1. Here’s a hot one for you — Does the SEC prove that socialism works?
2. Alabama and LSU have had the best home record in SEC football the last five years (while Ole Miss and Vandy have had the worst). Anyone surprised?
3. Writing for the SEC’s official site, Ron Higgins says the SEC is all about “persistent, consistent pursuit of excellence, accelerated by being surrounded by brothers and sisters always pushing to make you better.”
4. Here’s more on the SEC’s decision to start studying concussions in college athletics.
5. Auburn defensive end Corey Lemonier still figures to be an important man in Brian VanGorder’s new defense.
6. Bluff called. Syracuse is contractually obligated to play at Arkansas in the SEC/Big East Challenge after all.
7. LSU’s assistant strength and conditioning coach is headed to Wyoming as the Cowboys’ new D-line coach.
8. Dan Mullen will have to lean on the arm of quarterback Tyler Russell this fall.
9. Injuries or not, it looked like Zach Stoudt was going to be the odd man out in Ole Miss’ quarterback competition.
10. There’s nothing obvious about Texas A&M tailback Christine Michael’s role in Kevin Sumlin’s new offense.
11. Georgia cornerback Branden Smith entered a pre-trial diversion program due to a spring break arrest for possession of marijuana. (Deal or not, the UGA corner will likely be suspended for 10% of the season under school policy.)
12. Garry Parrish of CBSSports.com says Kentucky’s still the SEC favorite… even after a mass NBA exodus.
13. Missouri hoops assistant Ernie Nestor is leaving Columbia to join Navy’s staff.
14. In the answer to Question #1 in his SI.com mailbag, Stewart Mandel provides the simplest and best explanation for why a new playoff should include the four highest-ranked teams.
