Missouri Football: Twitter Reaction and Analysis from SEC Media Days 2012

SEC Media Days begin today at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, AL—and this year’s extravaganza will have some new flavor thanks to the addition of new members Missouri and Texas A&M. 

The SEC’s third, and newest, set of Tigers will be a part of the biggest story on the event’s first day. 

How will Gary Pinkel and his players react to the circus-like atmosphere of SEC Media Days? 

Get a closer look at the some of the instant reaction to the Tigers’ first appearance as members of the SEC. 

Moe Has High Praise for Stud Freshman

T.J. Moe enters his senior season as one of the nation's top receivers, as evidenced by his inclusion on the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff Award. 

However, most of the attention paid to the receiver unit over the summer has revolved around freshman phenom Dorial Green-Beckham, who Moe offered lofty praise for according to Dave Matter.

"

TJ Moe says WR Dorial Green-Beckham is "Lebron James but 40 pounds lighter." Says he's taken over leadership role of freshman class

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) July 17, 2012"

DGB will be a hot topic for SEC fans keeping an eye on the Tigers this fall.

SEC Is the Best League If You Are a Competitor

Pinkel may have gotten defensive about the quality of football in the Big 12, but the message he's delivering to his players is that they have a tremendous opportunity by moving into the SEC, according to Garland Gillen.

"

#Missouri Coach Gary Pinkel: If you're a competitor this is as good as it gets. Pinkel responding to joining the #SEC

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

The Tigers will get their introduction to the SEC early, hosting Georgia on Sept. 8 in what Pinkel described as one of the most important moments in his program's history. 

Pinkel Defends the Big 12

Gary Pinkel's first moments on the podium were spent answering questions about Missouri's transition into the SEC.

When peppered about the disparity between the SEC and every other league, Pinkel stepped up to defend the Tigers competition they faced in the Big 12, according to Brandon Marcello.

"

Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel: "People act like we play a bunch of high school teams. We were in a pretty good league."

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

Pinkel did go on comment on the difficult challenges the Tigers will face in the SEC.

Tigers Arrive in SEC Country

Gary Pinkel and his three player representatives finally touched down in Alabama in preparation for SEC Media Days, with the coach tweeting a picture of them walking off the plane.

"

#Mizzou is in Alabama! Headed to Hoover for #SECKickoff2012. GP #MIZSEC twitter.com/mizzoufootball…

— Coach Pinkel (@mizzoufootball) July 17, 2012"

Check out the school spirit shown by defensive back E.J. Gaines, who is sporting a gold mohawk. 

RB Henry Josey Unlikely to Play in 2012

While James Franklin looks like he will be fine to start the season, the news doesn't look as promising for running back Henry Josey, according to ESPN's Edward Aschoff.

"

Pinkel says RB Henry Josey is doing well with rehab but it's "a stretch" that he'll play this year

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

His loss will be huge in a league where running the ball is critical to having success on offense. 

James Franklin Getting Healthier

A lingering question about Missouri heading into the season was the status of quarterback James Franklin, and his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery that caused him to miss most of the spring.

According to Edward Aschoff of ESPN, Pinkel said that Franklin has started throwing again and is waiting to get cleared by doctors for the upcoming season.

"

#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"

A healthy Franklin, who was one of the best signal-callers in the Big 12 last season, is critical for the Tigers chances to contend in the SEC East this season. 

Record-Setting Day on Social Media for SEC

In case any Missouri fans were wondering about the differences between the Big 12 and the SEC, the unprecedented hype surrounding SEC Media Days led to a record in SEC-related tweets on Tuesday, according to Eric Crawford.

"

#SEC announces a record 14,321 tweeting the same things simultaneously from SEC football media days.

— Eric Crawford (@ericcrawford) July 17, 2012"

It will be curious to monitor how Pinkel handles the army of media when he takes the podium in a little less than two hours. 

Tigers Players and Coach Pinkel's Media Days Schedule

A trio of Tigers—wide receiver T.J. Moe, defensive back E.J. Gaines and offensive lineman Elvis Fisher—plus coach Gary Pinkel are scheduled to take the podium at 4:30 EST, according to the Columbia Missourian.

"

Watch SEC Media Days live. Three Missouri football players and coach Gary Pinkel will be on at 4:30 p.m. bit.ly/MFE4Am

— Columbia Missourian (@CoMissourian) July 17, 2012"

Fisher will be first up, followed by Moe, Pinkel and Gaines to end the Tigers’ first go-around at SEC Media Days. 

Spurrier Thinks Tigers Have a Shot in SEC East

One of the best things about SEC Media Days is that you never know what South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier will say. 

One of his first comments was on newcomers Texas A&M and Missouri, and their immediate chances to win in the SEC, via B/R's own Barrett Sallee.

"

Spurrier: "It wouldn't surprise me if [A&M and Mizzou] are in the hunt to win the division."

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

One can only guess if Spurrier, who has been never been a stranger to controversial quotes, was being genuine.

Pressure to for Pinkel to Win Is Much Greater in the SEC

The pressure to win in the SEC is considerably higher than it was in the Big 12, something that Matt Hayes of The Sporting News said would have left Pinkel unemployed after his first four years in Columbia.

"

If #Missouri were in #SEC decade ago, Gary Pinkel would've been fired after his 4th season. 10 non-negotiable truths: bit.ly/MA9p7z

— Matt Hayes(@Matt_HayesSN) July 16, 2012"

How will Tigers' fans respond in things go south in a hurry?

Early Reaction on How the Tigers Will Fare

Paul Finebaum, arguably the most influential media member in the SEC, doesn't think too highly of the Tigers' chances to succeed in the SEC.

"

Paul Finebaum on College Football Live about Missouri and Texas A&M joining SEC - "They're just gonna get stomped on."

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 16, 2012"

Although some others feel that the Tigers could be a surprise team in the Eastern Division this year.