SECRivals Meets the SEC GridIron LIVE Crew

Written by Darrell Owenby | 24 August 2010

SEC GridIron LIVE Hosts

What bonafide SEC football fan does not like SEC GridIron LIVE? If you said "me", then get out of the South, you have been evicted.

SECRivals recently had a unique opportunity and was faced with an immediate problem. Fox Sports South's wonderful Media Relations Manager, Kate Hart, contacted me to extend an invitation to meet the GridIron LIVE crew in the ATL ... at a Braves game ... in their Suite ... the only problem?

I had just moved 118 miles from home and started a new job days before the invitation was extended ... Yea, instant problem! But you know what? Look at our logo ... what does it say? "SECRivals.com ... Since 2003 ... For the Fans, By the Fans. It was simply time to live up to the motto.

So I turned to a new local friend and former Football Trash Talk Mistress (Amy Deal Auchtung) who did not just come through, she freaking delivered the perfect person for the job ... which once again shows the infinite power of the internet.

Aubrey Lewis was an absolute God send for us as we basically had zero options ... and he just happened to reside in the exact city where we needed someone on short notice ... and was getting ready to begin a vacation. Yup, you can not make this up.

Needless to say, we gave Aubrey very few parameters, did not script his questions ... at all ... we basically asked him to show up at Suite 11, mix and mingle, and most of all, have a blast ... which he did all three quite well! You are about to read a 100% fan's perspective on meeting the GridIron Live crew and his interview with them ... does your regular site do this?

It was an awesome scene last Thursday, August 19th at Turner Field. The Braves had a showdown versus the Nationals and as a fan, I could not ask for better weather ... even though some spotty showers had passed through the area ... but you know what?

It did not matter ... I was in a Suite, meeting the SEC GridIron LIVE crew courtesy of SECRivals.

The stadium was about 30-40 % full which isn't a bad crowd for a 1:05 start time. The game was not as nice as the weather. The Braves lost 6-2 behind timely hitting from the Nationals.

On the other hand, the crowd inside the Fox Sports Suite was incredible, EVERYONE was more than hospitable and cordial. Kate Hart (Media Relations Manager for Fox Sports South) made me feel right at home. I did drink 3 Bud Lights, but i think it was because i watched my Braves get manhandled at home. There was enough food and beverages for the 30-40 people that were in and out of the suite.

I had the chance to ask a few questions to Kelin Johnson, Charles Davis, Tim Couch & the gorgeous Kristina Akra. Here are my questions and their answers.

Who do you think wins the S.E.C. East and West Divisions and play for The S.E.C. Title in December?

Kelin: UF or UGA vs LSU

Charles: UF vs Alabama

Tim: UF vs Alabama

Kristina: UF vs Alabama

Aubrey: UF vs Alabama

Which QB will finish as The S.E.C. 1st Team QB?

Kelin: Ryan Mallett

Charles: Ryan Mallett

Tim: Ryan Mallett

Kristina: Ryan Mallett

Aubrey: John Brantley

What chance does UF stand of beating Alabama on October 2nd and December 5th provided that both teams make the S.E.C. Title Game?

Kelin: ONLY if UF is clicking on all cylinders, if so, then yes they can beat Alabama twice.

Charles: It will be tough but UF can beat Alabama twice

Tim: No chance at all

Kristina: Good chance and very confident that it will happen

Aubrey: Tough to win in Tuscaloosa, but with a game against Penn St two weeks before, UF is prime to catch Alabama after a physical game, and leave Tuscaloosa victorious. With a rematch looming in the S.E.C. Title game, an early season victory over Alabama would afford UF the confidence to beat them on December 5th as well.

Who is a better RB for UGA, Caleb King or Wayshaun Ealey?

Kelin: King

Charles: King

Tim: Ealey

Kristina: Ealey

Aubrey: Ealey

Charles, Tim & Kristina were engulfed in constant conversation amongst themselves so i only asked for and consumed five minutes of their time. Randy Cross was in the suite when i first arrived, but he soon left and i did not see him return. Therefore he wasn't involved in my brief Q & A session. Thank you to Darrell, Kate and Amy for giving me a chance to represent SECRivals.com at this event.

No Aubrey, Thank YOU for not just representing us at the event, but representing us well. You RAWK Dude!