Beaird’s ACC/SEC notes

Brent Beaird

November 22, 2013 at 1:00 pm.

Duke coach David Cutcliffe has done a terrific job with a young Blue Devils team. (Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports)

Sometimes it’s the little things in life that counts.

Mississippi State and Arkansas play each other this week. Much will be made about the game and the matchup, but the relationship between Bulldog coach Dan Mullen and Arkansas coach Bret Bielema began three years ago after the death of State player Nick Bell from brain cancer.  The Razorbacks coach, who then was at Wisconsin, took the time to write a hand-written note to Mullen to express his condolences for Bell’s death.

The letter was mention by both coaches this week as the teams prepare for Saturday.  In the midst of a difficult season for Arkansas, this was nice pub for Bielema after an appropriate gesture.

TIGERS IN TITLE GAME? This might be crazy, but say Missouri runs the table and wins the SEC title game could the Tigers inch their way into the BCS national title game? Granted, some teams would have to fall above them, but Missouri, ranked No. 8 in the BSC standings, begins its two-game swing this week that could lead to the SEC title game. The Tigers go to Ole Miss Saturday and host Texas A&M the following week.

Quarterback James Franklin returns from injury this week after backup Maty Mauck went 3-1 in his place.  Franklin was completing 67.7 percent of his passes with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions before he was injured.

Mizzo is no fluke. Tailback Henry Josey and outstanding young sophomore receiver Dorial Green-Beckham are terrific skill players. Defensively, is where this team is dangerous with end Michael Sam. The Tigers have been among the SEC leaders in turnover margin this season. College football is amazing. Coach Gary Pinkel goes from being on the hot seat to garnering coach of the year votes.

TIGERS AND AGGIES: Under coach Les Miles, LSU is 55-7 at Tiger Stadium. Since 2010, the Tigers are 25-1 at home, with the lone loss coming to No. 1 Alabama last season. Since coach Kevin Sumlin took over, the Aggies are 9-0 away from Kyle Field.  An Aggie win would mean the Tigers would have a surprising four losses this season. Despite his preseason shenanigans, Aggie quarterback Johnny Manziel is having an even better year than last season. Even though Manziel is not rushing the ball as much, his passing stats are better than a year ago.

WINSTON: As a Heisman Trophy voter, unless Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is charged with sexual assault then I will vote him in my top three. Most voters will not punish Winston for allegations and they shouldn’t.  Currently, I believe most voters would have Winston, Manziel, Oregon’s Marcus Mariota and possibly Alabama’s A.J McCarron at the top of their list. I don’t think an SEC player will win the Heisman this year due to the SEC fatigue.

DUKE DANDY:  The job coach David Cutcliffe has done with this Duke team is amazing. ESPN.com reports for the first time since 1971, Duke has beaten two ranked opponents in a season with only 11 seniors on scholarship (two fewer than last season). Offensively, the Blue Devils are strong. All four of Duke’s running backs are averaging at least five yards per carry. Quarterback Anthony Boone is 7-0 in his first season as a starter. Duke ranks second in the ACC in red zone defense (.750). Duke, Clemson and FSU are bright spots in what has become the typical average year in the ACC.

WILLIAMS CLOSE TO 2,000:  If possible, spend some time watching Boston College running back Andre Williams, who is leading the country in every major rushing category — total yards gained (1,810), carries (288), rushing yards per game (181), 20-yard rushes (20) and 200-yard games (four). The next closest rusher, Kapri Bibbs of Colorado State, is nearly 400 yards behind him. Coach Steve Addazio is making considerable progress with this team.