SEC coaches to face reporters at annual media days

By Seth Emerson - Seth Emerson

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• Microphones: 3

Houston Nutt, Ole Miss

• If Nutt opens his comments with "I'm glad to be here," he won't be lying (unlike the other 11 coaches.) Nutt spent most of last year answering questions about his job security at Arkansas, and Mitch Mustain. So this year, he will happily discuss his welcome at Ole Miss and whoever his quarterback will be, because it will not be Mustain. But Nutt should also be prepared to rehash his move from Arkansas, because rehashing is what the SEC media days are all about.

• Microphones: 2.5

Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee

• You would think that Fulmer's recent contract extension would forestall any job security questions. Not exactly. Fulmer should be ready to answer at least one question about whether he thinks he deserved the new contract. He's practically guaranteed to be asked about the near-constant criticism from Tennessee fans. As for the rest, the media will want to know what Fulmer thinks of his new quarterback, junior Jonathan Compton.

• Microphones: 2.5

Friday

Tommy Tuberville, Auburn

• Tuberville could be asked whether he feels like his Tigers are being overlooked, considering they return 16 starters from a team that went 9-4. He will doubtless be asked about his quarterback situation, and the fact he has new coordinators on both sides of the ball. But all that will be a warmup for the big one: "So Tommy, what do you think of being in the same division as Petrino, your former assistant who participated in an effort to oust you behind your back five years ago? And please, don't hold back."

• Microphones: 3.5

Rich Brooks, Kentucky

• Brooks ended any talk of being fired last season, although his successor has already been chosen (offensive coordinator Joker Phillips.) Brooks will be asked about that setup, and how soon he plans on stepping aside. He should also be asked about replacing Andre Woodson, or the many other starters his team has lost. Otherwise, this should be a good opportunity for the media to rest and sharpen their knives for Petrino.

• Microphones: 2

Bobby Petrino, Arkansas

• Petrino would be wise to ask Saban for some guidance. Last year it was Saban who got excoriated for leaving the NFL in what many perceived to be a dishonest manner. This time around it falls to Petrino to further explain why he abandoned the Atlanta Falcons with three games left in his first season after claiming he was in it for the long haul. The media could also deem relevant his 2003 clandestine meeting with Auburn, because it's the first time Petrino has been back in the SEC since he was interviewed about a job that was not open.

• Microphones: 4

Steve Spurrier, South Carolina

• This year, the SEC saved the best quote for last, and the media will surely be fishing for Spurrier's usual digs and witticisms. Spurrier would be wise to provide them, because he might be tired of the subjects the non-local media wants to ask: How much longer will the 63-year-old coach? Does he still think he can win an SEC title at South Carolina? What happened last year after that 6-1 start? What's the deal with the offensive play-calling? Oh, and when will Stephen Garcia be back? Fun, fun, fun.

• Microphones: 3