Well, shut my mouth

Reason No. 1 why Alabama's Mike Shula might be the league's Coach of the Year this season: He lets his coaches coach, such as turning over the defense totally to veteran coordinator Joe Kines, whose unit last year ranked second nationally in total defense. This year, 'Bama limited Florida and Tennessee to a field goal each, and the Tide's five SEC opponents have averaged 8.6 points. This week, Alabama is first in the SEC and fourth in the NCAA in total defense (255.4 yards allowed) and first in the SEC and third in the NCAA in scoring defense (10.1 points allowed). "My defensive philosophy here is just to listen to Joe Kines," Shula said. "I know what's going into the game plan and know what we're doing. I ask about every call and just try to stay informed. If anything, communication-wise, I can help out or almost kind of be a cheerleader on the sideline for those guys."

All for one ...

After four straight losses, Mississippi State is 2-5 and on the verge of a fifth losing season. It's particularly tough on seniors like center Chris McNeil, who hasn't played on a winning team since high school. But McNeil insists the Bulldogs will stick together to the end. "It doesn't matter what we go through, this team's never going to fall apart," McNeil said. . .Last year, Auburn placekicker John Vaughn made just two field goals longer than 40 yards. In Saturday's 20-17 overtime loss at LSU, Vaughn missed field goals of 54, 49, 41, 39 and 37 yards, including one at the end of regulation that would have won it, and another in overtime that would have forced another period. His failure brought out the worst in fans, who filled his phone mail with nasty messages. Someone even screamed a profanity at him on Sunday as they drove past Auburn's practice field. Lost in the aftermath of Auburn's loss was the fact tailback Kenny Irons rushed for 218 yards on 27 carries against LSU. Irons, who gained 182 yards against Arkansas a week earlier, became the fourth running back in Auburn history to gain 400 yards rushing in a two-game stretch. ... Skyler Green's punt return for a touchdown against Auburn was the ninth method LSU has used to score a touchdown this season. There are only 10 ways. LSU lacks only a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Find me a flamethrower

Arkansas's open date this week means an audition at quarterback. Redshirt sophomore QB Robert Johnson made his seventh start of the season in Saturday's 23-20 loss at Georgia and completed 11-of-19 passes for 116 yards. Eight completions were short flips to running backs, and just one was to wide receiver Marcus Monk. "We have a lot of good receivers out there to throw to, and it leaves them out to dry if we don't do something about it," fullback Peyton Hillis said. Johnson, redshirt freshman quarterback Alex Mortensen and true freshmen Casey Dick and Cole Barthel will get plenty of practice reps. ... Ole Miss's offense won't ever be mistaken for being dynamic this season, but the Rebels made a baby step forward against Kentucky when they had no turnovers and one penalty.