With only 40 days until the start of the college football season, SEC Media Week started Monday. Commissioner Greg Sankey took to the stage to answer questions from the media. He was followed by the coaches and selected representatives from Missouri, Florida and LSU.
Missouri
Missouri was the first team to take the stage for Media Week. New quarterback Kelly Bryant and, their possible post-season ban, garnished most of the attention. When asked why he chose to transfer to go to Missouri out of all the schools that were recruiting him, Bryant said “that was one of the schools I wanted to go to out of high school”. Bryant noted that Auburn was a close second but he developed a strong relationship with the coaching staff Missouri.
At this moment, its unclear if the Tigers will be allowed to fight for a playoff spot. With the possible post season ban looming, they are at an impasse. It is a tough subject to address because the ban is still under appeal itself. What Missouri Head Coach Barry Odom did discuss was the unity in their locker room. There hasn’t been a single player that decided to leave the program since the news was released. Coach Odom claims that this is because of the ability to have honest and tough conversations with his team.
Florida Gators
The Florida Gators were the next team to take the podium and Dan Mullen took the stage. Coming off of his first 10-win season, while at the same time maintaining his maturing quarterback, Mullen and the Gators are in a good position. While at the podium Coach Mullen was asked about the development of his quarterback Feleipe Franks. When discussing Franks, Coach Mullen stated that once he was able to block out the noise and believe in his own abilities, he started to become a better player. Mullen went on to say he expects that will continue to get better this season.
The Gators will take part in two big rivalry games this year in Miami and Georgia. Both of these games will be played under a massive media spotlight. Miami will be the opener for the Gators in a tight Florida rivalry that isn’t often played. Although not often played, it’s never forgotten among the locals. Coach Mullen talked about how special it was to be a part of these rivalries and was asked if the Florida-Georgia game should be moved from a neutral ground into the team’s stadiums. Coach Mullen said that there is an argument to be made for both sides. He also stated that it is was an honor to play in one of the few college football match-ups that is played on a neutral ground.
LSU
Last to take the stage was LSU’s head coach Ed Orgeron. Coming off a 10-win season with a Fiesta Bowl victory, coach Orgeron said that managing expectations was critical for his side. He stated that LSU football is about competing for championships and that they were going to block out the negativity from outside their facility this season. Coach Orgeron knows that Alabama has been what’s holding LSU back for years and was not shy at all about addressing it saying “We did not play well against Alabama. Now, we have to go on the road and play them again…. But we have a good football team, and we should be able to answer the bell”.
When asked about his team Coach Orgeron, stated that they would be switching to a spread offense. The spread should allow them to put more points on the board this season. He also praised the leaders of his team in Joe Burrow and Grant Delpit. He stated that Joe Burrow would run through a brick wall for him if he asked him too. As for Grant Delpit, Orgeron stated “He is the best defensive player in the country at this moment.”
