SEC Media Days: Recap of Day Three

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Jacob Bunn

Friday was the final day of the 2011 SEC Media Days. It was a highly anticipated event because representatives from Alabama and LSU, both of which are in many prognosticators’ top five, were scheduled to appear.

The day was kicked off by Alabama coach Nick Saban making his appearance. During the most intensely covered media conference of the week, Saban said that his team did not need to buy into any hype that national publications may heap on them. He also said that the team had endured a challenging offseason but responded to external adversity well. He said that Alabama fans should act in a class manner and that the animosity between Alabama and Auburn should not be personal.

Vanderbilt coach James Franklin spoke next to the group of reporters. He exuded a positive outlook for the 2011 season, and he called on the Commodore faithful to be united behind the team as it enters a new era.

Houston Nutt spoke confidently about his team’s resolve to make it to Atlanta. He said that it will be difficult from the opening whistle for them because they begin the season with BYU. Nutt said that he does not believe Mississippi State has taken over the state of Mississippi because his program continues to dominate in recruiting.

I could not have thought of a better way to conclude the 2011 edition of SEC Media Days than with LSU coach Les Miles, who is always a crowd favorite. Miles said that his team is focused but not looking ahead because the Tigers play six games away from Tiger Stadium. He joked that he would be able to taste the turf in Arlington when LSU travels to play Oregon to begin the year. He also declined a comment on the ongoing investigation into LSU’s involvement with Willie Lyles.

The incredible event of SEC Media Days is now over. Now that that is behind us, we can look forward to actual play on the field. The 2011 season will be here soon.

Email Jacob at jacob@bunnsports.com and follow him on Twitter at @JacobBunn