2018 College Football Preview

2018 College
Football Preview
Sunday, August 26, 2018
.......3 .......6 .......9 ......11 ......12 ......13

2 Sunday, August 26, 2018 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com College Football PReview
INSIDE
COLLEGE
FOOTBALL Team Page
PREVIEW MSU ...............................................................3-5
Ole Miss .........................................................6-7
2017 Alabama .......................................................9-10
A publication of
The Dispatch Itawamba C.C. ................................................11
East Mississippi C.C. ......................................12
P.O. Box 511
Columbus, MS 39703 SEC / National.............................................13-15
(662) 328-2424
Publisher
Peter Imes
2018 College
Football Preview
ABOUT
Managing Editor THE COVER
Zack Plair
The Battle for the Golden
Sports Egg will return to Oxford this
Adam Minichino
Scott Walters season after Ole Miss edged
Brett Hudson Mississippi State in Starkville in
Cover Design 2017. There is a lot of optimism
Tina Perry for Joe Moorhead’s first year at
Photographers MSU, while Matt Luke is excited
Stan Beall about getting the Rebels back on
Jim Lytle track with an explosive offense
Chris McDill
Luisa Porter that features former Starkville
High School standout A.J.
Graphic Artists
Kelly Ervin Brown at wide receiver. Thanks
Jackie Taylor to Tina Perry for designing the
Production
Sunday, August 26, 2018
cover and to everyone who
Tina Perry .......3 .......6 .......9 ......11 ......12 ......13
helped with the section.
Anne Murphy
Alabama Athletic Media Relations

Alabama football coach Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide are the preseason pick to win
the Southeastern Conference and the favorite to win another national championship.
College Football PReview The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com Sunday, August 26, 2018 3
mississippi state bulldogs

Athletic Website: www.hailstate.com; Twitter: @HailStateFB; Facebook: www.facebook.com/HailStateFootball; Instagram: www.instagram.com/HailStateFB
Coaching staff
Head Coach
Joe Moorhead
n Mark Hudspeth —
Associate Head Coach/
Tight Ends
n Charles Huff —
Assistant Head Coach/
Run Game Coordinator/
Running Backs
n Brian Baker —
Defensive Line
n Andrew Breiner —
Pass Game Coordinator/
Quarterbacks 2018 Schedule
n Terrell Buckley — Sept. 1 STEPHEN F.
AUSTIN
Cornerbacks
Sept. 8 At Kansas State
n Luke Getsy — Sept. 15 LOUISIANA
Offensive Coordinator/ Sept. 22 At Kentucky
Wide Receivers Sept. 29 FLORIDA
n Marcus Johnson — Oct. 6 AUBURN
Offensive Line Oct. 20 At LSU
n Joey Jones — Special Oct. 27 TEXAS A&M
Nov. 3 LOUISIANA TECH
Teams Coordinator
Nov. 10 At Alabama
n Tem Lukabu — Nov. 17 ARKANSAS
Linebackers Nov. 22 At Ole Miss
n Bob Shoop — HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Defensive Coordinator/
Safeties
n Bill Legg — Senior
Offensive Consultant
Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch
n Eddy Morrissey — Mississippi State coach Joe Moorhead watches his players go through drills during preseason practice. There is a
Offensive Quality Control lot of excitement about what the former offensive coordinator at Penn State has in store for the Bulldogs in 2018.
n Tim Zetts — Offensive 2017 Results
MOORHEAD SET TO FACE EXPECTATIONS

Quality Control Sept. 2 W, 49-0
n Andrew Jackson — CHARLESTON
SOUTHERN
Defensive Quality Control
Sept. 9 W, 57-21
n Van Malone — By Bret t Hudson At Louisiana Tech
Defensive Quality Control bhudson@cdispatch.com
Things to Know About the Bulldogs Sept. 16 W, 37-7
n Will Reimann — n LOOKING FOR RECEIVERS: Senior Penn State staff as offensive coordinator LSU
Defensive Quality Control STARKVILLE — Joe quarterback Nick Fitzgerald said Mississippi under James Franklin. He had two excellent Sept. 23 L, 3-31
n Chris Boniol — Moorhead’s goal of taking the State might open up the passing game this seasons with the Nittany Lions, building an At Georgia
Senior Special Teams Mississippi State football program season, but that’s contingent on several offense around running back Saquon Bark- Sept. 30 L, 10-49
from “good to great” is a five-year factors. One is Fitzgerald needs to improve ley and quarterback Trace McSorley, before At Auburn
Adviser
plan of sorts. on his 55-percent completion rate. The coming to Starkville. Oct. 14 W, 35-10
n Allen Tucker — Special BYU
The first phase could be one of other is the Bulldogs need to find consistent n CAN’T WAIT FOR SEPT. 29: It’s going
Teams Quality Control receivers. Last year, no one had more than to be hard to find a seat at Davis-Wade Sta- Oct. 21 W, 45-7
the program’s best.
n Jay Perry — Director of 27 catches. Candidates for a breakout year dium on Sept. 29 when former MSU coach KENTUCKY
“It’s trying to take that next step.
Player Development at receiver include Austin Williams, Keith Dan Mullen leads Florida into town. Mullen Oct. 28 W, 35-14
It’s the small things: getting to Mixon, and Jesse Jackson. left Starkville in the offseason after nine Texas A&M
n Mike Villagrana — meetings early, all the small things. n FITZGERALD’S GOT BACKUP: Fitz- seasons. He is respected in Starkville after Nov. 4 W, 34-23
Director of Recruiting They all add up,” freshman wide re- gerald’s health will be a cause for concern, his tenure, but many fans were upset he left UMASS
n Andrew Warsaw — ceiver Austin Williams said. “The especially early in the season. The Bulldogs for another program in the SEC. Nov. 11 L, 24-31
Director of Football culture, really.” can take comfort in knowing backup Keytaon n A LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE: MSU ALABAMA
Operations Those things are all great for Thompson looks like he’ll be ready if need- will open the season Sept. 1 against with Nov. 18 W, 28-21
n Peter Weiden — Assistant Moorhead’s future at MSU, but he ed. The sophomore helped lead MSU to a Stephen F. Austin before playing Kansas At Arkansas
Director of Football is expected to have success with 31-27 win in last year’s TaxSlayer Bowl. State, Louisiana, and Kentucky over the next Nov. 23 L, 28-31
n MOORHEAD’S RISING STAR: The three weeks. That gives MSU a decent shot
Operations an experienced group he inherited OLE MISS
44-year-old Moorhead has had a quick rise at being 4-0 going into its showdown against Dec. 30 W, 31-27
n Brad Peterson — from former coach Dan Mullen, to becoming a head coach in the Southeast- Florida. If this veteran MSU roster can mesh
who left in the offseason to become Vs. Louisville
Director of High School ern Conference. He had four good seasons quickly with its new coach, it’s possible the
head coach at Florida. HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Relations/Player Personnel as the head coach at Football Championship Bulldogs could finish with a 10-win season.
n Matt Wilson – Director of See OVERVIEW, 8 Subdivision-level Fordham before joining the — By The Associated Press
Player Personnel
n Rod Gibson — Radio affiliates
Assistant Director of City Station Frequency
Recruiting Communications Aberdeen WWZQ* 1240 AM
Amory WAMY* 1580 AM
n Niel Stopczynski —
Batesville WBLE* 100.5 FM
Director of Scouting Clarksdale WROX* 1450 AM
n Andrea Hollis — Clarksdale WROX* 97.5 FM
Columbia WCJU* 104.9 FM
Director of On-Campus
Conway, Ark. KASR-FM* 92.7 FM
Recruiting Corinth WKCU* 1350 AM
n Jon Guynes — French Camp WFCA* 107.9 FM
Greenville WDMS 100.7 FM
Recruiting Assistant
Greenville WGVM# 1260/97.3
n Anthony Piroli — Greenwood/Indianola WTCD* 96.9 FM
Head Strength and Grenada WOHT* 92.3 FM
Hattiesburg WMXI* 98.1 FM
Conditioning Coach
Jackson WRKS* 105.9 FM
n Cory Bichey — Lucedale WRBE* 106.9 FM
Assistant Strength and Meridian WMOX* 1010 AM
Monticello WRQO* 102.1 FM
Conditioning Coach
Natchez WWUU* 103.9 FM
n Fred Murphy — Philadelphia WWSL* 102.3 FM
Assistant Strength and Starkville/West Point WKBB* 100.9 FM
Tupelo WCNA* 95.9 FM
Conditioning Coach
Tylertown WTYL 1290/97.7
n Timothy Rehm — Vicksburg WVBG* 105.5 FM
Assistant Strength and Winona WONA* 95.1 FM
Yazoo City WBYP* 107.1 FM
Conditioning Coach
n Michael Stacchiotti — * — Station will carry coach Joe Moorhead’s weekly radio show, DawgTalk, from
Assistant Strength and 6:30-7:30 p.m. from Aug. 30 to Nov. 20. The exception is Tuesday, Nov. 20.
# - WGVM-AM/FM (1260/97.3) in Greenville will carry Moorhead’s weekly radio show
Conditioning Coach
ONLY.
.

Athletic Website: www.hailstate.com; Twitter: @HailStateFB;
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HailStateFootball; Instagram: www.instagram.com/HailStateFB

Mississippi State junior wide receiver Deddrick Thomas had a team-high four
receiving touchdowns as part of a 22-catch, 227-yard season in 2017.
WRs FOCUSED ON DOING BETTER

Talented newcomers join group that will look for increased production
By Bret t Hudson
bhudson@cdispatch.com
STARKVILLE — Luke
Getsy wasn’t sure about
the Mississippi State foot-
ball team’s offense when
he exited spring practice.
Getsy, MSU’s first-year
offensive coordinator and
wide receivers coach, saw
a group of receivers with
physical gifts, but he was
unsure of their command
of new coach Joe Moor-
head’s system. When
the players returned for
fall camp, his thinking
changed.
“The execution and the
knowledge of the guys,
they did a heck of a job
this summer. They real- Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch
ly did,” Getsy said. “I’m Freshman Devonta “Whop” Jason, who is from New
proud of all of those guys Orleans, is part of a talented group of newcomers at
See OFFENSE, 8 wide receiver.
2017 STATISTICS
MSU OPP
SCORING 416 272
Points Per Game 32.0 20.9
Points Off Turnovers 99 74
FIRST DOWNS 299 175
Rushing 182 80
Passing 99 72
Penalty 18 23
RUSHING YARDAGE 3272 1711
Yards gained rushing 3450 2199
Yards lost rushing 178 488
Rushing Attempts 634 448
Average Per Rush 5.2 3.8
Average Per Game 251.7 131.6
TDs Rushing 30 18
PASSING YARDAGE 2170 2271
Comp-Att-Int 191-353-14 159-313-13
Average Per Pass 6.1 7.3
Average Per Catch 11.4 14.3
TDs Passing 17 13
TOTAL OFFENSE 5442 3982
Total Plays 987 761
Average Per Play 5.5 5.2
KICK RETURNS: #-Yards 29-604 29-520
PUNT RETURNS: #-Yards 24-231 9-43
INT RETURNS: #-Yards 13-384 14-366
KICK RETURN AVERAGE 20.8 17.9
PUNT RETURN AVERAGE 9.6 4.8
INT RETURN AVERAGE 29.5 26.1
FUMBLES-LOST 13-8 22-8
PENALTIES-Yards 80-710 65-626
PUNTS-Yards 55-2301 84-3442
Average Per Punt 41.8 41.0
Net punt average 39.2 38.2
KICKOFFS-Yards 75-4776 58-3531
Average Per Kick 63.7 60.9
Net kick average 41.7 39.3
TIME OF POSSESSION/Game 33:23 26:37
3RD-DOWN Conversions 91/197 52/171
3rd-Down Pct 46% 30%
4TH-DOWN Conversions 13/25 6/16
4th-Down Pct 52% 38%
SACKS BY-Yards 36-225 13-76 Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch
MISC YARDS 0 0
TOUCHDOWNS SCORED 53 34 Mississippi State redshirt freshman wide receiver
FIELD GOALS-ATTEMPTS 14-18 11-14 Austin Williams is expected to make a significant
ON-SIDE KICKS 1-4 0-1
RED-ZONE SCORES (50-58) 86% ( 24-30) 80%
impact in MSU first-year head coach Joe Moorhead’s
RED-ZONE TOUCHDOWNS (38-58) 66% (17-30) 57% offense this season. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder from
PAT-ATTEMPTS (50-52) 96% ( 33-34) 97% Ocean Springs had five catches for 86 yards and a
ATTENDANCE 406703 368028
Games/Avg Per Game 7/58100 5/73606 touchdown in the annual Maroon and White Game in
Neutral Site Games 1/41310 the spring.


Mark McLaurin, above, and Johnathan Abram, below, were involved in specialty
blitzes and pressures that allowed them to make three-and-a-half sacks and
eight-and-a-half tackles for a loss last season. They also moved around the field to
create exotic coverage schemes that helped them combine to break up 11 passes,
which doesn’t include McLaurin’s six interceptions.
MSU LOOKs TO Mclaurin, ABRAM

TO KEEP BEING AGENTS OF CHAOS
By Bret t Hudson
STARKVILLE —
Safeties Mark McLaurin
and Johnathan Abram
were the Mississippi State
football team’s leading
tacklers last year.
Abram also was in the
top five in tackles for a loss.
McLaurin led the team
in interceptions and was
second in pass breakups.
Abram wasn’t far behind.
That production came
in Todd Grantham’s sys-
tem that gave safeties the
freedom to roam and to be
the agents of chaos.
See DEFENSE, 8
OLE miss rebels

Athletic Website: www.olemisssports.com; Twitter: @OleMissFB; Facebook: www.facebook.com/olemisssports; Blog: www.olemisssports.com/blog
Coaching staff
Head Coach
Matt Luke
n Wesley McGriff —
Associate Head Coach/
Defensive Coordinator
n Phil Longo — Offensive
Coordinator/Quarterbacks
n Jack Bicknell Jr. —
Offensive Line
n Charles Clark —
Cornerbacks
n Maurice Harris — Tight
Ends
n Jason Jones —
Co-Defensive Coordinator/
Safeties
n Derrick Nix —
2018 Schedule
Sept. 1 At Texas Tech.
Running Backs Sept. 8 SO. ILLINOIS
n Jacob Peeler — Sept. 15 ALABAMA
Wide Receivers Sept. 22 KENT STATE
n Freddie Roach — Sept. 29 At LSU
Defensive Line
Oct. 6 LA. MONROE
n Jon Sumrall —
Oct. 13 At Arkansas
Linebackers
Oct. 20 AUBURN
n Zach Brown — Player
Nov. 3 SOUTH CAROLINA
Personnel Analyst
n Josh Snow — Graduate Nov. 10 At Texas A&M
Assistant, Offense Nov. 17 At Vanderbilt
n Paul Jackson — Head Nov. 22 MSU
Football Strength HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Conditioning Coach
n John Miller — Associate
A.D. for Football Operations
n Tom Luke — Assistant
A.D. for Player Development Stan Beall/Special to The Dispatch
n Chris Rippon — Assistant Ole Miss quarterback Jordan Ta’amu scrambles away from Mississippi State’s Lashard Durr in the Battle for the
A.D. for Community Relations Golden Egg last season in Starkville. Ta’amu threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-28 victory.
2017 Results
LUKE, REBELS FEEL MOMENTUM

and Special Teams
Consultant Sept. 2 W, 47-27
n Tyler Siskey — Assistant SOUTH ALABAMA
A.D. for Player Personnel Sept. 9 W, 45-23
n Ken Crain — Head UT MARTIN
Equipment Manger Sept. 16 L, 16-27
n Pat Jernigan — Head
Athletic Trainer
Ole Miss will try to build off victory against Mississippi State with better defense, running game At California
Sept. 30 L, 3-66
n Ben Aigamaua — Senior At Alabama
By Bret t Hudson
Player Personnel Analyst
Things to Know About the Rebels Oct. 7 L, 44-23
n Bruce Johnson — Senior At Auburn
Player Personnel Analyst n TA’AMU’S ENCORE: Ta’amu took talented players from last year, including Oct. 14 W, 57-35
n Sean Patterson — Senior OXFORD — The tail end of last over at quarterback in the middle of linebacker DeMarquis Gates, who led VANDERBILT
Player Personnel Analyst October was supposed to provide last season after starter Shea Patter- the team with 114 tackles. They also Oct. 21 L, 24-40
n Ishmael Aristide — Senior the relief. The Ole son’s knee injury and performed better will have to replace defensive linemen LSU
Player Personnel Analyst Miss football team than just about anyone expected. He Breeland Speaks and Marquis Haynes, Oct. 28 L, 37-38
n John Kyle Davis — Player had three-straight completed more than 66 percent of who combined for 19 tackles for a loss, ARKANSAS
Personnel Analyst home games that his passes for 1,682 yards and 11 including 14 1/2 sacks. Nov. 4 W, 37-34
n Drew Rhodes — Player touchdowns (four interceptions). Ta’amu n NOT JUST BROWN: The 6-foot-
appeared to be man- became the unquestioned starter after
At Kentucky
Personnel Analyst 1, 225-pound Brown is considered an Nov. 11 W, 50-22
n Brennon Chapman —
ageable after inter- Patterson transferred to Michigan in the
im coach Matt Luke elite NFL prospect at receiver, but the LOUISIANA
Assistant Director of offseason.
was forced to find his Rebels shouldn’t be a one-man show on Nov. 18 L, 31-24
Recruiting Operations n NCAA CASE NOT OVER YET: Ole
Luke offense. DaMarkus Lodge returns after TEXAS A&M
n Kyra Kendrick — footing against the Miss still has an outside shot at being
eligible for the postseason this season. catching 41 passes for 698 yards and Nov. 23 W, 31-28
Assistant Director of best in the Southeast- At MSU
On-Campus Recruiting ern Conference. The program is still appealing its two- seven touchdowns, while D.K. Metcalf
year bowl ban — arguing the second caught 39 passes for 646 yards and HOME GAMES IN CAPS
n Markka Prichard — Instead, the Rebels lost twice in
Graphic Designer year was excessive — and the NCAA is seven touchdowns.
that stretch and went into Novem-
n Matthew Engelbert — ber with a 3-5 record. The spec-
expected to make its final ruling this fall.
Luke said there’s no sense in worrying
n SCANNING THE SCHEDULE: 2017 Statistics
Coordinator of Video Ole Miss has an intriguing first game
ulation about the Ole Miss head about the verdict. “We’re going to play UM OPP
Services against Texas Tech in Houston on Sept.
coaching job featured everyone but for each other and then if something 1. The Red Raiders and Rebels both
SCORING 394 415
n Will Reid — Assistant Points Per Game 32.8 34.6
Coordinator of Video the person currently in it: Luke. He else happens, it’s a bonus.”
scored a lot of points last season but
Points Off Turnovers 27 88
FIRST DOWNS 255 278
was busy making sure the Rebels n IT CAN’T GET WORSE, RIGHT?
Services struggled to stop opponents. Ole Miss Rushing 86 133
remained motivated. Ole Miss surrendered nearly 35 points Passing 151 121
per game and had one of the worst has two more tough games in the first Penalty 18 24
Radio affiliates “He was saying, ‘They remem-
defenses in the SEC last season. It’s month — vs. Alabama on Sept. 15 in RUSHING YARDAGE 1607 2944
ber what you do in November,’ and easy to say there’s nowhere to go but Oxford and Sept. 29 vs. LSU in Baton
Yards gained rushing
Yards lost rushing
1956
349
3270
326
City Station Frequency that kind of stuck with us,” junior
Amory* WAMY 1580 AM up, but that might not be the case: Rouge, Louisiana. Rushing Attempts 370 550
See OVERVIEW, 7
Average Per Rush 4.3 5.4
Brookhaven* WBKN 92.1 FM The Rebels have to replace several — By The Associated Press Average Per Game 133.9 245.3
Columbus* WNMQ 103.1 FM TDs Rushing 19 29
EXPERIENCED ‘O’ LINE COULD FUEL GROUND GAME

Corinth* WXRZ 94.3 FM PASSING YARDAGE 3941 2570
Comp-Att-Int 281-434-13 199-345-8
Greenwood* WYMX 99.1 FM Average Per Pass 9.1 7.4
Hattiesburg* WFMM 97.3 FM Average Per Catch 14.0 12.9
Hazlehurst* WDXO 92.9 FM Average Per Game 328.4 214.2
Jackson* WFMN 97.3 FM TDs Passing 28 18
Laurel* WLAU 99.3 FM By Bret t Hudson has high expectations for Eric Swinney.” another first-round guy TOTAL OFFENSE 5548 5514
Lexington, Tenn.*WZLT 99.3 FM bhudson@cdispatch.com Total Plays 804 895
Louisville* WLSM 107.1 FM its running game thanks With Phillips and like Greg Little, watching Average Per Play 6.9 6.2
McComb* WMPK 93.5 FM to an offensive line that is Woullard in the fold, the him and being able to be Average Per Game 462.3 459.5
Memphis, Tenn.*WHBQ 560 AM OXFORD — Matt among the most experi- excitement for the run- a part of it with him, per-
KICK RETURNS: #-Yards
PUNT RETURNS: #-Yards
38-939
7-47
51-1038
11-109
Meridian* WZKR 103.3 FM Luke wants to change the INT RETURNS: #-Yards 8-104 13-258
Natchez* WKSO 97.3 FM enced in the SEC. Given ning game is a balance sonally and skill wise, is
scouting report on the KICK RETURN AVERAGE 24.7 20.4
Ocean Springs* WOSM 103.1 FM the emphasis he placed between old and new. incredible.” PUNT RETURN AVERAGE 6.7 9.9
Oxford* WQLJ 105.1 FM Ole Miss football team’s INT RETURN AVERAGE 13.0 19.8
on it in the spring, even The old refers to an Luke said Little, a
Philadelphia* WHOC 1490 AM offense. FUMBLES-LOST 14-5 11-5
Prentiss* WJDR 98.3 FM losing the program’s first offensive line that fea- 6-foot-6, 325-pound ju- PENALTIES-Yards 91-749 68-643
In five of the last seven Average Per Game 62.4 53.6
Tupelo* WWMR 102.9 FM
seasons, the Rebels have 1,000-yard rusher since tures the return of senior nior from Allen, Texas, PUNTS-Yards 57-2325 54-2240
Vicksburg* WVBG 1420 AM Average Per Punt 40.8 41.5
Water Valley * WOSF 105.5 FM finished 10th or worse 2009 isn’t enough to make Sean Rawlings, Javon worked on changing his Net punt average 38.5 39.5
Waynesboro* WABO 990 AM
in yards per carry in the Luke reconsider the fate Patterson, Alex Givens, body in the offseason. KICKOFFS-Yards
Average Per Kick
76-4653
61.2
79-4825
61.1
Yazoo City* WBYP 107.1 FM of his rushing attack. and Greg Little, who is a He said Little might have Net kick average 39.3 38.4
Nationwide Satellite Sirius XM Southeastern Confer- TIME OF POSSESSION/Game 25:13 34:47
Worldwide OleMissSports.com ence. An opponent that “I thought Scottie Phil- potential first-round NFL been a little too heavy as 3RD-DOWN Conversions 59/155 78/188
3rd-Down Pct 38% 41%
CBS Interactive lips, he’s one of the top draft pick. a freshman, but he has
Ole Miss Sports Gameday App could stop the Rebels’
4TH-DOWN Conversions 4/10 12/19
Mobile
passing attack likely was junior college players in “Greg is an extremely slimmed down in an effort 4th-Down Pct
SACKS BY-Yards
40%
29-192
63%
32-242
* Carries RebTalk live at 7-8 p.m. Mondays going to earn a win. the country, had a tremen- talented individual,” Raw- to be able to have a bigger MISC YARDS 0 0
TOUCHDOWNS SCORED 48 51
The Rebels spent an dous spring,” Luke said. lings said. “He’s athletic. impact. FIELD GOALS-ATTEMPTS 19-24 20-28
NOTE: All live radio broadcasts are available ON-SIDE KICKS 0-2 1-4
through OleMissSports.com’s RebelVision. offseason addressing “Isaiah Woullard came in He’s that special player “I think he’s found RED-ZONE SCORES (41-43) 95% (51-57) 89%
Visit the football schedule page for their Achilles’ heel. and had a great spring. to play with. Getting the the optimal weight,” RED-ZONE TOUCHDOWNS (24-43) 56% (37-57) 65%
PAT-ATTEMPTS (43-45) 96% ( 47-50) 94%
TV network coverage of games. Luke said. “He’s working
For the first time in Those two guys have a opportunity to play with ATTENDANCE 410414 340656
See OFFENSE, 7
Games/Avg Per Game 7/58631 5/68131
several seasons, Ole Miss good spring really pushed Laremy Tunsil and then Neutral Site Games 0/0
Ole Miss wide receiver A.J.

Brown, a former standout
at Starkville High School,
had six catches for 167
yards and a touchdown
in a 31-28 victory against
Mississippi State in the
Battle for the Golden
Egg on Nov. 23, 2017, in
Starkville.
Stan Beall/Special to The Dispatch

OLE miss rebels

Athletic Website: www.olemisssports.com; Twitter: @OleMissFB; Facebook: www.facebook.com/olemisssports; Blog: www.olemisssports.com/blog
Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch

Ole Miss wide receiver A.J. Brown savors a moment with the Egg Bowl trophy following the Rebels’ victory against the Bulldogs last season in Starkville.
Ole Miss Position-by-Position Breakdown

Quarterbacks Nearly all of the group that earned the Nasty Wide Outs KD Hill (Fr.), Quentin Bivens (Fr.), Benito Jones (Jr.) Vernon Dasher (Jr.), C.J. Miller (Soph.),
Jordan Ta’amu (Sr.), Matt Corral (Fr.), Jacob Cendoya (Fr.), moniker last season is back. Brown (75 catches, 1,252 yards, The loss of Marquis Haynes and Breeland Speaks will Javien Hamilton (Sr.), Jerry Johnson (Jr.)
Grant Restmeyer (Soph.) 11 touchdowns), Lodge (41 catches, 698 yards, seven touch- weigh heavily on this unit. What remains to be seen is how Luke said this group is the strength of the defense. That
Ta’amu took a hold of the team with his performance in the downs), and Metcalf (39 catches, 646 yards, seven touch- much the return of Coatney and Benito Jones can offset that. starts at safety with Woods and Moore. Moore intercepted three
final six games last season. He threw for 1,682 yards and 11 downs) were the Rebels’ top three threats in 2017. The juniors return after combining for 12 1/2 tackles for a passes last year and Woods broke up eight.
touchdowns and completed 66.5 percent of his passes. “They’re one of the most talented in the country,” Luke said loss, five of them sacks, last season. “I think having an experienced secondary should be able to
“This guy might be a baller,” Ole Miss wide receiver A.J. of the receivers. “They’re very driven. They push each other “Josiah Coatney, really at the end of the year, came into his
to be better.” help us load the box some,” Luke said.
Brown said. own as a leader,” Luke said. “If he says something, the guys in The Rebels also return experience at the cornerback spots.
Running backs Ole Miss will need a fourth option after Van Jefferson trans- the locker room listen.”
ferred to Florida, but junior tight end Knox could be that option The preseason depth chart has Webster and Jaylon Jones as
Eric Swinney (Jr.), Scottie Phillips (Jr.), The reinforcement options include Evans, Winters, Ander-
after catching 24 passes for 321 yards last season. The Rebels starters with Hartsfield behind them, and all of them played
Isaiah Woullard (Fr.), D’Vaughn Pennamon (Jr.). son, and Sheppard at end and Donelly, Northern (a Northwest
also have Cooley at tight end. at least eight games last year. Hartsfield led the crew with 42
Ole Miss put a big priority on both running the ball and stop- Mississippi Community College transfer), Hill, Williams, and
Offensive Line tackles and two interceptions; Jones wasn’t far behind with
ping the run. The result was an abundance of opportunities for Greg Little (Jr.), Alex Givens (Jr.), Javon Patterson (Sr.), Bivens at tackle. The last three are freshmen additions.
Rebel ball carriers to improve. Linebackers 34 tackles. Ole Miss could also turn to Dasher, the Coffeyville
Sean Rawlings (Sr.), Ben Brown (Fr.), Jordan Sims (Sr.)
“Eric Swinney got a bunch of reps, Scottie Phillips got a The Rebels are set everywhere but right guard with Little, Detric Bing-Dukes (Sr.), Kevontae’ Ruggs (Fr.), Community College transfer.
bunch of reps, Isaiah Woullard got a bunch of reps,” Ole Miss Givens, Patterson, and Rawlings returning. Luke expects the Jacquez Jones (Fr.), Zikerrion Baker (Fr.), Luke Knox (Fr.), Special teams
coach Matt Luke said. “I was cautiously optimistic about that battle for right guard to go down between Brown and Sims. That Willie Hibbler (Fr.), Josh Clarke (Fr.), Jonathan Hess (Fr.) Mac Brown (Soph.), Luke Logan (Soph.),
just because they showed some flashes and maybe top to bot- battle will be surrounded by an important group of players both “The biggest question at linebacker is which guy is going to Patrick Nasitaka (Jr.), Isaac Way (Soph.)
tom a little deeper than that.” for the two in the battle and for the team as a whole. step up, which of the young guys is going to step up?” Luke said. The Rebels lost last year’s punter, Will Gleeson, and the
Swinney ran 41 times for 195 yards last season, scoring “They all take ownership. It’s a really good group and a core Ole Miss will need just that after losing DeMarquis Gates
kicker, Gary Wunderlich, who left as the school’s all-time lead-
three times. Phillips joins the program from Jones County group of leaders,” Luke said. and his 114 tackles, 10 for a loss. Ole Miss can lean on senior
Junior College and Woullard is a freshman from Presbyterian Bing-Dukes, but the list of newcomers needed to produce is ing scorer. Gleeson’s backup last year was Mac Brown, who
Defensive Line
Christian in Hattiesburg. long and features six freshmen: Jacquez Jones, Baker, Knox, punted five times. Logan, who made 2 of 3 field goals, backup
Victor Evans (Sr.), Markel Winters (Sr.), Brenden Williams
Wide receivers / Tight ends (Jr.), Ryder Anderson (Soph.), Qaadir Sheppard (Jr.), Ruggs, Clarke, and Hess. up Gleeson. Both of them will vie for the full-time duties. Logan,
A.J. Brown (Jr.), DaMarkus Lodge (Sr.), Tariqious Tisdale (Soph.), James Coley (Jr.), Defensive backs a sophomore, will battle Nasiatka, while Brown will compete
D.K. Metcalf (Soph.), Dawson Knox (Jr.), Jalen Cunningham (Fr.), Josiah Coatney (Jr.), Zedrick Woods (Sr.), C.J. Moore (Sr.), Ken Webster (Sr.), with Way.
Octavious Cooley (Jr.), Jason Pellerin (Jr.) Hal Northern (Jr.), Ross Donelly (Sr.), Sincere David (Fr.), Jaylon Jones (Jr.), Myles Hartsfield (Jr.), — Brett Hudson
Overview
Continued from Page 6
defensive lineman Benito Jones said.
REBELS TARGET IMPROVED RUN DEFENSE
By Brett Hudson
Ole Miss hopes to use its victory against Mississippi State
Mississippi State in the annual Battle for the bhudson@cdispatch.com quarterback Keytaon
Golden Egg as a launching point for the 2018 Thompson rushed for
season. As Luke enters his first full season as OXFORD — The numbers don’t lie. 121 of the Bulldogs’
head coach in Oxford, he looks back to last No- Don’t worry, though, because Matt
294 yards in the
vember as a starting point and the inspiration Luke isn’t ignoring them.
Battle for the Golden
for more. In the last two years, Ole Miss has fin-
ished 13th in yards per carry allowed in Egg last season. Ole
“There’s a lot of momentum in the Manning Miss hopes to have
Center. It’s a positive vibe about the direction the Southeastern Conference. The Reb-
els finished 117th and 116th in the nation an improved defense
we’re going,” Luke said. against the run this
Ole Miss closed its season with three vic- in that category in that span. Both squads
allowed at least 29 rushing touchdowns. season.
tories, including the 31-28 win at Davis Wade
Stadium that helped Luke remove the interim “It was well-documented us trying to
tag from in front of his name. It also provided stop the run,” Luke said.
momentum for Luke and his coaches to sign Luke believes this is the year Ole
Stan Beall/
a top-30 recruiting class, according to 247 Miss’ defense delivers better results. Special to The Dispatch
Sports. It all serves as a proof of concept for With matchups against Texas Tech,
Alabama, and LSU in the first five tackles for a loss) and Breeland Speaks you make a good defensive line great.
Luke and gives him reason to push his team
for more. The success also gave the players games, Ole Miss won’t ease into its sea- (eight) — are gone. Josiah Coatney (eight We need people who can roll in and do
the same assurance. son, but Luke doesn’t expect to need a tackles for a loss) and Benito Jones (sev- things well to help the team.”
“It showed he never stopped having faith grace period. en-and-a-half) will help offset those loss- The newcomers join a unit that has
in us,” Jones said. “We did lose to Alabama “I think continuity is very important,” es, but Ole Miss went elsewhere to find heard the criticism of the Rebels’ inabil-
60-something to whatever, and that was on na- Luke said. “Having seven returning more help. Hal Northern, a transfer from ity to stop the run.
tional TV. Most people wouldn’t know how to starters, the second year in (defensive Northwest Mississippi Community Col- “I know I was playing hurt and I was
play after that. Coach Luke led us in the right coordinator Wesley) McGriff’s defense, lege, and freshmen K.D. Hill, James Wil- taking double teams, but some of the
way, put us on track. We came out 6-6, and it just continue to get one year better. liams, and Quintin Bivens hope to fortify gaps they hit were probably mine,” Jones
could’ve been a lot worse than that.” We’re going to try to build off the last two the interior. The Rebels also tried to add said. “I have 10 other guys on the field
Luke said the ups and downs Ole Miss ex- games where they shut out Texas A&M Noah Jefferson, but he couldn’t enroll. that can correct me if I’m wrong. Some
perienced in 2017 enabled him to establish the in the second half and got five turnovers On the edge, the Rebels will look to plays it did happen. Some plays it didn’t,
culture he wanted. against Mississippi State in the Egg Markel Winters, who will be in his sec- but that’s football. I think we will have a
“I think that game-in, game-out last season Bowl. ond season after transferring from Jones way to stop the run this year.
people kept thinking this team was going to “I think that continuity is important in County Junior College. “I’d say the defensive line, most of the
quit, and they didn’t,” Luke said. “They kept trying to build and get one year better.” “He’s doing things he has to do to big plays that did happen, there were
showing up. They kept battling. They kept That continuity extends from McGriff try to be a starting defensive end, to get probably some defensive linemen that
competing. That’s when you saw the culture to Freddie Roach, who will coach the de- more playing time, get in those Dime got out of gap, but I think this year will
change. fensive line. For the front line, the conti- packages and get sacks,” Coatney said. be a better year. We have a better under-
“We became a blue-collar, tough team by nuity nearly ends there. “He’s definitely trying to improve his standing of coach Roach wants us to do.”
the end of the season, and you want to contin- The defensive linemen who did the game to be a more lethal pass rusher. Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett
ue that. You get the feel of guys working extra most damage — Marquis Haynes (11 “Depth is a big thing. That’s how Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
Offense
and doing all the little things it takes to be a
special football team.”
The route to bigger and better things is
rooted in more than the events of the last nine Continued from Page 6
months. Ole Miss’ wide receivers, who have really hard in the weight is going to gush about a unit D’Vaughn Pennamon — the portance of having better
earned a reputation as the Nasty Wide Out room. I see him growing as that has 103 starts return- team’s leading returning balance on offense hasn’t
crew, return 25 of the 28 receiving touchdowns a leader. He has real confi- ing, but he isn’t the only one. rusher — when he returns been lost on anyone.
from last year. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu dence. He’s been out there. “They’re really good,” from injury, the offensive “Establishing the run
returns after averaging 9 or more yards per He’s done it. He’s played Coatney said. “They have line might be more excited
game always gives us so
attempt in three of this final four games. The against several first-round some great players, but they to see which running backs
Rebels also welcome back four starting offen- draft picks.” have a lot of depth.” emerge rather than which many options as an offense.
sive linemen, including two — center Sean Jordan Sims, who started Little likely will get draft- offensive lineman has the It allows us to identify our-
Rawlings and tackle Greg Little — who are three times last season, is ed after this season if he most success. selves as an offense,” Raw-
NFL draft prospects. expected to battle freshman chooses to leave school ear- “I’m excited to see what lings said. “You have so
This season, the Rebels plan to build on Ben Brown for a spot on the ly. Rawlings also could get those guys do,” Little said. many more options when
that winning environment. offensive line. That won’t be drafted. Still, neither player “We really haven’t seen what it’s second-and-7 rather
“The guys that have been through it and an easy task because defen- is looking for the spotlight. our running back corps can
than second-and-10, sec-
stayed together, they really bonded and they sive lineman Josiah Coatney They want to be the ones be yet.”
play for each other,” Luke said. “We want to said Brown is one of the best clearing the way for others Rawlings said offensive ond-and-9.”
move that forward and continue that culture.” he has faced. to have breakout seasons. coordinator Phil Longo has Follow Dispatch sports
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson Luke, who is Ole Miss’ Whether it be Swin- shown more trust in run- writer Brett Hudson on
on Twitter @Brett_Hudson former offensive line coach, ney, Phillips, Woullard, or ning the football. The im- Twitter @Brett_Hudson

Defense Mississippi State

Continued from Page 5 Position-by-Position Breakdown
McLaurin and Abram don’t ex- versations with his players because
pect any changes as they transition “It’s about attack, and being exposed to so many defenses
Quarterbacks
Nick Fitzgerald (Sr.),
The strength of the team lies in two
first-team All-Southeastern Conference
to the Bob Shoop defense.
Shoop is MSU’s fifth defensive
those guys have that has made them savants.
Cole has used that experience
Keytaon Thompson (Soph.),
Jalen Mayden (Fr.)
selections, Sweat and Simmons, leading a
group that has done nothing but add. The
coordinator in as
many years. Despite
mind-set, and they’ve and freedom to produce results.
“I have a great group of guys
The ankle injury Fitzgerald suffered last
year against Ole Miss in the Battle for the
unit played with no seniors last year and
now has the services of Odom and Rivers,
Golden Egg is healed. Joe Moorhead quar- both of whom redshirted last season. Rivers
the turnover, MSU’s
safeties expect to be
embraced that.” around me,” Cole said. “The safety
corps is unbelievable. I couldn’t ask
terbacks often complete percentages at a
65 percent or better rate. If Fitzgerald hits
was an academic redshirt after transferring
from East Mississippi Community College.
the same playmak- Mississippi State for a better group.” that number, with more pass attempts than “The competition in our defensive line
ers. McLaurin, Abram, and Cole are previous years, the first 3,000-yard passing room is amazing,” Gerri Green said. “It
defensive coordinator Bob Shoop season of his career is within reach. makes each person in that room better.”
“When you talk a formidable starting bunch, but First, they must gain command of the Linebackers
about a defensive Shoop has praised freshman West new system. Erroll Thompson (Soph.),
Cole scheme, rather than and pressures that allowed them Point native Marcus Murphy and “They’re like any other position in Willie Gay Jr. (Soph.),
recruit players to to make three-and-a-half sacks and made it clear he will be involved. camp. There’s up days and there’s down Leo Lewis (Jr.), Sh’mar Kilby-Lane (Jr.),
eight-and-a-half tackles for a loss. days, but we’re seeing a steady progress
try to fit a scheme, you alter your MSU also can turn to senior Ste- of understanding what we’re doing but also
Tim Washington (Jr.)
scheme to what your players are They also moved around the field phen Adegoke and freshmen Losing Dez Harris is a blow that won’t
why and how,” Moorhead said. manifest itself statistically, as injury cut his
capable of doing,” Shoop said. to create exotic coverage schemes Landon Guidry, Aadreekis Conner, Running backs senior season playing time short of projec-
“We’re still in the process of identi- that helped them combine to break and Shawn Preston Jr. Shoop said Aeris Williams (Sr.), Kylin Hill (Soph.), tions, but Harris’ qualitative impact is hard
fying what the guy’s strengths and up 11 passes, which doesn’t include he also has been impressed with Nick Gibson (Jr.), Dontavian Lee (Sr.) to state. MSU likely will to turn Thompson to
Those four backs were responsible for
weaknesses are, but I think Mark McLaurin’s six interceptions. junior Jaquarius Landrews, who is 68.7 percent of last year’s rushing yards,
ease the blow of the loss of Harris.
McLaurin, Johnathan Abram, and This season, Cole, a nickelback, playing behind Cole at nickel. “He’s composed. He doesn’t get rat-
giving MSU all of its running back corps
tled,” defensive coordinator Bob Shoop said
Brian Cole are real playmakers. joins them and gives them even With all of those ingredients, back from 2017. This year, they may do
of Thompson. “He stepped in when Dez got
“What is non-negotiable about more reason to believe they’ll be MSU’s secondary could be even more than run.
hurt and I thought he played pretty well. I
able to do more of the same. “Certainly the role of the running back
our scheme, what I always say it’s better than 2017. as a pass-catcher in our offense has been
think he’s ready to take the next step. I think
built on (is) relentless pursuit and “(Shoop) gives us the options “I expect a lot, and I know they well documented,” Moorhead said. “We talk he’s earned the respect of his teammates.”
never-ending pressure. It’s about to do different things. Other than expect a lot out of us,” McLaurin about one of the tenets of this offense is be- Gay showed flashes in spotty playing
that, I can’t really say too much,” time as a freshman and MSU brought junior
attack, and those guys have that said. “We’re expecting to do a lot of ing able to get your speed in space.”
college transfer Sh’mar Kilby-Lane, former-
mind-set, and they’ve embraced Cole said through a smile. great things this year.” Wide receivers / Tight ends
Jesse Jackson (Sr.), Devonta “Whop” ly a Florida State Seminole, for additional
that.” It’s possible the turnover of Follow Dispatch sports writer Jason (Fr.), Stephen Guidry (Jr.), depth.
Last year, McLaurin and Abram coaches created that freedom. Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_ Austin Williams (Fr.), Jamal Couch (Jr.), Secondary
were involved in specialty blitzes Shoop said he has enjoyed his con- Hudson Deddrick Thomas (Jr.), Mark McLaurin (Sr.),
Offense
Malik Dear (Jr.), Keith Mixon (Jr.), Osirus Johnathan Abram (Sr.),
Mitchell (Soph.), Brian Cole (Jr.), Jaquarius Landrews
Justin Johnson (Sr.), Farrod Green (Jr.), (Jr.), Jamal Peters (Sr.),
Dontea Jones (Soph.) Cameron Dantzler (Soph.),
Continued from Page 4 The biggest battles on the team have Chris Rayford (Sr.),
because we really hit the formed his body over the most of the reps. to go downfield have giv- been in this large group. None of them has Maurice Smitherman (Jr.),
extensive production to fall back on — Jack- Tyler WIlliams (Fr.), Esaias Furdge (Fr.),
ground running. In the summer and Guidry add- Last year, four Nitta- en them a renewed sense son led last year’s team with 27 receptions Marcus Murphy (Fr.)
spring it was up and down ed 20 pounds and is listed ny Lions had at least 50 of purpose. — and high expectations for Guidry and Ja- The safety position is as strong as it
every day.” at 6-foot-4, 190 pounds. receptions, and no other “I wouldn’t say pres- son give them the opportunity to play imme- has ever been, as McLaurin and Abram
MSU needs its wide “I was proud of where one had more than 28. sure because I don’t want diately. The same goes for Austin Williams, return after being the 2017 team’s top two
receivers to move forward they were when we got “It usually plays itself anyone worrying they’ll who redshirted last season. tacklers; McLaurin also led that team with
“We have a lot of talent out there,” Fitz- six interceptions. It also benefits from Cole
if it is going to re-ignite here,” Getsy said. “It was out. Everyone in the group mess up, but with these gerald said. “We have all the weapons we being eligible after his academic redshirt
a stagnant passing game a pleasant surprise.” is taking (first-string) new coaches, they’re need to effectively run this offense.” year.
from 2017. After a season The newcomers join a reps. Everyone is taking making us gain confi- Tight ends are used on most snaps in Cornerback is equally well-established
in which no MSU receiver group that includes Jesse (second-string) reps, and dence,” Mitchell said. “If Moorhead’s system. They have been heav- in its returners, but MSU is looking to that
ily involved in the pass game, which gives position for more in a new scheme.
had more than 300 yards Jackson, who led the 2017 everyone is taking (third- we mess up, they won’t Johnson, Green, and Jones opportunities “Cam Dantzler has good hands and
— for the first time in at team with 27 catches and string) reps,” Getsy said. yell at us. They’ll give us to thrive. has played the ball. He’s long and athletic.
least a decade — MSU’s 276 yards; Keith Mixon, “The first thing is consis- constructive criticism in a Offensive Line Jamal Peters is the same way, plays the
wide receivers intend to who had 18 catches for 275 tency. They have to come positive way.” Stewart Reese (Soph.), ball well,” Shoop said. “Those guys are em-
Darryl Williams (Jr.), Elgton Jenkins
do better. yards; Deddrick Thomas, out every day and perform In other words, MSU bracing the fact that they’re in positions that
(Sr.), Deion Calhoun (Sr.), Greg Eiland aren’t just press corner positions.”
“I think we’re deep, who had a team-high four at a high level. They have is building its wide re- (Soph.), Dareuan Parker (Soph.), Blake Special teams
we’re talented, and we’re receiving touchdowns as to be accountable in catch- ceivers. With returning Mitchell (Soph.), Jace Christmann (Soph.),
confident,” freshman re- part of a 22-catch, 227-yard ing the football, aligning experience, talented new- Tommy Champion (Jr.), Michael Story
Kody Schexnayder (Jr.), Tucker Day
ceiver Austin Williams season; Jamal Couch, who properly, doing their as- comers, a pass-friend- (Jr.), Tyre Phillips (Jr.)
(Soph.), Scott Goodman (Fr.),
Reese, Calhoun, Jenkins, and Darryl
said. “I think we can be a had 10 catches and two signment properly. Our ly system, and positive Williams started every game of last season.
Jordan Lawless (Soph.)
special group.” touchdowns; and Osirus defense is challenging us coaching, the wide re- Eiland started five times in 2017 as Martinas
Christmann returns after a freshman
season in which he took a hold of the start-
Williams joins the Mitchell, who caught five a lot, and they force a lot ceivers intend on erasing Rankin battled injury.
“I feel very good about the depth, and ing placekicker position, making 12 of 14
ranks after a redshirt sea- passes as a redshirt fresh- of turnovers, so we’re get- the memory of a passing field goals and all 42 extra-point attempts.
I go back to the job our assistant coaches
son. Hinds Community man. ting a good opportunity attack that finished last in are doing, Marcus Johnson,” Moorhead Special teams coordinator Joey Jones said
College transfer Stephen Moorhead, who was to see who does that, who yards per attempt in the said of MSU’s offensive line coach, brought Lawless has been pushing Christmann in
Guidry, freshman Devon- offensive coordinator un- can compete. Southeastern Conference in from Duke. “You look tackle to tackle, you practice; Goodman is poised to take over
kickoffs.
ta “Whop” Jason, who is der coach James Franklin “Consistency and last season. see guys with speed and athleticism and
physicality.” Schexnayder and Day have been bat-
from New Orleans, and at Penn State last season, accountability are the “I think we see the op- tling for the starting punter spot, a battle that
Defensive Line
former Starkville High said he is not one to rotate things that are going to portunity we have ahead Montez Sweat (Sr.), Jeffery Simmons could go as deep as the final week of the
School standout product a lot of wide receivers in a put somebody on the field of us,” Williams said. (Jr.), Braxton Hoyett (Sr.), Gerri Green preseason.
Cameron Gardner give game. His past suggests on Saturdays.” “We’re ready to embrace (Sr.), Marquiss Spencer (Jr.), “We’re seeing good operation. The
MSU hope for a new era. he has been able to sep- The players said the it and roll with it.” Aaron Odom (Fr.), Chauncey Rivers guys are getting it off in good time,” Moor-
(Jr.), Fletcher Adams (Jr.), Kobe Jones head said. “I feel good about the protection
Getsy said part of his arate a top tier of wide freedom they have in Follow Dispatch sports (Soph.), Lee Autry (Jr.), Tre Brown (Sr.), for them, it’s going to be about consistency
excitement stems from receivers from the rest Moorhead’s offense and writer Brett Hudson on Grant Harris (Sr.), Kendell Jones (Jr.), going forward.”
the fact Jason trans- and give those individuals their coach’s willingness Twitter @Brett_Hudson Cory Thomas (Sr.) — Brett Hudson
Overview
Moorhead’s track re- “Hype and confidence four full-time starters and ourselves and that stan- ly true,” he said. “They’re MSU plans on ignoring
cord for high-powered are two things I don’t wor- one who made five starts dard we hold ourselves to. mentally tough, they’re that and all other distrac-
offenses has added to the ry about with the team,” last season, a quarterback That’s being great.” smart, and they’re tough tions.
expectations in Starkville. Moorhead said. “We’re a (Nick Fitzgerald) in his Said Kicker Jace Christ- football players with great “2018 is going to be a
On top of that, MSU en- very confident group, and third year as a starter, mann, “We were a good work ethic.” special season. All these
ters the season No. 18 in for good reason. I think and their top two running team last year, but this year As offensive coordi- guys we have here now
the preseason coaches we’ve earned the right to backs — former West we have to be a great team. nator and wide receiver … I can’t explain it. I feel
poll and in The Associat- be confident. Point High School stand- To me, it means every day coach Luke Getsy put it, like it’s God all over this
ed Press Top 25. It also is “I’m happy we’re 18th; out Aeris Williams and coming in ready to work. I “The culture is changing team,” Cole said. “The
predicted by many to win I wish we were first.” former Columbus High think my season last sea- every single day.” coaches we got, how
at least nine games, if not Those expectations standout Kylin Hill. son was a good season, The road to 10 wins coach Moorhead holds us
10 or more. are based on the return of “We have it every- but I want to have a great won’t be easy with games to a standard, it’s going to
Moorhead isn’t running first-team All-Southeast- where. It’s on us to hold season.” at Kansas State and Ken- be a great season.
from those expectations. ern Conference defensive us to that standard,” Christmann said MSU tucky in September, two “We have to do it. We
In fact, the former linemen Jeffery Simmons safety Brian Cole said. has used the expectations more in the final three don’t see any other way.
Penn State offensive coor- and Montez Sweat. The “Like (Moorhead) says, as motivation. First-year weeks of the season (Ala- We can compete with any
dinator talked about the Bulldogs also welcome that championship stan- defensive coordinator Bob bama and Ole Miss), and team out there.”
preseason coaches poll in back every reserve to dard. We’re not compet- Shoop has seen it at work. Auburn coming to town Follow Dispatch sports
a team meeting to set the back Simmons and Sweat ing against other teams. “The blue-collar work after the emotional game writer Brett Hudson on
expectations. up, an offensive line with We’re competing against ethic of our team is real- against Florida. Twitter @Brett_Hudson
alabama crimson tide

Athletic Website: www.rolltide.com; Twitter: http://twitter.com/UA_Athletics
Saban finds
right fits
Coaching staff
Head Coach
Nick Saban
with new
n Michael Locksley —
Offensive Coordinator
n Tosh Lupoi — Defensive
Coordinator/Outside
coaches
Linebackers
n Jeff Banks — Special
Locksley, Lupoi will
Teams Coordinator/Tight
Ends
lead offense, defense
n Dan Enos — Associate
By Bret t Hudson
Head Coach/Quarterbacks
n Josh Gattis —
Co-Offensive Coordinator/
Wide Receivers Turnover on a cham-
n Pete Golding — pionship college football
Co-Defensive Coordinator/ roster is one thing. Turn-
Inside Linebackers over in the coaching staff
n Brent Key — Offensive is another.
Line Alabama’s football pro-
n Craig Kuligowski — gram has
Assistant Head Coach/ grown ac-
Defensive Line customed
n Joe Pannunzio —
Running Backs
to its co-
n Karl Scott — Alabama Athletic Media Relations/ or d i n a t or s
Defensive Backs Jalen Hurts was named offensive MVP of last season’s semifinal game. He has run for 1,809 yards and 21 leaving for
n Scott Cochran — Head touchdowns in two seasons. head coach-
QBs WANT TO WIN TEAM, TITLES

Strength and Conditioning ing jobs
Coach as schools Locksley
around the
country try
to recreate
Nick Sa-
Hurts, Tagovailoa bring different skills to table as Alabama pursues another championship ban’s mod-
el, but this
By JOHN ZENOR ence title contenders. title games. is a new
The Associated Press “A guy that wins,” is how offen- The Tide lost eight defensive
2018 Schedule sive coordinator Mike Locksley starters from last season’s title
level. Ala-
Sept. 1 Vs. LOUISVILLE TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Jalen bama has Lupoi
Sept. 8 ARKANSAS STATE
boils down what the Tide’s looking team, and projected first-team line- six assistant
Hurts is the strong- for. backer Terrell Lewis had knee sur-
Sept. 15 At Ole Miss armed running coaches who weren’t part
Sept. 22 TEXAS A&M Both players seem capable of do- gery in July. of team’s national champi-
threat who has most- ing that, even if they have different
Sept. 29 LOUISIANA- “Now, if I were to handicap it my- onship run last season.
ly won during his Al- styles and strengths.
LAFAYETTE self, I would say Tua would probably “With six new coach-
abama career. Greg McElroy, SEC Network an-
Oct. 6 At Arkansas have the inside track just given how es, a new offensive coor-
Oct. 13 MISSOURI Tua Tagovailoa is alyst and former Alabama quarter- he played against one of the best de- dinator, new defensive
Oct. 20 At Tennessee the prized, left-hand- back, figures it might come down fenses in college football last year,” coordinator, new special
Nov. 3 At LSU ed recruit who rallied to whether Tide coach Nick Saban
Hurts said McElroy, who led Alabama to teams coordinator, I am
Nov. 10 MSU the Crimson Tide to wants to bank on the defense and
the 2009 national championship. really pleased with the
Nov. 17 THE CITADEL a national champion- go with the quarterback who makes
“But I also know that Jalen did a transition, how the play-
Nov. 24 AUBURN ship. the fewest mistakes or turn to the
great job in providing the team ex- ers have sort of responded
HOME GAMES IN CAPS It’s a quarterback one with more of a gunslinging
actly what it was they needed in the to it from a relationship
competition, Ala- style. standpoint with all of
bama-style. Totally While Tagovailoa is the pre- (13) games leading up to that cham-
pionship game. those coaches, how those
win-win. sumed front-runner, McElroy be- coaches have done a very
The Crimson Tide lieves it remains “very much up in “I don’t think it’s as clear-cut as
good job of buying into the
has two good options the air” who will start the opener everyone else seems to think it is
Tagovailoa thing we want to do and
to choose from, and against Louisville in Orlando. but I still think that Tua would have
how we do them,” Saban
the decision will be Hurts was only intercepted once the inside track.”
2017 Results based on what everything is at Ala- last season and has gone 13-1 as a Tagovailoa passed for three
said. “The new energy
Sept. 2 W, 24-7 and enthusiasm and ideas
bama: Victories that make the Tide starter in each of his first two sea- touchdowns after halftime of the they brought to the orga-
Vs. Florida State
Sept. 9 W, 41-10 national and Southeastern Confer- sons with a pair of trips to national See QBs, 10 nization are going to be a
FRESNO STATE long-term positive.
Sept. 16 W, 41-23 “We’ve had a lot of great
COLORADO STATE coaches who have gone on
Sept. 23 W, 59-0 and done a very good job
At Vanderbilt with the opportunities
Sept. 30 W, 66-3 that they’ve created by
OLE MISS helping us have success at
Oct. 7 W, 27-19 Alabama. I’m very proud
At Texas A&M of what they’re all doing
Oct. 14 W, 41-9
in the program that they
ARKANSAS
have.”
Oct. 21 W, 45-7
TENNESSEE
Mike Locksley and
Nov. 4 W, 24-10 Tosh Lupoi will lead the
LSU offense and defense. Lupoi
Nov. 11 W, 31-24 joined the program in 2014
At MSU and Locksley in 2016. Both
Nov. 18 W, 56-0 worked their way up into
MERCER roles as position coaches
Nov. 25 L, 14-26 last year.
At Auburn “Us as players, we were
Jan. 1 W, 24-6 rooting for (Locksley),”
Vs. Clemson center Ross Pierschbach-
Jan. 8 W, 26-23 er said. “When that spot
Vs. Georgia opened up, we knew
HOME GAMES IN CAPS coach Locksley deserved
a chance. We’re excited to
2017 Statistics see him get that spot. He
brings a new juice. He’s
UA OPP
SCORING 519 167 very good with the players
Points Per Game 37.1 11.9 and we respect him a lot,
Points Off Turnovers
FIRST DOWNS
101
311
20
215
almost want to just hang
Rushing 174 76 out with him.”
Passing 119 114
Alabama Athletic Media Relations In all, Alabama has
Penalty 18 25
RUSHING YARDAGE 3509 1326 Tua Tagovailoa threw for three touchdowns after halftime of the title game against Georgia’s stingy defense, three new coaches on
Yards gained rushing 3757 1737 including the 41-yard winner to fellow freshman DeVonta Smith in overtime. See COACHES, 10
Yards lost rushing 248 411
Rushing Attempts 612 487
Average Per Rush
Average Per Game
5.7
250.6
2.7
94.7
Radio affiliates
TDs Rushing 36 9 City Station Frequency Jackson, Ala. WHOD-FM 94.5
PASSING YARDAGE 2708 2320
Anniston WHMA 95.5 Jackson, Miss. WJQS 1400/106.3
Comp-Att-Int 204-333-3 2 29-426-19 Jasper WJLX 1240/101.5
Average Per Pass 8.1 5.4
Arab WAFN 92.7
Ashland WCKF 100.7 Linden WINL 98.5
Average Per Catch 13.3 10.1
Atlanta WGST-AM 640 Lynchburg, Tenn. WHMT 740/105.1
TDs Passing 28 8 Birmingham WBPT-FM 106.9 Meridian, Miss. WALT 910/102.1
TOTAL OFFENSE 6217 3646 Brewton WKNU 106.3 Mobile WZEW 92.1
Total Plays 945 913 Centre WEIS 990/100.5 Monroeville WMFC 99.3
Average Per Play 6.6 4.0 Chattanooga, Tenn. WUUQ 97.3/99.3 Montgomery WLWI-AM 1440,
Cookeville, Tenn. WATX-FM WXFX-HD3 95.1-3, WXFX-FM 95.1
KICK RETURNS: #-Yards 20-438 52-973 Murfreesboro, Tenn. WPRT 97.5
1600/100.9
PUNT RETURNS: #-Yards 38-301 6-39 Nashville, Tenn. WPRT 1 02.5/102.9
INT RETURNS: #-Yards 19-279 3-97 Columbus, Ga. WIOL 95.7
Opelika/Auburn WMXA 96.7
KICK RETURN AVERAGE 21.9 18.7 Corinth, Miss. WADI 95.3
Opp WAMI 102.3
PUNT RETURN AVERAGE 7.9 6.5 Cowan, Tenn. WZYX-AM 1440 Panama City, Fla. WBPC 95.1
INT RETURN AVERAGE 14.7 32.3 Cullman WFMH 1340 Port St. Joe/Apalachicola, Fla. WTKP
FUMBLES-LOST 20-7 13-5 Decatur WWTM 1400
PENALTIES-Yards 69-569 61-455 93.5
Dothan WBBK 93.1 Pensacola, Fla. WPNN 790/103.7
Eufala WULA-AM 1240 Rome, Ga. WLAQ-AM 1410
PUNTS-Yards 55-2320 94-3817
Average Per Punt 42.2 40.6 Florence WYTK 93.9 Russellville WGOL 920/100.7
Net punt average 40.0 37.2 Fort Payne WFPA 1400 Scottsboro WKEA 98.3
KICKOFFS-Yards 99-6255 43-2689 Ft. Wltn. Beach, Fla. W TKE 100.3 Selma WDXX 100.1
Average Per Kick 63.2 62.5 Gadsden WAAX/WGMZ-FM 570/93.1 Spartanburg, S.C. WASC 1530
Net kick average 42.0 39.6 Georgiana WFXX 107.7 Sylacauga WFEB-AM 1340
TIME OF POSSESSION/Game 29:45 30:15 Haleyville WWWH 92.7
3RD-DOWN Conversions 72/178 74/214 Tallassee WTLS 1300/106.5
3rd-Down Pct 40% 35% Hattiesburg WHSY/WFOR 950/92.7 Tupelo, Miss. WZLQ 98.5
4TH-DOWN Conversions 15/18 7/19 Hiland, Fla. WBPC 106.3
4th-Down Pct 83% 37% Tuscaloosa WFFN 95.3, WNPT 102.9
SACKS BY-Yards 40-274 27-154 Honolulu, Hawaii KHKA-AM 1500 Vernon WJEC 106.5
MISC YARDS 29 0 Huntsville WUMP 730, WUMP-FM 103.9, West Point, Ga. WCJM 100.9
TOUCHDOWNS SCORED 66 18
FIELD GOALS-ATTEMPTS 19-28 14-16 WWFF-FM 93.3 Winfield WKXM 1300/97.7
ON-SIDE KICKS 0-0 0-1
RED-ZONE SCORES (58-68) 85% (24-32) 75%
RED-ZONE TOUCHDOWNS (46-68) 68% (15-32) 47%
PAT-ATTEMPTS (64-64) 100% (15-16) 94% Alabama Athletic Media Relations
ATTENDANCE
Games/Avg Per Game
712053 290203
7/101722 4/72551
Alabama senior Damien Harris rushed for 1,000 yards and had 11 touchdowns last
Neutral Site Games 3/75373 season.
alabama crimson tide

Athletic Website: www.rolltide.com; Twitter: http://twitter.com/UA_Athletics
TOP-RANKED ALABAMA RELYING ON YOUNG, UNTESTED SECONDARY

By JOHN ZENOR Bowler Landon Collins, a
The Associated Press second-rounder.
But the group that
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. takes the field Sept. 1
— All the offseason against Louisville will
chatter about who will have to learn on the job.
be throwing passes for Diggs, who also re-
Alabama — Jalen Hurts turns punts, and Thomp-
or Tua Tagovailoa — has son are the so-called vet-
overshadowed the press- erans of the secondary.
ing question of who’s “At the end of the day,
charged with defending it’s going to happen some-
them. day,” said Diggs, whose
The top-ranked Crim- older brother Stefon is a
son Tide’s Minnesota Vikings receiv-
secondary, er. “All of the older guys
often seem- are going to leave and I was
ingly an going to be in this position
NFL feed- one day, so you’ve just got
er system, to take it how it is and just
is now the follow what the guys that
least ex- left, Minkah and all those
Surtain II p e r i e nc e d guys, just follow and pass
position on it on.”
the roster. Two of the newcomers
The top six are former five-star re-
defensive cruits, Surtain and Smith.
backs from Smith is a former LSU
last season signee who enrolled in
are gone, January.
including Alabama Athletic Media Relations Son of a Pro Bowl de-
Smith versatile Redshirt junior defensive back Deionte Thompson keeps his eyes on teammate Devonta Smith during drills in fensive back, Surtain was
A ll -A mer- preseason practice. rated as the nation’s No.
ica safety 1 cornerback prospect by
duration. He also played
Minkah
Fitzpatrick.
Former five-star LSU signee Saivion some wide receiver two
all the major recruiting
sites.
left
It has
a
Smith and top freshman recruit years ago as a freshman.
McKinney saw limited
Alabama’s inexperi-
enced defensive backs
scramble
for young
Patrick Surtain Jr. could play big playing time as a fresh-
man but, according to
will face new Louisville
starter Jawon Pass, heir
Diggs
players like roles at cornerback. Safety Deionte Diggs, is “a guy that can to 2016 Heisman Trophy
freshman McKinney Thompson make the calls across the winner Lamar Jackson.
Patrick Surtain Jr. and ju- Thompson started both playoff board.” Carter expects Pass
nior college transfer Saiv- ly recruited players try- The DBs even have a to, well, pass against the
ion Smith to secure some games. ing to climb up the depth new position coach, Karl young group.
role. Returnees such as chart. Scott, to work alongside “That’s one of the main
Trevon Diggs, Xavier Thompson is the most Saban. things on your mind,” he
McKinney and Deionte think that probably the two and to me, everybody experienced defensive Replacing star defen- said. “You’re hoping and
Thompson are aiming to guys that have played with else’s positions is still, back since he started sive backs is nothing praying that they throw
carve out much bigger the most consistency out there’s competition at both playoff games last new for Alabama, which the ball, so you can cause
ones from last season. there are Trevon Diggs and all the rest of the posi- season due to an injury. has produced seven first- turnovers or make big
“It’s a real work in prog- Xavier McKinney. Those tions. How we fit the guys Diggs started the opener round NFL draft picks — plays. Definitely. We’ll be
ress to me,” said coach two guys have been pretty around those two guys re- against Florida State at including Fitzpatrick — ready if we get tested or
Nick Saban, who takes a consistent all along. mains to be determined.” cornerback before for- from the secondary since not. We’ll be ready.”
hands-on role with the de- “Everybody else has This being Alabama, mer walk-on Levi Wallace 2010. And that doesn’t Alabama is banking on
fensive backs in practice. “I been a little up and down, there’s a long list of high- claimed the job for the even include two-time Pro it.
Alabama Position-by-Position Breakdown

Quarterbacks Wide receivers / Tight ends “Ross has been an outstanding leader for us in the past,” “Any freshman, I try to look out for them,” Jennings said. “I
Jalen Hurts (Jr.), Tua Tagovailoa (Soph.) Jerry Jeudy (Soph.), Henry Ruggs (Soph.), Saban said. “I think the nature of the position itself is something give them my number and if they need anything, they can come
The story of the offseason for Alabama, beginning from the Devonta Smith (Soph.), Xavian Marks (Sr.), that requires leadership, making a lot of calls. It helps other talk to me or get information from me. I try to be a big brother
second last year’s national championship game ended, likely Derek Kief (Sr.), Tyrell Shavers (Fr.), Jaylen Waddle (Fr.), players on the offensive line play better, and Ross has done a to all of them.”
Hale Hentges (Sr.), Irv Smith (Jr.), Miller Forristall (Soph.) really good job of developing the ability to do that and still play Secondary
won’t end until the final week of the preseason and maybe later.
The sophomore trio of Jeudy, Ruggs and Smith will be comfortable and competitively.” Trevon Diggs (Jr.), Saivion Smith (Jr.), Deionte Thompson
Hurts enters the competition with two years of track record at
looked to for help after losing three of the top five wide receiv- Defensive line (Jr.), Xavier McKinney (Soph.), Patrick Surtain II (Fr.), Shy-
his back; Tagovailoa comes in on the wave of his national cham- Raekwon Davis (Jr.), Isaiah Buggs (Sr.), LaBryan Ray heim Carter (Jr.), Nigel Knott (Soph.), Jared Mayden (Jr.)
pionship-saving performance. Entering preseason practice, the ers from last year’s team. All of them enter the season with little
previous production to rely on: no returning receiver had more (Soph.), Phidarian Mathis (Fr.), Johnny Dwight (Sr.), Of the 12 interceptions recorded by Alabama defensive
locker room did not have a preference. Quinnen Williams (Soph.), Galen Richardson (Soph.) backs last year, only one returns, courtesy of Thompson. The
“They’re both loyal players, true competitors,” linebacker than 14 catches last season.
Alabama will rely heavily on Davis, Buggs and Ray while most experienced group of Diggs, Smith, Thompson and Carter
Anfernee Jennings said. “I’m just glad they’re both on my team, “I think they’re acting beyond their age, and that’s why they
the talented yet inexperienced such as Mathis and Richardson has the inside track to the most game reps, but Surtain II was
played so much last year,” Pierschbacher said of the sopho-
to be honest.” find themselves on the field. Davis is a crucial weapon while one of the most highly recruited cornerbacks in the nation and
mores. “They’ve got the talent, but they’ve also got the work that acclimation period happens, after 10 tackles for a loss last the opportunity to play immediately is there for the taking.
Running backs
ethic. They’re always in there catching passes, their work ethic year was second on the team. “Physical talent is one thing, but being emotionally mature
Damien Harris (Sr.), Najee Harris (Soph.),
is unmatched.” “We’ve got a few guys coming back up front, we’ve got a enough to do it with consistency is another thing that I think
Josh Jacobs (Jr.), Brian Robinson Jr. (Soph.)
Shavers and Waddle could contribute immediately in some few linebackers coming back,” Saban said, “but we still have a needs to be evaluated,” Saban said.
Harris is unanimously considered one of the best returning role, as could the tights ends Hentges, Smith and Forristall.
running backs in the Southeastern Conference after going for lot of opportunity for a lot of young players.” McKinney and Thompson are most likely occupy the safety
Offensive line Linebackers spots.
1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Ross Pierschbacher (Sr.), Jonah Williams (Jr.), Anfernee Jennings (Jr.), Mack Wilson (Jr.), Dylan Moses Special teams
“Damien Harris, who we’re excited about having back, who Jedrick Willis (Soph.), Lester Cotton (Sr.), Matt Womack (Soph.), Christian Miller (Sr.), Terrell Lewis (Jr.), Seniors JK Scott and Andy Pappanastos took every punt,
returns after two back-to-back thousand-yard seasons and (Jr.), Alex Leatherwood (Soph.), Joshua Casher (Sr.) Eyabi Anoma (Fr.), Christopher Allen (Soph.), Ale Kaho (Fr.) field goal attempt and extra point attempt last season, leaving the
probably could’ve gone for the draft, but I think sort of sent a The line is anchored by Pierschbacher in the center, with The starting line of Jennings, Wilson, Moses and Miller is Crimson Tide with a complete restart. Alabama has three punters
message that he’s a guy that wants to graduate,” coach Nick Willis and Cotton at guard and Williams at one of the tackle strong, but depth behind that remains unproven. The late addi- to choose from — freshman Skyler Delong, senior Mike Berni-
Saban said. spots: most likely left, but it is possible for him to end up at tion of Kaho, a Washington defection, could prove to be pivotal. er and junior Preston Knight — and two placekickers, freshman
Harris averaged 4.3 carries per game as a freshman, set- right tackle if the left-handed Tagovailoa starts at quarterback. There is also hope that Anoma is able to contribute immediately Joseph Bulovas and senior Austin Jones. Jones transferred to
ting himself up for a bigger sophomore season with Bo Scar- Leatherwood and Womack will battle for the other tackle spot; if in specific situations. Alabama from Temple and Bernier comes from Eastern Illinois.
brough now in the NFL. Alabama needs help on the interior, Casher will be the first call. Those young players learning the ropes have a place to go. — Brett Hudson
Coaches
each side of the ball. moved to running backs coach, the co-defensive coordinator one of the reasons I think a leadership roles.”
Jeff Banks, who also serves which opened the tight ends and to coach the inside line- lot of people misjudge my rea- Saban also saw an off-field
as tight ends coach, is the spe- spot for Banks. backers. son for having staff size and area that needed addressing:
cial teams coordinator. Banks Two NFL defections — Der- Offensive line coach Brent having lots of interns. I like to recruiting.
held the same positions for rick Ansley to the Oakland Key is the only staff member help develop those coaches so Alabama’s incredible stan-
five years at Texas A&M. He is Raiders and Karl Dunbar to whose title didn’t change. when they go someplace else dard of top recruiting classes
joined on the offensive staff by the Pittsburgh Steelers — left “I think they bring, from a lot and coach, I can hire them back lacked last season. Alabama’s
quarterbacks coach Dan Enos, Alabama in need of defensive of different backgrounds, expe- someday. I’d rather hire some- 2018 class was ranked sixth by
who coached Central Michigan back and defensive line coach- rience and fresh, new faces,” body I know a person in terms 247 Sports and ESPN. It never
for five years and was Arkan- es, where it turned to Karl Scott Pierschbacher said. “It’s been a of who they are, kind of char- finished below second in either
sas’ offensive coordinator for and Craig Kuligowski, respec- change and a surprise as well.” acter they have, kind of leader- ranking in the previous five
three more, and wide receivers tively. Saban didn’t go out looking ship they demonstrate, the kind years. Saban anticipates a re-
coach/co-offensive coordinator The final new name on the for new life into his program of teacher they can be. turn to the norm.
Josh Gattis, who coached wide defensive staff is the new 10th just for freshness sake. He “We also have somebody in “I think this is also one of the
receivers at Penn State for four on-field assistant the NCAA wanted a specific profile in the our organization who is always better recruiting staffs we’ve
years. approved over the offseason. people he hired. on top of who is the best people had, and I think that’s going
The offensive staff also saw Many schools used this position “I want people who are developing at every position out to be beneficial for us in the fu-
several transitions. Long-time for a dedicated special teams knowledgeable and good teach- there regardless of what level ture,” Saban said.
running backs coach Burton coordinator, but Alabama used ers, but I also think they have they are coaching at in terms Follow Dispatch sports
Burns moved to an off-field role, it to hire Pete Golding away to be a really good fit on your of their ability to coach players, writer Brett Hudson on Twitter
tight ends coach Joe Pannunzio from Texas-San Antonio to be staff,” Saban said. “I think it’s teach players, have success in @Brett_Hudson
QBs
title game against Geor- in four playoff games, back situation and com- waii, showed off plenty of think what we have to do grievances.
gia’s stingy defense, in- totaling just 329 passing ments from Saban, saying ability in backup duty as as a team is what’s most “First and foremost,
cluding the 41-yard win- yards while also making he told Saban in June that a freshman last season. important to me. We’ve I think both guys have
ner to fellow freshman some plays on the ground he would remain this sea- He passed for 636 yards got to focus on what we been pros in terms of
DeVonta Smith in over- and being named offen- son and not transfer. with 11 touchdowns and can do now to better our-
how they’ve gone about
time. sive MVP of last season’s One thing he insists two interceptions, one of selves, better each other.
He also was picked off semifinal game. he’s not sweating: compe- which was returned 93 “As the season goes on, competing,” said Locks-
once and was sacked on But he was the SEC of- tition. yards for a touchdown in we’ll see and what-not.” ley, who coaches wide re-
the play before the touch- fensive player of the year “I’m definitely not a blowout of Tennessee. It is clear who will ceivers. “Both those guys
down strike. as a freshman. He has looking over my shoul- He didn’t bite on a choose the winner. Saban put the time in, they both
“We have film of good, run for 1,809 yards and der, I’m not worried about question at Saturday’s says there will not be “a are students of the game,
bad and ugly and that’s 21 touchdowns in two sea- anybody else,” Hurts said. media day about what straw poll,” and Locksley they spend a lot of time
definitely been on the sons, though his passing “I’m just worried about it will take for him to be says it’s the head man’s upstairs in the coaches’
ugly,” Tagovailoa said. yards per game dipped me, Jalen Hurts, being named starter. call.
offices trying to improve
“It’s most definitely some- last season from 185.3 to the best player that I can “For me, I’m not re- He did praise both
thing you can learn from. 148.6. be, be the best quarter- ally focused on winning candidates’ approaches themselves.”
Instead of taking a sack, Hurts vented over the back that I can be.” the job,” Tagovailoa said. and work ethics, with his And trying to emerge
throw the ball away.” weekend about Alabama’s Tagovailoa, a former “I don’t think that’s ever comments coming short- as the on-field leader of
Hurts has struggled handling of the quarter- five-star recruit from Ha- been in my persona. I ly before Hurts aired his the title favorites.
itawamba community COLLEGE INDIANS

Athletic Website: www.letsgoicc.com; Twitter: @LetsGoICC; Instagram: @LetsGoICC; Vine: @LetsGoICC; Facebook: LetsGoICC; Radio: WAFM 95.7 FM. TV: Online at www.LetsGoICC.com
Coaching staff
Head Coach
Sean Cannon
n Chad Cook — Offensive
Coordinator
n Tyrone Fox — Defensive
Back Coach
n Ray Williams — Defensive
Line Coach
2018 Schedule
Aug. 30 At Pearl River CC
Sept. 6 East Central CC
Sept. 13 East Miss. CC
Sept. 20 At Coahoma CC
Sept. 27 NE MISS CC
Oct. 4 At Holmes CC
Oct. 13 At Miss. Delta CC
Oct. 18 SW MISS CC
Oct. 25 NW MISS CC
HOME GAMES IN CAPS
Itawamba Community College Athletic Media Relations

Former Noxubee County High School standout Kalmorris Robinson made 12 tackles as a freshman at Itawamba Community College last
season. This year, Robinson figures to play a much bigger role for the No. 16 Indians.
2017 Results
Aug. 31 L, 42-41
At Gulf Coast CC
ROBINSON READY TO CAPITALIZE ON EXPERIENCE
BY SCOT T WALTERS 205-pound Robinson finished with
Sept. 7 L, 35-31 swalters@cdispatch.com “The playoffs are the No. 1 goal. Last season really 12 tackles. This season, he shifts
HINDS CC
Sept. 14 W, 27-24 FULTON — Former Noxubee hurt because we beat Northwest (Mississippi C.C.) into a bigger leadership role.
“For the sophomores, this is a
NW MISS CC County High School standout Kal-
Sept. 21 L, 48-24 morris Robinson remembers his and they made the playoffs and we didn’t. Those big season,” Robinson said. “Ev-
erybody is excited about playing
At EMCC
Sept. 28 W, 38-36
first practice on the junior college
level.
things happen sometimes. We lost some games (in senior college), so that’s always
PEARL RIVER CC in the back of your mind. The big-
Oct. 5 W, 68-28
“Everybody is fast,” Robinson
said, “The speed of the game was
early, and that really hurt us.” gest challenge about this league is
NE MISS CC everybody has something to prove.
Oct. 12 W, 30-14 a little overwhelming. Right away, Itawamba Community College Everybody is playing for that schol-
At Coahoma CC I could tell that you had to go full sophomore linebacker Kalmorris Robinson arship opportunity. That makes it
Oct. 21 W, 62-14 speed all the time to have any fun, but that also makes it a chal-
At Miss. Delta CC chance to be successful. Every- lenge.”
Oct. 28 W, 61-16 body in our league can play.” less. That success and returning made the playoffs and we didn’t. Robinson finished with 138
HOLMES CC Now a sophomore at Itawamba experience are big reasons why Those things happen sometimes. tackles in his senior season at Nox-
HOME GAMES IN CAPS Community College, Robinson ICC is preseason No. 16 in the na- We lost some games early, and that ubee County. Two state champion-
has seen the game slow down. The tional rankings. really hurt us.” ship rings from his time with the
2017 STATISTICS work load is still hectic. The talent “To win championships, it starts ICC dropped a 48-24 decision to Tigers remain the most important
ICC Overall Conference level is still strong. However, he on the defensive side of the ball,” eventual national champion East part of his jewelry collection.
Scoring
Points per game
382 272
42.4 45.3 knows now he belongs. ICC fifth-year head coach Sean Mississippi C.C. That was the only “Playing at Noxubee County
Total offense
Yards per game
4355
483.9
2897
482.8
“It’s rewarding to see all the Cannon said. “Each team in our loss in the MACJC North Division. was a humbling experience,” Rob-
Passing yards
Comp-Att-Int
3257 2231
232-357-7 152-235-5
hard work pay off,” Robinson said. league has dynamic playmakers on One tiebreaker is a team’s record inson said. “We won a lot of games,
Passing yards per game 361.9 371.8 “When you start (college), it’s a offense. The challenge is to build a against the South Division. Against but we did that by working hard,
Passing yards per attempt 9.1 9.5
Passing yards per completion 14.0 14.7 challenge because you have so fast defense, a defense capable of the South, ICC fell 42-41 at Missis- respecting the opponent, and do-
Passing touchdowns 28 20
Rushing yards 1098 666 many things to learn. Things get making plays. You don’t have to be sippi Gulf Coast C.C. and 35-31 at ing things the right way. That was
Rushing attempts
Rushing yards per game
268
122.0
172
111.0 better eventually and finally you re- perfect on defense. However, if you home to Hinds C.C. rewarding. When times get tough
Yards per rush
Rushing touchdowns
4.1
16
3.9
9
alize how far you have come.” can force some turnovers, change “The team really grew up,” Rob- (at college), it’s great you have
1st downs
Rushing 1st downs
100
36
76
23
ICC won its final five games to field position, it can help change inson said. “(After the EMCC loss), that (Noxubee) family to count on.
Passing 1st downs 57 48 finish 6-3 last season. The defense the outcome of a game.” we knew we had to win out to have They will always support you.
Penalty 1st downs 7 5
1st downs per game 11.1 12.7 relied on a lot of freshmen. Robin- The Indians have been competi- any chance, so we kept working “(Noxubee County) coach (Ty-
3rd-down conversions 26-50 20-38
3rd down % 52% 53% son was part of a talented group of tive under Cannon. ICC missed the hard in practice. It showed on the rone) Shorter is proud of all the
4th-down conversions
4th down %
4-7
57%
4-6
67% newcomers adjusting to life in the playoffs in 2017 after losing in the field. Even though things didn’t players who get to play college ball.
Kick returns (No.-Yards)
Kick return average
31-649
20.9
19-438
23.1
Mississippi Association of Commu- semifinal round a year earlier. work out, they made us hungrier It’s up to us to represent the pro-
Punt returns (No.-Yards)
Punt return average
13-123
9.5
10-123
12.3
nity and Junior Colleges (MACJC). “The playoffs are the No. 1 for this upcoming season. We have gram the right way.”
Field goals 8-11 6-7 When things clicked, the de- goal,” Robinson said. “Last season all been doing a little extra to make Follow Dispatch sports
Field goal % 72.7% 85.7%
PATs 44-49 32-36 fense took off. ICC held its final really hurt because we beat North- sure we have a chance.” writer Scott Walters on Twitter @
PAT % 89.8% 88.9%
Punts (No.-Yards) 29-964 18-572 three opponents to 16 points or west (Mississippi C.C.) and they A year ago, the 5-foot-10, dispatchscott
Average per punt 33.2 31.8
Red zone scores 9-11 9-11
Red zone % 82% 82%
Red zone touchdowns
Red zone touchdown %
Fumbles-lost 9-5 5-2
7-11
64%
7-11
64% ICC Players with
Fumbles recovered
Defensive INTs
9
12
Interception returns (No.-Yds) 12-238 9-222
8
9 Ties to Golden
Interception return average
Defensive TDs
Tackles
19.8
4
652 456
24.7
4 Triangle
Sacks 20 11
Penalties 23 14
Penalty yards 228 152
Time of possession per game 13:26 14:56
Home Attendance
Home Attendance average
4866
973
4866
1622
Comer Unruh Robinson Thomas Harrison James Martin Reed
WEEK ONE
Thursday, Aug. 30
MACJC Schedule
WEEK SIX
Thursday, Oct. 4
ICC will have plenty of local flavor
Itawamba at Pearl River, 6 p.m. NORTH – EMCC at Northwest, 6:30 p.m.
From Special Reports receiver after hauling in a depth in the backfield.
Copiah-Lincoln at Holmes, 6:30 p.m. NORTH – Itawamba at Holmes, 6:30 p.m. record-setting 1,095 yards Sophomores Shed Ross,
East Central at Northwest, 6:30 p.m. The biggest story line receiving as a sophomore. of Grenada; Dejunate
NORTH – Mississippi Delta at Northeast, 7 p.m.
Coahoma at Jones, 7 p.m. for the No. 16 Itawamba He had 79 catches and nine Willis, of Aberdeen; Will
SOUTH – Jones at Pearl River, 6 p.m.
Hinds at EMCC, 7 p.m. Community College foot- touchdowns for an average James, of Columbus; and
Mississippi Delta at Gulf Coast, 7 p.m. SOUTH – Copiah-Lincoln at East Central, 6:30 p.m.
ball team in the preseason of 13.9 yards per catch and Larry Pelison, of Madison,
Northeast at Southwest, 7 p.m. SOUTH – Gulf Coast at Southwest, 7 p.m.
has been the competition 121.7 yards per game. will anchor ICC’s offen-
WEEK TWO Saturday, Oct. 6
Thursday, Sept. 6 for the starting quarter- Sophomore Jamel sive line, while freshmen
Hinds at Coahoma, 2:30 p.m.
EMCC at Pearl River, 6 p.m. back spot. Thomas, of Caledonia, is Cameron Orr, of Fulton; DJ
WEEK SEVEN
Copiah-Lincoln at Northeast, 6:30 p.m. ICC will have the chal- drawing national attention Rudd, of Tupelo; Michael
Thursday, Oct. 11
East Central at Itawamba, 6:30 p.m.
NORTH – Northwest at Coahoma, 7 p.m.
lenge of replacing Nation- and is expected to be one Harrison, of Hamilton;
Mississippi Delta at Hinds, 6:30 p.m.
SOUTH – East Central at Gulf Coast, 7 p.m.
al Junior College Athletic of the state’s top receivers. Alex Brown, of Louisville;
Gulf Coast at Coahoma, 7 p.m. Association (NJCAA) and
Holmes at Jones, 7 p.m. SOUTH – Hinds at Copiah-Lincoln, 7 p.m. Last season, Thomas was CJ Doss, of Tupelo; and Ja-
Jones at Northeast, 6:30 p.m.
JCGridiron All-America third on the team with 527 kob Cunningham, of Louis-
Northwest at Southwest, 7 p.m.
WEEK THREE Saturday, Oct. 13
quarterback Dan Elling- yards on 36 catches. He was ville, will bolster the front.
Thursday, Sept. 13 NORTH – Holmes at EMCC, 2 p.m. ton, of Olive Branch. Last second on the team with Defensively, sopho-
NORTH – Coahoma at Northeast, 6:30 p.m. NORTH – Itawamba at Mississippi Delta, 2:30 p.m. season, the Georgia State seven touchdown catches. mores A’Tarius Moore, of
NORTH – EMCC at Itawamba, 6:30 p.m.
SOUTH – Pearl River at Southwest, 5 p.m. signee was 230-for-353 for a Freshmen Rodderick Mc- Calhoun City, and Tyrese
NORTH – Northwest at Mississippi Delta, 7 p.m.
WEEK EIGHT single-season record 3,211 Cloud, of Pinson, Alabama; Quinn, of Calhoun City,
SOUTH – Jones at Hinds, 6:30 p.m. yards with 27 touchdowns
SOUTH – Southwest at East Central, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 Austin Watkins, of Tupelo; return as the Indians’ top
SOUTH – Pearl River at Copiah-Lincoln, 7 p.m. NORTH – Northeast at Northwest, 6:30 p.m. (eight interceptions). He Damien Ealy, of Nettleton; tacklers. Moore, a lineback-
Holmes at Gulf Coast, 7 p.m. NORTH – Coahoma at EMCC, 7 p.m. also had a team-high 111 and Cedric Bradford, of er, recorded 40 tackles (22
WEEK FOUR SOUTH – East Central at Hinds, 7 p.m. carries for 392 yards and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, look solo) with five-and-a-half
Thursday, Sept. 20 Southwest at Itawamba, 6:30 p.m. eight touchdowns. to lead the receivers. tackles for loss and an inter-
NORTH – Northeast at Holmes, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 Sophomore Spencer De’Sean Dinkins, of ception. Quinn, a defensive
NORTH – Itawamba at Coahoma, 7 p.m.
NORTH – Mississippi Delta at Holmes, 3 p.m. Unruh, of Caledonia, and Warner Robins, Georgia, back, had 30 stops (28 solo)
NORTH – Mississippi Delta at EMCC, 7 p.m. freshmen Laderrick Bell,
SOUTH – Copiah-Lincoln at Jones, 2 p.m. returns as the ICC’s top with four interceptions.
SOUTH – East Central at Pearl River, 6 p.m.
SOUTH – Gulf Coast at Jones, 7 p.m. SOUTH – Gulf Coast at Pearl River, 2 p.m. of Anniston, Alabama, and rusher. Last season, he ICC will look for soph-
SOUTH – Hinds at Southwest, 7 p.m. WEEK NINE Clark Mills, of Ecru, are had 15 carries for 147 yards omore defensive lineman
Northwest at Copiah-Lincoln, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 battling for the No. 1 spot. and one touchdown. Kegan Cortavious Ivy, Amory;
WEEK FIVE NORTH – EMCC at Northeast, 6:30 p.m. ICC also will look for Huddleston, of Shannon, linebacker Kalmorris Rob-
Thursday, Sept. 27 NORTH – Holmes at Coahoma, 6:30 p.m. someone to step into also returns for his sopho- inson, of Macon; defen-
NORTH – Holmes at Northwest, 6:30 p.m. NORTH – Northwest at Itawamba, 6:30 p.m. the role of three-time more season and looks to sive back BJ Williams, of
NORTH – Northeast at Itawamba, 6:30 p.m.
SOUTH – Jones at East Central, 6:30 p.m. All-America wide receiver make a bigger impact with Aberdeen; and linebacker
NORTH – Coahoma at Mississippi Delta, 7 p.m.
SOUTH – Copiah-Lincoln at Gulf Coast, 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 Terry Williams, of Southav- more opportunities. Fresh- Dalton Combs, Nettleton,
SOUTH – Pearl River at Hinds, 7 p.m. SOUTH – Southwest at Copiah-Lincoln, 3 p.m. en. The Tennessee-Martin men Hiram Wadlington, of to help a young group of
SOUTH – Southwest at Jones, 7 p.m. SOUTH – Hinds at Gulf Coast, 3:30 p.m. signee left Fulton as the Oxford, and Tyran Reed, defensive players to come
EMCC at East Central, 6:30 p.m. Pearl River at Mississippi Delta, 2:30 p.m. program’s all-time leading of New Hope, will provide of age.
east mississippi community college lions

Athletic Website: www.emccathletics.com; Radio: WFCA-FM 107.9; Twitter: @emccathletics; Instagram: @EMCCAthletics; You Tube: www.youtube.com/EMCCAthletics
sIMPLE,
Coaching staff
Head Coach
Buddy Stephens
n David Boykin —
Assistant Coach
n Cliff Collins —
Assistant Coach
n C.J. Johnson —
QUICK IS
PLAN FOR
Assistant Coach
n Justin Sanders —
Assistant Coach
n Courtland Hays —
Assistant Coach

2017 STATISTICS
EMCC Overall Conference
OFFENSE
Scoring
Points per game
Total offense
580 458
48.3
5929
50.9
4579 Stephens’ plan has 2018 Schedule
Yards per game 494.1 508.8 Aug. 30 HINDS CC
Passing yards 3594 2692
Comp-Att-Int
Passing yards per game
Passing yards per attempt
270-416-11 208-313-7
299.5
8.6
299.1
8.6
remained same with Sept. 6 At Pearl River CC
Sept. 13 At Itawamba CC
Passing yards per completion 13.3
Passing touchdowns
Rushing yards
29
2335
12.9
22
1887
different quarterbacks Sept. 20 MISS. DELTA CC
Rushing attempts 460 337 Sept. 27 At East Central CC
Rushing yards per game 194.6 209.7 Oct. 4 At NW Miss. CC
Yards per rush 5.1 5.6 BY SCOT T WALTERS
Rushing touchdowns 41 33 swalters@cdispatch.com Oct. 13 HOLMES CC
1st downs 302 229
Rushing 1st downs 137 109 Oct. 18 COAHOMA CC
Passing 1st downs 143 105
Penalty 1st downs 22 15 SCOOBA — East Oct. 25 At NE Miss CC
1st downs per game
3rd-down conversions
25.2
86-163
25.4
64-119 Mississippi Communi- HOME GAMES IN CAPS
3rd down %
4th-down conversions
53%
18-28
54%
16-22
ty College
4th down % 64% 73% football
Kick returns (No.-Yards) 40-815 25-450
Kick return average 20.4 18.0 coach Bud-
Punt returns (No.-Yards) 24-355 21-345
Punt return average 14.8 16.4 dy Stephens
Field goals
Field goal %
11-16
68.8%
8-11
72.7% has prided
PATs
PAT %
73-76 60-62
96.1% 96.8%
himself in
Punts (No.-Yards)
Average per punt
31-1234
39.8
21-816
38.9
a simple of-
fense that
Red zone scores
Red zone %
Red zone touchdowns
24-28
86%
20-28
11-11
100%
9-11 is easy to Stephens
2017 Results
Red zone touchdown % 71% 82% Aug. 31 W, 47-34
Fumbles-lost 5-4 3-2 learn and
JONES CO. JC
Fumbles recovered
Defensive INTs
10
11
7
9 capable of
Sept. 7 W, 49-10
Interception returns (No.-Yds) 11-279 9-200 Scott Walters/Dispatch Staff producing
Interception return average 25.4 22.2 MISS GULF
Defensive TDs 4 3 The 2018 East Mississippi Community College football team’s roster has plenty of plenty of
Tackles 833 606
local flavor, including the quartet above: former West Point High School standouts COAST CC
Sacks 33 26 points.
Penalties 57 46 Terence Cherry (24), De’Marrio Edwards (80), and Everitt Cunningham (95) and Sept. 14 W, 59-0
Penalty yards 531 424 E a c h
Time of possession per game 20:37 22:11 former Starkville High School standout Jordan Thompson (45). At NE Miss CC
year, the
Sept. 21 W, 48-24
Goal is to be physical on defense

n a m e s
“The challenge change but Boykin
ITAWAMBA CC
Sept. 28 W, 45-7
the Lions re-
has been getting main among
At Miss Delta CC
back to that Defensive coordinator Collins says Lions are getting back to old ways the nation’s
Oct. 5

W, 49-3
HOLMES CC
best in al-
Oct. 12 L, 38-61
BY SCOT T WALTERS ship teams. Those were big, impos- most every
hard-nosed, swalters@cdispatch.com ing players up front. Our job has statistical
At NW Miss CC
Oct. 21 W, 72-7
been to get back to playing that kind category.
physical, up front SCOOBA — Cliff Collins had of defense.” “It’s just
COAHOMA CC
Oct. 28 W, 51-41
one major objective when he The 2014 Lions allowed 7.6 a system deWeaver
defensive unit.” returned to the East points per game and had a with a lot
At Hinds CC
Nov. 4 W, 24-20
Mississippi Community school-record streak of five- of options,” EMCC soph-
East Mississippi College coaching staff as defensive At Jones Co. JC
straight shutouts. The next two omore quarterback Mes-
Community College coordinator last season. Collins Nov. 11 W, 67-66
squads allowed 14.8 and 20.4 ppg. siah deWeaver said. “The
defensive coordinator At NW Miss CC
“The challenge has been getting A year ago, the two-year nation- main thing is fast, doing
Cliff Collins Dec. 3 W, 31-28
back to that hard-nosed, physical, up front al title drought ended. However, the Li- everything fast. Within
Vs. Arizona
defensive unit,” Collins said. “We have had ons were still trying to find an identity four seconds of the snap, Western College
a bunch of success stories in the NFL from after allowing 25.1 ppg. the ball is supposed to be HOME GAMES IN CAPS
those 2013 and 2014 (national) champion- See DEFENSE, 16 See OFFENSE, 16
National Schedule
Week 1
Saturday’s Games
SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
Athletic Website: www.secdigitalnetwork.com; Twitter: @SEC; Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheSECDN; Instagram: @secsports
(See Sunday’s Sports Section)
EAST
Duquesne at Massachusetts
SOUTH
North Carolina A&T at Jacksonville State
SOUTHWEST
Prairie View at Rice
FAR WEST
Hawaii at Colorado State
Wyoming at New Mexico State
Week 1 / Week 2
Thursday’s Games
EAST
Bowie State at Wagner, 5 p.m.
Rhode Island at Delaware, 6 p.m.
New Hampshire at Maine, 6 p.m.
UCF at Connecticut, 6 p.m.
SOUTH
Chowan at Campbell, 6 p.m.
Tennessee Tech at Chattanooga, 6 p.m.
Morehead State at Eastern Kentucky,
6 p.m.
Kennesaw State at Georgia State, 6 p.m.
Southern Illinois at Murray State, 6 p.m.
Shorter at Samford, 6:30 p.m.
Southesatern Louisiana at
Louisiana-Monroe, 7 p.m.
Wake Forest at Tulane, 7 p.m.
Savannah State at Alabama-Birmingham,
7 p.m.
MIDWEST
CCSU at Ball State, 6 p.m.
Quincy at Indiana State, 6 p.m.
New Mexico State at Minnesota, 6 p.m.
MVSU at North Dakota, 6:30 p.m.
Northwestern at Purdue, 7 p.m.
SOUTHWEST
Missouri State at Oklahoma State, 7 p.m.
Northwestern State at Texas A&M, 7:30 p.m.
FAR WEST
Weber State at Utah, 7 p.m.
Western Illinois at Montana State, 8 p.m.
UC Davis at San Jose St., 9 p.m.
Friday’s Games
SOUTH Alabama Athletic Media Relations
Army at Duke, 6 p.m. Alabama football coach Nick Saban, shown above talking to his players during a break in preseason practice, doesn’t want the Crimson
MIDWEST Tide to become complacent after winning the national championship. Saban-disciple Kirby Smart, who is the coach at Georgia, has a
Syracuse at Western Michigan, 5 p.m. similar mind-set in an attempt to keep the national runner-up Bulldogs focused for 2018.
Monmouth (NJ) at Eastern Michigan, 5:30 p.m.
PATH could lead to tide, bulldogs again

Utah State at Michigan State, 6 p.m.
Western Kentucky at Wisconsin, 8 p.m.
FAR WEST
Western State (Col.) at Idaho State, 7:35 p.m.
Portland State at Nevada, 8 p.m.
San Diego State at Stanford, 8 p.m.
By JOHN ZENOR Georgia could be on a collision course for a
Colorado at Colorado State, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 1
The Associated Press “We can’t allow complacency championship again, though it’s more like-
EAST
Texas State at Rutgers, 11 a.m. Georgia football coach Kirby Smart gave to slip into our program and ly to be a meeting in the league title game
this time. Alabama didn’t win the Western
Villanova at Temple, 11 a.m.
St. Francis (Pa.) at Lehigh, 11:30 a.m.
Massachusetts at Boston College, Noon
mentor Nick Saban and Alabama a run for
their money in the national championship
into our staff because I know Division last season after falling to Auburn
in the regular-season finale.
Holy Cross at Colgate, Noon
Georgetown at Marist, Noon
game — and did it again in the offseason.
Smart brought in the nation’s top re-
that will eat away at the The Crimson Tide approaches the sea-
Lock Haven at Duquesne, 1 p.m. son as the favorite to win a sixth national
New Haven at Bryant, 2 p.m.
Appalachian State at Penn State, 2:30 p.m.
cruiting class and stayed on point with Sa- core fundamentals that we title in the last decade. Alabama’s 26-23
ban-like messages about guarding against overtime victory against Georgia in the
Albany (NY) at Pittsburgh, 2:30 p.m.
William & Mary at Bucknell, 5 p.m. complacency and embracing the pressure started to believe.” College Football Playoff National Cham-
Delaware St. at Buffalo, 5 p.m. of high expectations while dismissing po- pionship Game left Saban with a months-
Lafayette at Sacred Heart, 5 p.m. Georgia football coach Kirby Smart
SOUTH tential as “dormant ability.” long quarterback controversy: Title game
Texas vs. Maryland at Landover, “We can’t allow complacency to slip into hero Tua Tagovailoa vs. two-year starter
Maryland, 11 a.m.
James Madison at North Carolina State, our program and slip into our staff because I Southeastern Conference Media Days. Jalen Hurts.
11 a.m. know that will eat away at the core fundamen- It’s a sentiment Saban would endorse. But neither mentor nor star pupil
Coastal Carolina at South Carolina, 11 a.m. tals that we started to believe,” Smart said at Alabama and reigning SEC champion See SEC, 16
Furman at Clemson, 11:20 a.m.
Alcorn State at Georgia Tech, 11:30 a.m.
St. Augustine’s at Jacksonville, Noon
Washington vs. Auburn at Atlanta, 2:30 p.m. 2018 Media Picks 2017 Final Standings
Austin Peay at Georgia, 2:30 p.m. NOTE: First-place votes in parentheses EASTERN DIVISION WESTERN DIVISION
Central Michigan at Kentucky, 2:30 p.m.
Tennessee vs. West Virginia at Charlotte, EASTERN DIVISION WESTERN DIVISION Conference All Games Conference All Games
North Carolina, 2:30 p.m. Georgia (271).................................................. 1,977 Alabama (263)................................................ 1,971 W L PF PA W L PF PA W L PF PA W L PF PA
Fort Valley State at Florida A&M, 4 p.m. South Carolina (8)........................................... 1,535 Auburn (19)...................................................... 1,664 Georgia 7 1 295 115 13 2 531 246 Auburn 7 1 327 152 10 4 474 259
Tuskegee at Alabama State, 5 p.m. Florida (4).........................................................1,441 Mississippi State (2)..................................... 1,239 S. Carolina 5 3 196 162 9 4 315 269 Alabama 7 1 307 98 13 1 519 167
Fordham at Charlotte, 5 p.m. Missouri........................................................... 1,057 Texas A&M...................................................... 1,091 Kentucky 4 4 217 246 7 6 332 367 LSU 6 2 209 165 9 4 354 246
North Carolina A&T at East Carolina, 5 p.m.
Limestone at Gardner-Webb, 5 p.m. Kentucky (1)........................................................874 LSU................................................................. 1,025 Missouri 3 4 277 270 7 6 488 414 Miss. St. 4 4 210 191 9 4 416 272
South Carolina State at Tennessee (1).................................................... 704 Ole Miss............................................................ 578 Florida 3 5 168 222 4 7 243 300 Texas A&M 4 4 205 250 7 6 425 399
Georgia Southern, 5 p.m. Vanderbilt........................................................... 392 Arkansas.............................................................412 Vanderbilt 1 7 180 346 5 7 295 376 Ole Miss 3 5 236 316 6 6 394 415
Shaw at Hampton, 5 p.m. Tennessee 0 8 113 278 4 8 238 349 Arkansas 1 7 208 337 4 8 345 434
Old Dominion at Liberty, 5 p.m. SEC champion: Alabama 193, Georgia 69, Auburn 14, South Carolina 4,
Virginia State at Norfolk State, 5 p.m. Florida 2, Mississippi State 1, Missouri 1. Bowl Games Peach Bowl
Elon at South Florida, 5 p.m.
Texas Bowl UCF 34, Auburn 27
Boise State at Troy, 5 p.m.
Richmond at Virginia, 5 p.m. Week 1 Schedule Texas 33, Missouri 16 Citrus Bowl
Newberry at Western Carolina, 5 p.m. Belk Bowl Notre Dame 21, LSU 17
The Citadel at Wofford, 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30 Tennessee vs. West Virginia, Charleston Southern at Florida,
Wake Forest 55, Texas A&M 52 Rose Bowl
Miles at Alabama A&M, 6 p.m. Northwestern State at Texas 2:30 p.m. (WCBI) 6:30 p.m. (SEC Network)
Brevard at Davidson, 6 p.m. Music City Bowl Georgia 54, Oklahoma 48, 2OT
A&M, 7:30 p.m. (SEC Network) Central Michigan at Kentucky,
Indiana at FIU, 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1 Middle Tennessee at Vanderbilt, Northwestern 24, Kentucky 23 Sugar Bowl
Grambling State at Louisiana-Lafayette, 6 p.m. 2:30 p.m. (ESPNU) TaxSlayer Bowl Alabama 24, Clemson 6
Coastal Carolina at 6:30 p.m. (SEC Network)
Mercer at Memphis, 6 p.m. South Carolina, 11 a.m. Tennessee-Martin at Missouri, Mississippi State 31, Louisville 27 College Football Playoff Championship
Towson at Morgan State, 6 p.m. 3 p.m. (SEC Network) Louisville vs. Alabama, 7 p.m. Outback Bowl Game
Louisiana Tech at South Alabama, 6 p.m. (SEC Network)
Jackson State at Southern Mississippi, 6 p.m. Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech, 11 a.m. Eastern Illinois at Arkansas, (WKDH-WTVA) South Carolina 26, Michigan 19 Alabama 26, Georgia 23, OT
Bethune-Cookman vs. Tennessee State, (ESPN) 3 p.m. (SEC Network)
6 p.m. Austin Peay at Georgia, Sunday, Sept. 2
2:30 p.m. (ESPN) Stephen F. Austin at
Point (Ga.) at Stetson, 6 p.m.
Mars Hill at ETSU, 6:30 p.m. Mississippi State, 6:30 p.m. Miami vs. LSU, 6:30 p.m.
Washington vs. Auburn,
Charleston Southern at Florida, 6:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. (WKDH-WTVA) (ESPNU) (WKDH-WTVA)
Stephen F. Austin at Mississippi State,
6:30 p.m.
Middle Tennessee at Vanderbilt, 6:30 p.m.
Alabama vs. Louisville at Orlando,
Florida, 7 p.m.
MIDWEST Preseason Polls / The AP Preseason All-America Team
Kent State at Illinois, 11 a.m.
Oregon State at Ohio State, 11 a.m. The Associated Press Top 25 2005—Southern Cal Amway Coaches Top 25 Center — Ross Pierschbacher, senior, Alabama.
Robert Morris at Dayton, Noon The preseason college football poll, with 2004—Southern Cal-x The preseason poll, with first-place votes in pa- Tight end — Noah Fant, junior, Iowa.
Howard at Ohio, 1 p.m. 2003—Oklahoma Receivers — A.J. Brown, junior, Ole Miss
first-place votes in parentheses, records, total rentheses, 2017 records, total points based on 25
Butler at Youngstown State, 1 p.m. 2002—Miami David Sills V, senior, West Virginia.
points based on 25 points for a first-place vote points for first place through one point for 25th,
Northern Illinois at Iowa, 2:30 p.m. 2001—Florida
through one point for a 25th-place vote, and 2017 and final ranking: All-purpose player — Myles Gaskin, senior,
Marshall at Miami University, 2:30 p.m. 2000—Nebraska
Cal Poly at North Dakota State, 2:30 p.m. final ranking: 1999—Florida St.-x Rec. Pts Pvs Washington.
Tennessee-Martin at Missouri, 3 p.m. Rec. Pts Pv 1998—Ohio St. 1. Alabama (61) 13-1 1621 1 Kicker — Matt Gay, senior, Utah.
William Jewell at Drake, 6 p.m. 1. Alabama (42) 13-1 1505 1 1997—Penn St. 2. Clemson (3) 12-2 1547 4 Defense
Nicholls at Kansas, 6 p.m. 2. Clemson (18) 12-2 1476 4 1996—Nebraska 3. Ohio State (1) 12-2 1458 5 Ends — Nick Bosa, junior, Ohio State;
VMI at Toledo, 6 p.m. 3. Georgia 13-2 1350 2 1995—Florida St. 4. Georgia 13-2 1452 2 Clelin Ferrell, junior, Clemson.
South Dakota at Kansas State, 6:10 p.m. 4. Wisconsin (1) 13-1 1271 7 1994—Florida 5. Oklahoma 12-2 1288 3 Tackles — Ed Oliver, junior, Houston; Christian
St. Xavier at Illinois State, 6:30 p.m. 5. Ohio State 12-2 1256 5 1993—Florida St.-x 6. Washington 10-3 1245 15
Michigan at Notre Dame, 6:30 p.m. Wilkins, Senior, Clemson.
6. Washington 10-3 1215 16 1992—Miami 7. Wisconsin 13-1 1243 6
South Dakota State at Iowa State, 7 p.m. Linebackers — Devin White, junior, LSU; Devin
7. Oklahoma 12-2 1173 3 1991—Florida St. 8. Miami (Fla.) 10-3 1091 13
Akron at Nebraska, 7 p.m. Bush, junior, Michigan; T.J. Edwards, senior,
8. Miami 10-3 1027 13 1990—Miami 9. Penn State 11-2 1050 8
SOUTHWEST Wisconsin.
FAU at Oklahoma, 11 a.m. 9. Auburn 10-4 1013 10 1989—Michigan 10. Auburn 10-4 1004 12
10. Penn State 11-2 1012 8 1988—Florida St. 11. Notre Dame 10-3 892 11 Cornerbacks — Greedy Williams, sophomore,
Houston at Rice, 11 a.m.
Southern U. at TCU, 11 a.m. 11. Michigan State 10-3 877 15 1987—Oklahoma 12. Michigan State 10-3 870 16 LSU; Deandre Baker, senior, Georgia.
Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech at Houston, 11 a.m. 12. Notre Dame 10-3 804 11 1986—Oklahoma 13. Stanford 9-5 768 19 Safeties — Jaquan Johnson, senior, Miami;
Eastern Illinois at Arkansas, 3 p.m. 13. Stanford 9-5 778 20 1985—Oklahoma-x 14. Michigan 8-5 752 NR Taylor Rapp, junior, Washington.
Morehouse at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 6 p.m. 14. Michigan 8-5 773 NR 1984—Auburn 15. Southern California 11-3 691 10 Punter — Mitch Wishnowsky, senior, Utah.
Southeast Missouri at Arkansas State, 6 p.m. 15. Southern California 11-3 543 12 1983—Nebraska 16. TCU 11-3 530 9
SW Baptist at Houston Baptist, 6 p.m. 1982—Pittsburgh 17. Virginia Tech 9-4 524 25
Kentucky Christian at Lamar, 6 p.m. 16. TCU 11-3 533 9 SECOND TEAM
1981—Michigan 18. Mississippi State 9-4 407 20
Central Arkansas at Tulsa, 6 p.m. 17. West Virginia 7-6 511 NR 1980—Ohio St. Offense
SMU at North Texas, 6:30 p.m. 18. Mississippi State 9-4 450 19 19. Florida State 7-6 328 NR Quarterback — Trace McSorley, senior, Penn
1979—Southern Cal 20. West Virginia 7-6 310 NR
Northern Arizona at UTEP, 6:30 p.m. 19. Florida State 7-6 384 NR 1978—Alabama-x State.
Abilene Christian at Baylor, 7 p.m. 20. Virginia Tech 9-4 351 24 21. Texas 7-6 265 NR
1977—Oklahoma Running backs — A.J. Dillon, sophomore, Boston
Texas-Permian Basin at Texas Southern, 7 p.m. 21. UCF 13-0 312 6 22. Boise State 11-3 261 22
1976—Nebraska College; Damien Harris, junior, Alabama.
FAR WEST 22. Boise State 11-3 292 22 1975—Oklahoma-x 23. Central Florida 13-0 259 7
Stony Brook at Air Force, 1 p.m. 24. LSU 9-4 254 18 Tackles — David Edwards, junior, Wisconsin;
23. Texas 7-6 216 NR 1974—Oklahoma-x
Washington State at Wyoming, 2:30 p.m. 25. Oklahoma State 10-3 168 14 Greg Little, junior, Mississippi.
24. Oregon 7-6 148 NR 1973—Southern Cal
North Carolina at California, 3 p.m. Also Receiving Votes: South Carolina 138; Guards — Alex Bars, senior, Notre Dame;
UNLV at Southern California, 3 p.m. 25. LSU 9-4 106 18 1972—Nebraska
Also Receiving Votes: South Carolina 96, 1971—Notre Dame Florida 135; Oregon 105; Utah 81; Michael Dieter, senior, Wisconsin.
Central Washington at Eastern Washington, Northwestern 67; Texas A&M Center — Sam Mustipher, senior, Notre Dame.
3:05 p.m. Florida 68, Utah 60, Oklahoma State 51, FAU 38, 1970—Ohio St.
McNeese State at Northern Colorado, 3:05 p.m. Arizona 28, North Carolina State 22, Texas A&M 1969—Ohio St. 67; Kansas State 35; Florida Tight end — Kaden Smith, junior, Stanford.
Western New Mexico at San Diego, 4 p.m. 21, Boston College 18, Northwestern 13, Kansas 1968—Purdue Atlantic 27; Boston College 23; Memphis 23; Receivers — N’Keal Harry, junior, Arizona State;
Cincinnati at UCLA, 6 p.m. State 10, Iowa State 8, Houston 6, Memphis 3, 1967—Notre Dame North Carolina State 22; Arkansas State 19; Troy Anthony Johnson, senior, Buffalo.
Incarnate Word at New Mexico, 7 p.m. Troy 2, Iowa 2, Kentucky 1, Arkansas State 1, 1966—Alabama 19; Appalachian State 16; San Diego State 15; All-purpose player — Deebo Samuel. senior,
Bowling Green at Oregon, 7 p.m. Fresno State 1. 1965—Nebraska Iowa 8; Iowa State 8; Kentucky 8; Washington South Carolina.
North Alabama at Southern Utah, 7 p.m. 1964—Mississippi State 7; South Florida 6; Duke 5; Fresno State
Northern Iowa at Montana, 8 p.m. Kicker — Rodrigo Blankenship, junior, Georgia.
AP Preseason No 1 Teams 1963—Southern Cal 4; Louisville 3; Arizona 2; Houston 2; Army 1;
St. Francis (Ill.) at Sacramento State, 8 p.m. 1962—Ohio St. Defense
2018—Alabama Northern Illinois 1.
Idaho at Fresno State, 9 p.m. 1961—Iowa Ends — Rashan Gary, junior, Michigan; Raekwon
UTSA at Arizona State, 9:30 p.m. 2017—Alabama Davis, junior, Alabama.
1960—Syracuse The AP 2018 Preseason
BYU at Arizona, 9:45 p.m. 2016—Alabama 1959—LSU Tackles — Dexter Lawrence, junior, Clemson;
Navy at Hawaii, 10 p.m. 2015—Ohio St. 1958—Ohio St. All-America Team Jeffrey Simmons, junior, Mississippi State.
2014—Florida St. 1957—Oklahoma FIRST TEAM
Sunday, Sept. 2 Linebackers — Cameron Smith, senior, Southern
2013—Alabama 1956—Oklahoma-x Offense
SOUTH 2012—Southern Cal California; Troy Dye, junior, Oregon; Mack Wilson,
1955—UCLA Quarterback — Will Grier, senior, West Virginia.
Prairie View at North Carolina Central, 11 a.m. 2011—Oklahoma Running backs — Bryce Love, senior, Stanford; junior, Alabama.
SOUTHWEST 1954—Notre Dame
2010—Alabama 1953—Notre Dame Jonathan Taylor, sophomore, Wisconsin. Cornerbacks — Byron Murphy, sophomore,
LSU vs. Miami at Arlington, Texas, 6:30 p.m. Washington; Julian Love, junior, Notre Dame.
2009—Florida 1952—Michigan St.-x Tackles — Jonah Williams, junior, Alabama; Mitch
Monday, Sept. 3 2008—Georgia 1951—Tennessee-x Hyatt, senior, Clemson. Safeties — Lukas Dennis, senior, Boston College;
SOUTH 2007—Southern Cal 1950—Notre Dame Guards — Beau Benzschawel, senior, Wisconsin; Andrew Wingard, senior, Wyoming.
Virginia Tech at Florida State, 7 p.m. 2006—Ohio St. x-won national championship Nate Herbig, junior, Stanford. Punter — Jake Bailey, senior, Stanford.
CONFERENCE USA
Athletic Website: http://www.conferenceusa.com; Twitter: @ConferenceUSA; Facebook: www.facebook.com/ConferenceUSA; Instagram: @conferenceusa
Kiffin has Florida Atlantic poised to repeat as league champion

By STEPHEN HAWKINS Kiffin, who spent the previous three and for the conference, and Group of yards, and Al-Shaair had 147 tackles.
The Associated Press seasons with Nick Saban at Alabama, Five,” Kiffin said. “We’ve got a very Florida Atlantic will have a new starting
had a similar impression about a league tough schedule. We’re not putting every- quarterback — former Oklahoma player
Lane Kiffin knew very little about that had 10 bowl-eligible teams and sent thing into that game. Then all of a sud- Chris Robison or DeAndre Johnson, by
Conference USA before he became Flor- nine to postseason games (only the den you don’t win that game and ... you way of Florida State and East Mississip-
ida Atlantic’s football coach.
Southeastern Conference and Atlantic start losing games that you should win.” pi Community College.
Butch Davis was in the same situation
Coast Conference has more). FATHER-SON FINALE West Division: Two of the losses by
before he arrived at Flori-
“Especially (when) you’ve got some Middle Tennessee quarterback Brent North Texas last season were to FAU, and
da International.
games where they’re basically assum- Stockstill remembers being a little stand- both were lopsided — first in the regular
The high-profile coach-
ing you’re going to lose early in the year, offish with the head coach when he first season and then in the C-USA champion-
es made immediate im-
pacts in their new league, to be able to still have that many teams got to school there “just to try to prove I ship game. But the Mean Green were 7-0
and at their schools that bowl-eligible again speaks to the play- was there was a football player and not be- against other C-USA opponents. Quarter-
aren’t far apart. ers, but to the coaches, too,” Kiffin said. cause of (being) his son.” Stockstill goes back Mason Fine (school records of 4,052
FAU is the presea- Rick Stockstill, who is entering his into his senior season as the Blue Raiders yards passing and 31 touchdowns), last
Kiffin son favorite to repeat 13th season at Middle Tennessee, is the career leader in touchdown passes (77) year’s C-USA Offensive Player of the Year,
as league champs after longest-tenured C-USA coach. This is and 300-yard passing games (14). is among 17 returning starters. Top tackler
a school-record 11 wins and its first Doc Holliday’s ninth season at Marshall. “It’s everything I wanted it to be, and E.J. Ejiya also returns. FAU visits Denton
C-USA title. The program, which was Louisiana Tech has won bowl games more,” said the younger Stockstill, who on Nov. 15, about two weeks before the
coming off three consecutive 3-9 sea- each of the past four seasons under coach plans to be a coach like his dad. “We’ve league championship game.
sons, overcame a 1-3 start last season Skip Holtz, while North Texas has played grown closer and closer and really tried NEW COACHES
and will carry a 10-game winning streak in bowls both seasons since former North to just do it the right way and show peo- Mike Bloomgren takes over at Rice
into its 2018 opener at Oklahoma. Carolina assistant Seth Littrell became its ple it’s a special opportunity.” as a first-time head coach after the past
FIU went 8-5, doubling its win total coach. Mike Sanford Jr. was Notre Dame’s Rick Stockstill said it’s hard to put seven seasons as a Stanford assistant.
from the previous season for the pro- offensive coordinator before going to West- into words how much he has enjoyed the The 41-year-old Bloomgren replaced
gram’s first winning record since join- ern Kentucky last year. time coaching his son. two-time C-USA Coach of the Year Da-
ing the conference in 2013. The whole league will be watching THE FAVORITES vid Baliff, fired after Rice finished 1-11
“Way better than people think that it when FAU opens at Oklahoma, the pre- East Division: Florida Atlantic re- in his 11th season.
is,” Davis said about C-USA. “The level season favorite to win its fourth-consec- turns 15 starters, including running New UTEP coach Dana Dimel was head
of the coaches in this conference, there’s utive Big 12 title after being in the Col- back Devin Singletary and linebacker coach at Wyoming (1997-99) and Houston
some damn good football coaches in just lege Football Playoff last season. Azeez Al-Shaair, the preseason C-USA (2000-02), and was an assistant at Kansas
about every place. ... There’s a lot more So what if the Owls could pull off an offense and defensive players of the year. State, his alma mater, the past nine years.
talent. There’s a lot of really good ath- upset Sept. 1? Singletary led the nation with 32 rush- The Miners were the only Division I team
letes in this conference.” “That would do a ton for the program, ing touchdowns while running for 1,920 that didn’t win a game last season.
New faces, same expectations at Southern Mississippi

By DAVID BRANDT get better.” back after Ito Smith left for the included 4,538 yards rushing, first two seasons.
The Associated Press Sophomore Jack Abraham is NFL. The defense will lean on 1,446 yards receiving, and 49 WELCOME BACK
the likely starting quarterback an experienced group of line- touchdowns. PICASSO
HAT TIESBURG — The after senior Kwadra Griggs was backers, including Racheem ANOTHER CHANCE VS The Golden Eagles should
Southern Mississippi football suspended indefinitely earlier Boothe, Jeremy Sangster, and THE SEC get a boost in the secondary
team faces the daunting task of this month “pending resolution Paxton Schrimsher. Southern Miss is two years thanks to the return of senior
replacing its star running back, of a student conduct matter.” “We’ve got guys in certain removed from its last win Picasso Nelson. The 5-10,
top two receivers, and multiple Hopson hasn’t elaborated spots where it’s their time to against Southeastern Confer- 195-pounder missed all of last
talented defensive players. on Griggs’ suspension or if he learn it and learn it quick,” Hop- ence competition when it beat season because of an injury, but
The Golden Eagles also expects him to be eligible this son said. “That’s always a bat- Kentucky 44-35 to open the
might have to he made more than 130 tackles
season. Griggs threw for 1,879 tle in coaching. Sometimes you 2016 season. It get another in three seasons from 2014-16.
replace their yards last season and was the have everybody back, some- chance for a victory against a
quarterback. SCOUTING THE
only quarterback on the roster times you’ve got to replace a SEC team when it travels to face
From an out- SCHEDULE
with Football Bowl Subdivision few guys.” Auburn on Sept. 29
side perspec- Southern Miss will play host
(FBS) experience. Some other things to know BACK ON TRACK
tive, it looks like Abraham threw for nearly about the Golden Eagles in Southern Miss is going for its to Jackson State on Sept. 1 in
Southern Miss 3,000 yards last year at North- 2018: fourth-straight winning season, its season opener. It has chal-
could be in for a west Mississippi Community REPLACING ITO which is an accomplishment lenging road games against
Hopson rebuilding year. College in Senatobia before The Golden Eagles must considering how the program Appalachian State, Auburn, and
T hird-year transferring to Southern Miss. replace several good players cratered earlier in the decade. North Texas in the first half of
coach Jay Hopson isn’t buying “I’m just going out there and from last year’s team, but the The Golden Eagles went 0-12 in the season. Southern Miss has
that argument. showing I can do the right thing toughest to do without might 2012 under coach Ellis Johnson a crucial three-game stretch in
“There’s always a few spots every day — putting the ball in be running back Ito Smith. before rebuilding the program November against Marshall, Al-
where we need to stay healthy, the right spots,” Abraham said. The Atlanta Falcons selected under Todd Monken, who went abama-Birmingham, and Lou-
but I’m pleased. This team has a Southern Miss hopes seniors the 5-foot-9, 195-pounder in 1-11 in 2013, 3-9 in 2014, and 9-5 isiana Tech. Those programs
lot of talent,” Hopson said. “We Tez Parks and George Payne the fourth round of the NFL in 2015. Hopson has been able are expected to be Conference
just need to keep pressing and can help fill the void at running draft after a stellar career that to sustain that success in his USA title contenders.
SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

Athletic Website: http://www.swac.org; Twitter: @theswac; Facebook: www.facebook.com/theswac; Instagram: @theswac
SWAC features new look after several coaching changes

By JOHN ZENOR the right way.” Bluff, where he played. program, a program right day” and “Remember the Division titles.
The Associated Press SWAC schools, like Former Hampton coach where it needs to be. We’re Titans.” MISSISSIPPI VALLEY
many others around the Connell Maynor is the only not in a rebuilding stage. ALABAMA STATE STATE (2-9)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. country, are banking on it. one of the five to come in We want to compete this (5-6) Notable: Lost its last
— Grambling State foot- Besides the five new from outside the league. He year.” Notable: Made a mid- four games last season.
ball coach Broderick Fobbs head coaches, Grambling has taken over at Alabama Here’s a look at the season coaching change. Old: Rick Comegy’s
welcomes his new peers in will have a new quarter- A&M. SWAC’s coaching chang- Old: Brian Jenkins was contract wasn’t renewed
the Southwestern Athletic back with the departure of “We got a lot a lot of es, with last year’s records fired after an 0-5 start, go- after he went 6-38 in four
Conference — and any new two-time league offensive coaches with lot of wins and the newcomers’ track ing 10-17 in two-plus sea- seasons.
ideas they bring with them. player of the year DeVante from wherever they’ve records: sons. New: Vincent Dancy, a
Half the league’s 10 Kincaid. gone,” Alabama State’s ALABAMA A&M (4-7) New: Donald Hill-Eley, 33-year-old who had been
programs have new lead- Four-time defending Eley said. “When they Notable: Hasn’t had a was promoted after going the team’s defensive coor-
ers entering this season, SWAC Eastern Division were coordinators they had winning season since 2012. 5-1 as interim head coach. dinator since 2015. The for-
though most of them have champion Alcorn State has great segments, whether Old: James Spady, fired Had 12-year run at Morgan mer Jackson State assistant
been around for a while as a revamped coaching staff, it was offense or defense. after going 15-30 in four State end in 2013 after win- and player had been named
assistants. including the hiring of And if they were head seasons ning 59 games and being interim head coach last No-
“There are going to be former West Virginia star coaches, they had great New: Connell Maynor, named the 2002 Mid-East- vember.
guys that bring different Pat White as quarterbacks success. I think that kind who was 20-25 in four sea- ern Athletic Conference PRAIRIE VIEW A&M
defenses, there are going coach. of experience will help the sons at Hampton but led (MEAC) Coach of the Year. (6-5)
to be guys who bring differ- The new head coaches conference.” Division II Winston-Salem He hopes to complete his Notable: Turned to the
ent offenses and do things range from Mississippi Dooley seems to be tak- State on an impressive run PhD in December. SWAC’s most successful
differently in another way Valley State’s 33-year-old ing over the program on before that. The former ARKANSAS-PINE program for a new coach.
that maybe you haven’t Vincent Dancy to Alabama the most solid footing at Arena Football League BLUFF (2-9) Old: Will Simmons left
thought about,” said Fobbs, State’s Donald Hill-Eley, Prairie View, with the oth- offensive coordinator led Notable: Allowed 33.2 for Florida A&M after go-
whose Tigers have won the who has 12 years experi- er four teams coming off Winston-Salem to the Divi- points per game last season. ing 21-11 in three seasons.
past two SWAC titles, and ence as a head coach. For- losing seasons. sion II championship game Old: Monte Coleman, New: Eric Dooley spent
26 overall, “so I’m always mer Grambling offensive “I’ve had an opportu- in 2012 and went 45-6 with fired after going 40-70 in 10 the last four seasons as
intrigued by that because it coordinator Eric Dooley nity to play against this three consecutive Central seasons. Grambling State’s offen-
gives you an opportunity to has taken over at Prairie team so I knew what type Intercollegiate Athletic As- New: Cedric Thomas, sive coordinator. The for-
learn as well. View A&M and ex-Alcorn of players they had,” Dool- sociation titles. Maynor’s a former Pine Bluff player. mer Grambling wide re-
“I look forward to it. State assistant Cedric ey said. “But then I also résumé also includes stints Was defensive backs coach ceiver has also worked at
Change always makes you Thomas is the new head knew my mind-set coming as a body double in the for Alcorn State, which won Arkansas-Pine Bluff and
better when you accept it man at Arkansas-Pine in. I thought it was a great movies “Any Given Sun- the last four SWAC Eastern Southern.
Michigan-Notre Dame leads off games to watch in 2018

By NOAH TRISTER portant games of the regular it also faces a schedule that in- a huge nonconference matchup ence rivals split two meetings
The Associated Press season is a tricky proposition, cludes road games against Notre Sept. 15. If the Horned Frogs win three weeks apart toward the end
but here are a few games to Dame, Michigan State and Ohio that one, this showdown a month of last season. Auburn won 40-17
Remember last year, when
watch in 2018: State. Win this opener against the becomes even more intriguing. in November, only for Georgia to
everyone was eyeing the sea-
Michigan at Notre Dame Irish, and it’s a big step forward TCU had one of the nation’s top take the rematch 28-7 in the SEC
son-opening Alabama-Florida
(Sept. 1) for Harbaugh’s program. Lose, rushing defenses last year, but championship game. There’s ev-
State game as one of the most
Jim Harbaugh is 28-11 since and the honeymoon is truly over. Oklahoma’s Rodney Anderson ery possibility that this matchup
anticipated matchups?
The third-ranked Seminoles taking over the Wolverines. LSU vs. Miami (Sept. 2) gained 151 yards on the ground could impact the title race in both
lost that game and several That’s a clear improvement from The Hurricanes took a 10-0 against the Horned Frogs . SEC divisions.
more, barely finishing with a where Michigan was, but a bit record into their regular-sea- UCLA at Oregon (Nov. 3) Wisconsin at Penn State
winning record. underwhelming considering the son finale in 2017. Then a loss at Chip Kelly’s debut season at (Nov. 10)
Even late in the season, a hype and expectations that ac- Pittsburgh started a three-game UCLA includes a trip to Oregon. Given the uncertainty sur-
huge showdown between two companied Harbaugh’s arrival. losing streak that took some of Even if neither team turns out to rounding Urban Meyer at Ohio
top teams might not mean as Specifically, the Wolverines have the shine off Miami’s resurgence. be a title threat in the Pac-12, this State, Wisconsin could be the Big
much in hindsight. Consider struggled against their big ri- LSU and Miami may have tough- should be quite a scene when Kel- Ten’s most likely playoff team.
the Iron Bowl between No. 1 Al- vals, going 1-5 against Ohio State er games down the road in con- ly faces his former team. See also: The Badgers appear to have a
abama and No. 6 Auburn. The and Michigan State. This year’s ference play, but the winner in Dan Mullen and Florida playing smooth path through their divi-
Crimson Tide lost but still went Michigan team has the potential will earn some buzz. at Mississippi State on Sept. 29. sion, but they’ll have a lot to prove
on to win the national title. to be terrific after adding transfer Oklahoma at TCU (Oct. 20) Auburn at Georgia (Nov. 10) in a pair of crossover matchups
So predicting the most im- quarterback Shea Patterson, but TCU takes on Ohio State in These Southeastern Confer- against teams from the East.
Clemson aims for fourth-straight league title in dominating run

By A ARON BEARD defensive improvement. Jimbo Fisher after he left for Texas
The Associated Press Atlantic Coast Conference TOP PLAYERS A&M. He inherits a team with 10 return-
n AJ Dillon, Boston College. Last ing starters on offense and defense after
RALEIGH, N.C. — Clemson football sive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The big-
year’s ACC Rookie of the Year is this sea- a 7-6 season.
coach Dabo Swinney isn’t changing how gest question around Clemson is whether
son’s preseason player of the year after LONGEVITY
the Tigers approach each season — and quarterback Kelly Bryant keeps his job
running for 1,569 yards and 14 touch- Three coaches have been in place at
there’s no reason he should. after guiding the Tigers to the College
Football Playoff or if Swinney will switch downs. least a decade in the ACC. Clemson’s
The repetition is working. His pro-
to freshman Trevor Lawrence. n Ryan Finley, North Carolina Swinney took over during the 2008 sea-
gram is the unquestioned Atlantic Coast
As for the rest of the league, there con- State. Finley returned to school for his son and is entering his 10th full season.
Conference favorite again and has be-
tinues to be an imbalance of power that has final season after flirting with entering Duke’s David Cutcliffe and Georgia
come a perennial national power.
the Clemson-led Atlantic Division looking the NFL draft in the offseason. He com- Tech’s Paul Johnson are in their 11th
Everyone else in the ACC is looking
stronger than the Coastal Division. But the pleted 65 percent of his passes last year seasons after taking over their pro-
up at the three-time reigning champions
Atlantic has plenty of change with FSU and has three experienced wideouts in grams that same year.
and trying to figure out a way to loosen
their grip on the league. bringing in new coach Willie Taggart, Lou- 1,000-yard receiver Kelvin Harmon, Ja- SHORTHANDED EARLY
“We start over every year, re-install isville replacing former Heisman Trophy kobi Meyers and Stephen Louis. At North Carolina, 13 players will sit
the program, re-install the core values, winner Lamar Jackson, and North Caroli- n Cam Akers, Florida State. The out games after committing NCAA sec-
the philosophy we believe in, the why,” na State overhauling its defense. They all sophomore running back ran for 1,024 ondary violations by selling team-issued
Swinney said, “and I just don’t vary from have the same goal. yards and seven touchdowns last season. shoes. That list includes quarterback
that.” “You have to beat Clemson,” Louis- n Clemson’s defensive line. Wilkins, Chazz Surratt — who was expected to
Clemson is the overwhelming favorite ville coach Bobby Petrino said. “There’s Lawrence, and Ferrell are all top-tier NFL compete for the starting job — return-
to win the ACC for a fourth-straight sea- no question about that.” draft prospects. That could make for some ing starter Malik Carney at defensive
son, which would make it the first ACC THE FAVORITES long Saturday afternoons for offensive end and another projected starter there
team to win four straight since Florida Atlantic: Clemson. There isn’t anoth- lines in the Atlantic Division. in Tomon Fox. The suspensions could
State’s dominating romp through the er team in the country — much less the n TaQuon Marshall, Georgia cut into the Tar Heels’ depth in the open-
1990s. That also would make Clemson division — that can match what Clem- Tech. The Yellow Jackets’ quarterback ing month as they try to regroup from a
only the second power-conference team son has accomplished outside of reign- ran for 1,146 yards and 17 touchdowns to three-win season, the first serious stum-
to win four-straight league champion- ing national champion Alabama. go with 10 touchdowns passing in Paul ble under seventh-year coach Larry
ship games. Coastal: Miami. The Hurricanes Johnson’s run-heavy attack. Fedora.
In the past three years, the Tigers are were the first preseason division favor- n Jaylen Smith, Louisville. The MARQUEE OPENERS
25-2 against league teams. They have 18 ite to finish in first by the end of the year senior receiver is recovering from an The league has a couple of marquee
wins by double-digit margins. The loss- since Virginia Tech did it in 2011. That emergency appendectomy, but is a pre- matchups in Week 1, two against the
es are by a combined four points. was also the last Coastal team to repeat season All-ACC pick who had 980 yards Southeastern Conference. Louisville
Clemson returns seven offensive start- as division winner, so Mark Richt’s Hur- and seven touchdowns receiving in just will play Alabama on Sept. 1 in Orlando,
ers and eight on defense, including first- ricanes are trying to hold onto their 10 games last year. Florida, while Miami plays LSU in Ar-
team All-ACC performers in offensive perch in a division that frequently fea- NEW FACES lington, Texas, the next day. On Labor
tackle Mitch Hyatt, defensive ends Clelin tures the unexpected and could see Taggart spent a season at Oregon be- Day, Taggart and FSU will face Virginia
Ferrell and Christian Wilkins, and defen- several teams convert experience into fore coming to Florida State to replace Tech in a conference matchup.
Heisman hopeful Grier wants to lead West Virginia to first league crown
By STEPHEN HAWKINS overall pick in the Major League meaning we require our guys to Oklahoma State
The Associated Press Big 12 Conference Baseball draft this summer. The be at their very best when the
n
running back Justice Hill.
former Texas A&M transfer got a game is on the line.” Hill led the Big 12 with 1,467
Maybe Will Grier can do at Dana Holgorsen said. “He’s nearly $5 million bonus from the SURGING CYCLONES yards rushing as a sophomore
West Virginia what Baker May- ready for this. He’s prepared Oakland Athletics, who agreed Iowa State is coming off its last year after being the Foot-
field did with Oklahoma before himself his whole life for this. to let the speedy outfielder play best season since 2000, an 8-5 ball Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
going to the NFL. ... I’ve got no worries about him one more football season. Mur- record with victories against freshman rushing leader with
If the senior quarterback can not understanding expecta- 1,142 yards.
ray and the Sooners also have Oklahoma and TCU, the teams
mimic the spectacular season tions and how to deal with ex-
1,000-yard rusher Rodney Ander- that played in the Big 12 cham- n Kansas linebacker Joe
had by Mayfield, the Mountain- pectations.”
son and 1,000-yard receiver Mar- pionship game. The five losses Dineen Jr. The senior led the
eers will have a couple of sig- The Mountaineers, who
quise Brown. were by a combined 25 points. Big 12 with 11.4 tackles per
nificant firsts. They have never are 27-27 in conference games
“This is going to be an in- Among nine returning offen- game and all FBS players with
won a Big 12 Conference title or since joining the Big 12 seven
teresting team, no question,” sive starters are 1,000-yard 7.6 solo stops per game last
had a Heisman Trophy winner. years ago, were picked second
Sooners coach Lincoln Riley rusher David Montgomery and year. His 25 tackles for loss
Oklahoma won its third in the preseason media poll,
Big 12 title in a row, and 11th said. “It’s got a chance to be sixth-year quarterback Kyle were a single-season school re-
ahead of TCU, Texas, and Okla-
overall, on the way to the Col- homa State. maybe the most talented team Kempt, whose first career start cord.
lege Football Playoff with the “We’re focused on winning that we’ve had in the now four was the stunning road win over n Rodney Anderson. The
Heisman-winning quarterback games and being the best we years that we will have been at the Sooners. Oklahoma running back ran for
who was the No. 1 overall pick can be, and I think Dana under- OU, but also probably our most “I was anxious to watch the 1,161 yards and 13 touchdowns.
in the NFL draft. stands and trusts that I know inexperienced team as well.” response of our football team He also had five receiving
While the Sooners are the that,” said Grier, the former HERMAN’S HORNS coming back in January from touchdowns.
preseason favorite, there are Florida quarterback who broke Texas broke its string of some of the lessons we learned ON THE HOT SEAT
also high expectations for Grier, the middle finger on his throw- three consecutive losing sea- from a year ago,” third-year Texas Tech coach Kliff
the preseason Big 12 Offensive ing hand when diving for the sons in coach Tom Herman’s coach Matt Campbell said. “It’s Kingsbury has been in this spot
Player of the Year who threw end zone in the 11th game last debut, but came close to being been fun.” before — just last season. A win
34 touchdowns and 3,490 yards season. “What I’m focused on much better than 7-6. Texas lost TOP PLAYERS in the regular-season finale at
in his injury-shortened WVU is not the expectations, but the twice in overtime, including in n Grier and Sills. West Texas got the Red Raiders into
debut. The Mountaineers even preparation.” two OTs at USC, and had two Virginia’s standout quarter- a bowl game and pretty much
launched a Grier7Heisman.com West Virginia also returns other losses by a combined nine back-wide receiver combo. saved their former quarter-
website during the summer. The receiver David Sills, a former points. n Ben Banogu. TCU’s back’s job. He is going into his
Big 12 has never had back-to- quarterback who had 60 catches “We have been training our 6-foot-4, 249-pound defensive sixth year as coach with a 30-
back Heisman winners. for 980 yards and a nation-best 18 guys how to finish,” Herman said. end and preseason Big 12 de- 33 record after a loss to South
“I would never approve a touchdowns last season. “Every drill we do, every workout fensive player of the year who Florida in the Birmingham
campaign unless I felt like a Mayfield’s successor at Okla- that we have, everything that we had eight-and-a-half sacks and Bowl, and a 16-29 mark in Big
player could handle it,” coach homa is Kyler Murray, the ninth do has a finish component to it, 16 1/2 tackles for loss last year. 12 games.
Allen goes from ‘Last Chance U’ to second chance at Texas Tech

By STEPHEN HAWKINS team captain right after and often troubled involved with some now for us, and I’m proud of when the first season of
The Associated Press his return to the Lubbock players who had few, people he shouldn’t that young man.” “Last Chance U” aired, and
campus last year. He now if any other, options. have been involved Allen said he didn’t want realized what he was in for
Dakota Allen went from goes into his senior sea- His time in Scoo- with. to go anywhere else be-
thinking that one huge when he watched the show.
son as a preseason All-Big ba was well docu- Like Johnson, cause he wanted to finish
mistake would keep him He only watched through
12 Conference pick and is mented during the Texas Tech defen- what he had started with
from playing football again the second season — “be-
considered a top NFL draft second season of sive coordinator the Red Raiders.
to “Last Chance U” — and prospect at linebacker. the popular Netflix David Gibbs kept “Between Kirby and cause I lived it,” he said —
then an unexpected second Allen and liked that what people
After being Tech’s sec- series that didn’t air in constant contact myself, we were willing to
opportunity at Texas Tech. ond-leading tackler with until he was back at with Allen while he stick our necks out because saw about him was real.
“I feel like redemption 87 stops as a redshirt fresh- Texas Tech. That was also was at EMCC. we knew wholeheartedly “My teammates still
is important for me,” Allen man in 2015, Allen and two after he had completed a When Gibbs asked one that it would be a success mess with me about it,” Al-
said. “A lot of people that former teammates were 12-month pre-trial diver- day if he would be interest- story because of the type of len said. “We’ll go Fuzzy’s
did give me this second charged with a second-de- sion program that led to ed in returning, Allen still young man he is and what (Taco Shop) or Walmart,
chance, I really don’t want gree felony count of bur- the dismissal of charges didn’t think it was possible. we knew about him before
to let them down.” and somebody will be like,
glary of a habitation. They after a time in community But Gibbs talked to coach the one incident,” Kings-
Allen doesn’t want to let ‘Hey that’s the guy from
were kicked off the team supervision. Kliff Kingsbury, who spoke bury said.
those people down on or off and out of school. In one episode, while with athletic director Kirby Allen had 102 tackles, that show, can I take a pic-
the field after a burglary “I remember leaving speaking with former Hocutt, helping set up his two sacks, and two inter- ture?’ They’ll just laugh
charge jeopardized his ca- and saying, ‘Man, I’m nev- EMCC academic adviser second chance at Texas ceptions during his junior and joke with me about it.
reer. er going to be in Lubbock Brittany Wagner, Allen Tech. season. But I embrace it. I love the
“You can’t let one mis- again,’ ” Allen said. “It was makes reference to a cur- “Dakota is a special kid, “Usually people go from Red Raiders fans. I love my
take define you,” Tex- one point at time I thought few he had to abide by at a special young man. And I junior college to DI. I went fans in general, and I’m just
as Tech defensive back I was going to never play the time. When Wagner got to know Dakota before the opposite way, so I just here to not let you guys
Jah’Shawn Johnson said. football again off of just one asked if he was scared the he left us,” Hocutt said. “I felt like I didn’t belong
down.”
“He owned up to it, and we mistake I made.” night he was arrested and know he’s learned his les- there, and I really wanted
know who he really is, and In many ways, Allen
Allen then went to East briefly jailed, Allen said son, and the way that he’s to play football at the high-
yes, that’s why we respect Mississippi Community he wasn’t scared but mad represented us since he’s est level,” Allen said. “I’m still views this as his last
him 100 percent, and that’s College, the first school fea- at himself. He then says in been back has been just just glad I’m back in the Big chance.
why he’s our team leader.” tured on “Last Chance U,” an interview while sitting terrific. And he’s a leader, 12 competing.” “The redemption story,”
Allen was picked as which focuses on talented in a dorm room that he got on the field and off the field Allen was at EMCC he said, “isn’t over.”
Wisconsin gives Western Division hope of challenging East’s dominance

By ERIC OLSON 10-win season in three years work analyst and former coach and the team’s failure to proper-
The Associated Press and Purdue is on the rise under
Big Ten Conference Gerry DiNardo, who also not- ly react after offensive lineman
Jeff Brohm. Nebraska, mostly ed facility upgrades across the Jordan McNair fell ill during a
The Big Ten Conference’s a non-factor since joining the who’s passed for more than West, Brohm’s fast start and May 29 workout and later died.
Western Division might not be league in 2011, is poised to 3,500 yards two straight years. how Frost’s hiring has ener- CHAMP EXCLUDED
best, but it is getting closer to make a move up after native son Michigan State returns a bevy gized Nebraska fans. FROM CFP
challenging the East Division’s Scott Frost was brought home of skilled players from last The East is the flashpoint The Big Ten champion has
conference dominance. to revive the proud program. year’s 10-win team. Michigan, for off-the-field issues this pre- been left out of the four-team
Wisconsin returns the entire Teams from the current East, winless against Ohio State and season. Ohio State coach Ur- playoff the last two years, co-
offensive line and a 1,900-yard dating to the years of the Legends 1-2 against Michigan State the ban Meyer is on administrative inciding with the start of the
rusher from its record-setting and Leaders divisions, have won last three years, is looking for paid leave while his handling of nine-game conference sched-
13-win team, and some see the five straight conference champi- more in year four under Jim domestic violence allegations ule. A one-loss Ohio State made
Badgers as a contender for the onships. Ohio State, which will Harbaugh. against former receivers coach the playoff in ‘16 over two-loss
College Football Playoff. break in a new quarterback, is the “The West will be the most Zach Smith is investigated. league champion Penn State;
Iowa has the nation’s top favorite again. competitive it’s been since the Maryland coach DJ Durkin is the two-loss champion Buck-
tight end in Noah Fant, North- Penn State has a favorable Big Ten has been split up geo- on leave amid allegations of an eyes were left out in 2017.
western is coming off its second schedule and a quarterback graphically,” said Big Ten Net- abusive culture in the program See BIG TEN, 16
Big Ten Huskies lead favorites in search of redemption

“I don’t think there’s velopment that spawned By GREG BEACHAM LOVE ON THE FARM: Heisman
any doubt that playing championships in the pro- The Associated Press Pacific-12 Conference Trophy runner-up Bryce Love defied
nine games in the kind of gram’s 1990s heyday. Then most predictions and the convention-
rigorous schedule that we he will set his sights on LOS ANGELES — Chris Petersen many programs. al wisdom around tailbacks by return-
play makes achieving an overtaking Wisconsin. spent the past half-decade building a Washington has little uncertainty ing to Stanford for his senior season.
undefeated season more “A lot of what Wiscon- football powerhouse at Washington. anywhere, and that’s why Petersen’s The human biology major is deter-
difficult. And it is true that sin is doing is the Nebras- His latest group is the favorite to win team is the consensus pick to win the mined to graduate in December to
the committee has not ka model,” Frost said. the Pacific-12 Conference title while West. The Huskies’ season-opening protect his dream of going to medical
selected a team with two “They’ve been out-Nebras- leading the league’s quest to regain showdown with Auburn in Atlanta is a
school, but his return also sets up the
losses from any confer- ka-ing Nebraska, and we’re national respectability. chance to show the sport that the Pac-
Cardinal for another season of their
ence,” commissioner Jim here to fix that.” So why was Petersen so disap- 12 is back — or it could just be anoth-
punishing ground game with Love
Delany said. “We continue TOP PLAYERS pointed when a preseason media poll er game on a long road of redemption.
running behind four returning start-
to build a conference and Offense: Ohio State confirmed what everyone already “I’ve been hearing that a lot, that
ers on the offensive line. Stanford also
want to be as good as we running back J.K. Dob- knows by anointing the Huskies as we have to represent the Pac-12, but
has four returning receivers for K.J.
can be, and we think that bins started 12 games as a the Pac-12 favorites? we’re just going out there looking to
“I like to be on a different team Costello or whichever quarterback
includes playing each oth- freshman and set a school beat Auburn,” said Washington safety
er as much as we can, play- rookie record with 1,403 than you guys are on,” Petersen said JoJo McIntosh, one of five returning claims the starting job. While Wash-
ing the best teams in the yards. Penn State quarter- to reporters at Pac-12 Media Day. starters in the Huskies’ secondary. ington is the favorite, the Cardinal
country in the non-confer- back Trace McSorley has “I’d rather prove you wrong than to “Just go out there and compete, and are a strong contender in the Pac-12
ence as well as postseason thrown a touchdown pass prove you right. Now we’re working win, and they’ll notice you.” North.
and continuing to make in 28-straight games, the to prove you right rather than prove Here are more things to watch in HERM’S HEAD: Aside from
the case that our teams are longest active streak in the you wrong.” the eighth season of the current 12- Kelly’s return, the most intriguing
among the four best in the Football Bowl Subdivision Apparently you can take the coach team configuration: new hire among the league’s five new
country.” (FBS). Wisconsin RB Jon- out of Boise, but you can’t take the CHIP PART 2: Chip Kelly led coaches is Herm Edwards. The veter-
FROST FIX? athan Taylor ran for 1,977 Boise out of the coach. Petersen won’t the speed-based revolution in college an NFL boss is also the biggest risk:
Frost is the Big Ten’s yards to set the Bowl Sub- ditch his underdog worldview, even football and won three Pac-12 titles Although he enjoyed modest success
only first-year coach, re- division freshman rushing with quarterback Jake Browning and during his four-year tenure as Ore- with the Jets and Chiefs, Edwards
turning to the program he record. running back Myles Gaskin leading gon’s head coach. After two stints in hasn’t coached anywhere since 2008,
quarterbacked to a share Defense: Michigan de- a Huskies roster stacked deep with the NFL and a year as a broadcaster, and he hasn’t been a college coach
of the 1997 national title. fensive end Rashan Gary NFL-caliber talent and chasing its Kelly was enticed back to the college since his three-year stint as San Jose
The Huskers haven’t won had 12 tackles for loss and second playoff berth in three years. game by UCLA and its deep-pock- State’s defensive backs coach in the
a conference championship six sacks. Ohio State de- But in truth, the entire Pac-12 eted boosters, who are determined to 1980s. The rebuilding Sun Devils are
since 1999 (Big 12) and fensive end Nick Bosa led could be excused for taking a bit of put the Bruins on equal footing with projected to finish last in the South
are 12-14 in Big Ten games his team with 16 tackles Petersen’s mentality into this fall. crosstown rival Southern California. division. “We don’t go by polls,” Ed-
the last three years. The for loss and eight sacks. The league’s reputation is still smart- Kelly could start slowly with a mixed wards said. “We’ve got our own aspi-
Huskers’ difficult schedule Wisconsin linebacker T.J. ing from its 1-8 record in bowl games bag of talent, including no standout rations. We’re trying to win a Pac-12
means progress might not Edwards was the Badgers’ last winter, followed by an offseason starting quarterback and little experi- championship, so whatever people
be measured in wins and second-leading tackler, of heavy coaching turnover featuring ence at receiver. He isn’t saying much write, they can write what they want.
losses this season. Frost and his four interceptions five schools turning to new leaders. about his plans, naturally. But the en- That’s good. Hopefully no players are
wants to bring back the tied for most by a Power The Pac-12 returns with its usual tire sport is waiting to see what Kelly listening to that, because no coaches
physicality and player de- Five linebacker. wealth of talent, but uncertainty at can conjure in Westwood. are listening to it.”
Offense
somewhere to one of many op- (MHSAA) South State Class 5A a year ago. Pearl River Cen- Former Laurel High School have got to blow the other team
tions. When it’s run right, this championship last season. tral freshman Wyatt Davis is standout Dontario Drummond off the line of scrimmage. A year
offense is fun to watch.” “They both bring a lot to the also on the roster. Former Co- returns at wide receiver. He had ago, we did great job of imposing
deWeaver is a transfer from table,” Boykin said. “It’s what lumbus High quarterback C.J. 39 receptions for 607 yards and our will and being able to run
Michigan State. He joined the has been done here in the past Gholar is playing wide receiver 10 touchdowns last season. the ball with authority. We don’t
program in January and led the in this program. One’s a bet- and defensive back. Pascagoula native Reginald normally have the luxury of this
team through spring drills. He ter passing threat (deWeaver), “Having Messiah here since Hunter Jr., is the leading return- much line experience returning.
follows in the footsteps of LSU while the other is the better January is a huge advantage,” ing rusher from last season. That gives us a huge advantage
transfer Lindsey Scott Jr., who runner (Conner). You will see Stephens said. “A year ago, we Hunter ran for 101 yards and two before the season even starts.”
spent one season at EMCC and a lot of different plays to show- got Lindsey about two weeks touchdowns last season. Hunter Scott threw for 3,481 yards
is now at Missouri. case each player’s ability.” before the season started, so (16 carries) has the only return- and 29 touchdowns last season.
“If you look at this program’s Last season, Scott was the that was a lot of moving around ing carries of the team’s 460 in Overall, EMCC averaged 494.1
track record, they are good to primary thrower, while former to be done. He wasn’t really 2017. yards and 48.3 points per game.
their quarterbacks,” deWeav- Noxubee County High standout comfortable until the third or The featured back is expect- “It’s like any other season.
er said. “You see each of them Timorrius Conner was the pri- fourth game of the season.” ed to be Notre Dame transfer We just have to get everybody
come in here, have success and mary runner. The duo helped Elsewhere on the offense, Deon McIntosh. A Florida na- playing together as a unit,”
move to the next level.” lead EMCC to an 11-1 record EMCC returns four linemen. tive, McIntosh ran for 379 yards Stephens said. “The offense is
EMCC offensive coordinator and the program’s fourth Na- “We are going to be really and five touchdowns for the designed to work regardless of
David Boykin likes the looks tional Junior College Athletic good up front,” Boykin said. Fighting Irish last season. He the personnel. Now, it’s just new
the team can get from deWeav- Association (NJCAA) national “We have three skilled position appeared in eight games but people mixing with some veter-
er and freshman Julian Con- championship. players returning. After that, drew no starts. ans to represent our tradition.”
ner, who led Hattiesburg High EMCC is in the atypical po- we are looking at some new “The biggest thing in our Follow Dispatch sports
School to the Mississippi High sition where no quarterback faces. The biggest challenge is league is controlling the line of writer Scott Walters on Twitter
School Activities Association on the roster was on the squad continuity.” scrimmage,” Boykin said. “We @dispatchscott
Defense
EMCC allowed 61 and JaQuez Akins is a re- be physical and we want that.” Defensive line- Stephens liked the tenac-
66 points in two games turning starter at defen- to be stingy. Our job is to Collins said the Lions man transfers include ity of Collins’ first unit.
against Northwest Mis- sive back. Akins earned fight the other team for have a group of newcom- Lashawn Paulino-Bell “We weren’t as physi-
sissippi C.C. a starting role midway every first down.” ers that could include im- (Michigan State) and Sci cal as we needed to be to
“We took a lot of steps through his freshman Collins said this year’s mediate impact players. Martin Jr. (LSU). compete on this level (in
in the right direction, campaign. He enters his defense started forging In-state newcomers ex- “The challenge is mak- 2015 and 2016),” Stephens
even though some of the final season at EMCC as a mind-set of dominance pected to make major con- ing sure the young guys said. “We did a great job
numbers might now show a team leader on defense. during summer workouts. tributions are: defensive are ready to play,” Akins of addressing some of
it,” Collins said. “The big- “The defense needs to “We are still building on lineman Terence Cherry, said. “As sophomores, that that last season. A lot of
gest thing is team speed. go back to taking things defense,” Collins said. “We of West Point, as well as is how you become leaders. teams do not pay as much
How fast are your tackles, personally,” Akins said. are getting back to having linebackers Fred Hervey, It’s a challenge to play on attention to the defensive
ends? How quickly can ev- “Even though we won the those kinds of defenses of Charleston, and EJ this level, so we got to make side of the ball as we do.
erybody in your second- championship last year, that we want to have. The Woods, of Natchez. sure the guys know that it’s After slipping from that
ary get to a certain spot on there is still a chance for a attitude in the locker room Former Yazoo County a long year. We have more elite status, it’s good to be
the field? We addressed a lot of growth this season. was a little different during standout Keilos Swinney speed than we did last sea- headed back in the right
lot of that last season and As a sophomore leader, the summer. We had some is the team’s leading re- son, so we need to use that direction.”
got better at many of the it’s my job to make sure games that didn’t measure turning tackler with 42 to our advantage.” Follow Dispatch sports
things that we did.” the newcomers know our up to the championship stops from his linebacker While not dominant writer Scott Walters on
Starkville native expectations. We want to standard. The guys know position. defensively, coach Buddy Twitter @dispatchscott
SEC Preseason Media Days

Continued from Page 13 All-SEC team
wanted their teams dwelling on that Fromm is back after an impressive three receptions, one run, two kick FIRST TEAM Defense
game or last season. freshman season (presuming he returns — despite breaking his leg Offense DL — Jonathan Ledbetter, Georgia
“We’re constantly looking for the faces down a challenge from five- in the third game. QB — Drew Lock, Missouri DL — Terry Beckner, Missouri
DL — Derrick Brown, Auburn
next edge ...” Smart said. star recruit Justin Fields). n Jarrett Stidham, QB, RB — Damien Harris, Alabama DL — Isaiah Buggs, Alabama
Saban’s message to his team: West: Alabama. With enviable Auburn. His 3,158 passing yards as RB — Benny Snell Jr., Kentucky LB — Josh Allen, Kentucky
WR — A.J. Brown, Ole Miss LB — Deshaun Davis, Auburn
“Forget about what happened last quarterback options and strong front a first-year starter ranks second in WR — Deebo Samuel, South Carolina LB — D’Andre Walker, Georgia
year.” lines, the Crimson Tide remain the school history. TE — Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri DB — Mike Edwards, Kentucky
The league welcomes five new team to beat — even after a run- n Montez Sweat, DE, OL — Jonah Williams, Alabama DB — C. Gardner-Johnson, Florida
DB — Jamel Dean, Auburn
head coaches, including Saban dis- ner-up division finish to rival Auburn. Mississippi State. Tied for the OL — Greg Little, Ole Miss DB — CJ Henderson, Florida
ciples Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M Alabama’s defense must replace eight league lead with both 10 1/2 sacks OL — Martez Ivey, Florida Specialists
and Jeremy Pruitt at Tennessee. NFL draft picks and the starting sec- and 15 1/2 tackles for loss. The OL — Trey Smith, Tennessee P — Joseph Charlton, South Carolina
C — Ross Pierschbacher, Alabama PK — Daniel LaCamera, Texas A&M
Fisher returned to his SEC Western ondary. Tailback Damien Harris is a sack total was the highest by a Bull- Defense RS — Mecole Hardman, Georgia
Division roots from Florida State af- stalwart in the offense. dogs player since 2005. DL — Raekwon Davis, Alabama AP — Trevon Diggs, Alabama
ter past stints at LSU and Auburn TOP PLAYERS n Devin White, LB, LSU. Led DL — Cece Jefferson, Florida THIRD TEAM
with a 10-year, $75-million deal. n Deandre Baker, CB, the league with 133 tackles and was DL — Montez Sweat, Mississippi State Offense
*QB — Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State
The primary SEC West challeng- Georgia. Baker had nine pass SEC defensive player of the week DL — Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
*QB — Jake Fromm, Georgia
er to Alabama might be reigning breakups last season to go along four times. LB — Devin White, LSU RB — Aeris Williams, Mississippi State
LB — Anfernee Jennings, Alabama RB — Jordan Scarlett, Florida
champion Auburn, which returns with three interceptions, including NEW FACES LB — Mack Wilson, Alabama WR — Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
quarterback Jarrett Stidham and one in the national championship Texas A&M’s Fisher, Florida’s DB — Deandre Baker, Georgia WR — Emanuel Hall, Missouri
has one of the league’s most tal- game. Mullen, Ole Miss’ sort of new Matt DB — Greedy Williams, LSU TE — C.J. Conrad, Kentucky
OL — Matt Womack, Alabama
ented defensive lines. But Fisher’s n A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss. Luke, Arkansas’ Chad Morris, and DB — J.R. Reed, Georgia OL — Zack Bailey, South Carolina
Aggies return 15 starters and Mis- Might have a hard time matching Mississippi State’s Joe Moorhead. DB — Deionte Thompson, Alabama OL — Javon Patterson, Ole Miss
Specialists OL — Marquel Harrell, Auburn
sissippi State has 17 back. his huge 2017 numbers (75 catches, Also Alabama has six new assis-
P — Corey Fatony, Missouri C — Erik McCoy, Texas A&M
South Carolina and former MSU 1,252 yards, 11 touchdowns) if only tants, including the coordinators on PK — Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia Defense
coach Dan Mullen’s Florida Gators because of quarterback Shea Pat- both sides of the ball. On the field, RS — Deebo Samuel, South Carolina DL — Dontavius Russell, Auburn
seem the most likely to challenge terson’s departure. Georgia tailback Zamir White and DL — Rashard Lawrence, LSU
AP — Deebo Samuel, South Carolina DL — Marlon Davidson, Auburn
Georgia in the East. n Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama cornerback Patrick Sur- *DL — Kingsley Keke, Texas A&M
Some other things to know about Alabama. Anchors the defensive tain Jr. are among the potential im- SECOND TEAM *DL — Landis Durham, Texas A&M
Offense LB — Dylan Moses, Alabama
the SEC in 2018: line after racking up eight-and-a- pact newcomers. LB — David Reese, Florida
QB — Jarrett Stidham, Auburn
THE FAVORITES half sacks as a sophomore. ON THE HOT SEAT RB — D’Andre Swift, Georgia LB — De’Jon Harris, Arkansas
East: Georgia. The clear divi- n Drew Lock, QB, Missouri. With five new head coaches, DB — Mark McLaurin, Mississippi State
RB — Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M DB — Marco Wilson, Florida
sion front-runner after making it to Led the nation with an SEC-record there are fewer in precarious situa- WR — Terry Godwin, Georgia DB — Javaris Davis, Auburn
the brink of the Bulldogs’ first na- 44 touchdown passes, while flirting tions. Vanderbilt’s Derek Mason en- WR — Ryan Davis, Auburn DB — Santos Ramirez, Arkansas
tional title since 1980. Smart must with 4,000 yards. First-team All- ters Year 5 seeking his first winning TE — Isaac Nauta, Georgia Specialists
OL — Andrew Thomas, Georgia P — Zach Von Rosenberg, LSU
replace tailbacks Nick Chubb and SEC quarterback. season. Kentucky’s Mark Stoops OL — Lester Cotton, Alabama PK — Tucker McCann, Missouri
Sony Michel, along with lineback- n Deebo Samuel, WR/RS, and LSU’s Ed Orgeron might be in OL — Hjalte Froholdt, Arkansas
RS — Trevon Diggs, Alabama
AP — Kadarius Toney, Florida
er Roquan Smith and six other de- South Carolina. Tied for the team some jeopardy if their teams don’t OL — Garrett Brumfield, LSU
fensive starters. Quarterback Jake lead in 2017 with six touchdowns — have successful seasons. C — Lamont Gaillard, Georgia * — Indicates a tie

2018 College Football Preview

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