Arkansas coach John L. Smith is trying to stay positive despite a 1-3 start. (US Presswire)

A summary of the notable news and quotes from Wednesday's teleconference with SEC head coaches:

Alabama: Coach Nick Saban had lofty praise for Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze: "I think that there's a lot of positives about what he has done in terms of what he's implemented and what he's done and how their kids have responded to it."

Auburn: Coach Gene Chizik said the Tigers' bye week is coming at a perfect time with numerous players banged up. He also said he's seeing development from his team despite the Tigers' 1-3 record.

Arkansas: Coach John L. Smith said some of his team played its best game in the 35-26 loss to Rugers on Saturday. He also mentioned that TE Chris Gragg (leg) could be "limited at best" against Texas A&M this week.

Georgia: Coach Mark Richt said RB Todd Gurley is hard to tackle because of his lower-body strength. Richt also said CB/WR Malcolm Mitchell will likely play on offense and defense against Tennessee, in addiiton to playing special teams.

Kentucky: Coach Joker Phillips anticipates QB Maxwell Smith (shoulder) will play against South Carolina.

Mississippi State: Coach Dan Mullen was extremly complimentary of RB LaDarius Perkins, who has 57 carries for 389 yards and five touchdowns on the season. He said Perkins is becoming a role model for the younger RBs.

Ole Miss: Coach Hugh Freeze is optimistic that QB Bo Wallace (shoulder) will be able to play against Alabama. Freeze's thoughts on travelling to Alabama: "This one is going to be a totally different environment and very difficult to prepare them for."

South Carolina: Coach Steve Spurrier was asked if Missouri belongs in the SEC, and he responded that "time will tell." He noted that the Tigers are underdogs for their game at UCF this weekend. 

Tennessee: Coach Derek Dooley said his family history with Georgia doesn't make this game any more important to him than any other SEC game. Dooley's father, Vince, was the head coach at Georgia from 1964-88

Texas A&M : Coach Kevin Sumlin said the Aggies have nothing but respect for Arkansas despite the Razorbacks' slow start. He noted that Arkansas losing QB Tyler Wilson for a game and a half meant losing one of the top players in the nation, thus it's not fair to judge Arkansas on its early record. 

For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.