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Home , Bowl Alliance, Bryan Harsin, Clark Lea, Conference USA, Flag of Mississippi, Greg Sankey

2021 SEC FOOTBALL SCHEDULE (As of May 14 - Tentative and Subject to Change)

Date Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Team NEW MEXICO MERCER FLORIDA SOUTHERN MISS OLE MISS A&M LSU AUBURN STATE STATE Tuscaloosa Gainesville Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa College Station Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Auburn Starkville Tuscaloosa MISSISSIPPI RICE TEXAS TEXAS A&M GEORGIA OLE MISS AUBURN PINE BLUFF LSU ALABAMA ARKANSAS SOUTHERN STATE Fayetteville Fayetteville Fayetteville Arlington Athens Oxford Fayetteville Little Rock Baton Rouge Tuscaloosa Fayetteville Fayetteville (Nov. 26) ALABAMA GEORGIA MISSISSIPPI SOUTH AKRON PENN STATE LSU GEORGIA ARKANSAS OLE MISS TEXAS A&M ALABAMA AUBURN STATE STATE STATE CAROLINA Park Baton Rouge Auburn Fayetteville Auburn College Station Auburn Auburn Auburn Auburn Columbia FLORIDA SOUTH SOUTH FLORIDA ALABAMA TENNESSEE KENTUCKY VANDERBILT LSU GEORGIA SAMFORD MISSOURI FLORIDA ATLANTIC FLORIDA CAROLINA STATE Gainesville Gainesville Lexington Gainesville Baton Rouge Jacksonville Gainesville Columbia Gainesville Tampa Columbia Gainesville SOUTH CHARLESTON GEORGIA CLEMSON UAB VANDERBILT ARKANSAS AUBURN KENTUCKY FLORIDA MISSOURI TENNESSEE GEORGIA CAROLINA SOUTHERN Charlotte Athens Nashville Athens Auburn Athens Jacksonville Athens Knoxville Athens Athens Atlanta - SOUTH MISSISSIPPI NEW MEXICO MISSOURI CHATTANOOGA FLORIDA LSU GEORGIA TENNESSEE VANDERBILT LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY MONROE CAROLINA STATE STATE Lexington Lexington Lexington Lexington Athens Lexington Nashville Louisville Lexington Columbia Starkville Lexington MCNEESE CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI LOUISIANA- UCLA AUBURN KENTUCKY FLORIDA OLE MISS ALABAMA ARKANSAS TEXAS A&M LSU STATE MICHIGAN STATE MONROE Pasadena Baton Rouge Lexington Baton Rouge Oxford Tuscaloosa Baton Rouge Baton Rouge Baton Rouge Baton Rouge Starkville Baton Rouge MISSISSIPPI LOUISVILLE AUSTIN PEAY TULANE ALABAMA ARKANSAS TENNESSEE LSU AUBURN LIBERTY TEXAS A&M VANDERBILT OLE MISS STATE Atlanta (Sept. 6) Oxford Oxford Tuscaloosa Oxford Knoxville Oxford Auburn Oxford Oxford Oxford Starkville (Nov. 25) LOUISIANA TENNESSEE MISSISSIPPI NC STATE MEMPHIS LSU TEXAS A&M ALABAMA VANDERBILT KENTUCKY ARKANSAS AUBURN OLE MISS TECH STATE STATE Starkville Memphis Starkville College Station Starkville Nashville Starkville Fayetteville Auburn Starkville (Nov. 25) Starkville Starkville CENTRAL SOUTHEAST BOSTON SOUTH ARKANSAS KENTUCKY TENNESSEE TEXAS A&M VANDERBILT GEORGIA FLORIDA MISSOURI MICHIGAN MISSOURI COLLEGE CAROLINA Fayetteville Lexington Columbia Columbia Columbia Nashville Athens Columbia Columbia Columbia Chestnut Hill Columbia, Mo. (Nov. 26) EASTERN EAST SOUTH GEORGIA KENTUCKY TROY TENNESSEE VANDERBILT TEXAS A&M FLORIDA MISSOURI AUBURN CLEMSON ILLINOIS CAROLINA Athens Columbia Columbia Knoxville Columbia College Station Columbia Columbia, Mo. Columbia Columbia CAROLINA Columbia Greenville BOWLING TENNESSEE SOUTH SOUTH PITT FLORIDA MISSOURI OLE MISS ALABAMA KENTUCKY GEORGIA VANDERBILT TENNESSEE GREEN TECH CAROLINA ALABAMA Knoxville Gainesville Columbia Knoxville Tuscaloosa Lexington Knoxville Knoxville Knoxville (Sept. 2) Knoxville Knoxville Knoxville MISSISSIPPI SOUTH KENT STATE NEW MEXICO ARKANSAS ALABAMA MISSOURI AUBURN OLE MISS PRAIRIE VIEW LSU TEXAS A&M STATE CAROLINA College Station Denver College Station Arlington College Station Columbia College Station Oxford College Station Baton Rouge College Station College Station EAST COLORADO SOUTH MISSISSIPPI STANFORD GEORGIA UCONN FLORIDA MISSOURI KENTUCKY OLE MISS TENNESSEE VANDERBILT TENNESSEE STATE CAROLINA STATE Nashville Nashville Nashville Gainesville Nashville Nashville Oxford Knoxville Nashville Colorado Springs Columbia Nashville

2021 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME • DECEMBER 4 • MERCEDES-BENZ • ATLANTA, GA KENTUCKY THROUGH THE YEARS It Just Means More ...... 2-8 Coach /2021 Schedule . . . . 68 National/Undefeated Teams/All-Time SEC All-Time National Champions . . . . 9 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 69 Standings/Streaks/Consecutive Wins . 111 Commissioner . . . . . 10-12 Alphabetical Roster ...... 70 Record vs . Other Conferences/ SEC Staff ...... 13 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 71 Non-Conference Record . . . . . 112-114 SECU Academic Initiatives ...... 14 LSU All-Time Champions ...... 115 SEC Headquarters ...... 15 Year-By-Year Standings ...... 116-124 Coach /2021 Schedule . . . . 72 SEC Milestones ...... 16-18 National Statistical Champions . . . 125-126 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 73 Primary SEC Football Contacts . . . . . 19 Year-By-Year Statistical Leaders . . . 126-133 Alphabetical Roster ...... 74 SEC Official Sponsor/Licensing Program . 20 SEC in National Attendance Leaders 134-135 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 75 Media Services ...... 21 Conference Attendance Leaders . . . 137-139 OLE MISS Instant ...... 22-23 RECORD BOOK SEC NETWORK Coach /2021 Schedule . . . . . 76 Individual Records ...... 140-159 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 77 SEC Network ...... 24-25 Team Records ...... 160-169 Alphabetical Roster ...... 78 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME Overtime Records ...... 170-171 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 79 3,000-Yard Club ...... 172 2021 SEC Championship Game . . . . . 26 MISSISSIPPI STATE Longest Plays ...... 173-174 2020 SEC Championship Game . . . . 27-28 Coach Mike Leach/2021 Schedule . . . . 80 HONORS SEC Championship Game History . . . 29-37 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 81 SEC Championship Game Records . . 38-40 SEC in the NFL Draft ...... 175-176 Alphabetical Roster ...... 82 BOWLS Hall of Fame Members ...... 177 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 83 SEC National Award Winners ...... 178 SEC Bowl Success ...... 41 MISSOURI SEC All-Americans ...... 179-184 SEC Bowl Agreements ...... 42 Academic Honor Roll ...... 185-186 This is SEC Football ...... 43 Coach /2021 Schedule . . 84 Academic All-America ...... 187-188 SEC Bowl Selection Process ...... 44 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 85 AFCA Honors ...... 189 Playoff ...... 45-46 Alphabetical Roster ...... 86 Individual SEC Awards ...... 190-191 2021-22 Bowl Schedule ...... 47 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 87 Coaches All-SEC Teams ...... 192-197 ALABAMA All-Freshman Teams ...... 198-200 Coach /2021 Schedule . . . 88 Coach /2021 Schedule . . . . . 48 All-Time SEC Players of the Week . . 201-215 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 89 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 49 COACHES Alphabetical Roster ...... 50 Alphabetical Roster ...... 90 All-Time Coaching Records . . . . 216-218 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 51 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 91 Coach of the Year ...... 219 ARKANSAS TENNESSEE Winningest SEC Coaches ...... 220-221 Coach /2021 Schedule . . . . 92 Coach Sam Pittman/2021 Schedule . . . . 52 BOWLS & POLLS Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 53 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 93 Year-by-Year in Bowl Games . . . . 222-224 Alphabetical Roster ...... 54 Alphabetical Roster ...... 94 Bowl Games of SEC Members . . . . 225-227 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 55 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 95 SEC Bowl Records ...... 228-230 AUBURN TEXAS A&M All-Time AP Poll ...... 231-232 Coach /2021 Schedule . . . 56 Coach /2021 Schedule . . . . 96 SEC Teams Ranked No . 1 ...... 233-234 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 57 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 97 UPI Rankings ...... 234-235 Alphabetical Roster ...... 58 Alphabetical Roster ...... 98 USA Today Coaches Rankings . . . . . 236 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 59 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 99 FLORIDA VANDERBILT Coach /2021 Schedule . . . . 60 Coach /2021 Schedule ...... 100 CREDITS Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 61 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 101 Editor Alphabetical Roster ...... 62 Alphabetical Roster ...... 102 Ben Beaty Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 63 Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 103 SEC Secondary Football Contact GEORGIA 2020 IN REVIEW Special Assistance Chuck Dunlap Coach /2021 Schedule . . . . 64 Standings/Recap ...... 104 Quick Facts/Stadium/2020 Results . . . . 65 Team & Individual Statistics . . . . 105-110 Printing Alphabetical Roster ...... 66 Walker360 Publishing, Montgomery, Ala. Year-By-Year Record/Bowls ...... 67 Layout and Cover Design Walker360; BC Romano, SEC

11 A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER

The events of 2020 posed a series of complex, unprec- While the pandemic had a devastating effect on the finances edented challenges for the entire world. However, the of college athletics programs across the country, the SEC Southeastern Conference and its 14 members were some kept focus on the long-term financial vitality of the league. of the unquestioned leaders in all of sports for successfully In 2020, the SEC finalized a milestone 10-year agreement navigating issues unique to competing in a healthy environ- with the Walt Disney Company that grants ABC and ESPN ment. The league’s patient resolve, keen ability to listen to exclusive broadcast rights to premier SEC football and bas- all constituencies while blocking out waves of societal and ketball events beginning in 2024-25 and continuing through media noise and the unwavering determination to do what is 2033-34. best for the SEC and its student-athletes were put to the test throughout the year. And as is often the case with all things The expansive landmark deal, which creates significantly SEC, that test was front and center on the national stage. more scheduling flexibility for fans and schools, will estab- lish ABC as the new broadcast network home for Saturday The SEC’s leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic afternoon SEC football games, as well as selected Saturday served its student-athletes well. Thousands of student-ath- primetime football games and the annual SEC Football letes were able to participate in their lifelong passions in a Championship Game beginning in 2024. In addition, ap- healthy way. Memories were created that otherwise would proximately eight incremental marquee men’s have never come to pass. The SEC made no hasty decisions games will be featured across ABC or ESPN. that could have torpedoed the fall sports season early. Under the constant spotlight on the SEC, the conference fostered Perhaps the most significant agreement in 2020 the confer- a culture of extreme collaboration among the leaders of ence continued to make good on was the commitment to the league in order to allow the SEC’s 14 schools to move providing equal opportunities to historically underrepre- together in lockstep through adversity, difficult decisions and sented individuals. The league office understands the tre- unrelenting social pressures. mendous cultural influence the SEC has in its region of the country. And that influence was leveraged on a multitude of The SEC established a new start date to the 2020 season and cultural and societal frontiers last year, including focusing re-engineered its football schedule to become the example on the need to once and for all remove Confederate imagery of how to successfully operate – and still celebrate athletic from the of Mississippi. achievement – during a global crisis. The SEC’s widely popular slogan “It Just Means More” has While football garnered the most attention, the SEC also struck a cultural nerve for the Conference for the past six conducted fall championships in soccer and cross country. years. But after 2020, it can certainly also be applied to the The conference also safely participated in , and effective and impactful leadership of the 14 universities of men’s and women’s , providing the highest level of ama- the Southeastern Conference. teur competition to student-athletes who otherwise would have been sidelined in the fall, then continued through the winter and spring with a full slate of sports and champion- ship events.

2 LEADERSHIP IN A PANDEMIC ENVIRONMENT

No circumstance proved the SEC’s leadership abilities more would shut down, the SEC persevered and forged forward with than the early uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. steady conversations with colleagues and outside authorities. Through uncertain times, the SEC maintained a unified confer- ence and provided the steady, sure-handed guidance necessary to Shortly after the SEC Soccer Championship in November, Com- bring sports back not just for the SEC but for all of college sports. missioner Greg Sankey summed up the efforts of SEC leaders While others in the sports world struggled to find solid footing, proudly. ‘There’s actually very few conferences...that have played a SEC’s leadership across the league moved together throughout the postseason tournament in a in this COVID era, and we did process in making Conference-wide decisions. that in women’s soccer. All 14 teams over 10 days, staying in dif- ferent hotels. We stayed healthy, named a champion. And when SEC member schools, as has long been the hallmark of the con- you think about the domino effect there, Sarah Fuller’s around, ference, made decisions for the good of the league rather than for comes up here, kicks off and then kicks extra points in the Ten- the benefit of individual institutions. nessee game and is involved in the presidential inauguration. So we know by trying there can be great stories.” As an example, the SEC played an incredible 69 of its 71 sched- uled football games in 2020. That was only possible because the SEC moved a remarkable 15 football games during the course of the season, something that could not have hap- A 3-day chain of events illustrate the SEC’s resolve: pened if school leaders had not been willing to make adjust- ments and changes in their schedules that did not necessarily Aug. 9 – After weeks of hand-wringing among Power 5 benefit them individually. They all bought in to the league’s football leaders, a tweet from a prominent national writer direction that it was for the good of the Conference to play as said: “According to sources, attempts to salvage the fall 2020 many games as possible. college football season are all but over.” Medical Task Force guided SEC preparation for return to athlet- Aug. 10 – Amidst wide speculation the college football ics activity season would be canceled, Greg Sankey tweeted: “Best A centerpiece of the SEC’s plan to create a healthy return to sports advice I’ve received since COVID-19: be patient. Take time was the establishment of the SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical when making decisions. This is all new and you’ll gain better Guidance Task Force. Comprised of medical professionals rep- information each day. @SEC has been deliberate at each step resenting the 14 universities of the Southeastern Conference, the since March...slowed return to practice...delayed 1st game Task Force continues to guide the SEC for membership decisions to respect start of fall semester...developed testing proto- related to the return of athletics activities, including team gather- cols...we know concerns remain. We have never had a FB ings, practices, conditioning and competition. season in a COVID-19 environment. Can we play? I don’t

know. We haven’t stopped trying. We support, educate and The SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force care for student-athletes every day, and will continue to do began meeting by conference in April 2020 and updates so...every day.” from these meetings continue to be provided to SEC Presidents and Chancellors and Athletics Directors at regular intervals. Aug. 11 – The Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences suspended Any policy changes related to return to athletics activity are ap- their seasons. Later that day the Commissioner issued a state- proved by the Conference membership. ment: “I remain comfortable with the thorough and deliber-

ate approach that the SEC and our 14 members are taking to The task force was responsible for identifying recommended pro- support a healthy environment for our student-athletes. We tocols and best practices for guiding the safe return to in-person will continue to further refine ourpolicies and protocols for a on-campus meetings, individual workouts, out-of-season activities safe return to sports as we monitor developments around CO- and skill instruction, and practice activities for student-athletes VID-19 in a continued effort to support, educate and care and coaches; identifying the desired amount of practice and train- for our student-athletes every day.” ing time required to safely acclimate student-athletes into compe- tition; and identifying opportunities for a return to competition, And the Conference never looked back. The SEC started including considerations for student-athletes, administrators, its season just three weeks later than originally planned with a support staff, officials and fans. revised, first time ever all-conference schedule. A Conference That Leads and Doesn’t Follow The SEC went on to play a remarkable 69 of its 71 sched- Did the SEC follow in 2020? Most certainly. Many times. The uled games, including the SEC Football Championship Game Conference followed the science. The Conference followed in Atlanta on December 19th, just two weeks after the origi- health experts. Most importantly, the Conference followed its own nally scheduled date. constitution to give sound, fact-based guidance despite enormous pressure to make hasty decisions in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. When speculation was that all of college football 3 A BLOCKBUSTER DEAL

While the pandemic had a devastating effect on the finances majority of game times in college football are set within two of college athletics programs across the country, the SEC en- weeks of kickoff. And only the early weeks of the schedule are sured that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the future of announced before the season. All other games are selected on the Conference. In 2020, the SEC finalized a milestone 10-year a 12-day notification. The lack of lead time is a frequent com- agreement that grants ABC and ESPN exclusive broadcast rights plaint from college sports fans. to premier SEC football and basketball events beginning in 2024- 25 and continuing through 2033-34. The SEC got creative when striking the blockbuster TV rights deal with The Walt Disney Company. Starting in 2024, the SEC will introduce a modernized, more fan- friendly scheduling process. Most game times will be announced before the season so fans will know how to plan.

At the same time, the schedule will still provide enough flexibility for ESPN to maximize the exposure of the SEC’s biggest and best games and react to storylines throughout the season.

The landmark deal, which represents a significantexpansion of Nuts and Bolts of the Agreement the conference’s current partnership with ESPN, will establish The agreement includes a number of significant elements that ABC as the new broadcast network home for Saturday afternoon will benefit student-athletes and fans alike: SEC football games, as well as selected Saturday primetime football games and the annual SEC Football Championship Game. • Regular SEC Football Game on ABC on Saturday After- In addition, approximately eight incremental marquee men’s noons basketball games will be featured across ABC or ESPN. • Additional football games on ABC Saturday Nights • SEC Football Championship Game on ABC “This is a significant day for the Southeastern Conference • Introduction of a modernized, more fan-friendly schedul- and for the future of our member institutions. Our agree- ing process, with many game windows solidified earlier ment with ESPN will greatly enhance our ability to support while providing flexibility to maximize the exposure of our student-athletes in the years ahead and to further enrich the Conference’s biggest games the game day experience for SEC fans around the world,” • More marquee men’s basketball games on ABC or ESPN said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey on December 10. • Additional non-conference men’s basketball games on “The broadcast industry’s intense and widespread interest in ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 securing the SEC’s First Tier rights is a direct reflection of the • Beginning with the 2021-22 season, the right to place sustained excellence achieved by our 14 member schools, a limited number of non-conference football and men’s and we are thrilled to have been able to maximize our cur- basketball games on ESPN+ that will allow schools au- rent position of strength to benefit our student-athletes, the tonomy to determine start times fans who go to our games and home viewers.” “One of our primary goals was to improve the television The SEC’s First Tier rights agreement will place all SEC media scheduling process in ways that will benefit our students, rights under The Walt Disney Company umbrella, giving the SEC coaches, alumni and fans,” said Sankey. “With all SEC events exposure on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, SEC Network now under The Walt Disney Company umbrella, we were and SEC Network+. able to craft an agreement that includes more lead time for many game time announcements, and in many ways mod- Under terms of the pact more than 1,950 SEC games will be ernizes the college football scheduling process.” carried each year across the conference’s 21 sports on ESPN networks and SEC Network. What’s more, ABC will air an SEC- “This new agreement was born from a strong foundation controlled football game each week beginning in 2024, including a which began almost 25 years ago and now reflects a shared regular late-afternoon kickoff. In addition, ESPN will have the vision of the future with the SEC, Commissioner Sankey and ability to feature marquee SEC games on ABC’s “Saturday Night their member institutions” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Football” for the firsttime. The SEC Football Championship will ESPN and Sports Content. “With all the conference’s games also air on ABC in each season. under the ESPN umbrella and adding ABC and ESPN+ to our distribution channels, ESPN will have complete scheduling Putting Student-Athletes and Fans First flexibility, resulting in maximum exposure and adding signifi- College football has embraced a longstanding scheduling quirk. cant benefits for SEC schools, student-athletes and fans.” And in 2020, the SEC took a step to disrupt that tradition for years to come. Unlike most major spectator sports, the vast 4 NOT A SHORT-TERM CONVERSATION. COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

The SEC has long understood the tremendous cultural influence that SEC Council on Racial Equity and Social Justice the conference has in its region of the country. The Southeastern Conference moved quickly to formally launch The Council on Racial Equity and Social Justice. In a public statement, the SEC threatened to withhold presti- gious championship events from the state of Mississippi until it The league-wide council includes more than 60 athletes who are removed imagery of the Confederate Battle Flag from the Missis- in the SEC’s existing student-athlete engagement program, plus sippi state flag. “It is past timefor change to be made to the flag administrative leaders from each campus and head coaches for the state of Mississippi,” Commissioner Greg Sankey said. from each sport. The Council has focused on five key areas: “Our students deserve an opportunity to learn and compete in environments that are inclusive and welcoming to all. In the 1. Increasing access and representation for underrepresented event there is no change, there will be consideration to precluding minorities Southeastern Conference championship events from being con- ducted in the state of Mississippi until the state flag is changed.” 2. Providing enhanced support for underrepresented minorities 3. Improving education on racial and social issues for all The next day, the NCAA followed the SEC’s declaration with a stakeholders similar edict, threatening to withhold NCAA events unless there was change to the flag. 4. Deepening commitments to local communities 5. Raising awareness of racial inequity and social injustice The swiftly voted to change its flag and its new -centered replacement was chosen by The Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag. It was ap- proved by state referendum on November 3, 2020.

The league went further to ensure that meaningful changes to any symbol or practice or policy – written or not – that hold back historically underrepresented individuals will keep coming.

In an interview, Sankey said, “It’s not a short-term conversa- tion. We’re not going to walk away from these conversations. We have to use these as learning moments. They have to be moments of change for all of us. The change we lead must be real and must realize that all are created equal, which in our case must echo across our stadiums, our arenas, our campuses, our communities, our states and our nation.”

SEC programming on Racial Equity and Social Justice The Conference has teamed with the SEC Network to keep the topic top-of-mind. The Network continues to feature inter- views, TV specials, and regular series with impactful content such as:

Beyond the Whiteboard A Conversation with Black Head Women’s Basketball Coaches

The Historic Change that United Mississippi Rivals A Look at the Creation of the New Flag

Black History Always 30-second vignettes on Significant Black SEC Historical Figures

Voices for Change Series Featuring SEC Student-Athletes

5 Other initiatives: lege Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program specifically to go to low resource schools in SEC communities. SEC Voter Education and Participation Program On September 3, 2020, the SEC announced its first ever voter SEC Student-Athlete Enhancement Grant and civic engagement effort. Through the SEC Voter Education The SEC added racial equity, social justice and diversity and in- and Participation Program, all 14 member universities commit- clusion to the list of permissible types of programs funded by the ted to support non-partisan engagement of SEC student-athletes, conference’s student-athlete enhancement grant facilitated through coaches and staff in the November 2020 general election and in applicable campus units. future local, state and federal elections. “Voting is an important way to fulfill one’s civic duty in America,” Sankey said.“The SEC TOGETHER It Just Means More Public Service Announcements Voter Education and Participation Program focuses on creating In conjunction with the opening weekend of football games, the an opportunity for our universities to help our student-athletes, SEC launched a series of television public service announce- coaches and staff understand and participate in the election ments with the “TOGETHER, It Just Means More” message. The process.” initial announcement was 60 seconds long and aired during every football game played on the September 26, 2020, opening day. Foundation Extra Yard for Teachers Later, the SEC launched four 30-second announcements that The SEC earmarked funds it traditionally receives from the Col- featured all sponsored sports and universities.

The SEC’s ‘Together It Just Means More’ public service announcements focused on racial equity and social justice.

6 STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT IN 2020-21

Virtual Career Tour The prestigious honor marks UK Athletics’ first NCAA For the fifth consecutive year, but this time with a differ- Woman of the Year ever. Seidt earned more All-America ent twist, the SEC conducted its successful Student-Athlete honors, NCAA Championship podium finishes, Southeastern Career Tour. The pandemic could not stop this important Conference Championship medals and All-SEC First Team student-athlete engagement initiative as it was conducted in selections than any UK swimmer or diver, man or woman, a virtual format, hosting 68 student-athletes from all 14 SEC who has come before her. Meanwhile, she maintained a 4.0 universities. cumulative grade-point average and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology with the highest honors. The program allows graduating student-athletes to con- Finalists were selected from a group of 30 Woman of the nect with human resource recruiters in various careers and Year honorees which included 10 honorees from each submit resumes for entry-level jobs and internships. The NCAA division and represented a range of sports. students also learn about interview preparation, and ways to build effective business relationships through authentic- Past NCAA Woman of the Year Winners from the SEC ity, curiosity, and social media best practices. This year, the group met with executives at several corporations in the 2020 – Asia Seidt, and , University of Atlanta area including , The Atlanta Kentucky Hawks, and Chick-fil-A. 2018 – Keturah Orji, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field, NCAA Woman of the Year – Kentucky’s Asia Seidt Kentucky swimming standout Asia Seidt was chosen as the 2008 – Nkolika Anosike, Basketball, 2020 NCAA Woman of the Year from more than 600 can- 2005 – Lauryn McCalley, Swimming and Diving, University didates with the announcement during a live virtual award of Tennessee show in November. 2001 – Kimberly Black, Swimming and Diving, University of Georgia 2000 – Kristy Kowal, Swimming and Diving, University of Georgia 1997 – Lisa Ann Cole, Swimming and Diving, University of Georgia 1992 – Catherin Byrne, Swimming and Diving, University of Tennessee

7 CFP Foundation Go Teach Tuition Recipients The College Football Playoff Foundation in partnership with Dr Pepper, partnered with the SEC to award one student- athlete who aspires to be a teacher from each SEC institu- tion $2,500 in tuition support and the chance to receive an additional $20,000 in tuition as the grand prize winner. The CFP Foundation and Dr Pepper are dedicated to grow- ing the Go Teach initiative to place qualified teachers in classrooms across the nation. National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete – Tennessee’s Brandon Kennedy • Ariyah Copeland, Alabama, Women’s Basketball, Tennessee’s Brandon Kennedy was named one of 12 finalists Education for the 2020 William V. Campbell Trophy in November by the National Football Foundation. The trophy recognizes an indi- • Alyssa Lemon, Arkansas, Swimming & Diving, vidual as the best in the country for his combined academic Childhood Education success, football performance and exemplary leadership. • Jessica Merritt, Auburn, Swimming & Diving, Elementary Education Nominees must be in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football • Theresa Swertfager, Florida, , Education ability as a first team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Final- • Jordyn Pederson, Georgia, Gymnastics, Middle ists each receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship. Education

Kennedy earned a master’s degree in agricultural leadership • Madisyn Peeples, Kentucky, Track/Cross Country, education and communications in December 2020, mark- Elementary Education ing his third degree. He earned a bachelor’s degree from • Amanda Doyle, LSU, Softball, Education Alabama in psychology in just three years, then transferred to Tennessee where he obtained a master’s degree in sports • Lindsey Johnson, Ole Miss, Softball, Elementary psychology and motor behavior in December 2019. Education

2020-21 Roy F. Kramer SEC Athletes of the Year • Broadie King, Mississippi State, Football, Elementary Alabama football athlete DeVonta Smith and Kentucky vol- Education leyball player Madison Lilley were named the 2020-2021 Roy F. Kramer SEC Male and Female Athletes of the Year by a • Karina Liz, Missouri, Track/Cross Country, Education vote of the league’s athletics directors. • Kaden Briggs, South Carolina, Track & Field, Education

Smith, the 2020 winner, led the country in • Danielle Mahaffey, Tennessee, Volleyball, Mathematics receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards. He led the Crimson Tide to a perfect 13-0 season, including a • Samantha, Siebenaller, Texas A&M, Swimming, College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship vic- Education tory over Ohio State. • Bryanna Leyen, Vanderbilt, Bowling, Education Lilley helped Kentucky capture its first NCAA volleyball national championship with 53 assists, and a career-high 19 digs vs. Texas in the title match. She won the 2020 SEC Player of the Year award, American Volleyball Coaches’ As- sociation National Player of the Year award, was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament and won the Honda Award for the sport of volleyball.

8 SEC ALL-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPIONS (13) 1979 Alabama (12-0/AP, UPI, FWAA) 1984 Florida (287.5) 1996 LSU (52) 1990 Georgia (52-19) 1980 Georgia (12-0/AP, UPI, FWAA) 1997 Auburn (496.5) 1997 LSU (49) 1991 LSU (55-18) 1992 Alabama 1999 Auburn (467.5) 2002 LSU (57) 1993 LSU (53-17-1) (13-0/AP, UPI, USA Today, FWAA) 2003 Auburn (609.5) 2003 LSU (62) 2004 Auburn (634) 1996 LSU (52-15) 1996 Florida 2004 LSU (52) (12-1/AP, UPI, USA Today, FWAA) 2005 Auburn (491) 1997 LSU (57-13) 2005 Tennessee (46) 1998 Tennessee 2006 Auburn (480.5) 2000 LSU (52-17) 2009 Tennessee (42) 2009 LSU (56-17) (13-0/AP, USA Today, FWAA) 2007 Auburn (566) 2015 Arkansas (63) 2010 South Carolina (54-16) 2003 LSU (13-1/USA Today, BCS) 2009 Auburn (526) 2018 Georgia (61) 2011 South Carolina (55-14) 2006 Florida (13-1/USA Today, BCS) WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING (14) 2019 Arkansas (62) 2014 Vanderbilt (51-21) 2007 LSU (12-2/USA Today, BCS) 1982 Florida (505) 2021 Arkansas (68) 2017 Florida (52-19) 2008 Florida (13-1/USA Today, BCS) 1999 Georgia (504.5) 2019 Vanderbilt (59-12) 2009 Alabama (14-0/USA Today, BCS) 2000 Georgia (490.5) MEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD (24) 2021 Mississippi State (50-18) 2010 Auburn (14-0/AP, USA Today, BCS) 2001 Georgia (389) 1933 LSU (58) 2011 Alabama (13-1/AP, USA Today, BCS) MEN’S BASKETBALL (11) 2002 Auburn (474) 1974 Tennessee (60) 2012 Alabama (13-1/AP, USA Today, BCS) 1948 Kentucky (36-3) 2003 Auburn (536) 1989 LSU (53) 2015 Alabama (14-1/CFP, AP, USA Today) 1949 Kentucky (32-2) 2004 Auburn (569) 1990 LSU (44) 2017 Alabama (13-1/CFP, AP, USA Today) 2005 Georgia (609.5) 1951 Kentucky (32-2) 1991 Tennessee (51) 2019 LSU (15-0/CFP, AP, USA Today) 2006 Auburn (518.5) 1958 Kentucky (23-6) 1992 Arkansas (60) 2020 Alabama (13-0/CFP, AP, USA Today) 2007 Auburn (535) 1978 Kentucky (30-2) 1993 Arkansas (69) MEN’S GOLF (13) 2010 Florida (382) 1994 Arkansas (31-3) 1994 Arkansas (83) 1996 Kentucky (34-2) 1940 LSU (601-tie) 2013 Georgia (477) 1995 Arkansas (61.5) 1998 Kentucky (35-4) 1942 LSU (590-tie) 2014 Georgia (528) 1996 Arkansas (55) 2006 Florida (33-6) 1947 LSU (606) 2016 Georgia (414) 1997 Arkansas (55) 2007 Florida (35-5) 1955 LSU (574) MEN’S (8) 1998 Arkansas (58.5) 2012 Kentucky (38-2) 1968 Florida (1154) 1959 Tulane (tie) 1973 Florida (1149) 1999 Arkansas (59) WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (9) 1985 Georgia (36-1) 1993 Florida (1145) 1987 Georgia (24-3) 2001 Tennessee (50) 1987 Tennessee (28-6) 1999 Georgia (1180) 1999 Georgia (26-5) 2002 LSU (64) 1989 Tennessee (35-2) 2001 Florida (1126) 2001 Georgia (28-1) 2003 Arkansas (59) 1991 Tennessee (30-5) 2005 Georgia (1135) 2007 Georgia (32-0) 2004 Arkansas (65.5) 1996 Tennessee (32-4) 2013 Alabama 2008 Georgia (27-3) 2005 Arkansas (60) 1997 Tennessee (29-10) 2014 Alabama 2021 Florida (26-2) 2012 Florida (50) 1998 Tennessee (39-0) 2015 LSU 2007 Tennessee (34-3) WOMEN’S TENNIS (10) 2013 Florida (53) WOMEN’S GOLF (5) 2008 Tennessee (36-2) 1992 Florida (30-0) Texas A&M (53) 2017 South Carolina (33-4) 1985 Florida (1218) 1994 Georgia (27-2) 2016 Florida (62) 1986 Florida (1180) WOMEN’S BOWLING (2) 1996 Florida (31-0) 2017 Florida (61.5) 2001 Georgia (1176) 1998 Florida (27-0) 2007 Vanderbilt (74-14) 2018 Georgia (52) 2012 Alabama (1171) 2000 Georgia (27-2) 2018 Vanderbilt 2021 LSU (84) 2021 Ole Miss (1159) 2003 Florida (31-2) WOMEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD (20) BOXING (1) GYMNASTICS (19) 2011 Florida (31-1) 1949 LSU (20) 1987 Georgia (187.90) 2012 Florida (27-1) 1987 LSU (62) MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY (8) 1988 Alabama (190.05) 2015 Vanderbilt (25-6) 1988 LSU (61) 1972 Tennessee (134) 1989 Georgia (192.65) 2017 Florida (29-3) 1989 LSU (86) 1991 Arkansas (52) 1991 Alabama (195.125) MEN’S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD (21) 1990 LSU (53) 1992 Arkansas (46) 1993 Georgia (198.00) 1992 Arkansas (53) 1991 LSU (78) 1993 Arkansas (31) 1996 Alabama (198.025) 1993 Arkansas (66) 1992 LSU (87) 1995 Arkansas (100) 1998 Georgia (197.725) 1994 Arkansas (94) 1993 LSU (93) 1998 Arkansas (97) 1999 Georgia (196.850) 1995 Arkansas (59) 1994 LSU (86) 1999 Arkansas (58) 2002 Alabama (197.575) 1997 Arkansas (59) 1995 LSU (69) 2005 Georgia (197.825) 2000 Arkansas (83) 1998 Arkansas (56) 1996 LSU (81) 2006 Georgia (197.750) WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY (2) 1999 Arkansas (65) 1997 LSU (63) 2007 Georgia (197.850) 2000 Arkansas (69.5) 1988 Kentucky (75) 2000 LSU (58) 2008 Georgia (197.450) 2001 LSU (34) 2019 Arkansas (96) 2002 South Carolina (82) 2009 Georgia (197.825) 2002 Tennessee (52) 2003 LSU (64) EQUESTRIAN (8) 2011 Alabama (197.650) 2003 Arkansas (54) 2006 Auburn (57) 2013 Auburn 2012 Alabama (197.850) 2004 LSU (44.5) 2014 Georgia 2013 Florida (197.575) 2005 Arkansas (56) 2008 LSU (67) 2015 South Carolina 2014 Florida (198.175) 2006 Arkansas (53) 2012 LSU (76) 2016 Auburn 2015 Florida (197.850) 2010 Florida (57) 2014 Texas A&M (75) 2017 Texas A&M RIFLE (3) 2011 Florida (52) 2016 Arkansas (72) 2018 Auburn 2011 Kentucky 2012 Florida (52) 2019 Arkansas (64) 2019 Auburn 2018 Kentucky 2013 Arkansas (57) WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL (1) 2021 Georgia 2017 Texas A&M (46) 2021 Kentucky 2020-21 Kentucky (24-1) 2018 Florida (40) FOOTBALL (26) WOMEN’S SOCCER (1) 2019 Florida (55) SEC 1951 Tennessee (10-1/AP, UPI) 1998 Florida (26-1) 1957 Auburn (10-0/AP) WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD (18) NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SOFTBALL (3) 1958 LSU (11-0/AP, UPI) 1987 LSU (49) All-Time Since 2000 2012 Alabama (60-8) 1960 Ole Miss (10-0-1/FWAA) 1989 LSU (61) Men’s...... 136 Men’s...... 64 2014 Florida (55-12) 1961 Alabama (11-0/AP, UPI) 1991 LSU (48) Women’s...... 112 Women’s...... 68 2015 Florida (60-7) 1964 Alabama (10-1/AP, UPI) 1992 Florida (50) Coed...... 3 Coed...... 3 MEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING (11) 1965 Alabama (9-1-1/AP, FWAA) 1993 LSU (49) TOTAL...... 251 TOTAL...... 135 1973 Alabama (11-1/UPI) 1978 Tennessee (307) 1994 LSU (48) NOTE: NCAA National Champions only with the 1978 Alabama (11-1/AP, FWAA) 1983 Florida (238) 1995 LSU (40) exception of football and equestrian. 99 GREG SANKEY COMMISSIONER SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE

Greg Sankey became the eighth Commissioner LEADERSHIP IN A CHALLENGING YEAR of the Southeastern Conference on June 1, 2015 and has worked diligently to build upon the SEC’s Sankey’s leadership through the COVID-19 recognized success, strong foundations and rich pandemic served the SEC well as the league traditions . prepared for a return to action in the fall of 2020 . Sankey has effectively introduced change and Sankey fostered a culture of extreme collabora- advancement for the conference while respect- tion among the leaders of the Conference in order ing the institutional traditions that make the SEC to allow the SEC’s 14 schools to move together in unique . With an understanding of the highly lockstep through difficult and unprecedented deci- competitive environment of college sports, he has sions . fostered the collaborative culture of the SEC that While the pandemic had a devastating effect on sets the conference apart and supports its continu- the finances of college athletics programs across ing success . the country, Sankey kept focus on the long-term Sankey brings a big picture approach to his financial vitality of the SEC . In 2020, Sankey and position through continuing focus on a vision that his team finalized a milestone 10-year agreement positions the SEC to leverage its athletics success with the Walt Disney Company that grants ABC and popularity for a greater overall cultural and and ESPN exclusive broadcast rights to premier economic impact on the region, the nation and the SEC football and basketball events beginning in world . 2024-25 and continuing through 2033-34 . During his first major address as Commissioner, Perhaps the most significant pledge on which he introduced his concept of “Scholars . Champi- Sankey has continued to make good is his com- ons . Leaders ”. to describe the ultimate potential mitment to providing equal opportunities to of the SEC . “Educating scholars and supporting historically underrepresented individuals . Sankey champions provides the platform for developing understands the tremendous cultural influence leaders who will influence the world,” Sankey said the SEC has in its region and he has leveraged that in his opening remarks at SEC Football Media influence on a multitude of cultural and societal Days in 2015 . frontiers, including focusing attention on the need to once and for all remove Confederate imagery from the state . The 2020-21 athletic year proved to be a success- ful one for the SEC as Conference schools won nine

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey conducts a press conference to announce the cancellation of the 2020 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament due to COVID-19.

10 national championships and placed a nation-leading nine schools among the top 30 in the annual Learfield Directors’ Cup Standings . The year culminated with an all-SEC final at the College World Series, the seventh time during Sankey’s tenure that two SEC schools met to determine a sport’s national title .

ADVOCATING FOR STUDENT-ATHLETE OPPORTUNITY

Now in his seventh year as Commissioner of the SEC, Sankey has established himself as an advocate for the student-athlete, creating a framework to provide young people in the Conference with challenging leadership opportunities and expanded resourc- es to succeed at the highest levels of academic and competitive success . New student-athlete focused initiatives under Sankey’s leadership include: helping overcome racism and pursuing non-discrimination • Creation of a leadership position in the SEC office for in intercollegiate athletics . Student-Athlete Engagement, a role focused on offering student-athletes the opportunity to participate in Confer- Sankey has focused resources on the development of Confer- ence leadership . ence officiating with a series of measures blending technology • Introduction of Student-Athlete Leadership Councils for with effective leadership to create greater accuracy and consis- Football, Men’s Basketball and Women’s Basketball which tency for officiating in all sports, including: provide student-athletes with enhanced opportunities to engage with campus leaders and Conference office staff . • Hiring new coordinators of officials in the sports of football, • Introduction of a Student-Athlete Career Tour which pro- men’s basketball, women’s basketball and softball . vides groups of student-athletes with opportunities to engage • Working with the NCAA to gain approval for a collaborative in career exploration with high level corporations and busi- instant replay process in the sports of football, men’s basket- nesses in major metropolitan areas . ball and baseball . • Expansion of the student-athlete role at the annual SEC • Collaborating with the American Athletic and ASUN con- Spring Meetings when student-athlete leaders participate ferences to create a men’s basketball officiating consortium, in a robust agenda of interaction with administrators and later adding the and Southwestern coaches to provide their perspectives to Conference leaders . Athletic Conference . • Engaging in a consulting agreement with Bob Delaney, ADVANCING THE CONFERENCE an accomplished former NBA official and executive with extensive experience in leadership training, to assume the Sankey has been intentional and diligent in addressing issues role of Special Advisor for Officiating Development and critical to college athletics, with an emphasis on integrity, ethics Performance . and sportsmanship: • Commissioning Deloitte’s Advisory practice to conduct a comprehensive analysis to identify best practices and pro- • Appointed a Working Group on Student-Athlete Conduct to gram standards for the SEC Football Officiating Program . develop recommendations for updated Conference policies governing conduct expectations for student-athletes . As a Another priority under Sankey’s leadership is growing expo- result, the SEC adopted a serious misconduct policy govern- sure for the Conference and effectively publicizing success stories ing transfers that has served as a model for similar policies of the SEC . Strategies pursued to achieve this objective include: subsequently adopted by other conferences and, and later expanded the policy to include all incoming prospective • Ongoing collaboration with the SEC Network to create student-athletes . unique exposure opportunities for Conference universities, • Amended an SEC Bylaw to now require a university presi- teams and student-athletes, including behind-the-scenes dent or chancellor to consult directly with the SEC Commis- programming, expanding live championship coverage for sioner before hiring someone “who has engaged in unethi- and other unique programming . cal conduct as defined under NCAA Bylaws or who has • Engagement with a national marketing agency to develop participated in activity that resulted, or may result, in a Level a comprehensive branding campaign . The theme – “It Just I, Level II, or major infraction ”. Means More” – communicates the history, legacy and overall • Created the SEC Council on Racial Equity and Social Justice, positive impact the SEC has on its region, the nation and the a league-wide body consisting of a diverse group of student- world . athletes, administrators, coaches and SEC staff . The Council • Introduction of the SEC Graduate Patch, a logo placed identifies resources, outlines strategies and assists with im- on the uniforms of every sport displayed by SEC student- plementation of efforts that, when taken together, promotes athletes who have earned their undergraduate degree and are racial equity and social justice, while also fostering diversity, continuing their participation in intercollegiate athletics . 11 THE SANKEY FILE

1987-89 Utica College Director of Intramural Sports 1989-92 Northwestern State University Director of Compliance & Academic Services, 1990-92 Head Golf Coach, 1990-92 1992-2001 Assistant Commissioner, 1992-94 Associate Commissioner, 1994-96 Commissioner, 1996-2002 2002-present Southeastern Conference A CAREER IN COLLEGE ATHLETICS Associate Commissioner, 2002-2012 Executive Associate Commissioner/Chief On March 12, 2015, the Presidents and Chancellors of the SEC Operating Officer, 2012-2015 announced Greg Sankey would succeed Mike Slive as Commis- Commissioner, 2015-present sioner of the SEC . Sankey, 57, first joined the SEC staff in 2002 as Associate Com- NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WON BY SEC SCHOOLS missioner for Governance, Enforcement and Compliance and IN GREG SANKEY ERA later added supervision of the league’s championships staff to his responsibilities . He was elevated to Executive Associate Commis- 2015-16 sioner and Chief Operating Officer for the league office in 2012, Football – Alabama becoming responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SEC Women’s Swimming & Diving – Georgia Office . Equestrian – Auburn Before moving to the SEC, Sankey served as Commissioner of Men’s Outdoor Track & Field – Florida Women’s Outdoor Track & Field – Arkansas the Southland Conference for nearly seven years . He joined the Southland Conference staff in 1992 where he served as both assis- 2016-17 tant and associate commissioner before he was named its commis- Men’s Indoor Track & Field – Texas A&M sioner in 1996 at the age of 31 . Women’s Basketball – South Carolina Prior to his term at the Southland Conference, he was Director Equestrian – Texas A&M of Compliance and Academic Services at Northwestern State Uni- Women’s Tennis – Florida Men’s Outdoor Track & Field – Florida versity in Natchitoches, LA, as well as coach of the Demon’s golf Baseball – Florida teams . Before his tenure at Northwestern State, he was the Direc- tor of Intramural Sports at Utica College in upstate New York . 2017-18 A native of Auburn, NY, Sankey earned his master’s degree Football – Alabama from and his undergraduate degree from the Women’s Indoor Track & Field – Georgia State University of New York College at Cortland . Sankey and his Men’s Indoor Track & Field - Florida Equestrian – Auburn wife, Cathy, reside in Birmingham, AL, and have two adult daugh- Men’s Outdoor Track & Field – Georgia ters, Hannah (and her husband, Ron) and Moriah . 2018-19 Women’s Indoor Track & Field – Arkansas Men’s Outdoor Track & Field – Florida Equestrian – Auburn Women’s Outdoor Track & Field – Arkansas Baseball – Vanderbilt 2019-20 Football – LSU Women’s Cross Country – Arkansas 2020-21 Football – Alabama Women’s Indoor Track & Field – Arkansas Equestrian – Georgia Volleyball – Kentucky Rifle – Kentucky Men’s Tennis – Florida Women’s Golf – Ole Miss Men’s Outdoor Track & Field – LSU The Sankey family: Hannah, Greg, Cathy and Moriah Baseball – Mississippi State

12 SEC STAFF

GREG SANKEY MARK WOMACK CHARLIE HUSSEY TIFFANY DANIELS DR. TORIE JOHNSON WILLIAM KING DAN LEIBOVITZ Commissioner Executive Associate Deputy Associate Associate Associate Associate Commissioner/CFO Commissioner/COO Commissioner/SWA Commissioner/ Commissioner/Legal Commissioner/ Academic Relations Affairs & Compliance Men’s Basketball

HERB VINCENT CHRIS WALDSMITH DAVID BATSON MATT BOYER MISTY BROWN BYRON HATCH KATHRYN SWITZER Associate Associate Assistant Assistant Assistant Assistant Executive Associate Commissioner/ Commissioner/ Commissioner/ Commissioner/ Commissioner/ Commissioner/ to Commissioner Communications Finance Compliance Compliance Competition & Student-Athlete Engagement Championships Sankey

SYLVIA HAGAN BARNES COLE CUNNINGHAM KORY DAHLEN CHUCK DUNLAP JOHN GIBSON RANDALL MALONE CRAIG PINKERTON Director of Director of Video Director of Director of Director of Director of Video Director of Officiating Operations-Football Championships Communications Championships Operations- Communications Administration Basketball

SAMMY RIPPON B.C. ROMANO JIM SULLIVAN TAMMY WILSON RYAN AJONG ALLY BATTE BEN BEATY Director of Social & Director of Video & Director of Director of Assistant Director of Assistant Director Assistant Director of Digital Media Creative Services Championship Communications Video Operations of Financial Communications Ticket Operations Operations

MIKE MIMS GRACE SANDERS JILL SKOTARCZAK SCOTTY THURMAN MEREDITH BRADY TITUS THOMAS DONNA MOORE Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director of Assistant Director Coordinator of Video Coordinator Administrative of Championship of Football Communications of Compliance Competition & Student- Assistant, Ticket Operations Administration Athlete Engagement Compliance

EVANGELINE PRESTON MELINDA CALDERINI JOHN MCDAID SYDNEY DAVIS JOHN SULLEN Administrative Coordinator of First Coordinator of Edward Aschoff Competition & Student- Assistant, Impressions Football Officials Digital Athlete Engagement Competition Communications Intern Intern 1313 SEC ACADEMIC INITIATIVES

The Southeastern Conference supports and promotes collaborative universities to students, parents and high school counselors from higher education programs and activities involving administrators, outside of the southeast region . faculty and students at its member universities . Its goals include: • The SEC education abroad focus includes a cooperative agreement that gives SEC students access to international programs offered at • Advancing the academic reputation of SEC universities beyond the other SEC universities and an engineering exchange agreement with traditional SEC region; the Politecnico di Torino in Italy . • Highlighting the endeavors and achievements of SEC faculty, • The SEC Faculty Achievement and Professor of the Year Awards students and administrators; recognize faculty with outstanding records in research and teaching . • Identifying and preparing future leaders for high-level service in There is one winner per campus and one overall winner for the SEC . academia; • The SEC Faculty Travel Program is intended to enhance • Increasing the amount and type of education abroad opportunities collaboration that stimulates scholarly initiatives between SEC available to SEC students; and universities . The program offers faculty from each SEC university • Supporting collaboration between SEC faculty and administrators . the opportunity to travel to other SEC universities to develop grant proposals, conduct research and deliver artistic performances . Current SEC academic initiatives include: • The SEC MBA Case Competition is an opportunity for SEC business • The SEC Academic Leadership Development Program seeks to schools to showcase their students’ skills at solving simulated, real- identify, prepare and advance academic leaders for roles within SEC world problems that cover the spectrum of business disciplines . The institutions and beyond . It has three components, a university-level competition is held on one SEC campus and teams of four MBA development program; two SEC-wide three-day workshops held on students compete against other SEC teams, the best receiving various specified campuses for all program participants; and a competitive awards and recognition . fellowship for former participants . • The SEC Student Pitch Competition provides a showcase for young • The SEC College Tour occurs twice annually, once in the fall entrepreneurs as it pits teams of SEC students against one another in and once in the spring . Enrollment administrators from all SEC an idea pitch competition . Students present their innovative business universities participate in events intended to introduce SEC ideas to a panel of SEC alums to determine those most worthy of a funding investment . The top teams receive various awards and recognition .

14 SEC HEADQUARTERS

Almost 33 years after moving to Birmingham corporate sponsorships and coordinates media from Jackson, Miss ,. the SEC moved into its and public relations efforts . current headquarters on October 15, 1991 . In 2005, a state-of-the-art video center The building is now named for Roy F . was built inside the headquarters and named Kramer, the SEC’s sixth commissioner who for the late Brad Davis, the SEC Associate retired in July 2002 . During his tenure as the Commissioner who was responsible for its league’s commissioner, the SEC won 85 nation- development . Davis passed away on March 2, al championships and distributed more than 2006 . $654 million in revenue back to its member The building also features a rotunda that instituions . highlights school banners, championship ped- The 30,000 square-foot building was estals and two galleries displaying the member provided by the city of Birmingham . It was institutions . designed to house the SEC staff and accom- The SEC Office underwent a vast renova- modate the needs of the various committees, tion in the fall of 2012, with an upgrade to the coaches and administrative groups that meet Davis Video Center being completed prior to on a regular basis . the 2014 season, which nearly the tripled the From its headquarters, the SEC office certi- size of the area . A live satellite uplink to the SEC fies the eligibility of all student-athletes, man- Network in Charlotte, N C. ,. was implemented ages championship events, enhances academic in 2015, with collaborative instant replay being opportunities for student-athletes, monitors integrated into the Central Review Center prior NCAA and SEC compliance, coordinates offi- to the 2016 football season . The SEC Video ciating assignments, negotiates television con- Center now also houses men’s basketball and tracts, distributes conference revenue, cultivates baseball replay operations .

FORMER SEC HEADQUARTERS IN BIRMINGHAM Redmont Hotel (1946-67) Central Bank Building (1967-88) Riverchase Galleria Tower (1988-1991)

15 SEC MILESTONES

FORMED 1933 , Kentucky, Maryland, 1937: League sponsors first men’s team title Mississippi, , North Carolina for golf and swimming . DEC. 22, 1894: In Atlanta, Dr . William State, Tennessee, , and L . Dudley of Vanderbilt presides over an 1938: League sponsors first men’s team title Washington and Lee) . organization meeting of the Southern for tennis . Intercollegiate Athletic Association: Alabama, 1922: Florida, LSU, Mississippi, South 1940: In Jackson, Miss ,. the office of the Auburn, Georgia, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Tulane, Vanderbilt and Virginia commissioner is formed . Carolina, Sewanee and Vanderbilt . Football Military join the . formalized in 1869 . AUGUST 21, 1940: Former Mississippi 1923: Sewanee joins the Southern Governor Martin S . Conner named first SEC APRIL 9, 1880: First football game in The Conference . Southeast on ground now called Old Stoll commissioner . 1928: Duke joins the Southern Conference . Field at the is played . DEC. 13, 1940: Sewanee withdraws from the NOVEMBER, 1881: Kentucky A&M (now DEC. 8-9, 1932: In Knoxville, Dr . Frank SEC . Kentucky) establishes a team and plays L . McVey (Kentucky) serves as president FALL 1946: Secretary of the Conference Dean a three-game series against Transylvania as the SEC is formed with 13 members of N W. . Dougherty (University of Tennessee) College . the Southern Conference located west and named acting SEC commissioner . south of the Appalachian Mountains . The 1895: 11 current SEC members playing football . institutions are: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, 1948: Conference office moves to Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, LSU, Ole Birmingham, Ala . 1893: Vanderbilt begins playing basketball at Miss, Mississippi, Sewanee, Tennessee, Tulane, the Nashville YMCA two years after Naismith Vanderbilt . FEB. 21, 1948: Former LSU coach Bernie H . originated the game at Springfield (Mass ). Moore named second SEC commissioner . College . FEB. 16, 1933: Informal meeting of SEC school presidents, Birmingham, Ala . 1948: bring home the first 1895: SIAA organized track on conference NCAA basketball Tournament win by an SEC level . FEB. 27, 1933: First full meeting, Atlanta, Ga . team . MAY 15, 1896: First conference 1933: First SEC champions crowned in OCTOBER 20, 1951: The Alabama- championship meet (track) held at Vanderbilt . baseball, basketball, football and outdoor Tennessee football game in Birmingham’s track . becomes the first televised event 1895: SIAA expands and adds Central, in SEC history . Clemson, Cumberland, Kentucky, LSU, FEB. 24 - 28, 1933: League’s first basketball Mercer, Mississippi, Nashville, Southeastern tournament in Atlanta, Ga . 1952: Faculty Presbyterian, Tennessee, Texas and Tulane . Chairman of Athletics, Dr . Albert B . Moore, SPRING 1933: First NCAA Championship becomes first SEC representative to serve as 1900: Eight of the 13 charter SEC members won by SEC school (LSU, men’s track) . participating in track . NCAA president . FALL, 1933: Coach Frank Thomas leads 1957: League sponsors first men’s team title 1920: SIAA encompasses 30 members . Alabama (5-0-1) to first SEC football for indoor track . champion title with 7-0 win over Vanderbilt DEC. 12-13, 1920: In Gainesville, Fla . . 1964: Elmore “Scoop” Hudgins, Vanderbilt’s Professor S V. . Sanford (Georgia) presides 1935: League sponsors first men’s team title first publicity director, joins SEC staff and over newly formed Southern Conference for cross country . (Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, orginates the “Top Twenty Coaches” and

1930s 1940s

1950s 16 1980s

1970s 1990s 1960s

developed the preseason football “skywriters” SEPTEMBER 15, 1986: Dr . Harvey W . 1993: SEC championship for women’s soccer tour . Schiller, an Air Force colonel and faculty chair added . at the U S. . Air Force Academy named fifth JUNE 1, 1964: Georgia Tech withdraws from FEBRUARY 11, 1994: SEC announces a SEC commissioner . the SEC . multi-sport television agreement with CBS JANUARY 10, 1990: Roy F . Kramer, Sports to televise SEC football (1996-2001), 1965: Kentucky football’s Nat Northington Vanderbilt athletics director, named sixth SEC and men’s and women’s basketball (1994-95 becomes the first African-American athlete commissioner . through 2000-01) . to receive an athletic scholarship at an SEC institution . 1990: (11th member) FEBRUARY 25, 1994: SEC members vote to and University of South Carolina (12th play the 1994 and 1995 SEC Championship 1966: A M. . (Tonto) Coleman named third member) join the league (the two institutions Game in Atlanta’s . SEC commissioner . participated in SEC championships for all AUGUST 4, 1994: A group of Division 1-A JUNE 1, 1966: Tulane withdraws from the sports except football during the 1991-92 conferences (including the SEC) select the SEC . academic year) . Fiesta, Sugar and Orange Bowls as hosts for 1971: Dr . Earl M . Ramer, University of NOVEMBER 29, 1990: SEC presidents the games beginning at the Tennessee faculty athletic representative, announce Eastern and Western divisions and conclusion of the 1995 regular season . is second SEC official to serve as NCAA vote to adopt an eight-game football schedule OCTOBER 13, 1994: ABC and the president . to begin in 1992 . SEC extend the agreement to televise the AUGUST 1, 1972: Dr . H . Boyd McWhorter, MAY 30, 1991: SEC presidents award the Championship Game through 2000 . Dean of Arts and Sciences at University of inaugural SEC Football Championship Game NOVEMBER 7, 1994: SEC extends its Georgia and secretary of the league, named to the city of Birmingham . agreement with JP Sports to televise weekly fourth SEC commissioner . FEBRUARY, 1992: The SEC and JP Sports football games through the 2000 season . announce a four-year agreement to televise an JANUARY 1, 1977: The SEC begins its June 1, 1995: SEC extends its agreement with SEC football game of the week on a syndicated long-standing agreement with the the Georgia Dome to host the SEC Football in to send its champion to the basis throughout the region . Championship Game through 1998 . game when Georgia faced Pittsburgh . 1997: SEC championship for softball added . 1979-80: SEC championships for women’s APRIL 15, 1992: The SEC and ABC Sports basketball, tennis and volleyball recognized . May 29, 1997: SEC extends its agreement with announce a four-year contract to televise the the Georgia Dome to host the SEC Football 1980-81: SEC championships for women’s SEC Football Championship Game . Championship Game through 2001 . golf, gymnastics, swimming and track and DECEMBER 5, 1992: SEC hosts the field added . February 2, 1998: SEC reaches a multi-year nation’s first Division 1A conference football extension with CBS Sports to broadcast its JULY 1983: The SEC signs an agreement championship game at Legion Field in football and men’s and women’s basketball with the Turner System to begin Birmingham . Alabama defeats Florida 28-21 games . airing a football “Game of the Week” in the fall and goes on to capture the national title at the of 1984 . USF&G Sugar Bowl in New Orleans . June 7, 1999: SEC and ESPN reach a multi- year extension to televise football and men’s MARCH 26, 1986: The SEC and Jefferson- 1993: SEC institutions adopt the Principles and women’s basketball for the next eight Pilot Teleproductions (JP Sports) sign a of Gender Equity recognizing that each seasons . contract to televise basketball games on a school will provide at least two more women’s 2001: CBS expands its SEC football intercollegiate programs than the number of syndicated basis throughout the region . commitment and provides exclusive national men’s . network broadcasts of SEC home games . 17 2000s

2010s Present Day

December 6, 2001: SEC and CBS announce an Fall 2011: League announces that Texas A&M in four consecutive seasons (2013-2016) with agreement for CBS Sports to televise the SEC (13th member) and Missouri (14th member) 12 teams in 2016 . Football Championship Game through 2008 . will join the conference effective July 1, 2012, 2017: The SEC became the first to send two with competition to begin in all sports for the June 2, 2002: Michael L . Slive, who served as teams to the College Football Playoff, as both 2012-13 academic year . Commissioner of Conference USA, appointed SEC Champion Georgia and Alabama were seventh SEC commissioner . January 2012: Alabama and LSU face off in selected . With both collecting semifinal wins, New Orleans for the BCS Championship, won the league enjoyed the second SEC vs . SEC June 4: 2004: SEC Task Force on Compliance by the Crimson Tide 21-0 . It marks the sixth national championship game since the 2011 and Enforcement issues its report calling to consecutive national championship in football season . It marked the 11th time in 12 seasons have none of the league’s schools on NCAA for the SEC . at least one SEC team advanced to the national . Report is probation within the next five years championship game . unanimously accepted . July 1, 2012: Missouri and Texas A&M officially become members of the Southeastern 2018: For the 12th time in the last 13 seasons, February 23, 2005: SEC announced the Conference . a team from the SEC advanced to the national formation of its Academic Consortium linking championship game . The SEC has won nine of the academic resources of its 12 member January 2013: Alabama defeats Notre Dame 42- those contests, with two of the losses coming . institutions 14 at the BCS Championship Game in Miami, in the game’s final seconds . The SEC sent four Fla ,. the seventh consecutive national title for teams to New Year’s Six bowl games for the August 14, 2008: CBS Sports and the SEC the SEC . announce a 15-year agreement to extend first time in 2018 . The SEC Championship was broadcasts of SEC football and basketball games . CBS 2013: SEC Championship for equestrian added . the most-watched and highest-rated regular- will continue to be exclusive national network season college football game on any network broadcast of SEC home football games and the SEC May 2, 2013: The SEC, in conjunction with since 2011 . Championship game . ESPN, announces the creation of The SEC Network, set to launch in August of 2014 . 2019: LSU became the first 15-0 team in SEC August 25, 2008: ESPN and the SEC history, defeating Clemson in the CFP National August 14, 2014: The SEC Network, a announce a 15-year agreement beginning Championship Game in New Orleans . This multiplatform network, which will air SEC in 2009-10 through 2023-24 . It is the longest was the third national championship for national rights agreement in ESPN history . content 24/7 including more than 1,000 events the SEC in the College Football Playoff era, ESPN entities will carry more than 5,500 in its first year, launches . and 10th national championship since 2006 . SEC events including football, men’s and 2014: The SEC sends a NCAA-record 12 teams Overall, the SEC enjoyed a nation-leading 8-2 women’s basketball, Olympic sports and SEC to participate in postseason bowl games . The record in the postseason . Championships . SEC matched its most wins during a bowl 2020: The SEC played a 10-game, conference- December 2009: Florida and Alabama, both season with seven . only schedule due to the Covid-19 pandemic . 12-0 and ranked No . 1 and No . 2 nationally, June 1, 2015: Gregory A . Sankey becomes the The league was able to play 69 of 71 scheduled meet for the SEC Championship at the Georgia SEC’s eighth commissioner . games, including the SEC Championship Dome, won by Alabama 32-13 . The game Game . The SEC finished 7-2 in the postseason drew an 11 8. TV rating, the highest in SEC 2015: Alabama captured the SEC’s first national in to lead the nation in bowl wins, with all Championship Game history . championship of the College Football Playoff seven wins coming against Top-25 competition era . The conference went an unprecedented - the most in history for the conference . January 2010: Alabama defeats Texas 37-21 in 9-2 in postseason bowl games, establishing new Alabama’s national championship was the 11th the BCS National Championship Game, the NCAA and SEC records in the process . national championship in the last 15 years for first time in the history of college football for 2016: The SEC celebrated 25 years of the SEC the SEC . Fourteen times in the last 15 seasons, a single conference to win four consecutive a team from the SEC has now advanced to national championships . Championship Game, the last in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome . A SEC team reached the the national championship game . The winner January 2011: Auburn defeats 22-19 national championship game for the 10th of the SEC Championship Game has now in the BCS Championship game, giving the time in the last 11 seasons . Collaborative advanced to the National Championship Game league an unprecedented fifth consecutive BCS Instant Replay was implemented at the SEC all but once since 2006 . National Championship . The SEC moves to 7-0 Video Center at league headquarters . The SEC in BCS Championship games . became the only conference in college football history to send at least 10 teams to bowl games 18 2021 PRIMARY SEC FOOTBALL CONTACTS

19 OFFICIAL SPONSOR PROGRAM

he Southeastern Conference member institutions of the SEC, which in ber institutions and the participating Official Sponsor program began turn supports increased ticket sales and corporations; in 1988 with three companies high television and radio ratings . 2 . To emphasize the positive role of athlet- dedicated to intercollegiate ath- In addition to the broad spectrum of ics in our society; and letics and higher education . benefits provided by these contributions, T 3 . To provide funding for youth clinics, Now supported by many of the nation’s each SEC institution is a direct beneficiary championship events and academic top corporations, this program has evolved of the program . SEC Official Sponsors enhancement programs . into the most successful of its kind . include Academy Sports + Outdoors, Each member of the SEC Official Aflac, Allstate Insurance, Dr Pepper, Farm Sponsor team shows its commitment to Rich, Gatorade, Johnsonville, Mercedes- the future of intercollegiate athletics with Benz, Regions Bank, T-Mobile and contributions to SEC Youth Clinics, SEC Velveeta . Scholarship Programs, SEC Academic Enhancement Programs, Championship PROGRAM MISSION Grants, FanFare and Legends Programs . The mission of the corporate sponsor pro- The corporations also conduct con- gram is: sumer promotions designed to increase sales and brand awareness . These promo- 1 . To develop marketing and promotional tions also increase public awareness of the activities that benefit the SEC, its mem-

SEC OFFICIAL SPONSORS

SEC LICENSING PROGRAM The Southeastern Conference markets its registered marks (Southeastern Conference, SEC, SEC Seal and SEC logos) through a licensing program with the Collegiate Licensing Company . The SEC began its licensing program in 1988 to protect the use of its name and insignias and to ensure that its member institutions benefit from the use and sale of items bearing its name and/or logos . The program also ensures that manufacturers and retailers market only the highest-quality merchandise using the conference name and logos . The SEC has joined a significant number of colleges and universities throughout the country to bring about consistency in the marketplace for officially-licensed collegiate products .

2020 SEC MEDIA SERVICES SEC COMMUNICATIONS MISSION STATEMENT The Southeastern Conference has been the nation’s leader in communications during its history. The SEC understands the importance of assisting the media in providing coverage of the conference and its institutions. To this end, the conference, including all of its member institutions, shall make the best attempt to fill reasonable requests by media outlets. Members of the media are encouraged to work with the communications director of each institution and the conference office to establish satisfactory media policies that are mutually beneficial to all parties.

KENTUCKY — www.ukathletics.com SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME SEC MEDIA PORTAL LSU — www.lsusports.net December 4, 2021 Highlights, Photos & Press Conferences: The SEC OLE MISS — www.olemisssports.com Mercedes-Benz Stadium (73,000) and XOS Digital will provide a platform for distribution MISSISSIPPI STATE — www.hailstate.com Atlanta, Ga. of game highlights, game photos and press conference MISSOURI — www.mutigers.com CBS Sports – 4 p.m. ET content . Highlights from all SEC football games will be SOUTH CAROLINA — www.gamecocksonline.com MEDIA INFORMATION available via the SEC Media Portal . Whenever school TENNESSEE — www.utsports.com Media credential requests for the 2021 SEC postgame press conferences are available, they will be TEXAS A&M— www.12thman.com Championship football game can be taken online at www . posted to the portal as well . Still photography will be VANDERBILT — www.vucommodores.com secsportsmedia .com beginning November 1 . available in the portal for the media at halftime and fol- The SEC will conduct a media teleconference with lowing each SEC football game and video will be avail- FOLLOWING THE SEC . . . the two participating head coaches on Sunday, November able after each game . The SEC Media Access Guidelines 28 at 5 p m. . ET . Another media teleconference, with three continue to apply to this content and are outlined in participating student-athletes from each school, will be the 2021 credentialing registration process . To request On Facebook, like the page called held at a yet to be determined day and time . access to the SEC Media Portal and create an account, “Southeastern Conference” . A press conference featuring both participating contact: licensing@xosdigital .com . head coaches will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, December 3, at 1:30 p m. . ET . The Friday press conference and the post-game SEC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK On , follow the SEC at @SEC . press conference on Saturday will be available on the The SEC will name a freshman of the week along SEC Media Portal and SEC FTP, and live on The SEC with an offensive, defensive, offensive lineman, defen- Network . Additional information will be included in the sive lineman and special teams player of the week each league’s weekly media release . On Instagram, follow the SEC at @SEC For further information concerning media coverage Monday throughout the regular season . of the SEC Football Championship Game, please contact Nominations for the awards are made by the SEC the SEC Communications Department . sports information directors . The honorees are selected by a vote of the SEC Communications and football staff . On SnapchatSEC followOFFICE the SEC at SECSports WEEKLY COACHES GREG SANKEY • Commissioner TELECONFERENCE 2201 Richard Arrington Blvd. North Birmingham, AL 35203 Collegepressbox com. is the official media website The 14 SEC coaches will be featured on a weekly Main Switchboard: (205) 458-3000 for SEC football . Access and download weekly game teleconference each Wednesday from 11 a m. . - 1:30 p m. . Administrative Fax: (205) 458-3031 (ET) [10 a m. . - 12:30 p m. . (CT)] beginning September notes, quotes, statistics, photos, media guides and more 1 and concluding November 24 . Media representatives for the conference and each of its 14 member schools wishing to participate in the teleconference should con- throughout the season . Registration information will COMMUNICATIONS STAFF tact the SEC Communications Office for further details . be distributed to accredited media or you may request HERB VINCENT • Associate Commissioner A replay of each week’s teleconference can be heard more information by sending an e-mail to password@ E-Mail/Twitter: [email protected]; @SECherbvin on the SEC’s website, www SECSports. .com . collegepressbox .com . #CHUCK DUNLAP • Director Each coach will appear on the teleconference for ten www.SECSports.com E-Mail/Twitter: [email protected]; @SEC_Chuck minutes, according to the following schedule www.secsportsmedia.com (All Times Central): CRAIG PINKERTON • Director 10:00 a m. . Ed Orgeron, LSU The Southeastern Conference has an extensive pres- E-Mail/Twitter: [email protected]; @SEC_Craig 10:10 a m. . Kirby Smart, Georgia ence on the Internet and the SEC Network . TAMMY WILSON 10:20 a m. . Dan Mullen, Florida General SEC football information can be accessed • Director 10:30 a m. . Clark Lea, Vanderbilt on the Web at www SECSports. com. . The football sec- E-Mail/Twitter: [email protected]; @SEC_Tammy 10:40 a m. . Nick Saban, Alabama tion is updated with new material daily on the page, B.C. ROMANO • Director of Video 10:50 a m. . Josh Heupel, Tennessee with standings, statistics, game previews, notes and and Creative Services 11:00 a m. . Sam Pittman, Arkansas other important information . The SEC also offers a E-Mail: [email protected] 11:10 a m. . Shane Beamer, South Carolina media-only website - www secsportsmedia. com. . Media 11:20 a m. . Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss covering the SEC can retrieve information from the con- SAMMY RIPPON • Director/Social & Digital Media 11:30 a m. . Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M ference office as, SEC logos, photos and a championship E-Mail/Twitter: [email protected]; @SammyRippon 11:40 a m. . Mark Stoops, Kentucky credentialing system for SEC football is available on the %BEN BEATY • Assistant Director 11:50 a m. . Mike Leach, Mississippi State site . (The site houses all media information and links for E-Mail/Twitter: [email protected]; @BenBeaty 12:00 p .m . Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri the other 20 sports the SEC sponsors) . 12:10 p .m . Bryan Harsin, Auburn JILL SKOTARCZAK • Assistant Director SEC WEBSITES E-Mail/Twitter: [email protected]; @SEC_Jill # - SEC Football Primary Contact; % - Secondary Contact All 14 SEC schools place much of their information SEC FTP FEEDS released to the media online on their websites . The web- The Southeastern Conference provides a FTP feed site addresses are below: each day during Football Media Days, as well as from the SEC Football Championship Game . Details are ALABAMA — www.rolltide.com available through the SEC Communications Office . ARKANSAS — www.arkansasrazorbacks.com AUBURN — www.auburntigers.com FLORIDA — www.floridagators.com GEORGIA — www.georgiadogs.com 2121 SEC FOOTBALL VIDEO REPLAY

Instant Replay ball . c .Kicking team player advancing a SECTION 1. Purpose and ball after a potential muffed kick/ Philosophy by the receiving team . Purpose d . Scrimmage kick crossing the neu- ARTICLE 1. Instant replay is a process tral zone . whereby video review is used to confirm, e Blocking. by Team A players reverse or let stand certain on-field deci- before they are eligible to touch sions (Rule 12-3) made by game officials . the ball on an on-side kick . Philosophy f . A player touching or recovering a ARTICLE 2. The instant replay process kick or loose ball who is or has been operates under the fundamental assump- out of bounds during the kick . tion that the ruling on the field is correct . Targeting The replay official may reverse a ruling if ARTICLE 5 and only if the video evidence (Rule 12-6- a .The replay official shall review 1-c) convinces him beyond all doubt that all targeting fouls, Rules 9-1-3 the ruling was incorrect . Without such and 9-1-4 . For a player to be dis- indisputable video evidence, the replay SEC Video Center qualified and the Targeting foul official must allow the ruling to stand . to be enforced, all elements of a (Exception: Targeting rule 12-3-5-a) and Loose Ball Targeting foul must be confirmed SECTION 2. Eligibility for ARTICLE 3. Reviewable plays involving potential by the Instant Replay Official . Instant Replay dead balls and loose balls include: There is no option for stands as a . Loose ball by a potential passer ruled a fumble . a part of a Targeting review . If Participation b .Loose ball by a passer ruled incomplete forward ARTICLE 1. any element of Targeting cannot pass when there is clear recovery or the ball goes a .Any member institution may use instant replay, be confirmed, then the Replay out of bounds in the immediate continuing action but there is no requirement to do so . If instant Official shall overturn the target- after the loose ball . replay is used, it must be used in full compliance ing foul . 1 .If the replay official does not have indisput- with this rule . Targeting elements include: able video evidence as to which team recovers, b .For any nonconference game, if the home team 1 . Rule 9-1-3: does not have confirmation of the recovery is using instant replay, the visiting team does not (a) A player takes aim at an opponent for the by the officials on the field, or the ball going have the option of declining its use for that game . purposes of attacking with forcible contact out of bounds, the ruling of incomplete pass If the home team is not using instant replay, it is with the crown of the helmet . stands . not required to honor a request by the visiting (b) An indicator of targeting is present . 2 . If the replay official rules fumble and the ball team that it be used . 2 . Rule 9-1-4: is recovered, the ball belongs to the recover- (a) A defenseless opponent (Rule 2-27-14) . SECTION 3. Reviewable Plays ing team at the spot of the recovery and any (b) A player takes aim at a defenseless oppo- Scoring Plays advance is nullified . nent for the purposes of attacking with ARTICLE 1. Reviewable plays involving a potential c .Live ball not ruled dead in possession of a ball forcible contact to the head or neck area . score include: carrier . (c) An indicator of targeting is present . a .A potential touchdown or safety . [Exception: d . Loose ball ruled dead (rule 4-1-2-b-2), or live ball b .The replay official may create a targeting foul Safety by penalty for fouls that are not specifically ruled dead in possession of a ball carrier when the from the booth when all elements of targeting reviewable .] clear recovery of a loose ball occurs in the imme- can be confirmed and the foul is not called by the b . Field goal attempts if and only if the ball is ruled diate continuing football action . officials on the field . Such a review may not be (a) below or above the crossbar or (b) inside or 1 . If the ball is ruled dead and the replay official initiated by a coach’s challenge . outside the uprights when it is lower than the top does not have indisputable video evidence as of the uprights . If the ball is higher than the top to which team recovers or does not have con- Miscellaneous ARTICLE 6. Situations that may be addressed by of the uprights as it crosses the end line, the play firmation of the recovery by the officials on the replay official: may not be reviewed . the field, the dead-ball ruling stands . a . The number of players on the field for either team 2 . If the replay official rules that the ball was not during a live ball . Passes dead, it belongs to the recovering team at the ARTICLE 2. Reviewable plays involving passes b .Clock adjustment and status when a ruling is spot of the recovery and any advance is nulli- include: reviewed . fied . a .Pass ruled complete, incomplete or intercepted c . With less than one minute in either half and a e . Ball carrier’s forward progress, spot of fumble, or anywhere in the field of play or an end zone . replay review results in the on-field ruling being spot of out-of-bounds backward pass, with respect b .  touched by a player (eligible or inel- reversed, and the correct ruling would not have to a first down or the goal line . igible) or an official, including whether the touch- stopped the game clock, then the clock will be f . Catch or recovery of a fumble by a Team A player ing is beyond or behind the line of scrimmage . reset to the time the ball is declared dead by other than the fumbler before any change of pos- c . Forward pass or forward handing when a ball car- replay . The will subtract 10 seconds from session during fourth down or a try . rier is or has been beyond the neutral zone . the game clock and the game clock will start on g .Ball carrier in or out of bounds . If a ball carrier d . A forward pass or forward handing after a change the referee’s signal . Either team may use a team is ruled out of bounds, the play is not reviewable, of team possession . timeout to avoid the runoff . except as in Rules 12-3-1-a and 12-3-3-d . e . Pass ruled forward or backward . 1 .The replay official has indisputable video h .Catch, recovery or touching of a loose ball by a 1 . If the pass is ruled forward and is incomplete, evidence that time should have remained on player in bounds or out of bounds . the play is reviewable only if the ball goes out the game clock when the ball became dead or i . A loose ball touching on or beyond a sideline, goal of bounds or if there is clear recovery of a when the team timeout was granted; line, or end line, touching a pylon, or breaking the loose ball in the immediate continuing football 2 .In the second and fourth quarters only, the plane of a goal line . action after the loose ball . If the replay official team to which the ball would belong after it j . Catch or recovery of a loose ball in the field of play does not have indisputable video evidence as becomes dead would next put the ball in play or an end zone . to which team recovers or the ball going out of from scrimmage (not the try) ; k .Forward fumble that goes out of bounds with bounds, the ruling of incomplete pass stands . 3 .In the fourth quarter only, either the score is respect to a first down . (Exception: Rule 12-3-1-a) tied or the team that will next snap the ball is l .live ball declared dead under rule 4-1-2-b-2 and 2 .If the replay official reverses an incomplete behind by eight points or fewer; and B-3 (inadvertent whistle) . forward pass ruling and the ball is recovered, 4 .The replay official’s video evidence includes it belongs to the recovering team at the spot of Kicks the timeout signal by an official in the case the recovery and any advance is nullified . ARTICLE 4. Reviewable plays involving kicks where the game clock should have stopped for f .Location of the ball when it is obviously in the include: a requested team timeout . field of play and a ruling of intentional grounding a . Touching of a kick . d . Clock adjustment at the end of any quarter . would result in a safety by penalty . b . Player beyond the neutral zone when kicking the If the game clock expires at the end of any 2222 quarter, either during a down in which it should SECTION 4. Instant Replay 6 . A head coach may not challenge an on-field be stopped by rule through play when the ball Personnel, Equipment and ruling if all the team’s timeouts have been becomes dead or after the down upon a request Location used for that half or in that extra period . for an available team timeout, the replay official Personnel may restore time only under these conditions: When To Stop a Game ARTICLE 1. Instant replay personnel shall consist ARTICLE 2. 1 The. replay official has indisputable video evi- of the number of persons needed to operate the dence that time should have remained on the a . A game may be stopped, either by the replay replay equipment within the necessary time con- official or by a head coach’s challenge, at any time game clock when the ball became dead or straints . There shall be a minimum of three persons when the team timeout was granted; before the ball is next legally put in play (Excep- to ensure that all plays are reviewed in an efficient tion: Rule 12-3-6-d). 2 In. the second and fourth quarters only, the and timely manner . Such persons are normally team to which the ball would belong after it b . No game official may request that a game be referred to as replay official, communicator and stopped for a play to be reviewed . becomes dead would next put the ball in play technician . Additional personnel may be used as from scrimmage (not the try); needed . SECTION 6. Reviewing an On- 3 .If time expires in a half, and the clock would Field Ruling start on the Referee’s signal after review, there Equipment Procedures must be at least 3 seconds remaining when ARTICLE 2. The type of equipment used to carry ARTICLE 1. the ball should have been declared dead to out necessary instant replay duties shall be deter- a . When a game is to be stopped either by the restore time to the clock . With 2 seconds or 1 mined by each conference or member institution replay official or by a head coach’s challenge, the second remaining on the clock, the half is over using instant replay . designated officials on the field will be notified by unless Team A has a time out remaining (This Location a paging system or other appropriate means . does not impact situations when the clock ARTICLE 3. b . If the review is initiated by the replay official, is stopped and will remain stopped until the a . All equipment used to review a play during the the referee shall announce: “The ruling on the snap such as an incomplete pass or a ball car- replay process and the personnel using that equip- previous play is ... (brief description of ruling). rier out of bounds .); ment shall be located in a separate, secure location The play is under further review.” If the game has 4 .In the fourth quarter only, either the score is in the press box . This room shall not be available been stopped due to a head coach’s challenge, the tied or the team that willnext snap the ball is or accessible to any person not directly involved referee shall announce: “The (name of institution) behind by eight points or fewer; and in instant replay . As an ongoing experiment, a col- head coach has challenged the ruling of (state the 5 .The replay official’s video evidence includes laborative decision-making model during instant ruling). The play is under further review.” the timeout signal by an official in the case replay reviews that is in full compliance with Rule c . All reviews shall be based upon video evidence where the game clock should have stopped for 12 is not limited to the press box of a stadium . provided by and coming directly from the tele- a requested team timeout . b . Additional telephonic equipment needed to allow vised production of the game or from other video e . Correcting the number of a down . instant replay personnel to communicate with the means available to the replay official that is also 1 . This includes the result of a penalty enforce- game referee when a game has been stopped for a available to the TV Producer . ment that includes an automatic first down or play review shall be located on a sideline near the d . After the referee has conferred with the replay of- loss of down . field of play and preferably outside a team area . ficial and the review process has been completed, 2 . The correction may be made at any time with- Such equipment shall provide the game referee the referee shall make one of the following an- in that series of downs or before the ball is and the replay official a secure and private means nouncements: legally put in play after that series . of communication . Rule 12 / Instant Replay FR-113 e . Any person who is not a player interfering with 1 . If the video evidence confirms the on-field live-ball action occurring in the field of play (Rule SECTION 5. Initiating the ruling: “After further review, the ruling on the 9-2-3). Replay Process field is confirmed.” f . Any person who is not a player interfering with Game Stop 2 . If there is no indisputable (conclusive) live-ball action occurring in the field of play (Rule ARTICLE 1. There are two methods to stop a game evidence to reverse the on-field ruling: “After 9-2-3) . to review a ruling on the field . further review, the ruling on the field stands.” g . An injured player at the initiation of the medical a . The replay official and his crew shall review every (Exception 12-3-5-a — Stands is not an allow- observer . play of a game . He may stop a game at any time able ruling or targeting .) before the ball is next legally put in play (Excep- 3 . If the on-field ruling is reversed (Rule 12-7): Limitations on Reviewable Plays tion: Rule 12-3-6-d) whenever he believes that: “After further review, the ruling is [followed ARTICLE 7. No other plays or officiating decisions 1 . There is reasonable evidence to believe an er- by a brief description of the video evidence]. are reviewable . However, the replay official may ror was made in the initial on-field ruling . Therefore, [followed by a brief description of correct obvious errors that may have a significant 2 . The play is reviewable . the impact of the ruling].” impact on the outcome of the game, including those 3 . The outcome of a review would have a direct, e . If a ruling is reversed, the replay official shall sup- involving the game clock, whether or not a play is competitive impact on the game . ply the referee with all pertinent data as needed reviewable . This excludes fouls that are not specifi- b . The head coach of either team may request that (next down, distance, yard line, position of the cally reviewable (See Article 8, following) . the game be stopped and a play be reviewed by ball, clock status/adjustment) in order to resume Reviewable Fouls challenging the on-field ruling . play under the correct game conditions . ARTICLE 8. The following plays are reviewable and 1 . A head coach initiates this challenge by the replay official may create a foul when there is no taking a team timeout before the ball is next Restrictions call by the on-field officials: legally put in play (Exception: Rule 12-3-6-d) ARTICLE 2. a . Player making a forward pass or forward handoff and informing the referee that he is challeng- a . There is no restriction on the number of times the when beyond the neutral zone or after a change of ing the ruling of the previous play . If a head replay official may stop a game for reviews . possession (Rule 12-3-2-c and –d) . coach’s challenge is successful, he retains the b . The expectation is that the replay official will not b . Player beyond the neutral zone when kicking the challenge, which he may use only once more exceed two minutes to complete a review . If the ball (Rule 12-3-4-b) . during the game . Thus, a coach may have a review has end of game impact or has multiple c . Blocking by players of the kicking team before total of two challenges if and only if his initial aspects as a part of the review, it should be they are eligible to touch the ball on an onside challenge is successful . completed efficiently but will have no stated time kick (Rule 12-3-4-e) . 2 . After a review has been completed, if the limit . d . The number of players on the field for either team on-field ruling is reversed, that team’s timeout SECTION 7. Reversing an On- during a live ball (Rule 12-3-6-a) . will not be charged . Field Ruling e . Illegal touching of a forward pass by an originally 3 . After a review has been completed, and the Criterion for Reversal eligible receiver who has gone out of bounds . on-field ruling is not reversed, the charged ARTICLE 1. To reverse an on-field ruling, the (Rules 12-3-2-b and 12-3-3-h) . team timeout counts as one of the three replay official must be convinced beyond all doubt f . A player touching or recovering a kick or loose permitted that team for that half or the one by indisputable video evidence through one or more ball who is or has been out of bounds during the permitted in that extra period . video replays provided to the monitor . kick . (Rule 12-3-4-f) . 4 . A head coach may not challenge a ruling in g . Forward pass that becomes illegal as a second which the game was stopped and a decision Experimental Rule Instant Replay pass after an on-field ruling of a backward pass is has already been made by the replay official . Rule 12-4-3: An experimental rule creating an reversed (Rule 12-3-2-e) . 5 . If a head coach requests a team timeout to exception to Rule 12-4-3 to allow conferences to use h . A clear and obvious targeting foul (Rule 12-3-5-b) . challenge an on-field ruling and the play be- a collaborative process for instant replay. Under this ing challenged is not reviewable, the timeout experiment, personnel in a separate secure location shall count as one of the three permitted his identified by the conference will assist the Instant team during that half of the game or the one Replay Official at the stadium in making decisions. permitted in that extra period .

2323 SEC NETWORK

SEC NETWORK SEC Network has proven time and again that it is one of the most successful launches by a network in all of cable television . It placed the Southeastern Conference, its member institutions and sports teams on an international stage with brand recognition in every corner of the country and around the globe .

That was the vision when the SEC and ESPN signed a 20-year agreement through 2034 to create and operate a multi-platform network, which launched on Aug . 14, 2014 . The network and its accompanying digital platform, SEC Network+, carries SEC live events and programming 24/7 .

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Complementing the volume of network-produced programming, all 14 schools built state-of-the- art control rooms and purchased HD camera equipment to provide the same quality coverage for events that viewers have been accustomed to for years across ESPN networks .

These school-produced events are made available exclusively through the ESPN App as part of SEC Network+ on connected devices, allowing fans to watch their favorite teams anytime, anywhere .

SEC Network has also become known for its signature studio show, SEC Now, its traveling weekly football pregame show, SEC Nation, and of course, The Show, which welcomes callers and guests to share their thoughts on topics surrounding the SEC . On top of the network’s wall-to-wall coverage of Saturday SEC football, SEC Network boasts three additional football-focused studio shows in the fall: Thinking Out Loud, SEC This Morning and Marty & McGee, as well as food and culture favorite, TrueSouth .

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