SEC links for Thanksgiving day:
- ESPN blogger Chris Low writes that Tennessee has set its sights on Lane Kiffin to replace Phil Fulmer. No formal offer has been made, but that appears to be just a formality. UT athletic director Mike Hamilton is adamant he hasn’t offered the job to anybody, but look for Kiffin to be named early next week.
- Dave Hooker in the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that sources say TCU coach Gary Patterson has been contacted. But that could be a smoke screen to throw the media off the Kiffin trail at least through Saturday’s UK-Tennessee game.
- Bob Holt of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports on Arkansas’ hoops win over South Alabama. “Junior guard Stefan Welsh capped a career scoring game by hitting a threepoint basket with 2. 9 seconds left that lifted Arkansas to a 79-77 victory over South Alabama on Wednesday at the Mitchell Center. Welsh finished with 24 points. His previous high was 16 points against Mississippi State last season.”
- AJC columnist Mark Bradley offers a field guide to Georgia-Georgia Tech. “Georgia fans giggle over Tech’s conference. Tech fans giggle over Georgia’s curriculum.”
- Maurice Patton of the Tennessean writes about Vandy running back Jeff Jennings, who has received a second chance to run the football. “The fifth-year senior tailback, who rebounded from a season-ending knee injury three years ago to start the Commodores’ season opener at Miami (Ohio), will likely get the nod Saturday at Wake Forest. Jared Hawkins, the team’s leading rusher with 580 yards, strained foot ligaments after rushing twice in the opening quarter of the Tennessee loss and will not play this weekend.”
- In the Gainesville Sun, Tom Zebold writes that Florida’s Pouncey twins are on a mission for their dad. “Mike and Maurkice Pouncey follow their father’s orders — no matter what. The Florida Gators’ star offensive linemen made an unexpected trip to Lakeland on Monday to be with their father, Rob Webster, after he lost his right leg in a railcar accident while working for Lakeland Cash Feed Co.”
- In the Clarion-Ledger, David Brandt writes that senior linemen have led the Ole Miss revival. “While first-year coach Houston Nutt and quarterback Jevan Snead have been the face of the Rebels’ revival, the real emergence came when the seniors – many of whom are prominent on the offensive and defensive lines – shook off the malaise of three losing seasons and started dominating the line of scrimmage.”
- Tuscaloosa News columnist Cecil Hurt writes that Alabama learned a lot in its two wins in Maui. “The Crimson Tide finished 2-1 in the nation’s most prestigious tournament. Record-wise, that’s about as good as could be expected in a field that included No. 1 North Carolina. But the Crimson Tide’s first-round loss to Oregon left Alabama without a chance to test itself against any of the Top 10 teams that dot the tournament field.”
- In the Montgomery Advertiser, Jay G. Tate writes that Auburn quarterback Kodi Burns is gaining confidence. “Kodi Burns is relaxed these days. That’s a departure from September, when the sophomore quarterback spent his time worrying over every detail. Former offensive coordinator Tony Franklin was a meticulous teacher who spoke aggressively, rarely expressed satisfaction and showed little belief in Burns’ ability.”
- In The State, South Carolina quarterback Chris Smelley professes to be confident about Saturday. A Steve Spurrier quarterback confident? “After sharing snaps with Stephen Garcia the past two games, Smelley has been given the keys to the Gamecocks’ offense. How long he gets to drive will depend on his ability to deliver the ball on time and avoid the interceptions that ended the Gamecocks’ upset hopes early in their 56-6 loss at Florida.”
