SEC West: Alley or no Alley

Running back Alley Broussard, who led the team in rushing two years ago and who has had two knee surgeries to repair a torn ACL, vowed he’ll play against the Ragin’ Cajuns. Since Broussard has been barred from interviews with the media, he made this comment to media on his way to practice on Monday.

Then, there’s LSU coach Les Miles, who apparently is torn on whether he should give Broussard some snaps or not.

"Alley Broussard is still coming," Miles said. "He could take some carries in this game."

Then Miles backtracked and said, "I wouldn’t be surprised if he took none."

Auburn Gets Physical: Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville understands the difference between winning and losing close games is often physically wearing down an opponent. That’s why his preseason practices have been brutal in preparation for Saturday’s opener against Washington State. He just doesn’t want to beat teams. He wants to beat them up.

"We noticed that some of our problems (during last year’s 9-3 season) came in tough games, and if we were going to have an opportunity to have success, we had to get back to being physical," Tuberville said. "We’ve done that, but by doing that, we’ve gotten people hurt. I want people to know we’ve gotten people beaten up."

Lack Of Sizzle In Tuscaloosa: Don’t expect Alabama’s offense to be any more dynamic than it was last year, when it ranked eighth in the conference in scoring, averaging 21.9 points per game.

Ask Tide offensive coordinator Dave Rader about ’Bama’s conservative game plans, he gets touchy and starts reciting ‘Bama history of loving the run first, then the pass.

‘‘It seems to me it started with a guy named Wallace Wade ... and Frank Thomas," Rader said. ‘‘Oh, and who was that guy before Ray Perkins? Somebody named Bryant? It seems like I remember him running the ball an awful lot, too. The point is, that’s Alabama football."

True Freshman At Ole Miss: Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron is so confident about his recruiting classes that he may start several true freshman on Sunday against Memphis.

Marshay Green, a nonqualifier last year who was able to enroll and practice in the spring, will start at receiver. Marcus Tillman, a Parade All-American, has stepped up at defensive end. Offensive guard John Jerry just earned a starting spot and has amazed Rebels’ coaches with his athleticism despite being 6-5, 350.

Been There, Done That: The reason Arkansas feels it has a legitimate shot at upsetting No. 6 Southern Cal in Saturday’s opener in Fayetteville is this : Ten of the Hogs’ starters on defense against the Trojans will be seniors or juniors. Nine of those players have started. ... Don’t try figuring out who will start on Mississippi State’s offensive line tonight against South Carolina. It seems like it changes day-to-day, hour-to-hour. The only certainty on the O-line is that senior Brian Anderson can play all five spots. The problem is he can’t play them all at once. State coach Sylvester Croom said he has enjoyed the O-line competition.