SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE SPORTS

News, scores, schedules, division standings, fan interaction and more from the Southeastern Conference

Last spring, Tommy Tuberville described to me what it's like to be an SEC coach these days. "It's kind of like being president," he said. "You age pretty quick in this league because you have no holidays."

I suspect deep down Tuberville is relieved to no longer have to look over his shoulder and wonder what political fire he has to put out next and when the ax will drop. You can make arguments both ways about whether it was time for Auburn and Tuberville to part ways. What's clear is the reputation of the SEC as a cut-throat conference only grew with Tuberville's "resignation" this week.

So let's talk about the changing landscape of the SEC West.

Two coaches have resigned in the past week. Two coaches are just completing his first years at a school, another coach is just completing his second year. That makes little ol' Les Miles at LSU the dean of SEC West coaches.

And what about ol' Les Miles? His Tigers just completed the worst season in SEC history for a team coming off a national championship.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The shockwaves from Auburn didn't reach the Florida Gators until after they concluded Wednesday's practice.

In fact, Florida coach Urban Meyer, when he first learned of Tuberville's departure at Auburn from a Birmingham News reporter, thought someone was pulling his leg.

``Wow,'' Meyer said. ``Tommy Tuberville? I'm really, really surprised.''

Think you know the SEC? To get you ready for Saturday, take the SEC Championship Game Trivia Challenge. Answers are at the bottom.

1. What Alabama player scored the game-winning touchdown off an interception in the inaugural SEC Championship Game in 1992?

2. Who was the Florida quarterback who threw the pass?

3. Which SEC Championship Game drew the highest-rated TV audience?

4. Which game drew the lowest-rated TV audience?

5. What year did CBS take over from ABC and start televising the SEC Championship Game?

The Huntsville Times' football experts gathered Wednesday to make their picks for this weekend's SEC Championship game. Sorry, Alabama. The experts don't like your chances. Three of the five say Florida will win, and one predicts a Gator blowout.

Check out the panel's reasoning and watch and listen for the secret word that can win you a $50 gas card.

Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins has seen Julio Jones up close and personal
Jones, Jenkins were in all-star seniors game
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
DOUG SEGREST
News staff writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- One of the most interesting meetings Saturday at the Georgia Dome is actually a reunion.

Julio Jones meet Janoris Jenkins.

Again.

Sat in on a CBS conference call today with Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson -- who will call Saturday's SEC title game -- and just listened to Danielson do what he does best.

And that's give a wave of opinions.

A lot of it is in this story in today's Huntsville Times but there were some leftovers:

I actually talked to Tom Luginbill for another story I'm doing -- the matchup of Julio Jones and Janoris Jenkins, two high school all-star rivals. But I also asked Luginbill, who knows the talent of both teams as well as anyone thanks to his recruiting analysis, his take on the game.

I was surprised by his prediction.