In a column this time last year, I referred to the SEC Football Media Days as a circus, with all the big acts and sideshows. But as we checked in on day one of this year’s four-day event, I came to realize there is much more diversity to the SEC than just everything shoved into one big tent. These programs are more like the litany of online dating services you see everywhere. As a confirmed insomniac, I have seen them all. You have the bold, boisterous ones that get our attention like eHarmony or even Match.com. There are ones geared towards those more in the AARP time of their lives, (looking at you Steve Spurrier), and of course there are more niche programs like Christian Mingle or JDate or even one that is exclusively for farmers. Over the four days of the meetings this week, the head coaches of the SEC are going to be like the people filling out their profiles on the dating sites. Some are going to grab your attention right away, and others are going to have you going back to reread the data about them, because at first glance, what they put out there has you scratching your head.
SEC Media Days; Day 1
Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason is probably one who wants to reconsider his entry today. He came to the media days last year with a stylish bow tie and a heap of expectations. After going 3-9 overall in 2014 and 0-8 in conference he met virtually none of them. If there were a DissapointingDate.com site, Mason might fit in there. What we got from him on Monday were comments like, “…where we felt short last season was in being competitive.” Everyone knows the team record already, but thanks for the clarification. “We have made a lot of progress over the last eight months.” Sure, because you haven’t had to play anyone. “Last year was about the ideal self. This year is about the real self.” Probably best to keep the 3-9 record away from one’s ideal self. “Being smart is a state of mind.” That one was my favorite, because…well heck, that doesn’t really need an explanation does it?
If there were a ReboundDate.com, Jim McElwain of Florida would happily post his profile. The first year Gators coach is trying to rebound Florida to the glory days of the past. The Urban Meyer era? Try going back further, as McElwain explained what gets him excited about going to work every day, “…I drive past his, (Steve Spurrier’s), statue every day. That’s pretty cool.” McElwain was 22-16 in his head coaching debut at Colorado State, and when asked if there was someone he modeled his offensive philosophy after, he was quick to bring up the “Head Ball Coach.” McElwain said he always admired the way Spurrier’s Florida teams moved the ball through the air with great success. Check back in mid-November, after Florida plays at South Carolina, to see if he still feels so enamored with Spurrier. As with any coaching change, there is the rebuilding of the staff, but also the depth charts for the players. McElwain made it clear that every position has an open competition right now. “The thing is, they all signed up to play and some think they are ready before they are. In our case they are all going to have an opportunity and we are going to rely on them.” Florida has not played a season opener away from home in 25 years, and the Gators bring in the 2015 season in The Swamp against New Mexico State. It’s safe to say this dating match will at least have a little honeymoon period before the first squabble.
You want the someone who is brimming with confidence and certain they will show you a good time? We give you Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. Some say the new college football playoff system has eliminated the air of inevitability when it comes to a SEC team playing for the national title. Other conferences seem to be closing the gap with the SEC. Malzahn doesn’t want to hear that you may be interested in seeing other conferences. “The SEC West is the toughest division in the toughest conference in football and it’s not even close.” He said the SEC is a grind every week. I’m not sure he has looked at Auburn’s schedule yet or he would have seen that week two the Tigers host Jacksonville State and in early October the San Jose State Spartans come calling. Maybe he meant that the SEC is a grind for the out of conference teams that have to go there.
The Tigers hobbled through the end of the 2014 season, losing four of the last five games. Is Malzahn worried? Oh, please. He brought back Will Muschamp, (the very one Jim McElwain replaced as head coach at Florida), as the new defensive coordinator. Muschamp has always had the reputation as a keen defensive minded coach. Just ask Malzahn. “He is the best defensive mind in all of football.” Good thing, because the Tigers had five defensive backs leave for greener pastures in the offseason. Still, Coach Malzahn’s dating profile is flush and bold. Auburn will begin the season ranked top five in the country by numerous publications. Malzahn knows he has the talent to compete with anyone, because he loves his recruiting. “The chances of a school from up north coming down here and getting a player that Alabama or Auburn wants is close to zero.” He told the assembled media this year’s team has more depth at every offensive position than he ever would have imagined.
Now before you get excited and commit yourself mentally and emotionally to someone too soon, remember there are three more days of these “candidates” presenting themselves and Steve Spurrier and Les Miles are still to come. You’re gonna want to set aside some quiet time for those press meetings.
