Don't overlook Arkansas with Mallett at QB

It felt like I was at the SEC Media Day today. Following a number of outlets on Twitter I learned some valuable insight into the conference. But nothing was more clear than this simple fact:

SEC coaches love Tim Tebow (except one unidentified coach who didn't vote for him as the preseason SEC quarterback). Did you see new Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen wants his daughter to marry Tebow (who doesn't?).

However, the most interesting nugget I gleaned from this annual slap on the back for being the greatest conference in college football was the status of Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett.

Mallett, who sat out last season after transferring from Michigan and Rich Rodriguez' spread offense, has impressed many folks with his arm strength. He's a big dude at 6-foot-6, 240-pounds, and Razorback fans are hoping he has broad shoulders as he tries to lift Arkansas up from a down 5-7 season.

According to a quote in the Orlando Sentinel, Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams said, "He has the strongest arm in college football. I'd have to take my gloves off because he ripped off the sticky stuff."

Put Mallett's unquestionable talent with coach Bobby Petrino's knack for devising tough-to-stop offensive schemes could mean a breakout season for the quarterback.

It also means one more talented SEC team, and a dangerous game for anyone in the conference.

More summer filler

The Orlando Sentinel recently completed a look at the top teams from the past decade--just more summer filler for the sports section.

While I agree their choice of No. 1 (2001 Miami Hurricanes) is a solid selection, I was shocked to see the Florida Gators with Mr. Wonderful not ranked higher. The 2008 Gators were picked sixth.

I guess the one loss to Ole Miss kept the Gators out of the top spot. Even so, I'd definitely pick the 2008 Gators ahead of the 2000 Oklahoma Sooners (No. 5) and 2002 Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 4).

It is interesting to note that the SEC teams were dissed a bit as they occupied the final four spots in the rankings with 2007 LSU Tigers in ninth, 2003 Tigers at eighth and the Chris Leak-led Gators of 2006 at No. 7.

While I like the Hurricanes in the top spot I probably wouldn't put them there. I would actually put the Canes at No. 3, then the 2005 Texas Longhorns in second and crown the 2004 USC Trojans as the best of the decade.

Those three teams are a toss up as it would be easy to go with Vince Young and the Longhorns, who knocked off USC in one of the most exciting BCS title games ever. But there was just something unbeatable about Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and Pete Carroll in 2004, especially when you consider the 2003 USC was co-champs and much more talented than LSU that season.

Guess it really doesn't matter. I'm just trying to fill some blog space on a Friday night.