CFB

AP Sports WriterSEC faces strong challenges as college football's top dogBy JOHN ZENORHOOVER, Ala. (AP) When LSU's Ed Orgeron matter of factly declared the SEC as ''the best conference in the United States,'' he was mostly preaching to the choir in the league's backyard.But the Southeastern Conference's once-undisputed...

The Latest: Mullen's latest budding QB is Nick FitzgeraldHOOVER, Ala. (AP) The Latest on SEC media days (all times local):1:45 p.m.Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen has developed a reputation as a quarterback whisperer during his coaching career.The veteran coach has helped produce several star QBs as an assistant...

The Latest: Mason says Vandy 'in midst of a renaissance'HOOVER, Ala. (AP) The Latest on SEC media days (all times local):11:55 p.m.Derek Mason believes Vanderbilt is on the rise and wants people to come see for themselves.Mason was his own best promoter Tuesday at Southeastern Conference media days,...

The Latest: Kirby says return of Chubb, Michel big boostHOOVER, Ala. (AP) The Latest on SEC media days (all times local):11:50 a.m.Georgia is the rare team that returns a pair of talented, experienced running backs.Senior running backs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel combined for nearly 2,000 yards for...

STATS Senior Editor=For Western Carolina recruit Cam Brown, amputation just an obstacleBy BRETT HUSTON(STATS) - The Superman tattoo came first. It wasn't until a few weeks later that Cam Brown found himself fighting for his own life.Running away from anything isn't a familiar concept for Brown, who spent four...

SEC East, division champ Gators take stage at media daysHOOVER, Ala. (AP) The Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division will take center stage on Tuesday at the league's annual media gathering.Florida, Georgia, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State are the four teams making the trek to SEC media days. The Gators are...

STATS Writer=Taylor looks to lead Western Illinois' new-look defenseBy TAYLOR BECHTOLD(STATS) - Brett Taylor has received plenty of accolades for his on-field work delivering blows to oncoming blockers, chasing down opposing ball carriers and prying away turnovers.The Western Illinois inside linebacker, however, is also interested in watching and learning...

Dates of FCS preseason polls, teams(STATS) - The anticipation for college football will rise significantly this week as the conferences begin to get people talking about the 2017 season ahead.Beginning with the Southland Conference preseason team on Thursday, 12 of the 13 FCS conferences will release their preseason poll...

STATS Writer=Taylor looks to lead Western Illinois' new-look defenseBy TAYLOR BECHTOLD(STATS) - Brett Taylor has received plenty of accolades for his on-field work delivering blows to oncoming blockers, chasing down opposing ball carriers and prying away turnovers.The Western Illinois inside linebacker, however, is also interested in watching and learning...

Sankey, Orgeron highlight opening session of SEC media daysHOOVER, Ala. (AP) Opening day should be anything but boring at the Southeastern Conference's annual media gathering.Exuberant Ed Orgeron will be one of the coaches to take the podium Monday at the SEC media days in suburban Birmingham, Alabama.Commissioner Greg...

AP Sports WriterGregarious Ed Orgeron relishes second SEC chance at LSUBy DAVID BRANDTHOOVER, Ala. (AP) Ed Orgeron is still an imposing figure at a podium even at 56 years old.With his barrel chest and booming, gravelly voice, LSU's new football coach was the star attraction on Monday at...

The Latest: Orgeron says head coach at LSU must beat 'BamaHOOVER, Ala. (AP) The Latest on SEC media days (all times local):3:25 p.m.LSU coach Ed Orgeron knows beating Alabama is a priority for him, and every other coach that has been at the helm in Baton Rouge.The...