KSR Today: Punching Through the Gray at SEC Media Days
We all know Mark Stoops is motivated (AI confirmed it). A few years ago, he turned to boxing to motivate his players, borrowing the phrase “punching through the gray.” The gray is a haze or a daze. Rather than caving to it, boxers tell themselves to punch their way out of it. On day three in Atlanta, I am punching through the gray at SEC Media Days.
There is a lot going on at the College Football Hall of Fame. In the first 48 hours, we’ve heard from 8 coaches, 24 players, and one commissioner. After hearing from them, we’re talking about it and writing about it. Did I actually talk about that? Yes, but you forgot to write about it.
This is a long way of me saying that I’m grateful for coffee. It’s going to fuel today’s coverage in Atlanta where we’ve got four more teams on the docket, setting the table for Mark Stoops and Kentucky’s arrival on Thursday morning.
Alabama — Kalen DeBoer (9:05 a.m.) | Tim Keenan, Deontae Lawson, Kadyn Proctor
Mississippi State — Jeff Lebby (10:50 p.m.) | Blake Shapen, Isaac Smith, Brenen Thompson
Florida — Billy Napier (1:00 p.m.) | DJ Lagway, Caleb Banks, Jake Slaughter
Oklahoma — Brent Venables (2:45 p.m.) | John Mateer, Mason Thomas, Robert Spears-Jennings
What You Missed at SEC Media Days
Arch Manning’s arrival caused quite the stir in the room, even if it didn’t generate any significant headlines. The most enlightening news came from the SEC head of officials, John McDaid, who talked about three new rule changes that you will see this fall. My favorite thing so far? The Texas coach was introduced on the stage by the A&M fight song. Awkward! We peeled back all of the layers to the early-week chaos on 11 Personnel.
Kentucky Doesn’t Land SirPaul Cheeks
SirPaul Cheeks committed to another school before I could decide which name was better: his real one or his nickname, Jesus in Cleats. College football fans were delighted by both when he announced on Tuesday that he will play college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
A three-star running back, Kentucky could have taken a swing and bet on his speed to succeed in the SEC. However, they already have one running back in the boat, Delvecchio Alston II. Cheeks would have been a fun addition in name alone, but the Wildcats won’t be losing any sleep over this loss.
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The All-Star Game Swing-Off Rocked
Bud Selig’s tie in the 2002 All-Star Game forced Major League Baseball to make some changes. Turning the game into a Home Run Derby was an outstanding idea. The AL rallied with two runs in the top of the ninth to force the overtime period. It forced the first-ever Swing-Off in the All-Star Game.
Each team selected three players who got three swings to go yard. The AL had a 3-1 lead when Kyle Schwarber stepped up to the plate and mashed taters. All three of his swings were moonshots, paving the way for a National League win and MVP honors.
Kentucky Targets in the Peach Jam
The only thing better than grape jelly is the Peach Jam. That is where you will find Jack Pilgrim and Jacob Polacheck this afternoon when the best high school basketball players compete for a Nike National Championship. Tyran Stokes is the biggest name in North Augusta this weekend, but there are plenty of other talented Kentucky targets that Mark Pope will be watching.
Rob Dillingham is back to doing Rob Dillingham things
Reed Sheppard played his way out of Las Vegas. His former teammate might do the same. Rob Dillingham had 16 points for the Timberwolves on Tuesday and most of those buckets came with a little extra flair. After an uneventful rookie season, it’s good to once again see Dillingham do what he does best.
NBA Summer League Schedule
| TIME (ET) | HOME | AWAY | TV/STREAMING |
| 3:30 PM | Sacramento Kings | Cleveland Cavaliers (Jaxson Robinson) | ESPN2, ESPN+ |
| 5:00 PM | Phoenix Suns (Koby Brea) | Minnesota Timberwolves (Rob Dillingham) | NBATV, ESPN+ |
| 5:30 PM | Milwaukee Bucks (Chris Livingston) | Chicago Bulls | ESPN2, ESPN+ |
| 7:30 PM | Orlando Magic (Skal Labissiere) | Brooklyn Nets | NBATV, ESPN+ |
| 8:00 PM | Dallas Mavericks | Philadelphia 76ers (Justin Edwards) | ESPN, ESPN+ |
| 9:30 PM | New Orleans Pelicans (Antonio Reeves, Keion Brooks) | OKC Thunder | NBATV, ESPN+ |
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