Sports columnist Scott Rabalais with his three takes from Day 3 of SEC media days in Tampa, Florida:
1. IMPOSSIBLE TASK
Most schools would be ecstatic to win 11 games, play in the SEC championship game and reach the College Football Playoff. Most schools aren’t Alabama. The Crimson Tide has gone a semi-tepid 20-8 under Kalen DeBoer, who was asked if he will be judged by whether he wins a national championship like Nick Saban did. Six times. “I’m not focused on that,” DeBoer said. That’s OK, Kalen. Everyone else is. Bama plays at LSU on Nov. 7.
2. FILLING THE VOID
Texas A&M began this past season 11-0 before ending with a 27-17 loss to bitter rival Texas, keeping the Aggies out of the SEC title game and likely costing them a CFP bye. That was followed by an offensively inert 10-3 CFP loss at home to Miami. Asked about keeping his team hungry, A&M coach Mike Elko succinctly said: “I show them our trophy case, and it’s empty.” The Aggies return to Tiger Stadium on Sept. 26.
3. LEGEND IN HIS OWN MIND
Saban’s dog once came down an elevator at media days to find him. Phillip Fulmer got served with a subpoena. Now a fan/self-styled media star has been ejected. On Tuesday, Gary “Legend” Wilson, a frequent ranter on the “Paul Finebaum Show,” got tossed from the Tampa Marriott Water Street where media days is being held. He wasn’t credentialed but threatened to sue the SEC. Save it for the next rant, Gary.