John Clay’s Sidelines

SEC links for Sunday:

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  Tyler Smith drives on the way to 23 points.

  In the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Drew Edwards reports that Lane Kiffin is ready to take on his critics, including Steve Spurrier.

• Also in the News-Sentinel, Mike Griffith reports on Tennessee’s close win over visiting Belmont.
• Tennessean columnist David Climer writes on how Belmont almost upset the mighty Vols.
• In the Baton Rouge Advocate, Gary Laney reports on LSU’s first hoops loss of the season, as Tigers tumble to Texas A&M in Houston.
• Kevin Brockway of the Gainesville Sun reports on Florida’s easy win over Central Florida.
• Joe Person of The State reports that South Carolina faces an uphill task trying to sell Outback Bowl tickets.
• Also in The State, Seth Emerson writes on Carolina’s win over The Citadel in basketball.
• Tommy Stinson in the AJC reports on Georgia’s close-shave win over Wofford.
• Tennessean columnist Joe Biddle revisits the Auburn coaching search.
• In the Huntsville Times, Mark McCarter admits that Charles Barkley’s words make you ponder.
• In the Birmingham News, Charles Goldberg reports that Iowa State returns the favor to Auburn, hiring defensive coordinator as new ISU head coach.
• In the Tennessean, Maurice Patton writes that Vandy could add some cherished bowl memories.

• Bob Holt of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that Arkansas gets an early Christmas gift with its win over Stephen F. Austin.
• Also in the ADG, columnist Wally Hall writes that the empty seats at Bud Walton are a reflection of the economy, not the team.
• In the Clarion-Ledger, David Brandt writes that legal woes and the loss of Chris Warren weigh on Ole Miss coach Andy Kennedy.
• Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News talks to Kennedy’s attorney.
• Georgia coach Mark Richt tells the AJC’s Tim Tucker that he’s ready for a playoff.