When do we kick? “Talking season” unofficially ended on Thursday afternoon in Dallas for the Southeastern Conference. Texas hosted all 16 SEC teams, turning Media Days into a grand spectacle. While our writers have already covered the major highlights from players and coaches, we decided to have a little more fun with it. Instead of another recap, we’re diving into SEC Media Days’ top five quotes and outfits. Will these quotes keep us entertained until August? And what about the outfits? Well, they’re the perfect excuse to revamp our wardrobes.
Top Five Quotes SEC Media Days
What will we still be talking about come the regular season? Surely, it will involve that guy from Tuscaloosa who retired in January.
#5: Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs
“I do want it to be duly noted that I got in here without a credential today.”
Smart couldn’t help but poke fun at his former boss and nemesis on the field, Nick Saban. Saban had to return to his room on Monday morning because a security guard wouldn’t let him into media days without a pass. I can’t image the “@$$-chewing” that guy received, but I am sure the next guy can.
#4 Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss
“And you said what a joke I was, the ‘Miley Cyrus of college football coaching,’ and I should be fired. They looked at each other and later that night, I was fired.”
Paul Finebaum is no stranger to controversy. Some may even say he brings it on himself. “Pawwwlll” got an earful this week, but it was from Tammy from Clanton. Instead, Kiffin lit him up and went on the attack, discussing how Finebaum’s words may have led to his infamous tarmac dismissal at USC. Lane ended on a high note and said it was the best thing for him because he got to go coach and learn from Saban.
#3: Sam Pittman, Arkansas
“Our focus is to embrace the Hog.”
Some mottos are best kept in the locker room, but that doesn’t make for good media. Pittman is feeling the pressure at Arkansas. While his comments made us chuckle, his core message was clear: the Razorbacks need to be tough, united, consistent, accountable, and proud.
#2 Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner
“Georgia was one of the best four teams (in the nation) and didn’t get in (the Playoff). But you didn’t see us jumping up and down and complaining and hanging national championship banners.”
Sankey pulled no punches against the ACC this week in Dallas. Not only did he go after Florida State “celebrating” its state championship despite getting blitzed and coming up a mere 60 points short in the Orange Bowl last season. He also said the SEC is not interested in expansion, reaffirming “sixteen is our today and 16 is our tomorrow.”
#1 Mike Elko, Texas A&M
“When you look at the College World Series model… You see more all-SEC semifinals and more all-SEC finals. I think you’re going to see something similar.”
Top Five Fits from SEC Media Days
So, who had that James Dean daydream look in their eye? While the Kelsey brothers were still on the European Eras tour, the SEC coaches and players held their own. Here are our five favorites.
5. Brian Kelly #NoBull
Sure, all the coaches took a turn on the bull. But Kelly took the cake. We hope Kelly did the LSU famm-iii-leee proud.
4. Mississippi State: #HailState
The Bulldogs have struggled to make much noise in year one under Jeff Lebby. Let’s see how their play this fall in StarkVegas holds up to those jacket liners.
3. Oklahoma Sooners: #BoomerSooner
Brent Venables hopes to be the new sheriff in town as the Sooners enter year one in the SEC. He certainly looks the part.
2. Ole Miss Rebels:#DripInTheSip
Kiffin and the boys were looking good as they headed into Texas. Thoughts and prayers to Lane’s dad Monte, who passed away over the weekend.
1. Texas Longhorns: #HookEm
Texas and Georgia were Nick Saban’s top picks for the SEC Championship in December. Steve Sarkisian, already known as one of the best-dressed coaches, fully embraces the “look good, play good” philosophy. Seriously, coach, where can we get a coat like that?
