SEC Media Days 2012: Twitter and Message Board Reaction

They say the college football season doesn't begin until the media day kicks off. Well, then I guess the college football season is finally here, ladies and gentlemen.

The SEC media days began Tuesday and will last until July 19 in Hoover, Ala., where a few select players and coaches from each team in the conference will address the media on the upcoming season. This gives everybody to get filled in on what has been going on during the offseason and what to expect by the time the end of August rolls around.

With the college football buzz at an all-time high and the season right around the corner, here are some of the reactions from the SEC media days.

Like Numbers?

Now that the SEC media days are quickly wrapping up, Eric SanInocencio, of SEC Digital Media has put together a few numbers from the record setting day. We know that there were thousands of media members in attendance, but I bet you don't know how much food was consumed, or the amount of interviews SEC commissioner Mike Slive did in three days.

Click here for a numbers breakdown of behind the scenes.

Mark Richt Talks Isaiah Crowell

Talented running back, Isaiah Crowell was kicked off the Georgia Bulldogs football team last month for getting arrested on weapon charges. Coach Mark Richt talked a little bit about Crowell during SEC media day.

"

It’s always tough because I care very much about all of these guys. Richt said. Having to make those kinds of decisions are tough. In the end, I think we did what was in the best interest of the program. I wish Isaiah the very best in his future and hopefully things will work out for him. (Via Scout.com)

"

Crowell is a former 5-star recruit, who rushed for 850 yards and scored six touchdowns his freshman season. He has since transferred to Alabama State.

Mark Richt Hopes Media Is Right

Georgia was predicted by the media to win the SEC East. Although the media is usually off on their predictions, head coach Mark Richt hopes that changes in 2012. (Via CBSSports.com, Brett McMurphy)

"

Mark Richt on being picked to win SEC East: "I hope the media is right"

— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyCBS) July 19, 2012"

Mark Richt Not Sharing Suspension Info

It has not been an easy offseason for the Georgia Bulldogs, having to deal with many off-the-field issues. There have been several players suspended, or even kicked off the team for good. How long many of these players will be suspended for is information coach Richt will not share at the moment. (Via Mark Schlabach)

"

Richt on potential of more suspensions: "Do I know? I do know. Yeah, we’ll share it some time but not today.” #UGA

— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) July 19, 2012"

Mark Richt Approves Missouri

While many are questioning how Missouri will fare in the SEC, Georgia head coach, Mark Richt says they will be just fine. (Via ABC17 Sports Director, Tyler Fulghum)

"

"Missouri is a special program.That's why they're in the SEC." - Georgia coach Mark Richt @ABC17News

— Tyler Fulghum (@TylerABC17) July 19, 2012"

Hugh Freeze Responds to Spurrier

Ole Miss head coach, Hugh Freeze responded to what South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier said about his program. (Via Palm Beach Post writer, Jason Lieser)

"

Hugh Freeze on Spurrier's jab: "In 2013 they're on our schedule and we'll circle that date and look forward to changing his perspective."

— Jason Lieser (@PBPjasonlieser) July 19, 2012"

Mississippi has won five of the last seven meetings against South Carolina, but has lost the last two, dating back to 2009.

Tennessee Is in the Building

Tennessee has only won a combined 11 games during the last two seasons, but it seems like the confidence is riding high in Knoxville. (Via Saturday Down South)

"

"You're not going to have Tennessee to kick around anymore." -Derek Dooley

— Saturday Down South (@SDS) July 19, 2012"

The Volunteers return many key starters heading into the 2012 season and were predicted to finish fifth in the SEC East by the media.

Saban Is Locked in

If you think that winning two national championships in three seasons is enough to satisfy Nick Saban, think again. (Via The Birmingham News, Jon Solomon)

"

Alabama TE Michael Williams on Saban: "To this day I've never seen him yawn. You can't be more locked in than that."

"

"— Jon Solomon (@jonsol) July 19, 2012"

Somebody is focused.

SEC Hate?

With college football playoffs starting in 2014, many are wondering who should be eligible to play as a top-four seed. Should it just be conference champions or truly the top-four teams in the country? Nick Saban has his opinion. (Via CBSSports.com, Brett McMurphy)

"

Saban: "Whoever is making statements about conference champions (only for playoff) is making a statement against the SEC"

— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyCBS) July 19, 2012"

Does Saban have a point?

SEC Media Predictions

With SEC media days coming to an end, the media has decided to make its predictions for who will win the conference. (Via Bleacher Report's, Barrett Sallee)

"

SEC West Media Predictions: LSU, Bama, Ark, Auburn, A&M, Miss. St., Ole Miss

— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) July 19, 2012"

"

SEC East Media Predictions: UGA, S.C., UF, Mizzou, Tenn., Vandy, UK

— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) July 19, 2012"

What are your predictions looking like?

Third and Final Day of SEC Media

We have seen some great stuff over the course of the last two days, but today will wrap up SEC media days. For those wondering who is left to take the podium, we have got you covered. (Via ABC 3340 Sports, Sara Jane)

"

We'll hear from Alabama, UGA, Ole Miss and Tennessee today... on the third and final day of SEC Media Days!

— Sara Jane Harris (@SaraJaneHarris) July 19, 2012"

Should be another terrific day, especially when defending national champion, Nick Saban begins to speak.

Miles Likes Every One of His Running Backs

The LSU Tigers have arguably the deepest backfield in the country, with many running backs that are capable of starting for many teams in college football. Les Miles has said that he would prefer that two backs would take the lead this season. When asked about who he likes, Miles replied the only way he knows how. (Via The Gannett writer, Glenn Guilbeau)

"

LSU AT SEC MEDIA DAYS: Coach Les Miles on tailbacks: "I like Ware. I like Hilliard. I like Blue. I like Ford."

— Glenn Guilbeau (@LSUBeatTweet) July 18, 2012"

Les Miles Comments on New Commercial

The commercial for the new video game, NCAA Football 13, has quickly received a lot of attention. With the Tigers head coach Les Miles at the podium, he commented a little bit on the process of making it. (Via Tampa Bay Times, Antonya English and al.com, Matt Scalici)

"

#LSU coach Les Miles said he had no creative input in the EA Sports ad with Mike the Tiger, but enjoyed the experience.

— Antonya English (@TBTimes_Gators) July 18, 2012"

"

Les Miles on the EA Sports commercial. "My lines were narrow so that I could perform them effectively"

— Matt Scalici (@MattScalici) July 18, 2012"

Les Miles Strikes Again

The SEC Championship rings that were handed out to the LSU Tigers created a little controversy as to why the "No. 2" was included. (Via myfoxal.com, Mike Dubberly)

"

Les Miles asked why #SEC Champ rings have #2 on them?"Because we couldn't use no.1"

— mike dubberly (@MikeDubberlyGDA) July 18, 2012"

And you wonder why Les Miles is one of the stars during SEC media day.

Zach Mettenberger Ready for the Season to Begin

Many believe that the LSU Tigers will be an even better football team in 2012 because of quarterback Zach Mettenberger. He hasn't contributed much throughout his collegiate career, but has all of the traits that you look for in a starting quarterback. He seems to be real confident head into the season as well. (Via LSU Associate Sports Information Director, Bill Martin and WWL-TV Sports reporter, Garland Gillen)

"

"Being the guy is something I've been waiting for my whole life," #LSU QB Zach Mettenberger

— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) July 18, 2012"

"

"The key to being a special team is handling adversity. We have a special group of guys on this team" QB Zach Mettenberger.

— Bill Martin(@LSUBillMartin) July 18, 2012"

Mettenberger has the size at 6'6", and the arm to quickly become one of the better quarterbacks in this league, which would finally give this LSU offense a true quarterback it has lacked for years.

The New SEC Trophy

Wonder what the SEC Trophy looks like with Missouri and Texas A&M added? (Via Lexington Herald-Leader's, Jen Smith)

"

The SEC trophy is on display on lobby here. Kind of cool to see the new names on it ... twitter.com/jenheraldleade…

— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) July 18, 2012"

Les Miles Does NOT Follow Mathieu

Les Miles has over 71,000 followers on his Twitter account, but does not follow his Heisman candidate defensive back, Tyrann Mathieu. (Via WTVY-TV, Matt Harris)

"

#LSU Head Coach Les Miles does NOT follow the honey badger on twitter #SECKickoff12 twitter.com/MattHarris_WTV…

— Matt Harris (@MattHarris_WTVY) July 18, 2012"

To be fair, Miles does not follow anybody.

Best Dressed?

Auburn head coach Gene Chizik has now taken the podium. (Via The North Jefferson News)

"

Auburn coach Gene Chizik takes the stage at the SEC Media Days in Hoover... fb.me/1emGI0UiY

— North Jefferson News (@NorthJeffNews) July 18, 2012"

And the award for best dressed goes to...

Lunch Time

With four coaches down and only two remaining, it seems to be that everyone is taking a break from media day. (Via Saturday Down South)

"

Mike Slive hits the buffet. It's lunch time at SEC Media Days. yfrog.com/oejdwyrj

— Saturday Down South (@SDS) July 18, 2012"

Luckily for us, the best two coaches have been saved for last in Auburn's Gene Chizik and LSU's Les Miles. 

Knile Davis Challenges Marcus Lattimore

If you thought Arkansas running back Knile Davis claiming he was the best back in the SEC, he took things a little further when he left the media room. (Via ESPN's, Travis Haney)

"

On way out the door, Knile Davis issues challenge for SC's Marcus Lattimore. Says he better be back, because Davis is. 'Healthy' rivalry.

— Travis Haney (@TravHaneyESPN) July 18, 2012"

These two teams will meet on November 10th. Hopefully both are healthy, so this competition can actually be settled on the football field.

Joker Phillips on His Job Security

It didn't take long before Kentucky head coach Joker Phillips was asked about him being on the hot seat. (Via Chattanooga Times Free Press, Patrick Brown)

"

Kentucky's Joker Phillips get a hot-seat question. 'I'm not sitting down right now,' he quips with a smile.

— Patrick Brown (@patrickbrownTFP) July 18, 2012"

Phillips has only coached two years at Kentucky, and is 11-14 overall, with one bowl loss.

Knile Davis Has a Response for Texas A&M and Company

With two new teams in the SEC this season, Arkansas running back Knile Davis had a few words for the newcomers of the conference. (Via WTVY-TV, Matt Harris)

"

#Arkansas RB Knile Davis: (Referring to Mizzou and A&M) "I hear the rookies been talkin noise. Sayin the SEC ain't all that. They'll see."

— Matt Harris (@MattHarris_WTVY) July 18, 2012"

College football is finally here.

John L Smith Is a Character

John L. Smith is only the interim head coach, which means he is not guaranteed anything beyond this season. When asked if he would like to coach past the 2012 season, he responded back with another question. (Via The Register-Guard's, George Schroeder)

"

Does he want to be Arkansas coach next year? John L. Smith: "Well, certainly. Do I look stupid? -- Don't answer that!"

— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) July 18, 2012"

Media days seem to get even better as they carry out.

Wonder What Radio Row Looks Like?

Throughout SEC media days, you keep hearing where these interviews are taking place, but rarely get to see behind the cameras. SEC's Digital Media Director, Eric SanInocencio was kind enough to provide us with a behind the scenes shot.

"

Radio row is alive and well here at #SECKickoff12 twitter.com/EricSan/status…

— Eric SanInocencio (@EricSan) July 18, 2012"

Things are pretty hectic during this time of year. 

Knile Davis Not Short on Confidence

We haven't Arkansas running back Knile Davis sense 2010, when he suffered an ankle injury. But don't think that has affected his confidence in any way heading into 2012. (Via ESPN's Edward Aschoff)

"

#Razorbacks RB Knile Davis: "I'm still the best running back in this league." strong statement

— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) July 18, 2012"

Davis rushed for over 1,300 yards in 2010, but missed all of the 2011 season. Hopefully this means that he is healthy, and ready to go for the season opener.

Quote of Day 2

Head coach Dan Mullen was asked if he has a favorite billboard and he replied with. (Via The Clarion-Ledger's, Brandon Marcello)

"

Dan Mullen says his favorite billboard is the one featuring the three Miss Mississippis with the cowbells ringing above their head.

— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) July 18, 2012"

Take that Ole Miss.

Bulldogs Competing for a Title?

The Mississippi State Bulldogs return a bunch of talent this season, but seem to be the team that everybody is counting out heading into the year. However, head coach Dan Mullen seems to be quite confident in this year's squad. (Via ESPN Program Director, Wells Guthrie)

"

Dan Mullen: "I think we have a team that can consistently compete in the #SEC and compete for a title." Uh I don't know Dan.#SECKickoff2012

— Wells Guthrie (@wells_guthrie) July 18, 2012"

Are the Bulldogs truly a team that can give Arkansas, Georgia, LSU and Alabama a run for its money in 2012?

What Do the Gators Need to Improve On?

Will Muschamp opened up with a very detailed and lengthy introduction. He talked about the quarterback position, special teams, returning starters and of course the defense. He also mentioned a few things his team must improve on in 2012. (Via The Gainesville Sun’s, Robbie Andreu and The Tennessean's, Jeff Lockridge)

"

Muschamp said Gators were outscored 72-22 in the fourth quarter in SEC games last season. Need to improve there.

— Robbie Andreu (@RobbieAndreu) July 18, 2012"

"

Muschamp: "Our team emphasis in turnover margin ... it's a minor miracle we won seven games (in 2011)." Gators forced only 14 turnovers

— Jeff Lockridge (@jefflockridge) July 18, 2012"

The Gators struggled all of last season, winning just seven games and losing six of their last nine.

No Starting QB for Gators

With fall camp still to take place; it is really not surprising that there is no starting quarterback yet for the Florida Gators. Head coach Will Muschamp also says that there is no timetable for a decision and there may never be a concrete starter. (Via The Gainesville Sun’s, Robbie Andreu)

"

No timetable on naming a starting QB. Muschamp said he would like to name one before opener, but both could play.

— Robbie Andreu (@RobbieAndreu) July 18, 2012"

"

Muschamp on QBs: both guys very talented, both qualified for the position. Two guys who are very even. They'll get equal reps.

— Robbie Andreu (@RobbieAndreu) July 18, 2012"

One of the main weaknesses on this Florida team is the quarterback position. The Gators have two young players in both Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel, who are competing hard for the starting position.

Day 2 Is Among Us

Yesterday there were plenty of gems throughout SEC media day, but today may be even better. Today, there are a total of six teams that will take the podium. (Via ABC 3340 Sports)

"

Day 2 of SEC Media Days is about to begin! Today we'll hear from Florida, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Kentucky, Auburn, and LSU.

— ABC3340 Sports (@abc3340sports) July 18, 2012"

We are going to want to know all about Arkansas and their off-the-field issues. The health of running back Knile Davis. How good is this young Auburn team? Can Florida take that next step under head coach Will Muschamp? How will LSU respond after last season? It should be another fantastic day once again, and of course, you can see the entire schedule here.

More Vandy Confidence

Quarterback Jordan Rodgers was called the best quarterback in the SEC, earlier in the day by wide receiver Jordan Matthews. Now, Rodgers is also throwing a few bold statements out there as well. (Via ESPN's Edward Aschoff)

"

Jordan Rodgers said he #Vandy has the best receivers in the #SEC "hands down."

— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) July 17, 2012"

It is one thing to be confident, but this may be taking things a little bit too far.

Vanderbilt Is No Longer the Doormat of the SEC

Vanderbilt won six games last season and lost a total of five games by a touchdown or less. Things are slowly looking up for this program, which head coach, James Franklin says the SEC better be prepared for a competitive football team. (Via The Anniston Star's writer, Joe Medley)

"

Franklin: You play Vanderbilt, you had better be ready to play to the end of the game. #SECkickoff12

— Joe Medley (@jmedley_star) July 17, 2012"

The Commodores do have a favorable schedule in 2012, so it will be interesting to see just how this team builds on last year's success.

Do You Know Who James Franklin Is?

James Franklin is only entering his second season as head coach of Vanderbilt, a team that isn't exactly known for its winning football team. In fact, nobody even knew he was last year. (Via Lexington Herald-Leader's writer, Jen Smith)

"

Vandy Coach James Franklin said last year here he walked up and down radio row and not a single person talked to him. Things have changed.

— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) July 17, 2012"

Franklin is landing better recruits this program has ever seen and led them to six victories and a bowl game in his first year. Under Franklin, this Vanderbilt program can slowly but surely become a respectable program in the SEC.

Quote of the Day?

With all of the quotes from South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier, it appeared that he was the king of day one of SEC media day. Missouri wide receiver T.J. Moe may have stolen the show with his time with the media. (Via  The Courier-Journal's beat writer, Kyle Tucker)

"

Missouri's Moe on SEC supremecy: "I know they won the last six national titles. But all 12 teams didn't win it. Just one did."

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_CJ) July 17, 2012"

"

Mizzou WR T.J. Moe on the SEC: "Things are just different here. I wouldn’t be surprised if everybody here is strapped with a gun.”

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_CJ) July 17, 2012"

"

Moe on the SEC: "The girls are prettier. The air is fresher. And the toilet paper is thicker." I love you, T.J. Moe, and I ain't ashamed.

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_CJ) July 17, 2012"

And this is what media day is all about.

Marcus Lattimore Should Be Healthy

South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore is one of the best players at his position when he is healthy. But after suffering a knee injury last season, many are wondering if he will be healthy by the time the season kicks in. (Via Bleacher Reports, Barrett Sallee)

"

Spurrier: "Marcus [Latitmore] should be 100% Aug. 3 or 4 when we start workouts." Didn't elaborate.

— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) July 17, 2012"

Lattimore has only played in one and a half seasons, but has already racked up 2,015 rushing yards and scored 30 total touchdowns. If healthy in week 1, he is a serious Heisman candidate, and will give this South Carolina offense a premier weapon heading into 2012.

Vandy Coach Says Commodores Have Recruiting Advantage

Vanderbilt is improving greatly under head coach James Franklin. In his first season as head coach, the Commodores won six games, which is two more than the previous two seasons combined. One of the things that will help him along the way is the improved recruiting classes. (Via Saturday Down South)  

"

"We have an unfair advantage over other schools. We have more things to sell: Academics, Nashville, etc." -James Franklin

— Saturday Down South (@SDS) July 17, 2012"

It is going to be interesting to see just how far Franklin can take this program in the next few years. Vanderbilt has only reached two bowl games since 1982 and has only one winning season since then.

Gary Pinkel Won't Back Down from the SEC

Ever since Missouri has entered the SEC, many have been quick to doubt how successful the Tigers will be in the new conference. Head coach, Gary Pinkel isn't truly worried about the switch because he believes his team has already been battle tested. (Via AP writer, John Zenor)

"

Mizzou's Pinkel: "People act like we play a bunch of high school teams. We’ve played in a pretty good league."

— John Zenor (@jzenor) July 17, 2012"

Will the Tigers be in for a rude awakening, or can this team really compete with the best of the best in the SEC?

James Franklin Should Be Ready to Go

Missouri has one of the better dual-threat quarterbacks in the country in James Franklin, but he suffered a shoulder injury during the spring, which required surgery. Good news is that head coach Gary Pinkel says that his quarterback will be ready to go. (Via ESPN's Edward Aschoff)

"

#Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel says QB James Franklin is finally throwing footballs. Says he won't hold him back if he's cleared for opener

— Edward Aschoff (@AschoffESPN) July 17, 2012"

Last season, Franklin completed 63 percent of his passes for over 2,800 yards, rushed for 981 yards and scored 36 total touchdowns.

Eight-Team Playoff?

In 2014, there will be a four-team playoff format installed that will determine the new college football national champion. But if South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier was in charge, he would make it an eight-team playoff. (Via Lexington Herald-Leader's, Jen Smith)

"

Spurrier calls for eight teams to go into playoff, including six BCS conference champs and two at-large teams.

— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) July 17, 2012"

I'm sure there are many college football fans that agree with this idea and already believe that Spurrier has a future outside of coaching football.

Spurrier Is Comfortable Where He Is at

Believe it or not, but head coach Steve Spurrier is entering his eighth season as the Gamecocks head coach. He said that he planned on coaching in Columbia for eight to 10 years, but is very comfortable with where he is at. (Via CatsPause.com writer, Matt May and The Clarion-Ledger writer, Brandon Marcello)

"

Steve Spurrier says when he took the South Carolina job he thought he'd be there 8-10 years. This is his 8th year in Columbia.

— Matt May (@TCPMattMay) July 17, 2012"

"

Spurrier: "It's not a stressful job I have. I know some of these coaches tell you how stressful a job this is."

— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) July 17, 2012"

In his seven seasons at South Carolina, Spurrier is 55-35 and 2-4 in bowl games.

You Have to Love Spurrier

Spurrier is without question one of the highlights of the 2012 SEC media day. He has already thrown shots at Alabama coach Nick Saban and has addressed the quarterback a little bit. (Via The Gainesville Sun’s beat writer, Robbie Andreu)

"

Spurrier: if we don't throw it very well we won't try to.

— Robbie Andreu (@RobbieAndreu) July 17, 2012"

Quarterback Connor Shaw is entering his first full season as a starter. Last season, when replacing Stephen Garcia, Shaw threw for 1,448 yards, rushed for 525 yards and scored 22 total touchdowns.

Shots Fired?

South Carolina head coach, Steve Spurrier has not even hit the podium yet, and is already creating a little controversy. (Via ESPN's Joe Schad)

"

Spurrier: "It's easier to win the national championship than the SEC. Ask Nick Saban."

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) July 17, 2012"

And this is why you love media days in college football.

Kevin Sumlin Says SEC Will Be No Cakewalk

Texas A&M is a talented team entering its first season in the SEC, but this conference is a lot different than the Big 12. When asked about his thoughts on the new conference, Sumlin did not bight his tongue. (Via Saturday Down South)

"

"It's a pretty damn hard league." -Aggies' coach Kevin Sumlin on the SEC

— Saturday Down South (@SDS) July 17, 2012"

The SEC has won the last six straight national championships for a reason, so Sumlin and the Aggies will certainly have their work cut out for them in year one. 

Kevin Sumlin Is First Up

It was reported that Steve Spurrier would be the first person to speak on media day, but it now appears that Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin will be the first to the podium. (Via WLTX)

"

SEC Media Day schedule shows Texas A&M is the 1st head coach, then #Gamecocks Head Coach Spurrier takes the podium at 3:10p #News19 #SECMD

— WLTX - On Your Side (@WLTX) July 17, 2012"

Regardless of who steps up first, there should be many interesting questions for both teams. This will be the Aggies' first season in the conference, and they have enough experience to give many teams a run for their money in Sumlin's first year.

T.J. Moe and Elvis Fisher Clowning Around in BK

Missouri wide receiver T.J. Moe and offensive lineman Elvis Fisher will take the podium today for the Tigers, but they decided to stop for some food before joining the frenzy. (Via Moe)

"

Stopped at BK before flying out to SEC media day. @ElvisFisher72 found his favorite hat. lockerz.com/s/225884049

— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) July 17, 2012"

Missouri enters its first season in the SEC, and many believe they have enough playmakers on the offensive side of the ball to be one of the conference's surprise teams. 

Day 1 Is Set to Begin

Day one of SEC media day is about to begin in less than an hour and will kick off with South Carolina head coach, Steve Spurrier. (Via Tuscaloosa News intern Brett Hudson)

"

The madness begins in 45 minutes. #SECMediaDays #SECMD twitter.com/Brett_Hudson/s…

— Brett Hudson (@Brett_Hudson) July 17, 2012"

The Spurrier interview should be interesting to say the least. For the complete list of the SEC media lineup, click here.

Moving with the Times

There are many things to talk about as the season is getting ready to kick off, but one of the more interesting things are the head coaches in 2012. (Via AP writer, John Zenor)

"

Best sign of progress in SEC on Day 1 of media days is not two new teams, but that two black head coaches take the podium.

— John Zenor (@jzenor) July 17, 2012"

Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin is the first black coach of any sport at the school, while Kevin Sumlin has now become the first black coach at both Houston and Texas A&M.

New SEC Logo Banner

With the SEC media day kicking off in just an hour, the media guides have been handed out and they feature the new SEC logo on the front (Via CatsPause.com writer Matt May).

"

The new 14-team SEC banner logo graces front of SEC media guide: twitter.com/TCPMattMay/sta…

— Matt May (@TCPMattMay) July 17, 2012"

It's not much of a change, just a couple more teams crammed into the original logo.

Missouri, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt Up First

With the SEC media day being a three-day event, not every team is going to speak right away. Things will broken down into sections, with only a handful of teams each day taking the podium. (Via WWL-TV Sports photographer and reporter Garland Gillen)

"

First day of #SEC Football Media Days kicks off in Hoover today. Missouri, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt speak today.

— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) July 17, 2012"

Teams such as Mississippi State, Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas and LSU will be represented on Wednesday. For the complete SEC media day guide, you can click here.

It's a Pretty Big Deal

Media day is truly the beginning of the college football season, and the amount of media members that are scheduled to show up prove just how big this event is (via Arkansas Democrat-Gazette sports columnist Wally Hall and Dothan Eagle Sports).

"

SEC Media Days, 1,100 credential requests, a record if everyone shows.

— Wally Hall (@WallyLikeItIs) July 17, 2012"

"

SEC says more than 1,100 credentials have been issued for SEC Media Days, including about 750 media. Last year, it issued 1,050 credentials

— Dothan Eagle Sports (@eaglesports) July 17, 2012"

Maybe it has something to do with a couple of new teams in the conference, or maybe everyone is just excited about the season rapidly approaching. 

James Franklin Is in the Building

With Vanderbilt being one of the few teams represented Tuesday at SEC media day, head coach James Franklin has rallied his troops as they prepare for the beginning of the season (via Franklin's Twitter).

"

On our way 2 Birmingham 4 SEC media days w/ my guys Rogers, Zac & Trey. So proud 2 work w/ these & enjoy every minute of it. #AnchorDown

— James Franklin (@jamesfranklinvu) July 17, 2012"

The Commodores who will join him Tuesday include quarterback Jordan Rodgers, running back Zac Stacy and defensive back Trey Wilson. Vanderbilt is coming off a successful season, in which they won six games and reached a bowl game for only the second time since 1982.  

Jordan Rodgers Best QB in the SEC?

With a conference that has quarterbacks such as Aaron Murray, Tyler Wilson and A.J. McCarron, the quarterback position is fairly deep heading into 2012. However, Vanderbilt wide receiver Jordan Matthews believes that his quarterback is the best this conference has to offer (via Matthews).

"

My boy @JRodgers11 is the best qb in the SEC. Gonna rep us today at media day

— Jordan Matthews (@jmattjmattjmatt) July 17, 2012"

Rodgers saw his first year of action last season, completing only 50 percent of his passes and throwing for 1,524 yards and nine touchdowns. He also managed to rush for 420 yards and four touchdowns while throwing 10 interceptions.