SEC’s most influential: The Top 25
1. Bear Bryant
Set the standard for college football success by winning 323 games and six national championships. Original bowl powerbroker is still revered by Alabama and college fans 25 years after his death.
2. Adolph Rupp
Put SEC basketball on the map. Created a dynasty with 876 wins, four national titles and 27 SEC titles as Kentucky’s legendary coach.
3. Roy Kramer
Most powerful man in college athletics in the 1990s and father of BCS. Oversaw SEC’s dynamic growth through its football championship game, expansion and television.
4. General Robert Neyland
Won four national championships and 83 percent of his football games as Tennessee coach. Ushered in era of building gigantic stadiums.
5. Steve Spurrier
Heisman Trophy winner revolutionized SEC offenses while winning big at Florida. Passing became more en vogue in grind-it-out SEC.
al.com/sports
7/25/07
Magnolia Tribune
