View From the Stands-Jan. 15, 2009

It has been somewhat of an eventful day today, especially with today being the deadline for NFL Draft declarations. So, who is staying, and who wants the money?

Bradford, Hardy stay in school, Sanchez, Harvin bolt for NFL. The thoughts of Greg Hardy staying at Ole Miss were quite shocking, but understandable as Hardy didn't have as great of a year this year. Him returning to an Ole Miss team that will only get better is a scary thought on the defensive line for the third straight year.

Sam Bradford going back to Norman puts the Sooners in the top five easily, up there with Texas and Florida, who will retain all eleven starters since Brandon Spikes is going to return. Bradford will once again be a prohibitive favorite for the Heisman, but both of his biggest competitors will be back to battle for the Bronze statue.

As for those departing the college life, USC may actually GAIN from this move. With Sanchez leaving, against the ideas of Pete Carroll no less, this allows for Mitch Mustain to flourish in the USC offense next season. As for Percy Harvin leaving, Florida loses their most dynamic player for next season. Tim Tebow will once again have to improve his passing abilities next season, and may even have to find a new top receiver.

Arkansas has a better record in the Big XII than the SEC. After posting huge wins over Texas and Oklahoma at Bud Walton Arena, the Hogs are starring at an 0-2 SEC hole after their loss to Ole Miss on Wednesday. It never helps when you shoot a horrid 16.5% from three-point land while allowing 40% to your opponents. In their two Big XII games, Arkansas shot 37% from behind the arch while holding Texas and Oklahoma to 23.5%. As it stands currently, Arkansas is not only the worst in the SEC, but is also losing the tie breaker with the current West leader Mississippi State.

What happened in Starkville Wednesday Night was pathetic. From the beginning, Alabama had no business in being on the floor with Mississippi State. The Bulldogs started the game 3-5 from three, then managed to miss their next eight from that distance.

In the second half, though, it was a different story. On their way to scoring fifty in the second frame, the Bulldogs hit eight treys, including three straight to start the second half. Alabama was then over-matched in all facets of the game, from defense to transition offense. The Crimson Tide was led by Mikhail Torrance, who has played very sparingly for 'Bama this year. It also didn't help that Alabama was without Ron Steele, and it seems things will stay that way for a while.

T-Mobile drops Charles Barkley from their Fav 5. This is what happens who you are too worried about your own sexual exploits and not about your job status. In light of his recent drunk driving incident, the cell phone company has dropped the former 11-time All-Star from their commercials. Sadly enough, Dwayne Wade will now have to find someone else to call for his basketball advice, but it's not like he needs any.