Q & A
with Jonathan
Q: “When is Mississippi State coach Jackie
Sherrill going to figure out that QB Wayne Madkin has lost his touch? Do we have to
lose the rest of the season?”
A:Jackie Sherrill has stuck by his 5th-year QB
ever since he has been at MSU. But, the season Madkin is struggling, along with his 2-6
Bulldogs. Although all of the blame does not fall on Madkin, he is responsible for a big
part of his team’s lack of success. The offense has not scored a touchdown on any of the
last 12 drives in which he has been QB. After backup Kevin Fant (So.) came in and
scored 17 points and the win for Miss. State against Kentucky, many thought that finally
Kevin would get his first start. Not so, coach Jackie Sherrill proved. Wayne started the
next week against Alabama, completing 2 of 8 for 8 yards with an interception. He was
lifted at the end of the 2nd quarter, just before halftime. Fant promptly drove the Dog
offense down the field for a TD. Now, heading into the final three games of the season,
fans are again wondering what Jackie will do. What more can Kevin Fant do to prove that
he is the man for the job? Jackie is too loyal, and Madkin will no doubt see playing time
throughout the rest of the season. With games remaining at Arkansas, vs Mississippi, and
vs BYU, the Dogs will have to play very well to win. If they want to win, Fant will play.
If Jackie continues his past and continues to be loyal to Madkin, the Dogs will not win
more than 1 more game as Madkin continues to see playing time. State cannot afford to
spot any of the remaining three teams 10 points, as they did against KY and Bama.
Q: “How do you think the SEC West is
shaping up for this basketball season, and which teams will make it to the Big
Dance?”
A:As usual, the SEC West is wide open for
anyone to win. If you look at each and every team, there’s really a chance that any of the
six could win the wild, wild West.
Alabama lost forward Gerald Wallace to the NBA draft, but
they do return Rod Grizzard and Erwin Dudley, two players who, in my opinion, may be
overrated. Auburn was shocked earlier this year when guard Jamison Brewer
decided to declare for the NBA draft. The suspension of a couple other basketball Tigers
does not help either. Coach Cliff Ellis usually finds a way to win, though.
Arkansas is always a contender in SEC basketball. Although they lost Joe
Johnson, an All-American, to the NBA, Jannero Pargo should step up for the Hogs. He
played really well as the season went on in 2000-2001. LSU is probably the least
likely team to win the West. They will win some games, but don’t look for them in the
top 3 in the West. Mississippi is coming off probably its best year ever. The loss
of senior Rahim Lockhart will hurt the Rebels until they find a replacement. If head coach
Rod Barnes finds a few other players to compliment PG Jason Harrison and F Justin Reed,
the Rebels could be in the NCAAs again. Mississippi State is probably the team
in the West with the most potential to be a success. And for coach Rick Stansbury, they
better play well this season. Mario Austin (So.), Michael Ignerski (Jr.), and Derrick
Zimmerman (Jr.) are just a few of the young, talented players the Bulldogs have. If they
come together, the Dogs could return to the NCAA Tournament again for the first time
since 1996.
The West is up for grabs, and you could make a case for any team
winning the division. But, looking at it right now, this is how I would project the SEC
West finishing up (with the probability of each team making it to the NCAA’s, 1-10, 10
being a sure bet for March Madness:
1) Arkansas (8)
2) Mississippi (7)
3) Alabama (5)
4) Mississippi State (5)
5) Auburn (4)
6) LSU (2)
Q: “I have a recruiting question about Derek
Morris. Any news about who he'll commit to? I'd like to think he'd go with Auburn after
our wins...but last I checked, we're not even in his top 6! Oh well.”
A:Morris is an OL from Huntersville, NC
(North Mecklenberg HS). He truly is a monster, weighing 315 lbs. and standing 6’6”.
According to FansOnly, he is one of Bill Hodge’s top 150 prospects in the nation and is
rated a Super Prospect. He has not committed to anyone yet, but as you said, Auburn is
not at the top of his list. However, it appears that the Tigers should win the SEC West,
and with the success they have had the past few seasons, the quality and quantity of
Tommy Tuberville’s recruits will only improve.
Do you have a question for Jonathan? Send it here!