The second day of SEC Media Days has come to a close and all I can tell you is that it is a marathon, not a sprint.

It started bright and early as Ryan Fowler (of The Game) and I pulled into the parking lot at the Birmingham Galleria at 8:15 and now as I write this in the 6pm hour we are still here delivering our broadcast from the Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel recapping the day’s events.

By far, this was the most action packed day as 5 teams made their way through the hotel. I started the day with a bag of potato chips and coffee and am ending with the same entrée, but boy was there a lot that went on in between those bags.

1. Johnny Manziel is not going away: I walked away from Day 2 impressed with the Heisman Trophy winner. As promised he owned up to his shortcomings, accepting responsibility for his departure from the Manning Passing Academy, never wavering from the story throughout the morning. He came across calm and cool through each room. Manziel Mania is only beginning, but what is surprising is how his teammates seemingly don’t mind it. Offensive Lineman Jake Mathews said he’s a guy the team “wants to follow”

2. Texas A&M has circled September 14th too Toney Hurd Jr told me they were taking things one game at a time and they were focused on Rice. Jake Mathews, however, told another story. “Its definitely one we have circled (after) beating them last year.” While the game will be a marquee matchup of the college football season, it will be important for each of these two teams to make it there unscathed by not overlooking a prior opponent(s).

3. The culture has changed in Starkville, MS I think Quarterback Tyler Russell may have said it best, 8-5 and going to a bowl game is no longer good enough anymore. However the next step will be for the Bulldogs to stay strong after adversity. Last season Mississippi State came into the Alabama game with a 7-0 record, lost the contest and seemingly their season. This year if they want to take that next step, they’ll have to be able to take their hits, but get right back up. Regardless, Dan Mullen has drastically changed the culture.

4. Don’t Sleep on Tennessee I am not sure how much success the Volunteers will have this season, but long term, I think they’re going to be ok. Much like Dan Mullen at Mississippi State, Butch Jones has an ability to get his team to buy in. This was evident as Defensive Lineman Jaques Smith held a confident smile as he handled each and every question. “I really wish I had three more years with him, but I only have one left, and I can’t wait to play it” he said. Butch Jones may not have the personnel he needs just yet, but it’s obvious it will only be a matter of time.

5. Mark Stoops in for a tough road Kentucky is not an easy job by any stretch of the imagination, but I think if anyone can do it, Mark Stoops can. First off Kentucky doesn’t have the strongest depth chart or recruiting base at the moment, but Stoops has a plan in place. He’s stated that he plans to move into the state of Ohio for talent and has been very open with recruits about the opportunity in Lexington. Its going to take some time, but I think he can make the Wildcats respectable again

6. Gus Malzhan has fired the first shot The first year coach at Auburn University was asked about the criticism of up tempo offenses and was quick to fire back that he though it was a joke when he heard the complaints. One of the coaches pointing out the safety risks? Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who speaks tomorrow morning. Get ready

7. Bret Bielema gets it: The new Arkansas coach preached toughness and running the football when he checked into the radio room. I am not sure if he has the personnel he needs at this point, but give him a few years and the Razorbacks will have transitioned from the spread to a blue collar style of play. I was really impressed with his attitude and how he addressed his pasts criticisms of the Southeastern Conference.
Day 3 will be the grand finale of the three day event: LSU, Georgia, Alabama and Vanderbilt will make their way through the Hyatt Regency Wynfrey. We’ll have it all for you on twitter.com/991wdgm and 991wdgm.com

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