Q&A with Verne Lundquist

Q: You have been doing the SEC games since 2000. Have you ever seen anything like this season?

A: I've never seen anything comparable to it. Never, ever for the whole season. October and November in the SEC have been absolutely wild.

Q: You have had a few overtime games this year. What is your opinion of the college overtime system?

A: I do like it better than the NFL. But I really think they should start at least at the 35-yard line. Or they could just scrimmage if both teams were guaranteed a chance with the ball. The 25 is too close. If you have a decent field goal kicker you are guaranteed three points. It's funny because I did the first-ever overtime game. Northern Michigan vs. Akron in a Div. II playoff game. I was working with Lee Grosscup.

Q: After seeing a lot of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow this year, what are your impressions of him?

A: I was just sending a note to (UF sports information director) Steve McClain that I thought Tim had the most dazzling performance I've ever seen from September to November I can ever remember in college football. He's got my vote (for the Heisman).

Q: Have you ever had an experience where fans at an SEC school have given you a hard time because of something you said?

A: Not anything specific. But there was a moment this year where I felt uncomfortable. It was Friday night after the LSU-Arkansas game and they were holding the elevator for us. The people were standing there about four deep and a guy says, “Love your work.” And then there's a pause. And he says, “We need a new coach.”

Q: Do you have a favorite SEC town or stadium?

A: It would probably be Athens, Ga. I love the setting of the stadium and the campus and I love the town. It's my favorite town to walk through.

HE SAID IT

“Statistics don't really matter. The only numbers that matter are on the scoreboard.”

Tennessee defensive end ROBERT AYERS, who plays on a defense ranked 11th in the SEC in total defense.