News and Notes Around the SEC

As spring practices are winding down across the country, teams still seem unsure about themselves. From College Park, PA to Atlanta, GA to Ann Arbor, MI, teams are trying to cope with coaching changes (or lack thereof), new offenses, new schemes, new personnel, and new players. This spring isn't boding as well for many teams as those schools had hoped, but for some, spring practices have been relieving. USC has found their quarterback, people in Husker nation love Bo Pelini almost as much as Alabama loved Saban a year ago, and rants about Jimmy Clausen's skills are reappearing. For the SEC, the up-and-down summer hasn't been much different.

In Columbia, Steve Spurrier can't stand the play of his quarterbacks. In the spring game, the QBs managed to throw 8 INTs, even without Stephen Garcia's shenanigans. Spurrier is so frustrated that he has even turned over some of the playcalling duties to his son.

In Lexington, the huge void left behind by Andre Woodson will remain that way. Even though the QB roster is deep, Rich Brooks has come out of spring with just as much doubt as he did going in. Chris Pulley and Mike Hartline continue to show progress, but neither are showing the upper hand.

The new starter in Knoxtown has already hit his first road bump of 2008. The Vols' slated starting QB Jonathan Crompton underwent "successful" elbow surgery to clean up the joint. Crompton is expected to be back by June workouts, but you can never feel good about elbow surgery for your starting QB. In other news, Fulmer is telling his kids to calm down off the field. I'm sure that will work.

Some interesting news out of Gainesville. Urban Meyer has instructed Tim Tebow, do-it-all Everythingback, to pass more and limit his carries. This is interesting, considering Tebow made up about 75% of Florida's offense last year, Emmanuel Moody continues to struggle grasping the new offense, and Percy Harvin recovers from heel surgery.

In Tuscavegas, Alabama head coach Nick Saban is griping again. Saban, a very credible and successful recruiter, is complaining about the NCAA's new rule change prohibiting coaches from visiting high schools in the month of May. For once in my life, I may agree with the Sabanator. With the way recruiting is nowadays, recruits are continually committing early, forcing coaches to recruit early. The month of May comes at a pivotal point in this new-age recruiting process, the month just after spring practices rap up and coaches have a chance to have some face time with prospects.

Some bad news coming out of Fayetteville. Transfer QB Ryan Mallet is out for a while with a thumb injury. Although he can't play this year, it sets him back from learning the new intricate offensive scheme owned by Bobby Petrino.

Not sure which town they call home, but the guys that cover Auburn sports on Track Em Tigers have given some respect to the Dawgs, calling them 2008's media darling. As bad as it seems, its relieving in the sense that the media is finally giving us some respect. And as dangerous as it may seem, Coach Richt is working his magic, keeping the team focused on the task at hand - beat Georgia Southern. One game at a time, boys.

For all of SEC country, check out Paul Westerdawg's article on 2008's SEC schedules over at Georgia Sports Blog.

Also, on the homefront, two UGA students have started their own company called Heisman Gear, with Playboy's pre-season All-American Knowshon the centerpiece of their new product lines.