprised by Laquon’s return: Having seen him first hand go through the therapy and how hard he worked, I’d say no.
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) October 28, 2015
On injured players:
Freeze on Conner and Nkemdiche: They both practiced yesterday and looked good moving around. #olemiss
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) October 28, 2015
Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M
On Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell:
Sumlin on if Treadwell is better than previous years: "Yes, and I told him that after the game…and I hope I don't see you anymore."
— Barrett Sallee ?? (@BarrettSallee) October 28, 2015
On stopping bigger running backs:
Sumlin: With bigger backs the idea is to make them go east and west and stop them from going downhill, then get population to the football.
— The 12th Man Quarterback (@12thManQB) October 28, 2015
Mark Stoops, Kentucky
On Tennessee QB Joshua Dobbs:
Mark Stoops on Josh Dobbs: “He’s a very good football player. You see him get better and better. … He’s throwing the ball extremely well."
— Jen Smith (@ByJenSmith) October 28, 2015
On status of team following loss to Mississippi State:
Stoops on SEC teleconference, says team has a lot of things to get corrected and straightened out this week
— Jon Hale (@JonHale_HL) October 28, 2015
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State
On playing Missouri on a Thursday night:
Mullen says he doesn't mind playing on Thursday night, but there's issues with the late start getting back to class on Friday for players.
— Michael Bonner (@michaelbbonner) October 28, 2015
On having bye week going into Thursday night game:
Mullen says if you play it right, you get to two bye weekends with the Thursday game.
— Michael Bonner (@michaelbbonner) October 28, 2015
Mark Richt, Georgia
On taking team to workout in Atlanta:
Mark Richt on UGA traveling to Falcons' indoor facility yesterday for practice: "I think it was worth the trip."
— Matt Baker (@MBakerTBTimes) October 28, 2015
On defending Alabama RB Derrick Henry:
Richt on Henry: "For a lot of people, it's 'go low or get out of the way.' The real trick is to try to get him sideways."
— Barrett Sallee ?? (@BarrettSallee) October 28, 2015
On first memory of Georgia/Florida rivalry:
Both Mark Richt and Dan Mullen have said the same thing when asked about 1st memory of UGA/UF. Trip over bridge into stadium.
— Jake Rowe (@JakeMRowe) October 28, 2015
Gus Malzahn, Auburn
On injured players:
Malzahn asked if there's a chance Jovon Robinson will redshirt this year. He says no.
— AUBlog (@AUBlog) October 28, 2015
Gus Malzahn: Carl Lawson had a limited practice Tuesday and did "fine" when he was out there
— Bryan Matthews (@BMattAU) October 28, 2015
Malzahn, asked if Jalen Harris has been able to practice since that car accident. Said they gave him a couple days and then he returned.
— AUBlog (@AUBlog) October 28, 2015
On Halloween:
Gus Malzahn can't remember last time he dressed up for Halloween. Says maybe junior high. "My mind's on third and short right now."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) October 28, 2015
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
